The Pastoral Epistles: 2 Timothy 4 (5)

Pray Psalm 57.11.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
Let Your glory be above all the earth.

Read and meditate on 2 Timothy 4.9-15.

Reflect.
1. Paul involved many different people with him in his work. Why?

2. Even though he was in prison, Paul wasn’t done yet. How can you see that? 

Meditate.
Paul understood the importance of having a team of men to help him in his ministry. Just as Jesus did, Paul brought men into his work, taught them the Word and helped them grow in Christ, and gave them work to do within his ministry. In this way, he ensured a legacy of leadership for the days after his life was over.

At the time of this writing, Paul is alone, except for Luke. Demas had quit the work for now, and had become enmeshed in worldly desires. Others trailed off in their own directions or were sent by Paul to continue the work somewhere else. It’s interesting to see that Paul asks Timothy to bring Mark to him, since he would be useful. Paul didn’t always feel that way (Acts 15.36-41). Evidently, the time Barnabas invested in Mark did the job, and now Paul knew he could rely on him.

Paul wants to keep reading and studying, “especially the parchments” – probably a reference to books of the Old Testament. There is always more to learn and more to do in serving the Lord, regardless of the physical constraints that may be upon us.

Paul warns Timothy against Alexander the coppersmith. Paul had some negative encounters with this man, and he did not want Timothy to have to go through the same.

Team ministry is always more effective than loan-wolfing. But you have to work at this, and even then, there’s no guarantee that all the men you invest in will keep the faith and finish their course with honor.

Reflect.
1. How could Demas have walked away from ministering with Paul? Are we susceptible to that kind of snare? How can we avoid falling into it?

2. Why is it important to be always learning and always serving, no matter our physical constraints?

3. How can you tell when someone is resisting the Word of God? Why must we be careful around such people?

What had he to do with books, who was about to depart and go to God? He needed them much, that he might deposit them in the hands of the faithful, who would retain them in place of his own teaching. John Chrysostom (344-407), Homilies on 2 Timothy 10

In my Personal Mission Field, Lord, whom can I encourage in their walk with You today? Help me to…

Pray Psalm 57.1-3, 9-11.
Praise God for the Christian friends who encourage, support, and pray for you.

Sing Psalm 57.1-3, 9-11.
Psalm 57.1-3 (Faben: Praise the Lord, Ye Heavens Adore Him).
Lord, be gracious, gracious to me, for my soul retreats in You.
In Your shadow keep me safely till the storms of life are through.
I will cry to You, the Most High; You do all things well for me.
You will save me when I thus cry, routing all who threaten me.

Praise and thanks among the nations I will sing with all my might!
For Your truth and love are stationed far above the highest height!
Be exalted o’er the heavens, let Your glory fill the earth!
To Your Name all praise be given, let all men proclaim Your worth!

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006). All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).