2 Timothy 2:1
{1} You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
"I can promise you that when I go to Sacramento, I will pump up Sacramento.
-Campaign promise by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
When Arnold Schwarzenegger was running his campaign to become Governor of California he made a promise to his constituency that many understood from his personal background. Schwarzenegger, a former professional body builder and Hollywood star often played an overtly strong man in his films, used a term of the gym. To get pumped up is the muscle sensation ones feels after doing a set of weight lifting. The muscles are tight and are larger because they have literally been pumped with blood. Before he was the Governator, Schwarzenegger made a career out of exercising and building his body. Strength was his calling card. In his campaign he promised to use his personal strength to force his state to exercise and grow in its own strength.
The Apostle Paul calls us to be strong. Literally to be enstrengthened or to put it bluntly, get pumped up. It is a call to be strong in faith and action. Too many people have the concept of the church and its followers as a bunch of sanctimonious sissies. Many picture the church as those folks who have a mild mannered preacher who preaches mild mannered sermons to mild mannered people about how to be more mild mannered. Sadly, many of our churches have contributed to this popular opinion. We have become social clubs where those who care little about doing anything of monumental importance hold positions of authority over the congregation to keep it from ever growing in any type of strength or vitality. Most of our churches could stand to get a little pumped up.
True Christian faith is strong in nature. When true Christian faith is followed it empowers Christians to rise above the ordinary and do extraordinary things. In ancient Rome it was the custom to take unwanted infants to the city dump and leave them. There they were adopted as slaves or died. The Roman mindset was either way the problem of an unwanted child was solved quickly. It was the early Christians of Rome who scoured the dumps and raised the orphans. To adopt such a mindset of the dignity and sanctity of a weak and helpless life was to run against the entire grain of Roman culture. The church did not survive centuries of persecution because it was weak. Our forefathers understood what it meant to be strong Christians.
What would happen to American Christianity if we grew strong in the grace of Jesus? Christianity changed the ancient world and gave direction and purpose to Western Civilization. Maybe, with God’s help we need to pump up the world again.
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to be strong in my faith. Give me your strength and let me use it for the glory of your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Citizen Soldier
2 Timothy 1:16-18
{16} The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; {17} but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— {18} the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
Concord Hymn, Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson captured the spirit of the American Revolution in his Concord Hymn. The poem was written by Emerson for the dedication of a monument to commemorate the Battle or Lexington and Concord, the first armed conflict of the Colonials against the British Empire. The drama of this battle, as well as the revolution itself has grown in legend over the years because so many of the Colonials were common people. Many within the ranks of the revolution’s army were Militia, citizens who left their private lives to fight for the cause of American freedom. These commoners won their independence from a world power and they did so fighting against a professional military. Hence the poet refers to the farmer who fired the shot was heard round the world. They were as the National Guard states, Citizen Soldiers.
Wars are won or lost when leaders lead troops into battle. Generals however are often not on the front line or in the field of fire. It is the common soldier who is the unsung hero of the battlefield. Onesiphorus was such a man. Mentioned only in 2 Timothy in chapters 1 and 4, he should be viewed a common person who served his Lord as a Citizen Soldier. Onesiphorus was not an Apostle, he was not a missionary, he was not a preacher, and there is no indication that he was a leader of any sort. He was simply a Citizen Solider who did his part in the overall scheme of the war. Christianity and our churches are and should be grateful for their leaders. But the real heroes of our church are not those leaders who proclaim scripture in a leadership position or office. The real heroes are the people who live out the teachings of scripture in their everyday lives. They are the Citizen Soldiers. They are the ones who fire the shots heard round the world. How does a person become a Citizen Soldier in the army of the Lord?
A Citizen Soldier will never quit his mission
It is difficult to view verse 16 without referring back to verse 15 where Paul states, that all who are in Asia turned away from me. In stark contrast, Onesiphorus took up his mission and completed it at time when the many of the people in his acquaintance had forsaken the Apostle Paul. One of the great characteristics of a hero is his willingness to stand alone when everyone else quits.
A Citizen Soldier serves
In the information we have about the ministry of Onesiphorus it is obvious that he served the Apostle Paul as well as the church at Ephesus. Onesiphorus left Ephesus, the location of Timothy, and traveled to Rome to minister to Paul. The danger and length of such a journey shows a commitment to service which was sacrificial in its scope.
A Citizen Soldier will pay any price for the cause of the Gospel
This passage is almost a prayer that the family of Onesiphorus will find mercy. Paul speaks of the same thing concerning his family in chapter 4. It is easy to get the idea from the prayer request that Onesiphorus did not find mercy in Rome and also that he did not make it back to Ephesus. Therefore prayer is lifted up for his family who may have lost both father and husband in his death.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to remember that every member of your church is important to you. Help me also to remember that God has called all of us, including me, to be Citizen Soldiers of his army. Convict me by your Holy Spirit and embolden me that I may never quit the mission you have placed in my hands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
{16} The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; {17} but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— {18} the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.
By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world.
