What Kind Of Departure Do You Face?
2 Timothy 4:1-8
2 Timothy 4
1I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord
Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and
his kingdom;
2Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove,
rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
3For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers,
having itching ears;
4And they shall turn away their ears from the truth,
and shall be turned unto fables.
5But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the
work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure
is at hand.
7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith:
8Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not
to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
INTRO.: Paul was facing sure death. He knew it! He had been working
well for the Lord for a good while and he is sharing with Timothy, his
"adopted son" so to speak. He is giving Timothy advice about facing his
departure by relating his own departure. Paul was not worried about his
fortunes he had amassed. He did not give all kinds of financial instructions.
He was worried about the Lord's things.
While I do not feel like death is imminent for myself, this past two
weeks has mad me realize how fragile our frame is. Death is just around
the corner for us. Let us look at what Paul had to say about his own departure.
Now as we look at Paul’s insight, we see…
We need to recognize whom we serve – vs. 1
God
His Son
Our Lord
Our Judge
Our rescuer
We can see we do not serve man, organizations, people, churches, etc.
Not only do we need to recognize whom we serve…
We need to ready ourselves to serve Him – vs. 2
Be involved in His work –preach (people do not want to be involved)
Be ready to do His work – instant in season (people are not ready to
work-too busy)
Be firm and helpful in His work – reprove, rebuke, exhort with all
longsuffering and doctrine
If we are ready to serve Him, then…
We need to reach those in the era that we live - vs. 3
With the truth
With the Word
With His love
With our love and caring
If we begin to reach people, then we quickly know…
We need to realize the urgency of our mission – vs. 4
People are dying and going to eternal separation (Hell, Hades, etc.)
The way of the lost is broad – many are lost
They will not get a second chance
We can make a difference if we really try
We need to be excited about making a difference- for our loved ones,
for each other’s loved ones.
Knowing the seriousness of our service…
We need to run the race at hand and run it well - vs. 5-7
Careful about everything – people are watching and their souls are
at stake
Don’t expect it to be easy (afflictions)
Tell people about Christ (evangelist)
Do a good job - don’t be afraid to try something new (full proof)
Be able to say:
6For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure
is at hand.
7I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course,
I have kept the faith:
I am sure you feel…
We need to receive our reward - vs. 8
Be a faithful servant
Be a believer in the truest word
Be a rescuer your self for Christ – He is coming to rescue us soon!
Who do you serve? Really?
Are you ready to serve Him?
Do you sense the urgency?
Are you really trying?
Our reward is coming! Are you ready?
Gary Marcum - East 38th Street Free Will Baptist – 040101am