There’s both confidence and poignancy in the way Paul speaks to Timothy in verses 6–8. Tom Wright comments that ‘Paul lived his life with the clock ticking in the background’* – and it’s clear that he thinks his life on earth will come to an end before long. He uses two of his previous analogies – those of soldier and athlete (v 7) – to describe how fully he has followed Jesus since he met him on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1–19). He is confident that the Lord will reward him for his faithful service (v 8).

Because of this and because judgement is coming (v 1), he charges Timothy with the words in verse 2 (and you could write several sermons just on that one verse!). He wants to be sure that Timothy will continue with the work Paul has trained and mentored him for. It’s almost a passing on of the mantle, such as with Elijah to Elisha (2 Kings 2:1–18). Timothy needs to be ready for the challenge of those who only want to hear doctrine that suits them and to stay focused on the work he is called to (v 5).
 

*Tom Wright, Paul for Everyone: The Pastoral Letters (2003), SPCK Publishing.

‘We’ve a story to tell to the nations, that shall turn their hearts to the right’.¹

In his closing message to Timothy, Paul stresses the importance of preaching the gospel so that the Christian faith would spread throughout the world. That is as important today as then and we should be ready to share the good news in our offices, schools, neighbourhoods and in the market place. This is by both words and deeds – so that, as Jesus said, people may ‘see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’.² Our honesty and integrity, our confidence in God at times of persecution and trouble, are a clear witness for Christ – and people ask questions. As Christian teams began to work in the Andhra floods in the 1970s, people asked, ‘Why are you doing this?’ And so the gospel could be preached. 

Paul goes further and emphasises preaching at all times. If you examine verse 2 carefully you will note it is not only speaking of evangelism but of teaching to ‘correct, rebuke and encourage … with ... careful instruction’. This means we must always be ready to serve God in any situation, whether it is convenient or not. It is easy to spend time carefully preparing a sermon and delivering it from the pulpit, but unrehearsed preaching on the spot is very different. When I travelled around India on TAFTEE ministry I was often asked unexpectedly to preach, so I carried a few sermons in the back of my Bible. This was part of my covenant with God that I would never refuse a preaching invitation. 

Paul’s final testimony is here: ‘For I am already being poured out as a drink offering’ (v 6). This presents a picture of a drink offering poured on the lamb of sacrifice just before it was burned on the altar.³ He is conscious that his fate is sealed for the sake of the gospel. 

Lord, make us prepared to preach for you in season and out of season.

¹ H Ernest Nichol, 1862–1926  ² Matt 5:16  ³ Num 28:1–8