The Christmas Story

Holy Communion

Jesus’ Abiding GIFT We So Much NEED

WHY did Jesus give us this gift?

Jesus instituted Communion at the Last Supper, one of the last things He did as a “free man” before His arrest.  

Jesus would soon be gone – physically anyway.  And so He gave us a parting GIFT, as perhaps a very good friend might do who is leaving.  It is the GIFT of Himself, of His presence.  More than a picture – Himself!

WHAT blessings are given by Jesus?

Himself – and all that He gives!   The words of institution stress this, as have Christians for 2000 years!  “THIS ISmy blood…. my body….. GIVEN for YOU!”  It’s Jesus!   For YOU!  Jesus….  here….  given for you, giving to you.

Holy Communion is God’s way of hugging us.   In a very tangible, physical, concrete way.  Who doesn’t need a hug?  Especially from GOD!  “THIS is my blood shed for you on the Cross because THIS is how much I love YOU!   This is my body broken for you at Calvary because THIS is how much I love YOU!   YOU!  Here.  Now.

Jesus specifically said it’s all “for the forgiveness of sins.”  Whose sins?  Mine!  Yours!  It’s why He came, it’s why He died….   Luther wrote that where Jesus is – there IS forgiveness, mercy, life, hope, strength!    Big stuff!  Enormous blessings, huh?  No wonder Christians have cherished this Gift for 2000 years…  

Can we receive this gift too often?

Can you be loved too much?   Can you be hugged too often?   Can you be forgiving too frequently?  

How often does Jesus want to so bless us?

Jesus said, “DO this…..”   He doesn’t exactly state how frequently, although both the Greek words and the context suggest often.  Jesus gave this as His abiding gift…. Jesus so wants to love and bless us…. often!  It seems certain He wants this gift received frequently.

Consider:  You give your spouse an EXTREMELY expensive gift that is very, very precious to you.  You give it for ONE reason – to bless him/her.   Do you intend for your spouse to use and enjoy it, to be blessed by it?  Or put it in the safe deposit box to occasionally take out and admire?  

Did Early Christians celebrate this often?

Acts 2:42 shows that within weeks of Jesus giving this Gift, Christians were receiving it “constantly.”  

We know that at least from 70 AD, it was a part of every Sunday worship service - every week.   In fact, a worship service was not considered “whole” or “complete” without it.  

For the great majority of Christians, this is still the case.  Some 80% of Christians have this Gift as a part of every Sunday worship service (at least). It was 100% until very recently.

What did Luther recommend?  

Luther not only stresses every-Sunday Communion, but rebukes pastors “too lazy to offer it” and wonders about those who think themselves not in frequent need of it.  

Our Lutheran Confessions boldly state that Lutheran congregations celebrate and offer this Gift “every Sunday.” [Defense of the Augsburg Confession, Article XXIV, 1]

What does our LCMS say on this?

“Whereas, the opportunity to receive the Lord's Supper each Lord's Day was a reality cherished by Luther and set forth clearly with high esteem by our Lutheran Confessions; and Whereas, our synod's 1983 CTCR document on the Lord's Supper and Luther's Catechism both remind us that the Scriptures place the Lord's Supper at the center of Sunday worship, therefore be itRESOLVED, That The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod in convention encourage its pastors and congregations to study the scriptural, confessional, and historical witness to every Sunday communion with a view toward recovering the opportunity for receiving the Lord's Supper each and every Lord's Day.”  [1995 Convention of the LCMS]  

What happened?  Why wasn’t it always celebratedevery Sunday?

That’s a tough one!  I’m not sure anyone really knows.  It began to be occasionally withheld among Calvinists and later among SOME Lutherans a century or so after Luther.  In the US, there has been a strong undercurrent of anti-Catholicism likely at work here.  Many American Protestants began to shy away from things “Catholic” (Pretty selectively!  They still had Sunday worship, included Scripture readings, celebrated Christmas on Dec. 25 – all things Catholic!).   Fortunately this anti-Catholicism has faded…  Among American Lutherans, Communion celebration hit its “low point” about a century ago and has been growing in frequency ever since. Today, about one-third of LCMS congregations have every-Sunday Communion, but that percentage is growing fast.  

