Thoughts on II Timothy 2nd Chapter Wednesday, Oct 14 2009 

Thoughts by Prithvi - II timothy prithvionnet 4:11 pm

Thoughts on II Timothy 2nd Chapter
 
More often we tend to rely on our strength and efforts to live a life pleasing God but Timothy was advised by Paul to be strong in the Lord (trusting completely in Christ an His power for our needs including spiritual ones). Our Christian growth is dependent on how much we trust and obey Him.
 
Everywhere we observe the lack of potential second line leaders in the body of Christ. Timothy was specifically instructed to raise disciples who will in turn make disciples. Our strategy should not stop with evangelism but has to contain plans for making disciples in every caste, creed, Colour, tribe and nations. An instruction for us as well?
 
Enduring hardships in Christian living is vital. When we decide to become a disciple of Christian, we enroll ourselves as soldiers for Christ. We are expected to endure hardships like a good soldier, an athlete, and a hard working farmer. Endurance is a significant character for a any growing Christian. Christian lives and grow well in adverse and unfavorable conditions. When we rely on human thoughts and nature, we tend to give up when faced with issues and problems, challenging the plain teaching and principles of the written word of God. Problems, failures and Losses at time shocks and shakes us in the faith. Jesus God in flesh (Being a descendant of David shows His human aspect and resurrection from the death confirms His Divine aspect). Like Paul by trusting God consistently and continually, we can fight a good fight. If we choose to endure hardships in our life we can be assured that we will reign with Him.
 
We are advised to avoid all types of quarrels and godless chatters (including foolish arguments) as they promote ungodliness, hatred and divisions. A servant of God must not quarrel but to be kind to every one able to teach and solve problems.
 
A follower/servant of God has to put their best to present him(her)self as one  who is approved and qualified workman of God and who correctly handles the word of God. Vessels in a master’s house can be used for noble and ignoble purposes but we ought to strive to be used for the noblest purposes in the domain set out for us by Him.
 
Youthful lusts and Sexual temptations can infect and affect our spiritual growth very badly. We are advised to flee from every tempting/seducing persons, positions, privileges, places, priorities, pressures etc. to save us. After fleeing when we give ourselves to pursue faith, righteousness, love, peace, pure heart then we would be able to overcome the lust of flesh

 

Thoughts from II Timothy 1 Wednesday, Oct 14 2009 

Thoughts by Prithvi - II timothy prithvionnet 4:08 pm

Thoughts from II Timothy 1
 
This letter was written by Paul to Timothy before his execution under Roman emperor, Nero in AD 66. Paul was virtually alone in prison and he was aware that he was reaching his last years/days of his life on earth. This epistle contains the last words of Paul to his dearest follower, Timothy. He wrote this epistle to pass the mantle to the next generation of christian leaders in the growing body of Christ. Timothy was reminded through this epistle on the qualities he has to possess as a faithful minister of Lord Jesus Christ along with the discipline and determination he needed to carry on the entrusted task in the midst of persecution and adverse situations in the church and outside the church.
 
Paul served God with clear conscience in the role entrusted to him. He had the habit of remembering the believers whom he has won for Christ in prayer regularly (an example for us to follow?).
 
As a mentor, matured Christian, faithful worker, Paul exhorted Timothy (looks like he was frightened and discouraged by the ongoing persecution against Christians then) to cling to the mission to which he was called. The Spirit we have received from God is not the Spirit of timidity but of power, love and self discipline. Timothy was mended spiritually at home by his parents and grant parents ( As parent, we are expected to nurture our children with Christian values systematically)
Paul highlighted Timothy
  1. that God saved and called us to a holy life for His own purpose by His grace.
  2. to keep the pattern of sound teaching with faith in God and love for God and humankind
  3. to guard the entrusted role, responsibility by the indwelling Holy Spirit.