II Timothy 4:1-22
4:1-2 Here we receive inspirational directives from Paul on what to do with our lives and our faith:
- Preach The Word: in whichever manner is unique to you and your expression, display and spread your faith and everything it stands for. Not everybody is an official teacher yet we are all teachers in that our behavior influences others.
- Be Ready: Always be and do your best so that at any moment you would be able to stand up confidentially for what you have represented and done.
- Convince: Be convincing in that you are consistently sincere and passionate about your faith and values.
- Rebuke: Reject, oppose and deny injustice whenever you come into contact with it. Never allow it to continue unchecked, unchallenged by justice.
- Exhort: Emphatically encourage the souls around you to have hope, to have joy, to be purposeful and kind and courageous.
- Persevere: Be brave, be persistent, hold onto your patient hope. Trust in the love and wisdom of creation to guide you out of all suffering (with your permission, He will always help you).
- Teach: Literally for Timothy (who is a teacher of the faith) but it also applies to you. Let your behavior, your words, your thoughts, your relationships with others teach (by way of influence) the people around you.
4:3-4 In the previous chapter, Paul prophesied of a wayward condition of humanity. He continues here in explaining that as time goes on, in general, humanity will pull further away from this faith. Many religions today are full of hypocrisy (people who say one thing but do the opposite, and people who pretend to value compassion but really value material wealth).
4:5 Paul speaks to Timothy (and us) and implores us to be vigilant of the aforementioned, of humanity distancing itself from natural spirituality. Do good (compassionate) work and persevere against injustice.
4:6-7 Paul worked closely with God throughout his life and therefore was able to spiritually-recognized when the time approached for him to leave the earth. Certainly Paul had fought the good fight, working arduously against injustice in the name of faith. He finished the race, his time in this classroom grew to a close and he was to graduate. He kept the faith.
4:8 Paul explained that he was about to experience something that all of God's children will experience: a rejoining with Him in Spirit. A joyous unification after a job of teamwork with God well done. It is an experience which all those who have loved and developed their relationship with spirituality will experience.
4:9-13 Paul has some requests for Timothy's help. Before his departure, Paul has a few more things to set in place for this ministry of faith to continue to thrive.
4:14-15 Be vigilant of deceitful and crooked intentions. And certainly we know that we do indeed reap what we sow. What we produce is given back to us (and that should be utilized as a blessing).
4:16 Paul prays for forgiveness for the people who worked against his good works because Paul is compassionate and also humble. Paul knows that all happiness and success in his life was made possible through God's forgiveness of his transgressions.
4:17-18 Here is what our God will do:
- Stand With You: You will never be alone. You will never feel alone if you remember his presence and love and guidance in your life. Against any enemy and every tribulation He will stand firmly, boldly by your side at your defense.
- Strengthen You: He will fill you with the energy and ability to withstand every difficulty and difficult time. He will give you the tools and materials you need to thrive when something is working to demean or diminish you.
- Deliver You From Evil: He will guide you away from injustice and disparity if you reach out for His hand.
- Preserve You: He will help you to maintain and grow your faith, your happiness, your wisdom, the energy and life of your spirit.
4:19-21 Paul closes this epistle to Timothy, hoping for his timely help and updated Timothy on his condition. Paul prepares for his final few missions on earth before he rejoins God and with Timothy's help, will do so.
4:22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