Does every-Sunday offering mandate every-Sunday receiving?

No.  Scripture makes no requirement on this; nor did Luther, nor does the Lutheran Confessions or the LCMS.  It’s not a legalistic issue of how often you must receive,it’s a gospel issue of how regularly the church should offer.

It’s the same with all we do.  We have weekly worshipservices but we don’t MANDATE that you participate every week - that’s up to you.  

Think of it this way:  A parent may LOVE their teenager, love them SO very much.  And may want to hug that boy or girl.  Sometimes, that teen refuses that hug.  Happens….  The parent doesn’t force it, just keeps lovingand keeps offering. As a parent who survived my children’s teen years, I know…. they grow and the day comes when they’ll welcome those hugs!   Be patient…..love….. embrace….. accept…  It’s not about legalism, it’s about love.  

A Simple Way to Pray (for Master Peter the Barber) 1535 by Dr. Martin Luther

Opening Prayer:
O Heavenly Father, dear God, I am a poor unworthy sinner. I do not deserve to raise my eyes or hands toward you or to pray.  But because You have commanded us all to pray and have promised to hear us and through Your dear Son Jesus Christ has taught us how and what to pray, I come to You in obedience to Your Word, trusting in Your gracious promise.  I pray in the name of my Lord Jesus Christ together with all Your saints and Christians on earth as he has taught us.  (Martin Luther)


Martin Luther has been described as one of the most dedicated men of prayer in all history.  Records show that he prayed 3 or 4 hours each day.

Prayer for most in the 16th century was a mechanical, religious rite…a legalistic work requiring little thought.  Martin Luther worked hard to reform prayer.  He taught that prayer should be living, powerful, strong, mighty, earnest, serious, troubled, passionate, vehement, fervent, ardent.

In 1535, Luther’s barber and friend Peter asked Dr. Luther for suggestions concerning prayer.  The response was Luther’s practical instruction using his ITCP method of prayer.

This is how Luther “prayed” the Small Catechism.  (Virtually any text of the Bible can be prayed this way, or for that matter, any biblically based prayer, including the Ten Commandments, the three articles of the Creed, etc. )  He said:

“If I have had time and opportunity to go through the Lord’s Prayer, I do the same with the Ten Commandments.  I take one part after another and free myself as much as possible from distractions in order to pray  I divide each commandment into four parts, thereby fashioning a garland of four strands.  That is, I think of each commandment as first instruction, which is really what it is intended to be, and consider what the Lord God demands of me so earnestly.  Second, I turn it into and thanksgiving; third a confession, and fourth, a prayer.
    Instruction

    Thanksgiving

    Confession

    Prayer


Example:  We poor sinners implore you…to preserve all pastors and ministers of Your Church in the true knowledge and understanding of Your wholesome Word and to sustain them in holy living .


Lord, You instruct us that it is Your deepest desire that pastors love and stick to Your Word for themselves and for others.  We also know that it is Your deepest desire, Lord, that we pray for our pastors.


Lord, I give You thanks for our Pastor and all pastors of the Church.  In this day and age, it’s a miracle that we have a pastor who believes the Bible, preaches Law and Gospel, loves his people and serves me and my family.


Lord, I confess that I fail to pray for our pastor.  I don’t think about or pray regularly for our seminaries.  I am not always generous in supporting my pastor.  I have disregarded the fact that You have placed our Pastor to dole out your previous gifts of the Gospel to us.

Lord, I pray, enlighten me by Your Word and Spirit.  Be with our pastor, and strengthen him today.  Protect him and his family.  Sustain him in holy living, and give him joy.  Cause me to be a source of joy in his ministry, and give me a generous heart that I may support the ministry of the Gospel in this place in every way.  Amen.


Martin Luther’s words about prayer:

It is a good thing to let prayer be the first business of the morning and the last at night. Guard yourself carefully against those false, deluding ideas which tell you, “Wait a little while  I will pray in an hour, first I must attend to this or that”.  Such thoughts get you away from prayer into other affairs which so hold your attention and involve you that nothing comes of prayer for that day.

