Reflections from September 20, 2010

Today we begin Paul's second letter to Timothy and Paul continues to lift up Timothy with teachings, encouragement and wisdom. It turns out this was the last of Paul's epistles as he was executed shortly after by Nero in Rome. He says in 2 Timothy 1:13-14, "Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from em, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed to you, keep by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us."

Paul is telling Timothy, and us as well, to keep to the words of God, and the teachings he gave them. Don't depart from God's word even though there will come many that will try and deceive. That good thing that was committed? The Word of God. And how better to keep it but by the Holy Spirit.

Words of encouragement for us, especially the acknowledgement of the dwelling of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes we hear of all different types of things, some sort of truths, and some out-right lies. Even the things that point us in different directions other than God! A simple word of encouragement from Paul, to hold fast to the sound words.


Paul follows up on this encouragement by saying in 2 Timothy 2:11-13,
"This is a faithful saying:
For if we died with Him, We shall also live with Him.
If we endure, We shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He also will deny us.
If we are faithless, He remains faithful:
He cannot deny Himself."

As humans, we sometimes prove ourselves to be unfaithful in things such as business deals, skipping appointments, backing out on our word to another. Sometimes we might break our promises to our spouse or children. But what we can count on is God never doing that. He is always faithful, and will never, ever break His word.

As we move closer to God, we should be working to develop godly character and part of that is to honor our commitments. Our prayer should be to do that daily, but also for wisdom to know what we should not commit to because we won't be able to deliver on that promise.

Blessings to all