Why is this happening to me?

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? • 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?