Sunday Morning Podcast August 31, 2014. Bro. Ricky Dukes.
TEXT: 2 TIMOTHY 4:9-21
9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:
10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.
12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus.
13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:
15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.
16 At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.
17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.
18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.
Paul was about to die, ( 2 Timothy 4:6-8). Prior to this, he became sentimental, asking Timothy to come quickly. In this latter stage, Paul had become philosophical, a common mentality later in life. He thought both about his friends, ..and his enemies. Even many of his friends had deserted him. Paul’s encouragement came from the knowledge that God had not forsaken him. You can always depend on God being right there by your side. God will never leave you. Paul assured Timothy that although he may not be able to reach him, he could always reach God. God will deliver when diligent. The key is not to procrastinate, for time is not forever, but will one day run out.
Today the lesson is that if we put off responding to God’s exhortations, it will become too difficult to then act upon it. The time we have, becomes too critical if not quickly acted upon. Have you failed to let one know of your devoted love? Procrastination will steal your chances to. We need to “take care of business,” before it’s too late. Asking forgiveness, before the “winter of life” comes to harden your heart, …when you might no longer see that need. A heartfelt “thank you,” “I miss you,” “you mean so much to me,” …are often thoughts that need to be promptly acted upon to encourage others.
Today is the day to act in spiritual matters of the heart. Wherefore (as the Holy Ghost saith Today, if you will hear His voice, Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness., (Hebrews 3:7,8). Listen carefully and harden not your heart (or ignore), to God’s exhortations in His Word. Eternity is the most important thing to focus on, for all mankind. Nothing is more important to prepare for! Young or old, death respects not one’s age. Life is but a vapor, (James 4:14). Death is only a breath away. It’s not going to be all about what you want, pushing God away. God will have the last say! The day you “hear” God’s voice….listen then!
Jesus tells us, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Don’t procrastinate, listen to His voice today!