Thanks to Bill and Lydia for coming and bringing the children to the seniors home Tuesday night, and thank you Lydia for helping me lead the singing.
Here are some of the points I shared from 2 Tm 4:1-8.
1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
Very few preachers are teaching the Bible truths, such as the physical return of Christ, the resurrection and rapture of believers, the millennial reign of Christ. However, Paul believed them and preached them, as we see in this verse. (I quickly explained each point).
2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
This directive, though given to a preacher, is applicable to all believers. They need to be ready to share Christ at all times with other people at the home, since Christ is the only way to eternal life.
3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.
We are living at time when the vast majority of people reject the God of the Bible, and the message of the Bible.
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
Paul knew that his earthly life was coming to a close, so he was pouring it out as a drink offering. (I explained drink offering). They also need to be ready for either death or rapture.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
They need to fight the good fight of faith. By faith they need to lay hold of eternal life, and not be weary in trusting Christ, because they are close to home, and faith is the victory. Christ is trustworthy. He will not leave them if they are faithful.
8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.
There is a crown of righteousness to be gained by all those who love, and are looking forward to Christ's return. Ours is a real hope. Ours is a living hope.
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