First, when I feel that I have become cool and joyless in prayer because of other tasks or thoughts, I take my little psalter, hurry to my room, or, if it be the day and hour for it, to the church where a congregation is assembled and as time permits, I say quietly to myself and word-for-word the Ten Commandments, the Creed, and if I have time, some words of Christ or of Paul, or some Psalms, just as a child might do.

A good and attentive barber keeps his thoughts, attention, and eyes on the razor and hair and does not forget how far he has gotten with his shaving or cutting  If he wants to engage in too much conversation or let his mind wander or look somewhere else, he is likely to cut his customer’s mouth, nose, or even his throat.  Thus, if anything is to be done well, it requires the full attention of all one’s senses and members,.  He who thinks of many things thinks of nothing and does nothing right.  How much more does prayer call for concentration and singleness of heart if it is to be a good prayer!

If I fail to spend two hours in prayer each morning, the devil gets the victory through the day.  I have so much business I cannot get on without spending three hours daily in prayer.

Prayer is the hardest work of all - a labor above all labors since he who prays must wage almighty warfare against the doubt and murmuring excited by the faint and unworthiness.

Prayer is a strong wall and fortress of the church; it is a goodly Christian weapon.

Grant that I may not pray alone with the mouth;  help me that I may pray from the depths of my heart.

The fewer the words, the better the prayer.

Prayer is the daily business of a Christian.

As a shoemaker makes a shoe, or a tailor makes a coat, so ought a Christian pray.

When I am angry, I can pray well and preach well.

What Churches do.

 

1. We introduce people to Jesus.

People come to Christ in local churches in far greater numbers than anywhere else.

2. We teach people to read Scripture.

Learning to read the Bible is like learning another language. The most important one! Earth’s experiences are immeasurably richer when you know what God is saying to you. 

3. We teach people to pray. 

Reading the Bible lets you listen to God. Praying lets you talk to him.

4. We teach people to serve.

Jesus said he came not to be served, but to serve.  Weapproach others with a humble attitude and meet needs when possible.  Service reaps invaluable benefits to the server.

5. We teach people to share their faith. 

Not only does evangelism introduce others to Jesus, in Philemon 6, Paul points out that our understanding of God’s goodness is expanded when we share our faith

6. We teach people to give. 

Giving opens people to otherwise unattainable spiritual and material blessings, breaking the hold of greed and openingthe floodgates of heaven. Imagine how shallow your life would be if you didn’t know how to give?

7. We welcome people into an extended family. 

Good churches are like good families: older aunts and uncles wrap their arms around the hurting; small group members become brothers and sisters; peers provide babysitting; singles get invited to homes for the holidays. What price tag would you put on that?

8. We build values into children. 

Fifty-two weekends a year, the church helps raise good children like no other institution.

9. We strengthen marriages.

For most couples, the spousal relationship is their greatest joy and challenge. Churches provide encouragement and practical help on how to love each other well. A priceless favor!

Churches are gifts to their communities.

A healthy local church is an immeasurable gift to its community!  Praise God!

 

Walls or Bridges

Last Sunday!   We looked at another of Jesus' parables recorded in Luke 16:19-31.  Contrary to what a few scholars do with this, this has nothing to do with economics (taxing the rich or promoting communism) or with "works righteousness" (poor earn heaven by being poor).  This has to do with our heart, our attitude, our spirit - toward self, others and God.  It has to do with building and maintaining WALLS or BRIDGES.  We spoke of the various way we build walls...... and the various ways to build bridges.   

Second Timothy Chapter 4

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. Do your best to come to me soon. For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments. Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. (2 Timothy 4:1-21 ESV)                 

4:1-8

   .

Verses 1-2.   Paul could not stress this point more!   Timothy is to preach “Scripture” (see point above) – and not just teach it, but with it also “reprove, rebuke and exhort.  

 

.

Verses 3-5.  There are always those who are certain God in Scripture is not as wise as they are.  There are always those seeking something new and different (a COMMON criticism of “intellectual Greeks” who like modern westerners always seek the LATEST book).  There will always be those who seek those that will tell them what they want to hear (“You can be rich!”  “You can avoid all evil and hardship”  “You should be proud of how good you are” etc., etc., etc.).  

