2 Timothty 2:1-15 - All Saints Everette

Full-time Gospel Ministry

Who here is in full time Gospel ministry? Who here is a follower of Jesus? Who here is in full-time ministry?

Even though these are Paul’s words to someone who by now is probably functioning as a Bishop, we can apply the same principles. As a spouse, as an employee, as a boss, as a friend, as a sibling, we are all in full-time Gospel ministry.

It’s just going to look different from person to person depending on gifts, etc. And that’s how it is supposed to be!

The thrust - 2 Timothy 2:15 “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.”

2:1

Be strengthened - like Samson, something from outsides comes inside.

Grace - I still struggle with this.

2:2

Echos of Matthew 28:19-20

Matthew 28:19–20 ESV

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Three pictures

Soldier

2:3 share in suffering - just as Paul is doing in his writings. As part of the squad of soldiers, share in Jesus’ sufferings which he promised, and in others sufferings, and share yours. 2:4 Don’t get woven into the pragmatics of life. Share in sufferings, don’t share in busy work.My situation at work.

A competitor

2:5 Don’t cheat.

A farmer

2:6 There are immediate rewards and you are entitled to them.

I think that these are pictures that Timothy would have understood for reasons we cannot be aware of. I think Paul is referring to some specific points and lessons to learn that Timothy need, not generic one-off points.

Jesus Is The Point

Risen from the dead - if Jesus didn’t die and didn’t rise from the dead, what we are doing here is meaningless.

The offspring of David - this is a very Jewish reference because Jesus was and is the Jewish Messiah! Timothy had a Jewish mother. Where Jesus comes from is as important as the rest of the Gospel. It’s who He is.

We Need Reminders

2:14 Everything on the news, everything in the media, all of the politics and entertainment, is screaming for your attention. And not just for your attention, but your participation and ongoing reaction.

Not to mention the same kinds of things happening in Christendom. Truth is important. But truth not lived out is powerless.

2:15.