WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.030 --> 00:00:02.870 Henry: Welcome To Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. 00:00:02.988 --> 00:00:03.568 Day 40. 00:00:04.324 --> 00:00:05.854 Immersed in second Timothy. 00:00:08.374 --> 00:00:11.914 Paul had sent Timothy on many assignments over the years, most 00:00:11.914 --> 00:00:15.754 recently to Ephesus to stop those whose teaching was contrary to the truth. 00:00:16.594 --> 00:00:19.714 Paul supported Timothy in his work from a distance by writing 00:00:19.714 --> 00:00:20.764 him letters of instruction. 00:00:21.434 --> 00:00:25.474 Here Paul is sending him a second letter, one that includes an urgent message. 00:00:25.834 --> 00:00:26.944 Come as soon as you can. 00:00:28.294 --> 00:00:31.714 Paul was in prison while writing this letter, possibly as a result 00:00:31.714 --> 00:00:36.064 of the opposition of Alexander the Coppersmith, whom he warns Timothy about. 00:00:36.814 --> 00:00:41.104 Emperor Niro is now actively persecuting Christians and the Roman officials 00:00:41.104 --> 00:00:45.364 who had previously protected Paul are probably now sympathetic to his enemies. 00:00:45.364 --> 00:00:49.744 Instead, Paul expects to be executed in the near future because of his 00:00:49.744 --> 00:00:54.664 faith in Jesus, considering his life poured out as an offering to God. 00:00:55.294 --> 00:00:58.204 So he writes to Timothy, telling him to leave Ephesus 00:00:58.204 --> 00:01:00.634 immediately and join him in Rome. 00:01:01.774 --> 00:01:06.514 In this second letter, Paul weaves, in many words, a personal charge to Timothy. 00:01:07.174 --> 00:01:10.894 Simply coming to visit Paul in prison would require as much courage and 00:01:10.894 --> 00:01:13.264 resolve as Timothy's previous assignment. 00:01:13.324 --> 00:01:17.764 In Ephesus, Paul is preparing his young charge for the challenges he 00:01:17.764 --> 00:01:19.444 would face under Roman persecution. 00:01:20.194 --> 00:01:24.214 Attacks would come from all sides, and Timothy needed to know that leaders in 00:01:24.214 --> 00:01:28.714 particular would be called to follow in the Lord's steps, persevering in 00:01:28.714 --> 00:01:30.694 the face of suffering and persecution. 00:01:32.044 --> 00:01:35.104 Some of Paul's coworkers in Rome had been intimidated by this 00:01:35.104 --> 00:01:37.264 opposition and had abandoned him. 00:01:37.744 --> 00:01:41.824 He sadly reports, the first time I was brought before the 00:01:41.824 --> 00:01:44.164 judge, no one came with me. 00:01:45.004 --> 00:01:48.994 Paul had to stand alone, as Jesus himself did at his own trial. 00:01:49.654 --> 00:01:54.904 He urges Timothy to show the same resolve when his time comes without Paul's 00:01:54.904 --> 00:01:59.254 presence, Timothy would need to be steadfast in stopping those who reject 00:01:59.254 --> 00:02:01.864 the truth and lead other believers astray. 00:02:02.524 --> 00:02:05.554 He would need to focus on the critical work always before him 00:02:06.034 --> 00:02:08.074 steadily preaching the word of God. 00:02:08.464 --> 00:02:11.854 Always prepared to defend the good news as he originally learned it. 00:02:12.574 --> 00:02:13.564 Paul instructs him. 00:02:14.224 --> 00:02:17.614 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King 00:02:17.614 --> 00:02:19.804 David was raised from the dead. 00:02:20.284 --> 00:02:22.264 This is the good news I preach. 00:02:23.194 --> 00:02:26.104 The Bible doesn't record what happened to Paul or Timothy 00:02:26.434 --> 00:02:27.784 after Paul wrote this letter. 00:02:28.624 --> 00:02:33.154 Tradition says that Paul gave his life for Jesus during Nero's reign. 00:02:33.784 --> 00:02:37.954 Meanwhile, Timothy was no stranger to persecution as indicated by 00:02:37.954 --> 00:02:40.594 an imprisonment mentioned by the author of the book of Hebrews. 00:02:41.494 --> 00:02:45.394 I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released from jail. 00:02:46.264 --> 00:02:50.764 Timothy had already proved himself ready to suffer as Paul did, and Paul certainly 00:02:50.764 --> 00:02:54.904 assumes in this letter that Timothy would experience further persecution. 00:02:55.534 --> 00:02:57.424 Paul gives him this charge. 