Year Two, November 21

He Had to Be Made Like His Brothers1

Hebrews 2

1Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. (It was as though our apostle was saying, “Christ is so excellent, and his gospel is so glorious, we should take great care to admire his person, respect his authority, appreciate his ministry, and believe his message. Let us pay attention and never allow our memories to become like leaking containers whose contents slip away from us.”) 2For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, 3how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, 4while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.

Let that question ring in our ears, “How shall we escape?” There will be no escape; there can be no escape if we refuse the Lord Jesus. Do we want to be lost? Do we dare to continue neglecting such a great salvation?

5Now it was not to angels that God subjected the world to come, of which we are speaking. 6It has been testified somewhere,

“What is man, that you are mindful of him,

or the son of man, that you care for him?

7 You made him for a little while lower than the angels;

you have crowned him with glory and honor,

8 putting everything in subjection under his feet.”

Now in putting everything in subjection to him, he left nothing outside his control. At present, we do not yet see everything in subjection to him. 9But we see him who for a little while was made lower than the angels, namely Jesus, crowned with glory and honor because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone. (Jesus died so the message of salvation could be delivered to everyone and so that each person who believed on him could be assured of his pardon. No one is denied mercy except those who refuse it.)

10For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12saying,

“I will tell of your name to my brothers;

in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”

This passage occurs in Psalm 22:22, It is a psalm about Christ’s suffering with the title, “To the Doe of the Dawn.” That is, the morning deer, the one a hunter decides to track that day. When Christ was being hunted down, he prayed to be delivered, and promised to praise God’s name in the midst of his spiritual brothers and sisters.

13And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again,

“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”

All of these expressions indicate the closeness of our relationship with Christ and the kind willingness of the great head of the family of God to be identified with us.

14Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. (Angels were passed by and humans redeemed. God’s sovereignty is wonderful and marvelous!) 17Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation2 for the sins of the people. 18For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. (Here is delightful encouragement to put our entire trust in him and approach him without fear. Let us come very close to him in prayer.)

^{_______________}

¹ Hebrews 2:17

² propitiation - The act of satisfying someone’s demands and changing that someone from an enemy into a friend. When Jesus Christ died on the cross he satisfied the demand of God the Father that a sacrifice for sin must be made to him. The wrath or anger of God was used up on Christ so that God’s justice was satisfied and we who were once the enemies of God became his friends.

Year Two, November 20

Your Throne, O God, Is Forever and Ever1

We have now reached that wonderful part of Holy Scripture that is found in the Letter to the Hebrews. To fully understand the Book of Hebrews we should thoroughly study the Book of Leviticus. Only diamonds will cut diamonds. The Word of God is its own best interpreter and the New Testament is the key that unlocks the Old.

The letter opens by declaring what the prophets said was given to them by God. God spoke through the prophets. The Scriptures are very clear about this. The writer’s opinion is very different from those who claim that God is not really the author of his own word!

  

Hebrews 1

1Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. (We enjoy the clearest of all God’s revelations. In Jesus we see far more of God than in all the teachings of the prophets.) 3He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

5For to which of the angels did God ever say,

“You are my Son,

today I have begotten you”?

Or again, (When Nathan the prophet spoke to David about his son Solomon as a type2 of Christ.3)

“I will be to him a father,

and he shall be to me a son”?

This is not said about an angel, but it is said of Christ, his anointed, in the second Psalm.

6And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,

“Let all God’s angels worship him.”

Or, “worship him all you gods!”4 By nature Jesus is infinitely superior to the greatest created beings. He is God and is to be worshiped as Lord of everything and everyone.

7Of the angels he says,

“He makes his angels winds,

and his ministers a flame of fire.”

8But of the Son he says,

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,

the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;

therefore God, your God, has anointed you

with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.”5

Angels are servants, not kings. They fly on their divine errands like flames of fire, but they do not wave a scepter, nor do they sit on a throne forever and ever. Jesus is the anointed king, and though we share in the anointing yet is he far above us. Christ is infinitely greater than Christians. We are quite glad to have it that way.

10And,

“You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,

and the heavens are the work of your hands;

11 they will perish, but you remain;

they will all wear out like a garment,

12 like a robe you will roll them up,

like a garment they will be changed.

