084 God's People in Isolation 4 - The Apostle Paul's last words - a podcast by Dr David Petts - Pentecostal preacher, former AoG Bible College Principal

from 2020-05-29T06:00

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What to do in an impossible situation

The Situation

verse 11 - only Luke was with him

verse 10 - Demas had deserted him (cf v16)

verse 14 - Alexander had harmed him

verse 20 - Trophimus was sick

verse 17 (lion = lion or Nero or devil)

verse 6 - indeed he was about to die (cf. 3:11)

verse 1 - in the presence of God......... I give you this charge

He did not seek to deny the reality of his impending death

He urged Timothy to come as quickly as possible (with Mark) and bring his cloak, scrolls and parchments (9, 11-12)

He sought to ensure that his work would continue through Timothy after his death by giving him instructions (1-5)

In his instruction to Timothy - preach the Word - do the work of an evangelist

From his own mouth even when on trial for his life (17)

Jesus is coming to reign! 1 - his appearing and his kingdom

Jesus is coming to judge! - all (1) righteously (8) so I can leave Alexander to him! (14)

Jesus is coming for me personally! - verse 18

Jesus is coming with a crown of righteousness for all who love his appearing! - verse 8

…perhaps Paul was able to do all this in the face of death because he was able to look back and view the past with satisfaction:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith - verse 7

I want to be able to say that too - but that will be determined by how I’m living now.