Proper 25 Ministry Readiness

October 24, 2010

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

I remember that as I was growing up, my parents went deer hunting each fall at Sportsman's Haven, leaving my brother and me at home. Hearing about the hunting lodge and cabins always seemed so exciting. Then one summer, Dad said we were taking a family vacation there. On the trip we frequently asked, "Are we there yet?" Finally we turned onto a dirt road, and Dad announced, "It's at the end of the road." What excitement!

Similarly, Paul reached the end of his road. As he did, he encouraged his friend Timothy with two key truths about ministry readiness.

Ready for Life's End (vv. 4:6-8)

Paul uses his life as example of the first key truth: proper ministry prepares you to meet Christ.

A. Facing Present Circumstances (v. 4:6)

Paul knew his earthly ministry ended in contrast to Timothy's, which would continue. Waiting in a Roman dungeon, what was the end of the road like for him?

It ended as an offering. The words "already being poured out" indicate the end has begun. This refers to the Jewish custom of pouring wine over a sacrifice when offered (Num. 15:1-10).

His life also ended as a departure. The word departure was used in Greek literature to refer to a ship as its moorings were loosed to set sail to its proper destination. Death, therefore, is not a shipwreck, but a ship ready to sail to its new destination.

B. Remembering Past Experiences (v. 4:7)

Paul next remembered how he faithfully fulfilled his ministry.

He was faithful to the fight, the Christian fight that all of us are called to wage. The word fight was used to refer to Greek athletic contests. The word good emphasizes that which is observable by others. Paul continued the fight until the contest was won.

Paul also was faithful to the finish. The word race was used in ancient literature to refer to a racetrack on which horses ran or in the Olympic games of a course which men ran. The course was marked and the contestants must stay on it until properly completed.

Additionally, Paul was faithful to the faith, the deposit of Christian truth, now completely revealed in Scripture. To maintain the testimony of Christian doctrine is a constant struggle, and we must be ever vigilant to preserve it (Jude 3).

C. Anticipating Prospective Reward (v. 4:8)