So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye! He Fought the Good Fight.
Section 1. Welcome and Announcements
Hey everyone, and welcome! It’s so great to have you here with us today as we gather together to learn, grow, and connect. I hope you all had a fantastic week and are ready to open your hearts to what God has in store for us today.
Announcements:
- Community Outreach: This Saturday, we’re partnering with the local food bank to pack and distribute meals to families in need. Your help would be greatly appreciated!
- Bible Study: Our small group Bible study on the Book of Ephesians starts next Wednesday. Sign-ups are in the lobby after the service.
- Upcoming Event: Don’t forget our church picnic on the 26th of October! It’s a great opportunity to fellowship and enjoy some fun in the sun.
Section 2. Call to Worship
Let’s turn our hearts and minds toward God as we prepare to worship Him. Let’s be reminded of Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Let’s stand together as we sing a short hymn, reminding ourselves of the journey of faith we’re all on together.
Section 3. Opening Prayer
Dear Lord, we come before you today with grateful hearts, thankful for your presence and your grace. Open our minds and hearts to receive your word. Help us to grow in our faith and to be a light in this world. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Section 4. Praise and Worship
Now, let’s lift our voices together in praise and worship! Our worship team has prepared a mix of contemporary songs and traditional hymns to help us express our love and adoration for God. Let’s focus on Him and lift our hearts in song.
Section 5. Scripture Reading
Today, we’ll be diving into 2 Timothy 4:6-18. This passage gives us a glimpse into the Apostle Paul’s reflections as he nears the end of his life. It’s a powerful reminder of perseverance, faith, and the unwavering love of God.
The Events:
In this passage, Paul reflects on his life’s work, his dedication to spreading the Gospel, and the challenges he faced along the way. He speaks of his impending departure, his confidence in his faith, and his hope for the future. It’s a testament to a life lived in service to God.
2 Timothy 4:6-18 (NIV):
- 6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.
- 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
- 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
- 9 Do your best to come to me quickly,
- 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.
- 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry.
- 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
- 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
- 14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.
- 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
- 16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
- 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
- 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Section 6. Pastoral Prayer or Intercessory Prayer
Lord, we lift up those who are facing challenges in their faith, those who feel deserted or discouraged. Just as you stood by Paul in his time of need, we ask that you would stand by them, giving them strength and courage to persevere.
Congregational Prayer Response:
Lord, help us to fight the good fight, to finish the race, and to keep the faith, knowing that you have a crown of righteousness waiting for us. Amen.
Section 7. Offering
As we give our tithes and offerings today, let us remember that it is an act of worship, a way to honor God and support the work of His church. Your generosity allows us to continue sharing the love of Christ with our community and beyond.
Dear Lord, we thank you for the blessings you have given us. May these tithes and offerings be used to further your kingdom and to bring glory to your name. Amen.
Section 8. Special Music
Now, let’s welcome our choir as they share a special musical selection with us.
Bring This Sermon to Life: The Full Teaching and Tools
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Section 9. Free Bible Study!
Hey everyone, I’m thrilled to announce something that I believe will really help you dig deeper into the Word and grow in your relationship with God: a Free Bible Study tied directly to today’s message from 2 Timothy 4:6-18!
Bible Study Headline: “Discover the ‘Secret Farewell’ That Can Ignite Your Faith (Even When You Feel Like Giving Up!)”
Imagine you’re standing on the edge of a great adventure, looking back at all you’ve accomplished, and forward to what’s to come. That’s where the Apostle Paul found himself in 2 Timothy. He was pouring out his life like a drink offering, getting ready for his departure. But it wasn’t a moment of sadness or defeat. Instead, it was a moment of triumph, a celebration of faith kept and a race well-run.
This Bible study isn’t just about reading words on a page. It’s about connecting with Paul’s story, recognizing your own challenges, and discovering the same strength and courage that he found in Christ. It’s about turning those moments of doubt into stepping stones of faith.
I want to give you a way to experience this kind of transformation in your own life. That’s why I’m giving away this Bible Study absolutely FREE! It’s designed to help you unpack the powerful truths found in 2 Timothy 4:6-18 and apply them to your everyday life.
This isn’t just a freebie; it’s a lifeline. It’s a way to go deeper with God, to strengthen your faith, and to find the peace and purpose you’ve been searching for.
May Jesus pour his Grace Upon you and your family during this special time in our lives.
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Section 10. Sermon Outline (Paid Content)
Are you ready to dive even deeper? To unlock the full potential of this powerful passage and deliver a sermon that resonates with your congregation? Then I want to invite you to check out the complete sermon outline below. It’s designed to help you bring the message of 2 Timothy 4:6-18 to life in a way that touches hearts, inspires action, and transforms lives.
Sermon Title: “Finishing Strong: Lessons from Paul’s Farewell”
Outline:
- Introduction (2 Timothy 4:6)
- Verse 6: “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.”
- Explanation: Paul reflects on his life coming to an end, but it is not an end marked with sadness, but with a sense of completion. He uses the metaphor of a “drink offering” to illustrate the dedication and sacrifice he has made in his service to God.
- The Legacy of Faith (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
- Verses 7-8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
- Explanation: Paul reflects on his life as one characterized by faith, perseverance, and dedication. He highlights the reward that awaits those who live a life of faith. He reminds us that we will be rewarded with the crown of righteousness!
- Dealing with Desertion and Difficulty (2 Timothy 4:9-16)
- Verses 9-16: “Do your best to come to me quickly…” (selected verses)
- Explanation: Paul shares his feelings of loneliness and betrayal, and expresses disappointment and acknowledges that others have abandoned him in his time of need. Yet he remains steadfast in his faith. He doesn’t allow human failures to impact his dedication to the Lord.
- God’s Unwavering Support and Deliverance (2 Timothy 4:17-18)
- Verses 17-18: “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth…”
- Explanation: This section emphasizes God’s ever-present support and protection in the face of adversity. Paul acknowledges that the Lord stood by him and gave him strength. Paul concludes that God will always deliver him, and bring him safely to his heavenly kingdom.
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