2 Timothy 4:1-5 - Preach the Word

 

1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom:  2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. 5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

The imprisoned apostle is coming to the end of his letter and the end of his life.  He uses some strong words with his successor.  "I charge you before God & the Lord Jesus Christ who will judge the living and the dead" (v1).   This will sure make you stand up straight and pay attention.   Timothy won't answer to Paul ... he will answer to God.  Paul's strongest exhortation is "preach the word" (v2) and he tells him to do it,  with strong conviction, because he knows what happens if they listen to the 'smooth talkers' (v3) that he has mentioned several times in this letter. If they don't hear and know the truth, they'll be under the spell of the fairy tales, and doomed as a result.     

This scripture is as necessary today as it was then.  People fill church buildings to hear  'believe in yourself'. 'love yourself', or 'here are 5 steps to improve your relationships'. Then there are the health, wealth and prosperity preachers,  who are also tickling ears and feelings of the biblically ignorant... spreading the lies that God wants you healthy and wealthy, leading the sheep straight to the wolf dens.  Some things never change, but the consequences are eternal.

Preachers were busy becoming liked and popular, much like today, more like 'life coaches' than Bible teachers.  They dress like 'bros', tell cute stories about themselves and appeal to the fleshly desires of the carnal mind and draw people away from the truth that saves.  That's why Paul uses such a strong exhortations... souls hang in the balance.  

"Preach the word".... in season and out.... when they want to hear it or not... when they applaud your and when they complain about the message... you don't change the content or your style... you preach the Word... not your words,  God's word.  It's not going to be easy, you're not going to be popular, it's going to take diligence and people will mock you.  That's why he tells Timothy to be watchful, to endure hardship and fulfill his ministry.  

  As he prepares to say 'farewell', he stresses with all he has left, that Timothy needs to 'preach the word' at all costs.  Paul has been watchful, endured hardship and fulfilled his ministry, and he exhorts Timothy before God to do the same.  The word of God is the power the Holy Spirit uses to bring conviction and salvation.  Paul knows it is life-changing. It changed his life and it changed Timothy's and it changed our own.  It is the reason he has endured his hard ministry. It is the reason that he is certain that he will soon be at the feet of his Redeemer.   Of all the things he wants to emphasize to his apprentice before he expires, it's this - Preach the word Timothy.

2 Timothy 3:10-17 He Saw It Lived - He Knows the Book.

2 Timothy 3: 10-17  10  But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra--what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 

Paul's life is the antithesis of the previous passage.  Rather than throw off restraint, he disciplines himself.  Instead of loving self, he sets himself aside and loves his Master, his co-workers and the flock.  He doesn't go off to follow his dreams, but to fulfill the great calling on his life to the glory of God.  He will gladly choose to be a slave to Christ over being a slave to self.   He knows that self is a demanding task master... I think we all get to a point where we know how true that is.

But how would young Timothy know what to do?   

He saw it lived and he 'knows the book'.

He saw it lived before him. Timothy witnessed Paul's teachings, purpose, his ongoing persecution, stonings, and sufferings which continue even as he writes this letter.   I'm sure the apprentice watched with admiration at such a demonstration of perseverance in the midst of great rejection and physical pain.  There was a living epistle before him who was willing to give up everything, pick up his cross and follow Christ.   A powerful example that we need to see and we need to be.  'I showed you how it's done Timothy... you saw it all ... your turn' (my words)

He knows the book.  The apprentice knew.  The sacred writings were shared, taught and preached into his soul by his family since he was a kid, and later by Paul. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, he knows God's word to be the instruction manual for teaching, for correcting the gibberish others taught, for how to live in a hostile environment, and glorify the Father.  It has all he needs to know to accomplish God's will for him and finish the race.

