Excerpts from II Timothy

Just a few thoughts from reading II Timothy today. Paul's farewell discourse to Timothy written from prison in Rome. Bold font is my emphasis.

1:4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy.

Paul really has fond memories of Timothy and would be comforted by his presence. Remember and be thankful for those Godly people who encourage you in Christ. Sometimes nothing can beat a face to face visit.

2:7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

I recently heard John Piper say this verse was one of the most influential verses in his Christian life! There are two parts to this verse: "Think over what I say" ..."The Lord will give you understanding in everything" We need to acknowledge both of these parts. We must think, meditate, digest, consider, and contemplate the scriptures with all our mental faculties with our best effort - Yes!! Then we must acknowledge that in doing so, the Lord gives the understanding - Yes!! Too many people erroneously give undue weight to one over the other, expecting the Lord to provide understanding without their scholarly effort or relying solely on their scholarly effort to provide understanding.

2:9-10 But the word of God is not bound. Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Paul, to the very end of his life, believes that despite the doctrine of election, his missional exercise or his "enduring" plays a role in the "obtaining the salvation" of the elect.

2:19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: "The Lord know those who are his", and, "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity"

This is an ongoing work isn't it. If you name the name of the Lord, you must depart from iniquity - pretty straight forward. This verse references Nahum 1:7 and Num 16:5.

2:24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God, may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

This one hit me today. I am very poor at patiently enduring evil. I have exceptional skills at avoiding evil, retaliating against evil, mulling over in my mind scathing responses to evil but patiently enduring is something I have to work on.