Grace Community Church, Arlington, TX

It is from a prison in Rome, awaiting martyrdom, that the Apostle Paul writes his last epistle to Timothy. And what is on his mind as he lay there in chains awaiting certain death, was where he was going and what he was leaving behind.

Christianity had slipped into theological and moral confusion, even apostasy. And Paul is alarmed as he writes to Timothy to pick up the torch, be strong, be courageous, be steadfast! So much is riding on whether or not you do!

He tells Timothy that there are seven things that he must do if the church is going to make it.

1. Fan the Flame!
“Fan into flame the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” (1:6)And then Paul reminds him: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and discipline.” (1:7)

2. Endure Hardship!
“You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2:1)

A. Like a Soldier “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2:3)

B. Like an Athlete “If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.” (2:5)

C. Like a Farmer “The hardworking farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.” (2:6)

3. Stand on the Word and Flee from Lust!
“Be diligent… accurately handling the word of truth.” (2:15) (Matt 4:4)
Then he says: Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. (2 Tim 2:22)

4. Be Warned: Difficult Times are Coming!
Paul then describes the last days. (2 Tim 3:1-4)But Paul does not tell Timothy to panic. He tells him …
(3:14) You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of… (16) All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

5. Preach the Word! 2 Tim 4:1-3
But know this, Timothy, there will be opposition to doing that.

6. Finish your Race!
Then Paul says, “For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” (4:6-8)“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. In the future 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.

Paul is saying, “I have fulfilled my ministry, and as I stand at death’s door, I want you to know; It’s worth it!! The reward I am about to receive is incomparable. So, Timothy, endure whatever difficulties come your way, and fulfill the ministry Christ has given you.

Fulfill your ministry! In order to do that…
There is a fight you must fight! There is a race you must finish! And there is a faith you must keep!

1. There is a fight that you must fight! (Col 1:16)
The devil knows that he can’t stop the message, but he can stop the messenger. So he will bring different pressures on you to try to stop you.

2. You have a race that you must finish! (Heb 10:36)

3. There is a faith you must keep.

(2 Cor 5:9-10) Paul said that there is something called the Judgment Seat of Christ, a day of judgment for believers, a day of commendation and reward for believers. And he lived in light of that day.

7. Realize the Reality of Ministry!“
Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me.” 2 Tim 4:9
Some will start with you and not finish with you. “Only Luke is with me.” (4:11)
Sometimes faithfulness narrows your circle.

But then this powerful statement:
“At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me… but the Lord stood with me.” (4:16–17)

People may fail you. The Lord will not.
Knowing that is another key to finishing well.