2 Timothy 4 reminds me of the moment after the training wheels are removed. Running behind the bicycle, reminding my son to keep pedaling just before releasing my hand from the seat. I fear all the dangers ahead, but I know I cannot run behind him forever. Today’s lesson is about letting go. Paul is concluding his final letter. He knows Timothy must continue on without him. He wants to warn the young pastor about every obstacle ahead with a gentle shove. Paul begins with a solemn confirmation. “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus… I give you this charge: Preach the word”. Those three words should be at the top of every sermon. Lives are made new, and the condemned are set free by the Word of God and the power of His Spirit. Paul continues, “be prepared in season and out of season”. Prepared to “correct, rebuke and encourage”. We need to learn how to turn, where to brake, and when to pedal harder to make it uphill. A pastor must have a clear understanding of the whole Bible. Wisdom helps us anticipate change. And Paul adds, a pastor must teach “with great patience and careful instruction”. He must allow God to do the work in each person’s heart. His responsibility is to faithfully teach and patiently extend grace. Paul includes a warning to avoid the trap of popularity. Craving approval can lead to saying “what their itching ears want to hear”. Unsteady new believers can quickly become over-confident. That’s why diligently teaching reverence for Christ and responsibility to others helps us remain accountable.
Paul adds, “keep your head in all situations”. Bible students should be less prone to panic and overreaction. Solomon reminds us that “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes1:9). In times of great uncertainty, a pastor should “endure hardship” and “do the work of an evangelist”. He should be among his people, sharing in their burdens, and always point to the hope we have in Christ. A pastor should lead by example with integrity. Paul says to “discharge all the duties of your ministry”. Those include financial direction, administrative organization, and providing vision. Are you faithful with God’s resources?
We hear the emotion as Paul writes his final words. “I am already being poured out like a drink offering… the time for my departure is near.” There is no hint of regret. He seems satisfied he has done all he was called to do. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith”. He is ready to let go of this life, and step into eternity. “There is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me”. He is clear that the reward is not for him alone, but that a crown awaits “all who have longed for His appearing”. He is ready to stop running. Every pastor is subject to the frailties of the flesh. We tend to put our mentors on a pedestal, and forget they too can doubt, get angry, and feel betrayal. He adds, “Do your best to come to me quickly”, noting that he has been abandoned. “Only Luke is with me.” He asks Timothy to “Bring Mark… because he is helpful to me in my ministry”. We can now picture elderly Paul with the few things that provide comfort, “bring the cloak… and my scrolls, especially the parchments”. Perhaps looking at his scars, he fears for Timothy. “Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm… be on your guard against him”. Paul recalls lonely times, “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength”. He is confident that “the message” was “fully proclaimed” to “all the Gentiles”. Through it all, the Lord rescued him, “To Him be glory for ever and ever”. And he closes with a short prayer; “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you”. Fear can make us hold on too long. My friend, do you have enough faith to push forward?