Christ’s Greatest Warrior Soldiered on until His Last Breath
At approximately the same time that the apostle Peter wrote his last epistle, (see Encouraging Spiritual Growth in the Face of Resistance), the apostle Paul penned his as well – now known as the book of 2 Timothy
We find Paul arrested and imprisoned in Rome again, now awaiting imminent execution. And just as it happened when Jesus was arrested, many lukewarm believers abandoned Paul’s side in his final hours as well.
Yet Christ’s greatest warrior that he is, Paul soldiers on, writing his last letter to his faithful disciple and co-worker in the Gospel, Timothy, encouraging him to continue to fight the good fight of faith:
Timothy, I thank God for you – the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. I long to see you again…And I will be filled with joy… 2 Tim. 1:3, 4. NLT
I remember your genuine faith…and I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God has given you…For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
…With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time – to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.
And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. 2 Tim. 1:5 – 10. NLT
Jehovah has placed those gifts within each one of us – to assist us in advancing His kingdom, by leading others to salvation through Christ. It is our most precious duty as children of God. So, what do we need to bring to the table?
Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me – a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. 2 Tim. 1:13, 14. NLT
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these things these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass then on to others. 2 Tim. 2:1, 2.
Paul is telling us to preserve God’s word in its purity and continue to ask the Holy Spirit for deeper revelation of that word, so that we may both perceive it and share it with others with the utmost clarity, so that the hearers can go and do likewise.
Our task is a godly and sacrificial one that supersedes the opposition within the world:
Endure suffering along with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them…Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 2 Tim. 2:3, 4 & 7. NLT
The apostle then tells Timothy that regardless of one’s personal circumstances and / or appearances, the power of the word of God will always accomplish His will:
Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. And because I preach this Good News I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal.
But the word of God cannot be chained. So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 2 Tim. 2:8 – 10. NLT
We have the power of Jehovah God in us, to overcome anything that the world hurls our way. God, through Christ, strengthens us with a guarantee that we were spiritually reborn when we accepted Christ as out Savior. Our heavenly calling is to proliferate that Gospel assurance, amid worldly resistance and joyfully claim our eternal reward.
There is no hope for those who deny the Son of God. Yet, we rest in peace, in God’s acceptance, because of our faith in Christ. So, within that same heavenly calling that we have, is the urgency to share the ‘why’ of our serenity with as many of the unsaved as we can, by living out Christ’s example:
If we die with him, we will also live with him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with him.
If we deny him, he will deny us. If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.
Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them. 2 Tim. 2:11 – 14. NLT
Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.
Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 2 Tim. 2:15, 16. NLT
What else can we do?
…God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The LORD knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil.”
In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used on special occasions, and the cheap ones for everyday use.
If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work. 2 Tim. 2:19-21. NLT
Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 2 Tim. 2:22 NLT
A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts and they will learn the truth.
Then they will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 2 Tim. 2:24 – 26. NLT
Paul is saying that we need to be intimately familiar with the accurate meanings of Jehovah’s word (through the Holy Spirit), so that we are always prepared to engage in conversation rich in the Gospel salvation for the ears of the hearer.
With that as our prime focus, we can rise above the petty and meaningless drivel that passes itself off as viable discourse in this world. To do that, the Gospel must come from the mouths of those who have separated themselves spiritually from the ways of that same sphere.
Finally, we must bring the Good News with gentleness instead of violence, peacefully disarming resistance with love…
We are beacons of light for Christ, uncovering the darkness. This task will grow increasing vital as time passes – when scoffers and deniers turn increasingly to the base desires of their flesh:
…in the last days there will be difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.
They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God.
They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that! 2 Tim. 3:1 – 5. NLT
Looks a lot like the ‘last days’ are our ‘present days,’ yes? Nevertheless, we must soldier on in faith because the ‘cold new world’ will be increasingly hostile towards the followers of Jesus:
Yes…everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and imposters will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 2 Tim. 3:12, 13. NLT
Yet, we must still be walking clarions of the Gospel, giving the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to illuminate its gift of eternal life:
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Tim. 3:16 NLT
Paul then gives Timothy the urgency of his charge as his final commission:
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom. Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 2 Tim. 4:1 – 4. NLT
Jehovah wants all His children to be soldiering to the end, gathering souls for their salvation while there are still people out their willing to receive the Good News.
That is the greatest show of love that we can make towards others – presenting them with the opportunity to receive endless love…
Now, near the very end of his breath, Paul pours out his exemplary life for His Christ, with no regrets. How many of us can make the same claim?
