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Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.
Paul ends this letter with a weighty, end-times charge. Timothy’s ministry happens “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,” the coming Judge of all, and under the certainty of Christ’s appearing and kingdom (v. 1). Because of that reality, Timothy must preach the Word — ready when it’s welcome and when it’s not — using Scripture to correct, confront, and encourage with steady patience and careful teaching (v. 2). Paul knows what’s coming (and already happening): many won’t tolerate sound doctrine. Instead, they’ll chase teachers who tell them what they want to hear, swapping truth for myths because their desires are driving the steering wheel (vv. 3–4). So Timothy must stay clear-minded, endure suffering, keep doing gospel work, and finish what God has given him to do (v. 5).
Then Paul explains why the urgency is so intense: he is near the end. He speaks of his life like an offering being poured out, and he says plainly that his “departure” is at hand (v. 6). Looking back, Paul isn’t boasting — he’s testifying to God’s sustaining grace: he fought the good fight, finished the race, and guarded the faith entrusted to him (v. 7; cf. 1:14). Looking ahead, he expects the “crown of righteousness” from the Lord, the righteous Judge — not only for himself, but for all believers who love and long for Christ’s appearing (4:8). In other words: perseverance isn’t for “super-Christians”; it’s what Christ produces in His people as they keep their eyes on His coming kingdom (v. 8).
The final section turns personal, but the themes keep echoing. Paul asks Timothy to come soon, and he names the pain of desertion (Demas loving this present world), the scattering of coworkers to ministry fields, and the comfort of faithful companions like Luke (vv. 9–11). He asks for Mark — proof that past failure doesn’t have to be the final chapter when grace restores (v. 11). Even facing opposition and legal danger, Paul entrusts justice to the Lord (vv. 14–15). And though people abandoned him at his first defense, the Lord did not: Christ stood by him, strengthened him, and kept the gospel moving forward (vv. 16–17). Paul’s confidence is settled: whether by life or by death, the Lord will bring him safely into His heavenly kingdom — so Paul ends where every weary servant needs to end: with worship and grace (vv. 18, 22).
🌀 Reflection:
Where are you most tempted right now to “soften” truth to keep peace — or, on the other side, to speak truth without patience — and how does Paul’s charge call you back to both courage and gentleness (vv. 2–5)?
💬 Mission Challenge:
Pray for one specific person who seems to be drifting toward “itching ears,” then reach out with a kind, non-combative invitation: offer to read a short passage of Scripture together and ask, “What does this show us about Jesus, and what would it look like to obey it?” (vv. 2–4).
Click here to continue reading in our NT260 plan with Phase 3 — Persevering in the Last Day.
Just Keith Harris 
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