Some historians think Saint Paul was in a prison in Rome for the 2nd time...around 67 A.D. He had been in a Roman prison a few years before, most likely around 60 A.D. He had spent 2 years in a cell the first time, then was let go. He again went out and freely preached the Gospel of our Lord Jesus...only to be in prison once more....
Paul considered Timothy, now a church leader in the city of Ephesus...as his very own son. Timothy had proven to be a true believer in the Lord Jesus and a very close friend to Saint Paul.
Paul seems to know his time on earth is coming to a close, and writes a second letter to Timothy...to encourage him to carry on this precious faith they had both heartily accepted.
In 2 Timothy 1:5-7, Saint Paul writes this to Timothy:
A Gleaning from 2 Timothy 1: 5-7
" I know how much you trust the Lord, and how much He means to you. Your faith in Him is a rich faith, it is genuine, honest, and sincere. I remember how this faith you have in Him...was handed down to you from your grandmother Lois, and then your mother Eunice, and now this very faith in Him...is permanently in your heart as well Timothy.
Make full use of this gift from God that has been accepted and embraced by your own family, and continue to "rekindle and fan" those flames that live within you, this Grace that has been passed down through your very own.
Remember the time I placed my very hands upon you, along with the Elders of the church, an "official seal", an ordination from God Himself...invoking His blessings and mine upon your life.
Likewise, remember the Holy Spirit does not desire us to be afraid of people...to cringe with fear, or be cowardice in presenting the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ...to anyone!
Instead, the Holy Spirit invokes us...ordains us!...with a love that comes from Christ Jesus and thus enables us to share and give His love to others. With His love in us we have a calmness, a well-balanced mind, staying true and disciplined to our faith, and having self control in all we say or do."
It is apparent in this letter to Timothy...Saint Paul is giving some final instructions before his sentence for execution is about to be announced.
One of the highlights in this letter Saint Paul is writing to Timothy...comes in chapter 3. In this passage, Saint Paul gives Timothy some real advice...on what to look forward to in the days ahead.
A Gleaning from 2 Timothy 3: 1-5
"Don't be naive Timothy. In the days ahead...it will be difficult...in some instances, extremely so. People will simply become...lovers of themselves.
You will see an intense desire for greed, and they will be full of themselves: proud, arrogant, and boasting of their own accomplishments. They will search diligently for ways to take advantage of others misfortunes.
People will become abusive...attempting to make a mockery of our faith and the One we put our trust in. Families...like their very own parents...will be ignored and siblings will be disobedient to their parents wishes. In fact, they too will be made fun of.
In the upcoming days, people will simply become callous. They will no longer care or have any concern for human affection. They will become rough and cruel, and make fun of those who try to live life in the correct manner...those who still cling to having respect and care for others.
In fact, you will hear of those who betray...their own friends...people will become very rash and act on any impulse that threatens them...totally inflated with their own egos.
People will have one major priority...where and when can we "have a good time". Church will be a laugh and made fun of as well. "Having a good time"...that is really what life is all about for those living in these upcoming and last days.
Along with this, many women who have been abandoned and now will try to make it on their own...forced to raise their children with no help from a father who has long left them...these women will be targets...targets to be used by "smooth talkers", men whose only real desire is for sex. Oh, they will tell these women "sweet things", promising them a better life and exposing them to the selfish beliefs they have themselves...only to abandon them and leave them...using these defenseless women and leaving them desolate...satisfying their own selfish sexual desires.
Here is something else to be aware of Timothy: some of these people you will see...will actually put on a "show" of their Christian religion.They will even attend church...and act like they want to be Christians. Yet, in their everyday life...they are nothing more than...selfish animals.
Don't have anything to do with these total impostors...stay clear of them."
Part 2...coming!
Paul considered Timothy, now a church leader in the city of Ephesus...as his very own son. Timothy had proven to be a true believer in the Lord Jesus and a very close friend to Saint Paul.
Paul seems to know his time on earth is coming to a close, and writes a second letter to Timothy...to encourage him to carry on this precious faith they had both heartily accepted.
In 2 Timothy 1:5-7, Saint Paul writes this to Timothy:
A Gleaning from 2 Timothy 1: 5-7
" I know how much you trust the Lord, and how much He means to you. Your faith in Him is a rich faith, it is genuine, honest, and sincere. I remember how this faith you have in Him...was handed down to you from your grandmother Lois, and then your mother Eunice, and now this very faith in Him...is permanently in your heart as well Timothy.
Make full use of this gift from God that has been accepted and embraced by your own family, and continue to "rekindle and fan" those flames that live within you, this Grace that has been passed down through your very own.
Remember the time I placed my very hands upon you, along with the Elders of the church, an "official seal", an ordination from God Himself...invoking His blessings and mine upon your life.
Likewise, remember the Holy Spirit does not desire us to be afraid of people...to cringe with fear, or be cowardice in presenting the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ...to anyone!
Instead, the Holy Spirit invokes us...ordains us!...with a love that comes from Christ Jesus and thus enables us to share and give His love to others. With His love in us we have a calmness, a well-balanced mind, staying true and disciplined to our faith, and having self control in all we say or do."
It is apparent in this letter to Timothy...Saint Paul is giving some final instructions before his sentence for execution is about to be announced.
One of the highlights in this letter Saint Paul is writing to Timothy...comes in chapter 3. In this passage, Saint Paul gives Timothy some real advice...on what to look forward to in the days ahead.
A Gleaning from 2 Timothy 3: 1-5
"Don't be naive Timothy. In the days ahead...it will be difficult...in some instances, extremely so. People will simply become...lovers of themselves.
You will see an intense desire for greed, and they will be full of themselves: proud, arrogant, and boasting of their own accomplishments. They will search diligently for ways to take advantage of others misfortunes.
In the upcoming days, people will simply become callous. They will no longer care or have any concern for human affection. They will become rough and cruel, and make fun of those who try to live life in the correct manner...those who still cling to having respect and care for others.
In fact, you will hear of those who betray...their own friends...people will become very rash and act on any impulse that threatens them...totally inflated with their own egos.
People will have one major priority...where and when can we "have a good time". Church will be a laugh and made fun of as well. "Having a good time"...that is really what life is all about for those living in these upcoming and last days.
Along with this, many women who have been abandoned and now will try to make it on their own...forced to raise their children with no help from a father who has long left them...these women will be targets...targets to be used by "smooth talkers", men whose only real desire is for sex. Oh, they will tell these women "sweet things", promising them a better life and exposing them to the selfish beliefs they have themselves...only to abandon them and leave them...using these defenseless women and leaving them desolate...satisfying their own selfish sexual desires.
Here is something else to be aware of Timothy: some of these people you will see...will actually put on a "show" of their Christian religion.They will even attend church...and act like they want to be Christians. Yet, in their everyday life...they are nothing more than...selfish animals.
Don't have anything to do with these total impostors...stay clear of them."
Part 2...coming!
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