4:3
Jesus said that as long as it is day we must do the works of God, for a time is coming when no one can work (John 9:4). Timothy, and us, must teach and preach the truth as long as we can, whenever we have opportunity. For a time will come when we cannot. A time when people are not interested in sound doctrine, not interested in the truth. One might think that we are very close to that situation now. Instead, the world has a great number of teachers who reinforce the lies it likes to hear. So we should preach the gospel whenever, and wherever, we can.
4:4,5
People will turn to myths, preferring to listen to nonsense rather than God’s truth. This happens both within and without the church. What was Timothy to do? What are we to do? First, we are to keep our heads. In the Olivet discourse Jesus told His disciples not to be alarmed (Matt 24:6). We are to keep calm and carry on! We are to endure hardship, for it won’t always be easy, and we are to make it our goal to do the work of God. We should note that Paul wrote this almost 2000 years ago. We have this great urge to know when the very end will come. It is futile to try and work that out. The things that Paul has been speaking of have occurred at various times in history. He is giving practical advice and instruction that is valid in almost every age.
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