Why is this happening to me?2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, the time of my departure has come–Paul wrote in the knowledge

that his death was immanent–The language may suggests a

‘victorious departure’

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.–Paul summarized his ministry

and assessed it–Measured by ‘worldly’

standards his life may be seen as a failure–He viewed his life as a success

because he remained faithful

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness…–What remained for Paul to

experience was his commendation as a ‘good and faithful servant’ (cf. Matthew 25:21, 23)–Paul looked forward in hope

knowing that ‘life’ was greater than his immediate experience

…which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that Day–Paul could be confident in his

‘reward’ because of the character of the one who would judge him and his work–On that ‘day’ (of judgment)

Paul knew that he could trust the Lord

…and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.–Paul did not think he was

unique–He understood that all who

were faithful would be commended

…and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.–The term ‘appearing’ seems to

refer to both the 1st appearing (the Incarnation as in 1:10) and the eschatological appearing (cf. 4:1)–To ‘love his appearing’ would

be to love Christ and his kingdom

At my first defense no one came to stand by me…–Paul was left alone; none of his

associates ‘had his back’ (cf. 1:15)

May it not be charged against them!–Paul did not resent them or

hold a grudge–He pleaded for their

forgiveness (cf. Luke 23:24; Acts 7:60)

But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me,…–Paul could forgive because the

Lord stood with him–As he was forgiven, he forgave

…so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.–Paul’s persecution provided

the opportunity to proclaim the gospel (cf. 2:9-10)–He interpreted his

circumstances in light of the gospel and the kingdom

So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.–He had been rescued in the

past so that he could proclaim the gospel

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom.– In light of 4:6, this does not

mean he expected to be delivered from his impending death–This refers to his final

‘salvation’ and participation in God’s restored kingdom (eternal life)

To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.–God’s faithfulness and the

hope of eternal life resulted in a doxology

Why is this happening to me?

• Why is this happening to me?–Would we prefer it happened to

someone else?

• Why is this happening to me?–The need for the ‘bigger

picture’ perspective (cf. Genesis 50:20; 2 Timothy 1:12; 2:3; 3:12; 4:5)–Our response to difficulties can

be a powerful testimony• Positively or negatively

Why is this happening to me?