II Timothy 2:1-7

As we have studied II Timothy for the past few weeks there has been much discussion about our responsibility as recipients of God’s grace to actively, but humbly, use our spiritual gifts to both guard and share the truth of the gospel.

“…but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines the heart.” (I Thess. 2:4)

Regrettably, it is far too easy as immature Christians to fall into the trap of wanting to please ourselves or others more than wanting to please God. Even church leaders are susceptible to this selfish desire, which “inevitably leads to moral and spiritual decline, because pleasing the world, including worldly Christians, demands compromise of God’s truth, God’s standards, and personal holiness” (The MacArthur New Testament Commentary – II Timothy, p.45).

John MacArthur also gives a good summary of the verses we discussed last week at the Terrace. He writes,

“There are certain things the spiritual Christian has to endure, such as suffering for the faith [v.3]. There are certain things he has to avoid, such as becoming entangled with the affairs of the world [v.4]. There are certain mandates he has to obey, namely, the commands of his Lord [v.5]. There are certain things he has to do, including tasks that seem mundane and ordinary [v.6]. And, just as surely, there are things he will be given to enjoy, the victory and the rewards of a dedicated selfless, and disciplined life. Through His apostle [Paul], the Lord assures us: ‘Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord’ (1 Cor.15:58).”
(The MacArthur New Testament Commentary – II Timothy, p.49)

We are grateful for the spiritual gifts God has given us so that we may be equipped for effective service. But like Timothy, we often look at our weaknesses and feel largely inadequate. So we strive, through prayer and faith, to keep Christ as the treasure of our hearts and to make pleasing Him our primary goal in life. We trust that He is faithful and will bring to completion the good work he began in us (Philippians 1:6).