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2 Timothy 4:1–8 “The Reason for Rejoicing in Suffering”

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5–7 minutes

2 Timothy 4:1-8 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

The Apostle Paul gives Timothy a solemn command concerning the proclamation of the gospel. As we saw earlier, Timothy had become discouraged because of what had happened to Paul. Paul emphasizes that his words are spoken “in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead” (v. 1). We always live before the Triune God, but the problem is that we often forget this truth. Among the three Persons of the Trinity, Paul focuses on Jesus Christ. He is the One “who will judge the living and the dead,” and even now He reigns at the right hand of God. Paul reminds Timothy of “His appearing” and of “His kingdom,” and on that basis, he gives him this “solemn charge.”

If we truly believe that the Lord will return and that His kingdom will come, then we cannot neglect the mission of proclaiming the gospel. That is why Paul commands Timothy to be ready to preach “in season and out of season” (v. 2). If we wait for the right opportunity, we may never proclaim the gospel at all. Preaching and teaching the gospel is not easy. That is why Paul says it must be done with “great patience and careful instruction.” At times, it will require “rebuking, correcting, and encouraging.”

As mentioned earlier, there will come times when it will be even harder to preach the gospel. People will only want to hear what pleases them. When they hear words that trouble them, they will reject and even persecute the messenger. In the original text, Paul calls such people “those with itching ears” (v. 3). It means that because of their sins, their consciences are pricked, but instead of repenting, they gather teachers who soothe their guilt. They “turn their ears away from the truth” (v. 4) and instead “turn aside to myths.” In such a situation, preaching the gospel is choosing to invite suffering (v. 5). Therefore, Paul tells Timothy to accept suffering as a natural part of being a preacher of the gospel.

Paul then turns to speak about himself. He senses that the end of his earthly journey is near. The “drink offering” (v. 6) refers to wine poured out on the altar as an offering. Paul means that the time has come for him to pour out his own blood in martyrdom. He gives thanks that he has “fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith” (v. 7). His words call Timothy to endure suffering and to finish his own race as a preacher of the gospel. The reason Paul could endure so much suffering and still finish the race was because of the incomparable reward awaiting him in the kingdom of God (v. 8). This reward is not only for preachers, but for all who believe in and put their trust in the Lord.

Meditation:

Unbelievers hear the call of the Holy Spirit deep within their conscience. Yet, they ignore that voice to continue living in sin. In this sense, the Apostle’s description of them as “people with itching ears” is striking. They shut their ears to the Spirit’s conviction that speaks to their hearts’ conscience.

Proclaiming the gospel is like amplifying the voice of the Holy Spirit in their ears. It forces them to face the voice of the Spirit they have tried so hard to ignore. That is why preaching the gospel so often encounters rejection, exclusion, hatred, and persecution. Faith in Jesus Christ comes with suffering as a given, and proclaiming the gospel adds suffering upon suffering. It may mean loss of property, damage to reputation, rejection from loved ones, and even the cost of martyrdom. Such a mission can only be undertaken by those who know that in Jesus Christ there is a life greater than life itself and a promise far more eternal than anything this world can offer.

For this very reason, the Apostle told Timothy, “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge” (v. 1). And he declared, “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing” (v. 8). Without believing and hoping in this truth, it is impossible to live out the gospel in this world, or to endure the suffering and persecution that come with proclaiming it.

With such faith and hope, the Apostle walked the path of martyrdom. He wanted Timothy, his beloved spiritual son, to follow that same path. Without a living and vibrant hope in the kingdom of God, such a life could never be possible.

Prayer:

Lord who will come again, Lord who will reign forever, grant us this faith and this hope. Let our faith not be one that seeks to avoid suffering, but a faith that rejoices in the midst of suffering. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Faith in Jesus Christ means not avoiding suffering, but finding joy and hope in it, because we trust in the eternal promise of God’s kingdom.

  • For Preschool-Elementary
    • Why do you think some people don’t want to listen to God’s voice in their hearts?
    • What does it mean to have a faith that “rejoices in suffering”? Can you think of a time when you were brave even though it was hard?
    • Paul believed God would give him a crown in heaven. What kind of “reward” do you think God gives us when we love Him?
  • Youth
    • Paul says the gospel sometimes brings rejection, loss, or even persecution. Why do you think sharing the truth of Jesus can cause pushback from others?
    • What does it mean for you personally to “finish the race” and “keep the faith”? How can you live that out in Fairfax County today?
    • Paul found joy in suffering because of the hope of God’s kingdom. What gives you hope when life feels hard or unfair?

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