“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15
The letters by the Apostle Paul to his son in the faith, Timothy, are filled with instructions as to how to live, and minister, in the realistic context of his time, and that to come. That which he deals with first is the matter, and authority, of the calling of God. Paul begins by giving to Timothy his own personal testimony on the matter: “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope.” (1 Timothy1:1) Not only does Paul underline the fact of his calling, not being of men or himself, but of God, but he will in his letter to the Galatians, relate that the message that he has, to be given especially to the Gentiles, is on that is “not after man,” but “…by the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Gal. 1:12) The day of Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus, was the day when he come face to face with the calling of God, and His hand upon him. No longer would it be “Saul of Tarsus” plodding on, vigorously pursuing “the Way,” and the disciples of Christ. He had come face to face with a personal calling from a personal, individual revelation to his own heart. That revelation set the stage for the rest of his life and ministry, to be referred to again and again, when faith was tried or opposed. Paul had come to learn that with the calling had come also the blessing of God, and enablement to accomplish his mission. God also gave to Paul a knowledge of the Gospel that was thorough, and specifically applicable to Paul’s life and ministry. It was not a message from spiritual men, and certainly not from the religious leaders of his day, for it was they who persecuted, and eventually, crucified Christ. The message came from heaven, to be given to Jews and Gentiles alike, in the demonstration and power of the Spirit. Since the calling was from God, and the message of his mission was revealed, the Apostle could go forth, not only in the strength of Christ to accomplish His work, but also, with the certainty that the Gospel was the power of God unto salvation. The right message, preached and taught by those who have been called, will be accompanied by the blessing and power of God, so that many will be saved, and the church of Christ will be edified.
What then were the instructions by the Apostle to Timothy, since he knew that his time of ministry was coming to a close? Beyond the matter of the calling of God, Paul immediately directs Timothy’s attention to the necessary clarity of his objective. It is not that of simply teaching the truth, but the realization of a “love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” (1 Timothy 1:5) The message of the gospel will always direct the individual hearing it to the person of Jesus Christ, not only with regard to the truth, but also with regard to the Life of Christ to be known in power. A gospel that has another objective than to bring a person into fellowship, or communion with Christ, is one that is deficient, or lacking some essentials of truth. All through Paul’s letters to Timothy, he refers to the pitfalls, temptations, and distractions, that can become deterrents to Timothy fulfilling his ministry. But they are also pitfalls to the believer who would follow Christ. Paul tells Timothy what he must be as a man of faith. Specifically with regard to his ministry, he is instructed to stir up his gifts, attend to the study of the word of God, preaching and teaching it in season and out of season. The fight of faith before him, Timothy’s charge, and ours, is to lay hold of eternal life.
Dear Father, Give us the clear conviction of our calling. In Jesus’ name, Amen.