Paul’s Swan Song

On July 18, 2020, the world tragically lost a servant and preacher of the gospel in John Powell. John was trained at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville and went on to lead in churches, most recently pastoring a church plant near Houston, Texas. His life ended while helping a car in distress on the side of the highway, serving until the end. John leaves behind a wife and four small children.

I watched his funeral on video and was moved by the stories shared and especially by his specific instructions on carrying out his ministry and funeral in the event of his death. This 38-year-old pastor was eternally focused, knowing the time may come for him to go to his home in Heaven and he wanted even his passing to glorify God. From the passages read, the songs sung, and even the collection of an offering for missions, he laid out the details prior to his untimely departure. No doubt John is worshipping at the feet of His Savior.

The great apostle Paul at the end of his life also wanted to leave specific instructions for those left behind to carry on the gospel. In 2 Timothy 4 we see his letter to Timothy and the charges he makes to him:

“Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and teaching.” – 2 Timothy 4:2

Timothy was facing opposition in his current role and Paul’s encouragement started off very simply, “Preach the word.” Of all the literature that has been written or will be written, none will last like the Word of God. Paul also reminded Timothy that the Word is to be used to correct, rebuke and encourage. We like to look at God’s Word for encouragement, but often fail to remember that it is important for correction and rebuke.

Toward the end of Paul’s charge to Timothy, he said these words:

“But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist,fulfill your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 4:5

Paul starts off with “exercise self-control.” Nothing like driving home a charge with the last, and likely hardest, fruit of the Spirit, self-control. He then continues with “endure hardship.” Nobody could say Paul didn’t understand what hardship meant. Throughout his ministry he suffered physical hardships along with his own thorn in the flesh. He knew Timothy needed to be reminded those hardships would come, but persevere. And Paul closed by encouraging Timothy to do the work of an evangelist (spread the gospel) and fulfill his ministry. Timothy had been under the wing of this great evangelist and knowing this was the end of Paul’s life must have felt humbled and honored to be encouraged this way.

These words of Paul still ring true for us today. We need to preach the word, no matter the season, being a student of the Word to learn how live more obediently and holy in this life. We have to exercise self-control. When the world is spinning out of orbit and we want to spew forth all our emotions, we have to stop and say “will this glorify God and enlarge His Kingdom?” We have to endure hardships. Being a follower of Christ in today’s world is not easy. We will suffer hardships, be those physical or spiritual. But we must continue to spread the gospel and fulfill the calling God has put on each of our lives.

Fight the good fight, ladies, and keep the faith, even when it’s hard.

–by Rose Booth