Three Stages of Life Living (II Timothy 4:5) Dying (II Timothy 4:7) After Dying (II Timothy 4:8)

LIFE

In II Tim. 4:5-8 Paul describes 3 important stages in the life of a growing Christian.

I. Stage #1—The stage of living—4:5~(4 imperatives) Be sober Endure hardship Do the work of an evangelist Fulfill your ministry

II. Stage #2 —Stage of Dying~ (3 perfects) Have fought a good fight Have finished the course Have kept the faith

III. Stage #3 of life ~After dying 1. Our position We have laid up for us—crown which is righteousness (clothed in HIM)

2. Person—Who is appearing? –A. Who is the object of love JESUS –B. Why do we love his appearing Because we love him—relationship –C. Who loves him Church—community of faith –D. When was he loved “have loved him—now”. we are NOW in a relationship with JESUS that lasts for eternity

Application In the phase of life known as living you can: 1. Turn you eyes upon Jesus—and the things of earth will grow strangely dim 2. Improve your relationship of love with Jesus –Take your relationship with Jesus seriously –Work through the hard times with Jesus as your focus –Tell others about your lover—Jesus –Be a servant of the one you love--Jesus

UNBELIEVABLE CONCLUSION WE LOVE HIM –BECAUSE he FIRST loved us –1. HE took his relationship with us serious (came to die) –2. HE endured hard times for us (now is a high priest) –3. HE spoke of us in loving terms to his father –4. HE came as a servant

IN JESUS Live Life In light of your death bed With eternity’s values in view