2nd Timothy chapter
4.......be watchful
The
chapter divides readily into two main sections and what important content they
carry;
Verses
1-8 Paul’s final charge to Timothy.
Verses
9-22 Paul’s final appeal to Timothy.
The charge v1-2
A solemn charge, similar to taking an oath in court,
except it is before the highest supreme court in existence. In 1st Timothy 5v21 he was solemnly
charged to observe impartiality in matters of judgment; now he is brought under oath to preach the word. In chapter 2 he was to “rightly divide the
word of truth”, here he is to preach it.
God’s word is not only to be accurately understood, it is to be proclaimed! He is given the greatest reason of all as he
is brought before Divine beings. Note
the relevance of the word “therefore”;
why is it so important to proclaim God’s word?; because of what has gone before. It is to be proclaimed because the days are
dark and getting darker; the scriptures
are able to enlighten about salvation;
the scriptures can develop God’s people to completion, fit to serve
Him. God’s chosen method of
communication is preaching (see 1st Corinthians 1v21...”...it pleased God by the foolishness of
preaching to save them that believe”. God
not only chooses the message He chooses the means. This living, sacred, powerful, word must be
proclaimed. The charge is as follows;
·
It is before God, the supreme being,
the supreme object of worship.
·
It is before the Lord Jesus Christ (His
full title), the Judge of all living and dead at His appearing and kingdom. This expression takes in the judgment seat
of Christ for believers, the judgment of the living nations, the judgment of
the millennium rebels, and the great white throne judgment of the dead of all
ages. “His appearing” marks the commencement of His reign, and “His kingdom” takes us to the end. The one to whom has been entrusted all
judgment involving all people is the one who is witness to the charge. Later on Paul calls Him “the righteous
judge”, who will make no mistakes, nor will shew any favouritism.
·
The charge is in light of His appearing
and kingdom, i.e. His coming again.
The word he uses is “epiphania” and refers not merely to the fact of His
coming but to the splendour of it, the pageantry, the pomp, the brightness. Paul was in Rome, where the emperors paraded
themselves as gods, made themselves the arbiters of all disputes, and used
every opportunity to display themselves in glorious garb and fanfare. He uses this metaphor to describe the
appearing of the Lord that will outdo all splendour as He sets up His kingdom
that will never be superseded.
·
In light of this unsurpassable glory to come engagement
in the proclamation of His word is the highest calling.
·
“Preach”....it is in the aorist
present point tense, which makes it imperative, and urgent and continuous,
literally “do it now and always”. The
word means to herald, to proclaim loudly and publicly.
·
“Preach the word....” not any word, not the holy books of men, not
the opinions of men, not human philosophy, only the word of truth, the word of
God. We are not to preach about the
word or from it, that is lifting a text and making a sermon, we are to herald
the words of God , to expound the exact meaning of it.
·
“Be instant”... that is, be at the
ready, have God’s word at the tip of your tongue. Scripture speaks of “the sword of the Spirit, which is the
spoken word of God” (Ephesians 6v17), that is the skilful use of it in
practical situations. We have already
encountered this idea in the first chapter (Hold fast-have to hand- the outline
of sound words...1v13).
·
“In season, out of season....” Much is made of when is the best time to
preach, and Paul seems to indicate here, it is to be done at all times and with
every opportunity.
· “...reprove
,rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and doctrine.” This refers to the threefold matter of the
preaching, and the dual manner in which it is to be done. Reprove is conviction or correction of error, rebuke is condemnation of sin, exhort
is encouragement in the face of problems.
The scriptures have answers at all levels, advice for all situations. The manner in which we present them is also
important, it is to be with all longsuffering(patience with people), and
doctrine (accuracy in detail).
There
now follows two compelling reasons why the charge must be observed introduced by
the word “for”. The first of these is
in verses 3-5 dealing with the defection of the saints; the second is in verses 6-8 predicting the
death of Paul.
