THE LAST WORDS OF PAUL
2 Timothy 4:6-18

INTRODUCTION
A. The is always something special about the last words of a loved one.
1. This is very apparent in our desire to be around them during their final days and hours here on this earth
2. We want to hear what they say.

B. This is also true of our biblical brethren of days gone by… Romans 15:4
1. Consider the apostle Paul who reveals to us his character, trust, and inner strength in his last words to Timothy
a. It was during his imprisonment
b. He was awaiting his execution

2. His mind was clear and sharp, and his words speaks volumes of truth

3. We do not have to guess at the meaning of his words – they are emphatic and to the point

C. Let us now consider the last words of the apostle Paul…

DISCUSSION
A. IN HIS LAST WORDS PAUL SPOKE OF HIS COMPLETE RESIGNATION
1. Paul is ready to stand down, he has accepted the inevitable
a. 2 Timothy 4:6
b. Upon becoming a New Testament Christian, Paul poured out his life in service to his Lord
c. Now he knows that his blood will be poured out as a result of his defending the faith and proclaiming the precious gospel

2. But Paul is convinced that this is not a bad thing
a. 2 Timothy 1:11-12
b. Philippians 1:21-23

3. Paul had lived and prepared for a “better country”
a. Hebrews 11:16
b. Paul had prepared for that city

4. Paul had resigned himself to pay whatever price must be paid to be with the redeemed of all ages through eternity
a. Are we ready to make this same sacrifice?
b. Are we willing to do whatever it takes to get to heaven?
c. 2 Corinthians 5:1

B. IN HIS LAST WORDS PAUL SPOKE ABOUT HIS EFFORTS
1. 1 Timothy 4:7
2. Paul was a “warrior”
a. “I have fought the good fight”
b. As a warrior for Christ he fought the enemies of the cross without shame, without fear, and without apology
c. He had armed himself for the fight and always carried a sword in his hand
d. Ephesians 6:13-17
e. Jude 3

3. Paul was a “runner”
a. “I have finished the course [race – ESV]”
b. 1 Corinthians 9:24-26
c. Paul knew that it would do no good to run in a race if he did not cross the finish line
d. Many today join in the race and for whatever reason quit before the finish line
e. But Paul never gave up – and neither should we

4. Paul was a “caretaker of the gospel”
a. “I have kept the faith”
b. Paul was entrusted with the gospel and he would be faithful with that trust even unto death (Rev 2:10)
c. Paul relied on the promise of Revelation 14:13
d. Paul spoke of those who did not “keep the faith”
1) 1 Timothy 1:19-20
2) These had NOT “kept the faith” – they had forsaken the faith

e. Sadly, there too many in our day who will not “keep the faith”
1) Who are not willing to be a “warrior” for Christ
2) Who are not willing to be “runners” who finish to race
3) Sadly these will miss heaven

f. Will we be warriors, runners, and caretakers of the truth?

C. IN HIS LAST WORDS PAUL SPOKE OF HIS CONFIDENT HOPE
1. 2 Timothy 4:8

2. In this life things do not always go as we would like
a. They didn’t for Paul…
b. BUT, what matters most is what awaits the faithful Christian – “a crown of righteousness”
c. Confidence in the promises of God allows us to overcome the hardships of this life

3. We must choose to live our lives in such a manner that we can say with Paul…
1 Corinthians 15:55-57

D. IN HIS LAST WORDS PAUL SPOKE OF HIS PAINFUL EXPERIENCES
1. 2 Timothy 4:9-10, 14-16
2. Regardless of where Paul travelled his enemies mocked, belittled, and offended him at every opportunity
a. Certain Jews stoned him (Acts 14:19)
b. Certain Jews planned to kill him (Acts 9:25)
c. Demas (once a fellow worker – Philemon 1:24) forsook Paul loving the present world (4:9)
d. Alexander did Paul much evil (4:14)
e. No one stood by Paul at his trial (4:16)

3. BUT, the Lord stood by him (4:17) – and that is
all that matters!

4. All evils that befell Paul surely cased him great
pain and sorrow

5. Paul relied surely on promises like…
John 16:33

E. IN HIS LAST WORDS PAUL SPOKE OF HIS CARING LOVE
1. “May it not be laid to their account” (4:16) this was said as he remembered that no one would stood by him at his trial

2. Paul always practiced the teachings of Jesus… Matthew 5:44

3. Paul emulated Jesus… “Father, forgive them; for they know what they do” (Lk. 23:34)

4. Some of Paul’s last words were care for the souls of man

F. IN HIS LAST WORDS PAUL SPOKE OF HIS UNENDING CONFIDENCE
1. 2 Timothy 4:17-18

2. There was no doubt in Paul’s mind that he would not be disappointed by placing his trust in God

3. Paul’s last words were similar to those of Joshua 23:14

4. Paul had no doubt about his faithful allegiance to the Lord, his faithful service in the kingdom, and the promises of his Savior

5. Paul looked forward to his eternal reward!

CONCLUSION
A. Paul was a great Christian man worthy of our emulation

B. I pray that our last words can be spoken with the confidence of Paul

C. I pray that our last words will spoken as a faithful Christian and warrior for the cause of Christ

Tom Moore
http://www.fromthepreacherspc.org
http://www.harrisandmoore.org
http://www.parkheightscoc.com