2 Timothy 4:1-8
The Charge to Timothy
In the closing chapter of 2 Timothy, Paul gives a solemn charge to Timothy, urging him to fulfill his duties as a minister of the gospel.
The Time of Reckoning (4:1-2)
1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:
2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching.
Paul begins by emphasizing the importance of Timothy's role as a preacher of the gospel. He reminds Timothy that he will be held accountable by God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge all people at the Second Coming. This sobering reminder underscores the gravity of Timothy's responsibility to proclaim the word of God, regardless of the circumstances.
The Characteristics of a Faithful Minister (4:3-4)
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;
4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
Paul describes a time when people will no longer tolerate sound doctrine, but instead will seek out teachers who willscratch their itching ears. This vivid metaphor describes those who are more interested in listening to flattering words than in hearing the truth. As a faithful minister, Timothy must resist the temptation to compromise the gospel in order to appeal to the desires of his listeners.
The Call to Persevere (4:5-8)
5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.
In these final verses, Paul encourages Timothy to remain vigilant, endure hardships, and fulfill his ministry as an evangelist. He uses his own life as an example, acknowledging that his time on earth is drawing to a close. Nevertheless, he is confident that he has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. Paul looks forward to receiving the crown of righteousness, a reward that will be given to all who have loved the Lord's appearing.
