February 23, 2006
Multiply
Paul continues his great "grandfatherly" advice to Timothy in 2 Timothy chapter 2. He tells Timothy to "be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus." Hmmm. Being strong in grace sounds like a really good thing. He also encourages him to "entrust to reliable men, who will be qualified to teach others." In other words, he wants Timothy to work in reproducing kingdom people and multiplying the kingdom of God. I can't think of a Paul or a Timothy in my life right now (my narrow definition describes a very frequent (like weekly or semi-monthly) meeting and sharing, so that encouragement and sharing (and thus reproducing kingdom character) can take place. I think there are seasons we go through where we don't have this consistently taking place. I think the best "seasons," though, are the ones where that discipleship stuff is happening. A great balance in the Christian life is to actually have a "Paul" (someone who's mature and discipling you); and a "Barnabas" (a peer who is growing in Christ with you); and a "Timothy" (someone you are pouring your life into so as to help him/her grow in Christ).
There are some other issues brought up in this chapter, as well. One of which is quarrelling. Paul actually says that it is of no value. He points out that the false doctrine ("that the resurrection has already happened") of Hymenaeus and Philetus has "destroyed the faith of some." Wow. That is so NOT a good thing.
Paul says a servant shouldn't be resentful. That is a hard one, but good advice to follow.
Here is a photo of my temporary office. As the new digs continue to be readied (getting electricity and plumbing out in the country takes time), I work out of my home. It's cool that -- with an internet connection -- I've got all I need to publish a magazine.
