2 Timothy 4:1-3 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

·         Keep our hearts open to God’s loving correction

2 Timothy 4:4-5 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

·         Endure hardship with the purpose of faithful service to Jesus

2 Timothy 4:6-7 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.

·         Our goal shouldn’t be happiness and comfort but sharing God’s grace

2 Timothy 4:8-10 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. 9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens (Kress ens) has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

·         The World’s Slippery Slope: Tolerate to Accept to Participate to Celebrate

2 Timothy 4:11-14 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus (Tik I kuss) to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

John 15:18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first.

Romans 12:17-19 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord

·         We can give warnings, but judgment belongs to God

2 Timothy 4:16-18 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 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. 18 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.

·         When wronged:

·         Determine the reason and be open to learn from it

·         Draw your security, strength and healing from Jesus

·         Don’t attack back but forgive and turn it over to God

·         Look for how God can bring forth good from it

Romans 12:14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

2 Timothy 4:19-21 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus (on es if or us). 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus (TROH FIMM US) sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens (poo dens), Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.

·         Invest in godly relationships

2 Timothy 4:22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.

·         Let’s all be grateful for God’s Grace

·         Call 321.574.6970 if you have chosen to accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior.