A Cloak & Some Books | Daniel Batarseh

Well, we have arrived to the last portion of second Timothy

together, and we trust that the Lord will help us.

See Christ, even in these final verses and as we celebrate this

week concerning his passion, so meet me in the book of 2nd

Timothy. In chapter 4 beginning in verse

19. He's a Paul says, by the spirit.

Greek prisca and Aquila and the household of inessa forests.

Erastus remained at Corinth and I left trophimus who is ill and

my lead us do your best to come before winter.

You Bullis sends, greetings to you as the Puritans and Linus

and Claudia and all the brothers.

The Lord be with your spirit Grace be with you.

Heavenly Father, help us, help us with these verses by the

spirit. Lord help us see the value.

Help us see the richness of even a text like this and we pray.

Lord, that you would fill us a fresh with a revelation of your

wisdom and goodness and that it would transform us Lord even

with these verses exalt Christ through them.

Let no human words. Interfere with the

interpretation and Content with these scriptures.

Oh be glorified, we long for you to be blessed and pleased with

what you hear and more importantly, what you see, as we

apply it to our lives. We ask these things in Jesus

name, amen. If we have not yet grasped the

love that the Apostle Paul and the special interests that he

had four other people fellow believers.

Hopefully these concluding verses in this letter will

confirm that truth. Truth that isn't given to us

just for mere admiration. By the way, it's a truth that

should cause us to be inspired. These verses are for

inspiration, nine other names. Nine additional names are

mentioned in these verses. As this martyr to be is ready to

sign off as he's ready to go home to be with his Lord and it

shows. Is this really just how much the

Apostle Paul was in tune with other people?

It shows us just how much she cared whether it was a desire to

make people feel like they were known by his greetings.

He wanted to make sure that they were comforted because he was

thinking of them or updating Timothy with the State of

Affairs of ministers that they both knew this this saint really

cared for people. He deeply cared for the children

of God. And every letter that he wrote

really oozes out, that kind of love that he had for those who

belong to God. And as you look at this, you

might think well, how can someone, who is ready to die?

Be so concerned about greeting people.

Or about translating or about giving information.

To another person, I'm you're about to be executed And it is

no secret. It is not.

It is not some foreign idea to the Bible, Paul himself.

Even tells us why he is so attentive, why he is so deeply

aware, why he actually cares for the littlest things in other

people's lives and I want you to see it.

So go to Philippians chapter 1 very quickly.

Philippians 1 · chapter mention

And look at verse 8, Just backtrack a few books.

And when you go to chapter 1, you will see the secret to this

man sentiment you will see the motivation.

That he had four people. It's one simple.

Verse in verse 8. Paul says to the Philippian

Christians for God is my witness.

How I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.

Paul did not express a human fondness for believers.

He communicated a love that came from God himself.

Even called God to be witnessed to what was in his bosom, how he

had an actual compassion, how he actually had this concern for

others, and it could be paralleled, imagine that.

It actually reflects the care that Jesus Christ himself has

for his own, he can call God to Bear witness that what he had in

his heart, for the people of God, is what Jesus himself has

in his heart for those that he has redeemed.

And I read a verse like this And you cannot help, but realize the

implications of it, this is very exciting.

This is glorious because of Fallen human being.

Like Paul has learned a lot of that was untainted by selfish

ambition. He had a love living inside him,

and that excited him. To joyful.

Sacrificial, living. There is a love that did not

fluctuate based on somebody else's failures.

It was the love of Jesus Christ running through the veins of

this vessel this instrument, for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and

we would be rightly called foolish for looking at a verse

like this and just smiling at it while we study it.

Should I not cause us to seek the one who inspired this

attitude and Paul to inspire us as well.

Can I ask you a very simple question today as we reflect on

the love of Christ this week, what would your marriage look

like husband? What would your marriage look

like wife? If you both share the affection

of Christ, Jesus for one another what would our friendships feel

like what would they be like if we all mutually shared the

Masters tenderness, What kind of Aroma with this church create if

every single one of us in this place had Christ's Mercy beating

in each of our hearts. When you look at a verse like

this, it is not just for mere observation, it is not even for

admiration. It is for imitation.

God Almighty, if you did it with that former terrorist, surely

you can do it in me. Oh would you not want to know

what it feels like to have the actual affection of Jesus Christ

Living inside of you? It can happen and there's no

doubt that Paul echoed what the psalmist said in psalm 16 3.

