2 Timothy 4:6-8
Senior Pastor Alex Kennedy
In these three verses, Paul is writing to Timothy about the end of his life. Remember, Paul is in a prison. He had been the target of abuse for years. He had endured dozens of betrayals. By the time of this letter, he looked much older than he should have, stooped and scarred, probably aching in every once-broken bone. He was writing from a dungeon floor. He had no money, few provisions, inadequate clothing, and enduring loneliness. With all of this, his last words have no hint of bitterness, resentment or regret.
Verse 6 - the present
Verse 7 - the past
Verse 8 - the future
You can "finish well" when you see life as a relay race. (v1-5)
There is always a transition from one person to the next.
Joshua followed Moses
Solomon followed David
Elisha followed Elijah
Timothy must follow Paul
You can "finish well" when you offer...not spend your life.
Paul had already had his preliminary hearing before Nero, so now he was expecting death. He knew it would not be crucifixion because he was a Roman citizen. He was going to be beheaded.
"Being poured out" is a part of an Old Testament sacrifice (Num 28:7;10,14-15) of pouring wine on the base of an altar. The wine would splash on the ground as a secondary offering before the sacrifice of the lamb. Paul's beheading is a picture of this sacrifice, where his blood splashes on the base of the altar of God.
Paul's entire life as a believer
was about sacrificial service.
A drink offering never stood alone in the OT, but was always offered with a greater sacrifice. Giving instructions to the Gentiles into an acceptable sacrifice was the consuming purpose of Paul's life. (Rom 15:16; 2 Cor 11:2) God, sovereign in all things, has seen fit to pour out Paul's life. He is the one doing the pouring...not Paul.
Wine was a symbol of joy in the OT. Paul is saying, "I gladly give all that I have to the LORD."
You can "finish well" when you see death as a part of the story.
We must all remember that we have a death day.
You can "finish well" when you see death as a "departure"
A departure in this context represents a ship's anchor being lifted, or breaking camp by a group of soldiers. Typically, they are leaving to go home.
A Christian never really dies; they depart. Paul says, "I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished the race." These are not "bragging" statements. He is saying that he has finished the course; not that he has beaten everyone else.
This review of his ministry was meant to encourage Timothy because one day Timothy will be poured out as a drink offering as well.
In 1 Cor 11:23-28 Paul gives a review of his life. He is not boasting. He is claiming perseverance because he never quit! Finishing well doesn't happen by accident. It is deliberate and determined.
You can "finish well" when you live these days in light of "that day".
If a competitor won a noteworthy race, they would receive royal treatment upon their return home. All debts were cancelled as the victor was granted tax-free status for the rest of their life.
Paul finished the race and received what had been promised: a verdict of "not guilty" from the Judge.
Keep running.
Keep fighting.
Keep guarding.
On THAT day, you will not regret it!
Questions to Consider: