As this is a very visual message the video is the best option. However, the MP3 audio is here too.
Finishing the Race – 2 Timothy chapter 4
John Akhwari and the Slow Marathon
Badly injured, he kept going, finishing an hour after the others – “My country did not send me 11,000Km to start the Olympic Marathon. They send me here to finish it.
Time
- “Creatures of Time” – Our words, like our lives, have past, present and future. Is time a blessing or a curse? Chaplin said “Time is my only enemy.” Was he right or wrong?
- Gospel Time – It’s always time for good, good news. God stepped into this world, born as a helpless baby, to rescue us.
4 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.
2 Timothy 4:1-2
- Bad Times – Shock jocks and Internet influencers know how to gather a crowd- “tell them what they want to hear!” “Alternative truth” – there is no such thing. An example is the so-called “Prosperity Gospel”, God wants you to be happy, healthy and wealthy. What a pity the Apostle Paul didn’t have enough faith for this!
3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather round them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.
2 Timothy 4:3-4
- My Times – Paul’s present, in prison, his past, “I have finished the race”, and his future crown. “My times are in your hands” Psalm 31:15
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
- Now Time – “It’s over Paul, just give up!” No!, he won’t, he does what he can, encouraging, writing, praying, being a model of patience, kindness and humility.
17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus ill in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters. 22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.
2 Timothy 4:17-22 New International Version – UK (NIVUK) Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
As I sketch and speak, it is impractical to use notes. Here is a mind map I made, to help me remember the key points. Steve