2 Timothy 4:9-22 – A Farewell
The laborers in the vineyard are seldom remembered, but their work continues to bear fruit after they have gone.
The laborers in the vineyard are seldom remembered, but their work continues to bear fruit after they have gone.
Like Timothy, there are those times in life when we just don’t feel like it and Paul is saying continue on anyway.
For Paul, the Scriptures aren’t merely God’s dictation to the respective author or editor, but are alive with truly inspired – being filled with the very spirit and breath of God that we first meet hovering over the waters at Creation (Gen 1:2).
These verses should compel us to only speak of such godless people in the first person singular.
Ultimately, Paul instructs Timothy to correct these false teachers with kindness and with gentleness.
The three analogies of Christian service – solider, athlete, sharecropper.
Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel in the power of God.
From our perspective, 1 Timothy is written to a vestry member or any church leader. 2 Timothy is written to someone whose faith has lagged, who is burned out on church and God, and who is spiritually tired. 2 Timothy is written for most every one of us.