Category Archives: commitment

mission: avoid the opposition

Posted on June 3, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 3:1-9.  Paul’s picture of the last days is frighteningly accurate.  He describes difficult times that will come because of ungodly people.  These people are:   lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, … Continue reading →

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mission: be devoted to discipling

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 2.  False teaching had infested Ephesus, so Paul warned Timothy to avoid its “irreverent babble” because it would “lead people into more and more ungodliness” (16).  He instructed Timothy not to debate these teachers, because their “foolish, ignorant … Continue reading →

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mission: do not be ashamed

Posted on June 1, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 1:8-18.  Most of the leaders in the churches of Asia Minor had already stopped visiting Paul – apparently ashamed that he was still imprisoned.  In this section, Paul explains why Timothy should not join them, in deserting him … Continue reading →

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mission: revive the passion

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

2 Timothy 1:1-7.  Paul’s final words to Timothy are recorded in this letter.  They reveal the priorities of a man who was impassioned with the gospel. He was motivated by the “promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus.”  … Continue reading →

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mission: pursue godliness, not riches

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 Timothy 6:3-21.  Paul’s final words to Timothy in this letter identify a false teaching in Ephesus that Timothy must publically reject, because it will do much harm.  It is the teaching that the faith will lead to wealth. Those … Continue reading →

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mission: display godly behavior

Posted on May 27, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

1 Timothy 3.  Paul’s reason for giving qualification lists in this chapter is not simply administrative.  He wants the churches to display proper conduct. The body of believers is the household (family) of God, the church of the living God, … Continue reading →

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when Christ comes: judgment, destruction, and glory.

Posted on May 21, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul continues to encourage them (and us) with the hope of the second coming of Christ. When Christ comes, he will inflict his judgment upon those who have afflicted the church.  Paul praises … Continue reading →

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Christ, our Lord

Posted on May 13, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Colossians 3:18-4:18.  Paul concludes his letter to the Colossians by reminding them how the lordship of Christ should affect them. Since Christ is Lord of every relationship, an attitude of submission and consideration is called for (3:18-22; 4:1, 5-6). Since … Continue reading →

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Christ, our life

Posted on May 12, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Colossians 3:1-17.  The words “if then” which begin this section signify that there are logical consequences to being a Christian. We who have been raised with Christ demonstrate it by… … setting our minds on the ascended Christ who is … Continue reading →

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the stewardship of God’s grace

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Jefferson Vann

Ephesians 3.  Preaching to the Gentile Ephesians the gospel of God’s grace was a great privilege for Paul. He gladly accepted the dishonor of being imprisoned and mistreated for that cause. He considered the work a gift of God’s grace … Continue reading →

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