August 24, 2010

2 Timothy 4:1-22 (Good News Translation)

Embodying Hope and Encouraging Others in Faith

Introduction

2 Timothy 4:1-22: Timothy is told to preach the Gospel, even in the face of opposition. The author offers advice on correcting people graciously, while also acknowledging that some will reject his guidance. Since the followers of Christ will be tempted to turn from the truth, they need to remain faithful and to be willing to endure suffering.

Today’s Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:7,8

I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day - and not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for him to appear.

Today’s Reading

¹In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and because he is coming to rule as King, I solemnly urge you ²to preach the message, to insist upon proclaiming it (whether the time is right or not), to convince, reproach, and encourage, as you teach with all patience. ³The time will come when people will not listen to sound doctrine, but will follow their own desires and will collect for themselves more and more teachers who will tell them what they are itching to hear. ⁴They will turn away from listening to the truth and give their attention to legends. ⁵But you must keep control of yourself in all circumstances; endure suffering, do the work of a preacher of the Good News, and perform your whole duty as a servant of God. ⁶As for me, the hour has come for me to be sacrificed; the time is here for me to leave this life. ⁷I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. ⁸And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day—and not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for him to appear. ⁹Do your best to come to me soon. ¹⁰Demas fell in love with this present world and has deserted me, going off to Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. ¹¹Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he can help me in the work. ¹²I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. ¹³When you come, bring my coat that I left in Troas with Carpus; bring the books too, and especially the ones made of parchment. ¹⁴Alexander the metalworker did me great harm; the Lord will reward him according to what he has done. ¹⁵Be on your guard against him yourself, because he was violently opposed to our message. ¹⁶No one stood by me the first time I defended myself; all deserted me. May God not count it against them! ¹⁷But the Lord stayed with me and gave me strength, so that I was able to proclaim the full message for all the Gentiles to hear; and I was rescued from being sentenced to death. ¹⁸And the Lord will rescue me from all evil and take me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever! Amen. ¹⁹I send greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and to the family of Onesiphorus. ²⁰Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus in Miletus, because he was sick. ²¹Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, and Claudia send their greetings, and so do all the other Christians. ²²The Lord be with your spirit. God's grace be with you all.

Reflect

In today's passage, the author exhorts Timothy to insist on proclaiming the Gospel "whether the time is right or not" (4:2). Are there some times that are better than others for sharing the good news of Christ? How do you go about sharing your faith with others? When is it important to speak up in faith? When might your actions "preach" better than words?

Pray

O great God who inspires, surround me with the wisdom of your Holy Spirit that I may discern how best to share my faith with others. Speak through my words and my actions so that others will know you. Amen.

Prayer Concern

Those looking for ways to share their faith