HOMILY: II Timothy 3: 10-17
Observing (Following) the Teaching Even Amidst Persecutions: Stewardship of Finance
The Second Letter to Timothy, traditionally believed to have been written by Paul and second among the Pastoral letters in the Canonical order of the New Testament, has some distinct characteristics which are seen in all the three Pastoral letters. They include the strong emphasis on Jewish heritage; the centrality of Christology and “salvation” in the author’s teaching; and the importance given to clear formulation of faith. Another distinct feature of the letter is the way in which theology and ethics is thoroughly integrated here, and this is evident in the flow of argument in several passages. The author here tries to stress on the fact that Theology is not a mere clinging to old formulae; rather it is something to be lived out practically in daily living. Nor were Ethics simply a nervous conformity to elitist ideals; rather their rationale was deeply rooted in the gospel. This observation, taken in regard to the faith life of the churches, could hardly ever be neglected.
In chapter 3:10-17, we find Paul setting forth before Timothy some precedents to follow. Here Paul is put forward, not only as Timothy's father and teacher in the faith, but also as a model for subsequent generations. Notably, descriptions of Paul’s mission work here take a sort of authority similar to that of Jesus’ teachings, or even of the Hebrew Scriptures.
Paul here testifies that Timothy, his dear disciple, has “followed”—that is, he has paid close attention to and learnt from Paul's “teaching”- in his way of life and conduct. He has put the theology into practice. Further, Paul reminds his disciple about the persecutions and sufferings he has endured for the Lord. The harsh reality is that such persecutions can be expected by “those who want to lead godly lives” (vv. 12-13), while “wicked people and tricksters progress from bad to worse, deceiving and getting deceived.” The recognition that followers of Christ were to undergo persecution goes back to Jesus’ teachings (particularly Matt 5:11; Mark 8:34). The contrast here is quite vivid- the godly will be persecuted while the wicked will progress in their wickedness; and yet the exhortation here is to “continue in the faith”.
Persecutions are times of adversity, experienced especially when one has to take a stand for what one believes to be faithful and true; even in the face of stiff opposition to the belief, and also in the danger of creating situations of animosity with such averse persons or groups. Persecution involves risking one’s life. Paul, a one-time persecutor of Christians, re-ordered his life to such an extent that he became qualified enough to be persecuted for his faith. This strenuous re-ordering of the life of Paul was complete in every sense, and it involved all spheres of his life, including his finances. This week, as we meditate on the topic “Stewardship of Finance”, the life of Paul should stand as a challenge before us- the challenge to surrender our whole beings for His glory, even at the risk of creating situations of obvious personal loss.
Quite often we behave as one of the three persons who were discussing about giving a share of their month’s earnings for God. The first one began, “I’ll draw a line on the ground, then throw all the money I have, in the air. Whatever falls to the right will be God’s, what falls on the left will be mine.” The second opined, “I’ll draw a circle in the ground, then throw up the money in the air. Whatever falls in the circle will be God’s; whatever falls outside will be mine.” The third man began, “I’ll tie up all the money I have in a bag, and then throw up the money in the air. Whatever God wants he will take, what falls on the ground is mine.” Dear friends, even when we say we have dedicated our lives for God’s ministry, we are often saying it- consciously or unconsciously- with some conditions. We are too far-off from unconditional surrender, including the surrender of our finances, the decision to manage all our financial dealings according to the will of God.
Living in the 21st century, we are all witnesses to manipulations of all kinds being done in the name of Jesus, all for personal and material gains. We have no shortage of persons who assure the “rain of abundant blessings”, all in exchange for affiliating with their worship groups. Such persons only seem to be increasing by the day; with the result that Christian ministry today is considered by many to be just another option among lucrative career opportunities. In a way, such people represent success, they keep prospering by the day, while “not-so-wise ones” continue to struggle to eke out a living.
How do we maintain fidelity to our calling in such challenging situations? When we have so many persons doing all sorts of manipulations – financial and otherwise- to advance themselves, how do we remain faithful “Stewards of Finance”? The realisation that we are but Servants in the Lord’s service, who gather regularly in front of the “Thronos” of the King, to worship and adore him; and who are answerable to the Lord alone for all gifts that have been entrusted in their care will surely be helpful. The servant is but expected to discharge his duties faithfully- his reward and remuneration is the responsibility of the King- and He will not fail. This hope gives one the energy to courageously face all hardships and persecutions, even overcome the temptation to manipulate the resources at our disposal. Paul too is full of such hope. Acts 18:3 describes how Paul was able to join with the tent-makers Aquila and Priscilla, and earn his living. He didn’t think it wise to misuse his position as pioneer missionary of the believers to corner for himself some financial benefits. No doubt, then, he could say with confidence in II Corinthians 4:8-9 “We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down but not destroyed.” Having been faithful to the hilt to Lord Jesus in all matters related to his life, he was able to testify: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
May the Holy Spirit enable us all to faithfully follow such glorious example, to fulfil with fidelity the Stewardship of our Life and all its gifts, including our Finances, today and all days, and at all times of our lives.