INTRODUCTION
Outline
1. Paul’s Divine Counselor
2. Paul’s Divine Deliverer
3. Paul’s Divine Preserver
Remarks
1. In our lesson today we will be discussing Paul’s first defense in Rome. We will be reviewing some great words of encouragement from this great apostle of Christ. We find him now in a Roman prison, near the end of his life. He charges the young evangelist in a powerful way – to preach the word and follow his example of devotion and faithfulness to Christ. He informs Timothy that: “At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.” He said earlier: “Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica,” 2 Timothy 4:9-10.
2. First, we will discuss Paul’s divine counselor. He says: “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear.” Paul advises the Timothy that the Lord stood with him and strengthen him during his first appearance before Nero. He was on trial for his life. He reflects on his entire Christian ministry from his call and conversion to Christ in Damascus; till now, his pending conviction and death for the cause of Christ in Rome. Jesus said: “And when they bring you in…take no thought of what you might say,” Luke 12:11-12. The Lord spoke for Paul during this trial; and He will also speak for us during our trial.
3. Secondly, we will note Paul’s divine deliverer. He wrote: “I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work,” 2 Timothy 4:17. He recounts his first appearance before the most powerful man in the world. During his first appearance, those that laid charges against him were unsuccessful. He escaped the ax and the sentence of death from the Magistrate. The Lord delivered me from the “mouth of the lion.” Delivered him from the chopping block; from which he would soon suffer death. We can be confident, that the Lord will at his good time deliver us from all of our trials and temptations.
4. Lastly, we will discover Paul’s divine preserver. He wrote: “And the Lord will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to who is glory for ever and ever. Amen,” 2 Timothy 4:18. He faces death – though ready to be offered, and the time of his departure was at hand. Paul was assured that: “There was laid up for him a crown of righteousness,” 2 Timothy 4:6-8. We can be sure that our Lord has also a crown of life laid up for us in that heavenly kingdom. With this brief introduction let’s consider our first point, Paul’s divine counselor.
BODY OF LESSON
I PAUL’S DIVINE COUNSELOR
A. At my first answer. It appears that Paul has made his first hearing before Nero; in Rome in defense of his life and ministry, for Christ. Paul had beside him a divine counselor: an attorney or defender. The Lord stood with him; and provided the testimony for his defense. Consider....
1. Isaiah wrote: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace...Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this,” Isaiah 9:6-7. Isaiah speaks of the Christ, the Son of God.
a. The word “Counsellor” in Heb., is yâ?ats, or yaw-ats'; which means: to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve:—advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel (-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose.
b. This is the same idea that Jesus speaks of to His apostles.
c. He would provide for them:
1) A “Comforter,” John 14:25-26; John 15:26-27; and John 16:12-15.
2) A “Counselor,” Psalms 16:7; Psalms 32:8; Proverbs 11:14.
3) Notice the Master’s promise unto His disciples; regarding the Holy Spirit’s work, with them.
2. Jesus said: “And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates, and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say: For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say,” Luke 12:11-12; John 16:1-2.
a. The Holy Ghost will be your legal defense.
b. He will “answer” for you. He will teach you what to say!
c. This also agrees with Isaiah’s witness, of the Son of God.
3. A legal defender. The word “answer” in Gr., is pologéomai, or ap-ol-og-eh'-om-ahee; which means: to give an account (legal plea) of oneself, i.e. exculpate (self):—answer (for self), to make a defense, excuse (self), to speak for oneself.
a. The Holy Spirit was sent (to be a divine counselor); He was sent to give them the words which they should speak in defense of the truth of the gospel and Christ.
b. Illustrate: Paul’s legal defense before King Agrippa, Acts 26:1-32.
4. The Lord was Paul’s legal counselor. He pled or argued Paul’s case before Nero.
B. No man stood with me. He stood alone without any of those that labored and worked with him in the faith. But all men forsook me. He wrote earlier: “For Demas hath forsaken me, having the love this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia,” 2 Timothy 4:10. Notice:
1. What caused this decision for Demas to forsake his mentor in the faith? Was it fear of possible arrest? Was it persecution, beatings, or trials of his faith?