When he said concerning the Saints of the land, they are the

X in the ones in whom is all my delight.

But as much as this man was compelled to supervise and

Supply, the emotional physical and spiritual needs of others.

Can I tell you something? He was a human still and Paul

himself had personal wishes. He had desires he had needs.

He had wants. And tucked in beautifully

between these names in the final verses of our book here.

He has a request. Did you see it?

Look again. He says here in second Timothy

when he looks forward to his departure to be with Christ.

Verse 21, do your best to come before.

Winter, do your best to come before winter and all this

really is is an echo of to other similar cries in the same book.

Do you remember what he says here in chapter 1 verse 4.

I long to see you Timothy, I long to see you and in chapter

4, he says, even earlier in verse 9, do your best to come to

me soon. But in this final request

though, it sounds similar. There is an additional There's

an additional demand and that is for him to come at a precise

time. Timothy, I need you to get here

before winter. I need you to get here before it

gets cold. I need you to get here before

the air gets chilly. The question is why?

Let's ask another question. Why does it really matter?

Well, you'll find out in a moment.

The first reason I believe why Paul was so urgent with his

appeal was because travel, what's much more difficult in

the winter seasons? All you have to do, is read the

final chapters of the book of Acts to see the great struggles

that Paul had to endure as he was sailing to Rome.

And so he calls his young disciple and he gives them

wisdom to say for you to have a more graceful Journey.

Would you get here before winter?

I need you to arrive here for your sake.

Yes. And Mine.

Because secondly, Paul here has already communicated that his

departure is near that he is going to be with Christ and it's

coming very soon. And so he makes this call, he

makes this urgent appeal to Timothy get here as quick as

possible. And for Timothy if he didn't

come before winter, it was either before winter or never.

You need to arrive here. There is a certain timeline that

you're working with Timothy. You can't just leave at your own

convenience. You can't just delay.

You must come as soon as possible.

Before going to the final point, which will be the focus of our

time together. I cannot help but think that

this is, this is a worthy place to pause and to consider

principle that applies to all men.

Yes, that's small instruction that urgent call has something

to say about God's urgency for men today.

What do I mean in our brief lives?

There are many things that present themselves to us, that

cannot be delayed to Acted upon less we forfeit the opportunity

all together. In our brief lives, the Mist

that it is, there are certain things that present themselves

as certain times, that demands, that demands an Urgent Response

less, we lose that opportunity and it evaporates never to

return again. And I believe the principal one,

the universal one is the call to Salvation.

If Paul here makes an appeal to Timothy to make sure that he

comes before winter. Let's T risks uncertainty.

How much more is it urgent for man to respond to the call of

Christ to be saved? That invitation that command to

be saved to put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

Listen, it is always always coupled with an immediate

response. There is no place in the

scripture where the spirit of God encourages a postponed

repentance. There is no place in the Bible

where you see, even a suggestion that there should be a stalled

surrender to his lordship, you will never see the Lord Jesus

Christ preaching, you'll never see the apostles preaching and

saying, repent and believe tomorrow, today is the day of

salvation. You must respond.

Now, you are held accountable with the news that you have

received this glorious, good news of his love.

And you even think about Jesus Christ who was approached by

different men who expressed a desire to follow him, but they

had their own terms of timing. Remember, let me bury my father.

And each of those individuals Christ, did not even take them

seriously. Because they fail to realize

just how much of a priority is to deal with that information

when it is given to you. I'm not saying that men should

not pause and consider the cost of discipleship you should, but

you shouldn't wait too long. Because tomorrow is not

promised. And if today, you're in this

place, maybe you've heard the gospel a thousand times.

Maybe this is your first time whether it's a thousand times or

the first time you have to make a decision.

As soon as possible, you have to come to Jesus before winter.

Not literally, of course, but the principle of it before your

time Runs Out. You must say yes to him.

Less you forfeit. The opportunity all together.

But what about if you have said yes to Jesus.

What if you're a believer in this place is that I have

responded to that wonderful call?

I did not delay. I've been living for him.

This this concept of taking advantage of the opportunity

time. Still applied to the redeemed.

