2 Timothy 4:19-22

Summary retelling of 2 Timothy 4:19-22

Paul asks Timothy to greet old friends: Prisca and Aquilla.  He then updates Timothy of his spiritual friends: Erastus, Trophimus, Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia.  Paul asks for Timothy to come quickly.  He concludes with a blessing from the Lord upon Timothy: a godly spirit and grace.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Remember Prisca and Aquila from Acts 18?  This is a married couple that Paul met in Corinth who then went with Paul to Ephesus, where Timothy remains.  They were the couple who taught Apollos, a person who had been trained by disciples of John the Baptizer. They were a blessing to Paul’s ministry.  As he prepares to die, Paul thinks highly of them and asks Timothy to greet them.

Do you have any examples in your life of people who have been spiritual co-workers for a long time?  What can you say about the relationship of people who do the work of God together over a long time?  How can that inspire your own spirituality?

Second Thought:

Paul also updates Timothy on the spiritual work of his associates.  They are all still working in ministry.  Even though Paul is in prison, the ministry goes on.  Even if Timothy is hitting a few rough spots, the ministry still goes on.  It is good to know about the spiritual work of other people because it helps us understand the big picture of God’s hand at work rather than focusing only on our own personal successes and failures.

Do you keep track of anyone else’s spiritual life?  How could it benefit you to talk with others – or even hear about the spiritual life of other Christians that you know?

Third Thought:

Paul concludes with a blessing.  Paul genuinely desires that Timothy’s spirit be at peace.  It may be a rough life from time to time; but God’s promises can bring us peace.  Paul also genuinely desires that Timothy would know grace.  Paul wants the last words that Timothy hears from him to be a reminder of God’s love – a love that we benefit from regardless of whether we deserve it or not.

What does God’s grace mean to you?  How can remembering about God’s grace lead you to living a better life?

Passage for Tomorrow: TBA

NOTE: I am stool looking for a new book to study when this one is finished.  Ideas welcome.  Leave ideas in comments, text me, or Facebook me suggestions.  If I have to, I’ll pick a new one tomorrow morning!

2 Timothy 4:16-18

Summary retelling of 2 Timothy 4:16-18

Paul tells Timothy that the first time he stood trial (presumably trial before the Roman Emperor) there was nobody to stand with him.  However, Paul asserts that God stood with him so that the message of God would be able to be proclaimed throughout the Gentiles.  Paul says that he was rescued from the lion’s mouth.  This time, Paul talks about being rescued from this world and being brought safely into God’s heavenly kingdom.  Then Paul gives glory to God.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul talks about the first time that he stood trial.  He was physically alone in his defense, but God was with him.  God gave Paul the strength to proclaim his beliefs even to the Roman Emperor and other people who didn’t really care to hear it.  Paul was released and allowed to continue on in his work.  Regardless of human friends and associates, we can never be alone.  God is always beside us.  He is always ready to give us strength.  He is always ready to help us do the task at hand.

How does it feel to know that you have the strength of God at your side?  How does it feel to know that regardless of the outcome God can be there to help you deal with it?  How does this part of the conversation tie in with our belief that God sends His Holy Spirit literally within us?

Second Thought:

As much as Paul was confident that his first trial would be a successful defense, this time he seems confident that it is his time to die for the sake of God.  However, look at how Paul thinks about death.  Death is not something to be feared.  Death is actually a form of rescue.  Death rescues us from this world and brings us into direct relationship with God in His heavenly kingdom.  Death is the doorway that we walk through to be with God.  Death is the event through which we pass that once it is over, we are confident about being in God’s presence forever.

Do you fear death?  Do you know people around you that fear death?  How can you tell that we as a society fears death?  What can this part of the conversation on 2 Timothy have to say to people who live while fearing death?

Third Thought:

Paul gives the glory to God.  He deserves the glory.  This statement displays an incredible amount of spiritual maturity.  Paul is in jail.  He’s anticipating a guilty verdict.  He’s anticipating death to come.  By all human standards, he should be waist deep in a self-pity party.  But he is not.  Paul is giving glory to God forever and ever.

Do you ever get into a pity party?  How can knowing Paul’s response here help us when we start to focus on ourselves the next time life seems to go against us?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Timothy 4:19-22

NOTE: I am looking for a new book to study when this one is finished.  Ideas welcome.  Leave ideas in comments, text me, or facebook me suggestions.

