Being faithful in a faithless world
As a church we have begun to journey through the book of 2 Timothy. Last week, we commenced learning from 2 Timothy 2:1-13. Paul writes to Timothy, his young protege, to remind and encourage him in upholding faithfulness, and the importance faithfulness holds in being a Christian. Today, faithfulness often holds the connotations of loyalty, for example in a monogamous marriage or the quality of being trustworthy. Faithfulness is considered a rare characteristic because we live in a society that increasingly grows in their fear of commitment, whether it be to a person or a partnership. The Bible boasts of God’s faithfulness across both the old and new testaments; God is “faithful in all he does (Psalm 145:13), he is “faithful and just and will forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). Here the advice given from Paul to Timothy on how to mature in faithfulness, will be explored in a three-fold way:
Firstly, we must transfer truth. What does this mean? Essentially the transference of truth requires a inter-generational fellowship and partnerships. In the first verse, Timothy is encouraged to be “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus”. Paul did not expect Timothy to continue in the faith according to his own strength, but knows that Timothy will need to be strengthened by God alone. Once we resort to relying on ourselves, or our own ‘strength’, then we begin to neglect the role of God in our lives. As the Psalmist proclaims, “the Lord is my strength and shield” (Psalm 28:7), “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Discipleship describes the partnership where one believer transfers truth to another. This partnership is biblical, and can accurately describe Paul’s relationship to Timothy, as a discipler. In the following verse (v.2), Timothy is told to seek others who are “qualified to teach others”, ergo to transfer truth. It is important that the transference of truth occurs because it builds the church, by investing into the spiritual maturity and knowledge of its congregation members. To echo pastor Febby, “true legacy is found in whom you leave behind”. If you find yourself without a mature, same-gendered Christian to invest and grow alongside you, consider letting someone know or reaching out.
Secondly, we must endure hardship. This is an easy instruction to overlook. Hardship, like discipline, is never a pleasant experience but will always produce something worthy. Paul uses three illustrations to convince Timothy that enduring hardship is necessary in becoming mature in faithfulness. Like a “good soldier of Christ Jesus” (v. 3), Paul invites Timothy to join him in suffering. This illustration is extended into the following verse to teach Timothy that without sacrifice there is no victory.
Paul uses the image of a competing athlete who follows the rules to teach Timothy that without discipline, there is no “victors crown” (v.5) or prize. Finally, Paul uses the illustration of a hardworking farmer who receives his crops because of his efforts, to say that without sweat, there is no harvest to reap. Like each of the three characters, there are inherent boundaries involved in their roles. As a Christian, who walks in grace because Jesus gave his life to die for our sins, we also have God-given boundaries set for our benefit that we must obey. Growing in faithfulness requires hard work.
Lastly, we must remember Jesus. This final remark is of utmost importance because if we forget that everything in the Bible points to Jesus, believers can easily misread and misinterpret God’s word. From verses 8 to 13, Paul continues to exhort Timothy and says that “God’s word is not chained” (v. 9). This means that God’s word (the scriptures) are unhindered and unlimited in power and relevance. Despite Paul being imprisoned, it is impossible to imprison God’s word. Our faithfulness in sharing the gospel about Jesus Christ, and the new life he offers in alliance with Him does not rely on our efforts. The gospel is sufficiently powerful alone. Loyalty in the faith does not go unrewarded, for Jesus acknowledges our faithfulness.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for your everlasting faithfulness to save humanity. Thank you for the sermon preached on Sunday, to remind me about faithfulness. I pray that I would learn the importance and example of faithfulness from your life.
In your name,
Amen