it's all good.

2Tim3:16-17 (nlt)

16 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. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

I would fall into the camp that believes 100 percent in the infallibility and inspired without error view of scripture. I believe Paul would have also fallen into this category, as well as young Timothy. But just because it came from God, and that it is pure and true does it all really apply?

Here Paul reminds Timothy of 4 main things regarding scripture. 2 of these relate to doctrine, and 2 of them relate to practice.

He states that ALL scripture is inspired by God and 1. is useful to teach us what is true...2. and teaches us to do what is right

secondly he states that 1. it makes us realize what is wrong in our lives (correcting us) and 2. it is used to prepare/equip us for his mission.

I love that Paul roots Timothy in these 2 purposes of the word, for teaching (doctrine) and for change (practice) why? because i believe this is the way that we should be reading our bibles! for the purpose of being taught SO we can put to practice that which we are being taught. way too often do i read my bible as a history book, or a credo of ideas and ideologies. when i should be reading it as (forgive me for the lack of metaphor) but an instruction manual.

because ALL scripture is useful for both.

1Tim3:12-15

12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

Suffering is a theme that Christ himself did not shy away from. he knew that we would face many adversaries here on earth, he knew that his message would cause us suffering, he prayed specifically for us in regards to such suffering. Paul again reminds Timothy of this fact, he reminds him that there will be people who will deceive, and come up against the message and also reminds him that those who deceive will in the end be deceived.

The challenge then again to Timothy is to remain faithful to the things he was taught, knowing that they are true because of the reliability of those who taught him. BUT not only is it that the people who taught him that were reliable, but it is teaching that is based on and rooted in the "holy Scriptures" and it was through that curriculum that Timothy was able to experience and receive salvation.

This is one of the personal moments in this letter, it is not a reminder to Timothy to preach and teach despite the denial and push against the Gospel around him. instead it is a reminder for Timothy to personally remain rooted in that which he has been taught, AND, that which he has experienced. And THAT is not ideas and ideologies from the teachers in his life, instead it is in the bible, it is the reminder that he is to remain rooted in the infallible, inerrant and inspired word of God. Paul knows that if Timothy does not continue to root himself in God's word and promises, that he will never be able to teach others, or come up against the deceivers etc.

We must continue to remind ourselves, that it is not only about programs, ideas, church work, meetings etc. But remembering to stay rooted and connected to the truth and doing all other things out of the overflow that comes as a result of truth working through us.

reproduce yourself

2Tim3:10-11

10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra - but the Lord rescued me from all of it.

This entire letter really is written as though Timothy would not see Paul again. It is a closing letter, and a Good bye letter, and a letter to remind Timothy of who he is, who he is becoming, and all that he has learned from Paul.

Paul obviously did a good job at reproducing himself. He reminds Timothy that Timothy knows how he teaches, lives, and what his purpose is. He knows his faith, patience, love and endurance. How would Timothy have known these things, had he not just spent time with Paul. Indeed Paul would have spent much of his time pouring into Timothy, but not stopping his call and mission. Instead Timothy more than likely would have followed Paul like a young apprentice, sharing in all of the experiences of ministry that Paul was able to have, also sharing in the hard times, the times of persecution. And as a result, Timothy, has seen, and experience a solid Godly example, and now is charged to himself lead.

The Cool Part about these letters to Paul is that he never came across to Timothy as though he was nervous for Timothy, or uncertain that he would be able to accomplish the task of ministry. Paul knew that Timothy was gifted and called to preach and lead, and the language he uses with young Timothy is a reflection of that trust.

We need to continually remind ourselves of the fact that we will not be in ministry forever, and in order for such ministry to carry on in our churches, we need to find Timothy's to share the journey with us, and to be intentionally preparing them for the eventual succession of our roles and duties.

2Tim3:6-9

6 They are the kind who work their way into people's homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 7 (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) 8 These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 9 But they won't get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.

