If I were Timothy #14: determination

INTRODUCTION

Last month, we journeyed through the book of 1 Timothy, a letter written by Paul directly to his protégé Timothy.

Just a reminder of who Timothy was –

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek.  Acts 16:1

After Paul had visited Lystra, Timothy became his companion and co-worker along with Silas. Timothy then travelled around with Paul, who became his mentor. Paul trusted him to carry out important work.

During the month, I imagined how I would have reacted to this letter from Paul if I were Timothy. You can read the whole of that response here. I’d have been blown away – and now here I am, receiving another letter from Paul addressed directly to me! This letter is traditionally considered to be the last one Paul wrote before his death.

So let’s unpack it together, imagining each day who Timothy would respond.

PASSAGE

You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.    2 Timothy 2: 1-13

RESPONSE

I’ve been reflecting on all you’ve written here – the soldier, the athlete, the farmer. All of these individuals work hard and train hard according to the rules and demands of their role. A soldier knows whose orders he needs to obey and is prepared to face suffering if necessary. An athlete can only win the prize if he plays by the rules. A farmer works hard in accordance with the seasons to sow and water and harvest at just the right time. All these roles take obedience and self-discipline. And that is what is required of us as followers of the Way and what we need to be passing on to others.

This is not an easy life we have chosen. You know that better than anyone. But it is the best life. Even though you are chained, God’s word is not chained – what am important lesson for us all to learn! Whatever we are going through, that does not define us. What defines us is our identity in God’s word, which can never be bound or damaged or destroyed. We can cling on to His word and His grace, whatever we’re facing right now. Praise God!

We have the hope of glory in our hearts and it is the desire to share these glimpses of glory with others that drives us forwards. Everything we do and say matters. Everything we do and say has consequences. That’s what you’re getting at, isn’t it? Whether I consider myself a soldier, an athlete or a farmer, I have a role to play and I need to dig deep and find the determination and self-discipline to get the job done.