Am amazed by trained dogs—reminds me of my own German shepherd that I received as a gift after Grade School. The basic step in training is to first get her used to pay attention to her master. They are easily distracted, controlled by their instincts.
Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain insight, for I give you good precepts; do not forsake my teaching.1
The Epistles are letters of instruction to the church. Interestingly, in his letters Paul starts his greetings with “grace and peace”2 (with exception to his letter to Timothy, “grace, mercy, and peace”3); likewise, Peter, “grace and peace.”4 Similar to Paul’s letter to Timothy, John uses “grace, mercy, and peace.”5 While Jude starts with “mercy, peace, and love.”6 Seems these greetings imply a progression—starting with grace that ends in peace; and as we grow to maturity, we have to be reminded about mercy; until we perfect love.
Timothy was a disciple, empowered by Paul to do the work of ministry. As such Paul was like a father to Timothy, “You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me . . . entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”7 Then he uses 3 illustrations: One, the suffering of a good soldier; two, the diligence of an athlete; and the hard work of a farmer. He entreats Timothy to THINK over what he says, knowing that the Lord would give him understanding in everything as he does so.8
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, . . .9 For this light and momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.10
Therefore, I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; . . .11
Notes:
1. Proverbs 4:1-2
2. Romans 1:7; 1 Corinthians 1:3; 2 Corinthians 1:2; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2; Colossians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 1:2; Titus 1:4; Philemon 1:3
3. 1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2
4. 1 Peter 1:2; 2 Peter 1:2
5. 2 John 3
6. Jude 2
7. 2 Timothy 2:1-2
8. 2 Timothy 2:7
9. 2 Timothy 2:8
10. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
11. 2 Timothy 2:10-12a
