Missions Paul

What will you be remembered for?

Here’s 2 people that are remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Paul has just written telling us to have nothing to do with people who have a form of godliness but deny its power.

“They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, ⁷ always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. ⁸ Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. ⁹ But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.” (2 Timothy 3 v 6-9)

These 2 men opposed Moses according to Paul. However, you will never find their names in the Old Testament, They are just not there, I checked.
These two are traditionally identified as the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses and Aaron before Pharaoh in the book of Exodus. According to Exodus 7-8, when Moses and Aaron performed miracles before Pharaoh – like turning Aaron’s staff into a serpent and turning water into blood – Pharaoh’s magicians were able to duplicate some of these signs through their own arts.

In later Jewish literature, particularly in works like the Targums and various midrash texts, these magicians were given the names Jannes and Jambres. They became symbolic figures representing those who use supernatural powers to oppose God’s will and deceive people.

The apostle Paul uses them as a comparison point, suggesting that just as these ancient magicians opposed Moses, certain people in Timothy’s time would similarly oppose the truth with their own form of deceptive religion or false teaching. Paul assures Timothy that these “Jannes and Jambres” people will not get very far. We shouldn’t be dismayed when false teachers and opponents to our message seem successful initially. For Timothy’s ministry context, this meant he could faithfully preach and teach without being paralysed by the opposition he faced. He is encouraged to hold on to patience, persistence, and confidence that truth will ultimately prevail, even when circumstances seem to favour those who oppose it.

Paul will say it doesn’t.

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.” (2 Timothy 3 v 1-5)

Paul lists 19 characteristics that will define people as the world progresses and as we approach the last days

This isn’t a random list – it’s a carefully constructed portrait of humanity when it abandons godly principles. Notice how it begins and ends with misplaced love: loving self and pleasure instead of God.

Perhaps most striking is Paul’s final observation: these people will have “a form of godliness but denying its power.” This describes religious activity without genuine transformation – going through the motions while remaining unchanged at heart.

Paul’s purpose isn’t to create fear but to equip Timothy (and us) with discernment. By recognising these patterns, believers can avoid being influenced by such people and instead pursue authentic faith that produces genuine character change.

The passage serves as both a warning and a mirror, challenging us to examine our own hearts and ensure we’re not displaying these very characteristics ourselves. In times when moral boundaries seem increasingly blurred, Paul’s words remind us of the importance of anchoring our lives in timeless biblical principles rather than cultural trends.

The world isn’t getting better morally so the responsibility for sharing the gospel is even more important.

Some people are known for being quarrelsome aren’t they? We all end up at some point in the middle of an argument and hopefully it isn’t too heated. But how should we be? Paul pours out his heart to his spiritual son. He has been in a few arguments himself. He’s older and wiser now. Here’s what he says:

“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³ Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. ²⁴ And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. ²⁵ Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2 v 22-26)

Paul says:

• It’s not about who wins arguments but who can gently lead people to a place where their hearts can be transformed.
• Flee (many youthful things but perhaps especially the need to be right), pursue, avoid (don’t have anything to do) and gently instruct/teach are the key discipleship traits Paul has learnt.
• Wisdom is needed when to engage and when to step back. Sometimes we have to flee and sometimes pursue etc.
• There are some things we cannot do and have to leave it to God – “in the hope that God will grant them repentance.” Changing hearts is God’s work, not ours.
• Our role is to create space for His Spirit to work through our kindness and patience.
• When we argue to win rather than to love, we often harden the very hearts we hope to reach.

Today if you find yourself in an argument then pursue righteousness with a gentle spirit and ask for wisdom when to speak and when to listen deomosntrating love to the person opposing you.

This year on a family holiday we walked around Sandringham House in Norfolk. It is the Royal family home for 6 months of the year from October to March. Every room serves a purpose and every item has been carefully chosen for its function. Some items gleam with gold and silver, goblets and plates reserved for the most honoured guests and special occasions. But then when you go into another room there is a half-finished jigsaw on the table, a scrabble board in the corner, some modern magazines on the coffee table.

Why do I say all that? It is because this is the picture Paul paints when he writes to Timothy about purpose and calling.

“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. ²¹ Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2 v 20-21)

This is not about value but about purpose. Paul asks, ‘what kind of instrument will you choose to be?’ The heart of the message is about placing the responsibility squarely on our shoulders regarding that answer. It’s about the deliberate choice to separate ourselves from anything that would compromise our usefulness to God. This might mean distancing ourselves from toxic relationships or breaking free from destructive habits. It could simply about taking more care with your physical health, your mind, emotions and your spirit.  

Being “made holy” doesn’t mean we become perfect or untouchable. It means we become set apart for God’s purposes.

The phrase “useful to the Master” reminds us that our spiritual development isn’t ultimately about us. We don’t pursue holiness for our own glory or even for our own peace of mind, though both may follow. We pursue it because there is work to be done, a kingdom to advance, and a Master who wants to use us in His mission.

