A New Series on 2nd Timothy
2 Timothy 1:1-2
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, my beloved child:
I have decided to start a series exploring the book of 2nd Timothy. I chose this book after reading The Cross Centered Life by CJ Mahaney. There was a small quote from 2nd Timothy and it made me want to read more.
This first entry will be slightly different than the ones to follow as it will cover more background and historical introduciton. I will be using the English Standard Version in my exposition.
Background
This is Paul's final letter before his impending death at Rome. Paul himself knows that his final days are at hand. He says in 4:6 "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, the time of my departure has come,." Paul is about to die and he knows it. That make this a very special book to me because it is the final words of a dying man. What needs to be said when death is near? What instructions should be given, what reminders should one give before they die, one exhortations need to be made?. Paul's final letter is one to his beloved child in the faith (1:2), Timothy. Paul had been deserted by all, Demas had left him (4:9), Titus had gone, only Luke remained. Even after so much abondonment Paul knew he could trust and rely on Timothy. And so Paul will pour out his heart to Timothy to encourage him, strenghten him and to help him remain steadfast in the faith. Indeed Paul will help us all do that in a very personal way.
Introduction 1:1-2
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Apostle Paul opens his book with and introduction, standard for his writtings. One thing that stands forth in all of Paul's introductions is his insistance that his Apostleship, even his very salvation is because of the direct will of God. 1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. John 11:12-13 says; But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. It was God's will that saved Paul. But Paul does not say that God's will saved him and poof he was saved. The salvation came through Jesus Christ, in whom enternal life had been promised to all who would believe.
I think verse 1 says two very precious about salvation. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 1.) It is Sovereign (this wont be addressed much here) 2.)There is a promise surrounding it. John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. There is a promise of the life in Christ Jesus, namly a new spiritual life, but it is also never apart from the will of God. Those two things go hand in hand. This it is written to Timothy, his "beloved child" Paul cares for Timothy dearly; he considers him a son.
Application
Be amazed that salvation is by God's will alone. And thank him for it.
Heed the word of this book. Paul is not a man, not just a teacher. But one who has been called and given authority for God himself. These words are not his , they are Gods.
Read it as a child. Hear the loving words of instruction and enouragement. Take it in as parently advice and remember it is out of love tough words come. Let it guide you as your own parents words have and if it is painful it is for your good (Heb 12) .
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, my beloved child:
I have decided to start a series exploring the book of 2nd Timothy. I chose this book after reading The Cross Centered Life by CJ Mahaney. There was a small quote from 2nd Timothy and it made me want to read more.
This first entry will be slightly different than the ones to follow as it will cover more background and historical introduciton. I will be using the English Standard Version in my exposition.
Background
This is Paul's final letter before his impending death at Rome. Paul himself knows that his final days are at hand. He says in 4:6 "For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, the time of my departure has come,." Paul is about to die and he knows it. That make this a very special book to me because it is the final words of a dying man. What needs to be said when death is near? What instructions should be given, what reminders should one give before they die, one exhortations need to be made?. Paul's final letter is one to his beloved child in the faith (1:2), Timothy. Paul had been deserted by all, Demas had left him (4:9), Titus had gone, only Luke remained. Even after so much abondonment Paul knew he could trust and rely on Timothy. And so Paul will pour out his heart to Timothy to encourage him, strenghten him and to help him remain steadfast in the faith. Indeed Paul will help us all do that in a very personal way.
Introduction 1:1-2
1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 2To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
The Apostle Paul opens his book with and introduction, standard for his writtings. One thing that stands forth in all of Paul's introductions is his insistance that his Apostleship, even his very salvation is because of the direct will of God. 1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God. John 11:12-13 says; But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. It was God's will that saved Paul. But Paul does not say that God's will saved him and poof he was saved. The salvation came through Jesus Christ, in whom enternal life had been promised to all who would believe.
I think verse 1 says two very precious about salvation. Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus, 1.) It is Sovereign (this wont be addressed much here) 2.)There is a promise surrounding it. John 6:37 All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. There is a promise of the life in Christ Jesus, namly a new spiritual life, but it is also never apart from the will of God. Those two things go hand in hand. This it is written to Timothy, his "beloved child" Paul cares for Timothy dearly; he considers him a son.
Application
Be amazed that salvation is by God's will alone. And thank him for it.
Heed the word of this book. Paul is not a man, not just a teacher. But one who has been called and given authority for God himself. These words are not his , they are Gods.
Read it as a child. Hear the loving words of instruction and enouragement. Take it in as parently advice and remember it is out of love tough words come. Let it guide you as your own parents words have and if it is painful it is for your good (Heb 12) .
posted by Jarrett @ 3:29 PM
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