The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in 2 Timothy 3:14-15,
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and ... have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."
Paul encourages Timothy to continue in those things he has become "convinced of", that is, those things of his faith. Paul points to himself ("those from whom you learned it"), Timothy's mother Eunice, his grandmother, Lois, as well as others who may have played a part that led to the development of Timothy's faith and life in Jesus Christ. From these influences, Timothy had found it was the Scriptures that point to exciting things.
While many may see simply an exhortation from Paul to continue in adherence to good doctrine and a godly life, while I am sure that is the case, I think there may be more to look at here From a place of suffering, being chained as a criminal, the apostle Paul encourages Timothy. Paul is entirely convinced of the tremendous hope we all have as believers in Jesus Christ, as he writes this letter "in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 1:1.
At times, in the "dos" and "don'ts" promoted by the church, the never ending accusations from the pulpit as to how we all can and should be doing better, and doing more, the promotion of new ministries and building programs it is important to stop and consider those things we "have become convinced of". Here, great encouragement is found in the things we know from the Scriptures.
The Scriptures speak of a lavish love God has expressed to us. We are the recipients of the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, Romans 2:4. The Scriptures speak of God, "who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all", Romans 8:32. They tell us of God's great love for us, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.
The Scriptures tell us that God will never forsake or leave us. "He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:8-9. In Jude's wonderful doxology we read that when judgment day comes, we have a wonderful event awaiting us, "To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy..." Jude 24.
As believers in Jesus Christ, no matter how bad things may get here on planet earth, no matter how bad things may get for us in terms of our country, our families, our occupations, our fellowships, our friends, our marriages, our health, we are on the winning side. We are aligned with our Creator, our Savior and no matter what happens, we win. We have a future of eternal life, eternal pleasures at the right hand of God, Psalm 16:8. If we live, we know we live in the embrace of God's love. If we die, we know we go directly into his presence, his love, and all that he has for us as co-heirs with Jesus Christ.
"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and ... have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus."
Paul encourages Timothy to continue in those things he has become "convinced of", that is, those things of his faith. Paul points to himself ("those from whom you learned it"), Timothy's mother Eunice, his grandmother, Lois, as well as others who may have played a part that led to the development of Timothy's faith and life in Jesus Christ. From these influences, Timothy had found it was the Scriptures that point to exciting things.
While many may see simply an exhortation from Paul to continue in adherence to good doctrine and a godly life, while I am sure that is the case, I think there may be more to look at here From a place of suffering, being chained as a criminal, the apostle Paul encourages Timothy. Paul is entirely convinced of the tremendous hope we all have as believers in Jesus Christ, as he writes this letter "in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 1:1.
At times, in the "dos" and "don'ts" promoted by the church, the never ending accusations from the pulpit as to how we all can and should be doing better, and doing more, the promotion of new ministries and building programs it is important to stop and consider those things we "have become convinced of". Here, great encouragement is found in the things we know from the Scriptures.
The Scriptures speak of a lavish love God has expressed to us. We are the recipients of the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, Romans 2:4. The Scriptures speak of God, "who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all", Romans 8:32. They tell us of God's great love for us, "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8.
The Scriptures tell us that God will never forsake or leave us. "He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." 1 Corinthians 1:8-9. In Jude's wonderful doxology we read that when judgment day comes, we have a wonderful event awaiting us, "To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy..." Jude 24.
As believers in Jesus Christ, no matter how bad things may get here on planet earth, no matter how bad things may get for us in terms of our country, our families, our occupations, our fellowships, our friends, our marriages, our health, we are on the winning side. We are aligned with our Creator, our Savior and no matter what happens, we win. We have a future of eternal life, eternal pleasures at the right hand of God, Psalm 16:8. If we live, we know we live in the embrace of God's love. If we die, we know we go directly into his presence, his love, and all that he has for us as co-heirs with Jesus Christ.
The Scriptures are pregnant with many things for us to get excited about, to celebrate in, to look forward to with eager anticipation! We, like Timothy, need to continue in those things we have learned and have become convinced of in the pages of Scripture.
Take heart and celebrate! Ours is the inheritance of God's family!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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