Concord Hymn, Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ralph Waldo Emerson captured the spirit of the American Revolution in his Concord Hymn. The poem was written by Emerson for the dedication of a monument to commemorate the Battle or Lexington and Concord, the first armed conflict of the Colonials against the British Empire. The drama of this battle, as well as the revolution itself has grown in legend over the years because so many of the Colonials were common people. Many within the ranks of the revolution’s army were Militia, citizens who left their private lives to fight for the cause of American freedom. These commoners won their independence from a world power and they did so fighting against a professional military. Hence the poet refers to the farmer who fired the shot was heard round the world. They were as the National Guard states, Citizen Soldiers.
Wars are won or lost when leaders lead troops into battle. Generals however are often not on the front line or in the field of fire. It is the common soldier who is the unsung hero of the battlefield. Onesiphorus was such a man. Mentioned only in 2 Timothy in chapters 1 and 4, he should be viewed a common person who served his Lord as a Citizen Soldier. Onesiphorus was not an Apostle, he was not a missionary, he was not a preacher, and there is no indication that he was a leader of any sort. He was simply a Citizen Solider who did his part in the overall scheme of the war. Christianity and our churches are and should be grateful for their leaders. But the real heroes of our church are not those leaders who proclaim scripture in a leadership position or office. The real heroes are the people who live out the teachings of scripture in their everyday lives. They are the Citizen Soldiers. They are the ones who fire the shots heard round the world. How does a person become a Citizen Soldier in the army of the Lord?
A Citizen Soldier will never quit his mission
It is difficult to view verse 16 without referring back to verse 15 where Paul states, that all who are in Asia turned away from me. In stark contrast, Onesiphorus took up his mission and completed it at time when the many of the people in his acquaintance had forsaken the Apostle Paul. One of the great characteristics of a hero is his willingness to stand alone when everyone else quits.
A Citizen Soldier serves
In the information we have about the ministry of Onesiphorus it is obvious that he served the Apostle Paul as well as the church at Ephesus. Onesiphorus left Ephesus, the location of Timothy, and traveled to Rome to minister to Paul. The danger and length of such a journey shows a commitment to service which was sacrificial in its scope.
A Citizen Soldier will pay any price for the cause of the Gospel
This passage is almost a prayer that the family of Onesiphorus will find mercy. Paul speaks of the same thing concerning his family in chapter 4. It is easy to get the idea from the prayer request that Onesiphorus did not find mercy in Rome and also that he did not make it back to Ephesus. Therefore prayer is lifted up for his family who may have lost both father and husband in his death.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to remember that every member of your church is important to you. Help me also to remember that God has called all of us, including me, to be Citizen Soldiers of his army. Convict me by your Holy Spirit and embolden me that I may never quit the mission you have placed in my hands. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Alone
2 Timothy 1:15
{15} You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
A Gallup Poll of May, 2010 shows a significant shift in American Cultural standards and is most probably a shadow of things to come in American society. The poll was a survey of 16 different behaviors or social practices and how Americans felt about them. Beginning in 2001 Gallup included questions concerning homosexual behavior in its social polling. This year’s poll reveals for the first time that that the majority of Americans do not feel that homosexual behavior is immoral. 52% of Americans accept gay or lesbian relationships as normal. Only 43% viewed such relationships as morally wrong. Opinion polls of the public at large over the last decade have shown a steady rise in the acceptance of homosexual behavior. As Western Civilization loses the influence of an orthodox Christianity we can only guess what such an opinion poll will say 20 to 30 years from now. Christians, especially Christians in America, have enjoyed the privilege of living in a culture that has been Christianized. We are now quickly moving to a culture where the majority of it citizens are ready to forget the basis of our rich heritage and are more than willing to accept the pottage of a God does not exist philosophy. Those who were once in the majority and held sway in public opinion might very well become the minority whose viewpoints are seen as irrelevant. What if everyone turned from the faith of our fathers? What if everyone else turned away and you alone were left?
Paul statement of being forsaken is sobering. Timothy knew full well the success of Paul’s ministry in Asia. In Ephesus, the location of Timothy at the writing of this Epistle, a massive spiritual awakening had taken place. Acts 19:10 gives a summation of the event, This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. Those who turned away from Paul did not just represent a theological shift for him. For Paul it was also personal in nature. Those who had turned away from Paul were not strangers. Amazingly, Paul who was the leader or facilitator of this awakening now finds himself forsaken by those who were themselves the recipients of the blessings of his missionary work. With the passing of time Paul had moved from popular leader to shunned outcast. How do you deal with forsakenness especially when those you love or have served are the very ones you feel have forsaken you?
Although the next passage, deals with a person who lifted Paul’s spirit in his dungeon of forsakenness, I think the best indication of Paul’s strength in this area goes far beyond the scope of human assistance. People can do so many things for us, but no person can love us the way our Lord loves us. People will fail, but God’s mercies toward us are made new everyday.