00:02:58.474 --> 00:03:01.384 You must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. 00:03:01.894 --> 00:03:06.094 You know they are true for, you know, you can trust those who taught you. 00:03:06.709 --> 00:03:10.669 You have been taught the holy scriptures from childhood, and they have given 00:03:10.669 --> 00:03:15.889 you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 00:03:17.509 --> 00:03:21.109 We can be thankful that this letter was added to those holy scriptures, 00:03:21.739 --> 00:03:25.699 and that believers today are encouraged to walk faithfully as they wait 00:03:25.699 --> 00:03:27.679 for the return of Christ Jesus. 00:03:32.989 --> 00:03:34.699 The second letter to Timothy. 00:03:37.159 --> 00:03:41.059 This letter is from Paul chosen by the will of God to 00:03:41.059 --> 00:03:43.399 be an apostle of Christ Jesus. 00:03:44.269 --> 00:03:47.869 I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised 00:03:48.049 --> 00:03:49.789 through faith in Christ Jesus. 00:03:51.319 --> 00:03:58.249 I am writing to Timothy, my dear son, may God the Father, and Christ Jesus our 00:03:58.249 --> 00:04:01.879 Lord, give you grace, mercy, and peace. 00:04:03.889 --> 00:04:10.399 Timothy, I thank God for you, the God I served with a clear conscience just 00:04:10.404 --> 00:04:14.389 as my ancestors did night and day. 00:04:14.389 --> 00:04:17.089 I constantly remember you in my prayers. 00:04:18.019 --> 00:04:22.429 I long to see you again for I remember your tears as we parted, 00:04:23.239 --> 00:04:26.479 and I will be filled with joy when we are together again. 00:04:28.129 --> 00:04:29.749 I remember your genuine faith. 00:04:30.604 --> 00:04:34.294 You share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and 00:04:34.294 --> 00:04:39.484 your mother Eunice, and I know that same faith continues strong in you. 00:04:40.324 --> 00:04:45.574 This is why I remind you to fan into flames, the spiritual gift God gave 00:04:45.574 --> 00:04:47.434 you when I laid my hands on you. 00:04:47.804 --> 00:04:53.254 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of 00:04:53.254 --> 00:04:56.164 power, love, and self-discipline. 00:04:57.454 --> 00:05:02.764 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord and don't be ashamed of me 00:05:02.824 --> 00:05:05.854 either, even though I'm in prison for him. 00:05:06.964 --> 00:05:10.354 With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me. 00:05:10.359 --> 00:05:11.914 For the sake of the good news. 00:05:12.694 --> 00:05:15.994 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. 00:05:16.674 --> 00:05:22.174 He did this not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan 00:05:22.174 --> 00:05:24.004 from before the beginning of time. 00:05:24.664 --> 00:05:27.604 To show us his grace through Christ Jesus. 00:05:28.264 --> 00:05:32.194 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing 00:05:32.194 --> 00:05:34.114 of Christ Jesus, our savior. 00:05:35.194 --> 00:05:39.304 He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and 00:05:39.304 --> 00:05:41.404 immortality through the good news. 00:05:42.004 --> 00:05:47.494 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this good news. 00:05:48.604 --> 00:05:50.974 That is why I am suffering here in prison. 00:05:51.769 --> 00:05:53.209 But I am not ashamed of it. 00:05:53.539 --> 00:05:58.099 For I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to 00:05:58.099 --> 00:06:02.209 guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return. 00:06:04.039 --> 00:06:06.439 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching. 00:06:06.439 --> 00:06:10.339 You learned from me a pattern shaped by the faith and love 00:06:10.339 --> 00:06:12.199 that you have in Christ Jesus. 00:06:13.129 --> 00:06:16.369 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, 00:06:17.149 --> 00:06:20.839 carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. 00:06:22.084 --> 00:06:26.644 As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted 00:06:26.644 --> 00:06:30.334 me, even faus and homogenous. 