Closing Thoughts Before the Curtains are Closed: Part 7 by Dr. Rod Mattoon

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2 Timothy 4:17-22... Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 19 Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. 21 Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. In PART SEVEN of this series, we take a look at the purpose of God’s presence in our lives. We list several reasons. We also address the fact that the Lord stood with Paul when he was forsaken by everyone else. The word “stood” is a great word. It is a word of tenderness and intimacy. It is from the word paristemi {par-is'-tay-mee}. It means “to be near; to bring into fellowship or closeness; to be at hand.” It is the same word in Romans 12:1 where Paul says that we are to “present our bodies a living sacrifice.” We are to be available to the Lord just as He is available to us. The Lord was available to Paul and He is available to you, too. If you draw near to the Lord, He will draw near to you (James 4:8). * James 4:8a- Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. The words "draw nigh" are in the imperative mood which means this is a command. It is in the aorist tense which means we are to do this once and for all. We are to draw nigh to the Lord with the intention of staying close to Him. If a marriage relationship is not cultivated, it cools. The same truth holds true in our relationship with God. We are to spend time with Him. We take time in the message to show how the Lord is our source of strength. We list eight ways He gives us strength. This message was preached on Sunday morning July 13, 2025, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.

Topics

• Spiritual Growth