Be Persistent to the End

2 Timothy 4:1-18

 

“Keep on keeping on” is an expression we often use to encourage one another to be faithful. Paul senses that the end of his earthly life is near and it is time to pass the mantle of leadership on to his friend and partner in ministry. He writes of his own faithfulness in order that he might encourage young Timothy to remain faithful to the end. The apostle desires that his associate put his full confidence in the Lord, who will supply all that he needs. In light of this, there are several things Timothy must keep doing.

Keep proclaiming (4:1-4). Paul solemnly charged Timothy with the urgent responsibility entrusted to him of proclaiming the Christian message. He warns him that people will listen less and less to the truth, wanting only to hear an agreeable word. He must stay on message and “preach the word.” This is our responsibility as well, in a world where people desperately need the truth of the gospel.

Keep the faith (4:5-8). These verses combine Paul’s exhortation to Timothy as well as his own testimony that he had fulfilled his ministry. The apostle had fulfilled his ministry, and he was confident that the “crown of righteousness” awaited him. This crown may be a literal one, or it may symbolically mean to be crowned with the full righteous joy of being in heaven. What kept Paul going through all his trials and struggles? It was his love for the “appearing” of Christ Jesus his Lord! This same love will keep us persistent in our faith.

Keep helping (4:9-15). The apostle gives us a glimpse into his wide circle of acquaintances. As he waited patiently for the Lord to call him home, Paul yearned for the Christian companionship of his son in the faith. Certainly the loneliness and isolation of prison took a toll on Paul. Timothy’s fellowship provided refreshment to his spirit. What a great help he was to Paul! Another great helper proved to be John Mark. Obviously Paul had forgiven him for leaving the work in earlier days (Acts 15:37f), and now Mark had become a trusted associate.

Keep trusting (4:16-18). Paul contrasted the dreariness of his earthly circumstances with the glory of God’s heavenly kingdom. Yet, even in the present, he knew of Christ’s abiding and encouraging presence. You can lock up the man of God, but you can’t lock out the God of the man. “Lo, I am with you always even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) has been the believer’s great comfort in every generation of Christian history. We should be persistent in following Christ today, because this is our assurance as well. “To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.”

 

– Lessons in the ETB series for the spring quarter are being written by Tim Clark, pastor of Holly Springs Baptist Church, Inman.</p>