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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
"I Am Ready . . ."
I consider 2 Timothy 4 one of the most thrilling chapters in the Bible. Others may differ, but there we see Paul, his death just hours away, still confident, still filled with hope. We ask, “How can one have such assurance in the shadow of death?” For a great many of us, the very opposite is true, and death remains as our worst fear.
Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 should be a goal of every Christian and every human being—to be able to face death with assurance of God’s approval and reward:
“I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: Finally, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but also to all who have loved His appearing.”
False Assurance
Just over a year ago, astronauts were preparing to bring their space vehicle back to home base. Their words were filled with confidence, but they were short lived. Death came but moments later. If words are representative of their feelings, many today are also living under false hopes, truly believing God is waiting with “open arms” for their appearance at heaven’s gates. Jesus even spoke of some like those in Matthew 7:22-23:
“Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
In verse 21 Jesus had already stated that those who inherit “the kingdom of heaven” are those who “do the will of my Father” in heaven. False hope can be a dangerous thing, whether for a doctor, an athlete, a politician—or an individual seeking an eternal home. Be careful your “assurance” is not built on a flimsy foundation.
Jeremiah told people of his day:
“O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps,” Jer. 10:23.
Solomon wrote in Proverbs 14:12: “There is a way which seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
False hope, false assurance—it is sad when one discovers he/she is on their way to hell instead of heaven. Is that not reason enough for us to speak to every man the truth that comes from God?
What assurance can we have?
We know the hope Paul had, and we know why he had it. He wrote the words of 2 Timothy 4:6-8 by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration. We who have not “finished the race” and “kept the faith” would be wise to say and do as Paul did a few years earlier in 1 Corinthians 9:27: “I discipline my body, and bring it into subjection, lest when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.”
Yes, Paul had to keep himself true to God, to resist temptation, to remain faithful to Him, just as you and I must do. When we reach the point that we have lived as Paul lived, we can have that same blessed hope of eternal life, that “crown of righteousness.” Until then, we would be wise to discipline our bodies as Paul did.
We can be confident of God’s love and care, that He is not our enemy. He loves us and seeks our best interests, 2 Peter 3:9. We can know there will always be a way to resist temptation, 1 Corinthians 10:13. We can know God’s power is greater than Satan’s, 1 John 4:4. We can know Christ’s blood can take away our sin, Romans 5:6-10. We can know that God keeps His promises, 2 Peter 1:10. We can know God will do His part, but what about you? And me?
Assurance we do not have
For one thing, just as Paul warned in 1 Corinthians 10:12, we must “take heed lest [we] fall.” If anyone thinks God is just going to ignore sin, then Hebrews 2:2-4 should be carefully read. If we think just being a “good” person is enough, we need to read about Cornelius, Acts 10:1-48, for he was a “devout” man, but still in need of God’s forgiveness. If one thinks he/she can continue to “neglect” the worship of the Lord, reading Hebrews 10:19-31 will reveal the truth.
Truly, there are no “warranties,” no lifetime guarantees of heaven’s reward. In fact, Jude 1:21 says: “Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.”
No, God does not require perfection. But He does require that we “fight the good fight...finish the race...keep the faith.” He wants us to receive heaven’s reward, but His justice demands that sin be punished. Jesus’ blood will take away that sin, but we must be willing to submit our lives and our will to Him. Paul was ready. But are you and I ready?
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”Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like Him; for we shall see him as He is. And every man that has this hope in him purifies himself, even as he is pure.”
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My Old Bible
Though the cover is worn,
And the pages are torn,
And though places bear traces of tears,
Yet more precious than gold,
Is this book worn and old,
That can scatter and shatter my fears.
This old book is my guide.
This is a friend by my side.
It will lighten and brighten my way;
And each promise I find,
Soothes and gladdens my mind,
As I read it and heed it each day.
To this book I will cling,
Of its worth I will sing,
Though great losses and crosses be mine;
For I cannot despair,
Though surrounded by care,
While possessing this blessing divine.
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