IF YOU’RE GOING TO FOLLOW
2 Timothy 3:10-12 NKJV
10 But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
If you are going to follow someone, you might want to know just what you are following. Something in our nature wants to copy. It starts when we are very young, copying our parents. As children get older, they tend to copy those whom they believe are farther along or worth emulating. People online track their followers. But if you are going to follow, you may want to know just who you are following and what to follow. Paul, writing to Timothy, revealed nine things that Timothy had carefully followed in his life. And the good thing about following someone like Paul is that he is going in a good direction.
Paul mentions that Timothy followed his doctrine, or Timothy followed Paul’s teachings. Paul said that what he taught had been revealed to him by the Lord. Paul put the emphasis on following his teachings before he listed any other trait. The manner of life, or how he lived, was the second thing on Paul’s list. This meant that Paul was more than a great preacher and teacher; he lived a life that was congruent with what he taught. Paul’s purpose, why he did what he did, was important for Timothy. This meant that Paul had a purpose that was all about serving the Lord and advancing God’s kingdom. Paul was striving for the goal of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Teachings, the way he lived, and his purpose in life formed a solid foundation for Paul and made him an excellent role model for Timothy.
Paul then lists some characteristics that are associated with the fruit of the Spirit. Paul believed in walking by faith, not by his feelings or senses. He knew who he believed and was confident in his relationship with the Lord. Paul had extensive insight into what Jesus had done through His life, death on the cross, and resurrection. Paul began his Christian life by faith and knew faith was vital. Longsuffering and love have to do with the treatment of people. Longsuffering is exactly what it sounds like: suffering long with people. Love is putting others before self-interest and is the commandment of the Lord. Perseverance, the holding up under pressure, seemed to be one of Paul’s strong traits. All of the qualities on this list are honorable and worth pursuing.
The last two things Paul mentions are interesting. I don’t know if I want to follow Paul’s persecutions and afflictions. This brother went through a lot. Numerous beatings, being attacked by crazed mobs, stoned, and shipwrecked. But he did say that he endured; he was a tough guy, and that the Lord delivered him from all of the trouble he faced. He summed up his following lists by declaring that if you live a godly life, there will be persecution. No getting around that. Not everyone will like us or what and who we stand for. But we trust that out of whatever we go through, the Lord will deliver us. I believe Paul was preparing Timothy for the challenges that living strong for Christ Jesus would bring. But notice he never told Timothy to draw back.
Paul exemplified a life well lived. And even though he has been in heaven for a couple of thousand years, he still provides a worthy example to follow.
PRAYER
Strengthen me, Lord, to have a life as Paul had so that I may be a model for others to follow.