But you are the same,

and your years will have no end.”6

Since the Messiah is described as unchangeable and having no end he must be divine. To deny that the Savior is God the Son is a deadly error. Dr. Owen gives us these reassuring words: “Whatever changes we may experience, inward or outward, yet Christ does not change. Our eternal condition is safe in him and he provides comfort in our current troubles and miseries. The unchangeableness and eternity of Christ are the source of support and security in every situation. Human nature, like all created things, is weak and dying. The only solid comfort we can receive comes from being heirs of the unlimited power, the supreme authority, and eternity of Jesus Christ.”7

13And to which of the angels has he ever said,

“Sit at my right hand

until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”?

14Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?

Angels are servants of God and our willing guardians, but they are not to be worshiped. Jesus is Lord of all, and we are required to adore him, and him only.

^{_______________}

¹ Hebrews 1:8

² type - something or someone that represents something or someone else, usually in the future. In this case, Solomon represents, or is a type, of the future Lord Jesus.

³ 2 Samuel 7:14

⁴ Psalm 97:7

⁵ Psalm 45:6-7

⁶ From Psalm 102:25-27

⁷ John Owen (1616-1683). From his Exposition of the Epistle to the Hebrews.

Year Two, November 19

Brother, I Want Some Benefit From You in the Lord1

This has been called “The Polite Letter,” because Paul used great courtesy and tact in writing it. Onesimus, a slave (or bondserant), had robbed his master Philemon, and then ran away from him. Thinking a big city would be the best place to hide out, Onesimus had fled to Rome. While there he heard Paul preach and became converted. The apostle sent him back to his Christian master with the following letter of apology. Although its original goal was only to restore a runaway slave to his master, it is an important letter, and every syllable has meaning.

  

The Letter of Paul to Philemon

1Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,

To Philemon our beloved fellow worker 2and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier, and the church in your house;

3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, 5because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, 6and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ. (Paul knew Philemon was a true believer. Therefore he prayed that others might feel the power of his Christian walk, by seeing how he acted in this case.) 7For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

8Accordingly, though I am bold enough in Christ to command you to do what is required, 9yet for love’s sake, I prefer to appeal to you--I, Paul, an old man and now a prisoner also for Christ Jesus-- (This is the best kind of pleading. Philemon’s heart would be sure to fulfill Paul’s request for “love’s sake.”) 10I appeal to you for my child, Onesimus, whose father I became in my imprisonment. 11(Formerly he was useless to you, but now he is indeed useful to you and to me.) 12I am sending him back to you, sending my very heart. (Onesimus is so dear to me that my heart goes with him wherever he goes.) 13I would have been glad to keep him with me, in order that he might serve me on your behalf during my imprisonment for the gospel, 14but I preferred to do nothing without your consent in order that your goodness might not be by compulsion but of your own accord. (Though he felt certain that Philemon would have been glad to spare his servant to care for his aged friend, Paul would not take the liberty of using his services without asking. Instead, he gave Philemon the opportunity to do it of his own will if he thought it was the right thing to do.)

15For this perhaps is why he was parted from you for a while, that you might have him back forever, 16no longer as a bondservant but more than a bondservant, as a beloved brother--especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord. (Providence2 permitted him to run away so that he would come under Paul’s influence and become a Christian. The gracious purpose of God overrules evil for good.)

17So if you consider me your partner (or true comrade in Christ), receive him as you would receive me. 18If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. 19I, Paul, write this with my own hand: I will repay it--to say nothing of your owing me even your own self. 20Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.

21Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I say. (Is not this a graceful way of putting it? Who could have the heart to resist pleading like this? And still, every word is gentle and quiet. Mild language is mighty.) 22At the same time, prepare a guest room for me, for I am hoping that through your prayers I will be graciously given to you.

23Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, 24and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.

25The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

^{_______________}

¹ Philemon 1:20

² providence  - refers to God’s will, his divine intervention, and his predetermination (predestination).

Year Two, November 18

Be Perfect, As Your Heavenly Father Is Perfect1

Titus was another of Paul’s sons in the faith. The apostle called him, “My partner and fellow worker.”2 He had been sent to the churches of Crete. Paul wrote this letter to give him instructions on how to take care of those churches.