2. No, it was his love for the world! It is one thing to become weak in the faith – yet another to depart from the faith. The word love here in Gr., is agapáo, or ag-ap-ah'-o; to love (in a social or moral sense):—(be-)love(-ed).
a. He was in love with the world; but, no longer in love with the Lord.
b. He too, had lost his “first love,” Revelation 2:4.
c. We must love Him over all things, Mark 12:30-31.
d. We must love Him; because He first loved us, 1 John 4:19.
3. Remember, John Mark. He departed Paul’s company in Pamphylia, Acts 13:12. He found favor with Paul in this letter. Paul wrote: “Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry,” 2 Timothy 4:11.
4. Notice also: “This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; Phygellus and Hermongenes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day,” 2 Timothy 1:15-18.
5. What causes the saints to forsake the Lord and the church? What is their first line of defense (excuse)! When asked why are they not attending the services. Here are some reasons you may have heard:
a. The church has not shown love to me or my family.
b. The preacher is too unkind and critical in all of his messages.
c. The leadership is disorganized and slothful in business.
d. There is no real leadership in the church.
e. My family members and friends are critical of my attendance.
f. The membership is too divided and hypocritical.
6. Remember the words of Paul: “Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved,” Acts 27:31.
a. Salvation in the ship.
b. Salvation in the ark, 1 Peter 3:20-21.
c. Salvation in Christ, 2 Timothy 2:10.
d. Salvation in the church, Acts 2:47.
C. I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. Paul grants unto all these his forgiveness. How reminiscent is this phrase. It was he who heard the same words from Stephen the first martyr in the church. It was before Paul that the mob laid down their garments during the stoning of Stephen, Acts 7:56-57. Observe....
1. Paul attitude of forgiveness. In his final moments of life, he was willing to forgive those that betrayed and forsook him. He wrote: “I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge,” 2 Timothy 4:16. This was no doubt due to what he witnessed at another’s final moments of life.
2. Stephen’s spirit of forgiveness: “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down and cried with a loud voice. Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. When he had said this, he fell asleep,” Acts 7:59-60.
3. Christ’s dying request: “Father forgive them; for they know not what they do,” Luke 23:34. Herein is the mind of Christ. Paul wrote: “Let this mind be in you,” Philippians 2:5.
4. Why we must learn to forgive. Jesus said: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses,” Matthew 6:14-15.
a. This we hear in the “Model Prayer:” “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors,” Matthew 7:12.
b. If we are to be forgiven by God; we must, forgive one another like He has forgiven us, Ephesians 4:31-32.
c. Illustrate: Forgiveness is not only for them; but also for us; that we might find peace with God, and the forgiveness of our sins.
D. Lord stood with me. Even with what appears to be a futile situation – the beloved Paul concludes: “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me,” 2 Timothy 4:17.
1. He gave me the courage and strength to be his witness at my last defense of the gospel of Christ, here in Rome.
2. Fulfilling his announcement to Rome: “So as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also,” Romans 1:14-17.
E. Timothy due diligence to come shortly unto me. Notice after mentioning that great promise of the Lord, 2 Timothy 4:6-8. He now asks that Timothy, his beloved son in the Lord; would come unto him in Rome. Notice:
1. First, Timothy: “Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me,” 2 Timothy 4:9.
2. Further, “The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments,” 2 Timothy 4:13.
3. Finally, “Do thy diligence to come before winter…The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you, Amen,” 2 Timothy 4:21-22.
4. What would a father desire most at an hour like this? What would he desire to say unto his son? Especially, one like Timothy, Philippians 2:19-24. Maybe....
a. To instruct him again in his upcoming responsibilities, as an evangelist, 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
b. To assure him that the Lord will also be with him.
c. To comfort him regarding his trials in the faith, 2 Timothy 1:3-7.
d. To encourage him to: “Fight the good fight till he lay hold to eternal life,” 1 Timothy 6:12.
e. To be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 Timothy 2:1-2.
f. To trust the Lord in all things, Proverbs 3:5-7.
g. To never forget, his fervent love, for him, 1 Peter 1:22.