We saw it.  We have seen the posers, the sweet-talking-money-hungry-charletons (#somanyhyphens) .... but we have seen the real deal too!   Those who endure situations that make us wince at the thought.  The ones who give wise counsel from His word. The ones whose words point us to the glorious, gracious, all-sustaining Father.  We have seen them. We watch them live their faith.

We know the book.  I think much of my extreme reverence for Scripture comes from having seen a 'Martyr's Bible' in a scriptorium.  The faint shadow of the blood stain of it's owner still visible on the pages.  I'll never shake that feeling... frozen in awe, eyes filling with tears, the reality of it was overwhelming.  These are the words of life to our soul.  Timothy knew that.   The owner of that Bible knew that.  We need to read it enough so that we can have the instruction we need, to prepare us for what He calls us to do, in a way that brings Him glory.

See it - don't sit in for the 'Sunday show' but watch the lives of the faithful.  Their examples will inspire you to do the same.  If you can remember just one thing from reading these, let it be this: "read the book.... it will change your mind, your heart and your life".... the book people lost their lives for. The book that shows us the heart of God and the will of God for our lives.

Timothy had all he needed.   He saw it lived.  He had the Book.   So do we.

2 Timothy 3: 1-9, 13 Self Love, End Times & False Teachers

 2 Timothy 3:1-9, 13    1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away! 6 For of this sort are those who creep into households and make captives of gullible women loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; 9 but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was.

 13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

After the first 4 verses, it's pretty obvious that Paul's words were prophetic. While there has always been self-centeredness in our culture, most commentators agree that the idea is that it would become more intense and more extreme..... and here we are today.  Unrestrained self-worship. 

We take the King of Glory from His throne and replace Him with "ME".  Proud boasters, headstrong and haughty, they love themselves, money, their own pleasures.  Idol worship at its finest.  

And their lifestyles reflect that fact.  Rather than live as God intends, they rebel against Him.  You can spot it by their conversation (blasphemers, slanderers, proud boasters) their attitudes (unthankful, unloving, unforgiving, disobedient to parents) and their actions (no self control, brutal, traitors, hating what is good).  They are deceived  and they seek to deceive (v13) others, and eventually they'll be exposed.

Paul tells Timothy to 'stay away' from them.  They may seem religious (v5) but they want to hijack others, especially these 'thirsty women' who are easily sucked in.  

The false teachers and the pagan culture will whisper these things to us, to our friends and our kids.  Sadly they are like a predator, waiting to pounce.  Their favorite prey are women tangled up with desires -  empty souls.  Rather than embracing God's truth, they buy the lies: "You're enough, you are worthy, follow your dreams, it's all about you" and they will fill the emptiness with the sweet-talk because it seems to soothe their thirst.. but it's temporary and deadly.  It's like drinking salt water... it may feel wet going down but it will rot you inside.   Like our girlfriend at the well.... forever hoping the next guy or the next thing will satisfy these longings.  You see, we are not worthy - it's not about us - and we are not enough.  Our flesh is an all-consuming monster. "Self" is a bottomless pit that will never be satisfied until the Holy Spirit moves in.  If we stop and think, we all know that is true on a personal level.

In his last correspondence, Paul reminds his successor what to be on guard for.  He will have to protect the flock from these people.  We have to protect ourselves from these lies.   We have to protect our children from being drawn in as well.   Paul is getting ready to tell Timothy how to do it. 

Perilous times come in the last days and these are the signs.  Self-love, self-exaltation,  and rebellion against all that is holy.  Not unlike Noah's days. Certainly a reflection of today's self-centered, indulgent, anti-Christ culture.  It would be too disturbing if it weren't for the fact that it means the return of our King.  The only one who belongs on the throne of our hearts.  

2 Timothy 2:24-26 Patience and Porcupines

 2 Timothy 2:24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.

I had to save this one separately because if it wasn't so long, I would get it tattooed on my arm so I could see it every day.  (I think I'm up to 4 verses I would have tattooed... I'd be looking like a billboard by now). Serving God is always synonymous with a believer's life. We serve God primarily by serving others... wonderful brothers and sisters, and also people who make you feel like you're dancing with a porcupine.  Timothy's dealing with a lot of trouble makers and Paul wants to tattoo this on his heart.  