  

Titus 1:1-9

1Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

4To Titus, my true child in a common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

5This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you-- (The gospel had been preached in Crete and converts made, but the churches needed to be organized properly. Churches without elders are like an army without officers.  Those who think a church should not have official organization are mistaken.) 6if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. (The Church of Rome has no right to forbid ministers to marry.) 7For an overseer (called an elder in verse five), as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. 

First, understand what ministers should be, and then pray that many who are qualified may be found for our churches.

  

Titus 2:1-14

1But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.

Older Christians are closer to heaven than others and should be more heavenly minded.

3Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled. (The young woman’s first responsibility is the home.) 6Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

9Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative (not talking back or being disrespectful). 10not pilfering (or stealing little things because you think the boss “owes” it to you), but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

11For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Christians are often called “different.” Let us be different in holiness.)

  

^{_______________}

¹ Matthew 5:48

² 2 Corinthians 8:23

Year Two, November 17

The Lord Will Rescue Me From Every Evil Deed1

Paul’s second letter to Timothy begins with a very serious command. Coming from someone who would soon be sealing his testimony with his blood, Timothy must have felt the power of Paul’s words as long as he lived. Older believers should impress the value of the gospel on the young.

  

2 Timothy 4:1-18

1I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. (A minister is never off duty. He should not only win souls whenever an opportunity presents itself, but he should also make opportunities. Reliable teaching and zeal must go together in equal proportions. Dr. Ryland well said, “No sermon is likely to be useful that does not have the three R’s in it: Ruin by the Fall; Redemption by Christ; Regeneration by the Holy Spirit. My goal in every sermon is to call sinners, to stir up the saints, and to be made a blessing to all.”2)

3For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

6For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. (Paul was suffering and he was ready to endure it even to death. Yet how sweetly does he speak about his execution as a mere departure! He looked on death as only a move from one place to another, a short journey to a better country.) 7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (He looked on life as a battle, a race, and a stewardship, and having been faithful in all these he expected a gracious reward.)

9Do your best to come to me soon. 10For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. (As the leaves fall away in winter so do friends leave us in difficult times.) 11Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. (This was the Mark about whom Paul and Barnabas had “a sharp disagreement” in Antioch.3 This proves that Paul had changed his mind about Mark. The apostle was not like some who will never change their mind. He was as ready to praise as he had once been to criticize.) 12Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.

Shivering in prison the poor and aged apostle needed his cloak. He still desired to study the word of God, so he also asked for his books and notes.

14Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message. (Paul spoke as a prophet, not out of personal anger, because the man opposed the gospel.) 16At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. (This probably refers to the Roman Emperor Nero who was called “The Lion” by Seneca.4 It was a well deserved title for such a monster of cruelty. The Lord strengthened Paul during this terrible and painful experience.) 18The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

^{_______________}

¹ 1 Timothy 4:18

² This may be the English Baptist minister, John Ryland (1753-1825).

³ Acts 15:36-41

⁴ Seneca the Younger (4 BC - 65 AD).

Year Two, November 16

Continue in What You Have Learned1

2 Timothy 3

1But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

These people will be in the church and greatly trouble it. They are all around us and their number is growing. It is of little use arguing with them or trying to set them straight. We would be better off leaving them alone. They are in the Lord’s hands. He knows how to deal with them.

6For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. (These deceivers spread their teachings secretly among those who were less wise and entangled in sin. Truth is not afraid of the light, but falsehood is a night bird that flies where it will not be noticed. If any religious teacher asks us to hide what they tell us from our friends, then we may be sure that they are good for nothing.) 8Just as Jannes and Jambres (Pharaoh's magicians) opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

Paul explained the underhanded methods of the false teachers, boldly exposing them. However gentle we may be, we must not allow falsehood to be secretly taught, but must drag it into the light, and strike it until it dies.

10You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra--which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, (Christ’s soldiers must expect hard blows. Those who trust in the Crucified will always have a cross to carry. Those who try to avoid it are lazy and unwilling to shoulder their share of the weight.

