Preparation for the Last Day (2 Timothy 4:1–8)
Preparation for the Last Day (2 Timothy 4:1–8) 9/28/2025
This is the conclusion of 2 Timothy. Chapter 4, which we will look at this week, is “for the last day of my life, what should I prepare for and how should I live?”
The Bible speaks of three kinds of “ends.” First is the end of history. No matter how strong a nation may be, it is not eternal, and the day of destruction and judgment will come. Second is the end of the world. A day will come when all humanity will be judged, and the kingdom of the new heaven and new earth will begin. This was last week’s message. Third is the end of the individual. Every person will inevitably come to the end of their life and stand before God. Eschatology is the theological subject that studies this in depth.
Why is this important? Because living with this day in mind gives life deep wisdom (Psalm 90:10–12). God gave us the principle of creation that divides life into days, weeks, months, and years so that we might prepare in advance for the final day. That means deciding what am I living for (goal)? How will I live (attitude)? What will I leave behind (conclusion)? Then we are to examine this daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. Life is such that whenever God calls, we must go. That is why today matters.
- What should the saved people live for, how should they live, and what should they leave behind?
The one-word answer is to live as an “evangelist.” As we have emphasized for weeks, this is the identity of the evangelist, the disciple. God’s goal (His heart), His method, and His conclusion is to give answers through us, His children, to all those in suffering, to give them life and healing. This is the believer’s mission, and also the highest blessing.
1) For this blessing, God sent His Son as the Christ. By His death, He redeemed us and forever set us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:1–2; Colossians 1:13–14). By His resurrection, He destroyed the power of Satan who drags the world into darkness, and gave us eternal victory (Romans 1:4; 1 John 3:8). By becoming the way, allowed us to live eternally enjoying the throne of heaven (John 14:6; Rev. 21:4-
\5).
2) Those who know, enjoy, and follow this Christ carrying out the work He entrusted are the disciples and evangelists.
① From the beginning, saved believers were disciples (Acts 2:41; 6:1; 11:26). Yet this blessing is being lost today.
② To these disciples, the Lord promised the evidence that they would inevitably be His witnesses to the ends of the earth (Acts 1:8). This is also being lost.
③ Their families, children, businesses, future, even their pain, tears, and failures, God turned into testimonies (Genesis 39:5; Luke 22:31–32; 1 Timothy 1:15). Though they may face suffering or injustice for a time, Jesus promised they would receive a hundredfold and eternal life (Mark 10:29–30).
3) In verses 1–5 of today’s passage, Paul explains how evangelists must live in the last days.
① Do everything before God and Christ who is seated at the right hand of the throne (v.1).
What is Christ doing, who ascended to the throne? He prays for us, who are weak and living on earth (Romans 8:34), intercedes for us when we fail (Hebrews 7:25), and will ultimately judge all things (Matthew 25:31–40).
② With eyes fixed on Christ, turn every matter and event into an opportunity for evangelism (v.2). That is what “Preach the Word in season and out of season” means. “In season” refers to everyday life. God certainly places people around us ready to hear the gospel, yet we often overlook them. “Out of season” means to create the opportunity through evangelism camps, short-term missions, and similar times. Whether individually or as a church, everything must be resolved through evangelism, holding onto the blessing of the evangelist. Each opportunity must become the greatest opportunity.
③ With patience, teach, enlighten, and give strength (v.2b). In the last days, people will not accept sound doctrine but will follow their own desires (v.4). They may follow for a while out of selfish motives, but eventually leave. So do not expect comfort or reward from people. They will chase after outward displays of power rather than the gospel (v.5). Satan also shows power (New Age, various religions). Therefore, be sober-minded in all things, endure hardship, and walk the path of the evangelist (v.6).
- Paul is the model of someone who lived and died as an evangelist, a disciple.
As the final moments of his life drew near, he confessed his life as one who lived for evangelism (v.6–8).
1) He said, “I have fought the good fight.”
① This is why Paul urged Timothy to stand as a good soldier of Christ. Believers must fight spiritual battles all their lives with the authority of Christ’s name and finish with spiritual victory.
To do this, we must build up the bartizan and stand as spiritual watchmen in prayer (Isaiah 62:6–7).
② Why is this blessing so important? Because we can no longer live losing it and being robbed of it. Israel in the Old Testament, and we in this age, have lost this blessing. That is why the theme of the Malawi and Kenya medical mission is “Raise the bartizan to open the age of Africa.” God has absolute reasons for opening the age of Africa (historical, generational, gospel, and spiritual reasons). The only mthod is the bartizan of “Only.” Only Christ, Only God’s Kingdom, Only the power of the Holy Spirit.
2) He said, “I have finished the race.”
① This is why Paul urged Timothy to live as a runner. Our life is not aimless. It is not a life we just live for what we want and enjoy (not a picnic life).
Of course, God has promised us every blessing of heaven and earth (Deuteronomy 28:1–19; Ephesians 1:3–5). Why?
② Because there is a mission that God has given. Even the meaning of vocation, profession, or occupation for Christians comes from the idea of “mission.” We walk the path of the “remained ones”. We were chosen by grace, we live to testify to the gospel of grace (Romans 11:5, Acts 20:24). We walk the path of the “pilgrim.” Our whole life is worship (Romans 12:1–2). We display the glory of Christ (Philippians 1:21). Suffering deepens our fellowship with God and matures us as disciples (James 1:2–4). We walk the path of the Conqueror and Evangelist. We live as witnesses who save people and the world (Acts 1:8). With the health, wealth, time, and talents God gives, we save all the nations.
3) He said, “there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness.”
① This cannot be compared with worldly glory, rewards, or crowns. It is given by the One who permitted our lives, saved us, blessed us, and prepared eternal glory for our lives (Revelation 22:5).
② When is that day? The day Christ returns (v.8). That is why both the end of the world and the end of our lives must come.
Conclusion – As Christ’s disciple and evangelist, may your life be best life until the last day of the world and the last day of your life.
9.28.25 Preparation for the Last Day
Pulpit_Meditation_Forum_9-28-2025