Living Hope

It’s complicated to live as faithful followers of Jesus, speaking a language that engages the culture and addresses contemporary needs while remaining true to Jesus. Anybody can just go with the flow, adapting to culture while abandoning the lordship of Jesus. On the other hand, it’s easy to retreat into rules that cut ourselves off from the culture.

Sometimes we are going to feel under-resourced. Like Timothy, we will feel at times that other people seem to know more about life than we do. They might even mock our naïveté (v 12). But in Jesus, we have resources to live the truth. Living out love, faith, and purity demonstrates that we know what life is about. Great arguments don’t always lead to good lives.

But words are important. Paul’s instruction encourages Timothy not to rely on his lifestyle to challenge the culture. It is God’s Word that will enable people to stand firm in the faith.

He is to make sure there is regular reading and reflection on God’s truth. The Scriptures will do their transforming work.

Timothy must learn that being a disciple of Jesus in an alien culture is going to be hard work (v 7). He’s gifted and he’s been commissioned (v 14), but neither guarantees an easy path ahead. There are massive issues at stake—how he lives and what he teaches will bring salvation, for himself and for others (v 16).

Respond in Prayer

Our God and Father, you have given us hope through raising Jesus from the dead. I don’t want my life to be dictated by the trends of culture but by your truth and ultimate purpose. Use me in your loving purpose to tell everyone about Jesus, the Saviour. For His sake, Amen.

Andy Bathgate

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®).