1 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.4 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.
6 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. 8 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.
Apostle Paul had only one goal in his life, i.e. to gain the crown of righteousness from the Lord Jesus. He committed his life to Jesus and determined to finish it well as approved by Jesus, like fighting the good fight as a loyal soldier of Jesus, finishing the race as an marathon athlete, and keeping the faith as a good and faithful minister. Paul charged his mentoree Timothy to follow his model and to prepare himself and his works to face Jesus as the Lord will judge the living and the dead very soon. He exhorted Timothy to preach the words of God faithfully no matter it is in season or out of season. Faithfulness, courage, patience, gentleness, and wisdom are all required for a faithful servant particularly in the end times while people are moved away from the truth of God.
My Master Jesus, I totally rely on your strength and grace to keep me faithful to be like Paul and Timothy, that I can discharge the duties of being your servant. Draw me closer to Your love and presence daily that my spirit is always refreshed by Your Spirit. Help me focus my eyes on my Lord Jesus that I know that He is always beside me and also leading me at my front in order to fulfill His work as I faithfully adjust my life and obey His plan, not my plan.
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