2 Timothy 3:14-4:5— In Palestine,
people thought that a time of moral decay would precede the end of the world.
The Apostle Paul, the author of this book sees the decadence resulting from
false teaching as contributing to this (3:1-9).
Timothy
has Paul’s example to follow, particularly the “persecutions” (3:11) he endured.
Suffering for Christ is part of being Christian (3:12). While true Christians will be shown to be godly, false
teachers “will go from bad to worse,
deceiving others and being deceived” (3:13)
by the devil.
In 4:6-8, Paul sees his death as being close, so he hands on his
ministry to Timothy and other future leaders. The ministry is now Timothy’s (“your”, 4:5). May he, like Paul, remain steadfast (“sober”) as he evangelizes, visiting
various cities – even enduring “suffering”.
Having just finished a description of the lamentable
spiritual decay to come in the last days; Paul’s thoughts turn again to Timothy
which a concert ht he remain true to Christ even in the face of deception and
opposition to Christ’s words and ways. The entire emphasis of Paul in meeting
and overcoming that challenge is the use of the Word of God. The “sacred
writings, “of 3:15 are the Old Testament, as Paul’s used of the term
“Scripture” indicate. The Scriptures are, therefore, useful in two significant
ways; they instruct one for salvation (2 Timothy 3:15) and they equip
Christians to do, ‘every good work.’ (2 Timothy 3:17)
The only way in which Timothy can be sure to lead people in
the true way, continues Paul, is with the Scriptures. They were the way in
which Timothy was lead to salvation in the first place. This is the central
thought of this Epistle. The Scriptures alone which are inspired by the LORD
Himself are able to bring us to salvation in Jesus Christ.
Almighty God, our creator and
guide, may we serve You with all our heart and know Your forgiveness in our
lives. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives, and
reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One god, forever and ever. Amen
Lord Jesus, You are the Good
Shepherd, without whom noting is secure. Rescue and preserve us that we may not
be lost forever but follow You rejoicing in the way that leads to eternal life;
for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
forever. Amen
Lord,
You are just and Your commandments are eternal. Teach us to love You with all
our hearts and to love our neighbor as ourselves, for the sake of Jesus our
Lord.[2]
Collect for Thursday of the week of Pentecost 18: Almighty God, yo0u who call me to prayer, and who offer yourself to all who seek your face; pour out your Holy Spirit upon me today and deliver me from coldness of heart, a wandering mind, and wrongful desire. By the power of your spirit place within me steadfast love and devotion, so that today I may worship and serve you with all my life; through Jesus Christ my Lord. (Anonymous) [3]
[1] Luther’s
Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Collects
from Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
[3] Collect
for Thursday of the week of Pentecost 18, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For
and By the Church, Vol. II © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau,
Delhi, NY
No comments:
Post a Comment