June 9, 2012, Reading

The Second Letter of Saint Paul to Timothy     4: 1-8

4:1	I testify before God, and before Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead through his return and his kingdom:
4:2	that you should preach the word urgently, in season and out of season: reprove, entreat, rebuke, with all patience and doctrine.
4:3	For there shall be a time when they will not endure sound doctrine, but instead, according to their own desires, they will gather to themselves teachers, with itching ears,
4:4	and certainly, they will turn their hearing away from the truth, and they will be turned toward fables.
4:5	But as for you, truly, be vigilant, laboring in all things. Do the work of an Evangelist, fulfilling your ministry. Show self-restraint.
4:6	For I am already being worn away, and the time of my dissolution presses close.
4:7	I have fought the good fight. I have completed the course. I have preserved the faith.
4:8	As for the remainder, a crown of justice has been reserved for me, one which the Lord, the just judge, will render to me in that day, and not only to me, but also to those who look forward to his return. Hurry to return to me soon.