Dave's Diary

Daily Readings: 2 Timothy 3-4 and Psalm 7

The exhortations Paul gave Timothy in this letter are made all the more forceful and poignant by the fact that Paul wrote them on the verge of his own martyrdom. Paul knew that his own physical ministry was about to be ended by a Roman executioner, so he was particularly urgent in exhorting Timothy to continue the work of preaching the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: ² preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction … keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (4:1-2, 5)

Paul called the LORD Himself to witness the solemn charge he was committing to Timothy. He wanted Timothy always to remember that he was accountable to the Lord Himself for the fulfilment of his Gospel ministry of preaching, teaching and pastoring God’s people. And his great hope was that one day Timothy would be able to say in all honesty what Paul was presently able to write in good conscience: “⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.“

Life application: No matter what the ministry may be to which God has called you, do not give up! Instead keep getting up and showing up to serve His calling to the very best of your ability, in the sure and certain hope that he will sustain you for this ministry and one day you will also receive that “crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award” to you.