Godly Wisdom

Readings for today: 2 Timothy 1-4

One of things I love about the Apostle Paul is his ability to apply the gospel to real life. For example, his second letter to Timothy is full of practical advice. Godly wisdom that will guide Timothy in the years to come. Long after Paul has passed from the scene to go to be with Christ. Timothy is a young leader. Inexperienced. He is serving a church in a very challenging environment. Ephesus was one of the major cities of the Roman Empire. The center of banking for the region. It even had an ancient wonder of the world - the Temple of Artemis - that drew pagan worshippers from all over the world. And Timothy was charged to lead a gospel movement in this particular city. The leaders of the early church had laid hands on him and assigned him this task. It would not be easy so Paul does all he can to help him out.

“You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus…Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus…Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound…Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to fight about words. This is useless and leads to the ruin of those who listen. Be diligent to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth…Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” (2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬, ‭3‬, ‭8‬-‭9‬, ‭14‬-‭15‬, ‭22‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

First and foremost, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Timothy won’t be able to accomplish this task in his own strength and wisdom. The success or failure of this endeavor doesn’t rest on Timothy’s effort and hard work. Timothy must lean on Christ, trust in Christ, and rest in Christ if he is to advance Christ’s Kingdom.

Second, Timothy should expect to suffer. Suffering is part and parcel of the Christian experience. Much like a soldier entering battle, Timothy should expect to get hit and get hurt. Paul himself is writing these words from prison so he knows what he’s talking about. This is a call to endurance more than anything not a call to fight back. It is a call to engage violence with non-violence much like Jesus Christ.

Third, if we are going to suffer, make sure it is for the gospel. Don’t trip over yourself trying to play the political and social games of this world. Don’t get wrapped up in intrigue and gossip and slander. Don’t take sides with the different parties and factions in the city. Remember Jesus Christ. Hold fast to the Word of God which cannot be chained.

Fourth, make sure to encourage the other believers to follow your example. Fighting over useless words is not the answer. Fighting for scraps from the world’s table is not going to satisfy. Instead, cling to the Word of truth. The words of eternal life given to us by Jesus.

Finally, flee from all temptation and sinful desire. Say “no” to anything that might compromise the witness of the gospel in the world. But, of course, staying faithful to Jesus is not just about what we say “no” to but what we say “yes” to as well. So pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. Fill yourself with these things and there will be no room for gratifying the sinful nature.

Such great advice! Not just for life as a Christian in the first century but life as a Christian in the 21st century as well!

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Peter 1-3, Jude 1

Frameworks

Readings for today: 2 Timothy 1-4, Psalms 22

All of us stake our life on something. All of us hold to a particular worldview. All of us live by a particular code of ethics. Unexamined or not, every decision we make and every action we take is rational within the particular framework through which we view life. Many people confuse rationality with objectivity but this is a mistake. It’s not possible for human beings to be “objective” because it is impossible for us to stand outside our own life experiences and cultural context. Just as a fish doesn’t recognize the water it’s swimming in, we are unable to see or fully grasp all of the forces that influence how we think, feel, or act in a given moment.

What we believe informs what we decide. What we decide informs how we feel. And our decisions and feelings don’t just impact our lives but the lives of those around us as well. For those who hold a certain level of authority and/or power within a family or organization or particular sphere like politics, beliefs can have a significant ripple effect for good or evil. Think about a terrorist group like Hamas. Because they do not believe in the value of human life, they use innocents as human shields, diverting resources that otherwise would go to better the lives of Palestinians into a terror infrastructure, and they use rape and torture and kidnapping to hold the world hostage. These decisions are rational within their perverted framework even though most of the rest of the world condemns their actions.

The Apostle Paul is operating out of a particular framework as well. And before he dies, he wants to pass it on to his protege, Timothy. “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead and descended from David, according to my gospel, for which I suffer to the point of being bound like a criminal. But the word of God is not bound. This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. This saying is trustworthy: For if we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬‬) He knows Timothy will face persecution. He knows Timothy will be attacked by those inside as well as outside the church. He knows Timothy will face hardship and suffering. The only way Timothy will persevere is if he keeps his mind and heart set on Christ. If Timothy sticks with Jesus, it will be worth it in the end.

What about you? What do you believe? What worldview do you hold to? What framework do you use when making your decisions? What have you staked your life on? Are you sticking with Jesus or have you placed your trust in something or someone else?

Readings for tomorrow: Titus 1-3, Psalms 23

Sticking with Jesus

Readings for today: 2 Timothy 1-4

All of us stake our life on something. All of us hold to a particular worldview. All of us live by a particular code of ethics. Unexamined or not, every decision we make and every action we take is rational within the particular framework through which we view life. Many people confuse rationality with objectivity but this is a mistake. It’s not possible for human beings to be “objective” because it is impossible for us to stand outside our own life experiences and cultural context. Just as a fish doesn’t recognize the water it’s swimming in, we are unable to see or fully grasp all of the forces that influence how we think, feel, or act in a given moment.

What we believe informs what we decide. What we decide informs how we feel. And our decisions and feelings don’t just impact our lives but the lives of those around us as well. For those who hold a certain level of authority and/or power within a family or organization or particular sphere like politics, beliefs can have a significant ripple effect for good or evil. Think about a group like Hamas. Because they do not believe in the value of human life, they use innocents as human shields, divert resources that otherwise would go to better the lives of Palestinians into a terror infrastructure, and they use rape and torture and kidnapping to hold the world hostage. These decisions are rational within their perverted framework even though most of the rest of the world condemns their actions.

The Apostle Paul is operating out of a particular framework as well. And before he dies, he wants to pass it on to his protege, Timothy. “Fix this picture firmly in your mind: Jesus, descended from the line of David, raised from the dead. It’s what you’ve heard from me all along. It’s what I’m sitting in jail for right now…so that everyone God calls will get in on the salvation of Christ in all its glory. This is a sure thing: If we die with him, we’ll live with him; If we stick it out with him, we’ll rule with him; If we turn our backs on him, he’ll turn his back on us; If we give up on him, he does not give up— for there’s no way he can be false to himself.” (2 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬-‭13‬ ‭MSG‬‬) He knows Timothy will face persecution. He knows Timothy will be attacked by those inside as well as outside the church. He knows Timothy will face hardship and suffering. The only way Timothy will persevere is if he keeps his mind and heart set on Christ. If Timothy sticks with Jesus, it will be worth it in the end.

What about you? What do you believe? What worldview do you hold to? What framework do you use when making your decisions? What have you staked your life on? Are you sticking with Jesus or have you placed your trust in something or someone else?

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Peter 1-3, Jude