Be patient and humble with them.  Ugh.  I'd probably be rolling my eyes saying: 'Surely you can't be serious Paul.  They're making my life crazy... it irks me to no end'.    Paul doesn't let Timothy off the hook though and explains why.

"Not quarreling"... it's not about winning an argument, it's a rescue mission.  If we're not gentle and humble we miss the chance to be used by God to help these 'captives'.... hostages of the devil, under his spell.  If we are gentle and humble,  God can open their eyes through the truth, snap them out of it, bring them to repentance.  We can be a part of that... used to change someone's eternal destiny.  Paul reminds Timothy, the opposition are really captives of the enemy.

Maybe these porcupines are the sandpaper God is using to file down all our rough edges of pride, impatience, and a lack of mercy.  Perhaps they are in our life so that we may have a chance to share life-changing truth that brings repentance.  And maybe if we can see outside of our own little bubble, we would look with compassion at those taken captive by the devil for his purposes...helpless hostages... just like we were before knowing Him. 

You want to serve God? Be kind.  Be patient. Be humble.  Teach the truth always, but do it in love and who knows what God might do in you, or in someone held hostage by the enemy.

2 Timothy 2:14-23 Pottys, China & the Master's House

Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers.  15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene.  Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened.  They are upsetting the faith of some.  19 But God's firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: The Lord knows those who are is" and "let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity". 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.  21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.  22  So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.  23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.

After his gospel reminder to Timothy, Paul uses the picture of a master's house, an image of the church, to help Timothy discern things within the church.  In this master's house there are different kinds of vessels.

The Yucky Pots & Vessels ... the dirty basin you washed in, the garbage pail, the other waste buckets (yep 💩)  He says specifically that Hymenaeus and Philetus are this kind, babbling and undermining the faith of some... and that stuff spreads like a cancer (v17-20).  These guys were telling people 'the resurrection already happened and you missed the boat 🤷oh well... you'll just resurrect spiritually' (🙄).  They're turning people's faith upside down. They like to argue about anything.  You know these guys.. you've seen and heard them ... they have all the secrets of end times eschatology, they know exactly what 'such and such' reeeeaaaallllly means, they know every conspiracy theory and social issue... they major on the minors.  Wasted words.  Paul says, don't get sucked in. 

"The Lord knows those who are His"... these words are like a warm blanket.   Nothing gets by the gaze of our Sovereign God.  Our "El Roi"... the God who sees us.  This is so comforting, especially coming from the guy in prison.  I'm sure that Paul is again reassuring himself as he reassures Timothy.  God knows those who are His 💓  He sees you.

Vessels of Honor.  'That's our goal Tim' (my words).  The gold, silver, the china... the prized

items that the master wants to use. So stay away from sinfulness, teen age lusts, and stupid debates and dishonorable 💩 vessels.   Know the word, and how to handle it rightly so you won't be ashamed to speak the truth before men or God.  Pursue faith, love, and peace with the real brethren. 'That's the gold stuff Tim'.  

We all have garbage cans and pottys, but Christ has redeemed us to be 'honorable, set apart, holy and useful for the Master' v21  and ready for every good work. 

I can't help but wonder why Paul painted that 'picture' of the master's house . To make his point clear?, sure.   But as he faces his imminent death,  maybe he is thinking of his "Master's house"... maybe the aged servant, a golden vessel to carry the gospel, is reminding himself as he sits on the hard, stone floor of his underground cell, about his next room... John 14: 2, 3 "In my Father's house there are many rooms.  If it were not so I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you, and I will come again to take you to myself, so that where I am, you may also be".  

He knows those who are His.  He sees you Paul.  He sees you Timothy.   And He sees you my faithful friend. 

