Text: 2 Timothy 4:1-7
Memory verse:
”But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.“
II Timothy 4:5 NKJV
Have you ever sat for an examination that you were not able to answer all the questions for one reason or the other? The examiner had an expectation of you which you were not able to fulfill. This is a simple illustration of what fulfillment of ministry means. It is to complete, accomplish, finish, or end an assignment. The word ‘Fulfill’ in Colossians 4:17 is made up of two words, ‘full’ and ‘fill’, that is to be full and filled, in contrast to being empty. It is to be covered in every part, thoroughly permeated, complete and lacking nothing.
Our Lord Jesus in His earthly days was well informed about His ministry on earth. He didn’t come to break the law but to fulfill it. Even when John the Baptist felt it was not right to baptize Him, He insisted that He must follow the law. At the end of His life, He was able to boldly say that He had fulfilled His ministry. ”… He said, “It is finished!“ (John 19:30).
Also, while the church was ministering to the Lord and fasting in Antioch, the Holy Spirit commissioned Paul and Barnabas to preach among the Gentiles in Asia Minor (Acts 13:1-2). Having done the work, the scripture testified that they completed it. ”… for the work which they had completed.“ (Acts 14:26).
According to our text today, apostle Paul charged his son, Timothy, to stay clear of things that could hinder him in the ministry and to work to fulfill his ministry. (II Tim 4:5). The NLT puts it this way, ”…and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.“. It is to fully carry out that God-given assignment instead of doing a half-job. It is to do a thorough work, instead of doing it haphazardly.
It is not only about completing it but also completing according to the rules set for you from the beginning. It is following the laid down standard. We are not called into an assignment that has no standard of measurement. It is a race that is already set (Heb 12:1). Many people get disappointed and disqualified at the end of the race because they didn’t run according to the rule of the game (II Tim 2:5).
Paul concluded by using his life as an example for Timothy to follow. He fought against opposing forces, finished the work, and kept the faith (2 Tim 4;7).
Friends, don’t just do the work of ministry but aim at fulfilling it. May you not be disappointed at the end, in Jesus’ name.
Prayer points
1. Father, please help me to carry out my ministry according to Your set standard and to finish it, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, please, let me never be disappointed or disqualified at the end of the race, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. My goal is not only to carry out the work of ministry but to do it thoroughly and to finish it.
2. Jesus fulfilled His ministry on earth and He is working in me also to fulfill my own ministry.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng