Day 210

Diligently preach God’s Word

Key Verses: 2, 4, 6, 8, 13,

Paul wants one thing from Timothy, that he continue to proclaim the Gospel, even in the face of such opposition. This is a hard thing to do, to keep telling the truth even when those who oppose you are laughing in your face. I don’t want to point to a certain VP Debate…. It is even harder when you are preaching, proclaiming, sharing the Truth of the Gospel and people dismiss you, ridicule you, belittle you, but that is what we are called to do. Continue to tell the Truth.

If we don’t continue to proclaim in the face of opposition we fail to proclaim. There is a time coming, and I think it certainly is here, that people will simply align themselves with teachers/preachers who are affirming their view of self and God. There is no challenge to sinful lifestyles or attitudes, just a pat on the back and the words “God loves you” and off they go. There should be times we feel uncomfortable when we hear a sermon; truth will force us to examine what we believe and bring that belief into alignment with the truth. Truth is truth. Spiritual truths are just as true as gravity. You can’t escape their pull. Be careful if you are never challenged in what you believe or practice when you go to church.

Paul’s experience was one of giving, giving to the point that he felt empty. Just a side note: the words “I am already being poured out like a drink offering” are all one word in the original Greek. English just doesn’t have a word for this concept, so it takes extra words to make the meaning plain to us English speakers. It is a word used when an offering is given to a god, and poured out on the altar in sacrifice. It means that everything is given; nothing is held back. That was Paul.

We will get a victor’s reward. There is a gold medal waiting for us in heaven. We get the First Place trophy. We get keys to the city. The greatest and best reward possible awaits Paul and us. The condition of that reward: long for His appearing. Do you want Him to return, or do you like this world too much? Does your stuff have a hold on you?

Paul wants something from Timothy, or should I say, he wants Timothy to run an errand for him. He left copies of the Scriptures in Troas. Most people feel that this is a reference to copies of the Gospels, as well as a personal copy the Old Testament writings. We don’t know for certain, but these copies of something were very important to Paul. How important is having a copy of the Scriptures to you? In parts of the world today, they don’t have a copy of the Scriptures, let alone one in their own language. People have died trying to get a copy for themselves. Do you value what you have?