A letter to the faithful servant (2 Timothy 2) 100507
You therefore, my cell group members, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things which you have learned from me during cell group meeting with other cell group members, teach them to other faithful people in the future, who will be also able to teach others.
Suffer times of troubles and stress with me, as I am (or trying to be) a good servant of Christ Jesus. For a servant cannot be in active service and yet entangles himself with his personal daily affairs, so that he may please the Master who calls him to be a servant. And also if anyone takes part in a competition (let’s say: Celebrity Night) and does not competes according to the rules, he or she will not win the prize or even disqualified. The hardworking employee deserves to receive his or her pay.
Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to the gospel, for which I suffer stress, even to be imprisoned by tonnes of assignments as a theological student; but the word of God is not imprisoned. For this reason I endure all things for the sake of all of you who have been chosen, they you may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory.
It is a trustworthy statement: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him; If we endure, we shall also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us; If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.
Remind one another of these things and solemnly charge one another in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless, and leads to misunderstanding of those who hear. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling the truth accurately. But avoid worldly and empty chatter like gossips and speculations, for these will lead to further ungodliness, and these will spread like common flu. If among us there are people who might have gone astray from the truth saying or learning some strange theology and gospel, and have upset the faith of some; we have to stop them.
Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are His," and , "Let everyone who names the name of the Lord abstain from wickedness."
Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of earthenware, and some to honor and some to dishonor. Therefore, if a man cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Now flee from youthful lusts, and pursue what is good, like faith in Christ, loving one another and peace with others, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing well that these will produce misunderstandings. And if you want to be Lord’s servant, you must be kind to all (especially to me), able to teach (to take over me), patient when wronged (this is the most tough one, but possible with God’s help), and with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition of who are in the wrong (I am still struggling with this, that is why you don’t find my correcting you), if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth (this is my prayer), and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil.
