2 Timothy 4:16-18

Summary retelling of 2 Timothy 4:16-18

Paul tells Timothy that the first time he stood trial (presumably trial before the Roman Emperor) there was nobody to stand with him.  However, Paul asserts that God stood with him so that the message of God would be able to be proclaimed throughout the Gentiles.  Paul says that he was rescued from the lion’s mouth.  This time, Paul talks about being rescued from this world and being brought safely into God’s heavenly kingdom.  Then Paul gives glory to God.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul talks about the first time that he stood trial.  He was physically alone in his defense, but God was with him.  God gave Paul the strength to proclaim his beliefs even to the Roman Emperor and other people who didn’t really care to hear it.  Paul was released and allowed to continue on in his work.  Regardless of human friends and associates, we can never be alone.  God is always beside us.  He is always ready to give us strength.  He is always ready to help us do the task at hand.

How does it feel to know that you have the strength of God at your side?  How does it feel to know that regardless of the outcome God can be there to help you deal with it?  How does this part of the conversation tie in with our belief that God sends His Holy Spirit literally within us?

Second Thought:

As much as Paul was confident that his first trial would be a successful defense, this time he seems confident that it is his time to die for the sake of God.  However, look at how Paul thinks about death.  Death is not something to be feared.  Death is actually a form of rescue.  Death rescues us from this world and brings us into direct relationship with God in His heavenly kingdom.  Death is the doorway that we walk through to be with God.  Death is the event through which we pass that once it is over, we are confident about being in God’s presence forever.

Do you fear death?  Do you know people around you that fear death?  How can you tell that we as a society fears death?  What can this part of the conversation on 2 Timothy have to say to people who live while fearing death?

Third Thought:

Paul gives the glory to God.  He deserves the glory.  This statement displays an incredible amount of spiritual maturity.  Paul is in jail.  He’s anticipating a guilty verdict.  He’s anticipating death to come.  By all human standards, he should be waist deep in a self-pity party.  But he is not.  Paul is giving glory to God forever and ever.

Do you ever get into a pity party?  How can knowing Paul’s response here help us when we start to focus on ourselves the next time life seems to go against us?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Timothy 4:19-22

NOTE: I am looking for a new book to study when this one is finished.  Ideas welcome.  Leave ideas in comments, text me, or facebook me suggestions.