2 Timothy 2
-Timothy is instructed to be strengthened by the grace that
is in Christ Jesus, and to entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach
others also what he had heard from Paul in the presence of many witnesses (2
Timothy 2:1-2). He was encouraged to share in the sufferings of Christ as a
good soldier and not be entangled by the affairs of this world pleasing only
the Father in Heaven who enlists His army (2 Timothy 2:3). Paul uses two more
illustrations to depict the way in which to live. He compares the believers’
walk to an athlete who competes according to the rules and a hard-working
farmer who should enjoy the first benefits of the crops (2 Timothy 2:5-6). At the
end of this paragraph, Paul advises Timothy and all of us to “think over” what
has been said (good advice, right?) so that the Lord will give understanding in
EVERYTHING (2 Timothy 2:7). *Application* First, it is only by God’s grace that
we can be strengthened and be set free from the bondage and guilt of sin that
has infected our mortal beings. God’s grace is sufficient for every aspect of
His healing and deliverance. Praise Him for that! Secondly, we have here in
this section an important principle for effective discipleship in our ministry
with people. Entrust your teaching and efforts to faithful people that exhibit
a willingness and passion for the things of God to impart what you teach to
others also. Don’t waste too much time with people who don’t what a
Spirit-filled life and Godly growth. Don’t cast your pearls before the swine or
give what is holy to dogs (Matthew 7:6). Suffering is part of the Christian
experience whether we like it or not. The Word tells us to “consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing
that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect
and complete, lacking in nothing (James
1:2-4).” Compete by the rules God lays out and expect all His benefits
of blessing in the final analysis. Don’t worry in the interim (having temporary
effect).
-Christ Jesus was again
our example of suffering and enduring for obtaining of salvation for the world
in eternal glory. “If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we
endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us; if
we are faithless, He remains faithful because He cannot deny Himself (2 Timothy
2:8-13).” *Application* We must keep our eyes focused on the Lord Jesus Christ
(Hebrews 12:1-2). Nothing will make sense to us in this world if we don’t. Keep
your eyes lifted up and do not despair or falter. The Lord holds us in our
desperate times and faithfully cares for the weary. He will not let you down!
-This next section speaks
of the fruitless discussions over controversial matters that rip and tear the
body of Christ apart. Paul’s advice is to present yourself as an approved
worker who does not need to be ashamed because you can rightly divide (handle,
interpret) the truth, which is the Word of God , a strong and firm foundation
(2 Timothy 2:13-19). The Lord knows who are His, and our responsibility is to
depart from iniquity if we call on His Name (2 Timothy 2:19). Paul takes up the
point that we are to be honorable vessels of God by His cleansing power, set
apart as holy and useful to our Master ready for every good work (2 Timothy
2:20-21). Therefore, we are to flee youthful passions and instead pursue
righteousness, faith, love, peace and a pure heart leaving behind the foolish,
ignorant controversies that breed quarrels. Instead, we must be kind to
everyone with able teaching as we patiently endure evil correcting our
opponents with gentleness in hopes that God will grant repentance based on
their humility and coming to know the truth in their senses so as to escape
from the snare of the enemy (the devil) (2 Timothy 2:22-26). *Application* This
is the tried and true method of overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:21). It is
the kindness of God that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4). Be kind to one
another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another even as God in Christ Jesus has
forgiven you (Ephesians 4:32). This is what the righteousness of Christ is all
about! Quit arguing over things that may be unclear from the Scriptures and
divide and resolve to enjoy the love of the Lord more in the unity of His
saints.
Verses to Memorize- 2
Timothy 2:2, 13, 15
No comments:
Post a Comment