For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. – II Timothy 4:6

Paul was aware of what was going to happen in the days to come. He saw the signs everywhere. We know someone is a prophet because that person can tell us what is going to happen even before it does. It is not a “word of knowledge,” but rather an insight into causes and effects as taught in Scripture. Dr. Jack Hyles was such a man. He preached sermons in the 1960s and 1970s that foreshadowed things that were going to come to pass because of what was happening. Most people did not believe it possible that America could slide so far so fast. Here we are today with a nation that has turned its back on God. Likewise, Paul predicted what would happen in the future.

People would not endure sound doctrine.

Later Paul used the phrase “kept the faith.” Paul suffered many things but remained sound in his doctrine. That takes endurance.  The word “endure” is defined as “to bear with patience; to bear without opposition or sinking under the pressure.” There is a pressure on God’s people to compromise in doctrine. We must not do so. However, many Christians have and will.

People would seek teachers who appeal to their flesh.

Many teachers today are teaching false doctrine, but it sounds and feels good to the flesh. We like it because it feels good and because it does not challenge the way we are living. Paul described the people who seek this as having itching ears. An itch is a sensation that calls for scratching. It is a constant desire that is difficult to ignore. People want to feel good, so they want preaching or teaching that makes them feel good, not something that causes them to feel convicted.

People would turn their ears away from the truth.

Nearly 20 years ago, my dad exposed the false doctrine taught by a prominent preacher in America. So-called friends vilified him. Most who believed like him refused to pay attention to the truth. The reaction is much the same as when we hear a sound we do not want to hear. We cover our ears because we do not want to hear or know.

People would be turned unto fables.

In I Timothy 4:7, Paul warned Timothy to refuse profane and old wives’ fables. A fable is a story told to teach a truth. It can also be a story that teaches a lie. A fable is not true. Many are falling for fables rather than grasping truth. Men rationalize what they think God means rather than heed what God says. They tell stories, and people turn to those stories because it appeals to their flesh.

Paul’s departure was at hand, so he tried to equip Timothy before he left. He gave four stern warnings.

…watch thou in all things,…

This warning was akin to saying, “Pay attention” or “Stay on your toes.” Many books with heresies slip by pastors because they are not watching. We must guard against the books that we read and that those around us are reading. Stop being lazy and pay attention. That is what Paul wanted Timothy to do.

…endure afflictions,…

Paul said that the time would come when people would not endure sound doctrine. What causes people not to endure is the persecution that often accompanies sound doctrine. Paul wanted Timothy to endure and never to turn his back on the doctrine that he knew.

…do the work of an evangelist,…

This is such an important principle. Paul told Timothy not to become so enamored by learning more that he forgot his purpose. His purpose was to do the work of evangelizing the world with the Gospel. Let me also say here that we have misused the word “evangelist.” True evangelism is spreading the Gospel. I do not fight men who call themselves evangelists, but unfortunately, it is often a misnomer. They would be more appropriately titled “revivalists” or “Bible conference preachers.” Their purpose is not evangelism but a revival in the church. I am in no way suggesting that it is wrong for some men to be revivalists. However, the purpose of revival is so that the church is more equipped to evangelize.

…make full proof of thy ministry.

Paul’s use of the word “full” indicates that doing this would encompass more than just one thing. To make full proof of his ministry, Timothy needed to do three things, which Paul later mentioned. He needed to fight a good fight, finish his course, and keep the faith. These three things sum up making full proof. He was hoping that, one day, Timothy would be able to say the same things when it was his time to be offered.

Men like Paul are not looking behind and relishing the work they are leaving. Instead, these men are preparing a new generation. Some preachers are in retirement mode and living in the accolades of their past work. I am not against men receiving accolades, but some have stopped instructing a new generation. Paul was not looking back with sentimentality. Paul was looking forward with concern. He knew what was ahead for his son in the faith, Timothy, and wanted him to know what he would face.

Paul wanted Timothy to be prepared to face the days ahead the same way he had been prepared.

Today’s Daily Report is an excerpt from my book, Paul’s Last Words.

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