2 Timothy 4, Reading Through the NT 2015

We finish up 2 Timothy today, ending with chapter 4.

Paul ended this second letter to Timothy with a charge to preach the Word and use it to correct, rebuke and encourage the believers in the church. Timothy was to be patient and careful in his instruction, so that everyone would understand the truth of the gospel message he was sharing. There are so many different ideas, philosophies, and false teachings put forth in our world today, and with information available at the click of a mouse, we can read and hear many points of view that are not supported by the sound doctrine in the Bible. Often, these ideas feed exactly what we want to hear and believe, because we are not grounded in Scripture, and are looking for value and significance anywhere we can find it. We are drawn to those worldly ways and are deceived by their appeal to our selfishness and desire for instant gratification. This was what Paul wanted to convey to Timothy as he ministered in a place where false teaching was replacing the truth of God’s Word. He went on to tell him to keep his head on straight, endure the hardships that came his way and continue to evangelize and do the work of his ministry. We must be continually going back to our Bible’s to learn and study how Jesus taught us to live. We need to know the truth and what we believe so that we can share it with others. It is so easy for someone young in their faith to turn away and follow a different path. This was the caution that Paul was issuing, because he understood people and their propensity for living for themselves.

As he concluded this letter, Paul knew his time on earth was limited. He had run the race set before him, and was ready for the finish line. Having kept his faith strong, Paul looked forward to his final reward – a crown of righteousness for eternity  This is what we will also receive when we put our faith and trust in Jesus. It is the hope we have and the strength we need to endure whatever happens in our earthly life. We are living in our temporary home, and our final destination is secure in Christ. Just as Paul did, we can long for Jesus to come again and take us home. In the meantime, we can stand strong and keep the faith!

Because Paul knew his time was short, he eagerly desired to see Timothy once again. He was lonely and felt many had deserted him with only his companion Luke left to comfort him. He asked a couple of favors from Timothy, and hoped he would be able to help him out. He wanted him to bring Mark (whom he had earlier had a conflict with, but they had reconciled) and he wanted his warm cloak and some papers he had left in Troas. What a sweet relationship these two men must have had. Paul wanted to see the one whom he had called “my beloved son,” before he died. He had taught him, given him much advice and traveled with him as he led by example in his ministry. He was now tying up loose ends, giving him advice about some of the people he would encounter, and how to treat them. He gave glory to God for standing by him in all his sufferings, and for helping him live out his calling to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. He was confident that no matter what happened to him, God would rescue him and bring him safely into His heavenly kingdom. All he did and said was for God’s glory. This is the testimony of a true servant of Christ. He was sold out to Jesus and lived every moment for Him. He was certain of his faith and the hope for his future. Paul is such a good example for all of us to follow. His zeal and passion for God and the gospel permeated everything he did. How sold out are we for God? Do we live each and every day for Him to fulfill the calling He has placed on our lives? Are we confident that no matter what happens, God is with us and will help us through the hard times? Is our hope in our eternal future and not in what we can have today? These are the tough questions that are raised by reading this passage.

The body of Christ is such a powerful thing, and as Paul closed this writing, he asked Timothy to greet some of his friends for him, and sent greetings from other mutual brothers and sisters who would read this epistle. Telling others about our faith, supporting it with God’s Word, sharing the gospel and doing everything for the glory of God is the work of each of us as we attempt to live a Christian life. This was Paul’s goal, and what he wished for Timothy and those he had the opportunity to lead and mentor. When we focus on God’s purposes for our lives and live out our calling to the best of our abilities, we bring honor to His name. We may face opposition or rejection, and even persecution. We can rest in the knowledge that this is not our final home, and we can look forward to what God has in store for us in heaven. Grace and peace to you today.

2 Corinthians 13, Reading Through the NT 2015

We finish up the book of 2 Corinthians today, reading chapter 13.

Paul reminded the Corinthians that he was returning soon for a third visit with them. He expected to find them dealing with their bad behaviors and living lives that honored God. His first statement was a quote from Deuteronomy 17:6, which told his readers that he would deal fairly with them by justly evaluating each situation with more than one witness.  He was firm in telling them that their sinful ways would be addressed, and he would do this through the power of Christ. His authority as an apostle had been greatly questioned by this group, and he wanted them to know that though he was a weak human being, he was strong with the spiritual power bestowed on him by God. Jesus was crucified in his weak human state, but came back to life by God’s mighty hand, and this is what Paul counted on to help him in his ministry. When there are people in the church who are going the wrong way, we need to confront them with at least one or two other people who are concerned for them. This is always hard, and should be done only with love and concern for the one being confronted and out of the public eye. There is a much greater chance for restoration and repentance when handled in this way, and it needs to be prefaced with a time of prayer for this person by those who are sent to talk to them. Relying on the Holy Spirit to help know what to say is crucial, and consulting Scripture is a great way to prepare for this time. If the one being confronted feels attacked or harshly judged, they will retreat and may even leave the church. Measuring our words is important, and speaking guided by the Holy Spirit in wise discernment should be our goal.

Paul pleaded with this young church to examine themselves to see if they were truly “in the faith.” Did they see that Jesus was with them and working among them?, was the question he posed. What was the evidence of their faith?  If there has been a true commitment to Jesus and we have put our faith and trust in Him, we will live differently than the rest of the world. We will “bear fruit” for Him, and show His love, grace and mercy to a fragmented and broken world. This is what will stir the curiosity of the non-believer, and encourage them to explore faith for themselves. Our lives should look different than the non-believer’s life. We cannot just profess to be a follower of Jesus on Sunday mornings, and then go out into the world the rest of the week and live as we please. Paul’s desire was to build up this church and encourage them in their newfound faith and to help them grow. He did not want to tear them down, but after hearing they were listening to false apostles and following their lies, he did not hesitate to write harsh things to help them see the error of their ways. We can follow suit by examining how we are living, and evaluate what we need to change in order to follow Jesus more fully everyday.

The final benediction in this book is an uplifting encouragement from Paul. He addressed them as “brothers and sisters,” and told them to rejoice. His prayer for them was that they would strive for restoration, and encourage one another. He asked them to be of one mind and to live in peace. This is what we should want for all our churches – restoration for the sinner, spurring one another on to love and good works, and unity in the way we think and act. Best of all, we should live in peace, putting aside strife and disagreement for the sake of the gospel.

Paul added the sentence, “And the God of love and peace be with you.” If we allow God to do His work among us, we will experience His love and peace, individually, and corporately as a church. It is in His strength and power that we live and move and have our being! We can greet one another with a holy kiss and rejoice in the community of fellow believers. The local church is the hope of the world!

Paul invoked a blessing as the final wrap-up of this letter. He prayed for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit to be with them. This is what we can pray for our churches today. This is what we can also pray for ourselves! There is no better way to live than under the grace, love and fellowship of God the Father, Christ the Son, in the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen and Amen.