5. Illustrate: Final words with Jim H. Warren. He asked me not to visit that Saturday. He died early Sunday morning. I know now why; he did not want me to come, to Booneville, MS. He knew like Paul in his passing, I would have had: “Sorrow upon sorrow,” Philippians 2:27. Let’s consider now the second point in this lesson, Paul’s divine deliverer.
II PAUL’S DIVINE DELIVERER
A. Lord stood with me. Paul now informs the young preacher – “That the Lord stood with him during this time of trial,” 2 Timothy 4:17; Psalms 91.
B. Strengthened me that by me the preaching might be fully know. Consider....
1. The Lord was his strength and help in time of need. There will be times in your ministry; that it would appear, you have no friends. And even the cross you are given to carry; is more difficult for you to bear alone. Just remember these words of these faithful servants of God.
a. David wrote: “Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD,” Psalms 27:14; Psalms 25:21.
b. Solomon wrote: “It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD,” Lamentations 3:26.
c. Paul wrote: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” Philippians 4:13.
d. Paul to Ephesus: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might,” Ephesians 6:10.
e. Paul to Timothy: “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 2:1-2. When difficulties surround us; and all seems lost, be strong in the grace of God.
2. Preaching might be fully know. That he might advance the gospel of Christ to all the Gentile nations to which he had been sent, Acts 26:14-18. Illustrate: Paul’s preaching among kings, governors and Caesar.
3. Paul was destined to preach the gospel in Rome, Romans 1:14-16.
4. Testify in Rome: “And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome,” Acts 23:11; Acts 27:23-27. Consider....
a. It was his testimony of Christ among the Gentiles, which caused him to be sent to Rome.
b. Paul preached among the Jews and Gentiles of another King, one Jesus, Acts 17:2-7.
c. Paul would testify unto Nero, the emperor of Rome, regarding the: “King of kings; and the Lord of lords,” 1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16.
C. That all the Gentiles might hear. It was the will of God; that the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel, and believe, Acts 15:7.
1. Paul and Barnabas. Paul preached: “For so hath the Lord commanded us, saying, I have set thee to be a light of the Gentiles, that thou shouldest be for salvation unto the ends of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed,” Acts 13:47-48.
2. Message of the gospel. Paul’s message to the elders at Ephesus: “Testifying both to the Jews and Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ…to testify the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:21-24.
3. Apostle to the Gentiles. Paul was sent to be the apostle unto the Gentiles, Galatians 2:7-10.
D. I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. Paul could be referring to Daniel in the lion’s den, Daniel 6:16-28. Illustrate: Daniel in the lion’s den. Paul was delivered from death in his first trial. He knows that this would not be possible in the next. He would be martyrdom: “for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
1. Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome, Acts 28:30-31.
2. Paul’s message to Philippi: “But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state…But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly,” Philippians 2:19-24.
3. It is clear. Paul expected to be release, if it was the Lord’s will. And he was, but later rearrested; and imprisoned; this time, in a Roman dungeon.
4. His second imprisonment. Paul was now waiting for what was nigh at hand, his death: “The Lord shall deliver me from every evil work,” 2 Timothy 4:18.
5. This statement bears a greater meaning. Remember, Paul’s thorn in the flesh?
a. He wrote: “For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, my grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ might rest upon me,” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10. Observe....
b. B. W. Johnson wrote: “Lest I should be exalted, etc. There was given me a thorn in the flesh... supposed to be some painful physical infirmity, Gal. 4:13, 14. This thorn was (1) in the flesh; (2) it buffeted or assailed him; (3) it was permitted to prevent undue exaltation...For this thing I besought the Lord thrice...that the thorn might be removed. My grace is sufficient for thee. The Lord answered his prayer, not by removing the thorn, but by giving grace to bear it, and by the assurance that Paul's sense of weakness, caused by it, fitted him to receive the divine strength. Most gladly, therefore, will I rather glory in my infirmities...It is when we feel our weakness that God strengthens us...Therefore I take pleasure...in these unparalleled distress, sufferings and persecutions...even give(ing) him pleasure because (in) a sense of his helplessness...God makes him strong,” Page 449.
