Post by Lee on May 25, 2014 19:44:55 GMT
PAUL'S 2nd letter to Timothy was written to strengthen and encourage him. Paul was a prisoner in Rome, about to be put to
death. Timothy was laboring in the Truth at some distant place. Paul appears to fear that Timothy was somewhat disheartened. Truly there was much to cause discouragement. Things were not going well with the Truth. They never have and never will. This is the day of small things — of trial and probation and darkness and faith....
"I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me!"
But still he could at the same time say —
"I have not attained. I have further to go. I stretch forward to the mark of the high calling."
That is the beauty and glory and power of the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus — its unattainable but ever-inspiring perfection of godliness. This was the secret that kept Paul's zeal on tiptoe — counting each moment an opportunity to improve his offering, to draw closer to God, to intensify the joy of divine fellowship — eagerly spending the time in loving preparation, always adding by anticipation to the pleasure of final perfect, endless communion. And when the time of his departure came, he said — "I have fought a good fight."
It was a fight. It still IS a fight — a bitter yet glorious battle. A battle whose weapons are kindness, and patience, and gentleness, and endless self-searchings, and Hope in the darkness, and enduring, unquestioning Faith, and Love never-failing. But —
"He that OVERCOMETH shall inherit all things/'
Rene
death. Timothy was laboring in the Truth at some distant place. Paul appears to fear that Timothy was somewhat disheartened. Truly there was much to cause discouragement. Things were not going well with the Truth. They never have and never will. This is the day of small things — of trial and probation and darkness and faith....
"I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me!"
But still he could at the same time say —
"I have not attained. I have further to go. I stretch forward to the mark of the high calling."
That is the beauty and glory and power of the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus — its unattainable but ever-inspiring perfection of godliness. This was the secret that kept Paul's zeal on tiptoe — counting each moment an opportunity to improve his offering, to draw closer to God, to intensify the joy of divine fellowship — eagerly spending the time in loving preparation, always adding by anticipation to the pleasure of final perfect, endless communion. And when the time of his departure came, he said — "I have fought a good fight."
It was a fight. It still IS a fight — a bitter yet glorious battle. A battle whose weapons are kindness, and patience, and gentleness, and endless self-searchings, and Hope in the darkness, and enduring, unquestioning Faith, and Love never-failing. But —
"He that OVERCOMETH shall inherit all things/'
Rene