Four more marks

Four more marks. 2 Timothy 2

How-dee! 

When I was a child, I remember driving out to ‘the country’ to visit my favorite aunt and uncle, who were almond growers.  Though only about 70 miles east of my Northern California home, it felt like the boonies compared to my city living.  Yet today, my cousins are farmers in central California, growing cherries, corn, tomatoes, almonds and walnuts.  There are no harder working folks than farmers—day in, day out, up very early, dealing with changing weather, drought, market trends and pressures.  However, there is the satisfaction that comes from seeing the work of their hands—their blood, sweat and tears—realized.  There is the tedious aspect of sowing, and also the joy of the harvest, or as Paul called it, the fruit of their labor.

->”And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.”¹ In your life right now, are you like a farmer in any respect?   Would you say you are planting seeds in anyone’s life, such that there will be a harvest one day?  You and I are called to be farmers in regard to our Christianity—working hard to plant seeds of faith and doing things to nurture and grow others toward God.

Jesus used examples from everyday life and living for his listeners to easily grasp spiritual topics.  Similarly, I love how Paul makes the comparison of the effective Christian life to simple concepts like steward, soldier and athlete (in the last briefing)—things well known in the first century and just as relatable for us in the 21^st century.  ‘Remarkable really—how the Scripture has stood the test of time!

And now four more pictures: farmers, (above), workmen, vessel and servant. 

Paul cautioned Timothy about his handling, interpretation and teaching of God’s Word; indeed, all teachers of the Word must be prudent and careful, always standing for truth, yet not getting pulled into entangling arguments about extraneous things.

->”Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.

Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.”²

->”But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” [does he know you as his?] and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”

In a wealthy home some utensils [vessels] are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.”2 Timothy 2.19-22  You see, to be used of God, we must seek God in purity … cleansed of sin, living out of pure hearts, ready to be filled with him and then poured out for others—vessels.

Don’t argue—it shows you think you must prove a point—that you are right.  Instead, in humility, look for ways to serve others—even as our Lord washed the feet of his disciples.

->”Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”³

Steward, soldier, athlete, farmer, worker, servant, or vessel . . . all captured in 2 Timothy chapter two.  At different times, our Christian life and experience might call forth any or all of these things from us, if we are to be effectively used of God.

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