2 Timothy 4

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words to encourage Timothy and us, so that no matter how difficult the fight seems, we can keep fighting. When we are with Jesus Christ, we will discover that it was all worth it. 4:8 In Roman athletic games, a laurel wreath would be given to each winner. A symbol of triumph and honor, it was the most coveted prize in ancient Rome. This is probably what Paul was referring to when he spoke of a “crown.” But his would be a crown of righteousness. See 2 Corinthians 5:10 and the note on Matthew 19:27 for more on the rewards awaiting us for our faith and deeds. Although Paul would not receive an earthly reward, he would be rewarded in heaven. Whatever we may face— discouragement, persecution, or death—we know we will receive reward with Christ in heaven. 4:9, 10 Paul was virtually alone and probably lonely. No one had come to his trial to speak in his defense (4:16), and Demas had left the faith (4:10). Crescens and Titus had jeft, but not for the same reasons as Demas. Paul did not criticize or condemn them. Demas had been one of Paul's co-workers (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24), but he had deserted Paul because he loved “the things of this life.” In other words, Demas loved worldly values and worldly pleasures. There are two ways to love the world. God loves the world as he created it and as it could be if it were rescued from evil. Others, like Demas, love the world as it is, sin and all. Do you love the world as it could be if justice were done, the hungry were fed, and people loved one another? Or do you love what the world has to offer—wealth, power, pleasure—even if gaining it means hurting people and neglecting the work God has given you to do? 4:11, 12 Mentioning Demas reminded Paul of more faithful co-workers. Luke had traveled much with Paul, writing both the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts (much of which is a firsthand account). Tychicus, one of his most trusted companions (Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21; Colossians 4:7; Titus 3:12), had already left for Ephesus. That Paul requested for Timothy to bring Mark might give us pause. Mark had left Paul and Barnabas on the first missionary journey, and this had greatly upset Paul (Acts 13:13; 15:36-41), causing a rift between Pau! and Barnabas that was so severe that they parted company. Somewhere along the line, Pau! had given Mark a second chance and Mark had proven to be a worthy helper. We don’t have all the details in Mark’s changed life or Paul's change of heart, but Paul realized that people can change. There’s a lesson in these few words. We should allow people to grow up and not hold them back from ministry or leadership for faults in the past that have now been corrected. When we encourage someone and open our minds to the possibility that he or she has changed and matured, we may be salvaging a significant ministry. Mark went on not only to be Paul's good friend and a trusted Christian leader (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24), but he also wrote the Gospel of Mark.

‘the Good News. Half the people who have ever lived are alive today, and most of them do not know Christ. He is coming soon, “and he wants to find his faithful believers ready for him. It may .be inconvenient to take a stand for Christ or to tell athers about his love, but preaching the Word of God is the most important responsibility the church and its members have been given. ‘Be prepared for, courageous in, and sensitive to God-given opportunities to tell the Good News. 4:2 We should always be ready to serve God in any situation, whether or not it is convenient. Be sensitive to the opportunities God gives you. ‘4:2. Paul told Timothy to “correct, rebuke, and encourage.” It is difficult to accept correction, to be told we have to change. But ‘no matter how much the truth hurts, we must be willing to listen to it so we can more fully obey God. 433-5 Many speakers, teachers, and writers talk about the pur- Suit of knowledge. But often they don’t want knowledge; they want power. Such people won't listen to “sound and wholesome teaching.” Instead, they “reject the truth and chase after myths.” You can see this everywhere—from liberal churches to university campuses. People claiming to have a bit more enlightenment than what the dusty Bible has to say; people claiming to improve .on God's words. Such people have several things in common: (1) They do not tolerate the truth. They have no interest or "respect for absolute truth or any standard for judgment. (2) They “teject truth for sensationalism. They want truth that fits their situsation and makes sense for them. What they feel, what works for them, what seems compelting—that is their truth and they claim ‘an absolute right to it. No one should even attempt to tell them ‘differently. (3) They gather viewpoints to suit their selfish desires. ‘Although they profess objectivity, their only defense for their viewpoints is that those viewpoints suit their desires. , Such teachers have a following because they are telling people “whatever their itching ears want to hear.” These people are following myths. Be careful. False teaching can be found in many ‘places—even inside the doors of some churches. Like Timothy, you must “keep a clear mind in every situation” and seek God’s Word for the truth. 4:5 To keep cool when you are jarred and jolted by people or ‘circumstances, don’t react quickly. In any work of ministry that you undertake, keeping a clear mind in every situation makes you ‘Morally alert to temptation, resistant to pressure, and vigilant when facing heavy responsibility. 4:6-8 As he neared the end of his life, Paul could confidently say that he had been faithful to his call. Thus, he faced death calmly, knowing that he would be rewarded by Christ. Is your life preparing you for death? Do you share Paul’s confident expectation of Meeting Christ? The good news is that the heavenly reward is not just for giants of the faith like Paul, but for all who are eagerly looking forward to Christ’s second coming. Paul gave these

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