2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.… I. THE CHARACTER OF A FAITHFUL MINISTER. 1. He loves the gospel which he preaches. 2. He does not shun to declare all the counsel of God, but endeavours to preach the gospel as fully and as plainly as possible. 3. He will uniformly and perseveringly perform the self-denying duties of his office, which are of a less public nature, but of no less importance, than his ministrations on the Sabbath. In visiting the sick and the dying, he will deal plainly as well as tenderly with them. Whenever he is called to converse with persons about the state of their minds, whether they are in stupidity, distress, or doubt, he will not daub with untempered mortar, nor endeavour to comfort those who ought not to be com forted, tie will contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. II. WHAT REASONS HE MAY HAVE TO REJOICE IN THE NEAR PROSPECT OF ETERNITY. 1. He has good reason to rejoice that he chose the work of the ministry in preference to any other employment in life. The most useful employment must be allowed to be the most important and desirable. 2. He has good reason to rejoice in the close of life and in the view of eternity, that God has enabled him to be faithful. 3. He has good reason to rejoice in the close of his ministry, because God has given him assurance that all his faithful labours shall produce some valuable and important effects, either sooner or later. 4. He has good ground to rejoice when the time of his departure is at hand, because God has promised him an ample reward for all his sincere services. (N. Emmons, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.WEB: For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. |
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