Paul, writing to Timothy from a Roman prison, calls him to endure hardship with him. He gives three portraits of endurance. He reflects upon the devotion of the soldier, the discipline of the athlete, and the diligence of the farmer. They each willingly suffer and sacrifice in order to attain the goal of their efforts.

Paul instructs Timothy to be a workman who is does not need to be ashamed, who accurately handles the Word of truth. Know which arguments to redirect, to avoid, and which ones to respond to. Above all, keep grace the central message. Stay focused on grace for himself and communicate God's grace to others.

Paul warns Timothy that in the last days people will be lovers of self instead of lovers of God. Self-love is a bankrupt way of life. Remember these are the last days, although they are fierce and difficult, God is creating a safe harbor in the storm for those who know Him.

Paul reminds Timothy that it is normal that Christians will suffer in this life, but we can take the long view knowing that Scripture gives us the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Both Jesus and Paul taught that Scripture is inspired by God. False teachers on the other hand make up all kinds of strange and foolish ideas. God empowers Christians who stick with Scripture.

Paul calls Timothy to be like the king's herald who is charged with accurately speaking the king's words, not altering the words in any way, even if it is very unpopular. Timothy actually does have the words of the King, and the King has something to say about Jesus is the only way to heaven, about moral right and wrong, about the final judgment, and about sacrificial love and commitment to God.

As Paul faces his last days on earth, his thoughts are on his friends, both loyal and disloyal, his reading material (Old Testament and his letters), and finally, his cloak to keep him warm in his cold prison cell. In the end, the Word of God and his relationships are what mattered most to Paul. When you face the end of your life, you can have certainty that you will face Jesus as your friend.