So …

What are you allowing to shape your thoughts and desires?

Who or what is toxic around you?

Are you growing in your health, mind, body, soul?

Are you maintaining a heart that’s open to God’s leading, even when it comes at inconvenient times?

Are you ready to step into a new chapter of good works that God has planned for your life?

Whether you feel like gold or clay today, remember that in God’s house, both have purpose, both have value, and both can be instruments of honour when surrendered to His use. It really is up to you as to what kind of vessel you will choose to be.

…. and that’s because God is permanent, unmovable and reliable. Man may spread teaching that is like gangrene (the previous verses), Church communities may be infected with disease but God, the foundation of your life, is solid. That’s it. 

“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 2 Timothy 2:19

Paul describes this foundation as bearing a seal with two inscriptions, like opposite sides of the same coin. These aren’t random statements but carefully chosen truths that balance divine sovereignty with human responsibility.

“The Lord Knows Those Who Are His” comes from Numbers 16 where the Lord declares He knows who belongs to Him. During seasons of doubt and difficulty knowing that God knows is of huge comfort. 

“Everyone Who Confesses the Name of the Lord Must Turn Away from Wickedness” is a statement which we don’t know where it comes from. Those who truly belong to God don’t merely claim His name—they live differently because of it.

Whatever you are facing today, God’s solid foundation remains. His knowledge of you is perfect, and His call to holiness is clear.

It’s not just that God knows who His people are in some distant, theological sense—He knows you, your name, your story and your struggles.

Because He knows you, He calls you to live worthy of that knowledge. 

Not to earn His love, but to express it. 

Not to secure your place in His heart, but to honour the place He’s already given you.

Paul has been addressing the need to keep to the Bible and to come away from meaningless messages which just stir up arguments. It is possible to be an influential speaker and yet all you that you influence is an infection. It is possible to be a Christian preacher and lead people astray from the truth and actually do more harm than if you had not opened your mouth. This is what Paul was saying:-

“Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2 v 17-18)

Just as gangrene starts in one area and spreads to healthy tissue, false teaching begins with individuals but can quickly contaminate entire communities of believers. The reason being is that false teaching is a spiritual disease.

The resurrection heresy wasn’t a complete denial of resurrection but a distortion of its timing and nature. But it was “destroying the faith of some.” Spiritual gangrene doesn’t merely confuse; it can completely destroy a person’s faith, leaving them spiritually shipwrecked.

In these two short verses we learn the following:

• What we believe about core Christian truths shapes our relationship with God.
• False teaching spreads.
• Often the most dangerous false teachings contain elements of truth mixed with error, making them harder to detect and more likely to be accepted.
• The need for discernment and commitment to biblical truth has never been greater.

May we heed Paul’s warning and guard against anything that would spread like gangrene through the body of Christ. .

It is easy for the Church to become distracted from the focus of the gospel which Paul has been reminding Timothy of. Temptations to think of the church from the terms of the entertainment value, even social care issues or a society for anything are too real. The Church needs reminding of the important things.

“Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarrelling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. ¹⁵ Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. ¹⁶ Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” (2 Timothy 2 v 14-16)

We have a tendency to get caught up in arguments that generate more heat than light. Paul isn’t dismissing the importance of sound doctrine or theological precision, but rather warning against contentious debates that serve our ego more than God’s kingdom. You find them often on social media and they “ruin those who listen” tearing down rather than build up the body of Christ.

In contrast, we are to be students who handle Scripture with care, precision, and reverence. Let’s not twist meanings to fit our preferences, but allow God’s Word to speak clearly to those who will hear. We are called to approach Scripture with integrity, letting it say what it actually says rather than what we might wish it to say.

We don’t need to win the argument if there is no importance to the debate. If it doesn’t help us and others come closer to God then let us not carry on arguing.

Let us approach the reading of God’s Word with humility, recognising that we are the ones being examined by the Word, not the other way around.

Let us all be intentional with our words and thoughts. What are we feeding our minds? Are we growing in godliness or drifting toward spiritual emptiness?

Imagine believers in the first century, facing persecution, martyrdom, and exile, singing the following Christian hymn together, which Paul quotes. Their voices would contain a sound of courage in the cost of their discipleship but also in their unshakeable confidence in God’s faithfulness.

We live in different times, but the human heart remains the same. We still struggle with doubt, fear, and the temptation to compromise. We still need reminding that our God is faithful even when we are not, that he cannot and will not act contrary to his nature.

Here is the hymn:

“Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
    we will also live with him;
¹² if we endure,
    we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
    he will also disown us;
¹³ if we are faithless,
    he remains faithful,
    for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Timothy 2 v 11-13)

The hymn calls us to faithful endurance while comforting us with divine faithfulness. It warns us about the seriousness of denying Christ while assuring us of his unwavering commitment to his own nature and promises.

