2 Timothy 4:1-22
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when people will not put up with(容忍) sound doctrine.
Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness,which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
To the enemy: Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
Death is close for Paul. H can face it without fear: he has run the course and kept the faith. The Olympic victor's wreath, the sovereign's awards for faithful service is in prospect, not just for him but for all who have loved the Lord and long for his return.
He has a last charge for Timothy: go on declaring Gods message, 'press it home in season, out of season', come what may.
The time will come when people prefer to follow their own whims, choosing fable and legend in preference to truth.
Personal news is left until last. Paul's fellow missionaries - Titus, Tychicus, Trophimus - are all away. One is ill, and one has defected. At the first stage of his trial Paul;, like Jesus, stood alone. All his friends deserted him, and his enemies were not slow to make capital.
Now winter is coming and he wants his books ad papers, and his thick cloak. He has only Luke's presence, and the faithful Christians in Rome, to warm his heart - and the hope that Timothy and Mark will reach him in time.
The lion's mouth: This may just be a manner of speaking; or may refer to the lions in the arena, to Nero, or to Satan.
Why?
Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; For God want us to serve him in season and out of season, so we have to prepare ourselves. Preach the gospel in any time, because our time is limited.
People will not put up with sound doctrine. This is the situation of people in this world.
How?
Preach the word of God. Guard against those who against Jesus Christ.
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