Paul's Last Will and Testimony

2 Timothy is Paul’s last letter and the last words he was given by the Holy Spirit for the Church.

Date:  7 July 2019

Title: My Last Will and Testimony

Pastor Curt Lapham

Subject: Paul, Chrisitan Living, Ministry

Text:  2 Timothy Ch. 1-4

 

The Apostle Paul; 35 years have passed since his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus.  He writes his beloved ‘Son in the Faith’, one final letter, its been four years since his last letter to Timothy.  Paul knows very well this would be his last letter and represents his final will to encourage Timothy to fight on and serves as his last testimony of faith in his Lord Jesus Christ.  

 

POINT 1.  God EQUIPS us with POWER, LOVE, SELF-DISCIPLINE. 2 Timothy 1:6-8. 

 

 Here Paul is reminding Timothy that at times serving as a believer, especially true for those leading some type of ministry, it is going to be tough.  But God has gifted us with everything we will need to be successful in His assignments.  Timothy, was sometimes timid in the past and lacked confidence; but here Paul reminds him there is no need to rely on your own strength.  Paul continues a theme in verse 6, ‘Fan in to flame the gift of God.’  We are reminded by Paul that we must continue to exercise God’s gifts if they are to remain strong and viable; Physical and spiritual truth.

 

 POINT 2: Be a good SOLDIER for Christ.  2 Timothy 2:3-4

 

Paul uses three metaphors, a Soldier, a Athlete and a Farmer, that were so common in the lives of people back then that all people could relate to his main idea in Chapter 2.  

  • The Soldier: You will face a fierce enemy, it will be really hard at times and you will make due without. A good soldier, wants to serve his commander well and this will require you to keep focus on your mission; don’t get distracted.

  • The Athlete only wins when he follows the rules. England’s Women’s soccer team goal disallowed for being offside; didn’t follow the rules = victory for their opponent – Team USA! Paul main idea ‘Timothy you need to follow my teaching for both your personal life and how you lead the Church in Ephesus; if you’re going to have victory for the Lord.

  • the Farmer, baling hay is hard work with long hours, but if you’re faithful in the field, you should reap a good harvest. They speak to us just as well today don’t they.

 

Corrie Ten Boom – a Dutch Christian women, a watch maker; credited with saving over 800 Jews in WWII.   “Don’t bother to give God instructions; Just report for duty!” “Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.” Corrie ten Boom was released from Ravenbrok Womens Concentration Camp on 15 DEC 1944 due to a clerical error.  One week later all the women housed a Ravenbrok were sent to the gas chambers and executed.  This grace of God for sparing her impacted the rest of her life.  She is also famous for the 1970’s book and movie known as the Hiding Place.

 

 POINT 3.  Follow our FAITHFUL models. 2 Timothy 3:10-12.

 

Paul’s charge to Timothy – You know who I am, how I lived out my faith and what I’ve been through.  Follow my lead!  Paul tells Timothy, by God’s grace he had remained steadfast in the faith and effective in service.  Today, we may find difficulties and persecutions, in fact Paul states, in verse 12, “EVERYONE” who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will feel harassment.  But take courage, there are so many examples of men and women that trusted in Christ and finished their race well!

 

POINT 4: Crown of RIGHTEOUSNESS for the FAITHFUL.  2 TIMOTHY 4:6-8. 

 

There are five crowns mentioned in the Scriptures that we might receive when the Lord returns.  Paul is speaking here of the Crown of Righteousness; this is not just for him or only reserved for the Apostles – for everyone eagerly awaiting the Lord’s return.  So, what are the criteria to win this crown?  Fighting the good fight. Finish the Race of life. Maintain the faith. Looking for Christ’s return.  This last point was so on Paul’s heart and found throughout his writings that you could imagine Paul most mornings awaking and praying, “Today Lord? Will I see you today?”  Paul seems to have lived each day with such passion and devotion as though it was his last. 

 

POINT 5:  Remain on GUARD against the NOTORIOUS.  2 Timothy 4:14-15. 

 

This Alexander the coppersmith may be the same Alexander mentioned in two other places in Scripture, Acts 19:33 and 1 Timothy 1:20. During his travels through Asia, Paul encountered some Greeks who were opposed to his preaching because it was damaging their metal working business. Last week we learned of Demetrius a silversmith in Ephesus who made the silver shrines of Artemis.

Notably, Paul did not seek personal revenge; instead, he wisely turned the matter over to the justice of God, Proverbs 20:22 – “Don’t say, “I will get even for this wrong.” Wait for the Lord to handle the matter. Paul warns Timothy of the fact that Alexander the coppersmith had continued to damage the cause of Christ and had become a personal enemy. Paul is practical here in his advice.  Leave vengeance to the Lord but that doesn’t mean letting our guard down.  

 

Our Conclusions:   

Paul had Holy Spirit insights to share with Timothy of the tough row to hoe which was in store for Timothy.  In fact, we can read in Hebrews 13:23 that Timothy was imprisoned for his faith.  Paul knew well that to live one’s life for the sake of Christ is often hard and seems thankless.  His desire for Timothy was to be brave, remembering to continue in the things he had learned, drawing on the rich heritage of faith of those who had gone before him.

            Paul’s last words to us, with his execution any day, was full of confidence, “The Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom.”  His final statement is a recorded prayer for others, “May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.”