Jonathan Edwards

Timothy had to get Paul's treasured Scriptures, cloak and Mark. Timothy was diligent in his efforts no doubt. We don't know for sure if he actually arrived in Rome before Paul's execution. If he didn't get to Rome before the bad weather set in, Paul would be without his winter cloak and precious Scriptures. Paul wanted to have fellowship with Mark; Paul knew how important Mark would be in the ministry. Mark had an important role in the early Church: he could have been further instructed further in matters of the faith. Yes indeed! I would do my best and get a pastoral assistant to lead the Ephesian church during my absence. The prison in Rome was horrific; he needed Christian fellowship very much. Blessed be God, Luke and some Roman Christians were with Paul during his incarceration.

We start to doubt ourselves, and wonder where did we go wrong. This is a cult de sac; it deters us from moving on and preaching the Gospel. Our hearts went out to our friends; they were part of our lives. We cannot help feeling a sense of loneliness and sorrow. We keep our eyes on Christ, and remain strong. Paul learned to have strong emuna: faith in God. Paul was delivered from particular troubles and blessed his ministry among the Gentiles. Paul experienced the preserving graces of God despite the gainsayers and false heterodox teachers. We have to be realistic: people change, even Christians. Sad but true, people are fickle, and become lukewarm believers. We must be strong in Christ: a strong prayer life and diligent Bible study each day.

This is prize for all the efforts of Paul's ministry. This crown is for the person who proves true. It is in view, not in current possession by the believer. The Christian must be obedient and preserve in his calling; he must work out his salvation in trembling and fear.

Paul knew that his ministry was top notch; he was looking forward to getting his full rewards in heaven. Truly he knew that he gave his best during his ministerial career: a work of love and sacrifice. As God's undershepherd, the minister needs to obey the Good Shepherd and care for the People of God. Not all are called to be pastors; they are not spiritually ready nor emotionally prepared for such tasking responsibilities. Daily regula is crucial for the ministry. Daily Bible study and a deep prayer life are essential. No time to waste in frivolous living. Staying on the road of holiness requires daily effort on our part. Ministerial duties are tended to with hearts of love and gratitude: not done in halfhearted fashion. Keeping the faith entails diligent study of the Holy Bible each day, and teaching God's revealed truths in a consistent and timely manner. This means not to waste time on gainsayers who have no interest learning Bible truth. Like Timothy and Joshua, I must be diligent in fulfilling my ministerial duties. Only the Holy Spirit can enable me to be a faith full evangelist. Despite challenges, I continue to stand on the promises of Christ. Daily waiting on God for a PENTECOSTAL Baptism of the Holy Spirit is so crucial. We need the Balm of Gilead when we face periods of sorrow and disappointment. .

Apostle Paul knew that his earthly journey was coming to an end; he was burdened by the thought of heterodox false teachers thar would come into the church. Timothy could not take a passive approach to the ministry; the dangers were too great. He had to be proactive when it came to his role as a Pastor/Evangelist. Timothy had a serious mission to win the lost for Christ. His church was a soul saving station in Ephesus. Many were still caught up in idol worship, and going to various idol temples. Many were still in bondage to the pagan cult of Diana. Mystery religions still had a hold on the lives of many souls. Verse 5 speaks volumes to me! Indeed many miles were travelled, endured hardships along the way while evangelizing without a steady assistant. Making full proof of one's ministry is not all fun and games; much prayer and forgoing many family activities are realities for the true Gospel preacher. Being bi-vocational is very demanding.

Paul was quite urgent due to the fact that he knew his days on earth would be over. On the basis of divine truths, Paul urgently places a divine charge upon Timothy: preach the Word without mixture; the Bible is the only Book that is the authentic revelation of God and His only begotten Son; it is truly a living Book. The Ephesian church was surrounded by various mystery religions; it would a grave mistake if the Ephesians ended up backslidden! To go back to the pagan religions was a constant danger. Timothy had the God appointed office to preach the unadulterated Word of God. The new believers needed to be exhorted and taught further. When it's inconvenient....yes! That strikes home with me! As an outdoor evangelistic preacher, the Gospel goes forth in the public square. Gainsayers may not want to hear the Word of God: Paul admonishes Timothy to courageously preach the unadulterated Word of God in a city of idol worship. A state of inertia, the Laocidean spirit will be detrimental to an evangelistic church or ministry.

Apostle Paul knew that he didn't have much time to live, so he wanted to make this urgent commission to Timothy to take his charge very seriously. The success of the Ephesian church depended on a diligent and courageous pastor. Paul knew how fragile things were; there was no time to beat around the bush.