2 Timothy 2:11-13 Gospel at the Crossroads of Life

2 Timothy 2: 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.  

Timothy is bombarded with pressures. There are times for all of us when either an onslaught of little things overwhelm us, or something comes that seems insurmountable and God causes us to pause and consider.  A crossroad.  A test of our allegiance.

Christmas morning, my daughter, then 11 years old, was sitting on a bench in the kitchen and started sliding off.  Being the family of 'clowns' that we are, I assumed she was goofing around.   Soon her eyes were 'rolling', her body went stiff and she slid to the ground, and we all stood there trying to process.  After moments that felt like an eternity, her eyes flooded with tears and she 'woke up'.  I called the Dr and he asked a few questions and said 'it sounds like she had a seizure, get her to the Emergency room for a CT Scan... I will call ahead, they'll be waiting for her'. 

We got in the car and headed out, and God and I had a big conversation.... the kind where I talk to Him and then tell myself what He would say based on what I know from Scripture.... (please tell me you do this too and I'm not the only crazy one)... and it went back and forth.

Me silently: "What if something is wrong with her?"  What if she has a tumor or something?

What I Know: What if something is wrong with her?   Do you trust God or not? 

Me:  "Oh God you wouldn't take my child"....

What I Know:  She belongs to God.. all you have is His ... Do you really believe this stuff or not?  You 'in or out'?  

Me: (heavy sigh... tears rolling like a river)  "Oh Lord, she is yours.  I am yours, whatever happens. You will give me the strength to get through"

And God showed up... He showed up big.  There was an immediate sense of peace that surpassed understanding.  The doctors in the hallway were chatting as one asked "which room is she in?" and the response was "the one with that's really 'calm', over there". 

In the end, my daughter was ok, but my relationship with God was forever changed.  Like Timothy, I needed a reminder of who I am, who He is, who is in control, and whom I chose to follow. 'In' or 'out'?   It brought me back to basics.  Complete surrender.

I think that's what Paul is trying to convey to Timothy.  If you died to your self and your life, and you surrendered to Him, you will live with Him v11.  If we endure (some translations use 'suffer'), we will reign with Him  v12.  You wanna bail like the others? Wanna disown Him, that's ok; He will disown you v12.  But know this Timothy,  God is faithful, whether we are or not... He is.

These 'crossroads', test our allegiance. That wasn't my only one, there have been others. This isn't Timothy's only one.  You have them as well... just think back for a moment.   

Jesus said 'in this world you will have tribulation'.. and when we do: 

*Is our life ours or His? 

*Do we just follow when life is comfy? 

*Do you believe this stuff of not?

*Are you in or out?

Our imprisoned brother just gave Timothy examples of commitment... the military, the farmer, the athlete... the sacrifice that comes with being devoted to a purpose.  When you devote your life to Jesus, you follow His plan... you're not your own anymore.  

'In or out'? This is the gospel at the cross roads of life, and the secret lies in our surrender... always in our surrender.  And I promise you, as Paul promises Timothy, He is faithful.... so faithful.

2 Timothy 2:1-10 Hardship - Your Best Life Later

 

2 Timothy 2:1  You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer must be first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things. 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Paul and Timothy are not living "Their Best Life Now".    As he encourages Timothy to be strong and move forward for the cause of the gospel, he tells him he 'must endure hardship'.   I'm sure Paul spent the earlier part of the letter reminding him of his deep love and respect for his co-laborer so that he could also receive some hard truths from him.   Paul gives him three illustrations: 1. A soldier who obeys his commander and endures  difficult situations 2. An athlete who trains hard and obeys the rules of competition and 3. The farmer who exhausts himself working the fields before he later reaps the harvest.  Strong words.  Big commitment.  Single allegiance.