The moment here that Paul would have been drawing on most likely comes from the account of Moses and Aaron and the miracles they performed which Pharaoh had his magicians and sorcerers try to mimic the miracles that God performed through them. Jannes and Jambres are traditionally known as those very sorcerers.

When we look back to the account, one of the moments where Jannes and Jambres tried to mimic was the staff of Aaron that was turned into a snake. Jannes and Jambres are able to mimic the same miracle, but Aarons snake ends up devouring the other 2 snakes.

The picture here obviously is that of people who deceive those who are trying to follow and find truth. Pharaoh wanted so desperately to believe that it was not God who was making the calls and calling the shots, but that it was instead just men, namely Aaron and Moses. He continually had his Magicians mimic the miracles to put to rest the idea that God was trying to take his slaves from his land. But the problem is that his sorcerers were really counterfeit. They were deceivers, They manipulated and convinced people that they had powers, and had control.

I must admit, for the last couple of years I have been dabbling in the art of magic. Yes, I know, quite a provocative word in the evangelical circles is "magic". But this is not freaky deaky harry potter nonsence sorcery. I am just playing with Cards. I love the response from people when I am able to trick them with "magic". My problem is, I impulsively always have to tell them how I did it, it immediately then turns from magic, to slight of hand, or misdirection.

These magicians and sorcerers did not reveal their "tricks", and granted, they could have been truly calling upon powers that were greater than them, powers that were dark, but we wont dive into that now.

The point is, Paul ties a connection between teachers who Misdirect people with counterfeit faith, and truth. They are drawing people away from what is actually true, and actually of God, and actually in line with the Gospel. And it is Timothy's Job to serve faithfully and stand firm against such teachers. As it is our Job to stand firm against the Counterfeit faiths that can present themselves in the church today. The ones that come to recollection right away are misdirect-ors as the prosperity preachers, and thieving healers who are leading people away from the real truth, the truth that lines up with the scriptures.

2Tim3:1-5 (NLT)

1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

When I read these words from the apostle, I obviously ask myself how close to the end times we must be! These words echo that of the very nature of culture that as a pastor we continually try to come up against. Paul gives specific warning to the fact that things really are not going to get a whole lot better in the future, but they will become increasingly difficult. And Paul commands Timothy to stay away from the following:

1. People who love only themselves and money

2. People who are boastful and proud

3. People who scoff at God

4. People who are disobedient to their parents

5. People who are ungrateful

6. People who consider nothing sacred

7. People who are unloving

8. People who are unforgiving

9. People who slander others

10. People who do not have self-control

11. People who are cruel

12. People who hate what is good

13. People who betray their friends

14. People who are reckless

15. People who are puffed up with pride

16. People who love pleasure rather than God

17. People who act religious but reject the power that can make them godly.

what a list!

If I were to summarize these attributes I would say the people Timothy is to avoid, and the people we should also be sure to not become are people who are in love with themselves, and their stuff, who don't care about loving one another, and who especially do not give God his proper place in their lives, even though they may claim to follow him.

This is a huge reminder for us, living within the very culture that Paul paints here as the end times culture, that we be bigger than these people, to live counter to these people. But we must also continually remind ourselves as pastors that this is the types of people who are showing up in our churches, who are our neighbors, who are our students, parents, etc. This is our ministry field. We must not be discouraged at the fact that this is our present culture, but help people to see that none of these things are lasting, or have any value, or do nothing more than harm, and help point them towards the one and only thing that ultimately matters now, and for all eternity. that's our call, that's my call, and I count it a privilege to be part of such a mission, yet i still humbly must remember to measure myself up against some of these negative attributes as lifestyle to completely avoid.

2Tim2:23-26
23 Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people's hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.

Paul again reminds Timothy to not engage in arguments for the sake of arguing. But, this time the warning precedes instruction on how a servant of the Lord is to act, and within relation to unbelievers.

