October 28, 2024 - 2 Timothy 2

I love the way Paul addresses young Timothy:  “So you, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2:1).  An older man mentoring a younger and not merely giving advice but demonstrating much grace and love.  Paul has many fewer years still to live than young Timothy.  Paul has run hard.  He has fought well.  He has remained faithful even in the face of much opposition and persecution.  But, then, such is to be expected when going to battle for a just cause.  Paul encourages Timothy to remain faithful and to see that the truth is taught faithfully.  Timothy must expect suffering and he is to be willing to take it for the sake of Christ.  Timothy must not get distracted by everyday matters.  He must, in all things, obey God, that is, he must compete “according to the rules.”  If he runs and works hard and with faithfulness, like the farmer, he will be rewarded.

Paul is no “Monday morning quarterback,” sitting comfortably on his couch and passing out advice as one who was never in the game.  No, Paul knows what he is talking about because he himself has run this race:  “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David; such is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship to the point of imprisonment as a criminal, but God's message is not imprisoned!  So I endure all things for the sake of those chosen by God, that they too may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus and its eternal glory” (2:8-10).  The world needs many more Pauls!

Stand up, stand up for Jesus,

the strife will not be long;

this day the noise of battle,

the next, the victor’s song.

To him that overcometh

a crown of life shall be;

he with the King of glory

shall reign eternally.   --George Duffield (1858)