“Guard …the Treasure”

Scripture: II Timothy 1:13-14

C.I.: The Christian Retirement Plan

So far in this series… - In today's lesson we conclude Paul's final words. – For today Paul shares the believer's retirement plan!

I. Fours Things a Christian Must Do During Their Retirement, (II Timothy 4)

A. Keep On Sharing God's Word, (vs. 1-4)

1. But before we begin doing this – we have a solemn charge (command) from God…
a. ( v. 1 ), “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead,
and by His appearing and His kingdom….” – Other “charges” Paul has made to Timothy…
1) ( I Tim. 5:21 ), “…do nothing from a spirit of partiality.” – Treat everyone the same.
2) ( I Tim. 6:13-14 ), “…keep the commandment without stain or reproach….” Treat God as holy.
3) ( II Tim. 2:14 ), “…not to wrangle about words, which is useless.” – Don't be argumentative.
4) First 3 charges say to be the right kind of people so others will listen to a God kind of message

b. ( v. 2 ), “Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke and exhort with great….”
1) I have never understood why new converts (who know so very little) are willing to tell
everyone about Jesus – and why mature believers (who know so very much) are so quiet??!
2) We tell everyone about our grandkids, our latest travels, our newest hobbies – why not Jesus?
3) There is no “wrong time” ( “season” ) when a believer should not share God's word w/others.

c. ( vs. 3-4 ), “For the time will come when people will not endure sound doctrine, but wishing to have their ears….”
1) ( Quote II Tim. 1:13-14 ) – “Guard” doesn't mean we keep God's word from changing
lives of the unsaved. – But we must keep the unsaved from changing the word of God.
2) Jesus said, ( Mk. 16:15-16 ), “Go into all the world….” – As we see, there are many ways to go
3) We are not responsible for how others respond. – But we are responsible to tell them!

B. Keep On Doing the Lord's Work, (vs. 5-8)

1. ( vs. 5-7 ), “But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, 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 course, I have kept the faith.”
a. Far too many believers – believe that Christian retirement – is “when we allow the younger
generation to take over!” – Brethren, if that's what you think – you've stopped too soon!!!
1) Brethren, we are involved in the greatest work in the world. – Yet for us to complete it
requires; sobriety (seriousness), endurance, effort, service unto the Lord!
2) A believer CANNOT say “I have kept the faith” – until the final bell sounds /crossed the tape.

2. ( II Tim. 4:8 ), “…in the future 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.”
a. Paul began and now ends this section – by calling Jesus the “Judge.”
1) But in between these two verses – we learn the standard by which we (and all) will be judged.
2) ( v. 2 ), “Preach the word ” – ( Jn. 12:48 ), “He who rejects me and does not receive my sayings ….”
3) Paul's confidence is founded upon his knowledge of & obedience to the word of God.

C. Keep On Being Involved in the Lives of Others, (vs. 9-18) - (There are several reasons why we need to stay involved)

1. First, because some people will “fall away” if we don't!
a. ( vs. 9-10a ), “Make every effort to come to me soon: for Demas having loved this present world has forsaken me
and has returned to Thessalonica….”
1) Demas: ( Phile. 24 ), “…fellow worker” – ( Col. 4:14 ), “and also Demas.” – And here!
2) Every Christian falls into one of these 3 categories: worker, an attender, or a deserter!
3) Thus, we need to stay involved – because of the pull of this world on our soul, ( I Jn. 2:15f ).

b. ( vs. 10b-12 ), “…Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. – Only Luke is with me. – Pick up Mark and
bring him with you, for he is useful to me for service. But Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.”
1) Crescens & Titus have been sent to other areas needing ministers.
2) Luke (physician) has stayed behind to minister/serve Paul – Tychicus replaces Timothy @ E.
3) Mark had been a deserter – but became a worker. – Is now useful to Paul in the Lord's work.
a) Cf. Acts 13:13 , “…left them & returned to Jerusalem.” – Acts 15:38 , “Paul kept insisting
they should not take him along who deserted them in Pamphilia and had not gone to the work”
b) But now that Mark has “grown” – he is of service, ( quote II Pt. 3:18 ).

2. Second, to warn others about potential problems they may face.
a. #1. – Opposition by false teachers, ( vs. 14-15 ), “Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm; the Lord will
repay him according to his deeds. – Be on guard against him yourself, for he vigorously opposed our teaching.”
1) Alexander was a false teacher. – Note his opposition was to the “teaching” of God.
2) Thus, Satan not only offers “ear-tickling” messages – but also those that “oppose” the truth!!!

b. #2. – Abandonment by brethren, ( vs. 16-17 ), “At my first defense no one supported me, but all deserted me;
may it not be counted against them. – But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me
the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear.”
1) It is sadly true, that the loneliest time in a person's life is often when they get to retirement.
2) Paul's closest friends in Rome “deserted” him. B
3) But, “…the Lord stood with me”! – Which allowed him to “Keep On” doing #s 1-2!!

D. Keep On Encouraging, (vs. 19-22)

1. Paul seeks to encourage those who receive his letter as well as giving encouragements from others also.
a. ( vs. 19-22 ), “Greet Prisca & Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus…. –Make every effort to come to me
before winter. [ “When you come bring the cloak which I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, esp. the
parchments.” ( v. 13 ) ] Eubulus greets you also Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brethren. – The Lord be
with your Spirit. – Grace be with you.”
1) Paul encourages those who work with Timothy (P. & A., O = I Tim. 1:16-19 ) - explain.
2) Paul also wants Timothy to be encouraged by others who know & love him.

b. Two final encouragements: “The Lord be with your spirit … Grace be with you!” Nothing better!!!

It's always too soon to quit (for brethren)!!! – But it's never too soon to start (visitors)!!!! – Mk. 16:15-16!!!