In 2 Timothy we are reading a letter of Paul's written from his last imprisonment in Rome, in which he himself says his course is 'finished' here on earth. Close to the end of his life and writing from deep personal experience, Paul is offering the younger man hardship and telling him to endure. Endurance in his calling and living faithfully for God.
Message from 2 Timothy. 'I have finished the race.'
2 Timothy 1 verse 7 Trouble times. "For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Paul is in chains and in prison, yet feels no disgrace. suffering for the Lord is not for Paul, a sign of failure or disgrace, but an opportunity to see the power of God in work. The spirit doesn't make cowards out of us but the spirit equips us.
2 Timothy 2 verses 1 to 26 To do your duty. Verse 1 "You therefore, my son be strong in the grace that is Christ Jesus."
The emphasis is on strong, focused faith, in the Christian life is easy to get wrapped up in words, to end up arguing about the secondary matters Instead we are to be vessels of Faith in action to work hard and teach and reflect the true message of faith. Verse 15 "Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
2 Timothy 3 verses 1 to 9. {verse 5} "Having a form of godliness, but denying the power there of, from such turn away."
Paul urges Timothy not to have anything to do with the evil, silly, self-obsessed, self-people who will characterizes the times. Now 2000 years after these words were written, Paul description seem to be uncannily accurate representation of today's world.
2 Timothy 3 verse 10 to 2 Timothy 4 verse 8; Faithfulness;
Timothy {all of us} is encouraged to remain firm to all he had learned. in particular he is urged to remain faithful to the scripture. Paul points to the Scriptures the source of knowledge. the Scriptures have practical usefulness, helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. {verse !0} "But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long suffering, charity, patience."
2 Timothy 4 verse 9 to 22 Final Greeting;
Final words of encouragement. Some of Paul's colleagues have deserted him, some have had to go else where and only Luke remained. He asked Timothy to bring some personal items and give him news about mutual friends.
4 verse 2 "Preach the Word; be instant in season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
"2 Timothy 4 verse 5 "Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry."
2 Timothy 2 verse 1 "You then, my son* be strong in grace that is in Christ Jesus. [* my son Paul was writing to Timothy, but the message is intended for all of us in Christ Jesus}
Finish the race that is set before us, with Our Lord and Our Friend, our coach and guide and ever Presence God.
God Bless.
O F J.
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