Christ told us  "he who does not forsake everything and pick up his cross and follow me, cannot be my disciple" (Luke 14:33).  Those are strong words too.  The prosperity peddlers would have us believe, we should have our 'Best Life Now'... that we are promised health and wealth... so far from the gospel that Christ preached.  No wonder people are disillusioned... they've been sold a cheap imitation..   

For some, following Christ will cost them everything.  Paul, our prisoner in chains for the gospel, reminds his apprentice that he endures suffering too, but while he may be chained, the gospel is not.  

No matter what our goals, life can be a challenge.  If you want to be an athlete, you'll have to ditch the Doritos and work hard.   If farming is your thing, it's gonna require some serious sweat and you're not taking a 2 week vacation during harvest time.  Those in the military have to let someone else give orders ... they say goodbye to civilian life.  Few things of value or impact come without sacrifices... even in everyday life.

Paul has a deep love for Timothy and can easily relate to his weariness amid the chaos and discouragement.  His love meets his apprentice where he is but it doesn't leave him there.  "I know it's hard... hug... now let's get up and keep going" (my paraphrase).  Like a spiritual 'personal trainer', Paul reminds his apprentice of the goal, the prize, and the eternal weight of their labor.

He tells Timothy to teach others so they can pass it on.  Make disciples who will make disciples.  It may get hard. Focus on the gospel, 'things above'.... eternal glory with Christ... the goal... our 'Best Life Later'. Strong words.  Big commitment.  Single allegiance. But that is *the soldier's victory, the athlete's 'big win', the farmer's harvest... the eternal impact on the body of Christ for the glory of God.  

2 Timothy 1:15-19 Foes, Friends and CPR

2 Timothy 1: 15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.  16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 19 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.

Paul previously told Timothy (v8) not to be ashamed of the Lord or of Paul's imprisonment.  Seems when the heat got turned up, people started running the other way.  Paul says everyone in Asia 🤯deserted him (likely 'many' of the followers there... but still - what a punch in the gut) including Phygelus and Hermogenes who seem to have given him 'the Judas kiss'... you know... kiss you on the cheek while stabbing you in the back.  He calls them out by name.  He is not whining or tattling, he is telling his beloved son so he will be aware of these traitors... my heart sinks to think about it.  Paul was suffering for the One who suffered for him... not because he was a bad guy ... and instead of gathering around him to encourage him, they turn on him.  Holy Ouch!  If Paul could ever relate to Christ's rejection, this would be one of those times.  

But then there is Onesiphorus, who 'refreshed me often'.  In stark contrast, Paul points out this guy because Timothy already knows of him and he will need to know who to avoid, and who he can count on.  Onesiphorus wasn't afraid or ashamed of Paul or the fact that he was in prison. He was convinced of who Paul was, what he stood for, the importance of his gospel mission, and a few trouble makers weren't going to shift his loyalty.   

*He often refreshed Paul... (I love this part)  This word for "refreshed" is used only here anapsucho - to cool off, refresh, take the air, revive, recover breath.  He was a breath of fresh air... for real... like CPR for the exhausted soul of his brother in Christ.. 'often'.  

*He 'searched hard for me'... easy to read over, but the fact that Paul is labeled an outlaw, surely makes it complicated asking the locals his whereabouts ... and then there is the fact that he isn't walking the streets or at the market ... he is in an underground prison ... it would be like finding someone who lives in the sewer, checking manholes... but it didn't stop this guy.  In his final words, Paul asks God to bless this comrade and his household.  We don't know much else about him, but, wow.  Paul needs to point Timothy to his allies - and Onesiphorus is a gem.

Phygellus and Hermogenes turned their backs in his darkest hour and Paul has forever etched their names in scripture.  Yet he includes a tribute to this one brother who went to great lengths to revive him.. repeatedly sustaining him.   Paul tells his 'son', there are many against us, but here is  'One phor us'  .... Onesiphorus... a breath of fresh air ... spiritual CPR when your soul is weary.... 

*Onesiphorus #goals #goals #goals

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