Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction

 2 Timothy 4:1-22

 I give you this charge: Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 

They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 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.

At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Death is close to Paul. He can face it without fear: he has run the course and kept the faith. The Olympic victor's wreath, the sovereign's award 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 the last charge for Timothy: go on declaring God's message, 'press ti 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 the 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 and papers, and his thick cloak. He has only Luke's presence, and the faithful Christian in Rome, to warm his heart and the hope that Timothy and Mark will reach him in time.

Why?

Paul knew his life is close to end and encouraged Timothy to preach the gospel in season and out the season. 

Paul has finished the race, and he has kept the faith. It is truth and he is a good example to all Christians.

Our life is like race, all of us want the crown of life from the Lord.

Correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction, this is the mission to us, Christian.

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將來有危險的日子來到，他們都有敬虔的外貌，卻沒有真義，甚至抵擋真理。

1.勸勉提摩太專心傳道：無論得時不得時，無論人是否想聽的時候。不想聽還是要講，用百般忍耐教導、責備人。人必厭煩真理，想聽自己認為需要的，自己認為重要的部份。要付代價的也不想聽。預言就是虛無飄渺的話。純正的道理： 十字架的道理等人都不愛聽，我們不是要討人的喜歡。

2.提到公義冠冕，好像要對提摩太說再見。不僅為保羅存留，也為所有為主盡心盡力的基督徒保留的。我們曉得我們的目標是什麼?我們就知道現在該做什麼?

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How?

Follow the way of Paul and God's word to get the crown of life of the Lord at that day.