The ultimate reality
Erick du Toit
October 24, 2019
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2 Timothy 3: 14- 4:5 (NLT)
14 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. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
(4) 1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
We tend to pay special attention to the words of a person who is very near to death.
Why?
It’s very possible that this person might have important pieces of wisdom, advice, and reflection to share with us.
Paul’s second letter to his mentee, Timothy, expresses Paul’s final thoughts shortly before his death. It was deeply moving as Paul not only reflected upon God’s faithfulness but exhorted Timothy to remain faithful. Days are coming, says Paul, when followers of Jesus would depart from the truth and wander into myth.
It says in 2 Timothy 4:4 that, “they will reject the truth and chase after myths.”
So what exactly is a myth?
According to the Encyclopaedia Britannica “myths are specific accounts of gods or superhuman beings involved in extraordinary events or circumstances in a time that is unspecified but which is understood as existing apart from ordinary human experience.”
This was a very real danger for the Gospel movement. In order for the Good News to spread throughout the world it had to have its origins in the Word of God. In solid, sound and wholesome teaching. Different philosophies and false doctrines of the first century ran the risk of tainting the authenticity and message of Jesus and his grace.
Preaching truth became a real challenge in a society that didn’t like the message of repentance and forgiveness.
Sounds all too familiar, doesn’t it?
And that’s the beauty of God’s Word. It remains relevant, throughout the ages. Whether it be in your personal faith journey or your ministry, work environment and/or family life.
The world we live in can at times be twisted — trying to convince us that Jesus is a feel-good-made-up crutch to help us cope with suffering and pain.
Sceptics: they’ll always be there to test your faith. Consider it a privilege and see it as an opportunity to strengthen your convictions as you seek answers in His Word.
You are the ultimate reality, Lord.
You are more real than any doubt I might ever have.
You are in everyone and in all, even made up myths.
Assist me in finding you in the unlikeliest of places, especially today.
Amen.
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