Text: 2 Timothy 4:16-18
As Paul tells of his experience in making a defense of the truth, he warns Timothy (and us) what to be prepared for and to keep his trust in the Lord.
“At My First Defense”
- Denoting this as the “first” defense implies that there were others
- Our stand for the truth must be ongoing – always be ready (1 Peter 3:15)
“No One Supported Me, But All Deserted Me”
- When we stand for the truth, we may need to stand alone
- We must be willing to do this (Matthew 26:33)
“May It Not Be Counted Against Them”
- Be willing to forgive (Luke 17:3-4)
- Do not bear a grudge (2 Corinthians 2:6-8)
“But the Lord Stood With Me and Strengthened Me”
- He will never forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6)
- We gain strength through Him (Philippians 4:13)
“The Lord Will Rescue Me From Every Evil Deed, and Will Bring Me Safely to His Heavenly Kingdom”
- He knows how to rescue us (2 Peter 2:9)
- Remember that the goal is heaven – even if we must die, He will save us (2 Timothy 4:6-8)
