Prepare for Sunday morning worship by using the guide below.
2 Timothy 4:1-8
1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.
6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: We have Paul’s last words to Timothy. It marks the climax of the letter. This is a solemn charge as Paul is facing an imminent death. The importance of this call is seen in that Paul charges him in the presence of God and Christ Jesus. Can you feel the weight? In this last word, Paul calls Timothy to fulfill his ministry of preaching and shepherding a people. It would be a mistake to see this as only a personal letter to a pastor; rather, we need to see it as a public letter to the church. We will look at the nature of the charge and the motivations to walk in faithfulness.
Review and Apply
What is Paul's view of the importance and purpose of preaching? In what ways do you agree or disagree?
Speak personally to the benefits gained in hearing God's word preached.
How does Paul describe the challenge to preaching in 4:3-4?
What does it mean to not endure sound teaching but have itching ears?
Where do you struggle with preaching?
How do you prepare to listen to the Sunday sermon?
How does the promise of God's presence and the coming of Jesus help us walk in obedience?
What strengthens Paul in his imminent death? How can this help you as you look to the final day?
What is laid up for you on that final day?
How can your brothers and sisters help you 'fight the good fight, run the race, and keep the faith'?
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