Stay the Course 04
August 28, 2022

Proclaim the Truth

2 Timothy 4:1-8 (NLT)

Mick Veach | Lead Pastor | first aired on 08.28.2022

I. Introduction

Read Scripture
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. —2 Timothy 4:1-8

A. Review

  1. Chapter 1 –Stay the course as you remain faithful
  2. Chapter 2—Stay the course as you are approved by God
  3. Chapter 3—Stay the course even as it appears godless

B. One of the greatest challenges the church faces today is that she has moved into survival mentality

  1. We are called to the great commission-Matthew 28:18-20
  2. We are called to expect great things from attempt great things for God—Jeremiah 33:3
  3. We are called to pray his kingdom on earth as it is in heaven—Matthew 6:10
  4. We are called serve the least of these—Matthew 25
  5. We are called to cry out for Revival—2 Chron 7:14

C. The one thing that Satan desires is for the church to get off mission

D. In the midst of struggle and suffering we are called to fulfill the Abrahamic covenant

  1. Gen. 12:1-3—Blessed to Bless

E. Paul finishes this letter by calling Timothy to go on the offensive

  1. As we get to know Him, we will desire to make him known

F. Staying the course is possible when we do it

  1. Together
  2. Stay accountable
  3. Self-discipline—spiritual disciplines
  4. Stay on your knees
  5. Keep serving

G. Paul’s final thoughts to Timothy in this chapter are inspiring and motivating

II. Paul encourages Timothy with final thoughts before his death

A.

Reveal Answer
is Coming — verse 1

  1. Matthew 24:37-39—But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking

    a. God gave humanity 120 years to change its evil ways as Noah built
    b. No one believed God would judge them

  2. Today, we fall into the same trap as the people in those days not believing God will judge

    a. The love of God is accepted but not the judgment of God
    b. NO TRUTH=NO JUDGMENT

  3. The era of the Judges is reminder that when a society no longer has truth, they will do as they see fit in their own eyes.

    a. The consequence is Judgment over and over again

  4. There are many judgments in the bible

    a. Judgement of Adam and Eve—Gen. 3:14-21
    b. Judgment of the world in Noah’s day—Gen 7
    c. Judgment of at the Tower of Babel—Gen 11
    d. Judgment of believers sins—Heb. 2:9, Ro 8:1
    e. Judgment of the tribulation—Rev. 6
    f. Judgment seat of Christ—2 Cor. 5:10
    g. Judgment, the great white throne—Rev. 20:11-15

  5. The charge to Timothy is based on the fact that judgment is upon us

    a. Satan deceives many that this will never come

Key Point—People get ready Judgment is upon us, Jesus is calling you

B.

Reveal Answer
the Word — verses 2-5

  1. Paul is telling Timothy is that preaching is proclaiming the TRUTH

    a. Not just on Sunday
    b. Not just in a church

  2. Preach or proclaim all the time

    a. Be READY
    b. Be PREPARED

  3. Preaching is not limited to the Pastor

    a. Ephesians 4 tells us that the Pastor’s responsibility is to equip the Saints for the ministry including preaching

  4. What should preaching look like according to Paul?

    a. Patiently correct
    b. Rebuke when necessary
    c. Encourage them with good teaching

  5. Give them spiritual food to survive

    a. Teach them to feed themselves

  6. Preaching opportunities are numerous when

    a. We live out the WORD
    b. We love those in the World

  7. Preaching comes out of our overflow

  8. Verses 3-4 — A time is upon us when many won’t receive biblical teaching

    a. They will chase after myths-beliefs are constantly changing

  9. John 6:60-71 — Many disciples leave Jesus after his tough teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood

    a. His meaning—you must walk the same road as I am on and many only desired the benefits from Jesus

  10. Verse 5 — Paul warns Timothy to be clear minded

    a. Have your mind renewed daily before this great turning away occurs—Romans 12:1-2
    b. Our purpose is to carry out the ministry God has given us
    c. Don’t fear suffering—You will be given what you need exactly the moment you need it—guaranteed

  11. Verses 10 & 14 — Paul experiences pain as two ministry mates turn away and come against the ministry

    a. Yet, he keeps preaching even while in prison

Key Point—Preach the Word at all times

C.

Reveal Answer
is the Prize — verses 6-8

  1. Verse 6 — Paul has poured out his life as an offering to God

    a. Romans 12 — He lived as a living sacrifice to God
    b. Philippians 1:21 — He lived believing that death was gain

  2. Verse 7 — Paul is finishing the race well

    a. Most don’t finish well
    b. He knows where his strength lies and what his purpose is and will not divert from the call

  3. Paul understood eternity and it changed how he lived is daily life

  4. Do you live with eternity in view?

    a. Psalm 139:23-24 — Ask the Lord to search your heart. Is there anything distracting you?

  5. Verse 8 - Paul knows a prize awaits him—crown of righteousness

    a. Given to everyone who is looking for his return

  6. New Testament gives us 5 different types of crowns that will be given for the various ways believers run their race of faith

    a. Crown means a victor’s crown like a runner would receive

    1. Crown of Righteousness — for those who long for Jesus’ appearing and lived holy lives—2 Tim. 4:8
    2. Crown of Incorruption — those who practiced self-discipline and refused to let the flesh hinder their race of faith—I Cor. 9:25
    3. Crown of Rejoicing — Soul winners’ crown for bringing others to Jesus — I Thel. 2:19
    4. Crown of Glory — Pastor’s crown for being a faithful shepherd — I Peter 5:4
    5. Crown of Life — Martyrs crown — Revelation 2:10

  7. Paul’s perspective is that a prize awaits him—something that is better

  8. We must decide to begin living our life for really matters and what will last

  9. People and God’s Word will last forever

Key Point—Eternity is upon us, let’s finish strong

Call to Action:

1. Decide to live your life with an urgency because judgment is upon us

2. Preach the Word at all possible moments

3. Give it all because a reward awaits us far greater than this life

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