2 Timothy 4:1-2

Summary retelling of 2 Timothy 4:1-2

Paul begins this last chapter of his letter to Timothy with a charge.  He invokes the name and the presence of Jesus Christ – our judge – when making this charge.  The charge sounds very familiar: preach the Word, be ready regardless of whether it is a favorable or unfavorable time, point out wrongdoing, express disapproval, encourage others, have patience, and teach.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul’s charge to Timothy is in the presence of Christ.  Paul wants to make sure that Timothy remembers the importance of Christ in everything he is doing.  Remember that Timothy is in Ephesus and one of his main problems is that people are coming in and trying to shift the focus onto things slightly different than Jesus Christ.  Paul wants Timothy to remember that it must be Jesus Christ who is at the center in order for us to be able to stand firm in this world.  It doesn’t also hurt to remember that this same Jesus is going to come again and judge us.

Is Jesus Christ at the center of everything that you do?  How hard is that mandate to keep?  Why is it so hard for us to keep Jesus Christ at the very center?

Second Thought:

Of the tasks that Paul gives Timothy, some of the tasks are tasks that are rooted in public declaration: preaching, teaching, being ready.  After all, if we do not bring the Word, who will be able to hear it?  If we are not ready in all circumstances, how many opportunities will we regretfully miss?  If we are not willing to teach, how will we help to raise up the next generation of leaders?  Our faith is not a timid and shy faith that is to be kept inside.  Our faith is a public faith that should be taught and proclaimed with confidence.

When is it easy to teach and preach?  When is it difficult to speak about our faith?  With whom do you find it the most easy?  With whom do you find it the most difficult?

Third Thought:

The other tasks that Paul gives to Timothy are far more relational than declarational: point out wrongdoing, express disapproval, encourage on another, have patience.  These tasks require a relationship in order to be effective.  It is next to impossible to point out someone’s faults to them if they don’t care about your opinion.  It is fruitless to disapprove of someone’s action if they have no respect for what you think.  It can easily come across as shallow when we express encouragement to people that we don’t even know.  It is much easier to be patient with those about whom we care than with those to whom we are not connected.  Relationships are one of the key principles to understanding a good faith life.

With whom do you have relationships that bring these qualities into your life?  With whom do you have relationship in which you bring these qualities into their life?  Why is it important to have both?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Timothy 4:3-5