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 2 Timothy 4 - A Clear Mind in Every Situation

No one wants to be disrespected, abandoned, deserted, left out, ignored, or spoken to with contempt.  Yet, shockingly, that is how God’s people treated God.  They said to Him, “'Don’t waste your breath.  We will continue to live as we want to, stubbornly following our own evil desires'” (Jeremiah 18:12).

Serious question.  Do our actions say the same thing today?  I sure hope not.  The church is God’s pride and joy and I am confident that the Kingdom of God is forcefully advancing across the globe today, giving honor to God’s name.  May God’s holy church be wholly devoted to our Saviour and our King.  Reliable, consistent, faithful.

As Paul explains (4:3-4) don’t be surprised when people refuse to listen to sound and wholesome teaching.  Yes, it is frustrating.  And no, you are not insane.  People will indeed reject the truth and chase after myths as Paul says they will.

We serve the One True God.  God is preparing for a victorious new heaven and new earth.  When Jesus returns there will be multitudes of people who have eagerly looked forward to His return (4:8).  May we never fall in love with the things of this world and out of love with our God.

        Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the son of Mary, came into the world fully human and fully God.  He experienced the wonderful, rich love of his family, community, friends, and disciples.  He experienced the widest spectrum of human emotion, from deep joy to unimaginable suffering.

Our Lord faced the devil head-on.  In the end, his friends deserted him.  He was exposed, beaten, mocked, grossly judged and murdered.  Jesus suffered, the perfect innocent Messiah suffered for the sins of this world.  Yours.  And mine.

If you are suffering, harmed, ill-treated, abused, violated, manipulated, betrayed, mocked, scorned, or unjustly publicly shamed, you are in Good company.  Our Saviour suffered and died and temporarily lost all fellowship with the joy of fellowship of all he held dear.  The fellowship of his friends, his mom, and his family.  But much more than that, for a brief moment we hear in Jesus’ cry of suffering also the cry and declaration of God’s fulfilled plan (Matthew 27:46 and Psalm 22:1).  Jesus persevered through His love for you and me.  And He rose again with the power of the Spirit of God - never again to be separated from the Father.

We can take away many principles from these final words of our brother in Christ, Paul the Apostle.  I’d like to cover just a few (and I know you’ve heard way too many sermons on ‘Come Before Winter’).

Paul walked the walk and finished the race well.  He showed by example what each disciple of Christ must do.  Be direct.  Be honest.  Be vulnerable.  Be humble.  Be loyal.  Be vigilant.  Be strong in adversity through Jesus.  Be intentional about doing good.  Be clear-headed.  Be confident in eternity with God.  

People will let us down.  Life’s tough.  We will suffer.  But God does not let us down.  Ever.

All of the principles taught by Paul are principles for leading a life as a servant of Christ.  That is what we are.

        Of primary importance is knowing our King suffered and knowing that Jesus is with us no matter what.  When it seems the worst, when you are fragile, scared, intimidated, alone, and weak - we can be confident because we know that Jesus, our God, and Lord, still stands with us (4:17).

        Jesus will give us the strength and encouragement and the words that we need.  Jesus will never ever abandon us.  Jesus is faithful good, loyal, and trustworthy.  Jesus is the Only One who can help us in our time of need.  He alone can save us.

        Jesus will deliver us from every evil attack and bring us safely into His heavenly Kingdom.

        Don’t lose hope.  Keep fighting God’s battles.  Keep running.  Be all those things Paul urges us to be and communicate well with your brothers and sisters in Christ - tell them what you need and tell them how much you love them.  

        Tell people the Good News, and the urgency to hurry, to hustle for Christ; for the time is short.  In everything may we trust that the Spirit of Christ is with us - now - and always.  Thank you, Jesus.  Amen.


Jack making his hockey player face.


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