The Apostle Paul forthrightly encourages and inspires us about our future life in the chapters of 2 Timothy. His earthly life is coming to a close in this second letter of Timothy. We will read and reflect on some of those important encouragements he gives us in chapter 4.
Beth, firstly, encourages us to do something with the knowledge we have been acquiring during this study, and to ramp up our effectiveness as mighty servants of God.
Our theme chapter for this session was 2 Timothy chapter 4. She gives us 6 reflection statements to ponder from 2 Timothy 4:6-8 written by Paul that tell us something to expect on the other side of this life:
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will aware to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing."
Paul had an unapologetic expectancy of reward
God is our reward; but He wants to also reward us. Hebrews 11:6 tells us what it takes to please God - faith. He wants us to walk in faith. Those who do so will be rewarded.
Paul anticipated direct interaction with Christ
Notice in verse 8 this phrase "award to me" - direct interaction.
Paul anticipated exceedingly vivacious existence in a kingdom
We are a kingdom of priests of our God to serve our God. We are going into a kingdom with a greater reality than we have ever experienced here on earth.
Paul never equated "heavenly" with translucent
This earth is the vapor. Heaven is the reality. James 4:14
"......what is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes."
To see that face would be to fully know as he'd been known
We will see Jesus face-to-face and be fully known.
Paul knew what we must know to thrive: not one ounce of our labor will ever be in vain.
What a tremendous session to end this study. Our home isn't here on earth. We have a future, permanent home. The hope of a heavenly home to come.
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