In 2 Timothy we see that the Apostle has discovered a strength that reaches beyond prison. How can such a faith exist? He does not allow the present circumstances of his environment or the cruel rejections he has faced from friends dictate his future or his heart. Here is a man who places his faith in a heavenly authority which cannot be judged by the inconsistencies and failures of human support. A man who has such faith cannot be stopped. He might even be killed, but the purpose for which he has given his life will still live and breathe the message of the Gospel for generations to come.
PRAYER
Lord help me always remember that you are always with me. Teach me that I am never alone. Make me understand that when I look at my life, even when I can’t understand my circumstances, that you are in charge of every moment of my existence and every fiber of my being. Make my life count for you for you, and if necessary, make my death count for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
{15} You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
A Gallup Poll of May, 2010 shows a significant shift in American Cultural standards and is most probably a shadow of things to come in American society. The poll was a survey of 16 different behaviors or social practices and how Americans felt about them. Beginning in 2001 Gallup included questions concerning homosexual behavior in its social polling. This year’s poll reveals for the first time that that the majority of Americans do not feel that homosexual behavior is immoral. 52% of Americans accept gay or lesbian relationships as normal. Only 43% viewed such relationships as morally wrong. Opinion polls of the public at large over the last decade have shown a steady rise in the acceptance of homosexual behavior. As Western Civilization loses the influence of an orthodox Christianity we can only guess what such an opinion poll will say 20 to 30 years from now. Christians, especially Christians in America, have enjoyed the privilege of living in a culture that has been Christianized. We are now quickly moving to a culture where the majority of it citizens are ready to forget the basis of our rich heritage and are more than willing to accept the pottage of a God does not exist philosophy. Those who were once in the majority and held sway in public opinion might very well become the minority whose viewpoints are seen as irrelevant. What if everyone turned from the faith of our fathers? What if everyone else turned away and you alone were left?
Paul statement of being forsaken is sobering. Timothy knew full well the success of Paul’s ministry in Asia. In Ephesus, the location of Timothy at the writing of this Epistle, a massive spiritual awakening had taken place. Acts 19:10 gives a summation of the event, This took place for two years, so that all who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks. Those who turned away from Paul did not just represent a theological shift for him. For Paul it was also personal in nature. Those who had turned away from Paul were not strangers. Amazingly, Paul who was the leader or facilitator of this awakening now finds himself forsaken by those who were themselves the recipients of the blessings of his missionary work. With the passing of time Paul had moved from popular leader to shunned outcast. How do you deal with forsakenness especially when those you love or have served are the very ones you feel have forsaken you?
Although the next passage, deals with a person who lifted Paul’s spirit in his dungeon of forsakenness, I think the best indication of Paul’s strength in this area goes far beyond the scope of human assistance. People can do so many things for us, but no person can love us the way our Lord loves us. People will fail, but God’s mercies toward us are made new everyday.
In 2 Timothy we see that the Apostle has discovered a strength that reaches beyond prison. How can such a faith exist? He does not allow the present circumstances of his environment or the cruel rejections he has faced from friends dictate his future or his heart. Here is a man who places his faith in a heavenly authority which cannot be judged by the inconsistencies and failures of human support. A man who has such faith cannot be stopped. He might even be killed, but the purpose for which he has given his life will still live and breathe the message of the Gospel for generations to come.
PRAYER
Lord help me always remember that you are always with me. Teach me that I am never alone. Make me understand that when I look at my life, even when I can’t understand my circumstances, that you are in charge of every moment of my existence and every fiber of my being. Make my life count for you for you, and if necessary, make my death count for you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
A sacred trust
2 Timothy 1:13-14
{13} Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. {14} Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
The Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery is one of the most popular tourists spot in the D. C. Area. The particular people whose remains are interred in that spot are individuals who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Each of the men buried there were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously. Although no biographical information is known concerning these individuals they represent to a great extent all American soldiers who have gave their lives in service to our country. The thing that makes the Tomb of the Unknowns a popular tourist site is the drama of the guard. Members of the 3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard) stand guard over the tomb 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The ceremony and care of their duty in their military patrol of the tomb has been continuous since 1930. Although this guard post has been in existence for 80 years only about 600 soldiers have won “Tomb Badges” and only a few hundred of them have actually earned the right to stand watch. For those who have walked the post they speak of it as a life changing experience. They speak of their duties with hushed tones and as a motivating factor of their lives. To guard a sacred treasure is life changing and life consuming.
Paul calls the Gospel a treasure which has been entrusted. The Lord has given us blessings that are far too innumerable to mention. But the blessing of the Gospel is different. It is not a gift given just for our personal edification, it is a gift we must guard, a sacred trust, a treasure we must preserve for the generations which will come behind us. How do we guard such a treasure?
Don’t trade your treasure for trash
{13} Retain the standard of sound words …
The word standard carries the idea of a pattern. It could describe the sketch of an artist or the outline of a writer which could be used as a guideline before the finished project. Sound words are words that are healthy and not harmful. We are commanded to retain the pattern of healthy words. In a day when truth is up for grabs, scriptural truth must be guarded and maintained. Many are tempted to leave the truths of scripture for so called new truths that are discovered. Many look for a truth that will correspond and relate to their own whims and desires. To change truth is to make it less than truth. As we guard the treasure of the Gospel we cannot allow it to become contaminated with impurity.
