12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.
Paul wrote this from jail shortly before he died. He apparently knew what was coming an yet kept his faith to the very end. Because His faith was so strong--he knew with complete certainty, he says he is convinced of Jesus power over death. With that knowledge he can face anything, we all should be able to face any challenge without fear.
Also sometimes I think I shy away from faith discussions not because I lack faith but I'm fearful that going to quickly down that road with someone might actually scare them away. But really that is silly thinking an wasting opportunities. No cause for shame, just truth. Share it.
Before I started reading this today I thought, why a second book. So I googled. Found this very short write-up that I really liked
http://www.insight.org/resources/bible/the-pauline-epistles/second-timothy
knut
I'm glad you posted today. It was a great help to me. I've been reading this chapter for 2 days, and struggling with what to talk about. I read the Chuck Swindoll blurb that you posted. Great context. It flavors his writing to know where he was and how he knew death was close.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a great partner in this fight!
tp