Paul now gives praise to Timothy, for his willingness to serve and endure persecution that comes with faith in Jesus Christ and His gospel. Timothy had been warned to be on the lookout for wolves hidden in sheep’s clothing, roaming among the church preaching a blasphemous gospel, a message rooted in evil which surely leads to destruction.
First, the apostle praises the young church leader by reminding him of the afflictions reserved for Christians, and even more so for overseers and teachers of God’s children.
“10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me.” (2 Timothy 3:10-11)
Paul’s praise of Timothy is warranted since the apostle’s spiritual son had been diligently following in his footsteps, in spite of Timothy’s being all too familiar with the persecution experienced by Paul throughout the Asian region. Glory be to Yahweh for the resulting teaching from the pain and suffering experienced by the former Saul or Tarsus, now Paul, delivered apostle to the Gentiles.
“12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12)
Here Paul delivers an admonishment for all disciples that strive to fulfill their divinely appointed mission. This should serve as a warning to the idle among the church, that their idleness prevents God’s outpouring of blessings to flow down like a river.
“13 But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13)
As for those who hate the church, or what it stands for, such evil doers will continue to distance themselves from what is good, such as the love of Christ as they teach a blasphemous gospel that leads away from salvation, and into the lake of fire where all sinners belong.
“14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14-15)
Paul reminds Timothy that scripture is the breath of God, good and holy, and that sanctification must be built upon a solid foundation that is faith in Yeshua, the savior of men. Then every believer is risen from the ashes as each stone is stacked upon deeds and works, for His glory.
“16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Because it is perfect, and good, the word of God never returns void. The gospel and good news about the return of Christ should be shared with all those who will listen, to the four corners of the earth until the second coming of the Christ, the messiah and savior of sinners, Yeshua, the begotten Son of God almighty. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