Yes. And in many ways and I cannot

help. But think when I look at the

Urgent appeal, You're here for Timothy of the wise words of

King Solomon, when he spoke in that glorious Book of

Ecclesiastes, that really sobers you and how you view this world

and he says that they're in Ecclesiastes 12 one.

Does he not remember, also your creator in the days of your

youth. Before.

Paul said to Timothy come before winter and here's Solomon by the

spirit saying to the young reader, remember your creator in

the days of your youth not before winter?

But before the day's, the evil days come and the years draw

near which you will say. I have no pleasure in them.

I have no pleasure in them. The Holy Spirit, turns his

attention to the young reader and he calls him to remember God

in his youth, why? Because young people often fail

to consider God and their thinking, and in their planning.

It is usually those who are seasoned and life.

It is. Usually those who experienced

the disappointments of life and are approaching death where they

contemplate God in eternity. And so there is a call here that

in the prime of your life. Don't think that you have so

much opportunity ahead of you don't think that there is so

much for you to experience. I can tell you this that the

youth are arguably one of the most difficult demographics, to

convince that this life is transient and that the things of

this world offers are meaningless And the Holy Spirit

knows that, that's why he says you young people and that season

of strength. Remember your creator before,

before what the son of your strength sets before you have to

face the various difficulties of a limited body before you have

to experience the struggles of your schedule being filled

because of growing responsibilities that come with

life. The world is fully aware of The

Young and the potential that they have.

And even good-hearted, people try to disciple their children

teachers. Well, nowadays you question

their integrity, most of them, but good-hearted, teachers,

God-fearing teachers, also, will look at the Young and they will

say, use this time to study. Use this time to travel use this

time to invest use this time to do things even take risks if you

need to. But I wonder how many parents,

how many teachers look at their children.

Look at their teens and say, remember God, serve God, give

him all that, you have now it only gets harder and harder as

you grow an aged Reserve these Seasons Reserve this time and

give it to him. Before winter.

Before winter. I'm trying to show you today how

God encourages the believer to consider every season of life.

And to ask ask him to maximize the opportunities in every

single one before winter comes before he comes.

But we look here in Paul's urgent call for Timothy to come

before winter and there is one other reason, I believe among

many. And that is the reason that you

and I will focus today. It is connected to verse 13.

He says come Before winter. Because in verse 13, He says

when you come bring the cloak that I left with carpus at

Troy's, also the books and above all the parchments.

Seems trivial, doesn't it? I don't think I've met somebody

who says, you know, I was meditating on that verse where

Paul said, bring me my cloak. And bring me my books and don't

forget the parchments. You won't really find a verse

like that in your devotional 365 day and night, maybe you will,

if it's Spurgeon. What does this have to do with

us? What is this personal request

have to do with my life? What is this?

Transitional verse have to offer me in my walk with the lord.

Well, a Spurgeon said, Let this cloak warm you today, as you.

And I consider how these things. These items these personal

belongings to a man who lived thousands of years ago, hundreds

of years ago has something to do with you.

And I today, so let us consider thoughts from Paul's cloak.

I believe, when you see this. You see this request?

You see a sad thing. You see a sad thing here?

Because last week, we learned that no one attended Paul at his

first defense. Nobody came to his hearing and

that news was especially sorrowful because it is believed

that Paul was in prison in Rome. It is believed that he wrote

this letter in that great City and you know that there was an

entire glorious epistle, a theological Masterpiece that was

delivered to Christians who are already in Rome that were not a

result of Paul's Evangelistic efforts is most likely These

Roman Christians were saved at the day of Pentecost because

there are Romans who were there in Jerusalem.

And so Paul, as you see in chapter 1, he longs to see them

face to face, and he gives this awesome piece of work.

Where were they? Not one could have showed up to

his hearing not one out of those band of people that he mentions

in chapter 16 of Romans could have come to at least be an

encouraging presence. I want to, I want you to see the

enthusiasm that these Romans believed our had when Paul first

arrived at Rome, an axe. So, turn their quickly in Acts

Acts 28:14

28 verse 14. I just want you to see the

contrast. How what we've been hearing week

after week is so true, that men change. people change Christ,

doesn't acts 28 verse 14. Luke writes, there we found

Acts 28:14

brothers and were invited to stay with them for seven days

and so we came to Rome there it is.

