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The Crown of Righteousness!

Scripture reading for December 9th: 2nd Timothy 1-4

God calls His servants to live a righteous and holy life.  Good character is the first requirement for church leadership.  It is more about who you are than what gifts and talents you possess.  In this last letter to his son in the faith, Paul encourages Timothy to live boldly and to live holy!

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.  So do not be ashamed of me his prisoner.  But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace.” (2nd Timothy 1:7-9)  Timothy was a young man who sometimes suffered with fear and insecurity.  Paul always encouraged him to live boldly through the Holy Spirit.  Life as a pastor was a life of serving and also a life of suffering for the gospel.  Not everyone would love the preacher.  Paul was, at that time,  suffering for preaching the gospel, but he was confident that God would guard what he had committed to Him for the day of Christ’s return.  (2nd Timothy 1:12)

Again in this letter, Paul warned Timothy about terrible times in the last days.  (2nd Timothy 3:1-5)  People would lack self control and be lovers of pleasure, rather than lovers of God.  Paul describe them as having a “form of godliness but denying its power.” False believers and false teachers are deceived and lead others astray.  They appear to be godly, but the power of the Holy Spirit to enable them to live a holy life is missing from their everyday attitudes and actions.  Paul warned Timothy (and us) to have nothing to do with such people.

Paul shared that all who live a godly life in Christ Jesus would be persecuted.  (2nd Timothy 3:12)  Timothy’s best defense was to study and hold fast to the Holy Scriptures.  These would equip him for every good work!  Timothy must preach this word with great patience and instruction.  Paul’s life was nearly over and he was looking to the reward: the crown of life that would be given to him and all who loved Christ’s appearing!  Paul encouraged Timothy to live boldly and to live holy to share in that reward!  What are you living for?