May 5, 2025
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in Joshua and 2 Timothy? Here’s today’s reading:
2 Timothy 4 (NIV)
1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.……Continue Reading
2 Timothy 4
2 Timothy 4
I am pretty sure this is the last chapter that Paul writes before he is matryed in Rome for his faith. He wants to make sure Timothy is both encouraged and challenged in all that God has for him and what He would desire from him. Preach the word he is told, when you feel like it, and even when you don’t. Don’t be surprised when people don’t want to hear the truth, but only what they want to hear. How true that is in our day, when several are bending to the tenor of the culture more than the truth of the Word. And as an encouragement for Timothy to do the same, Paul reenforces that he has stood strong, He has fought the good fight and kept the faith. How important it is for us to finish well, and do well through all the seasons of life. God remains faithful and true and so shall we. And I just love the personal notes reminding us that the Bible is written in real time and in real circumstances. Many had left Paul, but Luke stayed by his side. It shows that Mark must have shown himself strong for Paul to call for him after being divided with Barnabas over him earlier in his ministry. And what is the nature of Paul’s need and heart that he wants a cloak and the scrolls. And Paul saw God’s hand on him even when no one else supported him in his defense. But Paul defended and proclaimed the gospel and clung to the promise that that gospel would bring him safely home to God. It is our hope as well and should secure us for and in whatever circumstances God brings to us, or what ministry we have. Heaven awaits us and it all will be worth it.
2 Timothy 4
These are very good points to reflect upon in this chapter. Your insight into God’s Word is helpful and encouraging. Thank you for making these readings and responses available to us each day.
You are welcome, Shelly. And I am grateful for all who join us. Just wish and pray that more would….
So often we see the “itching ears” of people today looking for affirmation of what they want to be true even when it comes to the Bible. We want to treat the Bible like a menu where we choose the parts we want to follow because other parts are too difficult or too uncomfortable.
Paul is such a great example to us to stand firm in what you know to be true even in the face of opposition. We may face rejection or disagreements but Paul faced beatings, imprisonment and even death! We can’t be lukewarm Christians that water down the Gospel to make it more palatable for others but rather show them the need for His truth to restore and heal the hurts of this world.
Paul knew he was at the end of his life and was satisfied knowing that he fought the good fight and kept the faith thru hardship and dissertion. His confidence was knowing his award would be the crown of righteousness and that God would bring him safely to the heavenly kingdom. He encourages Timothy to stand strong and continue in his faith, preaching the word, just as he himself did.
Great encouragement to us all to continue passing on the baton…generation to generation.
The only resource that we can be totally assured of that is Truth is the Bible. All other sources are open to scrutiny. So it is important to use the Word for teaching, correction, encouragement, etc. And the children of God do not have to depend on people to help them. They always have the Lord by their side giving them strength. And he will not desert them, they can trust in him totally. Thank you Jesus.
2 Timothy 4
”Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words. At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them.“
II Timothy 4:14-16 NKJV
Paul discerns and judges accordingly. I thought this offered insight into the nuance of the possible Christian response to opposition. Paul leaves with the Lord judgement but relays his own discernment- beware of Alexander the coppersmith, “I hope he is repaid.” He offers a more forgiving spirit to those who forsook him, “may it not be held against them.”