Things on Paul's Mind before Death

A close inspection of Paul's "swan song" in 2 Timothy shows at least four things occupying Paul's mind before his impending death.

1.  The judgment seat of Christ:  1:12 (against that day), 1:18 (in that day); 2:12 (we shall reign with him); 4:8 (crown of righteousness...in that day), 4:16 (laid to their charge).  

2.  Eternal security:  1:12, 2:13, 4:18

3.  Apostasy; opposition to the truth:  1:16; 2:16-18; 3:8-9; 4:1-4, 10, 14, 16

4.  Suffering for the Lord:  1:8, 12; 2:3, 9, 12; 3:10, 12; 4:5

The present realities of apostasy, opposition, and suffering are balanced with the prospects of eternal security and rewards at the judgment seat of Christ (Rom. 8:18, 2 Cor. 4:17, etc.).  Even so, come, Lord Jesus!