They arrive to Rome. Here's the chronological

recording of it. And what happens when they come

to Rome verse 15 and the brothers there, when they heard

about us came as far as the form of APS and three taverns to meet

us on seeing them. Paul, thank God and took

courage. So these men heard that this

Paul who wrote this, Letter to them years before, perhaps has

now arrived in to their land and so they come to meet him as he

comes and they escort him into the city like royalty.

They robed him with honor and dignity.

And this man who went through a hell Of a ride through the sea

was, was thinking, God, and he took courage, I have brothers

with me in Rome, do they heard? And it says, even hear that they

came as far. They traveled long and far to

make sure that Paul will not arrive, without people who are

ready to host them and love him and lead him into this new land.

as Paul arrived to Rome there was that great eagerness and as

Paul is ready to depart out of Roman to Glory, They're not

there. Where are they?

Where is that enthusiasm? Where's that excitement?

Wears that great sacrifice, you were willing to walk and travel

so far to make sure that he was greeted.

What about now as he lays in a cold stinking dungeon You and I

thought it was heartbreaking to see that.

Nobody came to his first defense.

Let me add something to it. Nobody thought as the seasons

were transitioning. maybe Paul is cold and that cell we should

close him appropriately. Nobody thought maybe we should

cover his bruised and scarred back with a layer of clothing so

that he can endure. We may not be able to get him

out, maybe we did Skip his first hearing, but let's at least drop

off some articles of clothing. Nobody even thought that this

man, perhaps just needed something warm to sleep with.

This Old Saint, as he sat in the cold dark.

Hole. Awaiting his execution.

Did not have any visitation. Did not have anybody who cared

for him to bring a cloak. And so, what did he have to do?

He has a send a letter to ask for that cloak, that was hidden

away by trust, worthy disciple, named karpis.

So Out Of Reach so far and we don't know why, we don't know

why it was left behind in triage, but it really spoke

about the kind of life. He lived that it doesn't not the

quality of life. This man's life was so

unpredictable. Filled with suspense.

He's here then he's there then it goes back here.

I mean there was no permanent place for him to reside, it was

too dangerous and so that saintly had laid on on various

types of materials. And I can tell you most of them

were not comfortable. And his possessions went with

him. One day, they're here.

One day, they're there. He did not know the comfort that

you and I and I and I know with a routine in life with a

permanent residential place that you can call home.

This man was just on the go his service to the Lord, Jesus

Christ, cause them to live with such suspense.

And we think to himself to ourselves is that the kind of

life, I would be willing to live for my Lord.

I look at a verse like that where he asked for his cloak

miles away and I think what, how can I complain This man served

you and he did not waste one portion of his letter to murmur

about his material lack. He did not try to receive pity.

He was very simple and very quiet, a true Bond slave of

Jesus Christ with every meaning The sense of the meaning and

like any Earthly, save would tell you, there was very little

possessions that Paul could claim exclusively for himself.

In fact, the longer you serve Jesus, the more he seemed to

have lost in this life, don't you forget who this apostle was?

This was the great revered honored Saul of Tarsus.

The man who had a reputation that commanded respect from

every sphere of society, the man who had an Entourage when he was

traveling to Damascus, the man who had a very important vote, a

vote that can that can actually make you either.

Dead or alive. And that same Saul of Tarsus

now. Is alone old shriveling shaking

in asking for a cloak. With all that he had owned,

including that wonderful reputation, it was all given

away. And to the person who does not

have the eyes of Faith, they might look a Paul in his

condition now, And feel sad for him.

But Paul again would not demand such pity because the same man

who demanded a cloak knew that very, very soon.

He was going to be robed with eternal comfort.

And he was going to be crowned and he was going to be given

Treasures. That would put all the Earthly

accolades to shame. Paul had a perspective, that

many Christians do not have and so he did not look here for some

kind of pat on the back. He was very very in control.

Paul was a tough man. I'm telling you today many

Christians have a low tolerance and suffering.

A very low tolerance. There are willing to serve the

Lord, but the moment things get difficult.

They squeal. All this menu, could not beat

the courage out of him, you could not freeze him into

surrender. All he did was request for a

cloak. And that comes to this second

Point regarding this garment. The first one was the fact that

he was forgotten by those that he remembered every detail about

and secondly, this this call for his cloak reminds us that

Servants of God are not spared from natural course of action in

life. You and I will be sadly mistaken

and greatly disappointed. If we think to ourselves that as

we follow Jesus Christ, that there will never be moments of

waiting that as we pursue our desires.

