More excerpts from II Timothy

Here's a few more thoughts from the rest of II Timothy. Once again, bold emphasis is mine.

3:1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

What struck me when reading this verse today is how atrocious the behaviours are that Paul describes for the last days, and yet, these people will have "the appearance of godliness" How in the world could someone who acted like that even be considered to have "the appearance of godliness" and what is the "power of godliness" that they deny? Especially in light of verses like Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’23 And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ From Matthew 7.

4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound [1] teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

Preach the word - it is the method that God has ordained to spread the news of the Gospel. It would be interesting just to see what people consider the definition of "preach"to be.

Those opposed to sound teaching, do not just passively ignore it, they accumulate their own teachers to suit and support their arguments against it. They are in essence increasing their stockpile of false knowledge.

4:12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus.

I just love how Paul is in jail, is pretty sure he is going to die yet continues to quarterback the game!!!

4:18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

I hope I am able to have this much grace and Christian maturity when my life is coming to a close. You could read this as Paul hoping for a miraculously transportation directly to heaven and out of his problem but I don't believe that was in keeping with his character and faith. So, if death is is the only possible route to heaven, then Paul must be considering that every evil deed (including is own imminent execution) is "rescued" by being brought into Christ's presence. Should keep that in mind when I think I'm having a tough day.

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.

Was Paul naive?

In Paul's second letter to Timothy, in between his personal instructions to Timothy and his final greetings he writes down this statement:

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." (2 Timothy 4:18)

Really? Does Paul really believe that he will be rescued from every evil deed? Does Paul really think his transfer to the heavenly kingdom will be a safe one? Is this 'polly-anna' naivete?

Not likely.

Paul's words do not reflect a gullible neophyte but rather a seasoned, veteran soldier of the cross. For him, safety does not involve freedom from suffering and pain. Safety, in Paul's estimation, is indifferent to whips and stones and fists. He's been there and done that. He is not concerned with these 'light and momentary afflictions'.

And being rescued does not mean removed from hardship unless by removed you mean in the ultimate sense; death. But what is death but 'rescue' to one who considers dying to be gain? Evil deeds that result in Paul's death, and this is indeed how he would die, are nothing more than safe passage to the presence of his King.

It's his perspective that makes rescue inevitable and safety ensured. His perspective of his sovereign and merciful Saviour.