2 Timothy, pt. 7

In his continuing series on the book of 2 Timothy, Alan led us through the first eight verses of the final chapter. To listen to this message, simply click play on the audio player below. Enjoy!

2 Timothy 4:1-8

The Big Picture: God gives a charge to all of us. To not act on the charge, or call, could mean an opportunity missed, never to be regained. So, act upon whatever the charge is to you. Don’t wait for a convenient time because there seldom is one. Also, following God’s calling is never promised to be comfortable.

1. Paul’s Charge to Timothy (v. 2, 5)
   • Preach the Word
   • Be ready all the time, not just when it’s convenient
   • Correct those in error
   • Rebuke those who are sinning
   • Encourage those who are doing good
   • Be level headed
   • Expect and endure hardship
   • Give the good news
   • Do your duty
2. The Motivations for the Charge (v. 1, 3)
   • God is a watching presence
   • Christ will judge
   • Christ will come again
   • Christ is King
   • The times are getting worse where the truth will not be tolerated
3. The Cost of Carrying Out the Charge (v. 6-7)
   • For some it meant, and still means, martyrdom
     • but death is not final
   • It means a fight
     • the soldier
   • It means running the race to its finish
     • the athlete
   • It means patiently keeping the faith
     • the farmer
4. The Reward for Paying the Cost (v. 8)
   • A crown of righteousness

Conclusion: Ask God if there is something He is specifically charging you to do. If it is clear to you, then do it. Don’t put it off waiting for a more convenient time.

“I consider that the chief dangers which confront the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost, Christianity without Christ, forgiveness without repentance, salvation without regeneration, politics without God, and Heaven without Hell.” -William Booth (founder of the Salvation Army, 1829-1912)