Thoughts on II Timothy 4: But the Lord strengthened me

When I was 16 (maybe 15) I did my first summer of full-time ministry.  In my opinion, half of the team I was on should not have been in ministry at all, as they seemed to do it out of boredom and seeking fun rather than serving God.  Two guys in particular drove me nuts.  They were very stereotypical male teenagers, and I emphatically was not one. I was miserable most of the time that summer.

I mentioned this in a letter to one of my friends and a mutual acquaintance (who I really wish I had gotten to know better when we were in high school) wrote me one of the most valuable letters I have ever received.  It was simple, but included II Timothy 4:16-17.  I wasn't sure at the time what struck me so much about those words, but they carried me through the rest of the summer.

Looking back, with 23 years of perspective, I can now see it was the emphasis on the Lord strengthening me.  I'm not very strong.  I never have been, either physically or emotionally.  I am very fearful.  My dream life is that of a hermit, where I can just be alone and do the things I love, without having to face the odd turmoil that comes from being around people.  But I don't get to live that life.  I need to get strength from somewhere.  There doesn't seem to be a better source of strength than the Lord.

Thoughts on II Timothy 3: Avoid charlatans and evil people

Paul goes on at great length warning Timothy on how to deal with false teachers.  He describes them a charlatans that trick people through smoothe talk and false promises.  Their teachings lead to destruction

So, how is one to avert the snares of these slicksters?  Pay attention to known truth.  In this case, Paul instructs Timothy to compare what they say to the teachings in which he was brought up and the Scriptures.  If they don't match, have nothing to do with the slickster.  The Scriptures are also useful in training followers in righteousness and good works.

Thoughts on II Timothy 2: Don't wrangle over words

As I was struggling through a complex theological issue (eternal security) back when I was in high school, I cam across this passage, which has been deeply influential in the tone of my theological conversations ever since.

In vv. 11-13 Paul quotes what looks to be a poem to discuss the eternal security of the believer.  Honestly, the verses can be easily interpreted in either direction.  But what struck me was the verses immediately following this.  Timothy is instructed to remind the people of these things (the deep theological message) and to not wrangle over words as such wrangling can lead to ruin.

Here's what I take from that.  It's appropriate to discuss complex theological issues.  At times it is beneficial.  However, when it turns into wrangling over words rather than trying to understand God's nature and our relationship with Him, it has negative consequences. 

Too often I see theological discussions turn into "us vs. them" fights.  If you don't agree with my interpretation, then you are a heretic. Too often the "theology police" are too quick to find people guilty without giving them a fair hearing. This leads to unnecessary dissension within the Body of Christ. (Note: I am not saying all interpretations are equal or that there aren't heresies.  Rather, we should discern the difference between false doctrine and complex issues that are open to interpretation.) 

Paul was obviously very concerned with false teaching.  He instructs Timothy several times to stand up against it.  But there is a difference between false teaching and presenting differing views on complex theological questions.  We need to use discernment to figure out where that dividing line is.  To be honest, this is something I still struggle with, 20 some years later. 

Thoughts on II Timothy 1: Paul's lonliness

When reading II Timothy, one gets a sense of Paul, the man.  It is probable that Paul is old and in prison when he writes this letter to his protege, who is carrying on his work while he can't.  Paul is lonely.  The only person he gives credit for being there for him in prison is Onesiphorous.  I don't know who this person is, except that Paul prays that God blesses his family for his kindness.

So, what does Paul, in his lonely state, want to share with Timothy?  He wants Timothy to be bold in sharing the Gospel.  One gets the impression that Timothy was an impressive young man, but sort of timid.  He was able to start his ministry being the assistant to Paul and Silas, two who were very bold in the faith.  He was able to play the important background role.  But then he got sent on his own as the "church straightener"--Paul's representative to help out struggling churches.  Then, when Paul was imprisoned, he seemed to take on the mantle of chief evangelist (although I am not sure about this).  Timothy was one of the leaders, although probably younger and less of a "natural leaders" than many who wanted to usurp his authority.  So, Paul encourages Timothy to be bold in utilizing his spiritual gifts and to not let others be swayed by false teachers.

What does this tell us about lonely Paul?  He didn't beg Timothy to come back to him.  He encouraged Timothy to continue his work.  This is not to say that he didn't want Timothy to return (see the last few verses of the book), but rather that Paul understood that what Timothy was doing was more important.  Lonely Paul was selfless enough to sacrifice his own happiness for the well being of the Church.