00:06:30.934 --> 00:06:36.004 May the Lord show special kindness to Ferus and all his family because 00:06:36.009 --> 00:06:38.194 he often visited in an encouraged me. 00:06:39.154 --> 00:06:42.154 He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. 00:06:42.664 --> 00:06:43.834 When he came to Rome. 00:06:44.224 --> 00:06:46.654 He searched everywhere until he found me. 00:06:47.494 --> 00:06:52.174 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ's return, and 00:06:52.174 --> 00:06:58.144 you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus Timothy, my dear 00:06:58.149 --> 00:07:03.064 son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 00:07:03.874 --> 00:07:08.374 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. 00:07:09.184 --> 00:07:13.414 Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be 00:07:13.414 --> 00:07:15.754 able to pass them on to others. 00:07:16.849 --> 00:07:19.189 Endure suffering along with me. 00:07:19.759 --> 00:07:24.529 As a good soldier of Christ Jesus, soldiers don't get tied up in 00:07:24.529 --> 00:07:26.359 the affairs of civilian life. 00:07:26.689 --> 00:07:27.079 For then. 00:07:27.079 --> 00:07:29.539 They cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 00:07:30.169 --> 00:07:34.189 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 00:07:34.789 --> 00:07:38.629 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 00:07:39.499 --> 00:07:41.299 Think about what I am saying. 00:07:42.049 --> 00:07:45.139 The Lord will help you understand all these things. 00:07:46.234 --> 00:07:50.194 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King 00:07:50.194 --> 00:07:52.384 David was raised from the dead. 00:07:53.134 --> 00:07:59.494 This is the good news I preach and because I preach this good news, I am suffering 00:07:59.764 --> 00:08:01.684 and have been chained like a criminal. 00:08:02.644 --> 00:08:08.614 But the word of God cannot be chained, so I am willing to endure anything if it 00:08:08.614 --> 00:08:14.484 will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. 00:08:16.144 --> 00:08:18.304 This is a trustworthy saying. 00:08:19.954 --> 00:08:23.524 If we die with him, we will also live with him. 00:08:24.244 --> 00:08:27.694 If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. 00:08:28.414 --> 00:08:31.294 If we deny him, he will deny us. 00:08:32.044 --> 00:08:38.014 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful for, he cannot deny who he is. 00:08:40.159 --> 00:08:44.779 Remind everyone about these things and command them in God's presence 00:08:44.779 --> 00:08:46.579 to stop fighting over words. 00:08:47.149 --> 00:08:51.079 Such arguments are useless and they can ruin those who hear them. 00:08:52.819 --> 00:08:57.409 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. 00:08:58.009 --> 00:09:01.939 Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who 00:09:01.939 --> 00:09:04.159 correctly explains the word of truth. 00:09:05.164 --> 00:09:09.514 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 00:09:10.444 --> 00:09:15.754 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hamans and vitis. 00:09:17.014 --> 00:09:20.794 They have left the path of truth claiming that the resurrection 00:09:20.799 --> 00:09:22.564 of the dead has already occurred. 00:09:23.194 --> 00:09:28.774 In this way, they have turned some people away from the faith, but God's 00:09:28.774 --> 00:09:32.914 truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription. 00:09:33.784 --> 00:09:40.834 The Lord knows those who are His and all who belong to the Lord must turn 00:09:40.834 --> 00:09:44.434 away from evil in a wealthy home. 00:09:44.434 --> 00:09:49.174 Some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wooden clay. 00:09:49.894 --> 00:09:53.644 The expensive utensils are used for special occasions and the 00:09:53.644 --> 00:09:55.714 cheap ones are for everyday use. 00:09:56.284 --> 00:10:01.564 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. 00:10:02.389 --> 00:10:06.589 Your life will be clean and you'll be ready for the master to use you 00:10:06.594 --> 00:10:11.989 For every good work run from anything that stimulates youthful lust. 00:10:12.259 --> 00:10:17.029 Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love and peace. 