December 17, 2010 1Timothy 6 & 2Timothy

Paul continued instructions for Timothy. Slaves were to respect their masters whether they were believers or not. If they were believers, the slaves were to serve them even better. Then Paul gave instruction about money. Paul warned Timothy that some people expected to use religion to get rich, which was not okay. Flirting with riches only brings desires which aren't good for us. Paul said, "For the love of money is a source of all kinds of evil." (6:10) Paul encouraged Timothy to do his very best in his work. Paul told Timothy to command the rich not to be proud, but to place their hope in God. He told Timothy to be careful to avoid foolish arguments which had been confused with "Knowledge."

2 Timothy
Paul's second letter to Timothy is mainly personal advice. After the initial greetings, Paul gave thanks to God. Paul longed to see Timothy and be present with him. Paul mentioned Timothy's faith and that of his grandmother and mother as well. Paul said, "For the Spirit that God has given us does not make us timid; instead, His Spirit fills us with power, love, and self-control." (2Tim 1:7) Because of Jesus Christ, God has given us immortal life. Paul encouraged Timothy to stay strong and hold to the true words that he taught him.

Paul called Timothy "a loyal soldier of Christ Jesus." (2Tim 2:3) Work hard, follow the rules, and obey your commanding officer. Because Paul taught the Good News of Jesus Christ, he was put in prison and suffered. Remind the people not to fight over words. Focus on what God wants you to do. Don't waste your time on profane discussions which drive people away from God. Some had left the way of truth and Paul reminded Timothy that God knows who His people are. In a proper kitchen the dishes are kept clean and ready to be used when they are needed. Paul urged Timothy to keep himself pure and ready for work.

Paul reminded Timothy that in the last days things would get more difficult. People would display all their worst traits and misbehave. They would reject the message and Paul told Timothy to stay away from them. Paul talks about two people named Jannes and Jambres who were opposed to Moses. There aren't two people in the Old Testament with these names. According to Jewish tradition they were the Egyptian court magicians who opposed Moses. The people were opposed to the truth just as the magicians were opposed to Moses. These are people who don't think and have failed in the faith. Everyone will see how stupid they are, just like Jannes and Jambres. Paul complimented Timothy about the way he followed Paul's example. Believers would be persecuted and impostors and evil people would go on deceiving themselves. Paul told him to continue in his good ways.

Paul told Timothy to keep working and preaching. Paul told him that his time was nearly over, and that he had done his very best. All the others who had been with Paul had deserted him except Luke. Updates about the current whereabouts of others from their group were shared. He sent his final greetings and sent God's grace to be with them all.

Tomorrow read Titus; Philemon & Hebrews 1-2:10