Keep your treasure in the safety deposit box of the church
{13} … which you have heard from me, …
The doctrine of Timothy had been given to him by the Apostle Paul. The laying on of hands in 1:6 is an allusion to an ordination service. Paul viewed himself as an Apostle, a gift that was given to the church. Paul’s teachings include a high view of the church and the church is consistently seen as the keeper of the faith. The greatest encouragement of good theology is the environment of a local church where questions are asked, where concepts are discussed, and where those who have gifts of wisdom and teaching can assist us all in our understanding of truth. When iron sharpens iron, iron gets sharper. As we guard the treasure of the Gospel we must do so in the workings and environment of a church.
Let the treasure rule your heart
{13} … in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
You cannot be committed to the truth of scripture without the truth of scripture becoming a part of your life. To guard the gospel is an honor. To guard the Gospel is also a life changing experience. As we hold the gospel close to our hearts the faith and love expressed in it will change the activities and attitudes of our personal lives.
PRAYER:
Lord help me to understand the awesome responsibility I have to guard the Gospel. May I never look upon my responsibilities in doing such as something I just simply do out of tradition. Help me to embrace this honor with all my heart. And when my life in this world is over may it be said of me that I stood for the truth of the Gospel in both word and deed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
{13} Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. {14} Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
The Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery is one of the most popular tourists spot in the D. C. Area. The particular people whose remains are interred in that spot are individuals who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. Each of the men buried there were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor posthumously. Although no biographical information is known concerning these individuals they represent to a great extent all American soldiers who have gave their lives in service to our country. The thing that makes the Tomb of the Unknowns a popular tourist site is the drama of the guard. Members of the 3rd United States Infantry (The Old Guard) stand guard over the tomb 24 hours a day 365 days a year. The ceremony and care of their duty in their military patrol of the tomb has been continuous since 1930. Although this guard post has been in existence for 80 years only about 600 soldiers have won “Tomb Badges” and only a few hundred of them have actually earned the right to stand watch. For those who have walked the post they speak of it as a life changing experience. They speak of their duties with hushed tones and as a motivating factor of their lives. To guard a sacred treasure is life changing and life consuming.
Paul calls the Gospel a treasure which has been entrusted. The Lord has given us blessings that are far too innumerable to mention. But the blessing of the Gospel is different. It is not a gift given just for our personal edification, it is a gift we must guard, a sacred trust, a treasure we must preserve for the generations which will come behind us. How do we guard such a treasure?
Don’t trade your treasure for trash
{13} Retain the standard of sound words …
The word standard carries the idea of a pattern. It could describe the sketch of an artist or the outline of a writer which could be used as a guideline before the finished project. Sound words are words that are healthy and not harmful. We are commanded to retain the pattern of healthy words. In a day when truth is up for grabs, scriptural truth must be guarded and maintained. Many are tempted to leave the truths of scripture for so called new truths that are discovered. Many look for a truth that will correspond and relate to their own whims and desires. To change truth is to make it less than truth. As we guard the treasure of the Gospel we cannot allow it to become contaminated with impurity.
Keep your treasure in the safety deposit box of the church
{13} … which you have heard from me, …
The doctrine of Timothy had been given to him by the Apostle Paul. The laying on of hands in 1:6 is an allusion to an ordination service. Paul viewed himself as an Apostle, a gift that was given to the church. Paul’s teachings include a high view of the church and the church is consistently seen as the keeper of the faith. The greatest encouragement of good theology is the environment of a local church where questions are asked, where concepts are discussed, and where those who have gifts of wisdom and teaching can assist us all in our understanding of truth. When iron sharpens iron, iron gets sharper. As we guard the treasure of the Gospel we must do so in the workings and environment of a church.
Let the treasure rule your heart
{13} … in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
You cannot be committed to the truth of scripture without the truth of scripture becoming a part of your life. To guard the gospel is an honor. To guard the Gospel is also a life changing experience. As we hold the gospel close to our hearts the faith and love expressed in it will change the activities and attitudes of our personal lives.
PRAYER:
Lord help me to understand the awesome responsibility I have to guard the Gospel. May I never look upon my responsibilities in doing such as something I just simply do out of tradition. Help me to embrace this honor with all my heart. And when my life in this world is over may it be said of me that I stood for the truth of the Gospel in both word and deed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Monday, June 21, 2010
A stone of hope from the mountain of despair
2 Timothy 1:12
{12} For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
The “I have a Dream” speech of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 has become a part of American thought and literature. King delivered his speech at a time when national tensions were high and when the jury was still out concerning the future of race relations in America. Regardless of the harsh environment of his day, one cannot listen to the recordings of the speech without sensing the faith of the speaker. King was convinced that his dream would become a reality. In speaking of his hope King said that he was going back to the South with faith that his people could hew “a stone of hope” from a “mountain of despair.” Often faith is discovered following the turmoil where the faithful has the vantage point of looking back through difficulties and now having the deliverance of God in his grasp. But this is not the case with Paul. The faith of the Apostle is found in the middle of the struggle and not at the end of the journey. Paul states, I also suffer. The verb is a Greek tense is present and conveys the idea of suffering actually taking place at the time of writing. Paul’s suffering was not behind him, he was in the middle of it. He is imprisoned and believes that his mortal life is quickly coming to an end. But he knows that his salvation and service to God are worth it. At the time of his suffering there are no regrets for his losses but instead there is hope for his future which the suffering cannot steal away. Within the furnace of hot turmoil Paul is hewing out a stone of hope from a mountain of despair.
