One of my favorite prayers that I pray from the Morning Office says this – “For you, O Lord, are the God of those who repent, and in us you will show forth your goodness.” Today in 2 Timothy Paul tells us that people will turn from the truth and turn to teachers who only tell them what they long to hear. We all want someone to tell us that we are “good” and they are “bad.” What we need to hear that all of us, “us” and “them” are in need of the power of the Holy Spirit, who leads us into repentance.

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Good morning! It’s a pleasure to be with you on this Monday morning as we delve into God’s Word, continuing our journey through 2 Timothy. Today, we’ll be exploring 2 Timothy, chapter 4, verses 1 through 8. We’re nearing the end of this epistle and will soon transition to Titus and Philemon, concluding Paul’s more personal letters.

I’m Andy Stoddard, the lead pastor at St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church in Madison, Mississippi. Before we proceed, I’d like to address a scheduling note. Due to personal reasons, I may need to take some time off this week. While I aim to maintain our regular reflections, there may be some interruptions in the coming days. I appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

Now, let’s delve into chapter 4 of 2 Timothy. We’ll read through verse 8:

“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is the judge of the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing in His kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent, whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with utmost patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth 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 to me but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

In these verses, Paul reflects on the nearing conclusion of his ministry. His words serve as an encouragement for us to remain faithful in all circumstances. He exhorts us to proclaim the message persistently, whether the reception is favorable or not. Paul warns of a time when people will reject sound doctrine, seeking teachers who align with their own desires. Despite this, we’re urged to remain sober-minded, enduring suffering, and faithfully fulfilling our ministries.

Paul’s declaration, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith,” resonates as a testament to a life lived in service to God. It’s a profound aspiration for us all—to stand firm in faith and complete the race set before us.

However, amidst our human tendency to seek validation for our righteousness and condemn others, we must acknowledge our own shortcomings. As Jesus taught, we should first remove the plank from our own eye before attempting to remove the speck from others’. We’re all in need of repentance and redemption, regardless of our perceived righteousness.

Therefore, let’s open ourselves to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. Let’s allow God’s grace to reveal our weaknesses and lead us back to Him in repentance. May we be a people who humbly seek forgiveness and restoration, recognizing our continual need for Jesus in our lives.

As I prepare for the days ahead, I leave you with this thought: Let’s not be quick to judge others or elevate ourselves above them. Instead, let’s embrace humility and extend grace, knowing that we’re all recipients of God’s mercy.

Thank you for joining me today. I hope to be back with you tomorrow. Until then, may God’s peace and grace be with you.