The David Spoon Experience 12-11-23 part 1
A) We now enter Second Timothy, which many understand is Paul’s last actual epistle. It’s dated around 66 to 67 AD. It’s probably helpful to understand that the main theme of this letter is the commitment to ministry. As Paul knows his end is getting near, he focuses on the Lord, on having faith, enduring, and never being ashamed. This is the last of the 3 pastoral epistles, as First and Second Timothy and Titus are the pastoral epistles.
B) As Paul begins this epistle, he recognizes that he is facing death if that is the Lord’s will. He acknowledges that he is an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God and not by his own will. It’s probably worth noting that Saul was a great example of somebody who was pulled into the kingdom kicking and screaming, with God dragging him in since God blinded him on the donkey and said, “Now what?”
C) Paul continues and says, “according to the promise of life, which is in Jesus Christ.” John mentions in his epistle that those who have the Son have life, and those who don’t have the Son don’t have life. I know many people reject Jesus because they don’t like the narrow path, but that’s going to be their downfall. Because if life is in Christ and Christ has been rejected, then they have rejected life.
D) The apostle mentions that he thanks God because he’s serving God with a pure conscience. It’s not that he never does anything wrong. We can see that in multiple writings from Paul. It’s that he’s not confused in his conscience about serving God by proclaiming Jesus Christ. He also tells Timothy how much he loves him. He is a very close protégé. And for him, he prays night and day, just desiring to see him. Sometimes, a person’s presence in a room makes a difference. Sometimes, when you go to church, just being there makes a difference for others.
E) What I love about verse 4 is that Paul mentions that Timothy’s faith is genuine. That means it’s authentic. That means it’s real. That means there’s no playing church, playing Jesus, or playing religion. Paul notes that this is from the grandmother, Lois, and the mother, Eunice, who have passed on the genuineness of their faith to the young minister.