2 Timothy 4:13-15

Summary retelling of 2 Timothy 4:13-15

Paul asks Timothy to bring some items should he come and visit Paul: his cloak, some books, and some other writings.  Paul also recalls a man named Alexander who has done him great harm, but he reminds Timothy that it is God’s ability to repay Alexander.  Paul then warns Timothy to be careful around Alexander because of how hard Alexander resisted Paul.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul asks Timothy to bring some things.  A cloak will help him stay warm.  He is getting older, and prisons are not known for their comfort.  The books may help him with his legal defense.  However, I think there is more to it here than simple comfort and legal defense.  Paul has just said that he expects to be poured out.  He’s thinking that he is likely to die.  It could be that he just wants to read God’s Word and be encouraged by holy writings once more before he should die.  If this is true, consider the statement that Paul is making about his perspective on the study of theology and God’s ways.  Even though he should die because of his faith, he still wants to study.

If you were on your deathbed, what would you ask for?  What claim is Paul making about Timothy if he requests his presence as his life is coming to a close?  What value do you place on God’s Word?  How do your actions reflect this value?

Second Thought:

Paul shows an incredible amount of concern for Timothy when he tells Timothy to be careful of Alexander.  It could be that this Alexander is the same man who caused trouble in Ephesus.  Perhaps it is a different man – it was a common name.  Either way, Paul is looking out for Timothy.  Paul doesn’t want Timothy to get hurt.  He doesn’t want him to unnecessarily step into struggles.  Leadership implies looking out for those under the leader’s supervision.

How does it make you feel when a mentor gives you a key piece of advice that really helps you avoid trouble?  Who has given you this kind of advice?  Do you always heed such advice?  What makes you decide whether to heed sound advice or to ignore it?

Third Thought:

Paul tells Timothy that it is God’s place to judge Alexander.  It is up to God to determine what Alexander deserves.  Timothy doesn’t need to seek revenge for Paul.  Timothy doesn’t need to feel it necessary to fight Paul’s battle.  There are far more important things to do in this world than to try and get even.  It is far better to give it to God than to try and take matters into our own hands.

Why do human beings try to seek revenge?  Why do human beings want to get the better of other people?  What do you think is more important work than worrying about getting even?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Timothy 4:16-18

2 Timothy 4:9-12

Summary retelling of 2 Timothy 4:9-12

Paul asks Timothy to try and come see him in prison soon.  He then immediately remembers Demas, who was a disciple but left the discipleship path because of the things of this world.  Paul also says that Crescens is in Galatia, Titus is in Dalmatia, Tychius is being sent to Ephesus (probably delivering this letter to Timothy), and Luke is with Paul.  Paul mentions a desire to see John Mark again and notes his value. 

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

We’re going to focus on the dark spot first today.  Demas has turned away from the path of discipleship.  He was too much in love of the ways of this world to stay on the path of discipleship.  Can you not hear the heart of Paul aching here?  It stings to be left for someone/something else, but it stings even more to watch someone leave God for other pursuits.

Have you ever had a moment where your discipleship wasn’t as important as something in the world?  Why did you get sucked away from God for a time?  What brought you back into the faith?

On a side note, can you imagine getting to Judgment Day and realizing that you had the opportunity to learn about Jesus Christ at the feet of one of the greatest evangelists of all time and you walked away?  I can’t imagine being Demas, who was lucky enough to be in a relationship with Paul himself, and walking away from that opportunity!

Second Thought:

The next person that I would like to single out is John Mark. Remember John Mark from our study in Acts.  John Mark was brought with Paul and Barnabas on their first journey.  He went part of the way and then got homesick so he abandoned Paul and Barnabas.  On their next trip, Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark again but Paul refused.  The debate eventually split up Paul and Barnabas.  Now at the end of his life, Paul has accepted and forgiven John Mark.  John Mark has been able to show some maturity and make amends for his prior mistakes.  The contrast between Demas and John Mark could not be clearer.  Demas made mistakes and so far has not sought repentance.  John Mark made mistakes, repented, and was welcomed back into ministry.  The life of the disciple is not about perfection; the life of a disciple is about how we handle our mistakes.

How do you handle your mistakes?  Do you seek forgiveness?  Do you actually admit you were wrong to the people you’ve offended?

Third Thought:

The last thought about this chapter involves all the other names.  Paul lists a host of people who are busy doing work all throughout the various places where churches have been planted.  Paul is in prison, but the work goes on.  Just because the leader is imprisoned doesn’t mean that the work of God halts.  In fact, one can state that the model of Christianity is that when the leader suffers persecution then the work spreads even more.  When Christ was arrested and killed, the work of His disciples was only just beginning.  The same is true with Paul.  As he faces execution, the work of the disciples that he has helped to raise is only beginning.

