My late, great professor, Howard Hendricks, taught me to discover the meaning of a Bible verse by "observation", "interpretation", "correlation" and "application". Observation begins with reading and recognizing the words. Even the small words count!
"But you, my son..." is how Paul addresses his understudy Timothy in the 2nd epistle, chapter 2, verse 1. In 2 Tim 1.15 we learn that all in Asia whom Paul might have reasonably expected to stand with him and provide aid have deserted him. In contrast to them, Paul writes "But you, my son..." Two simple words, "su" and "de" in the Greek.
I first understood the meaning of this passage years ago and it still inspires today. No matter what others are doing around me, I realize that I choose my actions and my attitudes. If I choose to honor the Lord, I know that He will one day receive the glory. I will therefore choose to keep to "the pattern of sound teaching with faith and love in Christ Jesus", 2 Tim 1.13. I will "not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of" those imprisoned for their faith in Him (2 Tim 1.8).
God's light will shine in this dark time. Will you?
"But you, my son..." is how Paul addresses his understudy Timothy in the 2nd epistle, chapter 2, verse 1. In 2 Tim 1.15 we learn that all in Asia whom Paul might have reasonably expected to stand with him and provide aid have deserted him. In contrast to them, Paul writes "But you, my son..." Two simple words, "su" and "de" in the Greek.
I first understood the meaning of this passage years ago and it still inspires today. No matter what others are doing around me, I realize that I choose my actions and my attitudes. If I choose to honor the Lord, I know that He will one day receive the glory. I will therefore choose to keep to "the pattern of sound teaching with faith and love in Christ Jesus", 2 Tim 1.13. I will "not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of" those imprisoned for their faith in Him (2 Tim 1.8).
God's light will shine in this dark time. Will you?