You know generally where both paths end up. One is attractive, fun, filled with pleasures, but in ends as nothing. The other includes suffering, persecution, endurance, but is the true path which leads to true life in Jesus. It’s such an easy, yet hard decision to make.

 

In this section of Paul’s letter to Timothy, Paul outlines two paths or ways of life. The first (v1-9) is the life of the ungodly people which populate the world and even the church of the last days in which we live in. Paul tells us how to spot these people (v1-5) and why they end as nothing (v6-9). 

 

Paul moves on and illustrates the second path (v10-17), and charges Timothy to choose the right path and stay true to the gospel that he has been entrusted with. This path is demonstrated through the life of Paul, but also through the inspired scriptures which Timothy had grown up with.

 

Likewise, Paul charges us today to choose the right path in our lives. He builds up a case of why we should hold fast to the bible, and why we should put up with the sufferings and persecutions in these last days. We have it so easy compared to Paul and Timothy and many other Christ followers who endured suffering for the sake of the gospel. Over the past two millennia, men and women have died for this path they chose to hold true to Jesus. Today, we are somehow able to live as Christians with little or no pain. Maybe this ‘comfort’ has made us weak and shy in the manner in which we walk down this path we have chosen. Are we guarding and entrusting the gospel with our whole lives, enduring suffering and persecution for the sake of Jesus Christ in this world? 

 

Heavenly Father, I pray that You would help us to choose the right path which is to put our faith in Jesus Christ. Help us to stand strong in times of persecution and suffering. We know that you already have victory. All glory is Yours. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.