2 Timothy 4:6-8 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.… I. Let us consider THE PRIZE THE APOSTLE HAD IN VIEW, "a crown of righteousness." Royalty is the highest pitch of human grandeur. Those that wear earthly crowns have got to the very summit of earthly honour, and are in that station in which centres all worldly glory and happiness. What an idea is this similitude designed to give us then of that glorious world, where every saint wears an unfading, incorruptible and immortal crown? 1. This crown consists of perfect and everlasting righteousness. The sparks of this crown are perfect holiness and a conformity to God. 2. This crown was purchased by the righteousness of Jesus Christ. It cost a valuable price, and therefore is of inestimable worth. 3. We come to the possession of this crown in a way of righteousness. Its being purchased for us does not lay a foundation for our slothfulness, sin and security. II. Consider THE PERSON BY WHOM THIS CROWN IS BESTOWED, AND HIS CHARACTER AS A RIGHTEOUS JUDGE. This illustrious person is everywhere represented to be our Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, Acts 17:31. Christ is the appointed person, and He is every way fitted for the great and important work, He being God as well as man: He is absolutely incapable of committing the least mistake or error. And He is a righteous judge. He will display His righteousness in the last sentence that He will pass upon every creature. III. Consider WHEN THIS CROWN SHALL BE COMPLETELY POSSESSED AND BE FULLY GIVEN. It is here said to be given "at that day," viz.: The day of Christ's appearance to judge the world. IV. Consider THE PERSONS TO WHOM THIS CROWN SHALL BE GIVEN. "To all those who love His appearing." The apostle was one of that happy number. They love His appearing, for then every enemy will be vanquished. (S. Hayward.) Parallel Verses KJV: For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.WEB: For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come. |
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