The dungeon was dark and damp. Rodents raced across the floor and fleas gnawed at the flesh. The smell of sweat and urine hung heavy in the air. The sound of men cursing and crying reverberated off the stone walls. Soon, there would be other sounds—iron soled boots echoing as soldiers marched down the corridor, the clanging of a key turning a lock, the squealing of a heavy iron door swinging on rusty hinges, and the brusk command, “Come with me.” The old preacher would have his head laid on the chopping block, the sharp sword of the executioner would fall—head one way, body another, soul another—and Paul, the Apostle would be set free from this sinful world and be welcomed into glory.
Knowing his time was short, he penned these final words in Timothy 4. He calls us to, “Look up!”
He delivers A CHARGE TO THE LEADERS (v.1-5). John Maxwell says, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.” The elders of the church have an awesome responsibility to be led of God and to lead the church accordingly. The church need to hold them accountable. Here is God’s directive.
First, exalt the Master (v.1). Men who currently lead the church—along with others who may hear God’s call to Gospel ministry—have a duty to the members, but the ultimate reckoning is to God. It is a charge that is solemn and sobering. You will answer to God, and stand before Christ Jesus in judgment. The work elders do is of eternal significance. Therefore, theirs will be the stricter scrutiny. It is about God’s kingdom and not building yours! How is it built?
Second, as elders expound the message (v.2-4). There are many tasks for the elders, but the high calling is to preach the Word.
Recall in Acts, how deacon ministry began because the preachers said, “we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word” (6:4). The pastors must not let church activity crowd out spiritual preparation in preparing to speak for God by first hearing from Him.
Then, he must stand with a Bible in their hand and speak with the authority of heaven at their back. We live in a day, when congregations increasingly demand for preachers to tickle their ears by telling them what they want to hear. Never let that happen in your church!
Third, we must exhibit the ministry (v.5). Beyond what your lips say is what your life shows. The character of the elder is to be one of moral purity as they exercise self-control. The commitment of the elder is to be one of endurance and effort. He is to have a heart for souls. His ministry is Gospel-driven and his message is Gospel-centered. The elders are not the exclusive soul-winners, but are to be exemplary soul-winners.
From a charge to the elders, Paul testifies of A COMMITMENT TO THE LAST (v.6-8). The Apostle’s commitment will be to the finish, sealed by his own blood. Here is his swan song—Paul’s last will and testament.
He offers reflections on the past (v.7). 3 times, he reflects, “I have.”
Paul speaks as the soldier when he says, “I have fought the good fight.” He has taken many a wound in his war with the world, the flesh, and the devil. He has faithfully worn the whole armor of God and wielded the sword of the Spirit—the Word of God. Now, he will lay his armor aside and head for home. The battle is over and victory has been won!
Paul speaks as a sportsman when he claims, “I have finished the race.” It has been a marathon—a grueling race of endurance with many hurdles to clear, but now the finish line is in sight and he is sprinting to the tape. The race is over and victory has been won!
Paul speaks as a steward when he asserts, “I have kept the faith.” In the New Testament world, a steward was a household slave entrusted with his master’s possessions. He was to manage them and invest them wisely, caring for the household. Paul had been entrusted with the faith—the body of Christian truth (cf.1:11-14). The work is over and the reward has been won!
God help us to have this testimony in the end. Please pray for me to finish well!
The reflections on the past, are linked to readiness in the present (v.6). Paul’s mind runs to his Jewish roots for an illustration—the pouring out of a drink offering on the altar as an act of worship. His entire ministry had been a pouring out of his life for Jesus, the church, and lost humanity.
The time for his departure from this world is close and he is not dreading it, but delighted by it! Departure is a nautical term for boarding the ship, raising the anchor, and setting sail. Paul was boarding the Old Ship of Zion for a voyage to golden shores!
This will end in rejoicing in the prospects (v.8). If we bear the cross, we will gain the crown! Notice the reward is reserved for “that Day”—the appearing of Jesus the second time. You don’t get the reward when you die, or you will get short-changed. Our influence lives on! Only when time is no more will the final results be in and full reward be given. Not just for Paul, not just for preachers, but “to all those who have loved his appearing.” Do you love His appearing? Are you looking up? Looking for Jesus? Living with expectancy and urgency? Those who are most heavenly minded do the most earthly good. Look up! Live for eternity!
The Apostle concludes his life and letter with A CHALLENGE TO THE LAITY (v.9-22). I commenced this message with a charge to the leaders, and now I want to conclude with a challenge to the members.
Stand faithful with your leaders (v.9-15). I am unworthy of the accolades heaped on me at times. Church members I have pastored have been so gracious and generous to us. I am what I am by the grace of God. To Him be all glory and praise!
But, I will tell you that with all the joys of ministry, there have been many sorrows over the years. Paul’s words here are heartbreaking. There were many who abandoned him and others who abused him. I thank God for those who have walked the aisle to join the church, but I have grieved over those who have walked out the door to leave the church. Each is a small cut, and you bleed a slow torture each time. Others like Alexander the coppersmith do great harm—and oppose the Lord’s word. I have faced such sometimes in ministry. Don’t be one of those!
Stand faithful and stay focused on your Lord (v.16-18). The ultimate focus of Paul was not the men who deserted him, but the Lord who stood with him. He lived for another world—a pilgrim on a journey to the heavenly kingdom. His focus was on the glory of God. Look up!
O soul are you weary and troubled
No light in the darkness you see
There's light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace
Believe him and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect salvation to tell
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace
Even as you look to Jesus, seek fellowship in Christian love (v.19-22). Having a focus on Christ does not negate having fellowship with Christians. The church is His body. I heard of a child i bed, when a thunderstorm broke. He was terrified by the flashing lighting and booming thunder. The lad called for his parents. Dad reminded him, “Go back to sleep. The Lord is with you.” He answered, “I know, but right now I need somebody with skin on them!” So did Paul!
There is urgency—“come before winter.” He wanted his cloak and his Scriptures (v.13)—the cloak to warm his skin and Word to warm his soul!
Today I near 48 years of preaching. On August 8, I announced my call in 1976 at Oakley Baptist Church. I would preach my first sermon a week later, August 15 at Victory Baptist Church. A teenage girl came to Christ that day as I offered the Gospel invitation. Many men and women, boys and girls, have followed in the decades of preaching—to God be the glory!
So, dear reader, consider the condition of your soul. If you are not saved, then I beg you, “Come to Jesus! Give your life to Him! He will forgive you. He will save you. Do it now!”
I cannot guarantee I will ever offer you this invitation again. I cannot assure you that you will ever have another opportunity at all. You may be called out to meet God before this day ends! Please, please come to Jesus today! Look up to Him and be saved!
To those who belong to Jesus, I ask, “Will you be able to truthfully say at the end of your life—I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith?” For the elders, I charge you before God as Paul did. To the members, I challenge you as Paul did. Will you stand faithful to your leaders? Will you stay focused on your Lord? Will you seek fellowship in love?
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