This past Sunday we touched on 2 Timothy at B & B Fellowship. As the day progressed I felt the need to look at it further. I then decided to look at it with our Wednesday night group. We read the whole book out loud from the Message Remix Bible. As an old friend used to say, "The Lord blessed me down to my shoes!"
2 Timothy is Paul's last letter. What was on his mind? What would you want to say to someone if it was your last letter?
I see it as a letter of encouragement, speaking of Timothy's "honest faith" and his "special gift of ministry". Paul says, "So keep at your work, this faith and love rooted in Christ, exactly as I set it out for you. It's as sound as the day you first heard it from me. Guard this precious thing placed in your custody by the Holy Spirit who works in us." He goes on, "throw yourself into this work for Christ. Pass on what you heard from me.."
Timothy is warned to "stay clear of pious talk" (his words must be backed by a godly life) and to "run away from infantile indulgence" (run after mature righteousness).
"Refuse to get involved in inane discussions, they always end up in fights. God's servant must not be argumentative, but a gentle listener and a teacher who keeps cool..."
It wouldn't be easy though. He would have to "take your share of the suffering for the Message". He says, "When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did." Paul was writing this letter from prison having been abandoned by many of his followers (2 Timothy 1:15). Timothy should not expect anything better, neither should we.
There's so much more. Get your Bible out and read 2 Timothy. 2 Timothy 3:15-17 (NLT) says, "You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." Read it and let me know what stands out to you.
Finally Paul says in chapter four, verse two (NLT), "Preach the word of God. Be prepared whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching."
God bless y'all real good.