00:10:17.539 --> 00:10:21.889 Enjoy the companion of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts. 00:10:22.669 --> 00:10:27.049 Again, I say, don't get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments 00:10:27.049 --> 00:10:28.309 that only start fights. 00:10:28.984 --> 00:10:33.124 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel, but must be kind to everyone. 00:10:33.514 --> 00:10:38.614 Be able to teach and be patient with difficult people gently 00:10:38.614 --> 00:10:40.534 instruct those who oppose the truth. 00:10:41.344 --> 00:10:45.574 Perhaps God will change those people's hearts and they will learn the truth. 00:10:46.414 --> 00:10:49.834 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil's trap, 00:10:50.374 --> 00:10:54.214 for they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. 00:10:55.714 --> 00:10:57.334 You should know this Timothy. 00:10:58.114 --> 00:11:02.974 That in the last days there will be very difficult times for people will 00:11:02.974 --> 00:11:05.314 love only themselves and their money. 00:11:06.034 --> 00:11:10.504 They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to 00:11:10.504 --> 00:11:12.304 their parents and ungrateful. 00:11:13.864 --> 00:11:15.754 They will consider nothing sacred. 00:11:16.414 --> 00:11:18.814 They will be unloving and unforgiving. 00:11:19.294 --> 00:11:22.324 They will slander others and have no self-control. 00:11:23.014 --> 00:11:24.454 They will be cruel and hate. 00:11:24.459 --> 00:11:25.174 What is good. 00:11:25.969 --> 00:11:30.499 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride 00:11:30.709 --> 00:11:33.049 and love, pleasure rather than God. 00:11:34.009 --> 00:11:38.899 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that can make them godly. 00:11:39.469 --> 00:11:42.229 Stay away from people like that. 00:11:43.459 --> 00:11:46.429 They are the kind who work their way into people's homes and win the 00:11:46.429 --> 00:11:50.239 confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin 00:11:50.449 --> 00:11:52.309 and controlled by various desires. 00:11:53.824 --> 00:11:57.784 Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never 00:11:57.784 --> 00:11:59.554 able to understand the truth. 00:12:00.364 --> 00:12:05.284 These teachers opposed the truth just as Janice and Jamber has opposed 00:12:05.284 --> 00:12:10.204 Moses, they have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith, but they 00:12:10.209 --> 00:12:12.184 won't get away with this for long. 00:12:12.844 --> 00:12:19.804 Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Janice and Jam. 00:12:21.964 --> 00:12:26.554 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach and how I live 00:12:26.734 --> 00:12:28.684 and what my purpose in life is. 00:12:29.344 --> 00:12:34.024 You know, my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 00:12:34.624 --> 00:12:37.684 You know, how much persecution and suffering I have endured. 00:12:38.284 --> 00:12:44.584 You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and ra, but 00:12:44.584 --> 00:12:47.044 the Lord rescued me from all of it. 00:12:47.809 --> 00:12:51.859 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ, Jesus 00:12:52.039 --> 00:12:57.139 will suffer persecution, but evil people and imposters will flourish. 00:12:57.499 --> 00:13:01.369 They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived. 00:13:01.939 --> 00:13:05.539 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. 00:13:06.319 --> 00:13:10.489 You know they are true for, you know, you can trust those who taught you. 00:13:11.179 --> 00:13:14.029 You have been taught the holy scriptures from childhood. 00:13:14.539 --> 00:13:17.809 And they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that 00:13:17.809 --> 00:13:20.209 comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 00:13:21.079 --> 00:13:25.909 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what 00:13:25.909 --> 00:13:29.989 is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. 00:13:30.739 --> 00:13:34.489 It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 00:13:35.479 --> 00:13:39.859 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. 