2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have known sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the person of God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage with the utmost patience in teaching. For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound teaching, but, having their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. As for you, be sober in everything, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully. 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 (NRSVUE)
Have you ever listened to someone proclaim the Gospel, only to think to yourself “does that align with what I believe?” There have been many times that I hear someone proclaiming that they are “preaching the Gospel” and I think to myself “that does not sound like the Gospel as I know it”! It seems that so many people try to manipulate the Gospel by taking scripture out of context to support their proclaimed belief. I don’t know about you, but I don’t know the Bible inside and out and often can’t come up with the exact scripture to refute these claims, but what I can do is look at it through the lens of loving God and loving others.
In 2 Timothy, Paul is telling Timothy to rely on his knowledge and past teachings to hold firm to his beliefs. This is good advice for us too. When you hear false teachings, lean on your faith and the foundation that you have developed since childhood.
I also want to point out that in 2 Timothy 4:1 it says, “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom”. This is also where I think we all need to focus our attention. God is the judge, not us. Therefore, when someone does not agree with our view on theology, we are not to judge, we need to leave that to God. We are to “convince, rebuke, and encourage with the utmost patience” (2 Timothy 4:2).
We need to be the example in the world today. When we don’t agree, seek patience and continue to treat everyone as if they are valued and respected. We don’t always have to agree; that is why there are many Christianity denominations and even varying groups within each denomination. Each with their own beliefs, but following ONE GOD.
Questions for Reflection:
- How do you respond when you hear someone proclaiming the Gospel that conflicts with your beliefs?
- List ways that you can show patience when you convince, rebuke and encourage?
Prayer:
Lord, ruler and judge of all, give us patience to listen and learn from those that may have different beliefs than us, help it make me stronger in my own beliefs. Open up my heart to those that may disagree with me, help me see them as valued and loved children of God.
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