Paul states that a servant of the Lord, which in this case is referring to the call of ministry, not just that of all believers, is to:

1. Be Kind to everyone
2. Be Able to teach
3. Be Patient with difficult people

it is interesting that these 3 things precede how to work with "those who oppose the truth", I imagine Paul would have thought of these 2 sections as working together. That the minister needs to be Kind to everyone (including those who oppose the truth), needs to be able to teach (including those who oppose the truth, which will and should look different from teaching those who already believe) and to be patient with difficult people (which nowadays seems to be the people within the church more often than those outside of the church!) and through these instructions we are to

4. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth.

I love this.

Gently. I wonder sometimes how good of a job we do at the Gently part. Having grown up outside of the church, I can say for the most part Gently does not really happen that often. It is not "gentle" to put signs of bloody fetuses on university property as a way of expressing the truth of the importance of life. It is not Gentle to speak of homosexuality as "disgusting" as many mainstream evangelists have done in the past.

Gentle. Gentle why? because these people are "held captive" and ultimately it is God who is going to change their hearts in order that they may learn about the truth. We need to create environments where Gentle can happen, but not at the sacrifice of conviction and absolute truth. But i truly believe that this can happen. It has to happen, eternity is at stake.

run, and pursue.

2Tim2:22 (NLT)
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

When i was in high school, I remember driving home late one night with a friend after one of our concerts. we pulled into town and driving down the road saw some giant rodent run across the street. we stopped, got out of the car, and discovered a bloated sick old muskrat that i swear was rabid! we looked at this thing close, like real close, and not knowing what to do with it, we threw a couple of small rocks at it. Immediately it hissed and lunged at me. I screamed and turned to run in the opposite direction. I RAN. I actually ran about 2 blocks without looking back and screamed over my shoulder to my friend asking if it were still chasing me. apparently it only chased me for about 10ft. I kind of over did the run in the opposite direction but i thought i was going to get rabies that night.

Can we overdue the run from sin? I would like to think not. I think the farther i can run in the opposite direction from the things that can entangle me, and ruin my relationship with Christ, the better.

There is a distinction here that Paul makes. We are to run from the things that stimulates youthful lusts. AND. we are to pursue some things to. It does us no good to just run from sin, to hide from it, to just get as far away from it as possible. if that were the case then there would be justification for the people who claim to have lived "good lives" who "did not steal, murder, cheat etc" because such things are running in the opposite direction of the things that are evil. This is instinctive, for most, this part is easy.

Run? Absolutely, but once we have escaped these things, then we have a responsibility. Paul gives 4 things to pursue

1. righteous living
2. faithfulness
3. love
4. peace

Does this list look familiar? possible fruits of the spirit, proof that one has been born again, and now is growing in their faith. The other cool part is that Paul tells us not to just do this on our own. but to "enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with Pure hearts" other translations make the distinction to do these 4 pursuits within community which i believe is a better translation.

We pursue these things through the indwelling of the Spirit. these things help us to avoid youthful lusts, and we share the journey in community with those who can keep us accountable. so cool!

i dont want to be an old dirty spoon

2Tim2:20-21 (NLT)

20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood or clay.  The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use.  Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for very good work. 

I don't want to live my life as a dirty old spoon.  I don't want to be an old coffee mug that sits at the back of the cupboard never to be used.  I want to be the first choice for special use.  

I love the word pictures that Paul puts together.  Here we have the contrast between old clay utensils and special gold and silver utensils.  The idea being that the Gold and Silver utensils are saved for special work, while the Clay and wood utensils are used for day to day, nothing special type work.  Some translations say "dishonorable work" or "ignoble work".  In any case, there is a definite difference between them and getting to use the company's coming utensils. 

Paul's challenge is that if we can rid ourselves of that which is dishonorable or ignoble, we can too be as the special utensils.  This is what I want.  

The picture that is painted in this verse for me is the idea of followers of christ, in Gods great cupboard, (a cupboard that God uses to keep his workers) and when he is ready to do a real work, and exciting work, a special work, a saving work, a work with eternal significance, that he reaches for the Gold and Silver. 

