Study From the Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy,5

    Study From the Second Epistle of Paul to Timothy, 5

Today is the final part of this series where we study chapter 4, and as usual we pick up a couple of biblical principles and lessons that can be useful in biblical counselling.

In this last chapter, the apostle Paul stresses to Timothy to preach the Word either in suitable time for him or unsuitable. Paul then points out that he is about to finish the race waiting to depart from this world but he is sure that he will receive the crown as he fought the good fight. Not only him to get the reward but all others who follow his step.

He then records that he was left alone in his fight, apart from Luke, as all deserted him. He did not blame those who left him because  God stood with him and  delivered him out from the mouth of the loin and still do that. Paul finishes his letter   by asking Timothy to come to see him before he departs as quickly as possible before winter and bring with him some books and a coat.

Structure:

Verse 1:5: preach the Word

Verse 6:8: Paul’s valedictory

Verse 9:16: the abandoned apostle

Verse 17:18: the Lord is faithful

Verse 19:21: come before winter

Verse 22: farewell

Principle7: verse 4:3 : “- For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itchy ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers.....”

Lesson 7: This verse sounds a great deal like our own age., doesn’t it? We live in a time of “designer doctrine,” when people pick and choose what to believe, based on their desires and preferences. But it is worthless pursuit.

Principle 8: verse 4:17: “-But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me...”

Lesson 8:  When everyone else abandons us, the Lord stands solidly at our side. When we feel absolutely spent, He gives us strength. When failure appears inevitable, He steps in and helps us to finish what He gave us to do.9/2/2020