In what is probably the last letter that Paul wrote, he really encourages Timothy to keep fighting the good fight and to not let anybody stand in his way.

“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:6-7 (NLT)

This is a great verse for anything, not just telling our friends and loved ones about the Lord. God made us to do whatever we can to please Him and it is only our self-imposed fears that get in the way. We can do anything when we allow God to work within us. We just to need to remember this:

Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
we will also live with him;

If we endure,
we will also reign with him.

If we disown him,
he will also disown us;

If we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.

2 Timothy 2:11-14 (NIV)

I love that because it just sums it up so well. If we remember that, we are good to go.

Also, as I mentioned before, we get caught up in what others think of us and thing of this world. Paul knew this back then as well and he reminds Timothy:

And as Christ’s soldier, do not let yourself become tied up in the affairs of this life, for then you cannot satisfy the one who has enlisted you in his army. Follow the Lord’s rules for doing his work, just as an athlete either follows the rules or is disqualified and wins no prize. 2 Timothy 2:4-5 (NLT)

Which brings me to another thought that has been dogging me lately. It really irritates me when I am doing research and leaders start calling each other out saying that they are not spreading the Word correctly, being false leaders. But really, if it is leading people to Christ and the Scriptures, aren’t we all doing the same thing, only in different ways? I believe that Paul is speaking of this when he writes:

Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 2 Timothy 2:14 (NIV)

Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. The Lord’s servants must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone. They must be able to teach effectively and be patient with difficult people. 2 Timothy 2:23-24 (NLT)

We just need to refer back to the Scriptures, which are the Living Word and always speak to us personally:

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NLT)

And finally, hopefully we can say this when it is our time to go:

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)

There’s not much more to say than that. One man that I have been a fan of in media and business is Merv Griffin. From what have seen and read, he too fought the good fight. Rest In Peace Merv and thanks for the gifts that you brought to us in your life. Read on…

Next up: Titus

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