2 Timothy

I had to read this book twice.  The first time I read it I think I wasn’t sure what to expect so I wasn’t moved.  I put it down and came back a few hours later, re-read it and LOVED IT.

Paul knows he is leaving the earth soon.  We already know from Philippians (Click here for a short passage)he loves the Lord so much that death will be a gain for him.  Do we get that? Or do we love the world more than the Lord?

Anyway, Paul knows this is his last account to Timothy.    In 1 Timothy, Paul writes of GUARDING DOCTRINE, beware of false teachings, Arm up and protect yourself.  Now in 2 Timothy, Paul writes about guarding your testimony.  Walk the Walk.  Fight the fight!  In chapter 2 I like how Paul gave 3 examples:

• Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to please his commanding officer.
• Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.
• The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.

Something that has stood out to me personally is the balance in contrast between preaching the Gospel, with sound Doctrine, the Word of God yet NOT quarrelling over false teachings and myths.  I think the quickest way to push someone away from Christ is by “debating” over the Word.  There is no value or glory in quarrelling.  However, be bold and confident in Truth, and express it with Love.  We need to handle the Word of God correctly.  (It’s tough though isn’t it…we love the Word so much and we want people to know Truth).

Finally, Paul speaks of the last days.  Are we in the last days? Yes.  Ever since Jesus dies on the Cross we entered the last days, and trust me we are closer today than yesterday. And to be honest with you the news this week was straight out of Ezekiel prophecy. But we are warned of guaranteed persecution. (if you are showing strong Faith that is). and then I hit a familiar scripture but this time it read with a big fate SO THAT in it.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 tim 16

Usually I concentrate on the first half of that scripture (The Sword!) but for some reason it is the second part that got me this read. 

So Paul ends his final words with a confidence that he fought the good fight.  Could you say that??

2 Timothy Overview

What would you write about the Lord as you sat in your darkest hour of life?  This is Paul’s final letter. 

In the 1 Peter overview I talked about the fire Nero lit so he could re-build the parts of the city he wanted to upgrade. Well, he needed to point the finger at someone so he blamed it on the already disliked Christ Followers.  Multitudes of Christians were arrested and tortured to death, some tactics were: a cross crucifixion, or bloody animal skins tied to them and put in lion dens, badgered by wild dogs, tarred and lit on fire for “light” in the gardens…etc (you saw gladiator, you can picture the times)  Anyway, Paul was in Prison waiting his death for this false accusation of lighting these fires.  Well, this is where in history his writes one of is most moving letters ever, his second letter to Timothy.  (ummm called 2 Timothy).