Hopefully, they're righteous. That they will be void of

disruptions. It is a very detrimental frame

of mind to think that if I choose to give myself to God and

I choose to understand his promise of provision, that

includes the exemption of common challenges, discomforts and

delays. This man.

This man here who was an instrument of Mighty miracles.

Who is revered even by? Demons is sending a letter for a

jacket. Sounds very human because he is.

And that should help us as we look at these Giants in the

faith to realize that they were not exempt, from normal

procedures in life like making appointments and making requests

and sending things and waiting for things.

Paul was normal. Paul was human.

Paul did not receive special treatment and Paul didn't

receive special treatment. What makes you think that you

and I will go through this life without things that will cause

us to wonder. Lord, are you with me?

Could not have God materialize, a jacket out of thin air for

Paul? Could you have not just woven

the rags that he was wearing there?

Cannot have God done, a miraculous work and his body,

where his heat arose and regulated though.

The dungeon itself was freezing could not have got appear to a

saint and roam like he did with ananias after Paul's conversion

and command them go and see that man and provide him a cloak, of

course, God could have. He's God Like, with many things.

God doesn't always Implement his Supernatural.

Means For his servants, just like, God can heal every disease

but oftentimes he doesn't and Supernatural fashion.

Look at verse 20, do you see it? And second Timothy 4, I left

trophimus, who was Ill at my letus.

Why? Paul, you have Apostolic

Authority. You've raised the dead.

You've healed so many. In fact, you were so anointed by

the power of God. At one point, that didn't even

need you to come to the location.

They just wanted your handkerchief and they laid it on

the sick, and they were delivered and demons were cast

out. And Paul, you're telling me the

man that I saw and was inspired by throughout that book of Acts

left his friend sick and my letus.

Why do you command for his well-being?

Why didn't you command for his healing?

When you put an end to his suffering once and for all

because, as much as Authority Paul had, he was still

surrendered to a sovereign. God, who knows?

What is best? And there are times in which God

in order to prove his power and his love.

Will heal instantly. Like he saw eutychus raised from

the dead, after he fell asleep in a church service.

And God's miraculous power so created.

That is not limited to your body.

It's even, it's even applied. If he Wills to the very thing

that covers your body. Do you remember the Israelites

were wandering in the wilderness for 40 years?

Do you know what? Deuteronomy 29 5 says, let me

read it to you. God says, I have led you 40

years in the wilderness, your clothes.

Your clothes have not worn out on you.

And your sandals have not worn off your feet.

When we think of the Miracles in that Journey, we think about the

Manna From Heaven, the water coming from the raw, the sea

splitting. Have you ever considered the

fact that they wore the same shoes for 40 years and it didn't

have any mark? They wore the same outfit and it

was in perfect condition as though they had just bought it.

And there are times in which God has proven that he can heal, he

can raise the dead, he can even command your shirt to stay the

same, but there are also times in which sickness seems to stay

Like his friend here in my leaders.

And there are times in which even the most faithful of God's

servants. Need a cloak.

And it's not at their disposal. I'm sure.

Paul made a request for God to perform the same miracle for the

remnants of those Israelites. But, no, he also knew that God

works through human procedure and means and Providence.

And so, he does what you. And I would do send a letter for

a friend, to bring a jacket. I also see with this request for

a cloak that contentment of Paul.

The contentment. Don't you see how concrete it

is? Do you see how this man is?

So humble? So simple.

He lived his life with such ease.

Why? Because when he says, make sure

that you bring the cloak that I left with carpets at Troy as he

didn't say. Bring me a new one.

Hey, on your way to Rome. Would you stop by the store and

get me brand new cloak? He didn't make unrealistic

demands for certain goods and services Paul was so, so so easy

to please. He didn't struggle with that

that poison of covetousness. You do not live his life, always

wanting. He was not high maintenance.

Paul was so calm because there is a calmness that you and I

inherit when we are satisfied in Jesus Christ.

I want to tell you that this Grace, this Grace were Paul just

says, can you bring what I already have?

Please just, just make sure you. Don't forget it that quietness,

that, that simple attitude is learned.

Even this giant had to learn it because he says in Philippians,

does he not and Philippians 4:11?

