2 Timothy 4
1 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;
"Quick" = alive and This book is looking at us. At this time today, this last generation to see all things come to pass.
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
"Out of season" #171 in Strong's, same as 170 = "inopportunely, out of season, To fail of a proper occasion". A REAL church will feed The Word chapter by chapter and verse for verse. More than a few verses at a time. For many of the churches today, it's about the show they put on or the traditions of organizational doctrines. A REAL church will feed the milk to the new Christians and meat to the adult = educated in The Word, growing in it every day, not just one day a week.
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;
We are here! Most churches don't like to hear The Truth. It doesn't feel good. They want an easy escape plan and don't want to rock anyone's boat. I could not tell you how many "pastors" I have talked to here in Roanoke, VA that either don't have a clue about God's Word or they are just lairs in it for the money. I have yet to find one that teaches The Truth. The easiest way to tell if they are of God is if they teach "rapture" or not. If they are teaching that, they're not of God. Before you comment about that, if it's contrary to what I said, don't waste your time. Go to my note on "rapture" or STUDY it for yourself. I suggest 2 Thess. Ch.2 is where you SHOULD start. We are in the time that people seek out teachers that will only say things that is soothing to their ears, the feel good doctrine.
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
The church of today doesn't like to hear The Truth. It's all about the numbers and the show. People tell me all the time, "You will never lead people to Christ with the way you teach"; these want the show. They haven't heard a fraction of The Word. The Things I teach comes straight out of The Word of God. Chapter by Chapter and verse for verse, unless we are on a subject matter. When people hear something new to them after being taught by the ear ticklers, they don't know how to take it, so they reject it. Chapter for Chapter and verse for verse. In doing so, we get the context of what is being said instead of bouncing around the subject. People get offended when you give them what God's Word says about something the world wants to say is ok. They will hate you for it.
5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.
If you're going to teach, you had better not be a people pleaser, but someone who is more concerned about pleasing God. You had better study and know about what you teach. That is another problem in the churches of today. They are handed a curriculum from an organization to "teach" their congregation. The "pastor" isn't doing what he should at this point, he is conforming to a denominational doctrine instead of going by what God has already given. His Holy Word.
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
Paul was getting old at this time and knew it was more important to pass The Truth of God on to others rather than keep it to himself and die.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Paul was able to say this; what will you be able to say? Better question is what will you hear back? Will you hear Matthew 25:21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
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.
And "unto all them also that love his appearing", many will be on their knees gnashing their teeth because they didn't care to seek The Truth. Make sure that's not you. If you believe Christ comes before the 7th trump, you will not be one of these loving His appearance. You will be one of them that have followed the way of the world and worshiped satan believing he is The True Christ. You were waiting on your escape plan and just didn't find it necessary to put any time in The Word.
9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
Paul knows his time was limited because of his age. He is calling Timothy to come see him in prison before it's too late to speak to him.
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Many will come through your live that will refuse Christ and hate you for it. Some will show it directly and some indirectly. Don't let it bother you. Focus on The Truth and let the chips fall. If those that hate you are the ones that love the world, it shows you you're on the right path. Let them stew in their misery, you have work to do and don't have time to waste on them.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
Paul to Timothy, on your way to Rome, bring Mark along with you. He was a great help in spreading God's Word. What do you do for The Ministry? A smile to someone sad is a help to them, The Word given to those hungry for it is help to them. Doing The Work of God has many ways and your part is to do something as to bless others in NEED.
12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
Getting The Word out!
13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
Paul constantly referred back to the old in his writings. He kept all his notes on Christ and this is why he especially wanted the parchments. That all of God's Word would be taught together as one.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
Don't worry about those that do you wrong. Sit back and see what happens. You get what's coming to you. Good or bad, Reward or punishment.
15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
Paul is warning Timothy to be careful around Alexander. Just as then, there are those you just can't trust. God gives you common sense, use it! This Alexander was someone who twisted everything that was taught into what he wanted it to be. He doesn't keep his word and goes against everything they were trying to teach. The world is doing this to Christians every day. It's getting worse each day. Those who reject The Truth we are to separate ourselves from them. 2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you. They know where to find you if they are ready to turn from satan and they know what Book to pickup.
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.
When Paul stood before the court at his trial in Rome, not one would give a word on his behalf. Some were not in Rome and others were just afraid of Caesar.
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.
No matter who or what is coming against you, as a Christian, God will ALWAYS have your back. Stop that worrying and show your faith. Your faith will turn that lion into a kitty cat.
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.
Get The Truth out there before the time comes when you can't. This spiritual level is to feed them in The Meat of The Word that they know its satan standing there, not Christ. Matthew 24:45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?
22 The Lord Jesus Christ be
with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
Amen! = That is that. I pray the book of Timothy was a
blessing to you as it was for me. God bless you all that followed. †