Jump Start # 4145

 

2 Timothy 4: “Make every effort to come to me soon.”

 

We have been looking at the final 10 sermons I preached at Charlestown Road. This is the final one. The series included:

 

# 10—Together great things are done

# 9—The divine distinctiveness

# 8—What matters the most

# 7—The Enduring Factor

# 6– Bloom where you are planted

# 5– Every mile with the Lord

# 4—Cultivating a culture of excellence

# 3—Stay the course

# 2– The Tapestry of Heaven

 

# 1—Final Words

 

We tend to remember final words. This sermon not only ended my 18 years with the Charlestown congregation, but it ended my forty-six years of being a local preacher. I will continue to preach and help as many and as far as I can, but the day to day activities of local preaching has come to a conclusion.

 

What we find in 2 Timothy 4:6-22 are Paul’s final words through inspiration. Notice four things:

 

First, People Matter. These final sentences do not contain heavy doctrinal principles and lessons. Instead, what we find are names. More than twenty names are listed. The ministry isn’t about writing sermons, recording podcasts and studying for classes. It’s about people. The gospel is about people.

 

• Some people are trouble: realize that (14-15). Alexander caused problems. We want to believe that there is good in everyone. The reality is that some have attitudes, behaviors, and language that lead away from the Lord. Don’t give them a pass because they are family or friends. You need to put some distance between you and toxic people.

 

• Some people deserve a second chance: forgive them (11). Bring Mark, he is useful. There was a time when Paul would not have said that. After the first preaching trip, Paul was done with Mark. Mark went home. But, years later Mark has changed. Allow people to change. Allow people to grow up. Allow people to mature. Don’t always remember them by their mistakes. Mark is useful, bring him.

 

• Some people are willing to help you: include them (10b, 12, 20). Paul was in a Roman prison and restricted from traveling. Paul lists names and places. These people were busy and doing things Paul could not. Don’t try to do everything yourself. You can’t.

 

• Some people will disappoint you: don’t give up (10,16). Demas left. At Paul’s first trial, all deserted him. People will make promises and not keep them. Some will play favorites. Some will be two sided. You keep going. You keep doing what you should.

 

• Some people can make a difference in your life: invite them (9, 21). Twice Paul tells Timothy “Come.” Open your hearts to others. There are others that you need in your life. Invite them.

 

Second, the Lord is faithful (17-18). The Lord strengthened when others wouldn’t. The Lord didn’t let Paul down. The Lord was there. There are times when the storms seem so strong, there are things that hurt us, days that are hard, and what we find is that the Lord is there.

 

  Third, there is always good that you can do (13). Paul asked for parchments, which was his form of paper. Paul needed paper. He wasn’t going to write any more sermons. The time of his departure was at hand. There would be no more sermons. Why did Paul want paper? Likely, he was going to write letters to others. Encouraging until the end. Answering questions until the end. Helping until the end.

 

Maybe you cannot teach a class anymore. Encourage the teacher. Maybe you can’t preach. Be the preacher’s best supporter. You can’t go, then write. You can’t stand before others, then pray. There are always things you can do.

 

  Fourth, God’s promises are sweet (8). A crown was awaiting Paul. He had finished. He had completed. He had kept. He had done just what the Lord wanted him to do.

 

Love people, because they matter.

Trust the Lord, because He is faithful.

Keep doing good, because the kingdom is worth it.

Never lose sight of the crown, because the best is yet to come.

 

Final words.

 

Roger