Paul VI: "A Charge to Keep I Have"

II Timothy 3:10-4:8

There is an old Methodist hymn that sings

"A charge to keep I have, a God to glorify,
A never dying soul tos ave, and fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage to do my Master's will."

In II Timothy 3 and 4, we have a charge being passed from the older apostle to the apostle-in-training, a charge that is passed through the ages to you and me. The sad part about this passage is that it tends to be only read at ordination services or memorial services. When we read it as something that can and does apply to all who follow Christ, then it speaks powerfully.

First, Paul warns that following Jesus is a risky and at times dangerous venture. Because many of us have grown up in times when Christianity shaped the values of our society (at least in theory), we have been insulated from this fact of our history. There still has not been a U.S. presidential candidate considered that wasn’t a member of a Church. When political pressure forced President Obama to distance himself from Reverend Jeremiah Wright and resign his membership at Trinity Church (United Church of Christ), a precedent was set. This does not mean that our presidents have all been ardent believers or participants in churches (those who did not attend would surprise many), but they all did have an affiliation. Such consensus in the USA exists no longer. The church still holds some power, but nothing like it used to. With that change we are beginning to see more persecution of people who actively share and live out their faith. I expect that to continue. If history repeats itself (and it usually does) then the persecution will only feed the vitality of the Church. In comfort, the Church tends to get complacent.

Second, Paul urges Timothy (and us) to keep ourselves true to Scripture. A worthy question is “which scripture?” If this letter was written near the end of Paul’s life, then Luke, John, and some of the letters like Hebrews, I, II, and III John, Jude and Revelation had not yet been written. And what of Paul’s letter were considered "scripture" or is Paul mainly referring to what we understand as the Old Testament? It’s something to think about, because up through the fourth century, scripture was very much in flux. As we apply it today, it is no problem.

Harold Lindsell wrote 40 years ago about the “Battle for the Bible” and denominations have struggled with the authority of scripture for more than a century. The Southern Baptists have great debates and even throw out churches and pastors who do not hold to a doctrine that says the Bible is inerrant. I find that interesting for two reasons: 1) the Bible doesn’t claim to be inerrant, just inspired, true and trustworthy, and 2) those who hold to that doctrine say that inerrancy only applies to the “original autographs” (the original copy by the author), which never has been located.

In this passage, the Bible claims to be “God-breathed.” If I read Genesis 2 correctly, Adam was made alive by the breath of God, even though he was distinctly a man. It is implied that the same was true of Eve. A careful reading of scripture will show that God breathes into passages that have misspellings, bad grammar, and even have conflicts in what details are. It is because they haven’t found the “original autographs” yet, or is it because God puts his treasure in earthen vessels (II Corinthians 4)?

Chapter 4 begins with the charge: “Preach the Word.” As soon as we read the word “preacher” we think of clergy, but this could also be translated “Proclaim the Word” or “Herald the Word” (like the newspaper guy on the corner). We all are called to that, each in our own way. It says we have to be ready at any time to offer the hope that is our in Christ. But again, the results will be mixed. Some will be responsive while others will follow those who will “tickle their ears” and “just make them feel good.” That’s a tough one. I have discovered that you have to do a little “ear tickling” or the people won’t give you a hearing. At the same time, we don’t want to be so busy making people feel good that we never confront them with the truth that God is calling people to change their ways.

Paul finishes our reading by preparing Timothy for Paul’s death. It is eloquent and beautiful. The picture is of the Olympic crown of laurel leaves given to the marathon winner or the fighting champion, only this one is a crown of righteousness. I was listening to the speed skater, Apollo Ohno as he said with satisfaction, “I left everything on the ice.” He knew that he had offered his best, even though he had been disqualified in one race and did not win in some of the other races. He is the most decorated US winter Olympian. Paul offered his gifts and everything he had. He went “all out” for the Lord. Tradition has it that Paul was beheaded by Rome not long after this letter. The Roman government was boldly saying by such a punishment, “You don’t want to be a loser like this.” Yet, I can hear Paul saying from this passage, “I have won in the only race, the only fight that matters” or from Romans 8:37, “I am more than a conqueror through him who loves us.” Our call to follow is no less – to go “all out” in reaching the world with the love of Christ. How are you responding to God’s call?