2 Timothy 4:1-8 Questions 8-10

8. How would you summarize 4:1-8?

See the "as for you" (v.5) vs. "For I" (v.6). This suggests a transition. We could say,

"Preach the word as I have preached the word" "Keep the faith as I have kept the faith" 

"I'm done. Please carry on"

“Paul is passing on the baton to Timothy” 

9. Which reasons in 4:1-8 most motivate you to serve with joy and endurance?

There is an end-point for all of us, and a reward at the end. 

Paul had alluded to this in Ac 20:24 ("But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course(= race) and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.".) Now the course is finished. His life's purpose is accomplished.

The reward is 3 times described as a 'crown' in Scripture: 

• A crown of righteousness (v.8)
•  A crown of life (Js 1:12)
• A crown of glory (1 Pet 5:4) 

 This is likely a reference to the laurel wreath given to victors after athletic events - a symbol of victory rather than rule. A crown of 'righteousness' may be a reference to the fact that, while we have the imputed righteousness of Christ now, amongst the blessing of life in the hereafter is that we will never sin again. We will experience the fullness of the righteousness Christ has purchased for us, as we will experience fullness of life and glory.

Apart from the idea of reward, the worth of the endeavour - having something greater than ourselves to live for, is also a motivation. To see God's justice served on the righteous and unrighteous is another motivation.

 

10. a, In 4:2, 5 Paul exhorts Timothy in several areas. Is there one in which you would like to be more faithful?

For me, it would be, "Do the work of an evangelist"

10.b. What steps might you take towards improving in this area?

11. List any questions you have about 4:1-8.

 

The passage invites questions about death and reward. 

"The time of my departure" (v.6 cf. Phil 1:23 "My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better") carries images of unloosing bindings, or unmooring a boat . It does not speak of ending, but of beginning. Paul is  leaving to go somewhere. It is the start of a new phase of eternal life characterized by 'reward' rather than by struggle. Just as Paul could speak about a 'course'(or race) of life, we also need to seek God for a life purpose instead of living without a ministry direction. I think this does not coalesce until later in life.

Paul uses the idea of a 'drink offering', poured out before God. He has used the same image in Phil 2:17 ("Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all."). There is the idea of our diminishing life and resources in the act of offering, yet accompanied with joy rather than regret or struggle.

We all need a goal in life - a certain central ministry purpose rather than just living faithfully from day to day. 

"Reward" has been extensively covered a past cell meeting. I think the effort is only worthwhile without the reward!