 

“Sober minded”   To be humble in our thinking and our self-evaluations.  “Humility is the basis of all good theology” – Luther.

 

Verses 6-8.  Is Paul aware of his eminent death?   Scholars often date this book during Paul’s second Roman imprisonment, a matter of months before his death.  We don’t know WHY Rome executed Paul, but tradition says he was executed (no doubt by beheading) on the same day and at the same place as was Peter (by crucifixion – upside down).  Oddly, they were not buried together.  

 

4:9-22

 

 

.

Especially with “informal” letters as this (Paul doesn’t seem to be working from an outline), we MAY find that there is more scroll available than necessary communications.   That invites things of a “Post Script” nature.   Of all Paul’s letters, only those at the end of Romans are longer than the ones here.  There’s nothing here of any particular theological or practical nature – although we learn something of the personality of Paul here, and something of Paul’s GREAT concern and heart for the church and for truth!

 

 

 

.

Some of the names here are otherwise unknown, but several do stand out:

TITUS (v. 10).  A coworker.  Paul wrote an epistle to him; more about him next week.

LUKE (v. 11)  A coworker with Paul and author of Luke/Acts.  He is with Paul and Peter in Rome in these final days of their life.

MARK (v. 11)  Traditional author of the Gospel of Mark and an early coworker with Paul.

ALEXANDER (v. 12) is mentioned briefly in 1 Tim. 1:20 as here one who is a false teacher.

PRISCILLA and AQUILA (v. 19)  Coworkers with Paul.  See Acts 18:18, 26

ERASTUS (v. 20)  See Romans 16:23.  

 

.

Verses 17-18.  Again, Paul seems to feel that death is imminent.   Paul is very sensitive to those who have abandoned the faith – and him.  

Find our place

Last Sunday!  We looked at two of the parables of Jesus in Luke 15:1-10, parables with the theme of lost and found....  It's important to "find our place" in parables, to determine where Jesus would "cast" us in the story, where we fit best.   In these stories/illustrations, there are 3 general roles:  The lost (lamb or coin... there is a difference), the finders/seekers (the shepherd or housewife) or the audience to whom the stories are told (turns out, they feld FOUND but UNFINDING).  We spoke of wondering..... finding/seeking..... feeling found but unfinding - and how all that can "fit" us.   But the POINT is clear:  Jesus calls on us to CARE, to love. And for that to lead to action.

Second Timothy Chapter 3

Godlessness in the Last Days

 

1But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 6For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

All Scripture Is Breathed Out by God

10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

3:1-9

1.     Verses 1-5.  The Return of Christ is a major topic in the New Testament – the Gospels and the Epistles.  “The Last Days” can be understood in two ways:  1) The last “act” in a play, the final “stage” in a process.  In this sense, ALL the time since Pentecost is “the last days.”  2)  The FINAL hours prior to His return.   Some texts probably CAN be understood in both ways, although this one  is likely in the sense of #1.  In verse 2, Paul uses the future tense, but concludes this paragraph in verse 5 in the present tense.  

2.    Verse 6-9.  “Weak women.”   We have little to help us understand why Paul is especially singling out women here.   There is some evidence that religious charlatans (all too common in the Greco-Roman world) especially “targeted” women; Paul may simply be noting that – without suggesting that they are right to so target them.  Or Paul may be suggesting that because of their (typical) lesser education made them more vulnerable (a point often made by Jewish rabbis).  In any case, it’s made more difficult by the example Paul uses – which is of two MEN – whom Paul notes were “corrupted in mind and disqualified in matters of doctrine.” 

3.    As we look at the “cults,” we often find that “cults” do well with people who place considerable value on things spiritual and the importance of such, who have average (not below or above) knowledge of religion (such as Christianity), and who easily “buy into” a concept of authority.  They are people willing to “swallow” what they are fed by one who seems to have great authority.   BEWARE of “teachers” with new doctrine (things no Christian “saw” for 2000 years!), and who present SELF as somehow unaccountable. 

