THE MINISTRY OF THE INSPIRED SCRIPTURES IN PERILOUS TIMES

Paul the apostle wrote this pastoral epistle to Timothy, his son in the faith, with the authority of an apostle. It reveals his affection, appreciation, affirmation and support for the young minister in order to motivate him for further ministry. Timothy needed to understand the peculiarity of the time in which he lived and fulfil his ministry. Thus, he was admonished to keep the word of life and truth which he had known from infancy. Besides, he was shown the instrument or tool he needed to bring people into God’s kingdom. In addition to the deposit of knowledge in him, he was to “know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.”

The expressions “the last days”, “the latter times” or the “latter days” have varied meanings in the Scripture. Daniel used the word to mean from the time of Nebuchadnezzar to the time “the God of heaven [will] set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed.” Other kingdoms which would emerge after that of Nebuchadnezzar’s were the Medo-Persian, the Grecian and the Roman governments. These four empires span the last days or the latter times. While the writer of the epistle to the Hebrews included the period he lived, John the beloved included the time he lived and the entire period of the Church age as the last days. Also, Peter included the time which his audience lived as the last days. The time in which we live is the last period before the setting up of the everlasting kingdom of our Lord. Therefore, we should hold firm to the word of God and make it a priority in our life and ministry, in spite of the prevalence of evil in the world.

1. MARKS OF SELF-CENTREDNESS IN THE CHURCH

2 Timothy 3:1-9; 1 Timothy 6:5,9,10

                           

The greatest contributory factor to the peril of the last days in the church is self-centredness. Lack of love for God and His word or lack of appreciation for His plan of redemption will result in a sinful life. The love of self brings covetousness. Covetous people exalt money above Christ and His service, and suppose that “gain is godliness”. Those who often think of how to get rich at all cost should know that “they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”  We cannot keep the faith and the love of money together. True, dynamic and saving faith drives away the love of money from our hearts. Boasters claim the greatness they do not possess. They brag about and exaggerate their ability, talent, reputation, accomplishment and value to the church and society. In spite of their quiet and inoffensive appearance, there is contempt for everyone else in their heart. While blasphemers slander the Lord and His word, and disrespect sacred things, others are disobedient to parents. Also, because the world is averse to constituted authorities, rebellion becomes the order of the day in schools and workplaces. They are unthankful and never appreciate any good thing done for them. Since they are unholy, they practice and perpetrate all kinds of evil.

Those without natural affection, abandon their children in pursuit of selfish, personal, worldly pleasure.

Trucebreakers find it difficult to keep to their promise. Even when they vow to serve the Lord till the end during special programmes, they are quick to break such.

False accusers share the nature and title of Satan. Being blindfolded, they do the works of the devil.

The incontinent are those who lack self-control. Thus, the Spirit of God cannot check them.

A lover of self will eventually become a slave to his passion and ambition.

“Lovers of pleasures” cherish worldly entertainments more than God. Unfortunately, these marks of self-centredness have infiltrated the church. But the Lord commands us to turn away from such people who have “a form of godliness, but [deny] the power thereof.” Also, we must avoid liberal preachers who modify God’s word. If we remain faithful to the Word and seek to please the Lord at all times, truth will conquer error and sound doctrine will conquer false doctrine.

2. THE MODEL FOR SAINTS IN GOD’S SERVICE

2 Timothy 3:10-14

Paul the apostle presented himself as a model to Timothy. As a way of mentoring, the Apostle set forth the following to build him as well as the contemporary believer: (1) his doctrine; (2) manner of life; (3) purpose; (4) faith; (5) longsuffering; (6) charity; (7) patience; (8) persecution; (9) affliction. These qualities are divided into three categories: ministry duties, godly virtues and difficult experiences. Apostle Paul’s doctrine was precisely the whole counsel of God, not a partial doctrine which emphasised healing and deliverance. Timothy was to commit the same counsel “to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2). As believers, we should be committed to preaching the whole counsel of God. Paul’s manner of life was consistent with his teaching. He had a godly purpose, Christ-like motive and driving passion to exalt Christ; he sought only the glory of the Lord. The combination of doctrine, manner of life and purpose is imperative for effective ministry. Godly virtues were inseparable part of his life. He also had unwavering faith in God and His promises.

In addition, Paul the apostle had a resolute, persistent spirit that made him uncompromising, and devoted to the Lord and the work of the Kingdom. He ministered in love and remained patient with difficult people and circumstances. From the time of his conversion, persecution and affliction were his constant companions. But he had a calm temper that suffered without murmuring or discontent. He was a man of great courage who endured persecution. To live godly in this world, we should be prepared to suffer persecution. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).

3. THE MINISTRY OF SCRIPTURES IN THE CHURCH

2 Timothy 3:15-17; 1:5; 1 Timothy 5:18; Deuteronomy 25:4; Luke 10:7; Hebrews 1:1,2; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Peter 3:16

Paul the apostle reminded Timothy how privileged he was to have known the Holy Scriptures from his childhood. His mother and grandmother accepted the responsibility to bring him up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. This is instructive to mothers in the church. They should take up the challenge to teach their children the way of the Lord where the fathers, who are supposed to be the priests of the home, are failing. Every family has the responsibility to raise godly children to avoid the kind of judgment God brought on Eli. The church, too, ought to have a ministry that will develop children in the word of God.

The Apostle affirms further that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God.” The word ‘inspiration’, in the original usage, means ‘breathed out’. As God breathed into man and he became a living soul, He breathed out the Scripture. Therefore, we should not tamper with the out-breathed word of God. It should be treated as sacred whether we understand it or not. ‘All scripture’ refers to both the Old and New Testaments, and they are profitable. People who do not teach from the Old Testament because they think they are given as symbols which are fulfilled already do err. But Paul the apostle, by the inspiration of the Spirit of God, brought the New and the Old Testaments together in his writing and referred to them as the Scripture. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works”. There is no other place to find materials for developing and establishing doctrine except in the word of God. Therefore, we should be more committed to the Word which reveals God’s plan of redemption to humanity, the love of Jesus Christ, the mysteries of the Kingdom and the way of escape from eternal condemnation. God’s word is the greatest gift to mankind.