2 Timothy 2:1-26,
Part 2, Defending God’s Truth
One of the ways to defend God’s truth is to live it in all confidence. What we live for will determine, where our heart goes. The Christian life is lived by faith in Christ. Christian living is dynamic because faith stimulates changes that are progressive, productive, and useful for God’s purposes.
1. Power for living.
“1You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”
· Paul was in his 2nd imprisonment, suffering because of the gospel.
· Paul called Timothy his spiritual son as he was the one who brought him to faith.
· There are around 131 uses of grace, in the New Testament Bible.
We learn from these uses that:
· God’s grace makes things possible.
· God’s grace continues to be poured out to God’s children for the rest of their lives.
· God’s grace gives us strength to live for Him in a broken world.
· His grace gives us fresh opportunities to think better and do better.
2. Purpose for living.
“2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
What is the purpose of life?
“13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
· After king Solomon, the wisest man who lived in the Old Testament, explored the meaning of life, he concluded that life without God is meaningless.
· The duty or purpose of mankind is to fear God, meaning to give God the highest value, higher than anything in this world or beyond.
· The purpose by which God created us, brings meaning to everything we think, feel, and do and it frees us from worries, anxiety and stress.
3. Perspective for living.
“3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules.6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”
· Good soldiers obey for the sake of their mission.
· Competitive athletes dedicate their life to their sport.
· A hardworking farmer labours to the point of fatigue.
· Likewise, a good Christian, obeys, dedicates and labours to accomplish the God given task.
4. Peaceful living.
“14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.”
· The context is still the downloading of the word of God, of sound doctrines, of the gospel, to the whole household of God.
· 1st, the warning to avoid using human philosophies to teach the scripture as it will end in quarreling.
· The 2nd warning is to avoid godless chatter.
· The 3rd is the warning against falling into the devil’s trap.
If we heed these three warnings, we will live at peace with everyone in the church.
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