From: October 25, 2024
“Henceforth there is laid up 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 loved his appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8 ESV).
The apostle Paul wrote these words to Timothy from his imprisonment in Rome. This letter was probably his last, written before his martyrdom under the Roman emperor Nero. He wrote to encourage Timothy and to describe his confident expectation of the eternal life and reward that awaited him and all those who love the appearing of Jesus.
Paul often used the metaphor of an athlete competing in the games to describe the life of faith. As he closed his letter, he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (7). He had persevered and looked forward with anticipation to receiving the “crown of righteousness.”
There are two words for “crown” in the Greek, “diadema” (διάδημα) and “stephanos” (στέφανος). The first is a royal crown, symbolizing sovereign authority. The second is a victor’s crown or wreath symbolizing reward. It was this latter crown of which Paul spoke.
The crown of righteousness, however, is not earned through human effort but is a gift granted by Christ’s righteousness to all who place their faith in Him. Paul’s confidence in this reward reflects his anticipation of meeting Jesus, as well as his assurance that God will reward his faithful endurance.
Do you love Christ’s appearing? Do you look for His soon return? Are you looking to Jesus as you run life’s race in anticipation of crossing the finish line? For all who live in such a way will be awarded the crown of righteousness on that day.
PRAYER: Dear Father, help us to look to Jesus as we run life’s race. For He is the founder and perfecter of our faith, the forerunner who has already prepared the way for us. Help us to order up our days with our hearts and minds set on Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.
From: October 25, 2023
“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2 NLT).
Paul’s final charge to Timothy was “Preach the Word!” For he knew the many duties that beg a pastor’s attention. Pastors wear many hats, but preaching is job number one. And not just preaching anything, but preaching the Word of God. Not politics or philosophy, nor self-help tips, but Word proclaiming, Christ-centered, gospel preaching.
Pastors are to “be ready.” This means they are to prepare. To study and pray, so that they are always prepared to preach. They are to use every tool in an effective communcator’s toolbox to proclaim the Word which is able to lead people to salvation. Their preaching is to be “correcting” (using argumentation and persuasion to convince), “rebuking” (using illustrations and specific references to convict of sin), and “encouraging” (making application to people’s lives). And all this is to be done with great patience and a willingness to teach and explain.
Among all types of modern communication, preaching is unique. For it has the power to call people to repent and believe. Preaching is central to a pastor’s calling and to the gathered church’s worship. Do you support the preaching of the Word?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we love Your Word and we love to hear the preaching of Your Word. For it is like food to our souls. We pray this day for those who are called to preach that they would be anointed by the Spirit and fulfill their gospel calling. We pray that those who hear will be called to repentance and salvation. We pray for revival in our nation as You empower the preaching of Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: October 25, 2022
FULFILLING THE MINISTRY GOD HAS GIVEN YOU
As Paul faced the real possibility of execution for preaching the gospel, he gave final instructions to Timothy. He wanted Timothy to be unafraid of suffering and willing to work hard for the sake of the Good News. Like a captain issuing orders to one of his men, Paul charged Timothy to “fully carry out” his mission.
Notice Paul’s particular language. “Work” – make telling others the Good News about Jesus something you labor at, not just occasionally or accidentally, but with the awareness of one who has been employed by God to do so. “Fully carry out” – don’t balk in the final stretch, but run with all your might across the finish line. Jesus was obedient to “fully carry out” His ministry, even unto the cross.
This is our commission too. Finish well. Starting well is good, but finishing well is better. Are you working to fully carry out the ministry God has given to you?
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for saving us and calling us first to Yourself and then to others for the sake of the gospel. Forgive us when we lack zeal for the work You have given us. Fill us afresh with Your Spirit, so that we labor according to Your power and not our own. Lord, we want to fulfill the ministry You have given us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: October 25, 2017
What does it mean to be wise in your own eyes? It means that you think your know better than the Lord. Your “wisdom” is just as good as His or anyone else’s. Ironically, this is the worse kind of foolishness. For the truly wise man admits his limited knowledge and is always teachable. But the fool is a know-it-all that will not listen to counsel. Wisdom is more than knowledge. It is more than intellect. Wisdom is the knowledge and fear of God put into practice. The one who knows and fears the Lord accepts his own insufficient wisdom. The truly wise know that they don’t know all.
From: October 25, 2016
Paul wrote to Timothy that he should preach while the people were receptive, for a day would be coming when they would not “endure sound teaching.” In many cases, this time is already here. Many pulpits already pour out a feel good gospel that is no gospel at all. Yet, do not despair. There are still true preachers and there are still those ready to hear and obey. So preachers, keep preaching, “in season and out.” And hearers, keep supporting the preaching of the gospel that calls all to repentance and salvation in Christ Jesus.
From: October 25, 2015
Paul’s final charge to Timothy: “Preach the word!” Pastors wear many hats, but preaching is job number one. And not just preaching anything, but preaching the Word of God. Not politics or philosophy, nor self-help tips, but Word proclaiming, Christ-centered, gospel preaching. Pastors are to “be ready.” This means they are to prepare. To study and pray, so that they are always prepared to preach. They are to use every tool in an effective communcator’s toolbox to proclaim the Word which is able to lead people to salvation. Their preaching is to be “convincing” (using argumentation, persuasion), “rebuking” (correcting sin, illustration), and “exhorting” (application, calling out) and this with great patience and a willingness to teach and explain. Do you support the preaching of the Word?
From: October 25, 2014
Paul gave final instructions to Timothy as he faced the real possibility of execution for preaching the gospel. He wanted Timothy to be unafraid of suffering and willing to work hard for the sake of the Good News. Like a captain issuing orders to one of his men, Paul charged Timothy to “fully carry out” his mission. Notice Paul’s particular language. “Work” – make telling others the Good News about Jesus something you labor at, not just occasionally or accidentally, but with the awareness of one who has been employed by God to do so. “Fully carry out” – don’t balk in the final stretch, but run with all your might across the finish line. Jesus was obedient to “fully carry out” His ministry, even unto the cross. This is our commission too. Finish well. Starting well is good, but finishing well is most important. Are you willing to fully carry out the ministry God has given to you?