What allows the work to go on?  How is it that when Paul is in prison all of his disciples can go about the work of God rather than coming and comforting Paul?  What does this show us about the perspective of the disciple of Jesus with respect to setting priorities in our life?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Timothy 4:13-15

2 Timothy 4:6-8

Summary retelling of 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Paul reminds Timothy that he is already being offered up as a ritualistic offering.  He believes that the time of his death is upon him.  He has come to the end of his life and his faith in God remains intact.  Paul is confident that the crown of righteousness is awaiting him at the hand of Christ and he will receive it on Judgment Day.  Paul is also confident that all who remain faithful to God and long for Christ’s return will wear their crown.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Paul calls himself something being offered up as a ritualistic offering.  If taken literally, Paul is saying that he believes that his blood is about to be shed.  This could imply that he expects his death to be unpleasant.  If taken figuratively, Paul is saying that his life is being offered as a sacrifice for the sake of proclaiming the Gospel.  Either way, it seems to indicate that the end of Paul’s ministry is going to be on a bleak note from the perspective of the world.  However, knowing that he has done it for God puts a divine spin and makes it all worthwhile.

Is it easy to live a life keeping a perspective that earthly persecution is worth enduring because of future glory in God’s presence?  Why is it hard to maintain this perspective?

Second Thought:

Paul considers it an incredible accomplishment to have made it through life with his faith intact.  This is not something that Paul takes for granted.  He has seen fellow evangelists turn aside.  He’s had disciples turn their back on him.  He’s been met with plenty of disappointments, persecutions, and struggles.  However, he’s also seen his fair share of successes, made his share of true disciples, and watched God work in a number of people’s lives.  It is very difficult to sustain faith through one’s whole life.

Why is it so difficult to sustain a faithful relationship with God throughout the whole of one’s life?  What can we do to help make it more likely that we will stay faithful to God?

Third Thought:

Paul also talks about the crown of righteousness.  This should not surprise us.  Jesus Himself teaches us to store up our treasures in heaven where moth and rust cannot destroy.  We know we shall receive eternal life.  We will live eternally with God.  There is no reason to also think that God won’t celebrate with us for those times that we do remain faithful and do the work that He has called us to do.  Notice that Paul also seems excited about being able to celebrate the crowns of righteousness for all the faithful, not just himself.

How do you feel about one day receiving a crown of righteousness?  How do you feel about watching the faithful people around you also receive their crown of righteousness?  How can this concept help keep us on the path of faithfulness that we talked about in the first and second thoughts?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Timothy 4:9-12

2 Timothy 4:3-5

Summary retelling of 2 Timothy 4:3-5

Paul turns to talking once more about humanity.  Human beings reach a point where they will choose between believing sound teaching or believing the lies that they want to be true in their life.  People will choose between those who speak difficult truth or those who speak what they want to hear.  People will either choose to cling to the truth or wander away into myths that make them feel good.  Thus Paul encourages Timothy to have a judgment that is untainted, to be willing to endure suffering, to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, and to accomplish the role of service to which God has called him.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Sounds Doctrine.  It sounds like such a grand idea.  If only we could have a list of things which we can believe with absolute certainty!  If only we could have a few guiding principles in this life towards which we could strive.  Everyone is inherently in favor of Sound Doctrine.  What’s not to like about having a few guiding principles in your life, right?

What are the principles upon which you truly make your decisions? What are the core values around which you truly live your life?  Are the core values you picked really the ones that should be there?

Second Thought:

Sound doctrine is a difficult thing.  Love your neighbor.  Honor your father and mother.  Love your brother and sister.  Give to the poor.  Trust in the Lord.  Obey God.  Sex is for marriage.  Don’t get drunk.  Don’t lie.  Pay your debts.  Don’t take advantage of your neighbors.  Don’t get angry.  Meditate on the Word of God often.  Don’t watch movies or listen to music that puts temptation into your presence.  I can go on, but I think my point is clear.  God’s sound doctrine is difficult in this world.  So many times we compromise truth for a sound doctrine of our own making.

What is so hard about being obedient to God’s sound doctrine?  What parts of our human nature make it so easy for us to compromise on faith?

Third Thought:

It is difficult to be a godly person in this world.  There are far more fun and easy things to focus on that being God’s servant.  It’s far more fun to live by the rules of the world than to endure the suffering that comes from rejecting the ways of the world.  However, Paul is clear with Timothy.  God’s people are charged with certain tasks.  Proclaiming Jesus to the world is top of the list.  Enduring the persecution that comes with that is also right there.  Living a life of fair and equitable judgment is also right there.  In all things, be God’s servant.  It is our challenge.  It is our calling.

Is there any calling that you would rather have than being God’s servant?  What are the rewards of living a life according to God’s calling?  What are the rewards of living a life according to the calling of the world?  What are the dangers of both callings?  Which one do you chose on a regular basis?

Passage for Tomorrow: 2 Timothy 4:6-8

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