The lectionary epistle for Trinity 18 is 2 Timothy 3.14—4.5, perhaps the most theological dense passage of all Paul’s writings.
He makes one of his clearest theological claims about the nature of Scripture, characteristically coining his own word to express this, and connects the truth of Scripture with salvation in Christ and spiritual maturity.
And, strikingly, what Scripture does for its readers, its readers are then called to do for one another—teach truth which will lead to salvation, growth in character, and completion of faith.
The gospel reading this week is Luke 18.1–8, the Lukan parable of the woman and the unjust judge. You can find video discussion of it here
Buy me a Coffee
I think it’s probably as surprising to the holy mentor as anyone, that God has managed to burn off so much detrius over the decades that you can actually confidently say to a young in Christ person that they could copy us. If you need to throw in a ‘you should have seen how unbelievably awful I used to be before God did this work in my life’ to reassure (yourself or them?) then so what. The insightful can see the remarkable things God has brought to fruition within oneself (lots of silent miracles, lots of silver spending time in the fiery furnace) and if a mentee can save themselves decades of agony by listening and applying and taking a short cut to growth by copying, then that’s got to be great. win/win.
This is such an interesting discussion between Ian and James. Thankyou. I urge all to watch it. For me it’s prompted me to consider which aspects of the way I am and operate I could usefully commend to a younger in the faith person to imitate. So far I’ve come up with a couple of things about me that I hadn’t really considered until now but are really good things, really useful. I know we are to assess ourselves to see how we are in The faith- but I always applied this to making sure I’m sound doctrinally. Assessing how we are as a whole person following Christ is very self-exposing and forces us to get real with ourselves about those aspects of us that are well-developed and those which are flaws and a hindrance to things. Bound to be some interesting mulling ahead!
Thanks! So glad you found it interesting and helpful…
Diligence and Watchfulness
This passage reminds me of the priesthood of Job {Ch 1 v 5}
Concerning his watchfulness over his children’s spiritual health
Timothy was blessed with the diligence and watchfulness of his family
He had witnessed the same in Paul’s life his words matching his preaching
Timothy was blessed with the diligence and watchfulness of his family
They were very far from the silly women mentioned later in the passage.
Children will easily see that if our practice doesn’t match our preaching
They will consider us just silly women and possibly immunized against future gospel preaching.
He had witnessed the same in Paul’s life his words matching his preaching
10Now you have diligently followed [my example, that is] my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness, 11persecutions, and sufferings–such as happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra; what persecutions I endured, but the Lord rescued me from them all! 12Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith].
He had witnessed the same in Paul’s life his words matching his preaching
In Acts 20 gave these parting words
20:16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
20:17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.
20:18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
20:19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:
20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house,
20:21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
20:22 And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
We are warned of the perilous times in the last days;
Paul almost prophecies our current media written, visible, audio blogosphere and aspects of the church condition.
Paul’s further example are his unremitting prayers for the church[s]
We can be watchful and see that Paul’s warnings are timely
We can discern all the faults and failings today are as in Paul’s day
But what solutions do we find ?
But he followed Christ’s teaching to watch and Pray
Hab 2:1, Mat 26:40-41, Mat 24:42-43
To be watchful and digent
The Amplified Bible’s version of James 5:16 says: “The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working]”
COL, 4 v12
12 Epaphras, who is one of yourselves, a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. [He is] always striving for you earnestly in his prayers, [pleading] that you may [as persons of ripe character and clear conviction] stand firm and mature [in spiritual growth], convinced and fully assured in [b]everything willed by God.
Shalom.