Unless you live a life consistent with what you claim to be true, no one
is obligated to believe you. What you say will never be more true than
the life you live.
Paul told Timothy two thousand years ago that people will not endure sound doctrine. That's because sound doctrine demands a life that demands endurance. It's easier to turn away from the truth and turn aside to myths. And people always do both--accept that the truth is a lie and then embrace the lies as truth. We live in a world that believes in fables. And they think they are the wise ones to do so. How heartbreaking to see people who have turned from the only truth that gives life meaning and then to spend the rest of their lives looking for "the meaning of life."
And they love their Aesops--teachers who are almost always incredibly "spiritual" nice guys; teachers who redefine truths to satisfy their misdirections--never relying on Scripture as the source of truth; teachers who take the truth out of context and claim as true extra-biblical sources. They teach desires. And really, isn't there basically only one idol--myself. Teach a man a myth that makes him god over his own life, and you will fill your "church."
Of course, the important question is what does God call me to do in the midst of such a self-blinded world? "But you, be sober"--cool, calm,collected, and alert--no matter how condescendingly they call you a fool, no matter how vehemently they dismiss the truth, and no matter how arrogantly they expound their myths--the truth will stand. The only word that is eternal is His Word. Do not be intimidated or shaken by their rantings or impressed by the number of their followers. "Straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it."
"But you, . . . endure hardship." What they refuse to endure, you must endure through the strength that He has promised you. Promised. "Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Don't become entangled in the world." Exult in hope of the glory of God. Exult in your tribulations because they pour into your heart the deep love of God. Exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ--you have been reconciled to Him; no longer His enemy, you have been transferred into the kingdom of His Dear Son. Forever. Endure.
"But you . . . do the work of an evangelist." The Spirit of God can wield the Word of God and break the most arrogant, confused, rebellious heart. Think: Nicodemus, the Apostle Paul. C.S Lewis. You. The list is endless. Lift Him up. Watch Him draw unto Himself. Don't give up. "Do the work." And if they won't listen to you, work from your knees.
But you . . . fulfill your ministry." Use the gifts God has given you--whatever they may be--to serve Him What He has called you to do is your God-ordained ministry. And it's as important and vital to the kingdom as any other ministry. Like Paul, be poured out, fight the good fight--wrestle with the enemy; don that armor every day; finish the course--run the race to the end; keep the faith--guard your heart with the bulwark of God's peace.
May your life reflect the deep love you have for His appearing. May your life reflect that what you believe is eternal truth. The greatest danger that a darkened world faces is the absence of light.
Paul told Timothy two thousand years ago that people will not endure sound doctrine. That's because sound doctrine demands a life that demands endurance. It's easier to turn away from the truth and turn aside to myths. And people always do both--accept that the truth is a lie and then embrace the lies as truth. We live in a world that believes in fables. And they think they are the wise ones to do so. How heartbreaking to see people who have turned from the only truth that gives life meaning and then to spend the rest of their lives looking for "the meaning of life."
And they love their Aesops--teachers who are almost always incredibly "spiritual" nice guys; teachers who redefine truths to satisfy their misdirections--never relying on Scripture as the source of truth; teachers who take the truth out of context and claim as true extra-biblical sources. They teach desires. And really, isn't there basically only one idol--myself. Teach a man a myth that makes him god over his own life, and you will fill your "church."
Of course, the important question is what does God call me to do in the midst of such a self-blinded world? "But you, be sober"--cool, calm,collected, and alert--no matter how condescendingly they call you a fool, no matter how vehemently they dismiss the truth, and no matter how arrogantly they expound their myths--the truth will stand. The only word that is eternal is His Word. Do not be intimidated or shaken by their rantings or impressed by the number of their followers. "Straight is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it."
"But you, . . . endure hardship." What they refuse to endure, you must endure through the strength that He has promised you. Promised. "Endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Don't become entangled in the world." Exult in hope of the glory of God. Exult in your tribulations because they pour into your heart the deep love of God. Exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ--you have been reconciled to Him; no longer His enemy, you have been transferred into the kingdom of His Dear Son. Forever. Endure.
"But you . . . do the work of an evangelist." The Spirit of God can wield the Word of God and break the most arrogant, confused, rebellious heart. Think: Nicodemus, the Apostle Paul. C.S Lewis. You. The list is endless. Lift Him up. Watch Him draw unto Himself. Don't give up. "Do the work." And if they won't listen to you, work from your knees.
But you . . . fulfill your ministry." Use the gifts God has given you--whatever they may be--to serve Him What He has called you to do is your God-ordained ministry. And it's as important and vital to the kingdom as any other ministry. Like Paul, be poured out, fight the good fight--wrestle with the enemy; don that armor every day; finish the course--run the race to the end; keep the faith--guard your heart with the bulwark of God's peace.
May your life reflect the deep love you have for His appearing. May your life reflect that what you believe is eternal truth. The greatest danger that a darkened world faces is the absence of light.
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