2 Timothy 4:1-8

Make Every Day Count for Christ vv.1-2

What can I do today to bring glory to Jesus Christ in speech, in action?  That’s my prayer!  How can I boast in Christ? 

The Cause is Critical vv.3-4

The root problem for people walking away is emotional.  By nature we are emotionally driven people.  If they are not being entertained or having their passions justified, they’ll walk away.  Why, they have either not become changed by the Word of God that thirst for the truth, or they are still babies in Christ.  Welcome truth as hard has it may be because it is nourishment.  Children by nature do not like vegetables, but what do they need to grow?  Vegetables, meat, and great nourishment.  If preaching is belittled, the church fails.  Why do I preach the Word?  Because I love Christ and love people!  I love you!   The more I love you the more bold in the Word I become.  The cause is critical, generations are at stake if families forsake the preaching of the Word.  The church has become second place for American families!  Families are headed to Hell if we don’t love them enough to preach the word in season and out of season!  The cause is critical! 

The word to preach means to herald!  The king would send out heralds to tell the king’s message! 

Charged to be Consistent v.5

There is a constant joy in Christ that the world is missing.  We’ve turned to other vises and devises to try to replicate our joy when it can only be found in Jesus.  Are we showing a lost world that valuing Jesus brings more joy than stuff or emotions?  Lost people must see people that love the gospel and love the church!   

Changed for the Cause v.6

Paul knew his death was quickly approaching.  He uses sacrificial language to show his martyrdom that would occur.  His change was not for his comfort but for the cause of Christ.  Our change is not for our comfort, but for the cause of Christ.  Remember what Paul says in Philippians 1:21 “to live is Christ, to die is gain.” 

Celebration Upon Completion vv.7-8

If your life is not a fight, you are not a Christian!  I mean it is a fight against your flesh, it’s a fight against spiritual/demonic warfare, it’s a fight for love of those who do not love you, but you are called to love!  What is the reward?  Christ is the reward!  You are passionate to see and be with Jesus!  Do you treasure Jesus?

Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”