As Paul languished in a Roman jail, he knew the challenges that would face Timothy. There was no promise of financial support, no guarantee of additional ministry partnerships, no certainty that jail would not be Timothy's future, no clarity on how the church would develop. Everything was uncertain, nothing was obvious, the only firm promise was that the risen Christ would remain with Timothy through the presence of the Holy Spirit
It was to this situation that the aging apostle wrote to his younger apprentice, to my 'dear son.' Paul had run his race and knew that his end was not a long, distant expectation but was to be a soon occurring reality. He longed for Timothy not to give up, not to compromise, not to forget who he was and the plan that God had for his life. Paul wrote many things to Timothy including this great exaltation, But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it 2 Timothy 3v14
It was as if Paul was crying out to Timothy. 'You have learned so much, you have been convinced of this wonderful gospel, don't give up now! Don't throw away everything that you have fought so hard to achieve.'
This verse has been important to Alison and I over many years! it has come to us a number of different times as a reminder to ensure that we don't slide back into compromise, that we don't give up on the principles that we have been pursuing over many years. God in his grace has opened up to us important truths regarding church life that we have tried to live out, recognising that to do so must be in the context of the Christian community. We cannot be true followers of Jesus unless we are walking in fellowship with others who are seeking to walk on the same path
Looking back on our lives, there are a number of truths that we have become convinced of. Principles relating to the corporate body of Christ, that if we gave them up, would mean that we would become less than the people that God made us to be. Below I have listed some of the issues that have become so important to us:
- A simplicity of church life
- A closeness of relationship
- A passion for prayer
- A growing unity in the local church
- A worldwide vision
- A place for all
- A reality of God's presence
- A love for the lost
- A freedom from unreality
I hope that we can continue to pursue these principle together with others on the same journey