4.    Verse 9.  Some DO get far, unfortunately.  

3:10-17

1.     Verses 10-14.   No, Paul is NOT holding himself up, as such (that would conflict with MUCH that Paul stresses).  But, we DO need to note what the Apostles taught – under Christ.   Where do we learn what the Apostles taught? 

2.    Verse 15-17.   SCRIPTURE is the “rule” (straight edge), the “canon” (measuring stick).  Hold up what is taught to the words of Scripture.   We well versed in Scripture (the WORDS – not adding or subtracting).  Check doctrine to the WORDS found in Scripture. 

3.    Scripture is RELIABLE and useful.  USE it for teaching, for “reproof” (showing to be WRONG), or “correction” and for “training in righteousness” (third  use of the Law).  Paul is telling them – above all – to use SCRIPTURE for this, not simply to swallow whatever we are fed by the one who insists that we do. 

4.    Note that “Scripture” was undetermined at this time – and yet the principle is wise and good!   Look to SCRIPTURE (even though exactly what IS Scripture was not certain).   Paul writes this book in the late 60’s – about the time when the New Testament was quickly coming together, about the same time as Matthew, Mark, Luke,  Acts, James, 1 & 2 Peter were being writing, and one of the last of Paul’s 13, but there was no “set” idea of the New Testament yet.  Such didn’t fully exist for the Old Testament either.  While the content of our 39 was accepted by most Jews (some only accepted the first 5 books), there were some two dozens other books often accepted.  This was not “sorted out” until 90 AD when the JEWS decided – essentially – to toss out all the “extras” and stick with the 39 most Jews accepted.   But that was a JEWISH meeting that it seems most Christians were not even aware of.  As it turns out, the seriously disputed books never really made any difference anyway!   But even in this milieu with it NOT being obvious what IS and IS NOT Scripture, Paul can state this principle.   It is even more sound now – now that the “dispute” is pretty irrelevant (except for the LDS). 

4:1-8

We are Family!

Last Sunday!  We celebrated our 40th Anniversary as a church family!   We shared songs, pictures, memories - but most of all God's faithfulness!   In the message, we looked at our clear identity as FAMILY, a Christ-centered FAMILY, and at the 4 "core values" that have moved us for 40 years:  Reaching out to OUR community!  Teaching GOD'S WORD!  Caring for each other!   Sharing God's love! 

Second Timothy Chapter 2

A Good Soldier of Christ Jesus

 

1You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11The saying is trustworthy, for:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he also will deny us;

13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

for he cannot deny himself.

 

A Worker Approved by God

 

14Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

20Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

22So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

 

 Notes for Chapter 2

2:1-13

1.

Verse 1.  Again, note the “my child.”   This not only suggests that Timothy was significantly younger than Paul (who may have been in his 50’s or 60’s) but indicates a close, loving, intimate relationship.  Timothy is more than an assistant in ministry.

2.

“Be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”  “Grace” may be used in two ways.  In terms of justification, “grace” means God’s unmerited love, mercy, favor and blessings.   In terms of sanctification, “grace” means the empowering God grants to us to grow and more than conquer.   But here, Paul may have in mind both meanings!   We ARE encouraged as we think of God’s unmerited, unmerited, unlimited love, mercy and favor!  When we remember what God has done for us, we are encouraged and motivated to do for Him and others!  Keeping HIS love before us is a powerful thing!   But Paul is ALSO reminding Tim of the strength God supplies for his ministry.  When times get challenging or tough, we need to remember His grace!

3.

Verse 2.  Sound teaching and faithful teachers are critical to the church!   What is ultimately important is not that a pastor is charming or a good dancer or even causes the church to grow and lots of money to come in.  What matters, above all, is that he is a SOUND teacher of the TRUTH.   His Word will not return to Him void.  

4.

