[Note: Yup, this is not about technology and I don't claim to be some big shot theologian. These are just my thoughts to be shared today.]
This Sunday morning I sat quietly and listened to the book of 2 Timothy. Yes, the entire book. I felt led to listen, to feel the words of Paul. From that listening, I’ve gone back to further delve into some passages.
[Note: Faith Comes By Hearing has a great set of Audio Bibles.]
Paul addresses Timothy in such a peaceful way.
3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.
Oh, how diligent Paul was in remembering those who served. How faithful are we in our intercessory prayers? This got me thinking, Paul was sitting, abandoned by so many that had been around him but yet, he continued to pray for others. He prayed for the grace, mercy and peace of the Lord to be with Timothy.
Many of you know my link to Bible Translation work so it come as no surprise that my thoughts immediate went to this topic. Their are still over 2,200 languages that have yet to have a single verse of God’s Word in their own language. 2,200 languages that are lost. But the great news is that their are men and women working night and day to complete this work.
These men and women have given their lives to God’s direct calling. We should be praying every day for them, their needs, their protection, their communication of God’s Word. Many times it is easy to pray general prayers, but I find it very meaningful to pray for specific needs as well. That’s why I enjoy the daily prayer requests from The Seed Company, a Bible translation organization. I can pray for specific, timely items from Bible translation project teams around the world.
“…I aspired to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was already named, so that I would not build on another man’s foundation; but as it is written, ‘THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND.’” (Romans 15:20-21)(NASB)
So, back to Paul. Throughout 1 and 2 Timothy he is careful to do three things, encourage, rebuke, and teach. First, Paul writes to encourage his protege and God’s people. He does this is a loving manner. In 2 Timothy 1:5, I read:
5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.
This seems as though it was a significant compliment and encouragement to Timothy. Paul affirms him as having a sincere faith as seen in his grandmother and mother. I can imagine the deep sincerity in this statement. The curious side of me wonders why the female patriarchs are mentioned but not the male?
Paul is also encouraging Timothy through his rebuke of practices and certain individuals in the early church. Was Paul writing these things not only to bring them to the light but also to give Timothy renewed vigor and energy to address these issues?
16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”
Most definitely. Paul, as one of God’s ambassadors, speaks truth from which those who truly followed the Lord listened. I can’t help but believe that this gave Timothy an increased spiritual strength.
I don’t know about you, but I know that my Christianity, my belief in Christ Jesus, is a journey. The choice to follow was a turning point, but my knowledge of Him continues to grow each day. But as a Christian, the mere fact of my faith means that I want to know Him more. There is a yearning to know Him through His Word, the Bible.
Today, be “Paul” to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray faithfully, intercessory prayers for those you know. Encourage them in their faith, their walk. Be honest, loving and open in your dealings.
Blessings.
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