2 Timothy 4:5-7
Introduction:
The Preparation for the Conclusion
Training for people in marathons.
So, the Apostle Paul writing to the young Timothy talks about two major pieces I’ll call the preparation for a Conclusion.
- The Preparation
- [But watch thou in all things] It is possible to be overtaken in a fault, to neglect one’s duty, and to lose one’s soul. Watching unto prayer prevents all these evils.
- [Endure afflictions] Let no sufferings affright thee, nor let the dread of them either cause thee to abandon the truth, or relax in thy zeal for the salvation of men.
- [Do the work of an evangelist] That is: Preach Christ crucified for the sins of the whole world; for this, and this alone, is doing the work of an evangelist, or preacher of the glad tidings of peace and salvation by Christ.
An angel from God was first sent to do the work of an evangelist, and how did he do it? ‘Behold said he, I bring you good tidings of great joy; Behold, I evangelize unto you great joy, which shall be to all people; to you is born a Savior’.
[Make full proof of thy ministry.] Push all thy principles to their utmost power of activity; carry them on to all their consequences; and try what God will do for thee, and by thee.
Neglect no part of thy sacred function;
perform faithfully all the duties of which it is composed, and do God’s work in his own way and in his own spirit.
2. The Conviction
2 Timothy 4:6 ‘As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. (NLT)
Application: The boldness and conviction of Paul is impressive.
Application: It is my goal to have this conviction when I am facing the end of my life and actually have this conviction every time, I wake up not knowing if that will ever happen again.
3. The Conclusion
Transition: What is the confidence/conviction that Paul has?
- Fought a Good Fight.
Application:
Philippians 12:3,
1 Corinthians 9:26, ‘Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; an I do not fight like a man beating the air’.b (NIV)
- Finished my Course.
Heb. 12:1-3, ‘Run with endurance the race that is set before us’.
- 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
- Philippians 2:16
- 2. Kept the Faith.
- Not weary in well doing
- Philippians 3:12
- Matthew 24:13
- Parable of Seed and Sower – Mark 4:1-14
Obstacles for endurance training?
- Bad nutrition (what are we listening to? Eating – spiritually,
- Inconsistency
- Injuries (hurts, pains, etc.)
- Not enough rest
Conclusion:

But The Greatest of These
1 Corinthians 13 Introduction: Valentines Weekend. There is nothing wrong with dinners, chocolates, cards or flowers. When it come to Love, there are all kinds of things uses and pointed to as objects or illustrations: • Books – Romeo & Juliet; Gone with the Wind, etc. • Music / Songs – ‘Endless Love’, Diana Ross…

Champions
1 Corinthians 1:25-26 Introduction: Superbowl Sunday. Champion – noun– a person who has defeated all opponents in a competition or series of competitions, so as to hold first place: the heavyweight boxing champion. Anything that takes first place in competition. One definition that I found that I like about what it means to be a…

Flood or The Blood
Psalm 32:1-7 Psalm 32:6, ‘Therefore, let all the godly pray to you while there is still time, that they may not drown in the floodwaters of judgment’. (Psa. 32:6 NLT) Introduction: Let’s look at a ‘communion text’ as we are contemplating the beauty of celebrating around the Lords Table. NKJ Psalm 32:1 <A Psalm of…

God In The House
NKJ – Psalm 127:1 <A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon.> Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the LORD guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. The Psalms of Ascent are a collection of psalms in the Bible, Psalms 120–134, that were sung by Jewish pilgrims…

But Others – When All Else Seems to Fail
Introduction: I started the year with Immanuel, God with us, then last week, ‘Getting Rid of Stuff’, and now I will spend the next two weeks to speak to you about the role of Faith in our lives. 11:1-2, ‘Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen: it gives us assurance…

Presence and Activity of Faith
Hebrews 11:1-2, 33-35 Introduction: I started the year with Immanuel, God with us, then last week, ‘Getting Rid of Stuff’, and now I will spend the next two weeks to speak to you about the role of Faith in our lives. 11:1-2, ‘Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen: it…

Getting Rid of Stuff
Introduction: ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by…

It’s All Good
Romans 8:31-39 Introduction: Last Sunday we gathered around this altar as we called on Immanuel. 8:31, ‘What can we say about such wonderful things as these? God works all things together for good—both His good and our good. As God is glorified, His people benefit. In Romans 8, Paul contrasts a life lived in selfish…

Christmas Presence
Matthew 1:18-24Introduction: Emmanuel – God with Us Jesus = ‘for he will save his people from their sins.’ List / describe some of the diverse people whom He saved: Application: What Jesus’ presence can do? Inner peace: Experiencing Jesus’ presence can bring a deep sense of calm and serenity even amidst turmoil. Healing power: Believers…