How do you cut a stone of hope out of the mountain of despair? How could such a faith be achieved?
Faith must be fully embraced
Paul states, I am not ashamed. If anyone could have ever been in a quandary as whether or not to accept the situation at hand, it would have been the Apostle Paul. Sitting in a dungeon and awaiting a certain death doesn’t sound like the kind of future to put your faith in. But Paul was convinced that his life was wrapped up in the sovereign will of God. Therefore there was no shame in embracing the suffering was looming before him. A faith that cannot be embraced in the middle of suffering is a faith you can’t depend on.
Faith must be decided in irrevocable decisions
The text speaks of 3 major decisions made within the mind of Paul. Faith decisions are permanent decisions. They do not change with the passing of time or with the circumstances of reality. Paul states, For I know, I have believed, and I am convinced. Each of these phrases are in the perfect tense emphasizing the serious nature of the decisions and the commitment of Paul to not change his mind. First, Paul knew his faith. To know your faith is to understand it and comprehend it. Faith may be discovered in the events of life but strong faith is not just discovered, it is studied, exercised, and grown. Second, Paul believed his faith. To believe in something is to trust it. Paul trusted his faith and knew he could depend upon it. Third, Paul was convinced of his faith. To be convinced of your faith is to grow in the maturity of your trust. After you have learned to trust something over a period of time you learn that arguments which might arise concerning the validity of faith are futile. When the Discovery Channel talks about another Gospel of Jesus, your faith is not shaken or concerned. You are convinced of it and no argument of the present can shake the faith of the future.
Faith must be dependent on God and God alone
The Apostle states that He is able to guard. There is no doubt concerning the ability of God. Paul had accomplished much as a missionary/theologian but he realizes that his own strengths are meaningless in terms of faith. In order for his service and salvation to have any meaning at all it must be entrusted into the safekeeping of God.
Faith understands that it can last until faith is no longer needed
Verse 12 speaks of the future of faith. Until that day is a reference to that time to come in eternity. In Heaven, faith will no longer have a bearing in our lives. Our mortal relationship is based on faith. Our relationship of eternity will not be through a glass darkly as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13, but it will be relationship which will be face to face.
PRAYER
Lord, help my faith to grow. Convict me so that I will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that no matter what my circumstances are you are always there directing the affairs of my life. Help me to make all the decisions of my life based on my faith relationship with you. In Jesus name, Amen.
{12} For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.
The “I have a Dream” speech of Martin Luther King Jr. at the Lincoln Memorial in 1963 has become a part of American thought and literature. King delivered his speech at a time when national tensions were high and when the jury was still out concerning the future of race relations in America. Regardless of the harsh environment of his day, one cannot listen to the recordings of the speech without sensing the faith of the speaker. King was convinced that his dream would become a reality. In speaking of his hope King said that he was going back to the South with faith that his people could hew “a stone of hope” from a “mountain of despair.” Often faith is discovered following the turmoil where the faithful has the vantage point of looking back through difficulties and now having the deliverance of God in his grasp. But this is not the case with Paul. The faith of the Apostle is found in the middle of the struggle and not at the end of the journey. Paul states, I also suffer. The verb is a Greek tense is present and conveys the idea of suffering actually taking place at the time of writing. Paul’s suffering was not behind him, he was in the middle of it. He is imprisoned and believes that his mortal life is quickly coming to an end. But he knows that his salvation and service to God are worth it. At the time of his suffering there are no regrets for his losses but instead there is hope for his future which the suffering cannot steal away. Within the furnace of hot turmoil Paul is hewing out a stone of hope from a mountain of despair.
How do you cut a stone of hope out of the mountain of despair? How could such a faith be achieved?
Faith must be fully embraced
Paul states, I am not ashamed. If anyone could have ever been in a quandary as whether or not to accept the situation at hand, it would have been the Apostle Paul. Sitting in a dungeon and awaiting a certain death doesn’t sound like the kind of future to put your faith in. But Paul was convinced that his life was wrapped up in the sovereign will of God. Therefore there was no shame in embracing the suffering was looming before him. A faith that cannot be embraced in the middle of suffering is a faith you can’t depend on.
