APPRECIATION

APPRECIATION. 2 Timothy 1 The last words of those we care about and love are not easily forgotten. They often serve as a blessing filled with wisdom, advice, and encouragement that stays in our minds and hearts for a long time. When a servant of the Lord realizes their time on earth is ending, and others will carry forward the torch of faith and God's work, they have a chance to open their hearts and speak what they haven't been able to say before. When death is near, life and death become clearer to us. Eternity feels more real, prompting us to reflect on what truly matters now. Our work, finances, pleasures—even our family—are seen as temporary things that will soon pass away. 2nd Timothy serves as Paul's final plea to Timothy. With kindness and gratitude, he urges Timothy to remain loyal to the Lord and His truth, especially in the face of persecution and the rise of apostasy among professing Christians. Paul was in prison and was soon to die as a result of Nero's edict, which accused Christians of setting fire to Rome. Several "last words" scenes are documented in the scriptures. Jacob's final words provided insight into his family's future. Joseph's last words assured that God's promises will come to pass. Moses' final words reviewed God's dealings with His people. David's last words included a reminder of the scriptures' inspiration by the Holy Spirit through him, the coming of the Messiah, his personal experiences and desires, and the fate of the wicked [2Sam.23]. Peter's final words were similar to Paul's, emphasizing the truth of God's word in the scriptures, the coming difficult times, Christ's return as King, and his own experiences. 2nd Timothy is a personal letter from Paul to Timothy about his life, testimony, and service as a man of God during tough times. 1st Timothy and Titus are primarily letters concerning church activities and the responsibilities of the worker to the saints. For many, understanding God's will can seem elusive in life. We desire assurance that our actions align with God's plan. There are many principles that can help us discover God's will. Psalm 139 is perhaps one of the best places in the Bible to explore this. However, I believe the clearest way to find God's will is to take the next step in faith. Even when the path ahead is unclear and out of sight, we can often determine the next step. We can see the immediate way forward by moving ahead with confidence. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” Paul knew he was an apostle because he saw the Lord [1Co.9:1-2]. From that point, the Lord opened the way before him. The same holds true for us. When we are certain we are where God wants us, we can confidently follow Him. Father, who graciously guides us with the pressing hand of Your own will: It isn’t always easy to understand what You want. I want to clarify that not because of You but because I have these other “wills” trying to push me around. There is the will of the enemy who tried to stop me from even coming to You in the first place. And Father, he hasn’t stopped pressing even now. Thank You for reminding me from time to time that he doesn’t have power here; I do, through Your power, and by resisting in the Spirit, he flees. But this “inner will,” this self-will, this Gaius-will, troubles me constantly. I am thankful that he is crucified with Christ, but whether it’s death throes or rigor mortis acting up, he clearly has an impact from time to time. I need a lot of help in the “reckoning department.” I am so grateful that I am alive unto You. Amen. Difficulties in life are to be expected, so we need to be confident that what we are doing is what God wants us to be involved in. We are called to remain loyal to our Lord despite the suffering that may come because of our service to Him. Issues we face in life, from our conversion to being called home to heaven, are addressed in this book. Paul loved Timothy as a son and was consistent in this by praying for him. Even when we are physically separated from those we care about, we can unite in prayer and encourage each other by showing our commitment through prayer. Paul's love and prayers for Timothy and his confidence in him reminded him of God's gift to him. It would foster loyal and courageous enthusiasm to know he was entrusted with such a task. The relationship between Paul and Timothy closely mirrors that of Moses and Joshua. Moses guided the nation into new territory, with Joshua assisting him. Similarly, Paul led Christians to understand the New Testament church, and Timothy was meant to share in this work. The words Paul used—"Stir up the gift," "Be not ashamed," "Endure hardness," "Hold fast," "Rightly divide the word," "All scripture," "Preach the word," "Be strong and of good courage," "Study the word," "Charge"—all assign responsibility and guidance to Timothy. Those working for the Lord must remember our support. When those under pressure see that we care for them, even when we show emotion through tears, it offers real comfort to know they are not alone in their suffering. The will of God always has a divine reason behind it. To seek to understand and fulfill it is very important to every child of God. We each have different roles to play. Paul knew he was to take the Gospel to the Gentiles and also preach to the children of Israel. The will of God includes teaching those who believe and are baptized to "observe all things." There is a special connection between someone who has been led to faith in Christ and a faithful servant who genuinely loves that person in Christ. Grace is an ongoing source of blessing to help us handle every situation we face when serving our Lord faithfully. Grace is given when it is needed. That assurance should motivate us to take responsibility for our calling to spread the Gospel.