Each chapter of Paul’s second letter to Timothy presents a focused theme. The theme provides the structure for Paul’s “last words” to Timothy. Here are the things that are important to Paul, the things that Paul wants Timothy to remember. The fourth chapter focuses on two concepts; the first starts the chapter, the second ends the chapter. Paul emphasizes God’s presence throughout. Here is our focused verse.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 4:1 ESV)
NASB 2 Timothy 4:1 NASB
NIV 2 Timothy 4:1 NIV
HCSB 2 Timothy 4:1 HCSB
NLT 2 Timothy 4:1 NLT
NCV 2 Timothy 4:1 NCV
MSG 2 Timothy 4:1 MESSAGE
Understand the original Greek? See 2 Timothy 3:14 in the Nestle-Aland text.
“The Pointe” is the focused point that stands out from the rest. This is the main purpose of this lesson.
The believer must understand that life is lived in God’s presence.
Last Words
A person’s last words are significant. Throughout history, last words provide a window that peers into the heart, measuring and evaluating the life. Poignant, funny, or just plain weird, our last words can reveal something of who we are as we make our final transition. Consider some of these last words of famous individuals.
Parapsychologist and seer Nostradamus’ last known prediction was “Tomorrow at sunrise, I shall no longer be here.” He was correct.
English author and journalist George Orwell’s (author of 1984 and Animal Farm) last written words were, “At 50, everyone has the face he deserves.” Orwell died at 46.
Famed drummer Buddy Rich died after a surgery in 1987. As he was being prepped for the surgery, a nurse asked him, “Is there anything you can’t take?” Rich uttered what would be his last words when he replied, “Yeah, country music.”
Benjamin Franklin lay dying in his bed at his home at the age of 84. His daughter told him to change positions in bed so he could breathe more easily. Franklin’s last words were, “A dying man can do nothing easy.”
Another Handful
Here are some more “last words.”
Comedian W.C. Fields was reading a Bible on his deathbed. When asked why, he replied, “I’m looking for loopholes.”
Caesar Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, offered his last words, “I found Rome of clay; I leave it to you of marble.”
Leonard Nimoy, “Mr. Spock,” made his final known words in a tweet in 2015. “A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. Live long and prosper.”
American playwright Wilson Mizner (The Deep Purple and The Greyhound) was on his deathbed when a priest was called into the room. The priest leaned in and said, “I’m sure you want to talk to me.” Mizner replied, “Why should I talk to you? I’ve just been talking to your boss.”
Iconic comedian Leonard – better known as Chico – Marx gave his wife final instructions in his last words: “Remember Honey, don’t forget what I told you. Put in my coffin a deck of cards, a mashie niblick (a golf club), and a pretty blonde.” His brother Groucho’s last quip was, “This is no way to live.”
The fourth chapter of 2 Timothy contains the final words that we have from the apostle Paul. The words are written to one of his closest friends in the faith.
Everyone Lives in the Presence of God
The 21st Psalm is a psalm of David. It begins announcing “The king rejoices in your strength, Lord.” The passage continues by saying, “Surely You have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence” (Psalm 21:6 NIV). David was aware that he lived his life in the presence of the Lord – and it made him glad with joy.
Following their sin in the Garden, Adam and Eve “hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees in of the garden” (Genesis 3:6 NKJV). How limited their knowledge of God by thinking they could be hidden from Him among the leaves.
Words from David
Again, David writes, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there” (Psalm 139:7-8 NIV).
Theologians express this concept by speaking of the omnipresence of God. Neither the noun nor the adjective appear in Scripture, but the idea is present throughout the Bible. The doctrine teaches that God transcends time and space.
The divine omnipresence assures the believer that God is present, is at hand everywhere, to save in every place where there is danger. God’s presence meets the need of His people for salvation (Isaiah 43:2).
What Does it Mean for a Believer to Live in the Presence of God?
“Dearly beloved,” the minister projected, “we are gathered here, in the presence of God and these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony.”
The church has long believed that God was present – perhaps in a special way – during moments of the sacraments. Jesus had promised that “when two or more of you are gathered in My name, there am I in the midst” (Matthew 18:20).
The Bible portrays an image that drawing near to God or departing from God involved being before the face of God. The word “presence” in the Hebrew is almost always the translation for the Hebrew word for “face.”
Imagine the image or metaphor being close enough to God that you can make out the features of His face.
Characteristics of those who live in God’s presence
So, what are the characteristics of those who live their lives in God’s presence? Are there traits that are common? David provides an interesting list in Psalm 15. The five short verses of this Psalm provide insight into this concept.
Lord, who may abide in Your tabernacle?
Who may dwell in Your holy hill?
2 He who walks uprightly,
And works righteousness,
And speaks the truth in his heart;
3 He who does not backbite with his tongue,
Nor does evil to his neighbor,
Nor does he take up a reproach against his friend;
4 In whose eyes a vile person is despised,
But he honors those who fear the Lord;
He who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
5 He who does not put out his money at usury,
Nor does he take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved (Psalm 15 NKJV).