Make wise into salvation. Produce faith. Make Jesus Christ known Profitable or useful in doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness Make the man of God perfect

Inspiration means that the Lord God is the Author of all books in the Bible. This inspiration of the Bible is paramount for reproof, corrections of errors,basis for Bible doctrines, and instruction. God spoke by the Holy Spirit, and holy men penned what He said. We have a sure word of prophecy; we don't base our beliefs on fables or on semi mythical stories akin to the Hindu mythological stories of Hindu pantheon. The various Biblical writers were moved by the HOLY SPIRIT. That's why we need to study and rightly divide the HOLY BIBLE in a prayerful way. Very important is divine inspiration. We need an anchor, a sure compass to guide us to heaven during these difficult days. Divine inspiration is a type of surety that the Holy Bible is the light house for us. We can truly stand on the promises of Christ despite what we see and feel at times.

What happens is that when such a person doesn't face the reality of persecutions and sufferings; they eventually get into the "Laocidean frame of mind". In other words, lack of diligent dedication to the ministry will lead to lukewarmness. Abandonment to the will of God. Lack of such resignation to the will of God will lead to bitterness and discouragement. Apostle Paul was centered on Christ totally; the depth of his love for the Lord and his apostolic calling were very profound. No matter how things turned out, Paul endured all sufferings, disappointments, prison and beatings--all for the Glory of God. Christ beckons to take up our crosses: we have been baptized into Christ, we have put on Christ. We live for Christ; we are in a constant state of being reformed. We have the Mind of Christ; no more serving the world, the flesh and the devil.

A skilled workman puts heart and soul into his job. He doesn't take a careless approach. He updates himself on the latest discoveries pertaining to his craft. Such a workman does such an outstanding job for his client that the good reports spread to other prospective clients. The man of God must be like the skilled workman. Preaching and evangelistic outreach are sacred duties. Those truly called to the ministry truly need to be sober, diligent and avoid godless chatter and engaging in spurious discussions. The sacred desk includes indoor as well as outdoor preaching. It is not to taken in a frivolous way; it cannot be used as a political or entertainment venue.

A skilled workman puts heart and soul into his job. He doesn't take a careless approach. He updates himself on the latest discoveries pertaining to his craft. Such a workman does such an outstanding job for his client that the good reports spread to other prospective clients. The man of God must be like the skilled workman. Preaching and evangelistic outreach are sacred duties. Those truly called to the ministry truly need to be sober, diligent and avoid godless chatter and engaging in spurious discussions. The sacred desk includes indoor as well as outdoor preaching. It is not to taken in a frivolous way; it cannot be used as a political or entertainment venue.

Soldier: Utmost dedication to his country, and ready to suffer. No time for frivolous interests. Timothy was beckoned to suffer with Apostle Paul the suffering messenger of the Gospel. We excercise unshakeable faith in His ability and not in our own strength and ability. No time for self pity. Paul was inviting and commanding Timothy to walk where he had walked in the path of suffering. Athlete: self control, and taking care of his body are very important to reach athletic goals. We have to follow Bible rules in order to get our crowns for dedicated stewardship and dedicated Christian living. Farmer: Quietly he works the land breaking up the soil, sowing seed, fertilizing the crops and patiently waiting for reaping time.This requires discipline and patience. The soldier and the farmer analogies. I can testify that the above analogies can describe my life and ministry. Years of discipline, mortification, and being faithful to God without no accolades. Being bi-vocational hasn't been easy. Thank God for preserving graces throughout the years.!

They are "seeker friendly" churches looking to make it easy to get prospective converts to get to join them. All based on half truths. Rarely are words such as "mortification","sin", "sacrifice" even mentioned in their programs. Timothy must of thought of the impending death of Paul with some trepidation. Timothy had a very role in the Ephesian church. Many issues to contend with: false teachers, numerous pagan shrines, and dealing with the backsliders who lapsed in gnosticism. His mentor Paul was the center of Timothy's life and ministry. Our full rewards in heaven. We are secured in Christ ! If we suffer with Jesus, we will reign with Him, if we share the Cross,we will share the reproach, we will share the glory. We must endure hardness as a good soldier of the Cross.

1 Peter 2:9. Very important for the Christian to get involved with ministry. It is not an option. To stagnant is wrong; backsliding is a real possibility. Local churches as soul saving stations need to raise up those like the sons of Issachar who knew the signs of the times. When churches don't do this, trouble is around the corner. Congregants will start to get into a state of inertia; little by little, hobbies and other diversions and other projects will cause backsliding. Much time is necessary. Just as in the corporate world, ministerial development is necessary for those that have "secular" jobs and those who have already been to seminary. Training on the job is essential to be a home group leader, Sunday school teacher, intercessors leader, eta. Truly this requires sacrifice and hard work. The Ephesian church had to be a lighthouse in Asia Minor due to challenges facing the early Church.