Basic Instructions for Successful Ministry
2 Timothy 4:1-22
I. Stay True to the Word (v. 1-5)
a. Always be prepared (v. 1-2a; Colossians 4:3)
b. Use the Word to lead despite the lack of acceptance (v. 2b-4; 2 Timothy 3:1; 2 Timothy 1:13)
c. Fulfill the ministry (v. 5)
II. Stay True to the Mission (v. 6-8)
a. Go all the way (v. 6-7; 1 Timothy 6:12)
b. Look to the prize (v. 8; Philippians 3:14)
III. Be Careful of Your Trust in Men (v. 9-15, 19-22)
a. Some will help you
b. Some will harm you (Demas and Alexander; Psalm 62:12)
IV. Know God’s Comforting Presence (v. 16-18)
a. His Presence despite no one else’s presence (v. 16; Hebrews 13:5-6)
b. His sustaining for His work’s accomplishment (v. 17)
c. His escort into His heavenly kingdom (v. 18; Hebrews 11:16)
REFERENCE NOTES
Colossians 4:3—
3praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned;
2 Timothy 3:1—
1But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.
2 Timothy 1:13—
13Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 6:12—
12Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Philippians 3:14—
14I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 62:12—
12And lovingkindness is Yours, O Lord,
For You recompense a man according to his work.
Hebrews 13:5-6—
5Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU," 6so that we confidently say,
"THE LORD IS MY HELPER, I WILL NOT BE AFRAID.
WHAT WILL MAN DO TO ME?"
Hebrews 11:16—
16But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.
