Dedicated To The Men of God
Who Preach the Word of God As It Is To Men As They Are
"Preach The Word"
I MUST GO ON
2 Timothy 4:13-18
INTRODUCTION:
The Apostle Paul was in prison in Rome, as the result of persecution under Nero. He realized when he wrote this letter that his death was near. Alone and cold in his dungeon, the veteran missionary wrote this letter of encouragement to his beloved son int the ministry, Timothy. Soon afterward according to tradition he was beheaded on the Ostian way. (Just outside of Rome)
I am sure that there were times in the life of Paul, when he would like to have retreated, but on his greatest moments of human despondency we always find these words of encouragement, I MUST GO ON.
There will be times in your life as a good soldier of Jesus Christ that you will feel like retreating, you will ask the question, "Is it really worth it?" and you feel just like giving up. Here are some reasons Christians feel like giving up:
People
Problems
Pressure
Position
But might we find encouragement from the words of Paul, as his heart pins these words to Timothy, I MUST GO ON.
I. I MUST GO ON EVEN THOUGH I AM FORSAKEN
2 Tim 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
Paul had written three years before requesting that someone would come to his defense but no one cared enough to respond.
Look at the many people he had won to Jesus
Look at the many people he had ministered to
Look at the many people he had clothed and fed
But in his hour of need seemingly no man cared for his soul. There will be times in your life that you will need someone, you’ve been a friend, you’ve loved, you’ve ministered and you’ve been faithful. But in your hour of need you will have to walk alone.
Think of Jesus, on the path of Gethsemane , His disciples tarried and fell asleep. Surely the heart of the Savior was broken but He knew he must fulfill the will of the Father. Calvary was just ahead, but He said, "I MUST GO ON!".
II. I MUST GO ON THROUGH FORGIVENESS
2 Tim 4:16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
Demas had forsaken Paul, Titus was busy ministering, and now Paul asks that no blame be laid to their charge. Paul was willing to forgive and forget, the mark of a great man.
Many times when we feel we have been betrayed, we say, " I’ll get even" but the true mark of the Christian is to forgive and not only forgive, but for get as well.
Should Jesus have had this attitude there would have never been a cross, but He forgave and said, "I MUST GO ON!".
III. I MUST GO ON BECAUSE I HAVE A FRIEND
2 Tim 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Demas had forsaken Paul, Titus was many miles away But,
CHRIST WAS FAITHFUL
Illustration:
The North American Indians had a saying, a friend is, "one who bears my sorrows on his back".
IV. I MUST GO ON BECAUSE MANY FOLLOW ME
2 Tim 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
Paul had won many converts to Christ and he knew that if he did not go on many would follow in his footsteps. He didn’t want to be a stumbling block. So many times I have seen many retreat and return to the world and watch as young Christians are hurt and disappointed , soon they follow in their steps.
EXAMPLE:
A young preacher was leaving his church for a new work. Someone said, "preacher I guess you are packing". The preacher said that he had only a few things to pack into boxes. Then this person said, "there is on thing that you will not be able to pack and you will have to leave it behind." "What is that", the preacher asked. "Your influence"
V. I MUST GO ON BECAUSE I HAVE A FUTURE
2 Tim 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Paul knew somewhere in his heart that heaven would be worth it all. The day of great exchange:
LONELINESS TO LIGHT
SADNESS TO SATISFACTION
HURTS TO HALLELUJAHS
DESPERATION TO DELIGHT
HIS CROSS FOR A CROWN
Each of us bear that same hope for a blessed future. A future with Jesus. And on that say we can declare, "I don’t regret a mile I’ve traveled for the Lord".
Sermon By Evangelist- T.D.
Burgess
Home- Ringgold, GA- USA
