September 25, 2022 - 2 Timothy 2-4

To quote that well known philosopher, Brittany Spears, “Oops! I did it again!” That is, again, I jumped over a portion of Scripture. Reading Titus, Friday, I jumped over 2 Timothy 2-4. So, what does Paul have to say to Timothy and to us in those chapters? He writes about faithful men and uses the analogies of a soldier focused on his task, an athlete who competes according to the rules, and a hard working farmer who gets the first share of the crops. Then, Paul notes that he himself endures everything for the sake of God’s people.

And, indeed, faithfulness is called for because, as Paul puts it, “in the last days there will come times of difficulty” (3:1). But how shall one remain faithful in the face of wickedness and persecution? Paul tells Timothy, and us, “Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (3:14-17). That is, stay in the Word!

How precious is the Book Divine,

By inspiration giv’n!

Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine

To guide our souls to heav’n,

To guide our souls to heav’n.

This lamp through all the tedious night

Of life shall guide our way

Till we behold the clearer light

Of an eternal day,

Of an eternal day. --John Fawcett (1782)