I think in my life there has been times that I have been silver, and maybe even sometimes gold. however, i also know there have been times that i have been wood and clay.  the cool part about it however, is that we are encouraged to continue to rid ourselves of the things that are dishonorable; when we continue to make oureselves pure we move into the special place in the cupboard ready to be used by God.  

The challenge i see here, is making sure that we continue to stay in that latter cupboard spot.  The last thing i would ever want to have happen is miss out on the special work that God has planned for me simply because my heart is keeping me in the old everyday use section.  I want to be used for the special work, the exciting stuff, the stuff that matters, and the promise here is that if i remain pure, God has exciting, special work saved for me to partner with him on.  How cool!

Koop Bro, as you head into a summer full of divine moments, organized chaos (and sometimes unorganized), and the honor to speak God's truth into the lives of teens, may you continue to keep your heart pure, rid yourself of any dishonor and ignobleness, so that God can use you in these special ways. May He truly unleash you to speak with the boldness of the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

foundation stone with this inscription

2Tim2:19 (NLT)
19 But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: "The LORD knows those who are his," and "All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil."

I find immense power in this one verse. Paul is using the symbol of a house which he is accustomed to doing through many of his letters. But he is referring to the foundation stone. This is a word picture I can grasp. Gods truth is firm - Firm like a massive slab of concrete that a home is built on. We recently had concrete installed in our parking lot at our youth facility, and there were a few students who "inscribed" their names in the pads. We all know that these inscriptions will last the life of the stone itself. I get this picture Paul is using. Not only is he saying that God's truth stands Firm, but the inscriptions found on the stone will last just as long as his truth. COOL!

The 2 inscriptions are obviously in contrast with the previous verses as Paul talks about the false teachers. Inscribed, never to be removed or changed, is the first inscription: God knows those who are his. This is reassuring, God knows me as I am his. He knows my past, my present, and my future. He has plans for me, dreams, because he knows me. As Paul mentioned earlier in this letter he is not ashamed of suffering for he KNOWS the one in whom he trusts, this contrast back now to demonstrate that we are KNOWN by God. To know me, I know that my God also must love me. This is God's half per-say.

The second inscription is our half. All who belong to him, must turn away from evil. This is a major theme to Paul. We are always loved first: Paul knows this, and this is his theology, we cannot earn his love by our works. However, once we find ourselves under that love, We are expected to engage in the love back. Meaning: I have been saved through the unchanging truths of God and who He is, and what He has done. NOW, in order for me to grow in that relationship with him, I have to engage in the love story with Him. And as Paul describes in many of his letters and writings, the best way to engage in such love is in obedience. We must turn away from evil, and ultimately turn to Christ. This is our half. The former is given freely through grace, the latter is experience through our daily dying to ourselves to live in Christ.

We are to remember that God's truth stands firm. Who he is will never change. And there is inscription written to both remind us of who he is, and how to continually engage with him.

2Tim2:15-18 (NLT)
15 Work Hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.

I love that Paul begins this section reminding Timothy to work hard, SO he can present himself to God and receive his approval. Working hard so that he does not need to be ashamed. This brings to mind the Parable of the 3 servants. The Good workers bring to mind Jesus' description of the 2 men who invested their masters money and made more of it in contrast to the tenant who simply hid the money his master gave him. We all know the words Jesus spoke to the first 2 men "well done, good and faithful servant". Those two tenants would not have been ashamed.

So to Paul encourages Timothy to make much of what he has. In the Parable Jesus states "To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given, and they will have an abundance. But from those who do nothing, even what little they have will be taken away." But, not only does he have to continue to share the Gospel, he is warned to make sure he is doing so "correctly". Paul uses medical terms to describe what it looks like when false teachers, in particular Hymenaeus and Philetus, that such teaching can spread like cancer.

They Keys to this passage:
Work hard so as not to be ashamed
Correctly handle the word of God
Avoid useless talk and behavior and those who do such things.

Again, these are fantastic reminders to us as present day believers.