Verse 3.  Roman soldiers were hated, feared and the enlisted at least (most slaves of dubious character) were near the bottom of respectability.  Even Roman officers thought little of them and considered a BIG part of their job to control them.  So, it’s a bit unusual that Paul here uses soldiers as a “model.”   The character of most ROMAN soldiers aside, the illustration fits.  We ARE at war!  We DO have a commander!   We ARE to fight the good fight of faith!   This paradigm of Christian as solder is one of the oldest in Christianity, constant through the centuries.   Many Christians consider themselves paying guests of a cruiseship, Paul says we are warriors on a battle ship.

5.

Verses 4-7.  Paul uses 3 illustrations:  the soldier, the athlete, the farmer – all to show that success requires focus, dedication, faithfulness.  

6.

Verse 8.   It’s called CHRISTianity because it’s all about CHRIST!   HIS love, HIS mercy, HIS forgiveness!   HIS work, HIS life, HIS death, HIS resurrection!  HIS Cross, HIS Blood, HIS sacrifice.  He is the alpha and the omega – the beginning and the end of the whole thing.  It’s NOT about what I do.  It’s NOT about some denomination.  It’s not about hoops.  It’s ALL about JESUS.  

7.

Verse 10.  Our objective may be to fill up heaven.   It is unlikely we’ll have to “endure” much – unlike Paul who suffered much for the sake of Jesus – but like him, it is our objective, our mission.   “GO and make disciples…..”  

8.

Verses 11-13.  This is a quote, of something obviously well known to Timothy.   It is not claimed that it’s from Scripture (and it’s not), only that the words are sound.   The words are in the form of a poem and so many think they are the lyrics of a VERY early Christian hymn!  

9.

Verse 13.   Is there something God CANNOT do?   Not just WILL NOT do, but CANNOT?  

2:14-26

1.

“Don’t quarrel over words.”  “Avoid irreverent babble.”  “Their talk spreads like gangrene.”  On the one hand, words matter because TRUTH matters!   On the other, people can easily fall in love with their own opinions, spins, theories, speculations.   The early “Fathers” often warned of “saying too much” “confusing opinion with truth.”  It has always been a problem among us.  Word games.   Falling in love with the brain of self.   Confusing “I think” with “God says.”  Causing divisions.  

2.

Verse 15.  Note the emphasis on “the word of truth” (probably a reference to Scripture).  Make this our goal:  to be faithful stewards of the word.

3.

Verse 17.  Nothing is known  of these two “teachers,” they are not otherwise mentioned in Scripture, history or tradition.  We know that one of the major “issues” in the earliest church was the Return of Christ.  People quite universally believed that Return would happen very soon – any day now – certainly within their lifetime.   Paul is writing this letter a full generation after Jesus’ prophecy, some 30 or 35 years later.  Already there was the cry, “What happened?”  “Why hasn’t the Return and the resurrection of the dead not happened?”  One view was that it did!  It all happened!  But in some spiritual, invisible sense.  These two “teachers” appear to have been promoters of that view.  

4.

Verse 19.  The first (loose) quote is from Numbers 16:5, the source of the second is unknown although the POINT is a common Scriptural one.  Paul does not claim either as Scripture, although the first clearly is.   We believe that the church is the total corpus of all believers – all Christians throughout the centuries and continents.  Of course, who – exactly – is a believer?  Ultimately, we don’t “KNOW.”  God knows who are His own.  WE “operate” on the basis of what people CLAIM.  God will sort this all out according to His perfect knowledge.  

5.

Verses 20-21.  Jesus spoke of throwing out a net and catching “fish” of every kind – God later sorting out the good from the bad.   In the church, we cast the net – and haul in as many as we can.  Of course, ALL of them are sinners but some of them aren’t Christians.  Some will honor Christ and be useful to the Gospel, some will dishonor Him and His Gospel and Church.  Life in this fallen world.  But there is hope.  Even those who are unfaithful, dishonorable, destructive can repeat and turn to God and become good and sound and faithful!   We live in a fallen world, but we live in grace and mercy.  Don’t be so focus on what we DID but on what we can now DO by His grace.  Take the same attitude toward others.

6.

Rather than sinful passions and quarrels and divisions and prideful words, make this our goal, our passion:  righteousness, faith, love, peace, purity, servanthood, kindness, gentleness, humility.  Common themes for Paul – and indeed of Jesus and of Christianity.