Faith must be decided in irrevocable decisions
The text speaks of 3 major decisions made within the mind of Paul. Faith decisions are permanent decisions. They do not change with the passing of time or with the circumstances of reality. Paul states, For I know, I have believed, and I am convinced. Each of these phrases are in the perfect tense emphasizing the serious nature of the decisions and the commitment of Paul to not change his mind. First, Paul knew his faith. To know your faith is to understand it and comprehend it. Faith may be discovered in the events of life but strong faith is not just discovered, it is studied, exercised, and grown. Second, Paul believed his faith. To believe in something is to trust it. Paul trusted his faith and knew he could depend upon it. Third, Paul was convinced of his faith. To be convinced of your faith is to grow in the maturity of your trust. After you have learned to trust something over a period of time you learn that arguments which might arise concerning the validity of faith are futile. When the Discovery Channel talks about another Gospel of Jesus, your faith is not shaken or concerned. You are convinced of it and no argument of the present can shake the faith of the future.
Faith must be dependent on God and God alone
The Apostle states that He is able to guard. There is no doubt concerning the ability of God. Paul had accomplished much as a missionary/theologian but he realizes that his own strengths are meaningless in terms of faith. In order for his service and salvation to have any meaning at all it must be entrusted into the safekeeping of God.
Faith understands that it can last until faith is no longer needed
Verse 12 speaks of the future of faith. Until that day is a reference to that time to come in eternity. In Heaven, faith will no longer have a bearing in our lives. Our mortal relationship is based on faith. Our relationship of eternity will not be through a glass darkly as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 13, but it will be relationship which will be face to face.
PRAYER
Lord, help my faith to grow. Convict me so that I will know beyond a shadow of a doubt that no matter what my circumstances are you are always there directing the affairs of my life. Help me to make all the decisions of my life based on my faith relationship with you. In Jesus name, Amen.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Guard the Gospel – A summons to nobility
2 Timothy 1:9-10
{9} who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, {10} but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel,
Peter Gomes, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals at Harvard University, speaks of the “Greatest Generation” in his book The Good Life, Truths that Last in Times of Need. There he gives a short list of graduates who left the halls of Harvard and pursued lives of service to their fellow man. It is easy to see the impact of this academic institution in American life – Gomes lists John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, We E. B Dubois, Helen Keller, and John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Each of these individuals could be viewed as visionary leaders who made major impacts upon their world. After listing these greats of America History, Gomez then poses a question for this present generation:
“What will be our call to greatness, our summons to nobility? In this season of endless prosperity and self-interest, is there anything that will require the best of what we have to offer? Is there any cause great or good enough to provoke goodness and greatness is us?”
The modern church struggles with our own summons to nobility. What many of us fail to realize is that the great cause of our faith is the common salvation which all Christians share. Too often we become intoxicated with something shiny and new, the next “big” thing in church life. Our cause is as old as creation itself. It is the cause of the Gospel – God’s plan to bring redemption to a fallen world.
There is a summons to nobility – We must guard the Gospel because it is a unique treasure of God given to us.
It is simple enough for a child to understand but yet so profound that it cannot be fathomed in human understanding. There are 7 verbs in these two verses. Each of them is in the Aorist tense of the Greek language emphasizing a point in time action. These verses state that at one point in time or contained in one incident Jesus did all of these things. It is a statement of an encapsulation of the Gospel. Through this one thing, the mighty Gospel of God: Jesus saved us; called us; granted us purpose and grace; revealed himself; appearing in the flesh; abolished death; and brought life and immortality to light. His plan of salvation is beyond the scope of human imagination and invention. It is a plan that on one hand has nothing to do with human works or ability (verse 9 states not according to our works) but at the same time uses human works and ability to accomplish its purpose (verses 4-6 speak of the impact others had in Timothy’s salvation and call).
There is a summons to nobility – We must guard the Gospel because it is the only hope mankind holds for eternal change.
We are constantly looking for that thing which will change us or our society. The call for hope and change rings loud for all of us because hope and change are so desperately needed. All of the changes that are embraced outside the Gospel are nothing more than cosmetic in nature and temporal in result. Only the Gospel brings change within. A change of the heart brings a change that is so much more than cosmetic in nature. It is a change that lasts forever.
There is a summons to nobility – We must guard the Gospel because it is a treasure so great God came to deliver it in person.
Included in Paul’s description of our call to nobility he makes mention of the fact that God’s Gospel is revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. God did not send another prophet to deliver the Gospel. He came in person, deity wrapped up in human flesh. The mystery and miracle of the incarnation were for the purpose of hand delivering God’s greatest gift to sinful man.
There is a summons to nobility – We must guard the Gospel because it abolishes death and generates life.
Our world is dying. Our culture is dying. Because of the ravages of sin, we are all dying. Today’s world embraces a culture of death and seems to be happy to do so. From the violence of our entertainment to the growth of militant Islam we are marching ourselves to an open grave of dismal hopelessness. We are moving from the bedrock biblical principles which gave rise to the prosperity and hope of Western Civilization to a new dark age of skepticism and godlessness where man is nothing more than an evolved life form and has little meaning for existence. Only in the Gospel can life be found. Jesus said in John 10:10, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
There is a summons to nobility – We must embrace the calling of God on our lives to guard the Gospel.
