Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me

 Good morning. Paul tells Timothy to: be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry. I'm sure he does not mean to not get drunk. We should not turn away from what God has called us to do, even when things go bad - hardship. Even if you are not called to be an evangelist, you should still do the work of an evangelist – bring others to Jesus. Paul tells Timothy that the time of his departure has come. And then those famous last words: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. He persevered and completed the assignments God had for him. He had every good reason to turn back, but he did not. Most of us would have concluded that it was not God's will because of all of the complications Paul went through. We would have given up. In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, we will award to me on that day, and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. That was Paul's reward for completing his mission. But it was not just for Paul; it is also for all of us too. Paul then talks about everyone deserting him at his first defense. But instead of being bitter, Paul says may it not be counted against them. I don't know whether or not they could've gotten into trouble if they had stood with Paul. But the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me, in order that through me the proclamation might be fully accomplished, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the lion's mouth. The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom. Father thank You that the reader will fight the good fight, will finish the course, will keep the faith.