The passage presents four “if-then” statements that reveal different aspects of our relationship with Christ:

1. “If we died with him, we will also live with him”

The promise of life with him encompasses both the new spiritual life we experience now and the eternal life that awaits. This isn’t merely about going to heaven when we die, it’s about participating in Christ’s own resurrection life, both present and future.

2. “If we endure, we will also reign with him”

The word “endure” means to remain under pressure, to persevere through hardship without giving way. The reward for such endurance is remarkable: we will “reign with him.” This points to the believers’ future role in Christ’s eternal kingdom, where those who have faithfully served through suffering will participate in his royal authority.

3. “If we disown him, he will also disown us”

.Jesus himself warned of this consequence in Matthew 10:33: “But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.” This isn’t about momentary weakness (like Peter’s denials) but about a final, decisive rejection of Christ.

4. “If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself”

Even when we are “faithless” , when we fail, falter, or prove unreliable—God remains faithful. His faithfulness isn’t dependent on our performance; it flows from his unchangeable character.

Paradoxes are puzzles where logical thinking leads to impossible or contradictory conclusions. They’re like mental knots that seem unsolvable, yet they reveal important truths about how we think and understand the world we live in. They remind us that reality doesn’t always conform to our expectations and that contradiction might be built into the fabric of thought and being.

Paul will reveal a paradox to Timothy. He doesn’t sugarcoat the cost of faithful ministry. He suffers. Ministry isn’t immune to suffering—it often invites it. Yet Paul doesn’t present this as a reason for despair, but as validation that the gospel is worth opposing, and therefore worth defending.

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, ⁹ for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2 v 8-10)

Here comes one of Scripture’s most powerful paradoxes: “But God’s word is not chained.”

Paul’s body may be confined, his movements restricted, his freedom stripped away. But the gospel? The gospel moves freely. It breaks through prison walls, crosses enemy lines, and transforms hearts in ways that no earthly power can stop or predict.

When we feel constrained by circumstances, opposition, or limitations, we can take heart: God’s word is not chained. His purposes will not be thwarted by human opposition or our human frailties.

I have a friend who is a seasoned missionary. At the moment she is not travelling and that’s not because of her age but her health. I messaged with her yesterday and she told me she was knitting baby items so that they can be sold online and the money she receives back she gives to missions work. She has discovered what Paul was teaching Timothy.

In seasons of discouragement, we remember that our foundation is Jesus Christ—raised, reigning, and worthy of our devotion regardless of circumstances.

In times of limitation, we trust that God’s word is not chained by our weaknesses, failures, or restrictions. His purposes move forward through imperfect vessels.

In moments of suffering, we find meaning not in the pain itself, but in its connection to God’s larger work of salvation in the world.

Paul’s words from his Roman cell continue to strengthen believers facing opposition, discouragement, and the ordinary challenges of faithful Christian living. They remind us that ministry—whether formal pastoral work or the everyday calling of following Christ—is anchored in eternal realities that no earthly power can touch.

The gospel that sustained Paul in chains is the same gospel that sustains us today. Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David—this is our unshakeable foundation. This is why we endure. This is our hope of glory.

This second letter Timothy from a prison cell truly has to be the most beautiful penned letter. Paul has asked Timothy to join with him in suffering for the gospel calling him to behave like a soldier, athlete and a farmer. Life is difficult. You have faced many challenges and even today you are wondering how to answer the question I pose in the title. Here are 3 words in the next few verses that Paul writes …

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, ⁹ for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. ¹⁰ Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2 v 8-10)

Sometimes platitudes or cheap encouragement isn’t what we need. Instead, we need someone who comes along and anchors everything in the bedrock reality of who Jesus is and what that means for those who serve Him. Remember Jesus Christ. This isn’t merely a call to intellectual recall, but to active, transformative remembrance that shapes how we live and serve.

Remember Jesus Christ. Raised from the dead. The resurrection is the ultimate validation of Jesus’ claims and the guarantee of our hope. He is alive. All that you read in the Bible of Jesus, this is not about someone who is dead, remember, He is alive.

Remember Jesus Christ. Descended from David – Jesus is the promised Messiah, all of God’s covenant promises found from the start of the Old Testament to the end of the New are fulfilled in Him.

Paul says: Remember who you’re serving. Remember that the One you follow conquered death itself. This is not merely backward-looking. To remember is to make present, to allow past events to inform and transform current reality. When we remember Jesus Christ, we don’t simply recall historical facts; we invite His presence, power, and purposes to shape our daily lives. This has the power to change every aspect of how we are coping in the circumstance we find ourselves in.

Wherever you are today … remember Jesus Christ, not just as a historical figure or religious icon, but as the living Lord who loves you, saves you, and calls you into abundant life.

In remembering Him, we find our truest identity, our deepest purpose, and our greatest hope. We discover that He is not only worthy of our remembrance but actively present with us as we remember.

There is power in remembrance.