2 Timothy 3:14–4:5 (NRSV)
Read 2 Timothy 3:14–4:5 on biblegateway.com
Verse 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, Verse 15and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Verse 16All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, Verse 17so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
Chapter 4In 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: Verse 2proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. Verse 3For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, Verse 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. Verse 5As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
Devotion
People sometimes ask me, “How did you decide to become a pastor?” to which I often respond, “When I figure it out, I’ll let you know!” Because I do not really know how I got here. It was not exactly my decision. Yet here I am. Such is the case for many who feel that their work (be it ministry in the church or something often more noble like teaching or plumbing) is not just a job but a calling. God has a way of putting us where we are needed most without really letting us know what is going on.
I wonder if this was also the case for young Timothy. Paul seems to be reminding his protégé of what it takes to do this job of sharing the good news of Jesus. It is not always an easy job and often there are those among us who make ministry difficult. But Paul declares that the foundational pieces of our faith are unmoving – the Word in scripture, the community with whom we share this faith, and the unending presence of the one in whose name is salvation. Whatever our calling, faith in Jesus Christ will be our guide.
Prayer
Call us again and again into your purposes, and keep us on the path of truth. Use our hands, hearts and voices fully in the many professions that are ours in your kingdom. Amen.