The Scripture reading today from Timothy reminds me of my childhood. My parents and family taught me so many things. They taught me how to walk, to talk, and to run. They taught me right from wrong and how to treat others. It was not only my family that taught me…but so many other people, on my journey in life, that have taught me so many things…even today.(yes…I am actually still learning) I think that without their teachings, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I am sure that you remember the people in your life that taught you things. They are the people who stand out in our lives…the people who made a difference. The type of teaching that Paul is talking to Timothy about was his ‘Spiritual Training”, his “wisdom” training.
A secure guideline to wisdom and wholeness as recognized by God is the holy writings…scripture…which constituted Timothy’s textbook, his way of life, from his childhood. Timothy ultimately owed much to his mother (Eunice) and his grandmother (Lois) teachings. Back then it was the Torah, the Prophets, and the writings that provided the curriculum for Jewish boys as well as Israel’s law book and prayer book. It seems to me that Timothy was a well rounded child.
Paul told Timothy to “continue in what you have learned and firmly believed.” He was to continue in his walk with God as he did as a child. He was to do as he learned from scripture. Paul knew that all scripture is useful for everything…at all times…it is timeless and endures forever. By doing this…by following the ways he learned as a child…Timothy would be able to stand in times of trial. What a blessed assurance we get when we know that God’s word will help us in our time of need…no matter what the need is. There is no need too large or too small that the Word of God cannot quench. (All I can say is a big AMEN on that!) Scripture is God-breathed and not merely the prophet who is inspired…the speaking of words given not by the conscious mind but directly by God processing or the Spirit inspiring. As God breathed the breath of life into man and said not that it was good but it was very good…God breathed Scripture and it too is very good.
Paul urged Timothy to “proclaim the message.” He was to take what he had learned and share it with others. The best way for him to do this was not by the world’s standards but by God’s standards. He was to proclaim the Gospel as if he was “doing it unto the Lord.” He was to share his story. We today are called to share our stories, to help bring others to the saving grace of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. We are to be there, ready to give an account of the saving grace we are given “whether the time is favorable or not”. We are to shod our feet with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. We are to standby…be ready…be on hand…for opportunities and crises as they arise, whether the time is opportune for us or not.
The Bible tells us that we are to “convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the upmost patience in teaching.” We are to put on the likeness of Christ and be as gentle and kind as He was in our rebuke on others. We are to “do it as unto the Lord.” We are to be display patience and kindness to all those around us. I know that there are times that this is a difficult thing to do. We live in a fallen world and there is so many things that are wrong around us but by acting as the world would have us act…are we really sharing God’s love…are we really showing the love of Christ? Or are we turning others away from the way, the truth and the light…the one true light that shines in the darkness? We are to “do it unto the Lord” in love. Rebuke…warn, encourage…comfort, should all be aspects of the teaching and all will require RESILIENT “PATIENCE”.
In Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul tells Timothy that the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine and that they will turn to teachers that suit their own desires. That people will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away after myths. Paul also challenges Timothy to always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of and evangelist, and to carry out his ministry. Timothy is to carry out his ministry with zeal in the world and to “do it as unto the Lord” not as unto the people in the world around him.
Paul contrasts two images in vs. 13-15. The first image is at wicked people and imposters, who go from bad to worse; the second image is of Timothy, who continues to grow in keeping the good start he received, becoming mature. I would like for you to imagine with me for a moment two pieces of fruit…one that has a rotten spot that is getting even worse…and the other that is wholesome, firm and just beginning to ripen. This is how Paul saw the people of that day and age…it also holds true for people of our day and age (This goes to prove the old saying “history repeats itself”).
We need to take stock in our lives. We need to ask the questions to ourselves “What is there in our spiritual life that resemble the rotten fruit and what resembles the good, wholesome fruit…if we have a rotten part, how can we keep it from spreading…what will keep us growing toward full maturity.” WE need to ask God for whatever help we to prevent…to stop… rot and encourage growth.
How can we have a heart to do whatever God calls us to do as unto the Lord? How can we make the changes we need in life to be in an effective ambassador of Christ’s love for all? David…in Psalm 119…gives us a good example on how to attain the tools we need to become all that God would have us be…David loved the Lords word. As a matter of fact he meditated on it day and night. He knew that the Lord’s commandments made him wiser than his enemies because it is always true. He was also made wiser than his teachers because the Lord’s decrees were his meditation. David would hold back his feet from evil in order to keep the Lord’s word. It was important to him to follow God’s ways and not the ways of the society around him. David did not turn away from the Lord’s ordinances because the Lord taught him. He felt that the Lord’s word was “sweeter than honey”. Through the Lord’s precepts, he got his understanding and hated every false way.
Meditation…it is a word that is used in many ways. A person may meditate in silence…meditate on a new idea…or even meditate on what to eat at a favorite restaurant. But here…the psalmist describes meditation as bringing scripture into the heart. David states that “it is always with me.” We need to learn to keep scripture always with us. We need to read and live out God’s word and plan for our lives. We need to take time for the Lord each day. This is one way we can receive the instruction we need to live our lives “as unto the Lord”…to be His ambassadors of peace, love and joy.
We have choices in life. We can either choose to live our lives as unto the world…with all its brokenness and strife…just going along to get along. We can wallow in our differences instead of seeking peace…a common ground. Or…we can live our lives as if “doing it unto the Lord”…reaching out to those around us in love and helping them either get on or stay on the right track in life. We can either be like the fruit with rot or the good wholesome fruit. The choice is ours to make. Which will you choose?
AMEN
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