I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple. You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food—catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you—keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.
You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting—God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.
God be with you. Grace be with you.
Jeepers Andy I read that quickly and thought you were about to snuff it with cancer or something. LOL,
ReplyDeleteM.B.
Beautiful, challenging,scary- words that are just what we need today in free for all,non judgemental,politically correct mood.
ReplyDeleteNice quote from the scriptures, pretty contemporary English. Is it from the Message bible?
ReplyDeleteIf what holy spostle Paul told Timothy was true then, how much more is it true today, as we are almost 2000 years nearer, or rather, as HE is almost 2000 years nearer to the Day of His coming?
God bless you and your witness for the Lord, Andrew! He was, is, and is to come, the risen Christ.
good stuff. I was preaching on some Pauls words to young pastor Timothy on Sunday. I'll be posting them on my blog throughout this week.
ReplyDeleteRomanos, yes it is from the message. Because I am more used to the RSV,NIV etc it style can often bring fresh insight. For those who object to some of the modern versions( esp. those who use only the King James)I often say that if I met a man who lived up to the standard taught in the very worst of those versions, he would be the greatest Christian on the earth. The problems are not usually with the version of the Bible we use, but our rebelliousness and our lack of obedience.
ReplyDeleteTHanks John.. I look forward to reading your notes.
ReplyDeletePaul stayed true to the end. He never gave up and is an example of all who would be followers of Christ, He also wanted the truth that he taught to be passed on as an athlete in a relay race would pass on his baton to the next man. Timothy was that man whom Paul passed it who. Who passed it onto us and to whom will we pass it on to?