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…. A Final Letter Of Encouragement. Examining Paul’s 2nd Letter To Timothy. Not “unexpected” because of who wrote it – We know the character of Paul – We have come to “expect” such principled & spiritual conduct. “Unexpected” re: where he wrote from
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A Final Letter Of Encouragement Examining Paul’s 2nd Letter To Timothy
Not “unexpected” because of who wrote it – We know the character of Paul – We have come to “expect” such principled & spiritual conduct
“Unexpected” re: where he wrote from – Paul was in his final imprisonment – He was at his end 4:6-7 – Such dismal places don’t usually produce anything “encouraging”
Encouragement to Timothy based on 4 different “mindsets” (perspectives) – Perspectives Paul knew personally
A Soldier 2:3-4 • Hardship as an enlisted member in an army must be “endured” • At times, fighting can be fierce 1 Tim 6:12 1 Cor 15:32 Col 2:1 • Primary goal Ù please the one who enlisted you (no other “entanglements”)
A Soldier 2:3-4 • This dedicated soldier was ready to lay down his armor Eph 6:10-18 • He had valiantly fought with the might of the Lord that had been within him • Encouraged Timothy re: the same mentality
An Athlete 2:5 • Self-discipline needed to compete for the prize 1 Cor 9:27 • No one else can provide this (coaches, etc.) • Primary goal Ù training for obtaining the prize 1 Cor 9:24-26 • Foregoing of temporal pleasures
An Athlete 2:5 • This athlete was near the end of his competition • He had paid close attention to the “rules of the game” (respected authority) • The crown was within his reach 4:7-8 • Encouraged Timothy re: the same mentality
A Farmer 2:6 • Investment in a crop = personal (time, resources, care & concern, etc.) • Fruits of labor enjoyed at harvest • Success depends on factors beyond his control (sun, rain, germination, etc.)
A Farmer 2:6 • Great patience is required to wait for God’s blessings over the crop Jas 5:7-8 • Also requires a willingness to work with others re: the crop 1 Cor 3:5-8 • No concern for self-glory…all that matters is trying to plant, grow, harvest the crop
A Farmer 2:6 • This farmer had sown his last crop • No more harvests for him • Encouraged Timothy re: the same mentality
A Minister 4:1-5 • One who “serves” the Lord re: the gospel • Constant awareness re: the Judge v. 1 • Knowing the audience will not always be receptive to what is taught vv. 2-4 • A desire to be true to the word in sobriety and obedience v. 5
A Minister 4:1-5 • This minister had preached his last sermon • No more exhortations to give • Encouraged Timothy to “…make full proof” (fulfill) his own ministry
Some Closing Thoughts… • Paul’s most emotional letter in the N.T. is probably 2 Corinthians • A glimpse into his heart re: how he felt about the gospel & a church he dearly loved • The most personal letter he wrote in the N.T. has to be 2 Timothy
Some Closing Thoughts… • The most personal letter…2 Timothy • Imagine Paul’s thoughts as he wrote the final chapter • He desperately wanted to see Timothy 4:21 • Others had forsaken him 4:16 • The Lord had stayed with him 4:17-18
Some Closing Thoughts… • Why was Paul so firm in these 4 mindsets? • It had to be his faith 2 Tim 1:12 • Saints today need to adopt these same 4 perspectives…be as sure in their faith as Paul was in his • Like Paul, our lives will end one day
