Tag Archives: the book of 2 Timothy

October 27
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings — what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured.  Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. . .  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”   (2 Timothy 3:10-11,14-15, NIV)

In these, Paul’s final words to his protege Timothy, we have the commendation of a holy life to another person walking the same path.

What do we “senior” disciples commend to those coming behind us?  Does our lifestyle, purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, and our personal testimony of the Lord’s deliverance from perils give them courage and hope in their time of testing?

A benefit of our pain and suffering is our testimony of God’s faithfulness through all of it.  When those who know us best look at our life, do they see a faithful God and an unyielding hope; or is it something less?   – Luther

Tagged , , ,
October 25
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.  Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.  The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.  Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.  (2 Timothy 2:3-6, NIV)

Suffering.

It is an inextricable part of Christian discipleship.  As Paul explains in what was one of his last letters before his death while in captivity and awaiting trial in Rome: A soldier must focus on the mission; athletes must compete according to the rules of the game; and the hardworking farmer reaps the benefits of his labor.  In other words: No cross.  No crown.

No reasonable person seeks persecution and suffering, and the Christian disciple is no exception here.  However, while others try everything within their power to avoid, evade, and to escape pain and suffering; we “please our commanding officer” by joining Him in suffering for truth and righteousness; and we are an example for others of what ought to be, when we share in the sufferings of others.

If others seek “happiness” in the dogged pursuit of a life without suffering; the Christian disciple knows that enduring joy and purpose is found only through suffering in fellowship with Christ.

Whether you are a soldier, an athlete, a farmer, a student, a merchant. . .  reflect on the what it means to share the sufferings of others, and the Lord will give you insight.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
October 24
Leave a comment
Uncategorized

“You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.  May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.  On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me.”  (2 Timothy 1:15-17, NIV)

Most of us have lived long enough to experience what Paul describes: The disloyalty (and the loyalty) of others.

While we should be disheartened (although not necessarily surprised) when others desert us — sometimes with malice.  However, we should be greatly encouraged by the loyalty of persons who have gone to great lengths in seeking us; in finding us; and in being present with us.

We should be encouraged by the mere presence of those who are not ashamed of — or intimidated by — our “chains,” whether our encumbrance be illness, financial difficulty, marital discord, substance abuse, or the literal chains of jail or prison.

We should also aspire to be “Onesiphorus” in the life of others.  – Luther

Tagged , ,
← Older posts
Newer posts →