Tuesday 02 January 2024

Background

Paul’s second letter to Timothy could be read as a letter of a senior pastor in the Church to embolden a younger church leader to continue to be faithful to the gospel of Jesus. Paul is writing from prison in Rome, it is quite possibly his last epistle before execution; the young Church is being persecuted and there are many who are leaving the fellowships that have been started.

Today’s verses make it plain that Paul’s imprisonment is neither to be seen as weakness, nor as a reason to give up the faith. Perhaps there were those who were afraid that they too would be persecuted if the political authorities knew of their allegiance to Paul and Christianity. Such fear is still a reality in some countries today. Paul is therefore eager to encourage Timothy, a beloved young friend, that the power of God will strengthen faith in the most difficult of circumstances, even in the midst of suffering (v. 8).

Paul reminds Timothy of God’s timeline rather than simply the years allotted to a single human life. In verses 9 and 10 Paul stresses God’s purpose and grace: “This grace was given to us before the ages began.” That one sentence puts our own brief lives into perspective! God wants to save us, not by good works, but “according to his own purpose and grace.” This is such a lovely reminder that God wants everyone to be saved and to enjoy eternal life. The resurrection of Jesus, Paul writes, revealed this universal grace, “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” (v. 10). So, in three short verses, Paul writes of God’s timeless purpose, his plan embodied in the life of Jesus, and eternal life with God – and such divine living is underpinned by grace, which is available to all.

This grace has often been described as 'prevenient' (meaning 'coming before' or 'preceding'), by scholars from Augustine to Jacobus Arminius, and from John Wesley to modern scholars. Grace is as old as God, and is available to all, but it requires a choice from individuals to accept it. Speaking personally, for me it’s like being on the bank of a river: the water of grace is flowing freely from a divine source, and I just need the courage to jump in and allow myself to be swept along to places where God wants me to be.

The glory of God is revealed in both the provision of salvation for all, and in the beauty and loveliness of followers of Christ; for the latter demonstrate that God’s grace is present now, and will be present throughout eternity. In a similar vein, Paul encourages Timothy to continue to be swept along in the faith, to immerse himself in eternal grace, by “relying on the power of God” (v. 8).

To Ponder:

• Famous athletes, people who achieve great things in life, or ordinary people who want to branch out and try something different – all need people to stand alongside them and encourage them to action. We all need people who believe in us, who embolden us, and who give us the courage to use our God-given talents. Such people need to be thanked – they are God’s unsung heroes.
• Today’s suggested hymn is 'I cannot tell' by William Young Fullerton (No. 350 in the Methodist hymnbook 'Singing the Faith'). There is a tension in each verse between “I cannot tell” and “This I know”. For many, this is a favourite hymn. It encourages questions, does not presume certainty, and gives space for the mystery of faith to be explored. In such a space, the encouragement of others is so valuable.