Philippians 4:11

I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.

I've learned that, that's not intrinsic, that's not That you

and I have automatically. That's something that we are

discipled into that some of the Holy Spirit.

Teaches us, overtime, and Paul had it in every situation.

I'm to be content. My requests are very minimal.

I enjoy whatever God has determined for my life, whatever

season I'm in. Look at this man and I think to

myself. Oh, oh.

To be so calm and such confining circumstances with the authority

that he had, he could have made demands on people.

He could have exercised Pride, he could have acted, like, many

people do today and Ministry. Putting demands for high

honorariums, on people putting a number on their service for

Christ as preachers. I cannot even fathom the thought

Jeremiah Burroughs who was a Puritan wrote in the rare Jewel

of Christian contentment. Listen carefully, quote,

contentment is not by addition. But by subtraction seeking to

add a thing, will not bring contentment instead subtracting

from your desires until you were satisfied.

Only with Christ brings contentment.

He goes on to say my brethren, the reason why you have not

gotten contentment in the things of the world is not because you

have not enough of them, that is not the reason.

But the reason is because they are not things proportionable to

that Immortal, soul of yours, that is capable of God himself.

You will never be content and adding more because what only

can fill that void is the one who made it.

And Paul learned that more and more and more.

If you are not growing in the Years with a knowledge of how

Christ satisfies you and I are not doing it right?

If we started out in our walk with the Lord greatly satisfies

and you know that if you truly been born again, nothing else

seems to have mattered at that season, right?

But if you've left that and now you are starting to get edgy And

and becoming ungrateful. Something happen along the way

because Paul learned it. As he went on, Paul grew and

greater contentment. Reverse Christians were

groaning. Greater discontentment Then we

are not knowing satisfaction in Christ.

We have to go back to the basics.

Bring me my cloak. Who would have thought that

would have been so much, but what about the books?

What about the parchments? What we're on those books.

What what did they carry? What kind of information you can

imagine? It's not told so there's great

speculation about it. Some would say that when Paul

requested for the books, what he was asking for was blank

material so that he can write more letters before his

departure some would say that it included some of his already

writings and he wanted to preserve them and pass them on.

And some would even suggest no, no.

Paul was a learned, man. He was aware of his culture, he

was aware of philosophies and Poets.

And so he just wanted different genres so that he can educate

himself. That is Up For Debate.

But one thing that there is a general consensus on is the

parchments the parchments he says oh would you make sure

especially that you bring the parchments?

Why? Well the books or Papyrus?

There are more readily available but the parchments were much

more expensive. The material was made out of

animal skin and that understanding helps people

realize that what he's probably asking for most likely For the

Hebrew, scriptures. And perhaps some recordings of

the words of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Bring me. The scriptures.

I want to hold them in my hand, I need them.

You see when he required the cloak, that would preserve and

protect his body, but when he asked for the parchments, those

would be the means to warm his soul.

Are we all that surprised that Paul in these dire conditions in

the midst of such tense circumstances wants to study the

Bible? Wants to read and meditate and

grow in the knowledge of God in his word.

Although this man felt a chilling Breeze because of the

absence of his friends, he knew that there would be a fellowship

that would come from the Living Word of God, bring the

parchments to me. Because the word of God is a

primary means in which God consoles, your soul, my brother,

the word of God is God's. Primary means for you to have

the armor necessary for Spiritual battle.

It is the window in which you and I look through this world

and see Christ and fellowship with him and him fellowshipping

with us. I've heard from some people that

they can't get themselves to read the Bible because they're

not much readers themselves. But I can't read the Bible

because I don't read. I'm not much of a reader and

some of those people if they're honest who say they can't read

the Bible, they can't get themselves to focus seem to do

just fine with news articles. And memorizing sports stats.

For some reason, when it comes to the Bible, they can't give 10

minutes of attention to it. If that is you, if you're a

person who says, you know, I just, I don't know why.

Doesn't really Draw Me In. Let me just ask one simple

question just one very simple question.

If God in his Heavenly wisdom has ordained that his means of

communicating with this world. Would be through a book even

though there are other means. And even though there would be

developing Technologies to come if God has determined for all of

time that my will my person, my character, my nature, my person

would be known through a book. Wouldn't that be enough for you

to say? Let me read it.

Would not be enough for you to say.

