2 Timothy 2 (NIV)
The Appeal Renewed
2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Here we are continuing Paul’s thoughts from the previous chapters end, where Paul was telling Timothy that many have deserted him and possibly even the faith. Paul is encouraging Timothy to be strong, faithful and rely on Grace that is in Christ Jesus!
Notice Paul says “the grace that is in Christ Jesus” , that is because it is only through Christ that we have this power, not by our own strength but by His power and His strength can we do anything at all!
Zechariah 4:6 (NIV)
6 So he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.
Grace: God’s enabling Power, (an undeserved favor, forgiveness, kindness and mercy that God gives us)
2 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
As our trials and tribulations increase, we need to grow stronger in that which is good. We need to strengthen our faith and strengthen our dedication of our love to God and Christ Jesus. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength. By doing this, we are being witnesses to others both believers and non-believers!
Paul uses an analogy of a soldier, that all Christians, and especially ministers, must be faithful to their Captain, and steadfast in his cause. see 1Tim 1:18-19
The goal of a Christian must be to please Christ. We are to strive to get the victory over our lusts, our corruptions and our fears yet… like an athlete, we cannot expect a prize – unless we observe the rules (laws). We must take care that we do good in a right manner, that our good may not be spoken evil of.
Like the farmer, If we want to partake of the fruits, we must first put forth the labor; hence if we want to win the prize, we must first run the race. We must do the will of God, before we can receive the promises.
Paul is also encouraging Timothy, and us, to bring to remembrance all the teachings he has taught him, and to meditate on them so that God will give him insight and understanding.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13
if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
Paul is encouraging Christians who are suffering from persecutions, to remember that even Jesus; who was raised from the dead, was also persecuted and nailed to a cross! The point being: to bring to remembrance, to be encouraged even if facing death, that Jesus Christ was indeed raised from the Dead, and those who believe in Him will also be raised from death to eternal life with Him! This is the gospel of salvation and eternal life which Paul preaches and trusts in!
Dealing With False Teachers
14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
Verse 14 says: “Keep reminding God’s people of these things”, here Paul is referring to what comes next in his letter.
Paul then goes on to tell Timothy to warn them (put a charge on them) about speaking only the truthful words of God, the fruitful building up words, not idle chatter or gossip, which only leads to quarreling and is of no value to the kingdom! Words are powerful, they can build up or they can destroy. We are to avoid godless chatter, because it will cause one to become more and more ungodly, as has happened to some of the teachers. Those who trust in the Lord must hold to the truth of Gods word and turn away from wickedness. Those who turn away from wickedness will be made holy and used by God for his glory. God knows His Own.
John 10:14-16New International Version (NIV)
14 “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me— 15 just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Paul uses the word “Flee” which means to run from, to take flight from, to shun, the evil desires of youth. The evil desires of youth refer to the worldly, ungodly desires which only leads to destruction, but pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, and to pursue other Christian believers! The more we follow that which is good, the faster and the further we shall flee from that which is evil.
If we come up against an opponent, gently instruct them, so to not to invoke a fight, so that the love of God might lead them to repentance, and take them out of the devil’s snare. As servants of the Lord we are to be examples of Gods love, able to teach by example in hopes to win the lost over to God!
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