The psalmist begins by asking a pertinent question. The question appears in Hebrew poetic form with repetition and emphasis. “Lord who may live in your presence?” The question pulls the two images of man’s understanding of God’s presence at the time. God was said to inhabit or dwell in the tabernacle. The Lord was also understood as living at the top of Mt. Sinai where Moses directly encountered the presence of God and the giving of the Law.
Who may dwell with God?
Thpse Who Speak the Truth
David begins the answer with three phrases. We will look at the third phrase first. The person who dwells with God is one who speaks the truth. Truth is an important concept for God. His Word is truth. Jesus said, “I am the truth.” Satan stands on the opposite end of the spectrum – a liar and a deceiver.
But it isn’t just Satan who lies. We are liars. We lie to others, and we lie to ourselves. David suggests we speak the truth in our hearts. It is easy to deceive ourselves if we do not honestly evaluate ourselves with truthful evaluations. “That wasn’t really a lie, I was just protecting their feelings.” “You aren’t as bad as George.” “The fruit looks good. Maybe I should trust what Satan says.”
Those Who Care for Others
Verse two beings with an admonition to “walk uprightly.” The phrase speaks of our walk in the public square. It harkens to how we walk with people. The person who dwells with God care about others. Jesus said the greatest command was to love God, the next was to love others. Here David speaks about not doing evil to neighbors and not taking up a reproach against a friend.
The faithful will show their understanding of God’s love by loving others.
Those Who Clearly Distinguish Right and Wrong
David begins the explanation with three concepts: the one who speaks truth, the one whose walk is upright, and one who works righteousness. Righteousness in the Bible speaks to “God’s right way” of doing things. It almost always points ultimately to salvation. The best example of righteousness is the road that leads to heaven.
But the psalmist expands the understanding of the believer. The faithful “eyes a vile person” (Psalm 15:4) and despises the sin and the evil. On the opposite side, a faithful person discerns who fears the Lord and feels a friendship and an honor toward that person.
Those Who Keep Their Word
Coupled with telling the truth, the one who dwells in the presence of God keeps their word. David makes a practical application. Even if they make an oath that ends up being to their own detriment, they do not change their mind. They honor the commitment and keep their word.
Jesus teaches similar concepts when He says if someone asks you to go one mile, you offer to go two.
Those Who Don’t Exploit Others with Their Wealth
The last characteristic mentioned may take you by surprise. The person in the presence of the Lord doesn’t lend his money at interest. It seems to indicate that you should not take advantage of others because of your wealth. The Scripture teaches throughout to be concerned for and care for the poor.
David goes on to say that the faithful will not be “bought off” – take a bribe – against the innocent. You should not be willing to betray truth for money.
KBS2022_006 | Second Helpings | Lesson Four
Scripture
1-2 I can’t impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don’t ever quit. Just keep it simple.
3-5 You’re going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They’ll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you’re doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God’s servant.
6-8 You take over. I’m about to die, my life an offering on God’s altar. This is the only race worth running. I’ve run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that’s left now is the shouting—God’s applause! Depend on it, he’s an honest judge. He’ll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
* * *
9-13 Get here as fast as you can. Demas, chasing fads, went off to Thessalonica and left me here. Crescens is in Galatia province, Titus in Dalmatia. Luke is the only one here with me. Bring Mark with you; he’ll be my right-hand man since I’m sending Tychicus to Ephesus. Bring the winter coat I left in Troas with Carpus; also the books and parchment notebooks.
14-15 Watch out for Alexander the coppersmith. Fiercely opposed to our Message, he caused no end of trouble. God will give him what he’s got coming.
16-18 At my preliminary hearing no one stood by me. They all ran like scared rabbits. But it doesn’t matter—the Master stood by me and helped me spread the Message loud and clear to those who had never heard it. I was snatched from the jaws of the lion! God’s looking after me, keeping me safe in the kingdom of heaven. All praise to him, praise forever! Oh, yes!
19-20 Say hello to Priscilla and Aquila; also, the family of Onesiphorus. Erastus stayed behind in Corinth. I had to leave Trophimus sick in Miletus.
21 Try hard to get here before winter.
Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all your friends here send greetings.
22 God be with you. Grace be with you.
The Message (MSG, MESSAGE) Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson
Discussion Starters
Use these “Starters” to introduce the concept of the lesson and to prompt discussion among your group. Generally these questions do not have a “right or wrong” answer, so even those newer to a faith experience will not feel intimidated to speak.
- Imagine that only you and God were living on the earth. How would your life be different? What would change if you “saw” God every day?
- What circumstances make you aware of the presence of God?
Pointes to Ponder
“Pointes to Ponder” looks at the main pointe of the lesson through specific portions and concepts in the passage of Scripture. Take this opportunity to understand the context of the Scripture and how it can apply to your life.
- If you could only share one thing with your children about your understanding of God’s presence in your life, what would it be?
- What are some of the characteristics that will be seen in the people who work toward being in the presence of God?
Cafeteria of Commitment
The “Cafeteria of Commitment” section gives you a smorgasbord of choices of activities that you can do that will help you apply the pointe of the lesson. Choose a commitment that fits your schedule and your personality.
