2 Timothy 4:1-8 NLT: A Call to Faithfulness and Perseverance
The Charge to Preach the Word
4:1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge:
The apostle Paul, in his second letter to Timothy, emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and perseverance in preaching the word of God. He begins by reminding Timothy of the solemn responsibility that comes with proclaiming the gospel, as they will be held accountable by God and Christ Jesus himself.
Preach the Word in Season and Out of Season
4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
Paul's charge to Timothy is to preach the word of God at all times, whether it is convenient or not. He is to be prepared to proclaim the gospel in every situation, correcting those who err, rebuking those who oppose the truth, and encouraging those who are faithful. This requires great patience and careful instruction, as Timothy must be mindful of the impact of his words on others.
The Coming Departure and the Task Ahead
4:3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
Paul foresees a time when people will no longer tolerate sound doctrine, but will instead seek out false teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. This will be a difficult time for Timothy and other believers, who must remain faithful to the truth despite the opposition.
You, however, should continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
4:5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Paul encourages Timothy to remain faithful to the truth he has learned from his mentors and from Scripture. He is to continue to discharge his duties as a minister of the gospel, even in the face of hardship and opposition.
The Final Testimony
4:6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.
Paul knows that his time on earth is coming to an end, and he looks forward to his departure to be with Christ. He uses this opportunity to testify to the truth of the gospel, and to encourage Timothy to remain faithful.
4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
Paul's final testimony is one of confidence and assurance. He has fought the good fight of faith, finished the race of life, and kept the faith entrusted to him. He is an example to Timothy and to all believers of what it means to live a life of faithfulness and perseverance.
4:8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Paul looks forward to the crown of righteousness that awaits him, which will be awarded to him by the Lord Jesus Christ. This crown is not only for Paul, but also for all who have longed for Christ's appearing, and who have lived a life of faithfulness and perseverance.
