Dear Brethren,

MEDITATION
17  But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.  18  And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!
19  Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.  20  Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.
21  Do your utmost to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, as well as Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brethren
22  The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
2 Timothy 4:17-22

OBSERVATION AND INTERPRETATION
1. The Lord’s blessings
a) He stood with Paul
b) He gave strength
c) The word of God was not hindered
d) That more Gentiles may hear

2. The Lord’s deliverance
a) The mouth of the lion
i) This could be a reference to great danger
ii) It could be a veiled reference to Satan as a roaring lion
b) Deliverance from every evil work
i) Jewish enemies
ii) Gentile enemie4s
These plotted against Paul in really treacherous and deadly ways!

3. The Lord’s preservation

a) He will preserve
b) This preservation will extend till the day heaven is reached

4. Giving glory to the Lord
a) This is as it should be!
b) Paul always sought to give glory to the Lord!

GOOD FRIENDS IN THE LORD
1. We have a number of good friends of Paul mentioned
a) They were honoured
b) They were wished well!
2. These friends
a) They were faithful
b) They were supportive

APPLICATION TO LIFE AND MINISTRY
1. The Lord in our life
a) This is to be recognized
b) His presence is to be treasured
2. The blessings of God are not to be taken for granted
a) They may be in the form of deliverance
b) They may be in the form of deliverance
3. Paul’s example of faith and ministry

This is to be emulated!

Prayerfully,
Pastor Charles Tan