Paul here mentions the stations of his own calling. The calling of God is for all of us. Not all are called to be preachers, apostles, or teachers. But we are all summoned to guard the Gospel. We are all summoned to nobility.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to rise to the occasion of my calling. Teach me that without God I am nothing. But also convict me that with the power of God in my life I can make an impact on the world in which I live. Summon me from my commonness and let me hear your call to nobility. May I guard the Gospel with all my heart and life. In Jesus name, Amen.
{9} who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, {10} but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel,
Peter Gomes, Plummer Professor of Christian Morals at Harvard University, speaks of the “Greatest Generation” in his book The Good Life, Truths that Last in Times of Need. There he gives a short list of graduates who left the halls of Harvard and pursued lives of service to their fellow man. It is easy to see the impact of this academic institution in American life – Gomes lists John Adams, John Quincy Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, We E. B Dubois, Helen Keller, and John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Each of these individuals could be viewed as visionary leaders who made major impacts upon their world. After listing these greats of America History, Gomez then poses a question for this present generation:
“What will be our call to greatness, our summons to nobility? In this season of endless prosperity and self-interest, is there anything that will require the best of what we have to offer? Is there any cause great or good enough to provoke goodness and greatness is us?”
The modern church struggles with our own summons to nobility. What many of us fail to realize is that the great cause of our faith is the common salvation which all Christians share. Too often we become intoxicated with something shiny and new, the next “big” thing in church life. Our cause is as old as creation itself. It is the cause of the Gospel – God’s plan to bring redemption to a fallen world.
There is a summons to nobility – We must guard the Gospel because it is a unique treasure of God given to us.
It is simple enough for a child to understand but yet so profound that it cannot be fathomed in human understanding. There are 7 verbs in these two verses. Each of them is in the Aorist tense of the Greek language emphasizing a point in time action. These verses state that at one point in time or contained in one incident Jesus did all of these things. It is a statement of an encapsulation of the Gospel. Through this one thing, the mighty Gospel of God: Jesus saved us; called us; granted us purpose and grace; revealed himself; appearing in the flesh; abolished death; and brought life and immortality to light. His plan of salvation is beyond the scope of human imagination and invention. It is a plan that on one hand has nothing to do with human works or ability (verse 9 states not according to our works) but at the same time uses human works and ability to accomplish its purpose (verses 4-6 speak of the impact others had in Timothy’s salvation and call).
There is a summons to nobility – We must guard the Gospel because it is the only hope mankind holds for eternal change.
We are constantly looking for that thing which will change us or our society. The call for hope and change rings loud for all of us because hope and change are so desperately needed. All of the changes that are embraced outside the Gospel are nothing more than cosmetic in nature and temporal in result. Only the Gospel brings change within. A change of the heart brings a change that is so much more than cosmetic in nature. It is a change that lasts forever.
There is a summons to nobility – We must guard the Gospel because it is a treasure so great God came to deliver it in person.
Included in Paul’s description of our call to nobility he makes mention of the fact that God’s Gospel is revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus. God did not send another prophet to deliver the Gospel. He came in person, deity wrapped up in human flesh. The mystery and miracle of the incarnation were for the purpose of hand delivering God’s greatest gift to sinful man.
There is a summons to nobility – We must guard the Gospel because it abolishes death and generates life.
Our world is dying. Our culture is dying. Because of the ravages of sin, we are all dying. Today’s world embraces a culture of death and seems to be happy to do so. From the violence of our entertainment to the growth of militant Islam we are marching ourselves to an open grave of dismal hopelessness. We are moving from the bedrock biblical principles which gave rise to the prosperity and hope of Western Civilization to a new dark age of skepticism and godlessness where man is nothing more than an evolved life form and has little meaning for existence. Only in the Gospel can life be found. Jesus said in John 10:10, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
There is a summons to nobility – We must embrace the calling of God on our lives to guard the Gospel.
Paul here mentions the stations of his own calling. The calling of God is for all of us. Not all are called to be preachers, apostles, or teachers. But we are all summoned to guard the Gospel. We are all summoned to nobility.
PRAYER
Lord, help me to rise to the occasion of my calling. Teach me that without God I am nothing. But also convict me that with the power of God in my life I can make an impact on the world in which I live. Summon me from my commonness and let me hear your call to nobility. May I guard the Gospel with all my heart and life. In Jesus name, Amen.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Every Christian a rifleman
2 Timothy 1:8-11 {8} Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, {9} who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, {10} but now has been revealed by 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 an apostle and a teacher.
The United States Marines Corps presents an integration of job education and instruction which is a great illustration for the modern church. A major doctrine of their battle readiness is the tenet, “Every Marine is a rifleman.” All enlisted Marines, regardless of their specialization receive infantry training as riflemen. In conjunction with that all officers, regardless of their specialization, receive training as infantry platoon commanders. The value of this mindset has been proven on more than one occasion.
The surprise attack on the American military outpost on Wake Island just a few hours after Pearl Harbor saw the destruction of the majority of Marine Aircraft. The first attempted land invasion failed, even though Japan had a force far larger than the embattled Americans. A major reason was that Marine Pilots who no longer had planes to fly formed platoons of clerks and cooks who repelled the attack. Every Marine, no matter what their actual job was, took an individual responsibility to serve in an infantry position. Such a culture forms a strong bond of camaraderie which is forged even stronger in the crucible of battle.