Reason
1 verses 3-5 The defection of the
saints.
It
is a fact of human life that the saints either overcome the world or the world
overcomes them, there is no middle ground.
The Lord Jesus established this principle in Matthew 24v12 where He
says, referring to a future time, but the principle applies in all times, “...because iniquity shall abound the love
of many shall wax cold.” There was
a time when the church influenced the world, now the opposite is
happening. This is evident from the
passing of ungodly laws in our nation, unchallenged. Now the church is under pressure to conform. In this context the temptation to water
things down is enormous, and under the guise of pseudo evangelism, the people
of God become slowly conditioned to the doctrine of popular opinion rather than
the doctrine of God. Paul says “...the time will come when they (God’s
people) will no longer endure sound
doctrine, but shall heap to themselves teachers having itching ears...” That time has now come in many places
and is already confronting all churches.
The first step is to cease teaching the doctrine in public, the next is
to replace it with populist opinions.
In days of declining numbers the clamour is for alternative ways to
attract the masses. Itching ears are
ears turned every way except the right way, with the result of abandoning truth
altogether.
It
is indeed a time for the “watchmen” as seen in old testament history. Paul says “Watch thou in all things...” ;
this was the call of God in days of decline of old and it is relevant in
our time. In a context of warfare
(which we are in spiritually), watchmen and watchtowers were in evidence. Isaiah 62v6 “I have set watchmen on thy walls O Jerusalem which shall never hold
their peace day or night.”; Ezekiel
3v17 “Son of man, I have made thee a
watchman unto the house of Israel, therefore hear the word at my mouth and give
them warning from me.” Ezekiel 33v6
“But if the watchman see the sword come
and blow not the trumpet.......his blood will I require at the watchman’s
hand.” The answer is, in a time of decline,
when God’s truth and God’s people are under attack to be “watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.”
The word for full proof is to carry out completely, to bring to
fulfilment. There are to be no half measures in the work of God.
Reason
2 verses 6-8 the departure of Paul. Timothy will need to rise to the
task, because his great mentor is departing this life. There are some wonderful views of death
here, which is a tonic for us all. The
Newberry margin has for this first picture the thought of the drink offering...”I am already being poured out....” The imagery is of the life blood being
sacrificed and reference is made in Genesis 35v14, Exodus 29v40, and several
times in Numbers 15. The purpose of it
was to enhance the other major offerings by pouring wine on it to increase the
flame or the aroma in the case of the grain offerings, the effect being the
enhanced pleasure of God to whom the offerings were made. Paul knew he was about to be executed, and
he saw his death as a final offering to God of a life completely devoted to His service. Then he says “...the time of my departure is at hand.” The word for departure “analusis” is used in a number of ways all of which beautifully depict the
death of a believer.
o
The
loosing of a ship from it’s moorings to set sail for a new land.
o
The
lifting of the cords of a tent to move to pastures new.
o
The
release of a beast of burden from the pack because it’s work is done.
o
The
striking of camp by an army when the war is won to go home.
Far from
death being the end, it is the gateway to something better! Next he gives an assessment of his life,
using three metaphors for himself, which he had used to describe real Christian
service in chapter 2; the soldier (see 2v3) “I have fought the good fight”; the
athlete (see 2v5) “I have finished
the course;” the steward (2v2) “I have
kept the faith.” Paul would not ask
anyone to do what he had not done himself.
What a wonderful thing to come to the end of life with such fulfilment
and achievement. He now goes to his
reward which he describes as “a crown of
righteousness.” He enters death with a
sense of victory knowing that the Lord, the righteous judge, shall reward him
according to his works. He adds a
beautiful incentive for all of us when he says
“not to me only but unto all them also that love his appearing.” This crown can be the eternal possession of
everyone who orders their life in the light of his coming again. Am I in the group that loves His appearing,
who are living on the tip toe of expectation of His glorious return?
Verses 9 – 22 Paul’s final appeal to Timothy.
