July 17 | 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Jennifer Jerrome
5 days ago
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Bring On the Good News

By Jennifer Jerrome

Paul wrote at least two letters to Timothy that we have record of - today’s scripture coming from the end of the second letter. It’s part of a larger section titled “A Final Charge” in which Paul tells his protégé that his time on earth is ending and now it’s Timothy’s turn to carry on the ministry.

"I’ve done my job, now you do yours. Go preach the word.”

As the letter continues, modern-day readers might ask, “Are verses 3 & 4 talking about us in 2026?” It sure seems like people today are turning to whomever or whatever suits their own desires. “They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (v. 4).

The reality is this behavior has been going on for centuries; it just looks different. Bible readers throughout time have been wondering, “Is Paul talking about the world now? It must be now, right?”

Since the moment Adam and Eve bit into that apple, mankind has been turning their ears away from the truth. I believe Paul’s advice to Timothy would still be the same today…

“Keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (v. 5).

I will say though, the word evangelist has taken on a slightly different context over the years. When many hear the word now, they think of someone standing on a glitzy stage crying out “You better get yourself right with the Lord before it’s too late.”

The true meaning is “a bringer of good news” which supports our church’s mission to be and to make disciples of Jesus Christ.

Out of the 200+ words in today’s scripture, I think the key ones to remember are “encourage with great patience.” Jesus’ message wasn’t one of gloom and doom. Though the Old Testament often seems to promote that view, Jesus’ message was one of encouragement.

What Paul was telling Timothy from his first letter was that the job of a disciple of Christ is to “put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people” (1 Timothy 4:10). If you do this, you will hold a special place in God’s kingdom.

Paul started both letters with the same words of salutation - Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord; and ended with the same closing - Grace be with you all.

May the same hold true today… Grace be with you all!

PRAYER

Father,

Thank you for working in the lives of such highly regarded evangelists as Paul and Timothy. May we too serve as instruments of your peace. Give us the words to encourage each other with great patience. May we keep our head in all situations until the time you regard us ready for the crown of righteousness. We long for your appearing Lord. Amen

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JENNIFER JERROME

I have known I was a child of God from the beginning. I was baptized and raised in the Catholic church and began attending UALC about 18 years ago when my husband I were searching for a place to worship and serve as a family. UALC has helped shape our faith over the years. We have been through several seasons of life and the constant has been our faith and family.