Pastor Tim Patoka The Holy Ministry Preaches Christ Despite Persecution June 25,

By preaching this word, we then gain confidence of what to expect when we finally depart. The Bible is not quiet on life’s ultimate question. It tells us all sorts of wonderful things to look forward to when we finally reach our heavenly home. Here’s just what Paul has said in our verses this morning. The victorious crown of righteousness will be ours when the Lord, the righteous Judge, places it upon our head. No longer will sin plague us, for we will be righteous on our own. The righteous Judge will assure that we are in the right place when he personally declares you, “Not guilty for eternity.” As we look around, we’ll be in the blessed company of everyone else who has looked forward to Christ’s second coming with longing love.

Concluding Encouragements

If something’s important, you’ll weather the necessary hardships. Preaching the Word of God is one of those important things as Paul made clear to young Timothy. Though he would face hardships when his listeners would turn away, Paul charges Timothy to keep preaching the word because of how unique, unparalleled, and certain it is for all to know and believe (even if some couldn’t care less). Paul then offers himself as a calm and confident Christian about to finally depart. He’s kept the faith, benefited from the very words he regularly preached, and is certain of what to expect. So all Christians can be as they prepare to finally depart through this same word they too preach.

As we hear God’s call for us to preach the word in our respective part of God’s holy ministry, may we take to heart Paul’s words to young Timothy. For the one we preach about is Jesus who has lived, died, and rose so that we may be forgiven and children of God. And he’s entrusted that wondrous message to us to share with our fellow sinners. Amen.