Exploring the Scripture

“Remember…”  Today’s lection begins with a word of command that needs more than memory. Disciples are to recall, consider, keep forefront in their minds, and learn by heart the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Once again, we have Jesus Christ as both fully divine and fully human at the center of our faith. He is the Christ who was crucified and lives again; Jesus descended from David. Other issues include distractions that can occupy time and energy, so disciples must stay focused.

Proclamation of the centrality of Christ in all facets of life is the reason Paul is a prisoner, “chained like a criminal” (v. 9). But the gospel cannot be bound. Paul continued to witness freely of Christ, which resulted in the spread of the gospel through the imperial guard and other prisoners around him. (See Philippians 1:12–14.) Converting others gives Paul strength and endurance to continue sharing his faith for their sake, even when physically bound. Nothing can hinder the spread of the gospel.

Verses 11–13 might be the text of an early Christian hymn. The first line refers to dying with Christ through baptism, but it also affirms that followers who face martyrdom will live again through the resurrection still to come. Enduring persecution, shame, and humiliation are temporary; being with Christ and in Christ is permanent and brings followers into the peace of Christ’s reign.

If believers deny Christ, Christ will deny knowing them. But the warning is followed by the assurance that Christ is faithful even in the face of our denials. The hymn may be pointing toward God’s unconditional love and grace that will not waver, even when we do. Or it may point toward the internal commitment of faithful obedience to God that motivated and bore Jesus through his suffering.

The first meaning would reassure those persecuted that their loyalty to Jesus would be rewarded. The second meaning would challenge them to remain faithful as an expression of their integrity and unshakable witness of Christ.

The purpose of these reminders becomes clear in verse 14. Church members have been arguing publicly over doctrine, beliefs, or practices. Whatever the controversy, the disagreements have damaged the church’s unity, which “ruins those who are listening” (v. 14).

Paul urges, “Do your best…” (v. 15) to suggest the circumstance is difficult with no easy solutions and guarantees. As a church leader, Timothy’s task is to speak the truth boldly and compassionately, without embarrassment or hesitation. In the verses that follow today’s passage, Paul names two people who have argued the final resurrection of the dead already has occurred. Such a claim confuses the membership and leads to divisiveness as leaders try to combat lies with the truth. In 1 Timothy 1:20, we learn that Paul asked Hymenaeus to leave the church (“turned…over to Satan”) for blasphemy.

Modern-day Christians find inspiration in Paul’s faithfulness in the face of persecution. We, too, can faithfully proclaim new life in Christ, despite illness, death, and disasters. We are to remember Jesus Christ and teach others the way of discipleship, regardless of the personal challenges before us. Our lives are open and visible. Like Paul, we must strive to live our faith as models for others.

Faith Unfiltered Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

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Central Ideas

1. Paul proclaimed life through faith in Jesus Christ while facing death in prison.
2. God remains faithful to us, even when we waver, deny Christ, or betray the call to service.
3. Solutions to a conflict are not easy. Church leaders strive to act firmly but with pastoral compassion in addressing controversial circumstances.
4. We are to remember Jesus Christ and teach others the way of discipleship, regardless of the personal challenges before us.

Questions to Consider

1. How can personal suffering and disasters strengthen a person’s ministry toward others?
2. What are the basic beliefs of the gospel for you?
3. What minor disputes have threatened to distract disciples from the centrality of Christ? How have you helped to be a reconciling agent?
4. What personal and corporate challenges have impacted your congregation? How have the members continued to remember and proclaim Christ during those difficulties?