DAY 2: 2 TIMOTHY 3:10-17
THE REAL THING
Read 2 Timothy 3:10-11.
Unlike the worming counterfeits that took advantage of weak women, Paul gives Timothy encouragement. He was not like them, but rather he learned from Paul. He followed Paul’s teachings rather than the teachings of false/counterfeit teachers. He followed Paul’s conduct – he lived in the same way Paul did, and as we see in v. 11, he lived it in such a way that he was persecuted and suffered. He followed Paul’s purpose – to proclaim the gospel and bring glory to God. He followed Paul’s faith, a faith necessary to act without knowing what it might possibly produce. He followed Paul’s motivation, which was love. He had Paul’s tenacious obedience to God. These are the qualities of a real follower of Christ, not a fraud.
So how are you doing in these areas? Whose teaching are you following? How’s your conduct… really. What’s your purpose for living? Are you walking by faith? Are you loving God and others well? Have you been sticking to it? Who are you following? As my wife says, “You gotta’ drink Coke – it’s the real thingTM.”
How about the harder question: Are you being persecuted and are you suffering for your faith? The times and circumstances were especially difficult for the first century church. It would perhaps be too much to expect the same for us in a religiously free country. That said, there will always be a certain amount of persecution and suffering as followers of Christ.
This is all looking at things from Timothy’s perspective. But how much harder to be like Paul to live as the example to follow! Your kids, the people around you, your friends – would you want others to follow your example? If you are a parent, then no matter how you answer that question, you will be an example. Now that really makes the matter serious! But that’s God’s way, to use parents to raise their children by modeling Christ to them. It’s not exclusive to parents, but it simply brings the matter home. But in many respects, we are all one big family in Christ, and so our example is just as important.
To consider: Your following Paul’s example (and ultimately Christ’s) is not just for our benefit, but for the benefit of others. Next time you’re around your family at home or in Christ (or both), consider the example you’re setting. And while you’re at it, consider whose example you’re following.
