Monthly Archives: October 2024

2 Timothy 4- The Narrow Walk

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Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge. 2 Timothy 4:9-16

One things you will learn as a Christian, the deeper your relationship grows with Christ, the more people will oppose and abandon you. As Jesus Christ warned us “if the world hates you, remember that it hated me (Christ) first” ( John 15:18) If the world crucified our Lord because he brought the truth , don’t think the world doesn’t want to kill you also for preaching the truth. This is part of the cross you must carry as a disciple of Christ. 

As we look at the Apostle Pauls letter here, almost everyone abandoned him during his ministry. Not only did they reject Paul, but persecuted him. Even other Christians who were believers with Paul, neglected him because they feared to be part of the persecution he was facing. Doesn’t this sound familiar today? There are many who claim to be a Christian, but hide in the closet or shadows in fear to support their brethren. 

But as Paul is demonstrating here, he needed companionship, he needed his brothers and sisters in Christ to stand with him. So he pleaded with Timothy to visit him because Paul needed fellowship, this is why the Church is so essential for your salvation. Don’t believe you can finish this walk alone, just as the Apostle Paul needed his brothers and sisters in Christ, we need our family of God also. 

Another thing to notice is some of the brethren forsook the Church and pursued the world. As The Lord warned “Remember Lots Wife” (Luke 17:32) Who was told to not look back, many Christians go back into the world and lose their soul. But just as Christ said “Whoever seeks to preserve his life, will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it” (Luke 17:33) Many Christians will turn back to the world, turn back to their old sin, but we must keep our eyes focused on Christ

But notice the Apostle Pauls response to all those who abandoned and persecuted him, “May it not be charged against them” reminds you when The Lord was hanging on the cross and said “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34) Let The Lord  be your vindicator, pray for your enemies even when its hard

Jesus said “Narrow is the way to life” (Matthew 7:14) As you continue to grow closer to Christ in your walk, just like the Apostle Paul, most people will abandon and oppose you, cling to Jesus in all circumstances, be led by the Holy Spirit, Amen

2 Timothy 4- Crown of Righteousness

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Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

One day we will all have to stand before The Lord and give an account for our life, for Christians this is a glorious thought , for the unsaved this should be a terrifying thought. As scripture says “Its a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31) This is why we preach the gospel with urgency to everyone, seek Jesus and become Born Again before its too late, because there are no second chances in Hell (Luke 16, Hebrews 9:27)

We talked about previously what it means to truly be a disciple of Christ, to carry your cross, to crucify your flesh and live for Jesus. Some would say, what is the point of all this? As a servant of Christ, its an honor and privilege to serve Christ, but also Jesus will reward your faithful service. As the Apostle Paul states here “There is a laid up for me a crown of righteousness” just as Paul compared the Christian walk with competing in a race or battle, the crown is the ultimate prize, the completion of a successful mission. As Paul also said “I press on toward the goal, so I can win the prize” (Philippians 3:14)

When we stand face to face with The Lord, we want to hear him say “Well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23) What we don’t want to hear from The Lord is “Depart from me , I never knew you” (Matthew 7:23) These have to be the most terrifying words in the entire Bible. But Jesus is worthy and able to give you the crown of righteousness because He is the righteous judge!

My question or challenge for you today, is are you striving for the crown of righteousness? When you stand before The Lord and give an account of your life, what will He say to you? Are you living for Jesus? Does your life reflect the profession of your faith?

Now I would like to just end with what the Apostle Paul says here “but not only me, but also all of them that love His appearance” the crown of righteousness is available to all who love Christ. But if you truly love Christ, does your life reflect this? Jesus said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15) See what Paul is teaching here is not works or legalism, this is about relationship with our Living God! Amen!

2 Timothy 4- Fight the Good Fight

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For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 2 Timothy 4:6-7

While the Apostle Paul was writing this epistle, he knew his time was running short. And he was correct, Paul was executed by the Roman Empire during his imprisonment which he wrote this letter. But the Apostle Paul knew to live his life has a “Living Sacrifice” to God (Romans 12:2) as he states here “I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand” We also as Christians should learn to number our days (Psalm 90:12) and to live for Christ and fulfill our calling by God

Jesus said “If anyone wants to be my disciple, come after me, deny themselves, carry their cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24) This should be the mission statement for every Christian, any other expectation outside this mantra is not of the will of God. This is a hard reality for most Christians to accept, to take up your cross and die to self, to die to the world, to crucify the flesh daily, none of this seem natural to the carnally minded. But to those filled and led by the Holy Spirit, its the higher calling by our Lord

As the Apostle Paul states here “I have fought the good fight” Paul described the Christian walk as a battle, you are in a spiritual warfare (Ephesians 6) Paul never described the Christian walk as “living your best life now” this is a deception from the devil. This is a fight, this is a battle, this is a war for your soul and all the souls of the world. The greatest war in human history has been ongoing for centuries, and most don’t even realize they are in it. Fight the good fight of faith, as Paul also said “endure hardness as a soldier of Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3)

The Apostle Paul also said “I have finished my course” As Jesus said “Count the cost” (Luke 14:28) Becoming a Christian will cost you everything, Jesus warns before you profess your faith in Christ, understand the cost. As Paul said “You were bought with a price, you are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:20) Many believe in Christ but fall away when the road gets tough, finish the course! Jesus also said “Those who endure to the end, shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13) Complete your higher calling in Christ, fight the good fight of faith!

Finally Paul says “I have kept the faith” seems like a simple statement, but many lose their faith when they enter into the battle. Put your full faith and trust in The Lord Jesus Christ in all things, even when we don’t fully understand Gods plan, understand we already have victory in Jesus, Christ has already overcome the world (John 16:33) Fight the good fight, Amen!