Paul addresses Timothy in affectionate terms as “my child”.
Paul had played a big part in raising and training Timothy as a man of God. It
is the grace of God in Christ that strengthens us. We often feel inadequate, we
become aware of failings and sinfulness that seem to make it impossible for us
to be what God wants us to be, and to do what He wants us to do. But the grace
of God enables us. In Christ we are forgiven and cleansed of our sins, and
through the Holy Spirit we are enabled. The grace of God is not just a passive
thing where we receive forgiveness, but an active thing, enabling us to do and
be far more than we have any right to expect.
But this is not all about Timothy. Just as Paul passed on
his teaching and learning to Timothy, so he is to find faithful men to pass it
on to. Note also that we are entrusting a vital message to others. This means
if we have been entrusted with the message we need to handle it well. It is not
ours, but belongs to God. We should remind ourselves of this if are ever
tempted to deviate from what the Bible says.
Moreover, we will share in suffering. Difficulties and
trials are not a possibility but an integral part of the package. We are to go
through these as good soldiers of Christ. We need to have this tough attitude.
We too easily give up when things are difficult. We treat our role in the church as if it was
like a role in a social or sporting club, as a hobby which we are free to give
up if we choose. This is not the case. We need to treat it like being in the
army.
Paul expands on this attitude issue. We are to stay focused
on the task. He then broadens it by bringing in analogies with farming and
running. There are rules to play by, things that have to be done if a harvest
is to be produced. When we do this the Lord will expand our understanding.
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