The Greek word used for "appearing" is EPIPHANEIA, and is found 6 times in the New Testament. Five of those six times it's used in reference to Christ's second coming, including in 2Tim 4:8. Paul is writing to inform and encourage. He is informing us that the day IS coming when Christ will return. There is plenty of Scripture that details this promise, and what that will look like. The encouragement for those who love Christ is to love His second coming...long for it...await it...look forward to it. For on that day, God will examine us and we will be awarded the crown of righteousness. These are two truths worth holding on to! Do you love the day of His appearing?

"Epiphaneia" (Strong's Greek Concordance #2015)

Cross-reference 2Timothy 4:8 with: Rom 8:3, 1Cor 3:1, 1Cor 9:25, 2Thes 2:8