I need to remember to work hard, so that on the day of Judgment, I am greeted with the powerful affirming statement "well done"
I need to remember to correctly handle the word of God because I know as James makes mention, "we who teach will be judged more strictly"
I need to remember to avoid useless talk and behavior, and must make sure that then things i teach and the way I live my life is not going to destroy the "church" like cancer. That is a powerful reminder!

stop fighting over words

2Tim2:14 (NLT)
Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God's presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

Again, Paul reminds Timothy that he is to "remind everyone about these things". "these things" either being the doctrine found within the preceding Hymn which was digested in my last blog entry, or of the entirety of this letter. In any case, Timothy is reminded to hold to and teach right doctrine.

Then Paul goes on to make a bold statement, we know it is bold because he prefaces it with "and command them in God's presence to". Paul wants to make sure that this is not just an idea, or a recommendation, but a commandment in God's presence. The commandment: stop fighting over words. It is uncertain exactly what Paul is addressing here. We know that Paul was firm on doctrine and on theology and is the first to call out false teachers or those who have drifted from right doctrine and theology. In any case there was fighting that was going on between members of the body. Perhaps about methodology, philosophy, approach etc. Paul made clear that these quarrels had to stop.

Why? because "Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them". This is a challenge to the present day minister and pastor. Not only are we reminded of the futility of arguing between one another on trivial matters, but we are reminded that they "can ruin those who hear them". "those who hear them" is not referring to those engaged in the argument, but instead would be the people who are outside of the argument looking in. In the present day church, they would probably be seen as the congregation, or even those outside of our church body.

When I was young, and outside of the church, I remember being extremely confused by the fact that there were several "Christian" churches in Taber who said they all believed the same things (doctrine), yet did not get along with one another, or work together to further the kingdom. I remember being young and thinking there was something wrong with this picture. I think to some degree this is similar to what Paul was presenting. I could say this "ruined" me, it definitely tainted my view of Christianity. Why could all of these people not gather themselves in such a matter that they could maximize their kingdom increasing abilities? It makes me truly wonder if Christ ever intended his Bride to be dressed in so many denominational dresses.

the saying is tustworthy for:

2Tim2.11-13 (ESV)
If we have died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him;
if we deny him,
he also will deny us;
if we are faithless,
he remains faithful -

for he cannot deny himself.

Paul uses a hymn to emphasize his concept on glory which we find in the previous verse. I am not certain whether this is Paul's own hymn, or one that is borrowed. My guess would be to lean on the borrowed end as he says "the saying is trustworthy" as though Timothy probably would have heard this hymn before having read this letter. In any case, it is a means by which Paul re-emphasizes his previous thought.

The hymn begins with the idea of dying to ones self so as to be alive in Christ. This is a prevalent theme in the writings of the Apostle Paul specifically when he talks about baptism. Romans 6:3-4 "Or have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? For we died and were buried with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives."

I am sure that the next stanza comes after the first for the purpose of reminding Timothy, that that unity that comes through baptism, assumes the necessity of endurance in this new life. Paul just finished talking about his own endurance to Timothy, now he points Timothy back to endurance, reminding him, and us, that endurance is not purely for the sake of facing adversity for the sake of adversity, but instead for the enjoyment and fulfilment of the coming kingdom.

The next line seems to take the hymn from a celebratory song to almost some of a warning very reminiscent of Jesus words in Matthew 10:33 "But whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my father who is in heaven" Paul wants to make clear to the readers the importance of this concept "if we deny him, he will deny us"

The transition though affirms the believer that yes there is a severity in denying Christ, but we must not live in fear about the times where we lack faith, or where God seems distant, or our journey seems strained. "if we are faithless, he remains faithful." "for he cannot deny himself" or as the NLT puts it "for he cannot deny who he is"

I am so grateful for this reminder that my God is a God who remains faithful, who cannot live against his character which is a character of Love. Yet still challenged by the truths of my unity with Christ, my endurance through the journey, and the importance of seeing that No one face the judgment that comes through denying Christ.

