Scripture Guide

As our time in the letters to Timothy comes to a close, I can’t help but imagine a diamond. Think about it for a moment: How’s a diamond formed? Diamonds develop deep in the earth under extreme heat and immense pressure. What an incredible picture in God’s creation for us to hold onto. God doesn’t do this by accident! He uses His creation to speak to us. So, let’s consider this process and the life of Paul. 

It was in the most horrendous experiences and trials that made Paul stronger in his faith. So much of his wisdom and encouragement in these letters to Timothy are rooted in those hardships and lessons he learned from first going into dark areas that needed the gospel. Following Jesus involves risk, sacrifice, and tension, but it will always result in our refinement to become who Jesus always meant for us to be, just like how a diamond is formed. 

However, Paul’s own persecution caused people to doubt and abandon him. Even then, he doesn’t hold it against them! He doesn’t spend any energy picking fights, proving himself right, or defaming other people’s names. Instead, he directs his energy towards investing in Timothy and building up the church in whatever way he can, even from his chains! Most importantly, he remembers that God’s the One who’s never left his side and constantly supplies him with strength! Ultimately, Paul knows this: God will deliver him safely into his heavenly kingdom at the end of all this hardship. That’s where Paul places his hope.

As Paul closes, He asks Timothy to send greetings to some of the key ministry leaders he’s worked alongside for years: Priscilla, Aquila, and Onesiphorus. He also mentions other key partners who are with him, sending their greetings to Timothy. One of the most difficult tensions we live through on earth is when we’re separated from the people we love and care for, specifically our friendships with others in our church community. There’s a deeply bittersweet tension in not being able to be with everyone together in one place at one time. Yet, we mustn’t forget the idea that missing people is a sign of living life well, loving others deeply, and walking in obedience to our God-given design for community. Don’t let that reality pass you by! It’s worth it to live boldly for Christ, because the pain and hardship of persecution or living in the tension between feeling at home with other believers, but not being in our eternal home yet, is what makes our future that much more worthwhile!