As Paul finishes his letter to Timothy, teaching him to finish well, he reminds him that he is not alone. As Paul remembers his friends, notice the slight but dramatic difference between the text’s main points.

Why do you do what you do? Paul reminds Timothy to ‘stay on message’ in order to effectively live out God’s Word. You, like Timothy, must be involved in knowing and applying God’s Word.

It is foolish to enter a situation unprepared. Many engage in the spiritual equivalent of trekking into the desert without adequate supplies. Paul wakes Timothy to the truth of his surroundings, instructing him to remember the calendar and prepare for difficulty.

If there is a position of power, at least one person will attempt to unseat whoever currently holds it. Paul encourages Timothy to hold tightly to his allegiance to Christ. You must also do this, because your master matters. A proper response to authority will show itself in the way you speak and the way […]

Paul’s ministry is nearing its end. He encourages Timothy to continue in ministry and reminds him of all he has at his disposal. Timothy must also remember his foundation. Like any good foundation, strength starts at the base. Consider the three pillars that form the foundation of Timothy’s ministry.

Does practice make perfect? Paul tells Timothy to finish well by remembering to follow the proper pattern. Timothy is shown two patterns, and you must chose one to follow today.

Paul encourages Timothy to finish well by telling him to remember his training. Timothy had already learned to face difficult situations. One way Timothy would keep his eyes on Jesus would be to make Jesus his treasure. Notice two ways Timothy had been trained to do this.

Paul answers the question: “How can I finish well? What does that look like?” Paul tells Timothy, and you, to simply keep your eyes on Jesus.

Life does not allow us to choose our struggles. You not only face challenges and struggles but must also do so without instructions, clues, or help. Jesus satisfies every aspect of life, and He additionally gives peace in times of challenge.

Jesus satisfies so fully that those satisfied can help others. You have everything you need to be involved in others’ lives!