Endure Suffering
Paul continues to set realistic horizons for Timothy in 2 Timothy 4:5. If he is going to continue in ministry, Timothy needs to be not only sober-minded, but also to endure suffering. It is absolutely essential that every Christian, but especially for those in Christian ministry, have a proper understanding of suffering in the Christian life.
One of the most important aspects to establish is the simple fact that suffering is part of living in this fallen world and Christians are not exempt from such suffering. Many Christians experience long term pain, experience horrendous tragedies, are plagued by personal physical and mental illnesses, need counselling, chemotherapy and crisis support. Today sadly there are some very persuasive teachers who promise that in becoming a Christian you will find yourself free from all such suffering. These health and wealth heresies have ruined the faith of thousands and continue to plague many more who falsely believe that in giving money to such preachers they themselves will experience blessings that are largely only promised for heaven. Paul wants all Christians to know, but especially Timothy he ought to expect suffering.
Indeed a form of suffering is unique to Christians and Christian ministry. Jesus himself said that if the world hated his followers they were to remember that it hated him first (John 15:18). Paul was a supreme example in this matter. Indeed he points Timothy to recall how much he had endured these right from the very start of his ministry. When he references, Antioch, Iconium and Lystra (2 Timothy 3:11) , he is asking Timothy to think back to his very first missionary trip. In all three places he was persecuted and many refused the gospel. If Timothy was to endure he was going to need to see that such suffering is not a sign of God’s judgement, but in fact a mark of authenticity.
In fact if was more that a simply sign of authenticity. The third thing that Timothy needed to know was that suffering, in God’s hand is never wasted. To the contrary, the activity of suffering for being a Christian becomes an invaluable instructor in Christlikeness. Paul teaches and exemplifies in his own life the fact that there are some lessons on the road of faith that can only be learned through the valley of suffering. Much can be learned from study and opportunities to think deeply and apply well the doctrines of the Christian life in a safe and stable context. However, suffering has a way of ensuring that such lessons do not simply remain in our heads. Therefore (while these should not be sought intentionally) we should not always pray that God might keep us from, or even remove us out of such contexts of suffering. I was greatly struck by the words of Bishop Yassir Eric, of Communio Messianica, when he asked the wider church not to pray for less persecution for those believers of a Muslim background, but that they would count it, in fact, a privilege to suffer for the name of Jesus. The school of suffering and those Christians who endure it have much to teach Western Christians who flee too quickly at the first sign of trouble.
Finally the call is to endure suffering is for here and now. Paul was convinced it will not last forever. And such a conviction had its roots deep in the gospel itself. The ultimate suffering of Jesus rules a line under our suffering. His death for us not he cross explains that our suffering is not a punishment for God. He willingly took that upon himself. But his suffering also explains that our suffering is not permanent either. He carried that away and when he returns he will not bring that back with him. Instead he will bring with him glory, not more grief. So long with Timothy, we need to recognise any suffering we must endure is for this life, but this life only. And we must remember this life is temporary. If suffering is to teach us anything suffering surely teaches us to keep our eyes on the end goal, which is when faith will give way to sight and our unmediated enjoyment of Jesus begins forever.
“Henceforth there is laid up for me on the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing”. (2 Timothy 4:8)