“Must I be carried to the skies,

On flowery beds of ease,

While others fought to win the prize,

And sailed through bloody seas?”2)

13while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (Timothy was fortunate to have been prepared like this for his battle with false teachings. He was even more favored to be given the grace to remain loyal to the truth that he had been taught from childhood. Still, he needed to be urged to remain firm, and so do we. May none of us ever, ever, give an ear to false doctrine, but may we cling to the gospel with all of our might.)

16All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (Let us never forget this. The whole Bible is inspired and is to be wholeheartedly received as the infallible truth of God. Get away from this and we have nothing left to hold on to. Whatever we do, let us never give up the Bible. Those who would weaken our deep respect for it are our worst enemies.)

^{_______________}

¹ 2 Timothy 3:14

² From the hymn, Am I a Soldier of the Cross, by Isaac Watts. He wrote this hymn in 1721 while preparing a sermon on spiritual warfare based on 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.”

Year Two, November 15

Let Everyone Who Names the Name of the Lord Depart From Iniquity1

2 Timothy 2

1You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.

Soldiers must be free from other employment. It is good for pastors not to be restricted by other activities. They should be able to give themselves completely to their Master’s work. For that to happen, their people must see to it that they are supplied with everything they need, just as a nation sees to it that its soldiers have everything they need.

5An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

8Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! (This was his comfort, he was bound, but the gospel was not.) 10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11The saying is trustworthy, for:

If we died with him, we will also live with him;

12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he also will deny us;

13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

for he cannot deny himself.

These verses were used as a hymn in the early church. They should be learned by heart and quoted often.

14Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17and their talk will spread like gangrene.

We must stay away from mysterious teachings or trying to give a spiritual meaning to everything that happens. Be cautious about accepting traditions and avoid idle controversies. Clear sailing is best for Christians.

Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” (The sentences engraved on this seal are precious and practical. There is the secret knowledge of the Lord and the open display of it. Election and holiness are very close companions.)

20Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

Ready to be used by God! Is not this a glorious way to be? Prepared not for some good work, but for every good work! Is not this cleansing a grand achievement? Let us aim at this and never rest until we reach it.

22So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

Leave theories for those who like them. By the grace of God, live and love the real life of the Christian, whatever it may cost you.

^{_______________}

¹ 2 Timothy 2:19

Year Two, November 14

Follow the Pattern of the Sound Words That You Have Heard From Me1

Paul’s second letter to Timothy was probably the last letter the apostle wrote. It contains dying advice and was written while he expected to be martyred any time. Paul looked ahead to the executioner’s axe calmly, while writing this letter to his favorite disciple, and encouraging him to be faithful to the death.

  

2 Timothy 1

1Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

2To Timothy, my beloved child:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

Here we see the innermost heart of Paul. Many of his friends have deserted him, he is old and feeble, he is expecting a cruel death, and he cherishes the memory of his beloved young disciple and longs to see him face to face one more time. With joy, he remembers the holy mother and grandmother of his friend and the genuine godliness of Timothy himself. It is a natural and touching scene!

6For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 7for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

8Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner (Do not hesitate to come to Rome and join with me in the disapproval and dangers that belong to ministers of Christ), but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

“The old man eloquent”2 feels his soul warming as he describes the glories of the gospel, eternal in its purpose, and matchless in its achievements. He sits on the brink of the grave and sings of the One who has put an end to death. Only faith in the resurrection could inspire such triumphant words.

13Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (This is the main concern of the apostle’s pleading with Timothy, “Follow Christ Jesus.” We need the same encouraging warning, because this is an evil day, and thousands are swayed by public opinion and change their minds like the wind changes direction.) 14By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

15You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me-- 18may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!--and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

This good man is here immortalized. When Onesiphorus risked his life to find and help a poor despised prisoner, he little knew that he would live forever on the page of church history. His cup of cold water given to an apostle has received an apostle’s reward. Are there any alive today like Paul to whom we might minister in love the way Onesiphorus did?

^{_______________}

¹ 2 Timothy 1:13

² A nickname of honor given to John Quincy Adams, the 6th president of the United States. “Old man eloquent” can also be found in a 17th century sonnet of John Milton which is what Spurgeon is probably referencing.