c. Matthew Henry wrote: “The apostle besought the Lord thrice, that it (the thorn) might depart from him, v.8...Though sent for (his) spiritual benefit, yet (he) pray to God for the removal of (it) ... The apostle prayed earnestly, and repeated his requests; he besought the Lord thrice, that is, often...(If) an answer be not given to the first prayer, nor to the second, we must hold on, and hold out, till we receive an answer. Christ himself prayed to his Father thrice...Though God accepts the prayer of faith...he does not always...remove our (thorn), troubles or temptations, yet...He gives grace sufficient for us... Grace signifies two things:—“
[1.] (His) good-will...towards us and this is enough to enlighten and enliven us, sufficient to strengthen and comfort us, to support our souls and cheer up our spirits, in all afflictions and distresses.”
[2.] (His) good work...in us, the grace we receive from the fulness that is in Christ our head; and from him there shall be communicated that which is suitable and seasonable, and sufficient for his members. Christ Jesus understands our case, and knows our need, and will proportion the remedy to our malady, and not only strengthen us, but glorify himself,” Page 1122-1123.
d. Conclusion: Paul’s prayer was heard by his heavenly Father. The answer the Lord given to Paul was in this fashion:
1) First, “I will not remove your thorn in the flesh.” You must endure it; and, remain faithful through this ordeal.
2) Further, however “I will remove you from the thorn of the flesh.” I will however, remove your soul from the thorn of the flesh.
3) Finally, until then, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” It will strengthen you; it will preserve you; it will enable you to endure these infirmities, until I release you from the thorn of the flesh.
E. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work. The Lord is able to deliver us from all of our troubles in time of need. Paul would not be release from his second imprisonment – but would be slain. Consider....
1. David say regarding Jehovah’s promise: “And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me,” Psalms 50:15.
2. He shall deliver thy soul. David wrote: “Return, O LORD, deliver my soul: oh save me for thy mercies' sake,” Psalms 6:4.
3. The Lord’s Prayer: “Lead us not into temptation, deliver us from evil,” Matthew 6:9-13. “Many are the afflictions of the righteous," Psalms 34:19. Let’s now consider our last point in this lesson, Paul’s divine preserver.
III PAUL’S DIVINE PRESERVER
A. I am ready to be offered. He wrote: “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but all them also that love his appearing,” 2 Timothy 4:6-8.
1. I am ready. There are some things we all need to be ready for, in our “walk by faith,” 2 Corinthians 5:7. Consider....
a. Ready to preach the gospel, Romans 1:14-17.
b. Ready for every good work, Titus 3:1.
c. Ready to be offered, 2 Timothy 4:6.
2. The word “offered” in Gr., is spéndo, or spen'-do; which means; to pour out as a libation, i.e., to devote (one's life or blood, as a sacrifice), to be poured forth; to ("spend") :—( to be ready to) be offered. The Christians should present their bodies; as a sacrifice, unto God, Romans 12:1-2.
3. Ready to be “poured out” like a drink offering: “Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all,” Philippians 2:17; Philippians 1:20.
4. B. W. Johnson wrote: “For I am now ready to be offered. He was ready to be poured out, as an offering (unto God) by having his blood shed (in death). Death, to Paul, was simply a departure, a leaving the body and this world for a better state,” Page 536-537.
5. Matthew Henry wrote: “I am already a martyr in affection. It alludes to the pouring out of the drink-offerings; for the blood of the martyrs, though it was not a sacrifice of atonement, was a sacrifice of acknowledgment to the honour of the grace of God and his truths,” Page 1495.
