“Dear brothers and sisters, not many of us should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged by God with greater strictness.” James 3:1
It didn’t matter how much darkness surrounded him or even the thickness of the prison walls that imprisoned him. It didn’t matter the pain his body endured, God’s word, God’s faithfulness, and the calling that God had entrusted him with would not be bound. “But the word of God cannot be chained.” 2 Timothy 2:9
There in the midst of his suffering Paul sat and wrote with joy, excitement, yearning, and hope. Knowing that by the power of the Holy Spirit and the will of God, his ministry would not be hindered but continue through the work of Timothy and us.
I can just vision Paul sitting in that dark, damp, cold prison cell shivering, hungry, aching, and ever so weak. Smiling as he writes to Timothy his dear son who is carrying on the ministry why he is in chains. I can hear is weak, quite voice, as he offers praise and prayer to the Father on behalf of Timothy and us.
Paul is a teacher who has gone from one extreme to the other. And now on the side of Christ he has endured more suffering, more ridicule, more lashes than ever before, all for the sake of Christ Jesus who rescued him from the path of destruction.
His purpose should now become our purpose. His guidance given to Timothy should be our guidance.
We must keep ourselves pure so we can be a utensil God can use for his purpose. (2 Timothy 2:21) We must run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. We should follow anything that makes us want to do what is right. We must pursue faith and love and peace, and enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. We must not get involved with ignorant arguments that only start fights. We must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. We must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people. (2 Timothy 2:22-24)
As teachers we must remember, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17
We must preach the word of God. Be persistent, whether the time is favorable or not. We must patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage people with good teaching. And we must never be afraid to endure suffering for Jesus Christ. My brethren the time is coming when our faith will be tested, will we endure and preserver or will we coward down too afraid to suffer for Christ?
Paul took on the likeness of Christ in every way. He suffered, He was beat half to death, and he was questioned, mocked and ignored. He was abandoned by many, yet he pressed on. He did not allow any of those things to hinder the message of Christ Jesus, nor should we.
Don’t let any part of your life hinder Christ’s name and message from being heard.
Prayer: Lord you did not give me a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline. Lord though my body is weak my soul is willing, may I endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. Amen
