1 John 2:11

Haven't been posting lately

Perhaps I'll switch to something less structured...

Anyway,

Usually there's at least a night-light on in the hallway at night and perhaps even the front house lights go on. However, tonight the house was quite dark and scary when I came home late. As I was walking around, I turned on the lights (obviously). However, coming upstairs, I was lazy and turned off the lights for sheer convenience of having to turn on and off certain lights. Anyway, it was noticeably dark and I was reminded of 1 John 2:11. I mean, we can easily relate and understand what it means to walk around in the darkness; however, it was cool to be reminded of that. Jesus is the light of the world, and who are we to walk around pretending as if we can see with whatever "light" we are using. I must always rely on Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:1-4

This verse begins with "but", which tells us about the connection between this and what Paul has previously said. Paul was talking about quarrelling and controversies. The Lord's servant must not be one who involves himself in these kinds of things. Instead, they are to gently correct their opponents. Opposing those who are not with you (those who are not saved) may turn them away from Christ, which is not something you want to do. Instead, as we patiently endure evil, it is possible for God to save them. It is certainly a joyous occasion when God saves someone. In light of this, Paul wants to remind us that there will come times of difficulty. It's not going to be easy. In particular, he points to these last days as bringing times of difficulty. It's not as if it gets easier as things come to an end; instead, things get harder. Paul goes on to talk about the sinfulness of people and the many sinful things that they do. Paul almost seems to be addressing a misconception that was among the believers. This isn't necessarily it, but it makes me think of how we, as sinful human beings, may start to believe that life gets better and easier. We may start to think that when we finally get to the next stage in life, things will settle down and be easier. However, the world is still filled with sinful people and we're not perfect either. You can't avoid difficulty, it will come.

2 Timothy 2:26

This passage is talking about salvation. They may possibly be saved by God. Specifically, they are ensnared by the devil. God can save people from that. They have been captured to do the will of the devil. What's interesting is this idea of slavery. People think of slavery and think of it as a bad thing. It certainly can be a bad thing and the slavery that typically happens in the world is evil. However, slavery isn't a bad thing if you have a good master. Paul refers to himself as a bond-servant of Christ. When God saves people from slavery from Satan, they in a sense become slaves of the Lord. It's interesting and it's good because the Lord is a good master.

2 Timothy 2:25

When in a disagreement, one might want to correct the other in an aggressive manner. Tempers may rise and harsh words may be spoken. However, the Lord's servant must be gentle when correcting his opponents. Paul then says that God may grant them repentance leading to knowledge of the truth. What's interesting is that the focus isn't on the Lord's servant, but the focus is instead on God. We are tempted to think that it is us who do the saving, but it is clearly God who does a good work in people. Sure, we are instruments for his works and purposes, but God causes the growth. In particular, God is the one who grants repentance. We must come before God in repentance for the many sins we have committed. However, it's interesting that it is pointed out here that God is the one who grants repentance. Even in repentance is it God who is the primary actor in our salvation.

2 Timothy 2:24

These ignorant controversies breed quarrels. This type of behavior does not align with servants of the Lord. Instead, they are to be kind to everyone. Breeding quarrels does not show kindness to everyone, but is instead quite aggressive and opposing to others. Servants of the Lord should be able to teach. Instead of opposing and quarrelling with others, they should try to teach. Quarrelling attacks, but teaching instructs. What's also mentioned is that they patiently endure evil. When evil comes, servants of the Lord are not to fail or fall under the coming evil, but they are to endure through it. This may be linked to ignorant controversies and evil. Perhaps the evil to be endured may be others trying to quarrel with them and bring them into this foolishness. It may be tempting to partake in these things, but the Lord's servant must be kind, able to teach and patient.