1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he appears to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Paul’s Final Words
9 Timothy, please come as soon as you can. 10 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.[a]
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done. 15 Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said.
16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death.[b] 18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
Paul’s Final Greetings
19 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.[c]
22 May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.
Footnotes:
a. 2 Timothy 4:13 Greek especially the parchments.
b. 2 Timothy 4:17 Greek from the mouth of a lion.
c. 2 Timothy 4:21 Greek brothers.
4 comments:
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God.
Father, may we all be able to say this about our lives.
In Christ,
cas
16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them.
I am sure that some may abandon us on our walk for christ.
Lord, help us surround ourselves with more christ-like people so that we will have someone to go to battle with us.
Amen, LT
2 Tim 4
Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
Father, I want to be a witness to those around me, not just in action but also in words. Help me be bold. In christ, jmb
Good comments by all.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
This happens all the time where I work. Theres easier, better, and more rigorous ways to do things, and people are always looking for the former and not the latter two.
I could certainly use a prayer if you guys get a chance today. I've got a huge presentation on Thursday and two other deadlines coming up in the next week or so, and I'm as swamped as I could possibly imagine ( if you can't tell by my lack of posts). If it weren't for my faith I would be freaking out.
Keep up the posts, as it is encouraging to see so many guys consistently doing it.
God bless your day and weekend, and keep walking the walk.
In Jesus' name,
Amen
crb
Post a Comment