The epistle of Second Timothy is considered to be one of Paul’s most personal letters. He is writing during his second and final imprisonment to his trusted and beloved son in the faith. Paul knows his execution is imminent. His concern is not for himself, but for Timothy, who must continue in the spiritual battle. His theme, “the good soldier of Jesus Christ” follows that of first Timothy, “Fight the good fight” (1Ti 1:18; 1Ti 6:12).
Gene Cunningham - September 25, 2003
Ezekiel #13
A vine without fruit is worthless (Eze 15:1-8). Jerusalem was burned by Nebuchadnezzar (606 BC) -- the vine is not even good for burning (Eze 15:4). Jerusalem was still to go through utter destruction to then know that He is the Lord (Eze 15:5-7). Israel referred to as a vine is usually is negative, except in Psa 80:7-10. Vineyard analogy explains God's care over Israel, but also bad fruit (Isa 5:1-7,Jer 2:20-22, Gal 5:1-13, Hos 10:1). For production in the Christian life God will lift and prune (Joh 15:1-2). "Remain in Me" is a command for obedience and fellowship (connection of the Branch to the vine) -- presence and power of God is promised if we are obedient to the Word of God (Joh 15:3-5, Joh 14:21). Liberty has to sacrifice for love Unsaved people will judge us if we don't stay in fellowship (Joh 5:6). Powerful, effective prayer is manifest in fellowship (Joh 15:7-8). We are a habitation of God in the Spirit (Eph 2:19-22). Active fellowship and joint participation is motivation -- that Christ may be at home in us (Eph 3:14-21).
Scripture References: Ezekiel 16:15-34, Isaiah 5:1-7, Ezekiel 16:4-8, John 14:21, John 15:1-27, Ezekiel 16:6-14, Psalms 80:7-10, Amos 2:10, John 15:3-5, Ezekiel 16:35-43, Ezekiel 16:1-5, Ezekiel 15:5-7, Ezekiel 16:1-4, John 15:1-2, Jeremiah 2:21, Ephesians 3:14-21, Ezekiel 15:4, Ezekiel 16:60-63, Hosea 10:1, Ezekiel 16:20-34, Ephesians 2:19-22, Ezekiel 15:1-8, Ezekiel 16:44-59, Galatians 5:1-13, Ezekiel 16:15-19, John 15:7-8, Galatians 5:22, Ezekiel 16:35-43, Jeremiah 2:20-22, Ezekiel 16:9-14, John 5:6, John 15:6
From Series: "Ezekiel - 2002"
Ezekiel's vision of God's glory effected his life.