- Find ten verses of Scripture that speak about the presence of God. What verse speaks most clearly to your circumstances and situation?
- Memorize verse Psalm 21:6. What about God’s presence brings joy?
Important Resources
How to practice the presence of God
David says the one who does these things – who has these characteristics – will not be shaken. In what ways can we develop those characteristics? Jerry Bridges, long-time staff member at NavPress, has an excellent book titled, The Practice of Godliness. Another classic is a book written by Brother Lawrence, The Practice of the Presence of God.
In the book, Brother Lawrence writes:
Having found in many books different methods of going to God and diverse practices of the spiritual life, I thought this would serve rather to puzzle me than to facilitate what I sought after, which was nothing but how to become wholly God’s. This made me resolve to give the all for the All. After having given myself wholly to God, to make all the satisfaction I could for my sins, I renounced, for the love of Him, everything that was not He, and I began to live as if there was none but He and I in the world.
Letter 1
As I read and re-read the thought, I began to ponder what would be different in my life if there were no one else in the world but God and me. How would my life be different? My life consists of two important details – my work and my family. Both are circles that are very social. What would change if neither of those circles existed?
Here are the handful of things that I believe I would do differently.
- I would seek God first; I would not wait for Him to come by. It is easy to call upon God when it feels like I need Him – when there is reason to praise, when there are circumstances that need intervention, when worship (in and out of the church) draws me to His presence. If the world was emptied of its chaos and its people, my need for God would stand out more. If I make application of this to my life today, I need to seek God as soon as I awaken and yearn for His company throughout my day.
- I would think more about my conversation with Him. The words I choose, the subjects I address, and the honest desires of my heart would be critically important. I would give thought to what I ask of Him and why. If I make application of this to my life today, I need to concentrate on improving the passion, words, and focus of my prayers.
- Finally, I wouldn’t be concerned about what anyone else thought of me or my beliefs. Although that isn’t a constant concern, I am sure it is a thought that simmers in the back of my mind. If there were no others in the world, I would not be concerned about the pressure of pleasing others. If I make an application of this to my life today, I need to give more diligence to doing everything as if I were doing it for the Lord.
Let’s conclude our thoughts today by thinking about how Paul applies the presence of God to our lives.
My Time on Earth Exists in the Presence of God
Paul shares a very personal reflection upon his own life. “I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. I have fought a good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:6-7 NIV).
Everything in Paul’s life has been done in the presence of God – both the good and the bad. The image of the drink offering is potent. The drink offering was a libation, a ritual of pouring a liquid or jar of grains as a sacrifice to God. Often the libation was made in honor of someone who had died. The drink offering is mentioned three times in Leviticus (Leviticus 23:13, 23:18, 23:37).
More detailed instructions about the offerings are found in Numbers 15. A libation was required of all animal sacrifices. When blood was shed, a grain or wine offering was required. In terms of symbolism, if the sacrifices are God’s food, libations are evidently God’s drink. The drink occurred after the sacrifice.
Piece together a picture of theology. Drinking wine is an activity of the sabbath. It is a sign and a means of rest and celebration. The work is over; the enemy is defeated; the rest begins.
Paul sees the work of his life is over. The last enemy is as good as defeated. The time for the drink offering has come.
The Decisions of Others Stand in the Presence of God
Paul spends a few verses recounting the decisions of others. The verses fall short of displeasure of the decisions. In fact, it appears Paul encouraged some of the decisions. Demas deserted Paul who adds the commentary that Demas loved the world. Crescens left for Galatia. Titus departed for Dalmatia. Paul sent Tychicus to Ephesus although the exact reason is not known.
Paul seemed to understand that people make decisions. He neither tried to control the decisions nor judge them. Even Paul’s harshest criticism (“Demas loved the world”) did not contain a request to God for punishment or condemnation.
Perhaps Paul is, by example, trying to teach Timothy an important lesson.
The People Closest to Me Rest in the Presence of God
In these last verses, the people closest to Paul become obvious. Only Luke is with Paul after appearances in the Roman courts. The apostle requests two others – though we do not know if they arrived before his death. Paul asks for Mark and Timothy to be present. Also on Paul’s mind are Priscilla and Aquilla, the household of Onesiphorus, Erastus, Trophimus, Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia.
What strikes me are the number of people in this list whom we know nothing about. They quietly were faithful to the Lord and important in the ministry of Paul.
Will you be one of the quiet? You are serving in the presence of the Lord.
The Psalmists provide a summary of our understanding of the presence of God when they write.
For me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord my refuge,
that I may tell of all your works (Psalm 73:28).
The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18).
The Lord and Grace Be with You (2 Timothy 4:22 NIV)
Paul closes the chapter with the two most important things which are always on his mind. The Lord be with your spirit. May grace rest upon you.
A Second Helping of the God’s Presence for You
As our lesson on the presence of God comes to a close, let’s ask God’s blessing upon on our steps and our study.
Heavenly Father, draw us near to You. Help us to desire being closer to You. Thank You for the time we have shared together in this study. May it strengthen our steps, shine light on our path, and find us yearning for a second helping of Your love. Amen and amen .