This week we wrap up Paul’s second letter of encouragement and instruction to Timothy, his son in the faith.
As we examine Paul’s closing statements we are moved to take a fresh look at the Great Commission our Lord spoke to those first disciples, who in turn charged all future believers to obey as well.
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Chapters 105 & 106 close out Book IV in the greater book of Psalms. Even though they are in a separate division within the Psalms, their content is very much instep with chapter 107 – the first chapter in the 5th and final division of the book of Psalms.
The call is worship, praise and rejoice in the Lord Who comes to our rescue time and time again – even though we are most often the cause of our distress!
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From encouragements to stand strong, to strong warnings and even stronger commands – Paul instructs Timothy about the sobering nature of life in Christ.
The world is on a path leading to destruction and they will grow worse afflicting and infecting the church with their deceptions.
Paul reminds Timothy of the personal nature of the grass roots of his faith and that of the believers in Ephesus. He then commissions him to disciple them with the view of those too going out and making more disciples by the message they live and teach.
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Paul knew of the difficulties in Ephesus because the church was structured so that the pastors (elders) and Timothy had hands on exposure to every believer.
Due to Paul & Timothy these believers became solid in doctrine.
Year later the Lord praised them for their doctrinal stability, but warned them of their lack of passion in His letters to the churches in Revelation.
This is always a danger – people either over emphasis scripture or overemphasize encounters wth God – when what makes for long term stability and growth is BOTH!
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This set of Psalms starts off with one of the most famous Psalms / passages in the Bible – a psalm of thanksgiving and instructions on how to approach the Lord our God.
We move on through psalms of which talk of God’s justice and loving kindness stirring desires for personal integrity in believers.
Then to trust in difficult situations with expectation of God’s intervention.
A Psalm calling for praise and a recalling of all the acts of kindness God has shown.
Finally a psalm which reveals the power of God over His creation. Also His wisdom which proves true even when “man’s wisdom” claims they know better.
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