II Timothy 3-4

“At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them!” (4:16).  Paul had many reasons to resent people who deserted him or tried to block the gospel (v10, 14); yet, he left them in God’s hands. Paul urged Timothy to be firm and passionate about preaching Jesus, communicating the truth with grace.  When people were “heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal” (3:3), Timothy was called to pursue love, faith, and patience (v10).

“The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you” (4:22).  We don’t use earthly weapons to fight “the good fight;” we rely on God’s power and grace.