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- What attributes of God’s character does this passage reveal?
- How does the passage point to Jesus?
- How should the truth of this passage change me?
- How do the events of today’s reading help you better understand the grand narrative of Scripture?
2 Tim. 1-2
People have been causing chaos in the church since the church began. They spread fear with false teachings and division with pointless arguments. They turn people’s focus off the simple truth of the gospel. Timothy was evidently in the middle of such chaos when Paul wrote him this letter of encouragement and exhortation. Paul gave him a lot of advice I think is worth holding onto myself.
There is a lot of good stuff in here, but I’m going to pare it down to two main concepts. I can express the first with a saying my husband often quotes from a successful business man he used to know. That saying is, “Stick with what brung ya.” Paul reminded Timothy of the gospel truth that brought him to God’s saving grace. Not only is that truth all we need, but it is also more powerful than any lies, arguments, or even chains that come against it. As Paul noted, though he was in chains, “the word of God is not bound”. (2 Tim. 2:9b). Thus, we can – and should – stick to it with unashamed confidence. There is no need to get sucked into the arguments or to fall prey to the fears that people spread.
The second concept is to trust the outcome to God. Though the chaos, fear, and false teaching may seem to ruin the faith of some, we should not get discouraged. Paul said, “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his” (2 Tim. 2:19a). Furthermore, Paul said, “…I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.” (2 Tim. 1:12b). No amount of faith wrecking ammo from the devil will succeed in stripping God’s grace from those who belong to Him.
2 Tim. 3-4
Paul warned Timothy, through several comments, what he was up against. “Hard times will come in the last days”. (2 Tim. 3:1). “In fact, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted”. (2 Tim. 3:12). And, “For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine”. (2 Tim. 4:3a). The truth is, we are still up against those same things. But Paul didn’t say these things to scare or discourage us. Rather, he said them so they wouldn’t catch us off guard. Having our expectations in the right place, can help us keep our focus in the right place. Men will do what men do. Their godlessness is no surprise. And knowing that somehow frees us to do as Paul exhorted Timothy. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed”. (2 Tim. 3:14).