a good worker

Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, a young leader in the early church that Paul basically looked upon him as his son.

I think I can relate to that paradigm ;-)

This letter turns out to also be the last letter he ever wrote to his son, Timothy. It is believed Paul was executed soon after writing this letter.

Paul knows he is about to die, which makes so much of what he is saying to this son of his all the more crucial.

Iow, Paul cuts to the chase.

We don't know if Timothy managed to get to Paul before Paul died. If I were Timothy, I'd probably move heaven & earth to try to make the journey.

So in the verses listed, knowing they probably won't see each other again on earth, Paul is telling his son, Timothy, how to live & be a good worker, and a good person, for the same Lord they both serve.

God spoke to Timothy through Paul's letter to his son.

And, in turn, God has continued to speak to us through the centuries through that same letter.

I'm not really sure why I share this w/ y'all today. There's all kinds of stuff in it that speaks to me. But I also think there's some stuff in it for some of you out there reading this right now.

Don't know who this is for, don't know for what.

Anyway, read through it. If it speaks to you in your present situation, well, then kool.



2 Timothy 2

15 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.



19 But God's truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription:

        "The LORD knows those who are his,"

        and "All who belong to the LORD must turn away from evil."



20 In a wealthy home some utensils 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.



21 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.



22 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.



23 Again I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights.

24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel

        but must be kind to everyone,

        be able to teach,

        and be patient with difficult people.

25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth.

        Perhaps God will change those people's hearts,

        and they will learn the truth.

26 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.