Personal Resolve: 2 Timothy 4:5
“5) But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭4:5‬ ‭
Paul starts verse five with the phrase “But you.” He wanted Timothy to be in stark contrast to the teachers accumulated by the apostate church mentioned in the previous two verses. Timothy was to be faithful to preach the Word of God without compromise and model godliness in his personal life. This would require diligence in four area’s.
First, he was to be sober in all things. This has the idea being sober minded or keeping a clear mind in every situation. He was to avoid the trap of letting his emotions control him or the winds of adversity blow him off course. He was not to allow anything to work him into a frenzy or fill him with stress or anxiety. He was to be firmly grounded “in Christ” and the Word of God.
Second, he was to endure hardship. This is the same Greek word used in 2 Timothy 2:3 where Paul told Timothy to “Suffer hardship with me as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Paul had previously invited Timothy to join him in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God. (See 2 Timothy 1:8) Christian’s should be ready and willing to welcome personal sacrifice and inconvenience to advance the gospel.
Third, he was to do the work of an evangelist. He was to devote himself to spreading the gospel message and teach other Christians to do the same. I see this as personal evangelism. Paul was encouraging Timothy to be a spontaneous and verbal witness for Jesus Christ as he went through each day. He wanted him to experience how the power of God shows up when he followed the promptings of the Holy Spirit in sharing the gospel. (Acts 1:8)
Finally, he wanted him to fulfill his ministry. The idea here is to “fill up” or “make full.” It includes more than the thought of completing his ministry. It is more the idea of pushing to full potential. Paul did not want him to settle for average. He wanted him to abound for the glory of God.
This is one of those verses that is easy to skip over, but it is profound. These four points are very meaningful and should be embraced by every believer. God wants to bear much fruit for His glory. (John 15:8) I challenge you to adopt this verse as a personal resolve for your life.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global