Paul’s Final Words

Written By Betty Predmore

2 TIMOTHY 4: 1-22

(October 25)

I try to imagine that I know my days are numbered and I have a letter to write to someone dear to me, with some very crucial and necessary information and instruction. I have got to get my point across to them and make them understand my instructions because the future depends on it.

How desperate might I feel? Would my hand tremor as I wrote? Would sweat bead my brow? Would my heart flutter with anxiousness?

This is how I imagine Paul, already in terrible shape from his torture, and already assured of his death to come, is writing these final words to his beloved Timothy, urging him to continue the preaching of the gospel.

He warns him to be prepared for what is to come ... a time when people will no pay attention to good news. They will have more concern for their own pleasures and for hearing what they WANT to hear instead of what they NEED to hear.

Timothy will have to keep a clear mind and continue his work, despite all of this. He may even have to suffer, as Paul has. Paul has poured out his life for the sake of the gospel. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return."

What is this "crown of righteousness?" He is using the symbol of triumph and honor that was used in Roman athletic events. The winner was given a laurel wreath as a symbol of victory.

Paul urges Timothy to come as soon as he can. I imagine his heart longed to see Timothy one more time. He speaks of Demas deserting him. He was a co-worker of Paul's, but his love for the world won out in the end. He didn't love the world the way God does ... in the hopes of all it can be with evil erased, he loved the world for what it was at the time ... sinful and evil. Because of that, he left Paul, near death and alone.

Paul mentions something that you might find strange in verse 13: "When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas." Hmmm.... if he was about to die, why did he need a coat?

Paul was arrested without much warning and didn't have time to collect personal items. You can imagine the chill and dampness of a dark dungeon. Perhaps he was hoping Timothy would get there before he was killed, and the coat would bring him some relief from the chill.

He also wanted his papers brought to him, his copies of the letters, perhaps the books of the Old Testament. Maybe even some blank sheets in the hopes he could live long enough to write more letters.

Paul's last words to Timothy: "May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you."

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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