B. Time of my departure is at hand. The word “departure” in Gr., is análysis, or an-al'-oo-sis; an unloosing:—to departure. (It implies to be released, dissolved; or an unloosing to set sail from a foreign port, for ones’ home station). This would be Paul’s final permanent change of station (PCS). This is a military term, meaning the soldier will be move, to another duty station. He would be officially released from his earthly duties, in the work of Christ. Consider....
1. Paul’s release was anticipated. He was going to be released from prison; to go home to be with the Lord. He was soon to: “Board the Old Ship of Zion.” To be bore from this life; to the other: to begin a new life, in the presence of the Lord. To the Philippians he wrote:
a. First, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain, but if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.
b. Further, “For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ: which is far better:”
c. Finally, “Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you,” Philippians 1:21-24.
d. Conclusion: Paul looked forward to a release as mentioned in his letter to the Philippians.
1) This would be from his first imprisonment in Rome.
2) Our text of discussion does not afford him another release.
3) He was awaiting his time of execution. He mentions that he was delivered from the ax during his first appearance before Nero.
4) However, this second appearance before Nero’s thorn, would not afforded him a second release; but, the sentence of death.
2. B. W. Johnson wrote: “The time of my departure...death. (It is called here)...a departure, a leaving the body and this world for a better state. (It was imminent) or (at) hand. His death had been predetermined by his enemies (Caesar), and (it) was near,” Page 536. Thus, the reason Paul wanted: “Timothy to come quickly,” 1 Timothy 4:9.
3. No funeral procession. I cannot begin to express the solemnness of this occasion. Paul would soon be marched from his jail cell, to the place of his execution. This would not be a funeral procession. But his last viewing of earth’s on lookers: this was Paul’s final “pass and review” before, the entire heavenly host.
a. It was done with more pomp, ceremony and formality; than the: “Laying of the Presidential Reef” before the tomb, of the Unknown Soldier, at Arlington Cemetery.
b. He was accompanied by a host of angels before him; beside him; and in trail; as far as ones eyes of faith, could ever imagine. I envision, that this angelic “honor guard;” would accompany the released spirit of Paul, into the presence of the Lord of glory, 2 Corinthians 5:6-9.
c. This was a “parade;” and not a “charade,” being witnessed by heaven’s host; whose cheering and applauding Paul’s faithfulness, both for his life, and now in death. I wish I had some help!
d. Illustrate: Great Cloud of Witness, Hebrews 12:1-2.
4. A life of faithfulness. My eyes are welling with water; because, I can see the courage and faithfulness of this beloved servant of God. Observe....
a. To Timothy he wrote: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith,” 2 Timothy 4:7.
b. To the elders he spoke: “And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there: Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me. But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God,” Acts 20:24.
c. To the Lord’s promise unfolds: “For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake,” Acts 9:16; Acts 21:10-14; 2 Timothy 3:11.
1) If we suffer with Him; we shall also reign with Him, 2 Timothy 2:11-12.
2) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer persecutions, 2 Timothy 3:12.
3) Blessed are ye, when ye are persecuted for righteousness, Matthew 5:11-12; 1 Peter 4:13-16.
d. Paul’s final act; his last curtain call. His closing performance is: “an offering, a sacrifice unto God.” He knew that his labor was not in vain; neither had he run in vain.
C. Lord shall preserve me. He now acknowledges that the Lord shall preserve him, unto His heavenly kingdom. To who is glory for ever and ever. Amen, 2 Timothy 4:18. Observe....
1. David wrote: “The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil; he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out, and thy coming in, from this time forth, and even for evermore,” Psalms 121:7-8. Paul may have been thinking about this Psalms, in his words to Timothy.
2. David again: “Ye that love the Lord, hate evil: he preserveth the souls of his saints; he delivereth them out of the hand of the wicked,” Psalms 97:10.
3. Paul wrote: “The Lord shall preserve me unto His heavenly kingdom,” 2 Timothy 4:18.
4. Matthew Henry wrote: “And shall preserve me to his heavenly kingdom." And for this he gives glory to God, rejoicing in hope of the glory of God.”
