II Tim. 4:9-22 COME BEFORE WINTER

Intro.- Here we see the last words in the last Epistle written by the Apostle Paul from Rome. In Rome he will give his life for the cause of Christ. So these last words are filled with meaning and emotion. With a quick overview of these verses, we see:

1. THE REQUEST OF TIMOTHY-vs. 9, 11, 13, 19, 21 a. Come quickly vs. 8 b. Bring Mark with you vs. 11 c. Bring the cloke (coat), the books, and the parchments vs. 13 d. Greet Priscilla (spelling) and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus vs. 19 2Ti 1:16-18 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. e. Come before Winter! Vs. 21

2. THE OPPOSITION NAMED vs. 10, 14, 15 Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Demas- a once loyal co-worker with Paul, has now forsaken him for the world Alexander the coppersmith, (the Lord reward him), and be warned of him. (he is still trying to undermine truth) 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;

3. THE CONTINUED MINISTRY vs. 10, 11, 12, 20, 21 Crescens to Galatia Titus to Dalmatia, Tychicus to Ephesus Carpus to Troas Erastus to Corinth Trophimus (though sick) left in Miletum

4. THE TRIALS AND TRIUMPHS OF PAUL’S LIFE a. Friends absence produces his prayers. (not condemnation) b. The Lord Stood vs. 17 His Presence c. The Lord Strengthened vs. 17 His Power d. The Lord Spared vs. 17, 18 His Plan/Preservation

NOW… with the overview complete, allow me to focus in on three requests in regard to Paul’s wanting Timothy to Come Before Winter:

1. HE NEEDED WARMETH *He asks for his cloke- The prison in Rome will be cold in winter, so he asks for that which will help keep him warm. *You are going to need warmeth this winter as well!! Bundle up! *He realizes that friends keep his spirits warm. Please come Timothy, and bring Mark…. He is profitable to me for the ministry!! **KEEPING your own spirit up is the best thing you can do for the ministry to which Christ has called you!! (when you get defeated, you’re done!) 2. HE NEEDED WISDOM *Bring the books! *Books are a source of wisdom and companionship. *In 2018, read some good books. Have plenty around you.

3. HE NEEDED GOD’S WORD *Bring the Parchments (copies of God’s Word) *Saturate yourself in God’s Word in 2018! *A spirit-filled Christian is a Word-filled Christian!!

You are going to face Winter as well. Have these three things ready and waiting for you!!