Finishing Well

Introduction:

Last week we learned that as a living sacrifice of Jesus Christ, Paul now was ready to be poured out as a drink offering...ready to depart this world as a moored ship is untied and allowed to set sail on its final journey.

As we come to the close of 2 Timothy, Paul, in his closing words to his young protege, emphasizes the present and past realities of the context in which he, and now Timothy was, is, and will be called to serve. Paul wants Timothy to understand that as he entrusts the sacred trust of the Gospel to faithful men who are to use, protect, and pass it on to others, he will do so in the context of deserters and dissenters on the inside who began well but did not finish. Then on the outside, there are those who will seek to harm him greatly, opposing him at every step.

But, in all of this, there is always hope…hope that transcends human effort and ability…hope that will enable him to finish well.

Text: 2 Timothy 4:9-22

Main Idea: Because we are called to serve in a world where evil opposition abounds, we must realize that in order to finish well, we must rely on the Lord's presence and strength.

Paul begins with an urgent request of Timothy…to visit him soon. This is the backdrop of the following verses, as the coordinated conjunction for, prepares us for Paul’s feeling of loneliness, or possibly his expression for need of more workers with him as he transitions out of this world.

We get a little insight into Paul’s personal struggles as a result of the reality of ministering in a fallen world

This portion might be thought of as preparing for Timothy’s visit.

1. Discouragement in Finishing Well (vv. 10, 14-16)

a) From former workers who abandon the work (v. 10)

Demas seemed to be a faithful worker with Paul in the ministry

Philemon 24 ESV

24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

Colossians 4:14 ESV

14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas.

It appears that Demas at one time had ben Paul’s assistant in ministry.

The verb used for deserted, indicates not just leaving, but leaving him in a lurch, abandoning or forsaking him.

Why did he abandon Paul? Because he fell in love with this present world.

He exchanged the permanent for the temporary; the eternal, for the transient.

Was Demas a true believer?

1 John 2:15–17 ESV

15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

1 John 2:19 ESV

19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might become plain that they all are not of us.

b) From evil men who oppose the message we bring (vv. 14-15)

Alexander the coppersmith - strongly opposed the message.

This may have been the same Alexander mentioned in 1 Timothy

1 Timothy 1:20 ESV

20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

c) From close associates that abandon you in your time of need (v. 16)

first defense - Paul’s preliminary hearing before Caesar during his second imprisonment

May it not be charged against them - In his extension of forgiveness to those who abandoned him, Paul is following the teaching and model of Jesus (Luke 23:34); the practice of Stephen (Acts 7:60), and his own teaching (1 Cor 13:5).

Ultimately, if we are depending on people for encouragement in ministry, at some point they may fail you, and find it convenient to be away when you most need them.

2. Encouragement in Finishing Well (vv. 11-13)

a) Through close associates who continue in ministry and ministry support against all odds (v. 11-12)

Some of the men were on task but not with Paul

Crescens to Galatia (v. 10) - mentioned no where else in the New Testament, but apparently a coworker

Titus to Dalmatia (v. 10) - another close associate of Paul’s, and pastor of the church in Crete…Paul wrote an epistle to him also.

Some of the men were actually with Paul

Luke (v. 11) - the beloved physician mentioned in Colossians 4:14 & Philemon 1:24, who traveled with Paul throughout much of his second and third missionary journeys, and is the author of both the gospel of Luke, and the book of Acts.

Tychicus (v. 12) - A coworker of Paul mentioned in Acts 20:4; Eph 6:21; Col 4:7; Titus 3:12. It is believed that Tychicus was to take this letter to Timothy, and stay on as his replacement while Timothy visits Paul and carries out instructions for other ministries.

b) Through those who became useful, restored by God’s grace (v. 11)

Mark (v. 11)- a beautiful example of Christian forgiveness. John Mark’s desertion of Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13) had resulted in the dissolution of the partnership between Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:37–39). Later Mark regained Paul’s favor (Col. 4:10; Philem. 24). Now, at the end of his life, Paul wants to see him, “for he is very useful.”

c) Through personal study and correspondence (v. 13)

Paul asks for 3 things:

Cloak - A heavy coat that would be especially important in the winter (see v. 21)

Books - papyrus scrolls may have included writing materials, official documents, or Paul’s personal correspondence

Parchments - vellum sheets made of animal skins... it seems most likely that the parchments would have been books of some kind, quite possibly a copy of the OT in Greek.

Although Paul is expecting to die soon, he is still concerned about getting his “books [and] parchments,” so that he can continue to work for the sake of the gospel.

3. Hope Provided to Finish Well (vv. 17-21)

a) By the Lord’s presence and strength (v. 17)

the Lord stood by me and strengthened me - Paul had learned long ago that he could always depend upon the One who had commissioned him (2 Cor. 12:9, 10; Phil. 4:11–13)

2 Corinthians 12:9–10 ESV

9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Philippians 4:11–13 ESV

11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

The very presence of God provided for Paul the strength that he did not have.

so that - the purpose of the strength

through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it (v. 17a) - Paul, instead of thinking about his personal welfare, was concerned that the proclamation of the gospel went forth to the Gentiles!

I was rescued from the lion’s mouth (v. 17b) - meaning that until God was finished with Paul, He would continue to physically rescue him, even though it seemed impossible.

b) By the promise to be brought safely home (v. 18)

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. - ultimately, evil will not win or prevent us from reaching the heavenly shore!

c) By the presence of others who are finishing well (vv. 19-20)

Prisca and Aquila - “Prisca” is a shortened form of “Priscilla,” as it is spelled elsewhere in Acts and Paul’s letters. She and her husband Aquila had been friends of Paul from the time he first visited Corinth on his second missionary journey. They were Jews, and like Paul were tentmakers (Acts 18:2, 3). They had come to Corinth from Rome. Later they accompanied Paul to Ephesus (Acts 18:18, 19) and hosted a house church there for several years before returning to Rome (Rom. 16:3, 4; 1 Cor. 16:19). They had now apparently returned to Ephesus where Timothy was (1 Tim. 1:3)

household of Onesiphorus - A member of the church at Ephesus who distinguished himself through his loyalty to Paul.

Erastus - Presumably the same person as Corinth’s treasurer mentioned in Rom. 16:23.

Trophimus - A member of the church at Ephesus who accompanied Paul to Jerusalem at the close of his third missionary journey (Acts 20:4; 21:29)

Eubulus...Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers - These would be Christians in Rome, although none is mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. According to Roman Catholic tradition Linus succeeded Peter as bishop of Rome.

d) By the Grace granted for the task (v. 22)

Grace is not just saving grace, but also sanctifying grace for the journey.

Grace be with you. Here, the Greek word for “you” is plural (text note). Presumably Paul intended the letter to be read to the entire church (1 Tim. 6:21 note; Titus 3:15).