Heralds Digest

"The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen." (2 Timothy 4:22 NKJV) Comrades are generally endowed with a special fighting spirit. And it is understandable that fighting for the ephemeral things of this world can attract pleasure from possible accumulation of wealth and position. Unfortunately, this type of pleasure is transient; and it cannot endure the reality of life. Unlike general comrades, the spirit of a gracious comrade is never in bondage, even when his body is under lock and keys. As a comrade, now under incarceration, Paul understood the influence of the comfort of the Spirit of God for any lonely spirit. Gracious comrades are never alone, even when found in the deepest of darkness of this world.

"And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!" (2 Timothy 4:18 NKJV) Human solidarity boosts morale and confidence towards achievement in almost all of life's projects. Unfortunately, there are inherent dangers in riding on human platforms - it can yield due to cascading effect, leading to unpredictable damage and irreparable loss. However with God's solidarity and support, even the possible evil intentions in human assistance are turned good for His glory. Therefore, when it appears all hell are let loose, it is evident that sovereign solidarity cannot suffer loss.

"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.