Pastor's Column 10/4/20

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“You should know this Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred…They will be religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that… But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.” 2 Timothy 3:1-2;5;14, NLT

1st Sunday- “Distance Yourself To Save Yourself!”

The late Dr. John Robert Stott, the sage Anglican theologian, said the day is coming “when evil will meet God head-on in a collision.” The result would be the judgment of God upon those who pervert the truth, and perpetuate wrong. This is the message the Apostle Paul gave Timothy, his son in the faith. Paul had commissioned Timothy to Ephesus to complete the “unfinished business” of the faith community. Timothy was sent during the most perilous times of that period. So difficult was the era Timothy faced, that the Greek word chalepos is used to describe the situation. The word is translated “difficult times.” Plutarch, the Greek historian, used the literal term, “an ugly wound.” In Ephesus, things were ugly! Sadly, that description fits our present age. Paul grimly describes the character, speech, and behavior of leaders, and he tells Timothy “to have nothing to do with them.” Paul meant: ‘Do not imbibe their false propaganda.’ ‘Do not simulate their sinful behavior.’ The Apostle warns, “Stay away from them.” Paul said some within their group may be religious, but they are not godly. In contrast, Timothy is told to “remain faithful” to what he’s been taught. Timothy had been taught the truth of the Gospel imperative: to love, be just, live godly, and treat others with respect. We must distance ourselves from wrong and evil. In doing so, we will save ourselves.