2 Timothy 4:6-8

PART THREE

Testimony 4:6-18

1.

ASSURANCE IN THE FACE OF DEATH 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Text 4:6-8

6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure is come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: 8 henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give to me at that day; and not to me only, but also to all them that have loved His appearing.

Thought Questions 4:6-8

209.

What figure of speech is Paul using in 2 Timothy 4:6 a? Does Paul say that he is a sacrifice for Christ?

210.

How could Paul be so certain of a soon departure from this life?

211.

Who was Paul fighting in the good fight?

212.

Are we all running in a race? Who will win?

213.

Why didn-'t Paul say he had kept his faith, instead of the faith?

214.

If Paul had not kept the faith or finished the race, would he have received the crown of righteousness?

215.

Are there various crowns for Christians? i.e., crown of life, crown of righteousness, etc? Explain.

216.

Why use the expression, the righteous judge?

217.

Give the meaning of the phrase, His appearing. Is this His first or second appearing?

Paraphrase 4:6-8

6 For the church is soon to lose the benefit of my ministry: I am already poured out on the sacrifice of the faith of the Gentiles, and the time of my departure hath come.

7 I have combated the good combat of faith (1 Timothy 6:12), I have finished the race of an apostle, I have preserved the faith uncorrupted, for which I have combated.

8 All fears of death vanish when I think of the glorious reward which awaits me. Henceforth there is laid aside for me a crown, not of olive leaves, but of righteousness, which, with all its honours and privileges, the Lord Jesus, the righteous judge, will deliver to me at the last day; and not to me only, but to all them also, who, like me, conscious that they have served Him faithfully, long for His appearing to judge the world.

Comment 4:6-8

2 Timothy 4:6. Paul now turns to say a word for himself. He had previously directed his words to Timothy and his responsibilities. The apostle does not say he is the sacrifice given on behalf of Christas well he might have said it. He rather prefers to be considered only as the drink offering to be poured out in connection with the sacrifice (Numbers 15:5; Numbers 28:7). Paul's blood was about to be poured out in his martyr's death. What Paul here says of his death, he could say of his whole life; it was poured out in the service and worship to Christ. Paul views death as a voyage: the ship is about to be loosed from its moorings; the grand trip into the presence of God and of Christ Jesus is about to be made; farewells are in order; the time of sailing is just at hand. This is not a voyage into oblivion, but an adventure into a very far better world. What an example to Timothy and all who follow.

2 Timothy 4:7.The apostle is glad to rest on his record. Paul does not say he has won every battle, but that he has remained in the fight until the end. Paul does not say he has taken first place in the race, but that he has finished the course; nor does he say that he was the champion of the faith, but rather, that he kept it. In all of this, he presents an example all can follow. We know this is the grand old veteran's record. We know of his trials and triumphs, but it is his steadfastness that is rewarded. All of us cannot do what Paul did, but all of us are expected to fight, finish and keep. Paul offered his example to Timothy and to all men of all time.

2 Timothy 4:8. Perhaps, to some, it is a moot question, but we wonder what happens to those soldiers who do not stay in the battle: those runners who drop out of the race, and to those believers who fall away from the faith. If the figure is to hold, we have no crown to offer for those who fail to finish. We prefer to fear, along with the apostle, lest having preached unto others, we should be a castaway. On the merit of Christ, and our sincerity in service, let us claim, with Paul, the crown of righteousness. The righteous judge has it for all who have loved His appearing more than the appearance of this world. We have it on the word of Paul that it is so.

Fact Questions 4:6-8

147.

What is the general content of 2 Timothy 4:6-8?

148.

Paul does not say he offers himself as the sacrifice in the service of Christ. What does he say of his offering?

149.

How does Paul view death? Is this your concept?

150.

How does Paul's record become a grand example for all Christians?

151.

Are we given heaven because we are faithful? Discuss.