Heralds Digest

"Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments." (2 Timothy 4:13 NKJV) Friends are called to endure inconveniences in series of challenging circumstances. But in every form of relationship, there are limits to individual's management of the challenges of life, leading to possible fallouts in friendship. Although Demas was apparently offended with Paul's management of his incarceration, Paul understood the limit of his expectation from human relationships. Friends will always be precious, but not necessarily treacherous treasure. Only God's word can timelessly be brought to us, even when our attentions cannot always be bought.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV) The fear of boarding an ill-fated flight is irrelevant or non-existent to a man, whose project task in the departing city is fully-completed, whose travel luggage is fully-packed, and whose identity is fully-screened. Likewise for apostle Paul on a voyage to the city of glory, he has had a good fight, a finished race, and a kept faith. Obviously, the relevance of any man's engagements on earth is undoubtedly evident, at least to the pilgrim, before his transition to heaven. A happy feeling at the boarding gate is a reflection of a well kept faith prior to the arrival at the departure lounge.

"..and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." (2 Timothy 4:4 NKJV) "Preach the word", admonishes the preacher's mentor. Obviously, the words from the preacher's pulpit or practices are not only meant for the preacher's admirers, but also for the preacher's attention. God's words are two-edged swords, cutting across the speaker and listeners with equal veracity. This implies that the ear that pay attention to the truth is saved from error, irrespective of the source of communication. Therefore, failure to daily live for the truth equals consent to be turned aside to fables.

"..that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:17 NKJV) Man, as a perfect work-piece of God, is a complete reflection of His goodness. However, the fall of man and man's daily living in perilous times have created a void that can only be re-filled by the Creator. Everyone, who wishes to retain godliness as lifestyle, must live daily with the inspired word of God. The depravity of sin destroys man's focus on the good course; but God's word delivers and restores goodness, which is the complete nature of God in man. Precisely, everyone needs to be quipped with God's word in order to be daily equipped for good work.

"But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy.." (2 Timothy 3:1-2 NKJV) Although times and men are part of God's creation, God is not responsible for the convocation of perilous times. Since times are inanimate, changes in times must be the function of changes in free-moral men. The scriptures say men will be lovers of themselves. Obviously, haters of selves are not here advocated. However, increasing focus on self-welfare, self-position, self-appreciation, self-promotion, etc, leaves little energy for self-control. Unfortunately, self advancement without the control of the Spirit of God makes perilous times.

"Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work." (2 Timothy 2:21 NKJV) Everyone is dressed the way he wishes to be addressed. Just as honour will not likely be reserved for a man with a rag on his robe, it is difficult to proof the savour of a flesh sandwich made with a rotten egg. Although the physiology of human heart is beyond his control, the chemistry of the content of the heart is the responsibility of every man. All the redeemed hearts may boast of divine calls to be heralds of the gospel, only herald that ceases to run an errand for unrighteousness are qualify to be honoured vessel.

"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." (2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV) Unless when God's words are subject to human interpretation, its foundation is accepted as consistent and unambiguous. Only human standards are subject to complex interpretation, because the principles of their operation are not based on absolute truth. In order to avoid the danger of being unnecessarily worked up or shamed by the affairs of the ministry, Timothy needed to be wary of human or disapproved approval process. Meanwhile, absolute confidence in the leading of the Spirit of God maketh not ashamed.