2 Timothy 3:5-13

How can we live faithfully as Christians?  It will help considerably if we would set our minds on good examples of faithfulness.  I often think of my father and maternal grandfather who lived faithful lives.  (I had a godly mother and many other family members who were faithful; I mention these two as they come to my mind often.)  Timothy had a spiritual father, the apostle Paul.  Paul was not afraid to encourage Timothy to consider him as an example.

·        Paul’s life was open (v10a).  Unlike those deceitful teachers who crept into households, Paul could remind Timothy that he knew the manner of life of his mentor.  This is no different than our Lord Himself who chose twelve men to be with him, day in and out, for most of three years.  How unlike many spiritual leaders in the Church today who make claims to greatness but who have no accountability.  Paul claimed his doctrine was from Christ; yet early in his ministry he had been willing to take it to those considered leaders in the Church (Gal. 2:1-2).  Paul had openly stated his purpose in ministry, also given to him by Christ, to declare the mystery of God to the nations (Gentiles, Eph. 3:1-7), especially taking the gospel where others had not gone (Rom. 15:14-21).  Timothy had seen all this firsthand because Paul was open.

·        Paul’s life was Christ-like (v10b).  I had a high school English teacher who was Jewish.  She claimed to respect Christ but didn’t like Paul, that he was too opinionated or something like that.  When you look at both, they are very much alike.  Like Christ, Paul could confront those who were dangerous to the flock.  And he could be very gentle and encouraging to struggling believers.  He could unashamedly remind Timothy of his faith, long-suffering, love and perseverance; and again, because his life was open, Timothy would know just what Paul was talking about.  He was not a perfect man, but he was a good example!  How unlike the character of the deceitful teachers (3:6-9).

·        Paul’s life was lived in the context of persecution (v11).  Timothy needed to remember this because persecution is basic to the Christian’s life.  Paul experienced persecutions (to be driven out, pursued; something that happened often in the Acts; for Antioch, Iconium and Lystra see Acts 14) and afflictions (passion, sufferings; the pain deeper than just physical attack).  When he says the Lord delivered him out of them all, Timothy knew that meant that Paul often (usually) experienced the pain but lived to continue to serve the Lord.  How unlike deceitful teachers who run from persecution (e.g. Gal. 6:12).

We need this.  Examples of faithfulness.  People who have allowed us to be close to them, to see them under fire.  Not all have the privilege of godly family members.  But this is what the Body of Christ is to provide.  It should give us opportunity to openly see servants of God under pressure who live their lives faithfully to the end!  We must have this.  In the local church we must quit playing the games by which we hide our weaknesses from each other.  We must!