Untitled Sermon (3)

The Letters to Timothy and Titus C. The Final Charge to Timothy (4:1–8)

Paul provides a perspective on his apostolic ministry as a task coming to its conclusion.

The New International Greek Testament Commentary: The Pastoral Epistles Paul’s Final Testimony: 4:6–8

σπένδομαι** is used of the “pouring out of a drink offering” and here refers figuratively to what is happening to Paul.

The present tense here stresses that the process has begun, and the passive voice that God, not Rome, is still in control, despite appearances (the verb is always used in the passive in early Christian literature

a drink offering (v. 6)—In the Old Testament sacrificial system, this was the final offering that followed the burnt and grain offerings prescribed for the people of Israel (). Paul saw his coming death as his final offering to God in a life that had already been full of sacrifices to Him.

Mounce, William D. Pastoral Epistles. Vol. 46. Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2000. Print. Word Biblical Commentary.

He is encouraging Timothy in the face of persecution to be steadfast, just as he has remained true despite sufferings and has completed his tasks.

He is encouraging Timothy in the face of persecution to be steadfast, just as he has remained true despite sufferings and has completed his tasks.

a drink offering (v. 6)—In the Old Testament sacrificial system, this was the final offering that followed the burnt and grain offerings prescribed for the people of Israel (). Paul saw his coming death as his final offering to God in a life that had already been full of sacrifices to Him.

MacArthur, & 2 Timothy: Encouragement for Church Leaders. Nashville, TN: W Publishing Group, 2001. Print. MacArthur Bible Studies.

Hiebert says: “His whole life has been presented to God as a living sacrifice; now his death, comparable to the pouring out of the wine as the last act of the sacrificial ceremony, will complete the sacrifice.”

Hiebert says: “His whole life has been presented to God as a living sacrifice; now his death, comparable to the pouring out of the wine as the last act of the sacrificial ceremony, will complete the sacrifice.”

Exodus 29:38–42 KJV 1900

Now this is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar; two lambs of the first year day by day continually. The one lamb thou shalt offer in the morning; and the other lamb thou shalt offer at even: And with the one lamb a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil; and the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering. And the other lamb thou shalt offer at even, and shalt do thereto according to the meat offering of the morning, and according to the drink offering thereof, for a sweet savour, an offering made by fire unto the Lord. This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee.

Exodus 29:38-42

The picture is of the drink offering being poured out over the sacrifice. With in mind we can, say that his life has been a living sacrifice, and now his death, the pouring out of his blood as a martyr, is the drink offering, setting the final seal on the whole burnt offering. He was not only ready to be offered, but ready to suffer, and proud to die for his Master, the Lord Jesus Christ.

He is encouraging Timothy in the face of persecution to be steadfast, just as he has remained true despite sufferings and has completed his tasks.

Mounce, William D. Pastoral Epistles. Vol. 46. Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2000. Print. Word Biblical Commentary.

The Letters to Timothy and Titus C. The Final Charge to Timothy (4:1–8)

Urgency is a product of the time element of the implied event. This is created by signals given in both halves of the sentence.

The Pastoral Epistles: An Introduction and Commentary b. A Triumphal Confession (4:6–8)

In stating that he is already being poured out like a drink offering (RSV has ‘already on the point of being sacrificed’), Paul is repeating a figure of speech which he has used in Philippians 2:17, where the verb is found in a conditional clause, in which the apostle contemplates the possibility of his being condemned to death. Here the action is in progress.

In the offering is hypothetical, now it is actual. I am being offered.

Philippians 2:17

Philippians 2:17 KJV 1900

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

The New International Greek Testament Commentary: The Pastoral Epistles Paul’s Final Testimony: 4:6–8

The time of his departure ἐφέστηκεν. ἐφίστημι (Pl.* 3x: 1 Thes. 5:3; 2 Tim. 4:2), which means generally “stand by,” is used here in the perfect tense with the meaning “is imminent,” i.e., “is near at hand.” The imminence of Paul’s death is a poignant reason for his charge to Timothy.

The departure, the unloosing, is what the word literally means. It is a very interesteting word with at least 5 connotations, each of them explaning death to us.

It is a prisoners word - meaning his release. That would bring great comfort to Paul who was currently housed in a foul Roman dungeon. He is about to be loose. It also carries the thought that we are prisoners in these frail bodies will one day be set free.

It is a farmer’s word - signified the unyoking of oxen when it’s hard day of work is over. Paul had worked hard in his lfie, and now rest was coming

It is a warrior’s word - the army would camp, they would engage in warfare, and then they would unloose the cords, and the stakes that held the tent in place, and charch again to the last great conquest of the campaign.

It is a sailor’s word - It would be unsed for the “unmooring” of a ship that has been tied up to the doc, and which must now be put to sea again.

It is a philosopher’s word - the unravelling of a problem full of knots. The word has the idea of a philospher who finally figures out the problem that’s been plaguing him.

1 Corinthians 13:12 KJV 1900

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

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