Guardians Of The GospelSample

Against what do you compare your life? It is far too easy today to fall into a sense of moralism where comparison becomes the measure of our life and not the authority of God’s Word. We have become obsessed with our appearances and are distracted by the many influences in the social media world. We are constantly inundated with information from our friends and their friends on social media and it’s easy to compare our lives and faith to theirs. Thankfully, Paul did not have to experience the levels of relational anxiety many of us experience today. In this chapter, Paul lists a number of qualities of people in his day that may not be dissimilar in our contexts today. We are faced with a choice, do we base our lives on the popular trends of our day, or do we remain rooted in the Word? 

Paul does not leave Timothy without hope or instruction, but specifically encourages Timothy to press into three specific areas. Paul literally says to Timothy that he needs to abide, continue, or dwell in these three areas. In other words, he needs to exert concerted effort on his part in order to truly stand out in his world. The three areas of focus for Timothy are:

Doctrine: We are to pursue good healthy doctrine as disciples of Jesus. We are to follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before us, being humble enough to learn from others and be faithful in putting what we learn into practice. Those we learn from are to be rooted in the truth of God’s Word which makes us competent and prepares us for everything we are to do in life.

Convictions: We all live our lives with underlying convictions that are partly comprised of our worldview (assumptions) and choices we make based on our ability to discern what is truth. We are to be firm, unwavering, and resolute in our Christian foundation which comes from God’s Word. Our convictions are not based on what others say or do, but primarily on the Scriptures which Paul describes for us in 2 Timothy 3:16.

Relationships: The world, along with its individualistic mindset, likes to deceive us into thinking we are able to be complete without the input of others. Here, Paul intrinsically links our doctrine and convictions to the community within which they were formed and within which they are to be lived out. Evangelists, for example, often have a strong sense of calling and purpose, but also need to have an anchor in community and relationships that are formative and corrective as is evidenced in Paul’s relationship with Timothy. 

Throughout this amazing letter, Paul contrasts the life and choices of the ungodly with his expectations for Timothy. Paul shares deep truths from his life with a desire that Timothy would be able to be a faithful servant of the Gospel at a time when his world seems to be full of people who lived in ways that were displeasing to God.

Sometimes, the reality of isolation and loneliness can get to us as Christians as it seems like we’re the only ones wanting to do what’s right, but let’s not despair! Paul wasn’t trying to hide from the reality that being a Christian is counter-cultural and that it can be extremely hard to live out an authentic faith in a world filled with hatred, bitterness, anger, and deceit. But when our lives are defined by God’s Word, it leads to wonderful opportunities for God’s glory to be revealed.

It is either the way of the world or the way of the Word.

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Knowing what we believe and living a life of holiness and godly conviction leads to many opportunities to share the gospel in our world. The Advance group mentoring focuses on a commitment to studying the Bible for a deeper knowledge of the gospel through purpose-written teaching sessions in the free to download Advance Group Mentoring Guide that culminates in a greater multiplication of gospel-centred disciples.