2 Timothy 4

 Good afternoon. So much for a schedule!! Anyway, great weekend. Morgan and Bobbi-Jo came home for the weekend. It was nice to have the entire family together! Saturday I officiated a wedding of one of our young people and had so much fun! Sunday was worship at LM followed later by worship at Good Shepherd Endwell- my first time there. There were 8 residents that came. I used the same scripture from worship at LM and gave a brief message of accepting all people and doing what we can to break down walls and barriers. After my short message we had a great chat about life and how respect and acceptance has changed over their life time. I t was great to talk with them! I hope you all had as great a weekend!

This is our last chapter in Timothy and this final chapter contains some of my favorite pieces of scripture. Paul gives some very sentimental and heartfelt words to Timothy and we will sense his anxiety of his upcoming execution. 

Paul "commands" Timothy (some translations say "I charger you...") - very strong words and then adds in this command is made in the presence of God and Christ- wow! As Paul sits in his cold, dark, wet prison cell- he is still cognizant of God and the power of God! What power in the next statement- to preach the Good News! Paul's following words- be ready at all times- got me wondering...are we ready at all times to preach the Good News? Are we able to preach the good news at a moments notice? Are we able to tell people what we are all about? Are we ready to tell people what they need to know? Many people think that the pastor is the one to "preach" the Good News- but is it just their job? How do you feel about "preaching" The Word? At the wedding reception this past weekend, one of the people that attended the wedding came up to me. She asked, "Do you have a minuet?" Sure, I said, as I was trying to compose a wedding prayer in my head, also while thinking- oh no- what did I say that she didn't like! Her question was about the rainbow stole I wear around my cincture (the rope like belt I wear around my waist when I wear a robe; as a local licensed pastor, I am not allowed to wear a stole around my neck that is reserved for ordained clergy- don't even get me started on that!) and the rainbow colored material I have draping the table (altar). I mentioned that it was in support of LGBTQ+ and equality and acceptance for all. This question resulted in a 45 minute talk/discussion of texts and thoughts. Be ready at all times to preach the Good News!

Paul warns Timothy that there will be a time when people won't want to listen to the Good News- and will find something they want to hear (vv 3-4). I sometimes wonder of we are at that time now. People will stick with people that say what they want to hear and will fight with you if you disagree! There is no room for discussion, there is no room for conversation- I am right and you are wrong! Are there people that you know that follow "false teachers" that Paul talks about? How can we know those false teachers? The Bible is often used to "prove" both sides of an argument (look at slavery- the Bible "justified" slavery!). Anyone can find Scripture that supports almost any "cause" so how do we know what is right and what is wrong?

Paul brings in the words, "But you..." (v 5) putting Timothy in opposition to those that are looking for "false teachers". Timothy looks for the truth while "those people" look for fables and tales. Paul encourages Timothy to keep going and stay strong. In some translations, Paul calls Timothy an "evangelist" (mine says "do the work of telling the Good News"). Do you ever get tired or work down from being good? Teaching the Good News? Ministering? Do you think Timothy was getting tired? What about Paul- did he get tired of it and need to be reminded to keep doing the good work?

The next set of verses (vv 6-8) I really love. I found them and used them when I officiated my dad's funeral (12 years ago).  Paul knows his life is close to ending; he knows that he will no longer be able  to spread the Gospel message.  Some translations say "poured out as a drink offering" which goes back to Genesis 35; the pouring out of wine was an acceptable sacrifice for some ceremonies; there is also a Roman idea here too- at the end the evening meal a small cup of wine was poured out to please the gods. Paul is saying, essentially, it is done and I am ready for the day to draw to a close- God I am your sacrifice. Paul is realizing that his "race" is almost over and that he will win that race. Paul often symbolizes Christianity as an athletic competition. The winners of those competitions received a crown of laurel- a symbol of their victory. Paul is ready to receive his crown. The victor's crown (stepahnos) is symbolic that you followed the rules and did your best- you won! Although the word stephanos has been around quite a while- remember the name of the first Christian martyr- Stephen! That same crown of  righteousness is available to us also!

Paul was lonely- he was human- he was locked in a prison and knew life was coming to an end. He beckons Timothy to come to visit (v 9). Could you imagine being locked in death row- few visitors, with some of the friends abandoning you? Demas (v 10) was mentioned before as a faithful worker, but has left because he "loved this world" (i.e. he loved the world more than God). The pain that Paul must feel when a "good" worker leaves! Do you have people that were committed to God/church, but left because they "loved the world"? The others Paul mentioned leave for other reasons, but seem to still be faithful. Luke is the only one left (v 11). If you remember, Paul's first imprisonment in Rome he had many visitors (Acts 28:30+). Paul is truly alone- and probably afraid. An interesting note- Paul calls for Mark- a sign of reconciliation. They left each other (Acts 15:36+) with some disagreement. Paul asks Timothy to go to Troas to get his cloak- probably a result of an arrest. Soldiers were allowed to take any "extra" garments (i.e. not clothing but extra "luggage") from prisoners. He also asks for his books and "Parchments". Even on death row- Paul was looking to read and study (what an inspiration to me when I have a 16 month old running around the house!). The parchments may have been parts of the Hebrew Bible. Paul then warns about Alexander; he seems like a government informer or something like that because of the "harm" he did to Paul. He may have been a "spy" for the Romans to befriend Paul and other Christians and then throw them to the lions!

The next verse (v 16) almost makes me cry. Paul's message- don't ever give up! And don't hold grudges! Paul knew that God was with him and that same God is with us! Even in his final days- Paul is thinking of his friends: Priscilia and Aquila, Onesiphorus' family and others. Can you imagine that- about to die- and thinking of others! Paul's final words (v 22) reflect his love for God and Christ and that it be given to Timothy.

I really loved this last chapter. Such emotion and feelings for Timothy. You can really feel Paul's anxiety= yet calmness. May we all know that!

Tomorrow we begin Titus- another personal letter from Paul- primarily with instructions about being a bishop/elder in the church.

Have a great rest if the day! Thanks fro your hard work and commitment!

Peace+
Pastor Paul