Paul's Final Assurance To Timothy (Sermonette) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. I Fought a Good Fight

2. I Finished My Course

3. I Fulfilled (Kept) the Faith

Introductory Remarks.

1. In our lesson today, we are going to be discussing the theme: "Paul's Final Assurances to Timothy." The apostle is now in a cold, wet, and dark dungeon in Rome. He appeals to Timothy first! Vs. 1-5.

2. First, we will describe his initial assurance, "I fought a good fight." He assured Timothy that he had fought honorably, lawfully, and run faithfully the "race set before him," Hebrews 12:1-2.

3. Second, we will discuss his next assurance, "I finished my course." Here, Paul speaks of his faithfulness to remain in the work of Christ and finish the work he was called to do as an apostle. To the Ephesian elders, he said: "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there," Acts 20:22-24.

4. Lastly, we will investigate his final assurance, "I fulfilled the faith." He wrote: "I kept the faith." He affirms that he abided in the teaching of Christ. He confirmed and defended the gospel. He wrote the Philippians, "I have you in my heart; since both in my bonds, and, in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my grace," Philippians 1:7. Let’s consider point one.

BODY OF LESSON

I - I FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT

A. Paul began his "I have's" with: "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand," 2 Timothy 4:5. This verse sets forth his confidence in his life and service for Christ. We must review this verse carefully. Observe—

1. First, "I am now ready." Let's consider the word "Ready," which means "prepared." It is a military word, meaning "readiness." Ready for what?

2. Further, to be offered, which means to pour out as a libation, i.e., to devote (one's life or blood, as a sacrifice) ("spend"):—(to be ready to) be offered. Paul refers to his willingness to be sacrificed for the cause of Christ. To be laid on an altar for a sacrifice! Like, Isaac, in Genesis 22! And Christ!

3. Finally, my departure is at hand. He escaped the ax in his first trial, but not his second!

a. The word "departure" means to lose, dissolution, death, or departure.

b. He uses it as a metaphor drawn from “loosing from a mooring: in preparation for setting sail from a foreign port, or to go to one's home port.” “I go home to be with the Lord,” Philippians 1:23-24.

c. My departure is "at hand." Here the word means to stand upon, i.e., to be present— assault, come (in, unto, upon), to be at hand (instant), present, to stand up and standby.

B. I have fought a good fight. That he has fought an honorable and lawful fight, in presenting the message of Christ, and running the "race set before him." No compromise, no surrender! He told Timothy, his son in the faith,

1. Fight the good fight. “Of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses,” 1 Timothy 6:12. Timothy’s imprisonment, Hebrews 13:23. Recall, I mentioned Paul’s suffering? We suffer gladly for good! 2 Timothy 2:12.

a. Paul was a great teacher. “Be you follower of me as I am of Christ,” 1 Corinthians 11:1. Jesus said: “Unto them (His apostles), My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me, and to finish His work,” John 4:34. To complete the Father’s work of redemption through Him! It was for this that he was born! To be the “Lamb of God” that taketh away the sin of the world, John 1:29. Isaiah 53!

b. Paul desired to finish his work. To the Elders of Ephesus, He said: “I go bound to Jerusalem...but the Holy Ghost witness…bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:17-32.

ILLUSTRATION: Prayer on the beach. Paul knelt with the elders and prayed, Acts 20:33-38.

2. We are in a fight. To the Hebrew saints he wrote: "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; Who for the joy," Hebrews 12:1-2.

NOTE: In a Fashion Show, it’s what You Have On; in this race, it's what you put off! Lay aside every weight and sin that will beset (hinder us), and run with patience the race before us, LOOKING unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith! Not all weights are sin, but they can become sin. In this race, put off “anger, bitterness, filthy language, do not lie to one another, stealing, slothfulness, procrastination, and put on the NEW MAN, who is created in righteousness and true holiness!”