Verses 8-11 are all one sentence. Verses 9-10 can stand alone as a description of our incomparable salvation. A subject we will approach tomorrow. But the entire sentence is a statement of the equality of purpose and responsibility of every Christian. The task of guarding the Gospel is not for a select few. Guarding the Gospel is a responsibility for us all.
Paul and Timothy are to become partners in suffering.
{8} Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
There is no doubt that Paul is of higher rank that Timothy. Timothy would view him as mentor, teacher, leader, and apostle. Paul would view Timothy as student, understudy, and disciple. Regardless of the different ranks they hold, there can be no shame between them and they are both to suffer for the Gospel. Every Christian shares equality of purpose and responsibility.
Paul and Timothy share the common bond of a miraculous salvation.
{9} who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, {10} but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
There are many bonds which could be mentioned in the relationship shared by Paul and Timothy but there is no greater bond that the salvation they share. The Gospel they are called to guard is beyond the scope of human imagination. It is a Gospel that looked beyond their sins. It is a Gospel so massive in nature that it existed before the time frame of their existence and promises to hold them in its grip beyond the realms of eternity. To share such a faith and to understand its commonality among Christians joins us with deep bonds. Every Christian shares equality of purpose and responsibility.
Paul and Timothy are both appointed to office by the God who saved them.
{11} for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.
Paul mentions three offices which he himself held. Two of the three offices were also held by Timothy. The word translated “appointed” is the simple word for “put” or “place.” Used in a passive voice it gives the idea of God picking them up and physically putting them into a particular job or place of service. Although their jobs might not be identical in nature they have the same supernatural employer.
No Christian is exempt from the call to guard the Gospel. We do not all have the same abilities or even have the same positions in the church. But we are all responsible to fulfill the role God has chosen for us. Every Christian a rifleman.
PRAYER
Lord, help me and all of my brothers and sisters in Christ to realize the common bonds we share. Help us all embrace the same purpose with a great passion. Raise us up as a mighty army to build your kingdom.
The United States Marines Corps presents an integration of job education and instruction which is a great illustration for the modern church. A major doctrine of their battle readiness is the tenet, “Every Marine is a rifleman.” All enlisted Marines, regardless of their specialization receive infantry training as riflemen. In conjunction with that all officers, regardless of their specialization, receive training as infantry platoon commanders. The value of this mindset has been proven on more than one occasion.
The surprise attack on the American military outpost on Wake Island just a few hours after Pearl Harbor saw the destruction of the majority of Marine Aircraft. The first attempted land invasion failed, even though Japan had a force far larger than the embattled Americans. A major reason was that Marine Pilots who no longer had planes to fly formed platoons of clerks and cooks who repelled the attack. Every Marine, no matter what their actual job was, took an individual responsibility to serve in an infantry position. Such a culture forms a strong bond of camaraderie which is forged even stronger in the crucible of battle.
Verses 8-11 are all one sentence. Verses 9-10 can stand alone as a description of our incomparable salvation. A subject we will approach tomorrow. But the entire sentence is a statement of the equality of purpose and responsibility of every Christian. The task of guarding the Gospel is not for a select few. Guarding the Gospel is a responsibility for us all.
Paul and Timothy are to become partners in suffering.
{8} Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,
There is no doubt that Paul is of higher rank that Timothy. Timothy would view him as mentor, teacher, leader, and apostle. Paul would view Timothy as student, understudy, and disciple. Regardless of the different ranks they hold, there can be no shame between them and they are both to suffer for the Gospel. Every Christian shares equality of purpose and responsibility.
Paul and Timothy share the common bond of a miraculous salvation.
{9} who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, {10} but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,
There are many bonds which could be mentioned in the relationship shared by Paul and Timothy but there is no greater bond that the salvation they share. The Gospel they are called to guard is beyond the scope of human imagination. It is a Gospel that looked beyond their sins. It is a Gospel so massive in nature that it existed before the time frame of their existence and promises to hold them in its grip beyond the realms of eternity. To share such a faith and to understand its commonality among Christians joins us with deep bonds. Every Christian shares equality of purpose and responsibility.
Paul and Timothy are both appointed to office by the God who saved them.
{11} for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.
Paul mentions three offices which he himself held. Two of the three offices were also held by Timothy. The word translated “appointed” is the simple word for “put” or “place.” Used in a passive voice it gives the idea of God picking them up and physically putting them into a particular job or place of service. Although their jobs might not be identical in nature they have the same supernatural employer.
No Christian is exempt from the call to guard the Gospel. We do not all have the same abilities or even have the same positions in the church. But we are all responsible to fulfill the role God has chosen for us. Every Christian a rifleman.
PRAYER
Lord, help me and all of my brothers and sisters in Christ to realize the common bonds we share. Help us all embrace the same purpose with a great passion. Raise us up as a mighty army to build your kingdom.
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