A MINISTER'S DUTY TO BE STRONG After telling Timothy of the two contrasting attitudes of brethren toward God's message bearer, Paul urged him to be strong like Onesiphorus. Remember, God gives the Christian a spirit of power and not of fear (1:7). Our power is found in God's unmerited favor which i... [ Continue Reading ]
DIFFERENT IMAGES OF A MINISTER'S LIFE If Timothy was to pass along the gospel, he would have to be prepared to suffer persecution, self denial and the onslaught of the enemy like a soldier on active duty. Guthrie says Paul is telling Timothy that he will have to take his share of suffering. He went... [ Continue Reading ]
ENCOURAGEMENT TO CONTINUE DESPITE SUFFERING The Christian's constant source of strength during times of trial is Jesus Christ. That he was a man is plainly seen in his being the seed of David (Romans 1:3-4; Jeremiah 23:5-6; 1 Timothy 2:5; 1 Timothy 3:16). The enemies of the man, Jesus, put him to de... [ Continue Reading ]
URGENT MATTERS IN THE MIDST OF DOCTRINAL ERROR Paul charged his son in the gospel with reminding those who would listen to him of the truths listed in the previous verses. Any charge placed before one with the reminder that the Lord is witnessing the proceedings should cause one to take the matter s... [ Continue Reading ]
A CALL FOR PURITY IN THE MIDST OF DOCTRINAL ERROR Some see believers in Christ living in a way completely dishonorable and reach the conclusion that there is something wrong with the church, or God's house. However, God's house has many different vessels in it that will all be used for God's purpos... [ Continue Reading ]