2 Timothy 4:6-18 New International Version (NIV)
6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Personal Remarks
9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.
14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.
16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Defeating Depression
(2 Timothy 4:6-18)
I. Outside Influences Paul endured that Contribute to Depression
A. Lack of Physical Freedom (2Tim 1:8; Phil 1:13)
B. Extended Periods of Intense Suffering
1. Physical Illness ( Gal 4:13; 2Cor 12:7b-8; 2Tim 1:11-12)
2. Personal Frustration (2Tim 1:11-12; 2Cor 12:21; Gal 3:1-5)
C. Role Transitions (vv. 6-8)
D. Loss of Loved Ones and/or Friends (v. 10; Phil 2:25-27)
E. Harsh Criticism and/or Active Opposition by Others (v. 14)
F. Loneliness during times of Need (v. 16)
II. Internal Choices Paul made to Combat severe Depression
A. Willing to Ask for Help from Others (vv. 9, 11)
B. Received Available Medical Attention (v. 10; Jam 1:17a)
C. Took Care of Himself Physically (v. 13a)
1. Our bodies need Proper Diet
2. Our bodies need Regular Exercise
D. Took Care of Himself Spiritually (v. 13b)
1. Our Souls need Equipping by the Scriptures (2Tim 3:16-17)
2. Our Souls need Reminding of our Calling (v. 17; 2Tim 1:8-9)
E. Remembered God’s Faithfulness in the Past (v. 17b; 2Cor 1:8-10)
F. Maintained an Attitude of Thankfulness (2Tim 1:3; 1Thess 5:18)
G. Expected Great Things in the Future because of his
Relationship with Christ (v. 18; 2Tim 4:6-8)