II Timothy 4  As Paul warned Timothy we must also beware of those who "turn  away their ears from  the truth.."  Our society does not want to hear the Truth either.  They want their "ears tickled".  They want their sins justified.  They want their desires fulfilled.  They do not want to "endure hardship.." 

Are we also guilty of such thinking?

"Preach the word".. Paul tells Timothy.. "be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction."   Be ready ... for Jesus is coming.. and He is the "judge of the living and the dead".   

Paul has endured every kind of hardship and persecution, yet he has faithfully "fought the good fight.. finished the course.. and kept the faith.."  His hope is certain, even as he is "already being poured out as a drink offering..."  Paul is turning his eyes towards the future where "there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day, and not only me, but also to all who have loved His appearing." ( v8)  

Paul's testimony until the end is clear, " The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen."  ( v18)

Here is where we must stop and examine ourselves seriously... soberly.. carefully.
Are we filling our hearts and minds and souls with the Truth of God's Word?
Or are we holding on to myths and lies that make us feel good about ourselves?
Are we ready for the coming of the Lord Jesus?
Are we standing firm.. fighting the good fight, finishing the course, and keeping the faith?
Are we confident that the Lord will deliver us into His Kingdom safely... and are we among those who "have loved His appearing." ?

These final words of Paul, written to his beloved Timothy, are so personal... we can know that this was what mattered the most to him.... and should matter to us also.

Father in heaven, all glorious and mighty, we turn our eyes to You and we bow before Your Throne.  May we be full of faith and good works, abiding in Jesus, and filled with Your Holy Spirit, so that we will be ready on that day when we will stand before You.  Keep us from evil. Bring us safely Home.
May our loved ones walk in the Truth of Your Word.  May they know You and love You more and more every day.  May they be faithful in all they do.. to honor You, to fight the good fight, to finish the course and to keep the faith.   Help us, Lord.. strengthen us by the power of Your Spirit that we might keep walking in a manner worthy of our calling as Your servants, Your children, Your body, the church . Amen.