Daily Bible Plan - 2 Timothy 4:1-22

11. May 2026

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: Reliving the Pentecost Experience - The aggresive Faith

Devotion: Preach the Word and Finish Well

Paul begins this chapter with a very serious statement. He defines who the Lord Jesus Christ is:

“The Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:1)

Church, this reminds us that whether someone is alive or dead, everyone will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ one day. Oftentimes we hardly think deeply about these things, but Paul places eternity before Timothy very clearly. These truths must be written on the tablets of our hearts because they should influence how we live, speak, and serve God daily.

Then Paul gives Timothy a strong instruction:

“Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2)

Church — Fortified City Church, Basel District Church, Love City Church, Lucerne City Fellowship, BIWC Bern, and the Global Prayer Hub family — we have been called to preach the Word and nothing else.

Paul says:

* be ready in every season

* when things are easy and when things are difficult

* when people listen and when people reject the truth

Then Paul gives Timothy five important instructions connected to preaching the Word:

* Convince

* Rebuke

* Exhort

* with longsuffering

* and teaching

1. Convince

The Word of God should convince people to come to Christ. But this convincing does not come by persuasive human wisdom alone—it comes through the power of the Holy Spirit.

2. Rebuke

The Word should correct us when we drift away from God. True preaching does not only comfort; it also corrects and restores.

3. Exhort

To exhort means to encourage and strengthen believers to continue walking faithfully with God.

4. Longsuffering

Ministry requires patience. Working with people requires endurance, grace, and maturity.

5. Teaching

The church must continue teaching sound doctrine so believers become spiritually grounded and mature.

Then Paul gives a warning:

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine” (2 Timothy 4:3)

Paul says people will gather teachers who only tell them what they want to hear. Because of itching ears, many will reject truth and follow teachings that satisfy their desires, emotions, and ego instead of the Word of God.

Church, this is why discernment is necessary in our generation.

But Paul tells Timothy:

“Be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5)

Notice Paul did not say only carry the title of an evangelist. He said: do the work of an evangelist. Every believer has a responsibility to preach Christ and fulfill their God-given assignment.

One of our youth sisters shared a very powerful prayer point from this chapter:

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand” (2 Timothy 4:6)

Paul saw his entire life as an offering poured out for God and the gospel. He knew his departure was near.

But here is the question:

Do we know the time of our departure?

The answer is no.

That is why we must do what we can for God while we still have time. We must not delay repentance, prayer, evangelism, service, holiness, or obedience.

Then Paul declares:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7)

Church, Paul fought a good fight—the fight of faith.

Many people today are fighting wrong battles:

* unnecessary arguments

* offenses

* jealousy

* worldly distractions

* pride and competition

But the believer is called to fight the fight of faith and remain faithful until the end.

Then Paul says:

“Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day” (2 Timothy 4:8)

And not only to Paul, but to all who love the appearing of Jesus Christ.

Church, if you truly love His appearing, remain faithful. There is a crown prepared for those who endure until the end.

Paul then mentions people around him. Some remained faithful, while others abandoned him because they loved the world. Demas sadly forsook him (2 Timothy 4:10).

But Paul also mentions Luke who stayed with him faithfully.

Then Paul says:

“Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11)

This is powerful because earlier Paul and Mark had disagreements during ministry journeys (Acts 15:37–39). But now there was reconciliation.

Church, ministry can sometimes have misunderstandings and disagreements, but maturity brings healing, forgiveness, and restoration.

Paul also mentions Alexander the coppersmith:

“Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works” (2 Timothy 4:14)

Church, let me speak honestly. As ministers of the gospel, sometimes we encounter “Alexander the coppersmith” situations—people who oppose, resist, hurt, or attack the work of ministry.

And like Paul, we must place judgment into God’s hands instead of seeking revenge ourselves.

Then Paul says something emotional:

“At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me” (2 Timothy 4:16)

Sometimes ministry can feel lonely. Sometimes pastors and leaders stand alone in difficult seasons.

But Paul did not become bitter. Instead, he prayed:

“May it not be charged against them.”

What grace. What maturity.

Then comes one of the most encouraging verses:

“But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me” (2 Timothy 4:17)

Church, people may fail you, but God will never fail you.

Paul continues:

“I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion” (2 Timothy 4:17)

Whether this was a real lion or symbolic of deadly danger, the message remains powerful:

God is able to deliver His people from every evil attack.

And Paul confidently declares:

“And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18)

Hallelujah.

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Final Pastoral Charge

Church, as we relive the Pentecost experience:

* preach the Word faithfully

* remain grounded in sound doctrine

* endure hardship and persecution

* fight the good fight of faith

* attend church services regularly

* be committed to Prayer Gyms, Bible Academies, and discipleship classes

* support and pray for your pastors and leaders

* defend the work of God and stand for truth

* stay connected to fellowship and avoid isolation

The Lord is coming soon. Let us remain faithful until the end.

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Reflection Questions

* Am I fighting the good fight of faith or unnecessary battles?

* Am I faithfully fulfilling my ministry assignment?

* If Jesus appeared today, would I be ready?

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Prayer

Lord Jesus, help us to preach Your Word faithfully and endure until the end. Strengthen every believer, worker, pastor, and family represented in this devotion. Deliver us from evil and preserve us for Your heavenly kingdom. Help us to fight the good fight of faith and remain faithful until Your appearing. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Shalom

Rev Joseph Antwi