Keeping mission focus!
Scripture reading for October 7: 2 Timothy 4
“”. . .preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suite their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:5-8
Paul was writing for his last time from prison while awaiting beheading for preaching the Gospel. His son in the faith, Timothy was in Paul’s prayers and thoughts. He encouraged Timothy to continue the good fight of faith along the pattern he had modeled. Paul plainly called for Timothy to boldly and plainly preach the Word of God, doing the work of an evangelist. He warned him that some would have itching ears and would not accept God’s Word. Timothy was not to waver, even if suffering for preaching and teaching. This was part of the package. He was to fulfill the calling on his life as Paul was now finishing his race: strong in the faith.
Paul testified to Timothy of his confidence in his future reward. He had been assured of the crown of righteousness from the Lord, Himself. Jesus was the Righteous Judge Who would deal with each person in total righteousness and justice. Paul called Timothy to so live his life and run the race of faith that he too would receive the reward.
What insights from Paul’s last letter and advice to Timothy help you to set priorities in your own life? Are you confident in a reward from the Righteous Judge or concerned about facing Him? Does the promise of suffering for the Gospel and the possibility of martyrdom bring concern?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Paul’s clear witness of his confidence and faith in Your promises and Word. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and boldness to preach the Word of God even in the face of rejection or persecution. With Paul and the faithful saints, I plan on standing by faith in the finished work of Jesus. Amen.
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