Articles
Reminders From Second Timothy
Paul’s second letter to Timothy is the culminating message from the aged preacher to his young counterpart. It is, in some sense of the analogy, the passing of Paul’s torch to Timothy, his final message of hope, endurance, and salvation in the waning days of his earthly existence. Often, when I ponder my own death, whenever it may take place, I think about what I would say to my children, my grandchildren, or younger Christians who have labored with me in the kingdom. I suppose nothing would be more suitable than following Paul’s pattern. In this article, I would like to consider some of the primary themes found in 2 Timothy, in the form of wise adages that we might impart on the younger generation.
Pass It On
“The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, these entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). Often, we measure the totality of our life’s work by the number of people we have affected somehow. We hate to think of the possibility that we are leaving this life with untapped potential, unmet expectations, or people who we should have helped. Like a sporting event, we should “leave everything on the field”, and never keep the Gospel to ourselves.
Have A High Tolerance For Pain
“Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3). This statement reminds Timothy that he is not alone in the battle, and that others are enduring alongside him. He is in good company when he faces trials, temptations, and torment. After all, Jesus Himself states, “You will be hated by all on account of My name” (Matthew 10:22). Christians are often compared to soldiers in the scriptures (Romans 6:13, Ephesians 6:10-18, 1 Peter 2:11), terminology that is entirely appropriate relative to the seriousness of our task. We are not playing a game here. We are not invested in a hobby, or sport. This is spiritual warfare against the principalities and powers of darkness. We are engaged in the destruction of mighty fortresses (2 Corinthians 10:3-6).
Stay Focused
“No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier” (2 Timothy 2:4). Obviously, Paul is not telling Timothy he cannot have a family or participate in secular activities, because some of the apostles were married (1 Corinthians 9:5), and many of them had jobs, children, bought and sold property, and participated in other secular activities. The apostle’s point to the young evangelist is that he cannot let carnal distractions unnecessarily divide his attention. There are many physical activities that are good, wholesome, and honest, but are immaterial to the true meaning of life, which is to serve God (Ecclesiastes 12:13). Marriage is wonderful, but it will not exist in the afterlife. The same goes for food, money, and jobs. The only thing we take with us into judgment is the collection of our deeds, whether they are good or bad (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Play By The Rules
“And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules” (2 Timothy 2:5). Clearly there is a carnal application to this truth, but Paul’s primary concern was Timothy’s spiritual journey. His point, then, is that Timothy’s participation in the affairs of life must be abutted by God’s rules, His doctrines. Jesus makes the same point clear in Matthew 7:21-23. The Christian, therefore, must not feel that he or she is above or exempt from following the New Testament in any area. Consider the following applications:
Like a foot race, spiritual growth has no permissible short cuts. You cannot find the cheap, easy path to spiritual victory or maturity. These things can only be gained by following the course – which, unfortunately, entails learning from our mistakes, overcoming conflicts, and enduring ridicule.
Rules should not make us feel trapped. While we are most certainly constrained by them, they are also put in place for our welfare (Deuteronomy 10:10-12).
Cheating never helps anyone in the long run. “Good understanding produces favor, but the way of the treacherous is hard” (Proverbs 13:15).
Disqualification is the only result from failing to heed the rules of conduct. Even people who exert great effort in the kingdom can be undone if they disrespect the rules (1 Corinthians 9:27).
Remember…
Remember God’s promises and His power – “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendent of David, according to my gospel” (2 Timothy 2:8). God keeps all of His promises, and one of the most poignant ways to keep things in perspective in life is to recall the great deeds of God. Read the Psalms sometime and you will see that great comfort came to the Israelites in their times of suffering by remembering God’s loving kindness (Psalm 104, 105, 106, 114, 135).
Remember those who paved the way – “For which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal” (2 Timothy 2:9). Remember the sacrifices made by previous generations of believers. Admire people who were unwilling to sell the Gospel for carnal things, where moth and rust destroy and thieves break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-21). In a sense, we must remember our spiritual heritage, our lineage based on spirit and not flesh.
Remember the unstoppable message – “For the word of God is not imprisoned” (2 Timothy 2:9). Take comfort in the fact that ours is a message that cannot itself be imprisoned, isolated, or contained. Even as he was writing this message, Paul was in a prison cell, awaiting the end of his days. When the Pharisees wanted Jesus to rebuke His disciples for their zealous expressions of faith, Jesus answered, “If these become silent, the stones will cry out!” (Luke 19:40) Also consider Isaiah 46:8-11, in which the Lord proclaims, “My word will not return to Me empty without accomplishing all that I desire of it.”
Remember the goal – “For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10). There is a point behind this life, and it is not summed up in your career, your money, your possessions, or your political power. If you remember your goal in all things, and determine the course of your life based on your ardent, unwavering desire to go to Heaven, then you will hear those blessed words, “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into My rest” (Matthew 25:23).
