I guess the question you need to wrestle with is this, “Is it a command for me to obey . . . or just Timothy?” If the answer is “Just Timothy” . . . then move on. But, if the answer is “Yes, me too”, then there’s some noodlin’ to be done. Three words . . . that’s it . . . but a lifetime of implication if they have application for me.

That Timothy had a very specific and distinct calling is evident. Hand-picked by Paul (Acts 16:1-3) . . . called and equipped of God to preach the gospel and tend the flock . . . Timothy’s ministry was clearly and audibly communicated both to him and to those around him. Prophecies had been uttered concerning his kingdom responsibilities (1Tim. 1:18) . . . hands had been laid upon him in recognition of his gifting from God (2Tim. 1:6) . . . it was clear to all the nature of the stewardship that God had given to Timothy (2Tim. 1:14). So, it is perhaps not too surprising that as Paul comes to the end of his life and writes some last words of encouragement and exhortation, that he commands Timothy . . .

” . . . fulfill your ministry.” (2Timothy 4:5b ESV)

“Discharge all the duties” (NIV) . . . “fully carry out the ministry” (NLT) . . . “do a thorough job as God’s servant” (MSG) . . . “fully perform all the duties in your ministry” (AMP) . . . “Give ‘er!” (PJC)

No missing it . . . pretty clear. No way Timothy could dodge that one. But does the command transcend that one man? Is it also for this man?

I’m not “in the ministry” . . . or am I? I haven’t been “ordained” . . . or have I? I’ve got a “day job” . . . do I have a heaven-sent set of other duties, as well? I’m thinkin’ . . .

If the command is for me then I better spend a little time getting clear in my own head what the job is that God has entrusted me with. What’s my gifting? What’s my role in the body? Where does He want me to serve? How does He want me to serve? How will I know that I’m “fulfilling my ministry?” And as the Spirit makes that clear to me, I better give ‘er!

Paul says in Ephesians 2:10 that I am God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works (a ministry?), which God prepared beforehand, I that I should walk in them (fully perform all the duties?). I haven’t had hands laid on me, but a “grace-ing” has been given to me according to the determination and measure of Christ’s gifting and Spirit’s enabling (Eph. 4:7, 1Cor.12:7, 11).

“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them” (Romans 12:6 ESV)

Yup . . . I’m pretty sure that even though I’m not in Timothy’s shoes, I have a ministry to discharge. Even if I’m not totally clear on what that is, I should be doing my best with what I do know . . . and should make the most of the opportunities to serve that have been put in my path. At the very least, my head should be in the “fulfill your ministry” game . . . and then trust the Spirit to direct me as He pleases . . . and assign me “duties” as He purposes . . . and enable me as He empowers.

And then, it’s mine to obey the command . . . to give ‘er . . . by God’s grace . . . and for God’s glory . . . amen?