We are “do-ers” by nature, created from the very beginning to “do,” to act. While being lazy is something humans often struggle with, and taking time to “chill out” is always valuable, not “doing” for a length of time is a challenge.
As some of you know, this summer I was on sabbatical, a nine-week time of study, restoration, and reflection. It was marvelous—Kelly and I spent time with the Lord individually and as a couple, time with our kids, time traveling, and time studying. We enjoyed every minute of the time, and trust that the Lord used it to deepen our relationship with Him. As Kelly has said more than once, those nine weeks were some of the best times in our lives.
And, yet, when I was recently asked if I regretted coming back to work, I easily and quickly said, “no.” Like the rest of us, I was made to work. In Genesis 1:28 we are told that God created man in His image to “be fruitful and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it and to have dominion” over creation. You can’t do those things without “doing.” We can’t fulfill our purpose in creation without acting. Being active is simply part of our created human nature.
While we have been talking about the Kingdom of God, for many there has been a disconnect. As we are learning more and more about what the Kingdom is, many have been asking “action” questions: “If this is the Kingdom, what I am to DO?” “How does this change my actions?” Indeed, I have been trying throughout this series not to allow you to just think about the Kingdom but to realize that this teaching of Jesus changes the way we respond, the way we act, and what we do. Often this connection has been implied: “If the Kingdom is like this, how do we act in response?” Other times this connection has been more vague: “Since the Kingdom is like this, we should seek righteousness.” Ok, but HOW?
This week’s text speaks directly to those of us who want to DO, who want to act. In light of the teaching of Jesus on the Kingdom of God, what are we to do? Paul lists out various things (evangelism, endurance, teaching, fulfill your task) and charges Timothy (and us) to do them all with the Kingdom firmly in mind. In other words, there is something about the Kingdom that is to inspire Timothy (and us) toward service to one another, service that inspires, challenges, and furthers God’s redemptive work in this world and in our own lives.
In preparation for worship this week, read 2 Timothy 4:1-5.
- Paul places a charge on young Timothy and bases that charge on three things in verse 1. What are those three things and how do they fit together?
- How are the individual components or phrases in verse two related to one another? For example, how is “preaching” connected to “be ready?”
- Verse 2: What does being ready “in season and out of season” mean? How does that challenge your own approach to things?
- Verse 3 gives Paul’s reason for his exhortation. Why does he need to charge Timothy as he does? What evidence of this need have you found in today’s world?
- How is Paul’s admonition in verse 5 (to be sober-minded, enduring suffering, etc.) fit as a “cure” for the problems listed in verses 3-4?
By Henry Knapp