Still not sure how someone can get through 4 chapters in 5 minutes! 10 minutes for me, and a very interesting read, considering how the world thinks about death compared to Paul's thoughts.
As the intro states, this is Paul's last letter, written during his imprisonment in Rome - not the time recorded in Acts, but after his release and continue work for God, he was again imprisoned and this time he was executed. Interesting notes about a couple of characters we have seen before. Mark is mentioned here, as a valued brother and friend of Paul; when we saw him in Acts there was a dispute between Paul and Barnabas over his desertion from a mission trip: his inclusion here indicates the relationship is reconciled. Demas is also mentioned, but this is the opposite case, where someone previously recorded as a worker with Paul has now turned to the world and its attractions, rejecting God.
Paul is well aware of his impending death. Not in denial about it, nor angry, nor sorrowful, he shows joy. He knows he has served the Lord well since his conversion on the way to Damascus, and that his time on earth has come to an end - he is ready to see his Lord face to face. He rejoices both in what God has brought about in his life, and the anticipation of Heaven.
Knowing he must leave, he seeks to encourage Timothy (and others) again before he leaves. The life of a Christian is not easy, especially as a Christian leader. He exhorts Timothy to be confident in the truth, in preaching the gospel, in the knowledge of the divine inspiration of the Scriptures. To be bold in correcting false doctrine, but gently - in grace, but with firmness upholding the truth - God may bring them to repentance. Sometimes reproof is called for, sometimes a harsher rebuke. He warns again of the persecution that will arise, the decadence of society, and the tendency to ignorant quarrels about nothing important. As in all his previous letters, he continues to exhort him to live a life of example, riding his life of iniquity - focusing on the Godly desires and pursuits. And all this he teaches and we live, because of Christ, and all He has done for us, as Paul reminds us again and again through his letters of this wonderful Foundation, Source, Anchor, and Fountain.
I've seen the movie bucket list - haven't seen the other two items linked there. Watched the trailer for 'Tuesdays', but didn't gather much from it. The lecture, I didn't watch much of, just skipped here and there a bit to get a feel for it. Not really impressed - just seems to be a lot of rhetoric common in today's society - although I can't form an authoritative view, since I didn't watch the whole thing. The Bucket List is another story - I really enjoyed the movie, but in terms of the philosophy it taught - it was really boiled down to 'you deserve to have a bit of fun while you can' and 'remember the important things in life' / 'find the joy in your life' (family). Paul, on the other hand, focuses our eyes heavenward, and teaches us to live in the light of the knowledge we have been granted. There is a passion for sharing the good news given to us, a compassion for those who are on the path to hell, a concern for people who might be deceived by false doctrine, a zealousness for God's name that He might be glorified and not grieved by our lives.
Lord, we lift our eyes heavenward to You, and we rejoice in the hope and assurance You have granted. Lord help us to follow the example of Godly men like Paul, who lived to please You, willingly suffering for Your Name, and preaching Your Word whether there was opposition or not. Lord by Your Spirit, keep bringing to our remembrance the things that we have learned, that we might walk in them, and live worthy of Your calling. Our strength and confidence is in You.
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