00:13:40.924 --> 00:13:45.814 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will 00:13:45.814 --> 00:13:49.474 someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his 00:13:49.474 --> 00:13:52.744 kingdom, preach the word of God. 00:13:53.404 --> 00:13:56.704 Be prepared whether the time is favorable or not. 00:13:57.244 --> 00:13:58.474 Patiently correct. 00:13:58.594 --> 00:14:01.834 Rebuke and encourage your people with good teaching. 00:14:02.479 --> 00:14:06.049 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to 00:14:06.049 --> 00:14:07.879 sound and wholesome teaching. 00:14:08.479 --> 00:14:12.319 They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them 00:14:12.319 --> 00:14:14.659 whatever their itching ears want to hear. 00:14:15.409 --> 00:14:18.379 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 00:14:19.639 --> 00:14:22.489 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. 00:14:23.119 --> 00:14:25.339 Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. 00:14:25.879 --> 00:14:29.509 Work at telling others the good news and fully carry out the 00:14:29.509 --> 00:14:31.399 ministry God has given you. 00:14:32.449 --> 00:14:37.849 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. 00:14:38.809 --> 00:14:41.089 The time of my death is near. 00:14:41.929 --> 00:14:43.309 I have fought the good fight. 00:14:43.819 --> 00:14:50.059 I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful, and now the prize 00:14:50.059 --> 00:14:55.549 awaits me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge 00:14:55.939 --> 00:14:58.459 will give me on the day of his return. 00:14:59.254 --> 00:15:03.244 And the prize is not just for me, but for all who eagerly 00:15:03.274 --> 00:15:05.044 look forward to his appearing. 00:15:07.114 --> 00:15:10.204 Timothy, please come as soon as you can. 00:15:11.284 --> 00:15:14.974 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life 00:15:15.184 --> 00:15:16.954 and has gone to Thessalonica. 00:15:17.584 --> 00:15:22.114 Crescents has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. 00:15:22.864 --> 00:15:23.854 Only Luke is with me. 00:15:25.084 --> 00:15:29.854 Bring Mark with you when you come for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. 00:15:30.544 --> 00:15:32.674 I sent cuss to Ephesus. 00:15:33.304 --> 00:15:36.124 When you come, be sure to bring the coat. 00:15:36.124 --> 00:15:38.166 I left with Carpus at Troas. 00:15:38.914 --> 00:15:41.914 Also bring my books and especially my papers. 00:15:42.814 --> 00:15:46.894 Alexander the Coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will 00:15:46.894 --> 00:15:48.514 judge him for what he has done. 00:15:49.504 --> 00:15:53.404 Be careful of him for, he fought against everything we said. 00:15:54.904 --> 00:15:58.804 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. 00:15:59.464 --> 00:16:00.814 Everyone abandoned me. 00:16:01.624 --> 00:16:06.154 May it not be counted against them, but the Lord stood with me and gave 00:16:06.154 --> 00:16:10.174 me strength so that I might preach the good news in its entirety for 00:16:10.174 --> 00:16:14.704 all the Gentiles to hear, and he rescued me from certain death. 00:16:15.454 --> 00:16:16.144 Yes. 00:16:16.444 --> 00:16:20.704 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me 00:16:20.704 --> 00:16:22.894 safely into his heavenly kingdom. 00:16:23.824 --> 00:16:27.034 All glory to God forever and ever. 00:16:27.514 --> 00:16:28.144 Amen. 00:16:29.644 --> 00:16:34.264 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living 00:16:34.264 --> 00:16:36.454 in the household of Ferus. 00:16:37.654 --> 00:16:42.934 Restas stayed at Corinth and I left TRO MOUs sick at my elitist. 00:16:44.224 --> 00:16:46.264 Do your best to get here before winter. 00:16:47.804 --> 00:16:49.474 Buis sends you greetings. 00:16:50.164 --> 00:16:55.414 And so do Putins, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters. 00:16:56.854 --> 00:17:02.404 May the Lord be with your spirit and may his grace be with all of you. 00:17:04.084 --> 00:17:06.934 This concludes today's Immer reading experience. 00:17:07.054 --> 00:17:08.284 Thank you for joining us.