2 Timothy 4:6

Hymn of Response: EBH 353

Apostle Paul, about the end of his life in his last letter to Timothy, testified:

“I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come.” (2 Timothy 4:6)

This is very significant for the notice and reflection of all of us who live in a time (perhaps worse) when Timothy also lived, a time when people no longer want to put up with sound doctrine (v.3) and God is depending on us to keep our head in all situation, endure hardship, do the work of the ministry and discharge all the duties of our ministry (v.5)

A drink offering, in the Old Testament, refers to wine of top-most quality completely poured out of a vessel on an altar of sacrifice as a food offering, an aroma pleasing to the LORD (Numbers 15:4-10). In other words, a drink offering actually (metaphorically) refers to God’s food.

It is significant to note that every time a drink offering was observed, wine of top-most quality was wasted (as it were, humanly) but spent pleasing (and of course honouring) God. This wine, according to Psalm 104:15, also symbolizes anything that gladdens the heart of man. It is, thus, like a man’s treasure.

When I think about the drink offering, I remember the very expensive perfume in the alabaster jar of that woman poured on the head of Jesus (in Matthew 26). The disciples lamented, wasted! (why this waste? – v.8) but Jesus said, NO! Spent – spent preparing me for burial (v. 12). That is HONOUR!

Accordingly, when Paul said I am already being poured out as a drink offering, he meant that his precious or treasured life was being wasted on the altar of service or sacrifice to God, yet spent honouring the Lord. Listen to Paul describe the surpassing worth of his life’s status (in the flesh) in Philippians 3:4-6,

…if someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eight day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, fautless.

He also mentioned his citizenry worth and training credential in languages that commanded the attention of the people who, confused about his identity, were bent on getting rid of him. First, he spoke Greek to the utter amazement of the commander who was about taking him into barracks (Acts 21:37). Next, he answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city…I studied under Gamaliel and was thoroughly trained in the law of our ancestors.” (Acts 21:39; 22:3) 

Who wastes such kind of intimidating resume?

Paul did, to honour Christ (Philippians 3:7). He described the experience thus, “I am already being poured out as a drink offering…” But that was never regrettably. It rewarded him with a deep persuasion of a future crown of righteousness awaiting him (2 Timothy 4:8) as his departure drew near.

Dearly Beloved, when your own departure too draws near, the only thing that will matter will not be any of your life’s mundane status. Bless God for them, they may not be irrelevant in God’s agenda. Yet their eternal relevance or irrelevance will nonetheless hinge on whether or not you are being poured out as a drink offering.

What are you holding back from the Lord? How precious is it?

How precious is it to your soul that you cannot bear it being wasted? Even if it means being spent to honour the Lord?

May I reiterate to you that sometimes, manytimes, to honour God and prove that you know him as a father, you may have to pour out all you are and you have got?

Jesus, our Lord and Saviour, also did. At His departure on the cross, when He had poured out his life in full, He said: IT IS FINISHED. He gave it all; He gave His best; He gave His all.

Jesus is calling you again now, out of self-accumulation to self-emptying. Would you hear His call and give Him your best henceforth, before your departure draws near?

Please ask Him for Grace now.

And sing the following Hymn to yourself, as a mark of personal hearty confession and commitment.

EBH 353: GIVE OF YOUR BEST TO THE MASTER;  https://hymnary.org/text/give_of_your_best_to_the_master_give_of

Excerpt from a message preached at Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso on Wednesday, September 25, 2024 by Rev Adetola Ipadeola, PhD.