I will honor his method and I will read him and know him.

Think about it. If it is true that the

parchments were the scripture, is this is a very powerful

statement Paul is making, you know why?

Because before he makes that request, he emphasizes the

parchments, he said, especially the parchments, which means in

the Greek, chiefly most of all above all you see, Timothy he

could have forgotten the cloak, he could have left behind the

books but there's one thing he could not fail to bring in those

were the parchments. If Timothy only had limited

space and he had to choose Who's out of all the items?

One Paul would be satisfied. If he only came with those

parchments, Paul was willing to endure the winter season without

a cloak as long as he had the book.

When I think about that, I wonder this past few weeks, I've

been challenged by the love of Paul for people, but would you

open your heart to another love that he had?

And it was a love for the written word of God.

Bring me the parchments. As we close this book.

As we? Put an end to the series in 2nd

Timothy. What visual are we left with?

You know, what you and I are left with a lonely worn out,

man. Shivering in a dungeon awaiting

his unjust execution. Eagerly expecting the Speedy

arrival of one of his most faithful disciples to hopefully

bring a jacket, a few books and portions of the scriptures.

And to the unbelieving mind or to the spiritually immature,

they would look at this and they would see something that is

quite disheartening and sad. Paul.

You could have become someone as a Pharisee of the Pharisees man.

you had such an advantage, unlike very few in Israel, you

could have really, really made it the connections, the

resources, the respect that you had, and you threw it all the

way for what To be in this. This is what serving an

invisible Messiah gets you. That is the world's perspective.

That is the carnal understanding.

Heaven has a completely different idea of what we see

here with Paul and it is found in our final text this afternoon

to Hebrews chapter 11. Hebrews 11 teaches us, what

Hebrews 11 · chapter mention

faith lives like what it looks like.

What it does. And Hebrews 11 36.

About those who have lived, a life of faith in Christ.

You know what it says others suffered mocking and flogging

and even chains and imprisonment they were stoned.

They were sawn into, they were killed with the sword.

They went about and skins of sheep and goats destitute

Afflicted mistreated pause there.

This material is not speaking about luxurious clothing.

Speaks about miserable conditions, like Paul.

This is what faith will get you. Yes.

Sometimes you will be able to close the mouths of lions and

you will see great, armies flee, but the Bible is very honest.

You want to live for Christ, this is how it can end up for

you. And then look what it says in

verse 38 of whom, the world was not worthy.

Of whom the world was not worthy wandering about in deserts and

mountains and in dens and caves of the earth, it's as though the

holy spirit is trying to say something as you reading this

list of things that nobody would dare to volunteer to endure.

God wants to make sure that these who have experienced this

outcome of their faith. The world is not worthy of them.

The world would scorn them the world would shrink from them,

but from Heaven's perspective, Christ and All His angels look

down and say, they do not understand who is walking in

their midst. They do not understand the honor

that they will have, when they come into my presence.

They do not understand, how they will be esteemed for all of

eternity. The world is not worthy of such

men of such who of a man stuck in a jail cell, forgotten and

abandoned. Yes.

The world is not worthy. and you and I as we close this book,

have to consider That the end of this thing for you may be very

similar. And if it is Remember that you

can do contentment. You can know a concrete comfort

from Christ. And though the world may see you

as a waste, as a loss of potential.

Christ through his word says they're not worthy.

They're not worthy, they do not realize, who is among them.

But we thank you for your word. We thank you for the mention of

the cloak, the books in the parchments.

We thank you. That there is so much for us to

consider of own lives through them.

Lord with this time together. through stammering lips and a

limited vocabulary Lord, we trust that your word would have

its effect in our hearts. But we worship you that there is

not one detail of your word. That is without purpose.

You speak to us in all things and we pray that you would open

our eyes to see these things in your word.

Well, we thank you for our time and second Timothy together.

Thank you for all that. You've taught us.

And Lord, we just pray that as we as a church move forward to

another book. You would lead us perfectly into

that book. Whatever it is that you long to

teach us as your people. Please lead us perfectly in it.

The Lord before then, we worship you for what you've given us

now. We worship you for the past few

weeks, and months how you've spoken to us through this

precious epistle and we give you all the glory.

Lord, we magnify your name as we worship you today.

In Jesus name, we pray. Amen, let's stand and Worship

the Lord shall we?