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me – the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return.
And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing. 2 Tim. 4:7, 8. NLT
Inspiring to be sure.
Epilogue
Church tradition tells us that after the apostles Peter and Paul finished their final letters, the Roman emperor Nero had them executed.
We can be everlastingly grateful that Jehovah sent these two powerful soldiers to deliver the Gospel with such clarity, conviction, and boldness – in defiance even of the devil himself.
Now, there is only one apostolic soldier of Love left standing. To be continued…
Goodnight and God bless.
Building Better Americans 105
Encouraging Spiritual Growth in the Face of Resistance
We have already studied the apostle Peter’s first epistle, (see Standing Steadfast in the Face of Your Trials and The Apostle Peter’s Love Applications).
Now we will delve into his second and last epistle, known as the book of 2 Peter.
In the mid 60s A.D., there was a fire in Rome, and the emperor Nero blamed it on the Christians. In retaliation, Nero launched a murderous campaign against them…
Peter wrote his letter to his same audience as in 1 Peter, that is, to the Christian Jews of the Diaspora, spread across modern-day Turkey. He begins with an introduction of solidarity:
I am writing to you who share the same precious faith we have. This faith was given to you because of the justice and fairness of Jesus Christ, our God and Savior. May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. 2 Pt. 1:1, 2. NLT
By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises.
These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires. 2 Pt. 1:3, 4. NLT
We see then that Peter is encouraging us to pursue our spiritual growth because God and His Son has prepared us to successfully do so.
Then, he tells us how to help ourselves to enhance the use of those gifts:
In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and with brotherly affection with love for everyone. 2 Pt. 5 – 7. NLT
Do these things, and you will never fall away. Then God will give you a grand entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Pt. 1:10, 11. NLT
The apostle is telling us to run our race for Jesus until we take our last breath, or until He returns – whichever comes first. Jesus will be waving the checkered flag, congratulating you, saying “Well done good and faithful servant.” (Mt. 25:21)
Peter stresses that they do not forget what he has Holy Spirit-inspired in them because his time is short:
For our Lord Jesus Christ has shown me that I must soon leave this earthly life… 2 Pt. 1:14 NLT (see Jn. 21:18)
Next, the apostle stresses the veracity of what he says, because he was with Christ Himself:
For we were not making up clever stories when we told you about the powerful coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. We saw his majestic splendor with our own eyes when he received honor and glory from God the Father.
The voice from the majestic glory of God said to him, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. 2 Pt 1:16 – 18. NLT (see Mt. 17:4 – 6.)
The result?
Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place – until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.
Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture every came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God. 2 Pt. 1:19 – 21. NLT
We see then that all biblical authors were Holy Spirit-inspired, so that they could both receive and reveal the pure unadulterated word of God.
Now, Peter shifts his focus to false teachers who want to destroy the church. This battle will be fought right up until Christ returns:
…there will be false teachers among you. They will cleverly teach destructive heresies and even deny the Master who bought them. In this way, they will bring sudden destruction on themselves.
Many will follow their evil teaching and shameful immorality. And because of these teachers, the way of the truth will be slandered. In their greed they will make up clever lies to get hold of your money. But God condemned them long ago, and their destruction will not be delayed. 2 Pt. 2:1 – 3. NLT
For God did not spare even the angels who sinned. He threw them into hell, in gloomy pits of darkness, where they are being held until the day of judgment. 2 Pt. 2:4 NLT
However, their wicked end does not befall God’s children:
…the Lord knows how to rescue godly people from their trials, even while keeping the wicked under punishment until the final day of judgment. 2 Pt. 2:9 NLT
Our job is to remain firm in the true hope of Christ’s return:
…in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.” 2 Pt. 3:3, 4. NLT
But you must not forget this one thing…: A Day is like a thousand years to the Lord and a thousand years is like a day.
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise…No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Pt. 3:8, 9. NLT
Jehovah has a plan, and He promises that it will all come to pass. It will be fulfilled when He decides that it is the exact moment for time to end, and not one millisecond before. He has set the time interval to be ideal for everyone to have a chance to grab ahold of their salvation – out of His great love for humankind.
God is a promise-keeper. He will send His Son for us. How will that look?
…the day of the Lord will come unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.
Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day…On that day he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames.
But we are looking forward to the new heavens and the new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness. 2 Cor. 3:10 – 13. NLT
When Christ returns, He is going to help His Father a create a major re-do of the universe, which, for God’s children, will be a wonderful, marvelous beginning in a love-saturated eternity…
Goodnight and God bless.