Chapter 4 Bible verse: 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 to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 1-2 Paul is continuing his last words to Tim, encouraging him, charging him (making a formal demand) before God- as a witness. And the charge is to preach the word (not opinions etc, just the word-thus says the Lord), always ready to do this no matter when. Convince, rebuke (gentle), exhort (strongly persuade) with all long-suffering (patiently doing this) and teaching. 3-5 A time will come when people won’t want to hear sound doctrine (sound=truth, not sound= confusion/falsehood/confused message), but according to their own desires with itching ears they will gather and appoint leaders who preach what they want to preach- Jeremiah 5:31 and Isaiah 30:10 & another example is when Micah was telling the king the truth but the king hated him for this, and chose to listen to the false prophets who told him what he wanted to hear. These people will turn from truth and as result of this they will turn aside to fables (falsehood that seems wise). But you (don’t mind them, you play your part, don’t be like them), be watchful (remain alert and clear minded- don’t be affected by this falsehood), endure afflictions (when he suffers persecution as result of the work, to endure-like a soldier of Christ), and continue the work of an evangelist (sharing the word of God), fulfilling your ministry (finish what God has called him to do, just as Paul is also finishing his as he is approaching his death). 6-8 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering (Philippians 2:17) Paul was glad to be poured out as a drink offering, he wasn’t concerned about dying, he had previously said to die is to gain and to live is Christ. Numbers 28:7 drink offering was one of the offerings, and Paul here is using this to say he is about to die for the cause/for Christ. And the time of my departure is at hand- like now he’s actually about to be killed. Now about to die, he says he has fought the good fight, he has finished the race, he has kept the faith- he lived according to God’s will, he fulfilled his purpose. Has fought the good fight: as a soldier of Christ, this christian life isn’t easy, it’s a battle and he fought a good fight (against temptation, persecution etc) and overcame. Finished the race (Jesus said he who endures to end, shall be saved, so not just starting it but finishing it is most important). Kept the faith (despite everything he has experience, as horrible as it was, he did not deny Christ, he guarded the truth and kept it, stayed with Jesus all the way, even now after being abandoned by the other believers, through all that, he still kept the faith). Paul is so sure of his up-coming reward, what he was saying about reaching out for the reward, he’s finally reached the stage where he is about to receive it. He is looking forward to the crown, who the Lord, the righteous judge will give him, and all those who have loved his appearing (those who’ve fought the good fight too). 9-13 Paul Is telling him go see him as soon as he can, but to do it carefully. Also informing him that he’s all alone now, those whom he did ministry with had left, only Luke was left with him. Demas (a close partner in ministry) left Paul, having loved this present world (he chose pleasure over self denial, he was captivated by the things of the world. And Cresecens and Titus went elsewhere (for ministry). Luke was the only one who stayed was Luke (cz it was Paul, Luke and Demas and Demas left). Paul Tim to being Mark with him cz he too is faithful for the ministry. 14-16 Paul is warning Tim about Alexander, who caused him much harm, greatly resisting the word that was being preached. No body stood with Paul, they all forsook him, but he says may it not be charged against them (he’s forgiven them) - just like Jesus told the Father to forgive them for they don’t know what thyre doing, and Stephen (reflecting the image of Christ) also says to forgive them, now Paul also says the same thing (showing character transformation). 17-18 But the Lord stood with him and strengthened me (mother and father and closest ones may leave, but God will never leave us nor forsake us). God protected him that he may do what he was appointed to do. He trusts God to deliver and preserve him from every evil work, the weapons formed against him won’t prevail, nothing will keep him out of the kingdom of God. (Thyre about to kill him - his body but can’t touch his soul). 19-22 Paul is now sending his greetings to those close to him (before his death, he’s saying bye to those dear to him) who have been with him during the ministry and supporting him throughout. He then blesses him- The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, and grace be with you. Application: - share the word of God and it alone - Use whatever time you have(well) - to learn - don’t have itching ears that only wants teachers or people to tell you what you want to hear that’s pleasant - Don’t separate our spiritual life with the ordinary life we live - Endure and get through whatever is thrown at us - Hold on to the faith and don’t let go - Fight the good fight and stay faithful to the end - Fulfill twist God has called us to do - Keep our minds focused on the prize - Forgive those who oppose us - God is always going to be by our side even when everyone leaves Jesus stays - God is able to keep us and sustain us