2Tim2.8-10 (NLT)
8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

Paul again roots Timothy in Jesus Christ. It is all about Jesus, the descendant of David, or, Jesus the one whom our Hebrew Scriptures foretold and today we have had fulfilled. I love that Paul continually points young Timothy back to the Main thing: Jesus. And then from the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the mission: the Good News.

I love the comment that Paul makes: "I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained" Paul reminds us all that the Good News of Christ, the ministry of Christ and the Holy Spirit goes on past just himself. Regardless of Paul being behind bars, the word of God cannot and will not be chained. And so Paul STILL ministers even though his days of travel missionary and church planting work have come to a halt, he ministers in any possible way he can. Why? Because he is willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those he has chosen.

I remind myself of the need to minister despite circumstances. and despite any barriers that may get in my way. If Paul, a prisoner could do the ministry that he did for the church behind bars, imagine what the free believers could be capable of if we too lived our ministry through our lives willing to do anything if it will bring salvation and ETERNAL GLORY IN CHRIST JESUS to those he has chosen.

As Paul reminds Timothy of keeping the main thing the main thing. Too we must remind ourselves the same.

the soldier, the athlete and the farmer.

2Tim2.3-7

3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don't get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying.  The Lord will help you understand all these things. 

There is 3 main pictures that Paul wants to leave with Timothy in order that he may better understand what it means to suffer with and serve alongside of Christ. 

The first of these 3 is the image of a soldier.  In this picture, Paul describes to Timothy that soldiers focus on the battle that is at hand, and do not let themselves get caught up in civilian life.  Ultimately they stay focused on the things that need to be focused on.  The things they have been enlisted to do, for the officer they have been called to serve under. 

Secondly is the picture of an Athlete.  Reminding Timothy that in order for an athlete to win the prize, the must follow the rules.  We have seen this time and time again in our current culture.  Even recently as we watch baseball icons have their pride and even some of their status ripped away because of their "cheating the rules" through the abuse of steroids.  The "rules" of the game that God has called us to should always be to us not a burden, but a means in which we can love God, and ultimately be used by him to the full extent which he wants to use us. 

The last figure Paul uses is that of a Farmer.  I find this one interesting as Paul describes "Hard working farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor" I think what Paul is describing here is that we should be enjoying the ministry that we get to be a part of, and we should continually celebrate the fruit that is born from such ministry.  Ultimately it is the celebration of such fruit, when you can really see God at work in the ministry that keeps ministers wanting to do what they do.  

Ultimately, I see Paul reminding each one of us that 

we are called to be as a soldier: Focused and dedicated on the battle which we are prepared and armed for. 

we are called to be as an athlete: enduring training, and remembering the rules that border us ultimately for the sake of success. 

we are called to be as a farmer: Enjoying the fruits of ministry, and celebrating the movement of God through human beings!

the game of telephone

2tim2.1-7

1 Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses.  Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. 

Have you ever played the game telephone? The one where you sit in a large circle and one person comes up with some sort of saying maybe: "The journey of 1000 miles begins with the first step", they whisper it into the ear of the person beside them, who then has to repeat it whispering it to the person next to them, and so on until the message has made it to the final person in the line of the chain.  Then their task is to announce the message that they have received, or more importatnly how they have received it. So boldly they proclaim "The yearning of thousands of smiles begs the first snip" and everyone laughs at how the message was able to become so tainted by passing only through 10-12 ears. 

When I read this message from Paul to Timothy, I see accountability in action.  First and foremost as is a continual theme throughout this letter is the reminder that Timothy is not doing this on his own, but that is to be strong through the grace that God gives him through Jesus. 

But then Paul goes on to remind Timothy of the teachings, or the message, that Paul had taught to young Timothy, and reminds him of this Accountability.  He says "You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses".  You see Paul was not coming up with new ideas, and new theologies, he was affirming the true theology that he and many other believers already had known and experienced through that theology coming to life.  Paul just put it into words.  Glorious words.  But he reminds Timothy, that these words are not just something he thought up and taught.  Instead they are teachings and messages that have been put into words by the affirmation and confirmation of reliable witnesses.  Paul did not walk with Christ, but Paul did walk with those who walked with Christ.  I imagine the discussions an excited Paul would have late at night with the apostles, and friends like Luke.  Asking them to tell more of the stories of Christ's life, more of the Parables that he shared, more of the example he lived.  And then formulating truths based on such accounts to provide us with the messages we have today.  I would love to have been in Paul's Shoes. 

