The Place to Be #84

 

II Timothy 1:15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

Having reminded Timothy of his rich spiritual heritage, both on his mother's side and his spiritual father's side(Paul himself), Paul went on to challenge Timothy not to be ashamed that his spiritual father was in prison.  There were many, who out of fear, self-righteousness, and outright apostacy had "turned away" from both Paul and the gospel, wrongly interpreting his imprisonment as a reason for shame or to run away in fear from Christian life and service.  Paul now presented a living example for Timothy to follow: Onesiphorus - one who had been at the church at Ephesus where Timothy was now pastoring. Timothy was to follow his example of unashamed service, leadership, and faithfulness.  He had shown complete commitment and loyal love when he searched for Paul until he found him, demonstrating the mercy and grace God has shown us in Christ.  Timothy had real life examples of who to avoid and whom to mimic. We don't have to look far to find the same and follow their example. 

The Place to Be #83

 

II Timothy 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

Having challenged Timothy to stand firm in his faith and ministry, Paul goes on to get more detailed about how and why to do so.  It would be very easy for Timothy to give in to shame: Jesus was died a criminal's death and Paul was in jail, but instead of shame, he was to choose the road of suffering as both had done. That road led to salvation and service in the plan and purpose of God.  This plan was much bigger than any man or empire; it was the eternal plan of Almighty God.  Paul invited Timothy to join him on this path. He was not ashamed, but convinced and confident in God's plan and protection on this path.  All Timothy had to do was stick with the plan, the "pattern of sound words", and the presence of God through His Holy Spirit, and his journey would lead exactly where God promised - into His loving arms of safety.

The Place to Be #82

 

II Timothy 1:3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

As usual, Paul began his letters with a word of thanksgiving about himself and/or his recipients. Here it is both: he was thankful for his own godly heritage and that of Timothy as well.  Paul looked back on his deep Jewish roots and on the influence Timothy had under his mother and grandmother.  Paul had many memories of his own family and his spiritual family, considering Timothy his spiritual son. As he looks back on their relationship, he reminds Timothy of one or two events which recognized his call to ministry, like his being ordained by spiritual men.  With those deep roots and recognized calling, Timothy was to hold fast to his faith and that calling, even when challenged.  All believers, and in a sense especially those called to ministry, have the powerful presence of the Spirit of God. He will provide strength, confidence, wisdom and enough love to lead and deal with the people God brings their way.  As we enter this week of thanksgiving, may we be thankful for the same things: godly ancestors and spiritual ancestors, and the ever-present Holy Spirit to stand firm in our faith, love those difficult relatives and neighbors, and live life to please and honor God, as  thank offering to Him.

The Place to Be #81

 

II Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

This letter is considered by many to be the last recorded words of the Apostle Paul.  He was writing to his young protege' Timothy, whom he had left at the church at Ephesus to address some serious issues of false teaching and disorder in their worship.  Paul knew who he was.  He was both called to salvation in Christ and called into His service as an apostle, an ambassador to take the Good News of the Gospel to the far reaches of the earth.  At present, he was in prison, but that is not what stuck out in his mind: he was in the will of God; he was living the life that God had ordained through the power of Christ.  He was also a spiritual father to Timothy, and he knew what Timothy needed to carry out his ministry. He needed grace - God-given ability to carry out his calling; he needed mercy - for God to reach down and do something when Timothy called for help; he needed peace - that sense that all will be well, which only God can give. Finally, Timothy needed to keep his heart and mind focused on Christ Jesus - the God-Man with a title.  Everything around him was working against recognizing Jesus as the Christ, and making Him much less.  We must always lift Him up to His exalted place as Savior and Lord. 

The Place to Be #80

 

Colossians 4:14 Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. 15 Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16 And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Paul had done everything he could to let the church at Colossae know how he was doing, and to encourage them to not view his being in prison as something for them to feel bad about for him, nor to cause them fear for their own safety.  He has mentioned several names of fellow servants who stood with him, and whom were praying for them as well. As he closes this letter he gets to some of the closest associates he had and they had.  Besides Timothy, his co-writer, Luke was with Paul, both tending to Paul's physical needs and serving as recorder.  On their side of things was Archippus, who had been called to Pastor. God had leaders there at the church to make up for Paul's absence.  They also had nearby churches, like at Laodicea.  These congregations could and should work together to encourage one another and keep each other accountable, just as individual believers should do.  As one last touch, Paul takes the pen in his own hand to confirm everything written above as coming from him as the Lord's servant, giving one last request for prayer, and to remind them that the grace of God in Christ was more than enough for any challenge. 

The Place to Be #79

Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. 

As Paul continues to wrap up his letter, it's like credits at the end of the movie, listing those who were ore "behind the scenes" in the ministry of the gospel.  In this case, Paul is sending greetings on their behalf.  This also would be a comfort to the Colossian Christians, reassuring them that Paul was not "all alone" in prison suffering.  The Lord was providing support and practical encouragement through these faithful fellow-workers.  It appears that Aristarchus was also in prison for the Gospel; John Mark had at this point been restored in fellowship with Paul and was one of the team; Jesus Justus was a fellow Jewish Christian who was possibly sent by the Jerusalem church.   Epaphras was more well known to them and therefore offered a more specific call to maturity; Paul also assures them that he had been working hard in furthering the Gospel. They may have sent Epaphras to Paul for that very purpose.  Each and every one of these men was meaningful in Paul's life and the ministry of the Gospel.  It takes a team, a body, a crew, just like any blockbuster would. 

The Place to Be #78

Colossians 4:7 Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. 8 I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, 9 and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

Having developed his theological framework and then laying out specific applications, Paul began to wrap up his letter to this Church.  He was sending this letter to them with some mutual friends and fellow-servants.  Paul wanted them to have eyewitnesses that what he had said was true: Paul was doing fine, though in prison, and the gospel was going forth.  Having reminded them in the last chapter that in Christ there is neither bond nor free, he send this message with one of each, both of whom he describes and beloved brother and faithful. Paul's actions were consistent with His words.  Ours should be as well.