2 Timothy 4:6-7 – Fought the Good Fight

Paul charges Timothy because he, for his part, has almost finished his work. When Paul is gone, Timothy will be needed even more. When labourers are removed out of the vineyard, it is not time for those left behind to be lazy, but to double their diligence. The fewer hands there are to work, the harder those hands must work. Paul has done the work of his day and generation, now Timothy must, in a similar way, do the work of his day and generation. The comfort and cheerfulness of Paul in the face of his approaching death should encourage Timothy to the utmost diligence and seriousness in his work. Paul is an old soldier of Jesus Christ, Timothy is newly enlisted. It’s as if Paul says, “I have found our Master kind and the cause good. I can look back upon my warfare with a great deal of pleasure and satisfaction, and therefore do not be afraid of the difficulties you must meet with. The crown of life is as sure to you as if it were already upon your head, so endure suffering and prove yourself a true minister.” The courage and comfort of dying Christians are a great confirmation of the truth of Christianity and a great encouragement to other Christians.

Paul looks forward to his approaching death. The Holy Spirit has witnessed in every city that bonds and suffering await him. He is now at Rome and looks on his death as being near at hand, but he calls it his departure. Even though he probably knows that he is going to die a violent, bloody death, he refers to it as his departure or release. Death to a good man is his release from the imprisonment of this world and his departure to the enjoyments of another world; he does not cease to exist, but he only moves from one world to another.

Questions
1. What is Paul looking ahead to?
2. How does he refer to his death?

Prayer Points
1. Give thanks for older, godly Christians in the congregation.
2. Use prayer points from your congregation.
3. Pray for family matters.