Essentially what Paul was doing was a bit like playing telephone, but cheating!  You see he would get a message from an apostle, and then say it back to the apostle out loud.  Then he would get another message from another reliable source, and share both messages between the 2 to make sure the message was still the same.  And then Paul began sharing these messages, always being in check with those who could affirm and confirm his words. So the final message that we as believers are able to receive is not a distorted and tainted truth, but it is the same truth that came from those who walked and talked with Jesus.  HOW COOL!

And so Paul goes on to finish explaining to Timothy that Timothy must also do the same.  He is to teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.

I imagine what the Gospel would look like if it were simply done as a game of Telephone.  But truthfully I also know that our messages can become like that of a game of Telephone when we do not have people in our life affirming and confirming our messages.  When there is no accountability.  I remember meeting a travel speaker on time and talking with him.  He was bold, he was intense, he was charismatic.  And I remember asking him what church was his home church, and having him tell me that he did not have a church, that he didn't really believe in the institution of church, and he was gone speaking all the time anyway to have any real home congregation.  I left that time with him thinking "who is keeping this guy accountable?". who is making sure he is not teaching heresy and poor doctrine and creating a web of tainted truths and messages?

This reminder from Paul to Timothy is a reminder to us all of the importance of such community and accountability and a reminder of the importance of how we handle the word of God and the truths within rich affirmed theology. 

Onesiphorus

1tim1.16-18

"16 May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited me and encouraged me.  He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. 17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me.  18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ's return.  And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus." 

Relationship is huge.  Relationship between ministry workers is huge.  

I know for myself that I count it a blessing to have been placed on a ministry team which I serve. I am hardwired to be in community, and this plays out in my style of ministry as well.  I believe that Paul here makes known that partnerships in ministry are extremely important to him as well.  In the section of 1Tim just prior to Paul's thankfulness for Onesiphorus, he makes mention of 2 other ministry workers who will not come to see Paul.  My presumption would be that they are afraid of being associated with this prisoner for the possibility of they themselves being locked up for preaching "the way".  

Then Paul Goes on to pass on the message to Timothy his thankfulness for Onesiphorus.  Possibly he wanted Timothy to personally pass on such thanks, but I would imagine more so he wanted to encourage by example the importance of Timothy surrounding himself with other Bold and unashamed believers that can pour their lives into him.  

What a thank you Paul gives to Onesiphorus.  Asking the Lord to show special kindness to him and his family because of his visits, and because he was not ashamed.  And stating that the Lord should show him special kindness on the day of his return, and reaffirming his helpfulness in Ephesus. 

Onesiphorus sounds like he deserved such thankfulness.  As Paul mentions that when Onesiphorus would come to Rome he would search the entire city until he was able to find Paul and come encourage him.  

Paul was extremely encouraged by this fellow ministry worker, just making the effort to come and see him, and encourage him.  I know for myself, when I have those coffees, lunches, and dinners with these type of people who are committed to me I have felt the same as Paul.  I feel energized, more confident, and more willing to keep serving in the capacity I am.  So I know the importance of having such people in my life.  

And in knowing such truth, the challenge is making sure that my ministry life does not keep me so busy that I do not have the time to go visit other ministry workers, to spend time just loving on the people who are serving in my ministry.  Onesiphorus was not completely bogged down by the task of ministry that he totally forgot the ministers. And the fact that Paul was writing this letter to Timothy shows that Paul also did not busy himself so much that he was not able to engage in relationship. 

If when my time in ministry is over, or my time on this earth is over, and I do not have people making such comments about me as Paul makes about Onesiphorus, I have to admit that I would consider having missed out on the point and come up short. 

