As Saint Paul nears the end of this letter to Timothy (the 2nd letter), Saint Paul reminds Timothy the task ahead is a serious one. In fact, Timothy will have to rely on the Holy Spirit and seek guidance from the Lord Jesus to even know how the task ahead will be completed.
Saint Paul reminds Timothy of the many false teachers of the Gospel that are among them...and gives Timothy a "tip" on recognizing false teachers. Saint Paul explains how false teachers speak of things that are created by their own ideas and opinions...not having any base in the Word of God. He then warns Timothy not to get "sucked up" in this method of teaching...and don't get opinionated when presenting the Gospel to others. Timothy must be an effective teacher by "shooting it straight" from the very Word of God, ready to give a full account of the Lord Jesus and what He means to Timothy.
As a leader of the church in Ephesus, Timothy must do even more than teach those who have not heard about the Good News of the Lord Jesus Christ. He must also lead those who already believe and trust in the Lord Jesus, showing them how to live their lives in a Christian lifestyle. He needs to educate his true brothers and sisters in the faith...including pointing out errors and things that are contrary to our faith....making them aware refusal to follow the Christian way of life can lead to discipline.
And then Saint Paul seems to turn his topic of discussion in this letter in an entirely new direction: it is of vital importance Timothy is to demonstrate gentleness and patience...with all people...those believers within the church at Ephesus and to those who are not yet become believers in Him. Saint Paul indicates Timothy is to stay focused...encouraging and teaching...the very principles found in the Sacred Scriptures.
And here is where Saint Paul seems to unload a portion of his heart...recognizing his own personal ministry is about to close.......
A Gleaning from 2 Timothy 4:7-8
" I have fought this good fight concerning our faith, I have run this "race" long and hard...and I have run the entire distance...all the way to the finish line. Through the entirety of this marathon race, I have kept the faith, firmly holding on to those beliefs we so mercifully have been given...that is...the very Son of the Living God...our Lord Jesus!
Yet, now the time for me has been completed..I have run the race and passed the Finish Line. For myself...I am about to enter a time of rest...and I can see a crown...a crown awaiting me in Heaven...for I have been found faithful to Him...right to the end!
The very thing I embrace most concerning this crown I am about to receive from the Lord Jesus Himself is this: He is a righteous judge, a judge that not only judges fairly...but is a completely honest judge...One that allows us to put our complete trust in.
As Saint Paul finishes this letter to Timothy, he brings up different people and how some have deserted him and some have been faithful to him...to the very end.
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