(1.) If the Lord stand by us; he will strengthen us, in a time of difficulty and danger, and his presence will more than supply every one's absence.”
(2.) When the Lord preserves his servants from great and imminent danger, it is for eminent work and service. Paul was preserved that by him the preaching might be fully known.”
(3.) Former deliverances should encourage future hopes.”
(4.) There is a heavenly kingdom, to which the Lord will preserve his faithful witnessing or suffering servants.”
(5.) We ought to give God the glory of all past, present, and future deliverances: To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen,” Pages 1499.
5. Conclusion. We can be confident that the Lord shall take care of us, in our time of trial and death. Our Lord is able to preserve our souls, just as He did the apostle Paul. He shall also preserve us unto his heavenly kingdom. For he is also our great deliverer!
D. Unto his heavenly kingdom. He shall preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom. Peter’s admonish to us all regarding the everlasting kingdom, 2 Peter 1:3-12. Observe....
1. “According to His divine power He hath given unto us all things.”
a. “He hath given unto us exceeding great and precious promises.”
b. “That we might be partakers of His divine nature;”
c. “Having escaped the corruption: that is in the world, through lust.”
2. “Beside this, giving all diligence, to add to your faith, virtue, ...knowledge, ...temperance, ... patience, ...godliness, ...brotherly kindness, ...charity.”
3. “For if these things are in you, and abound, they will make you....”
a. “But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off....”
b. “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure....”
4. “For so an entrance shall be administered unto you abundantly, into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
E. To whom be glory for ever and ever, Amen. Paul closes this part of his letter with a burst of praise. What a profound life and ministry for Christ – which will soon come to an end.
1. Paul’s encouragement unto us, through the Corinthians, 1 Corinthians 15:58.
2. Let his word have a resounding effect in our hearts, until our Lord calls us, from “labor to rest,” Revelations 14:13.
3. Conclusion: Our labor is not in vain in the Lord. He will preserve our souls unto His heavenly kingdom, to who is glory forever and ever. Amen. As we move to a conclusion, let me review what we have discussed....
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Paul’s Divine Counselor
2. Paul’s Divine Deliverer
3. Paul’s Divine Preserver
B. Summarize main points.
1. First, we discussed Paul’s divine counselor. He wrote: “Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear.” Paul advises the Timothy that the Lord stood with him and strengthen him during his first appearance before Nero. He was on trial for his life. He reflects on his entire Christian ministry from his call and conversion to Christ in Damascus; till now, his pending conviction and death for the cause of Christ in Rome. Jesus said: “And when they bring you in…take no thought of what you might say,” Luke 12:11-12. The Lord spoke for Paul during this trial; and He will also speak for us during our trial.
2. Secondly, we noted Paul’s divine deliverer. He wrote: “I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work,” 2 Timothy 4:17. He recounts his first appearance before the most powerful man in the world. During his first appearance, those that laid charges against him were unsuccessful. He escaped the ax and the sentence of death from the Magistrate. The Lord delivered me from the “mouth of the lion.” Delivered him from the chopping block; from which he would soon suffer death. We can be confident, that the Lord will at his good time deliver us from all of our trials and temptations.
3. Lastly, we discovered Paul’s divine preserver. He wrote: “And the Lord will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to who is glory for ever and ever. Amen,” 2 Timothy 4:18. He faces death – though ready to be offered, and the time of his departure was at hand. Paul was assured that: “There was laid up for him a crown of righteousness,” 2 Timothy 4:6-8. We can be sure that our Lord has also a crown of life laid up for us in that heavenly kingdom.
C. Invitation, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation: “With many other words did he testify and exhort, saying: save yourselves from this untoward generation,” Acts 2:40.
E. Motivation. We love you here at this congregation of God’s people, and want the best for your life and your family. We invite you now to come and respond to the love of God and the death of his Son. “For we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ,” 2 Corinthians 5:10.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
We thank these prolific writers for their wisdom and insight into the Holy Scriptures. We acknowledge here our consultation of their work, in this lesson.
