The pace of change Is relentless

The Greek language has two different words for time. Chronos or chronological refers to the passing of time. Kairos means epoch or age or opportune time. Time (chronos) may pass slowly but the pace of change (kairos) is faster and faster!

The pace of change today is incredible. A week ago on Sunday our youth group spent the afternoon and evening at North Star Bible Camp in Willow. As we prepared to return home at 10 PM a shooting took place. The troopers closed the road from 10 PM to 5 AM. Sixty-five plus students and adults spent the night at the camp. We arrived home at 6 AM on Monday morning! Later that afternoon two friends tested positive for Covid. That same week the mayor resigned. The pace of change is relentless and the election hasn’t even happened yet!

God calls upon us to not only survive but also thrive in the midst of interesting times. The process for doing so is found in God’s Word. The apostle Paul wrote 2 Timothy 2 from prison. The aged apostle was about to face Nero. This time there would be no escape. His death was certain. The big idea of chapter 2 is found in verse 1. “You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2 teaches seven qualities that must be built into our lives.

First, we must be teachers. Verse 2 says, “The things which you have learned from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.” We must learn the Bible and then teach it to others. Scripture calls this discipleship.

Second, we must be soldiers. Verse 3 says, “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” Paul was a good soldier. Paul was stoned and left for dead (Lystra). He was shipwrecked at least four times. He was thrice beaten with rods. His life was not easy.

Third, we must be athletes. Verse 5 reads, “Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.” The rules are found in the Bible. Every time we open the Bible, God speaks. We learn the path to God in His Word.

Fourth, we must be farmers. Verse 6 states, “The hard working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.” Farmers have to work. Farmers must be patient. Jesus came to earth and lived a perfect life. At His incarnation He became the God-Man. As God He could offer a perfect sacrifice for our sin on the cross. As Man He could die. It was not easy for Jesus to live a perfect life. He never sinned. He drank the cup of the Father’s wrath for our sin.

Did you know that even today Jesus is still the God-Man? In Philippians 3:21 God makes an amazing promise. God “will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory.” Our future brand new bodies as believers will be like the resurrection body of our Lord Jesus.

Fifth, we must be workers. Verse 15 commands, “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of truth.” We are to be diligent workers with the Word of God. We must meditate and delight in God’s truth. The average person can read the entire Bible in forty hours. Theologians talk about the perspicuity of God’s Word. Perspicuity means that God’s Word is clear. We can understand it! I t is not rocket science.

“Accurately handling” means “cutting a straight line.” It was used of plowing a straight furrow, cutting a straight board, sewing a straight line. We must handle the Bible properly.

Sixth, we must be vessels. Verse 20 is a good reminder. “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor.” In verses 21 and 22 we must flee from sin. Sin is our great enemy. Do you want to be a vessel of gold and silver? Verse 22 says, “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” Running away from sin and running toward God makes all the difference.

Seventh, we are slaves. Verse 24 says, “The Lord’s slave must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged….” Every believer belongs to God. We are not our own. 1 Corinthians 6:20 says, “For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” Every Christian was bought with the precious blood of Jesus. Therefore, our lives are not our own. We must live for God’s glory.

Life has never been easy. At one time there were almost 600 miles of catacombs under the city of Rome. Ten generations of Christians dug them over 300 years. The church went underground during times of persecution. Let’s build these qualities into our lives and be strong for the Lord Jesus.

Ethan Hansen is a pastor at Faith Bible Fellowship in Big Lake.