May I always be reminded of the importance of such love and encouragement and relationship for those who I have the privilege and honor to serve along side of. 

preacher, teacher, and apostle of the Good News.

2tim1.11-14
11 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Good News. 12 And that is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. 13 Hold on to the pattern of right teaching that you learned from me. And remember to live in the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. 14 With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard what has been entrusted to you.

To be totally honest, if I knew that my preaching and teaching of the Good News could land me behind bars for the rest of my life I can't say I would be that eager to say a word. I put myself in the shoes of Timothy, seeing a mentor of mine pay a pretty serious price for his commitment to sharing the Good News now behind bars, and in his goodbye letters to me telling me to do the same. to "carefully guard what has been entrusted to me".

I am reminded of the Scene back in the book of Acts where Paul is sitting in prison with Silas, after they were stripped and severely beaten with wooden rods and then thrown in prison for calling out the demon within the slave girl. Somehow they are able to pray and sing worship to God in their cell. Again I put myself in their position asking if I had suffered so much under the finger of injustice as a result of my ministry work, I wonder if I could muster up the energy to sing praise.

But again we have Paul pointing back to the fact that he does not have to have such faith on his own, instead he is to rely on the help of the Holy Spirit living within him. Paul provides such an amazing example of a man who fearlessly proclaimed the truth. Saying "for I know the one whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. Even Looking at Paul's life mission statement of: "But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus - the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God."

Are we as believers ready to take such a stance? or more importantly am I as a Preacher and Teacher and Apostle of the Good News ready also to "follow the right teachings" regardless of where they may cause me to end up? Or do I even have a choice? Again I say the kingdom is at stake, eternity is at hand and if God broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through such Good News, A Good News that must be heard, do I want to face God on the day of judgment having not taken such a stance?

It is the God who saved us AND...

2tim1.7-10
"7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 8 So you must never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don't be ashamed of me, either, even though I'm in prison for Christ. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the proclamation of the Good News. 9 It is God who saved us an chose us to live a holy life. He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan long before the world began - to show his love and kindness to us through Christ Jesus. 10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the coming of Christ Jesus, our Savior, who broke the power of death and showed us the way to everlasting life through the Good News."

After Paul reminds Timothy of his spiritual heritage of his mother and his Grandmother, (which would have been a Jewish Faith that would have been pre-Christ at least for his Grandmother) he affirms the fact that Timothy must remember that this faith heritage was made complete through the fulfillment of God's long plan beginning before creation. Paul then goes even further to remind and affirm Timothy that after this Jewish Covenant Fulfillment, came the Holy Spirit with which Timothy has been given, and through which Timothy has recieved his "spiritual gift" (v.6) presumably the gift of evangelism.

And it is with this gift, that Timothy is to use withouth shame, and with Boldness that comes from the power of the Holy Spirit, with which Timothy finds power, love and self discipline regardless of his "pastor" Paul's imprisonment or the possibility of his own persecution.

Where I see this verse jump from just a final declaration of Paul to Timothy, to truly also speaking to us as believers is the word "AND" found within verse 9.

"It is God who saved us and chose us to live a holy life"
or, "It is God who saved ME and chose ME to live a holy life"

God saved us, AND now he is calling us.

If we truly believe that we are saved, then we also must also truly believe that we have become the living temple of the Holy Spirit. The everyday place where Heaven and Earth intersect, and where the rest of the world can experience the love of Christ and the truth of his Good News.

God saved us "not because we deserved it", nor is it by any works which we can accomplish. BUT, now that we have recieved said salvation, we have been called to be part of his redemption story, an agent of change per say.

and as Timothy is reminded (as are we) that this proclamation of the Good News will lead to persecution: take heart because we do not proclaim it alone, we proclaim it with power, love, and self-control which is granted to us through the Holy Spirit. We must remember that eternity is at stake "Christ Jesus, our Savior, who broke the power of death and showed us the way to everalsting life through the Good News"