The
section begins and ends with a heart warming appeal to Timothy to come as soon
as he can. Verse 9 – “Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me;” verse
21 “Do thy diligence to come before
winter.” Paul is feeling lonely, not only because he is facing martyrdom but
because his work is finished and the whole scene is changing. The lot of the servant of God can be a lonely
one, even in the midst of a crowd. In
this he was like his Lord, who was said to be “like a sparrow on the housetop”
and “a pelican in the wilderness.” This
sense of utter loneliness, humanly speaking, pervades this final section; “come shortly to me”, “Demas hath forsaken
me”, “only Luke is with me”, “no man stood with me”, “all forsook me”, “come
before winter.”
Demas It was possibly the defection of Demas which
accentuated this feeling of frustration and disappointment resulting in his
loneliness. Demas had been with Paul in
the first imprisonment in Rome (Colossians 4v14). In Philemon v24 Paul called him his “fellow
worker” among four at that time (the other three being Mark, Aristarchus, and
Luke.) It is clear that Paul did not
serve with just anybody and had shown a tendency to be choosey in his companion
workers. The word “fellow” suggests a
very close relationship, that Demas was a close confidant. This made his sudden defection all the more
painful; The word “forsaken” means
abandoned, unexpectedly, and suddenly, literally “left in the lurch”. This is all the more cruel in the
circumstances. Paul assessed the reason
was “love for the present age”. This is
not to be construed as apostasy and the words are very carefully chosen. The
word “age” (aion) refers to the time period and the context is the contrast
between those who “love His appearing” (the future age) in verse 8 and Demas
who “loved the present age” in verse 10.
In 1st John 1v15-16, a different word for world is used
(kosmos) the ordered arrangement of the material universe, but, in the context
of John’s epistle, the world in rebellion against God. There John defines the world in terms of fame
/fortune/flesh, and those who love that world are clearly not saved. This is different and Demas has chosen an
easier pathway in this time, taking his eye off the next life. This is a challenge to all of us, do we love
His appearing, or do we love the present age?
Crescens and Titus There
is no suggestion that their departure to other places was other than to further
the work of the Lord. Paul did not
control the movements of all.
Luke He
says “only Luke is with me...” the beloved physician who joined him in
the work at Troas, as recorded in Acts 16, and who remained with him to the
very end. Only eternity will reveal the
debt that Paul and all of us owe to this great man whom God used to pen the two
largest documents in the new testament.
Mark This
is a remarkable statement, Paul, finally recognising the value of John Mark who
left the mission at Cyprus, perhaps not ready for the rigours of missionary
work. Paul had refused to take him on
the second mission, but now Mark has proved himself at the last. We must take a few lessons from this. God is the God of restoration; Paul persevered with one who had let him
down; Mark recovered well and retraced
his steps to the great apostle, such grace toward the man who had put him down. This wonderful recovery of Mark is in sharp
contrast to Demas. Demas started well
but finished badly, Mark started badly and finished well. Paul started well and finished better, and
there are examples of all such throughout scripture. How will my life finish in the time I am
given?
Tychicus Paul sent him to Ephesus. He had been there before; mentioned 5 times
in scripture...here/Acts 20v4/Ephesians 6v21/Colossians 4v7/Titus 3v12. His profile is of a man with a shepherd heart
whom Paul recognised as “a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord
and a fellowservant”. His particular
ministry was “to know the state” of the saints, and “to comfort their hearts”. He was
a people person and compassionate and Paul must have thought he was just
the man needed at Ephesus. Such people
are needed today.
Carpus Mentioned only here, his name means “fruitful”, and
had hosted Paul at Troas. Paul had left
his possessions with him, possibly because he was summoned to Rome for a second
hearing and the arrest was typically brutal and uncompromising. Writing from the dungeon in Rome where he
was cold, he asked for the cloak to keep him warm, and for the books (secular
writings) and parchments (the scripture manuscripts) for his soul.
