Platform Admin
Thoughts on Today’s Verse
In the 2nd book of Timothy chapter 4, you find the last recorded instructions in the Bible from Paul to the Church, and as such should be considered of great significance. Paul was Timothy’s spiritual adviser and here we find him solemnly charging Timothy in the most sombre terms to contend earnestly for the faith, to boldly preach the Word of God, and to teach the gospel of grace that was given directly to Paul from the Lord Jesus Christ, Himself.
Timothy was to be so rooted, grounded, and immersed in the Word of God, that no matter when or where he was challenged or questioned about his Christian beliefs, he could answer boldly and authoritatively. Timothy was to be so diligent, alert, and secure in the truth of the Scripture, that he would be enabled to confidently search out every opportunity to preach the truth of God’s Word, as well as to reprove, rebuke, and exhort other believers, with great patience and instruction.
Paul added weight to his sombre charge by declaring that both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ were witnesses to these vital and all-encompassing instructions. Paul was about to disclose to Timothy that as the end of the Church age drew ever closer, fewer and fewer people would remain firmly founded on the sound truth of an uncompromised doctrine, while an increasing number would be enticed away from gospel truth, chasing after teachers who teach a false, but sugar-coated ‘gospel’.
Today, we are closer to the appearing of Christ to set up His kingdom, and judge the living and the dead, than when we first believed. Let us take to heart the significance of these final, solemn instructions from Paul to Timothy. If our faith is firmly founded on the truth of God’s inerrant Word, we will be thoroughly equipped to preach the Word in every circumstance of life and encourage, reprove, rebuke, and exhort our brothers and sisters in Christ, with great patience and instruction.
Peter echoed these words of Paul when he said: “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defence to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, but with gentleness and respect.”
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that, more and more, I may be rooted, grounded, and immersed in the truth of Word of God. Use me to encourage others to stand firm in the faith, give me wisdom and courage to discern those that are compromising the truth of Your Word, and keep me from falling, I pray. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.
Bible References
4 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings