Do thy diligence to come before winter

 

LIMAVADY INDEPENDENT METHODIST CHURCH

SERMON NOTES FROM SUNDAY 17 SEPTEMBER 2023

2 TIMOTHY 4 VERSE 21 – “Do thy diligence to come before winter”

 

The great apostle Paul was ready to be offered up.  He could look forward with anticipation to a great eternity with his Lord and master.  He had fought a good fight, he finished the course.  He remained steadfast, unmoveable in his service for Christ.  Paul, knowing his departure was at hand, had important things to say to Timothy.  “Keep on preaching the word of God, finish the fight, keep the faith.”  Paul had a deep desire – he wanted to renew fellowship with his fellow labourer in the gospel.  Demas had forsaken him.  Timothy was reliable, stable.  Timothy would stand wholeheartedly with Paul.  Paul told him when to come – verse 9 “come shortly”.  He also told when not to come – verse 21.  “Timothy, if you don’t come before winter you will have missed your opportunity therefore don’t delay, get here at the next opportunity that is granted to you.  Do thy diligence to come before winter.”  It may seem a really insignificant text of scripture.  Many would read and overlook it.  Many wouldn’t give it a second thought.  An urgent appeal.  There is urgency when it comes to the message of the salvation.  There are 3 truths to grasp.

 

A determination needed.  Paul said to Timothy twice “do thy diligence”.  An appeal not to be taken lightly by Timothy.  Not to look down upon it as unimportance, insignificant statement.  This was to be taken seriously.  He was called on to ponder it, not to allow anything to hinder him.  Do his utmost to do Paul’s request.  Make haste to get to Paul at the next opportunity he could get to come.  He was aware of many hindrances that could deter him.  Timothy was pastor of a church at Ephesus with many responsibilities on his mind.  In the midst of a busy schedule he was urged to take time out and grace the apostle with his presence.  “Timothy do thy diligence to make this a matter of urgency and priority.  Be determined to come to me.  Be persistent and earnest.  Make your way to me.”  When it comes to the business of salvation the same principle applies.  The salvation that Jesus purchased had immense cost, it must not be taken lightly.  Many have no regard for the plan of salvation.  They are overlooking it.  It ought not to be the case.  It must be taken seriously by all men.  They must ponder it and strive with all diligence until they receive it.  Are you overlooking salvation?  Maybe you are taking it lightly.  Do you look upon God’s plan of redemption as unimportant and insignificant?  You must take it seriously.  You must think about it and seek it with all diligence until you obtain it.  Don’t allow anything to stop you in coming to the Saviour of the world.  Do thy diligence.  Could it be I am speaking and there is something hindering you from receiving God’s salvation?  Maybe something in the past or in the present or even in the future.  Maybe it is the fear of what family and friends think.  Maybe you think you will not be able to keep it.  Maybe you are thinking you are beyond redemption.  What is keeping you back?  Is life too busy?  Have you too many other commitments to even consider salvation.  You have many responsibilities and duties.  Make the salvation of your soul the priority, a matter of urgency, the number one concern.  Be determined to come to Christ.  Don’t allow anything to stop you or hold you back.  Luke 13 verse 24 “strive to enter in at the straight gate.”  Make every effort.  Your heart, soul and mind to this urgent matter of salvation.  Strive to see your Saviour there.  Unsaved friend do thy diligence.  Make every effort to come to Jesus Christ.  There is a determination needed.

 

Secondly, an invitation extended.  There were no restrictions placed on this invitation.  An open invitation.  The last thing he would have wanted to do was give him the wrong impression.  To be confused and bewildered about what he was saying.  He was clear – “Timothy do thy diligence to come.”  Draw near, come closer Timothy.  He knew without doubt what he had to do if he wanted to see Paul.  Paul wasn’t coming to him.  He had to go to Paul.  We are left in no doubt as far as God’s invitation is concerned.  The Lord has died on the cross of Calvary for your sins.  Now he extends an invitation to come.  Have you come to the Lord?  Have you accepted his open invitation to come? “Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power, are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?”  Have you come?  Could it be that the master has been inviting you for some time?  He has been saying “come unto me” but you have been refusing him.  Don’t refuse the greatest invitation you will ever receive.  It is worth noting it was an invitation he extended and not a command.  Paul put great urgency on it.  “Timothy do you best, your utmost to come to me shortly.”  He didn’t say “you must come to me now, immediately”.  No he was not going to force Timothy’s hand.  He extended an open invitation.  The same principle applies when it comes to God’s dealings with men.  The Lord will never force his way into your heart and life.  He may persistently invite you to come.  You must decide to accept his invitation.  You must open the door and invite him in.  Would you not come at the king’s urgency?  “Again he sent forth his servants saying Tell them which are bidden, Behold I have prepared … all things are ready, come unto the marriage.” (Matthew 22 verse 4) This invitation is from the Lord.  He sends forth servants to urge many to come.  John recorded those words in Revelation 22 verse 17 “And the Spirit and the bride say come.  And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.”  Come and partake of the blessing of the gospel.  Come and be saved.  Come at the threefold salvation.  Come for rest of the soul.  Matthew 11 verse 28 “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”  You are not being asked to come to a church or a clergy.  The object of faith is the Lord Jesus Christ.  When you come admitting under the burden of sin and shame he will give you rest.  To come means to believe, to receive, to eat, to drink, to look, to confess.  It means to hear, to enter a door, open a door, to touch a hem of his garment, accept the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.  Have you accepted his invitation?  I trust you have.  A determination needed.  An invitation extended.

 

Thirdly, there is an opportunity limited.  Paul said in verse 9 “do thy diligence to come before winter.”  If Timothy was going to see the apostle Paul now was the time. This was his opportunity but it was limited.  Time was passing by and winter was on the way but why was it so crucial to make his journey to Paul before the winter season?  The weather conditions would make it too dangerous to travel, all the ships would be in port during winter thus Timothy could not see Paul.  If Timothy waited too long he would miss the opportunity to travel to Paul and by that time it would be too late.  The day of opportunity for Timothy was coming swiftly to an end.  Time was running out.  Friend today the day of grace for invitations to receive God’s great salvation is coming swiftly to an end.  The opportunity to seek the Saviour will not last forever.  We are living in a day of opportunity but it is greatly lifting.  2 Corinthians 6 verse 2 “Behold now is the accepted time, behold now is the day of salvation.”  If you want to get saved now is the acceptable time.  Not next week or next year.  Today.  Seek the Lord for salvation while you have the opportunity.  “Today is time accepted, tomorrow you may call in vain.”  Today if you will hear his voice harden not your hearts.  The prophet in Isaiah 55 verse 6 said “seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.”  The Lord will not always be found.  Not always be near.  He will not always strive with man.  Genesis 6 verse 3 “my spirit shall not always strive with man.”  The opportunity for you to come to Christ is limited.  None of us are guaranteed another day.  This could be your last day, your last night.  Death could put its cold chilling hand on your shoulder.  With the greatest urgency come to Christ now for your time to do so is limited.  Has the Lord been convincing you of the power of the Holy Spirit of sin, righteousness and judgment?  Don’t close your ears to God’s speaking voice.  There could come a day when he will knock on your hearts door for the last time.  Come before winter while the spirit is striving, while you have the opportunity.  Don’t allow another summer to pass by without Christ.  Your opportunity to receive so great a salvation is coming to an end.  The determination here is don’t look on God’s plan of redemption as so unimportant.  Don’t allow anything to prevent you to come to the Saviour.  An invitation is extended – “come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest.”  Don’t refuse the greatest invitation you will ever receive.  There is an opportunity limited.  Paul said “Timothy if you are going to see me now is the time.”  Now is the appointed time.  Not tomorrow or next week or next month or next year.  Today seek the Lord for salvation while you still have the opportunity.  Would you not come before winter?  The longest day of the year is past, the evenings are starting to drop down.  That in itself is a clear reminder that opportunities to receive the Saviour are limited.  Time is passing by.  Friend come before winter.