2 Timothy 2:14-19
The reasoning for this letter is to encourage Timothy not to run away, not to shrink back, but to endure suffering in the ministry for Christ! You may be saying, well this doesn’t apply to me, I’m not a pastor. I want to lovingly say to you, repent! You are to do ministry according to 1 Corinthians 12 referring to spiritual gifts, specifically verse 14 “For the body does not consist of one member but of many.” You are to be engaged in ministry and when you are, it will be messy! Even though it is messy, Jesus is worth it! Romans 12:4 is very similar in thought, “For as in one body we have many members and the members do not all have the same function,”
There must be a confedense in the work of Christ, some much so we are courageous! Paul is giving Timothy Foundations for doing ministry. These are stones that cannot fail!
v.14- What is Timothy to remind them of? To reproduce these instructions! 2 Tim 2:2
Spiritual Reproducers v.14 I am one beggar trying to show another beggar where to find bread! There is no better feeling than for God to allow you to have a part in someone’s eternal glory! Share the gospel, share the gospel, share the gospel. Life here is but a vapor, but eternity is forever! Enduring suffering to save them!
Scripture Representatives v.15
v.15- Strive to handle the Word correctly! Why? Because false teaching comes from twisting the Word of God. If I or someone else is not careful, we can twist these passages to say something it doesn’t. We’ve got to strive to be great students of the word and great stewards of the word. Do not let the fear of mishandling the word keep you from sharing the gospel. All you have to grasp is John 3:16.
Here are four simple rules to handling God’s Word
- It can never mean to me what it did not mean to them. (What was happening during the time the passages were written.)
- Context is everything. (Look at the train of thought from the author.)
- Consider the genre you are reading. (Is what you are reading prophecy, poems or songs, letters, narrative, etc.)
- It is all about Jesus. (From Genesis to Revelations, it is all about Christ.)
Scandal Removers vv.16-18
vv.16-18. False teaching acts like cancer. It spreads if we do not remove it! In fact it says cancer in v.17 in the NKJV.
Let me remind you what Paul tells Titus in 1:10-11 “For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.”
Standing Remnant v.19
v.19- What is God’s firm foundation? His people, the church, the set apart ones. They’ll remain standing when the dust has cleared. May we be a standing reminder of the hope and glory of Christ! May we be a banner and a beacon of the beauty of Christ. His Church will shine! Those who are truly His will shine! Ministry is messy, but it’s so worth it for the majesty of Jesus Christ!