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Why is this happening to me?
2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, the time of my departure has come–Paul wrote in the knowledge
that his death was immanent–The language may suggests a
‘victorious departure’
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.–Paul summarized his ministry
and assessed it–Measured by ‘worldly’
standards his life may be seen as a failure–He viewed his life as a success
because he remained faithful
Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…–What remained for Paul to
experience was his commendation as a ‘good and faithful servant’ (cf. Matthew 25:21, 23)
–Paul looked forward in hope knowing that ‘life’ was greater than his immediate experience
…which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that Day–Paul could be confident in his
‘reward’ because of the character of the one who would judge him and his work–On that ‘day’ (of judgment)
Paul knew that he could trust the Lord
…and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.–Paul did not think he was
unique–He understood that all who
were faithful would be commended
…and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.–The term ‘appearing’ seems to
refer to both the 1st appearing (the Incarnation as in 1:10) and the eschatological appearing (cf. 4:1)
–To ‘love his appearing’ would be to love Christ and his kingdom
At my first defense no one came to stand by me…–Paul was left alone; none of his
associates ‘had his back’ (cf. 1:15)
May it not be charged against them!–Paul did not resent them or
hold a grudge–He pleaded for their
forgiveness (cf. Luke 23:24; Acts 7:60)
But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me,…–Paul could forgive because the
Lord stood with him–As he was forgiven, he forgave
…so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.–Paul’s persecution provided
the opportunity to proclaim the gospel (cf. 2:9-10)
–He interpreted his circumstances in light of the gospel and the kingdom
So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.–He had been rescued in the
past so that he could proclaim the gospel
The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.– In light of 4:6, this does not
mean he expected to be delivered from his impending death–This refers to his final
‘salvation’ and participation in God’s restored kingdom (eternal life)
To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.–God’s faithfulness and the
hope of eternal life resulted in a doxology
Why is this happening to me?
• Why is this happening to me?–Would we prefer it happened to
someone else?
• Why is this happening to me?–The need for the ‘bigger
picture’ perspective (cf. Genesis 50:20; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:3; 3:12; 4:5)
–Our response to difficulties can be a powerful testimony• Positively or negatively
Why is this happening to me?