Facing false teachers
Day 647, Wednesday, May 20
2 Timothy Chapter 1 – 3:9
In this letter Paul seeks to strengthen Timothy in the face of false teachers. He reminds Timothy to fan into flame the gift that was given him through the laying on of hands.
He says, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” This may be more familiar in words used by other translations, such as the King James Version, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
In line with Paul’s frequent warnings not to engage in pointless controversies, he gives Timothy instruction on how to engage with those who oppose him: “Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.”
Early in chapter 1 we see how the faith can spread through families, not just by direct conversion from hearing evangelistic preaching. “I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”
Many, even most, scholars believe that the two letters of Timothy and the letter to Titus were not written by Paul, but by one of his disciples soon after his death. Whether they were written by Paul near the end of his life or by one of his followers soon after, they show more concern about continuing the faith and handing it forward to future generations than his earlier letters did.
-Rev. Mark Fleming
Wednesday meditation
Psalms 119:169-176
May my cry come before you, Lord; give me understanding according to your word. May my supplication come before you; deliver me according to your promise. May my lips overflow with praise, for you teach me your decrees. May my tongue sing of your word, for all your commands are righteous. May your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts. I long for your salvation, Lord, and your law gives me delight. Let me live that I may praise you, and may your laws sustain me. I have strayed like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I have not forgotten your commands.
Prayer focus
Grant us the wisdom, gentleness and humility to address falsehood with truth, but without anger.