Day 350, 16th December Bible Commentary With Dr Oluwatoyin Ojo From the Book of 2nd Timothy.
UP THE CADRE
Paul confers the honour of appointing Teachers, Evangelists, and committed believers into the apostolic ministry. It means that he would be responsible for correctly identifying gifts and talents and endorsing them for leadership in these offices.
2 TIMOTHY 21-26
MAKING LEADERS:
Paul moves Timothy to the next step on the Leaders cadre — Identifying reliable people and making leaders of them. He used the military’s unwavering commitment and distinguishing tact as required standards for Christian leaders. (v.1-4).
Similarly, an athlete that will attain championship and gain rewards follows the rules.
(v.5)
“The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.” v.6
(v.7-8)
Reminding him of the focus of the Gospel — “Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant from David” v.8
“Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. Here is a trustworthy saying: if we died with him, we will also live with him; and if we endure, we will also rain with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (v.10-13).
Pondering on the verses above, I find the ways of the Almighty God childlike, yet very fascinating! His promises easy to obtain. But the human mind love a quest, something complex, dark and full of intrigues little wonder many lose these blessed and sure promises, even life eternal and glory.
v.14-26
BE APPROVED OF GOD
Paul tell how believers must prove themselves to preserve the faith and gain God’s approval:
They must avoid quarrelling about words, foolish and stupid arguments, that evidently destroy both the speaker and the hearers (v.14,16,23) — Two destructive teachers were named: Hymenaeus and Philetus (v.17-18)
• “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“ (v.15 niv), this is how to gain divine approval. "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a work man that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (v.15 kjv). These are the criteria of God for leadership in the Christian Faith in terms of KNOW-HOW. Any other standard is mundane, standards such as how you chew your food or hold your cup or the cutlery! Such standards are best left for the aristocrats!
GOLD VESSELS, SILVER, WOOD AND CLAY VESSELS are all found in a great house — This is symbolic of human life; the more cleansed, refined — made holy, special, useful and prepared we become. (Read v.20-21).
We can apply this principle virtually to all spheres of life.
Instructing him to:
• “Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” v.22
• Help opposition escape from the trap of the devil by persuading them— understanding that they are captives. (v.25-26)
• All who serve in the name of the Lord must be kind to all, ready and able to teach, they must not segregate, be biased, jaundice or resentful (v.24)
CHAPTER 31-17
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, lacking natural affection, see all the manifestation of self and godlessness listed in v.2-4;
As it is now in the 21st Century, Paul warned then that “men and women will become lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. And you must have nothing to do with such people” (v.4-5);
They will destroy homes, controlling the minds of gullible women, as Jannes and Jambres; rebels in the days of Moses, so those teachers are, but God will prove smarter than them. (v.6-9)
LUCKY YOU, TIMOTHY! You became familiar with the holy scripture from infancy—STICK TO WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNT;
“my teachings, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, sufferings and persecutions even in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra of which I boast, because the Lord delivered me from all of them — you do know these things in great detail, let them encourage you.
For Further Reflection:
"In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived."
v.12-13. Majority of these impostors referred are Cleric—famous teachers of the Word leading people astray.
“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work“ (v.16-17)
CHAPTER 41-18
I COMMAND AND CALL FORTH YOUR READINESS “in presence of
God and Christ Jesus in view of his kingdom, PREACH THE WORD“ (v.1-2)
Yet you must be persuasive, because, many of the people would have developed itching ears, and many turn from the truth to teachers of myths and very exciting messages. The more reason you must be motivational in your approach of disseminating the truth. (v.5)
PAUL KNEW THE END (v.6), yet contained, he said “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (v.7)
THE CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Paul obtained an award he could see through in spirit — the crown of righteousness.
Paul isn’t greedy or discriminatory, he assures Timothy ( this equally applies to you and I) will obtain this too if we have same expectancy — A longing for Christ’s appearing. (v.8)
A BRIEF:
Paul gives Timothy a brief of various colleagues and sons. In the update, he expressly stated that Demas deserted him and has forsaken the faith, Luke is still with him, he wants him to come as soon as possible with Mark to support his ministry (v.9-11).
He also wants his cloak, scrolls which he left behind with specifics. (v.13).
ALEXANDER is evil beware (v.14-15). This part of the report is not slander, it is so that God's holy people be guided and shielded from suffering, he suffered from Alex's deception already; he pretends to be true and committed to the Word of Truth. Howbeit, he is one of the impostors they have vowed their act will be within the body of Christ (he is not the only one like that see 3:13). It will be sin for Paul to say, 'let him go there, they will discover too!'
PAUL FORGAVE
Saying; I was deserted; but I forgive (v.16)
My pride is that God faithfully delivered me (v.16), my assurance is that “the Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.” v.18.
NIGHT:
Since we know that persecution and affliction is a part of life, we could approach life knowing that at such times, many will desert us, regardless of the whys, the ifs, and buts.
Forgive, Paul did. (2 Timothy 4:16).
Count on God, when God supports and rescues you, he doesn’t embarrass you.
©️ 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Dr Oluwatoyin Emiola Ojo.
Warmth
Toyin
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