Alexander the coppersmith If he is the same Alexander as mentioned elsewhere in
scripture he was a Jew who followed Paul to oppose him; he was a prominent business man who had the
confidence of the Jewish community in Ephesus (Acts 19vv33-34); he may have been the Alexander of 1st
Timothy 1v19, who had overthrown the faith, and whom Paul had excommunicated
from the church He, possibly, became
instrumental in Paul’s arrest out of a vendetta against Paul, using his high
profile to influence Rome. Paul leaves him
to the Lord, the righteous judge who will right every wrong. Paul warns Timothy to be wary of this man
who has “greatly withstood our words”.
In his opposition to God’s word the devil used deception, and also full bodied
confrontation, and this is another example.
All forsook me At the time of his first defence during the hearing
before the Roman judiciary, those who were his friends in Rome and, from whom
he had a right to expect support, did not stand with him. He does not judge ,rather prays God it may
not go against them in the day of reward.
Nevertheless the Lord stood with him and strengthened him. It would appear that Paul did not focus on
his own defence, but took the opportunity to preach the gospel before the court,
consisting of the Emperor himself, twenty judicial assessors of high rank, some
senators and members of the public with the usual courtiers and military
personnel (all this according to the historians). Paul’s desire was to proclaim the gospel
fully in the seat of world power, and he was given strength from above. “Delivered from the mouth of the lion” is an
idea from Daniel’s prophecy; it may
refer to Nero the Emperor, it maybe deliverance from the favoured method of
execution; or it may be from Satan who
would tempt him to resist preaching, opting for self preservation. In all possible ways he was delivered, and
he gave his usual doxology of praise to the One whose kingdom he serves, and
who will be glorified for ever.
Prisca and Aquila and the household
of Onesiphorus He says “salute” them; he is to embrace them, literally to “enfold
in the arms”. They were very special to
Paul, he held them in high regard. This
faithful couple, honoured in holy scripture, were a delight to Paul. Jewish Christians expelled from Rome by
Claudius Caesar, they met Paul at Corinth and engaged in the same trade as well
as the work of the gospel. They
travelled to Ephesus with Paul after 18 months, where they remained serving the
Lord and His people for the rest of their lives. They were wise enough in doctrine to gently
correct Apollos and their home was used as a gathering place for the saints....”the
church which is in their house”. The
household of Onesiphorus supported Paul at Ephesus and also at Rome, this
family were very dear to Paul.
Erastus He abode at Corinth;
appears three times in scripture, a companion of Paul, one of his
converts at Corinth. He was a high
ranking individual, being the treasurer of the city, evidence that the gospel
touched all strata’s of society. He
accompanied Timothy into Macedonia on a mission (Acts 19v22).
Trophimus He was one of eight brethren who travelled with Paul
on his third missionary journey;
according to Acts 21v29 he was the innocent cause of the uproar in Jerusalem,
and therefore of Paul’s imprisonment.
He may have been “the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout
all the churches” of 2nd Corinthians 8 vv18-19, and “not only that but who was
also chosen by the churches to travel with us.” A faithful brother but Paul left him sick
at Miletus, a possible indication that the gift of healing was on the wane.
Greetings from....Eubulus, and Pudens,
and Linus, and Claudia and all the brethren Nothing is known of these names, save they were brethren, and on good terms with Paul
such that he can name them in greetings to Timothy. There was a warmth among the brethren in
these days which is ofttimes absent in the present days of sectarian thinking
and competitive spirit.
The Lord Jesus Christ The chapter begins and ends with the full title that
Paul uses over 100 times in his writings.
He says “the Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit grace be with you.” He commends him to the One who is the
righteous judge who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his
kingdom, and who will rightly judge the rewards of all the faithful saints who
live for that future time to come. In
days of decline, in days of trouble, in days of treachery and disappointment,
we all need the Lord Jesus Christ to be with our spirit and that will require
all the grace that He can provide us.
,
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