Glenda Livingston Funeral

2 Timothy 4:6-8

PQ: What realities are present in this passage?

UW: Realities

The reality of time. (v. 6)

Each of us have limited time on this earth. Heb. 9:27 states that “it is appointed once for man to die...”

Benjamin Franklin said, “in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

Paul knew that his time was drawing near. He knew his days were numbered, and he knew his life was nearing its end.

The word departure in this verses connotes the idea of a ship getting ready to leave one harbor and head out for the next- it lifts its anchor and prepares to move on to the next destination.

Billy Graham said this about his home going, “Someday you will read or hear that Billy Graham is dead. Don’t you believe a word of it. I shall be more alive than I am now. I will just have changed my address. I will have gone into the presence of God.”

Mamaw realized that her days were numbered. She knew that she had limited time, and she made the most of it. She loved like each day was her last. She gave like she didn’t have another day to save for. She truly lived acknowledging that her time was limited. Towards the end of her life, she knew death was near as she communicated in different ways. However, today, we must realize that Mamaw, though she is no longer physically with us, she is more alive than ever. Her address has simply changed.

APPLICATION: Each of us must live realizing that our time is limited. We must make the most of it- not for us, but for God. Mamaw provided a great example.

The reality of faith. (v. 7)

Faith is key in life. Hebrews defines faith like this: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Heb. 11:1)

Paul wrote about his life and faith using two analogies: 1) the analogy of a fight (likely a military fight, but maybe an athletic battle); 2) the analogy of a race (obviously an athletic reference).

The two of these analogies add significant meaning to this verse and the reality that faith is key in life. The first analogy implies that life involves endurance and hardship- its not always easy. There are valleys. There are mountains. Life is full of trials. The second analogy implies that life is similar to a race: it involves, as mentioned above, endurance, perseverance, and commitment.

Thus, the analogies support that faith is key in life.

Mamaw was a lady of strong faith. It was evident in the way she lived, the way she loved, and the way she endured the hardships of life.

APPLICATION: We must be people of faith. Life is not always easy, but faith will see us through.

The reality of reward. (v. 8)

The final reality in this passage is the reality of the reward that waits those who endure and keep the faith until the end of the race.

Paul knew that this reward awaited him, and he knew that because of his faith and endurance, Jesus was going to clothe him in righteousness.

Mamaw, because of her faith and endurance, has been given a crown of righteousness. Her faith has now been made sight. She has been made whole. She has received her reward.

APPLICATION: Notice, though, how Paul concludes this verse: “and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” Thus, the reward is available to all who keep faith and endure- to those whose lives glorify God and their lives communicate a love for the Lord and a longing to be with Him.

CONCLUSION:

Today, we celebrate the life of Mamaw, Glenda Lou Livingston- one of the greatest women I have ever known. However, I believe that she was who she was not because she wanted all of the glory and attention, but rather because she wanted others to be impacted by God’s presence in her life. Today, let us celebrate her example, life, and legacy by not only reflecting on her, but committing to grow in Christ because of her. Let us honor her by seeking to live for God as she did!