Declaring & Teaching – Jesus is Lord !
2 Timothy 2:1-7,14-16,23-26 – Be Strong
1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful people who will be able to teach others also. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him. And if someone likewise competes as an athlete, he is not crowned as victor unless he competes according to the rules. The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly exhort them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the listeners. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness, and their talk will spread like gangrene.
23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.
The Work Continues
While searching to verify this was in fact Paul’s last epistle included in the bible, I came across some commentary that encouraged the application of the second chapter of 2 Timothy to us all indicating that, Paul addressed six different vocations that Timothy could measure himself against. A soldier in verses 3-4, an athlete in verse 5, a farmer in verse 6, a worker in any line of work in verse 15 is encouraged to be diligent, and in verse 21 Paul addresses “anyone”, and encourages each of us to do our part and desire to be a “vessel for honor.” All who are a part of the Body of Christ must be diligent to serve well.
So how are you doing in serving the Lord and your brothers and sisters in Christ here at St Paul and the other areas of your life ? There are many things to be done, the painting projects and cleanup at the Sr. Center have been covered else where. There is a work day planned the 29th of October primarily to work on painting the exterior trim of the church building, there will be other things to do if paining is not your thing. There is work to be done on our Preschool play ground. We will have more cedar chips delivered and will need help spreading them. There is pressure washing to be done on the playground equipment and the small play house. Hope you can come out and enjoy some fellowship and help to beautify His Kingdom. As the month goes on we will need help on a daily and weekly basis in removing leaves from walkways and other surfaces. Many days it looks like it snowed overnight, only it’s yellow leaves.
Blessings,
Tim Grace