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So, once this time of COVID-19 self-quarantine is over, what will you do then? What will happen if at some point in the future you are confined to quarters again? Such is exactly what happened with the apostle Paul. After his two years as a Roman prisoner at end of the book of Acts (28:30), he was apparently released for a time (of maybe three to five years). But, after those few years, he was again taken into custody and imprisoned. What would you do? Paul realized that he would probably never be free again, but that did not stop him from focusing on the work of the Lord. In his final days, Paul wrote
a second letter
to his close friend,
Timothy
, urging him to remain steadfast in his service to the Lord.
While in quarantine, Paul focused on steadfast service that is unashamed of Christ and His truth.
Paul urged Timothy to “not be ashamed” (1:8), following the example of Onesiphorus (1:16). Paul himself was “not ashamed” (1:12) of the gospel or the work that the Lord had given to him, thus he affirms that no worker in the kingdom would “need to be ashamed” (2:15) of the truth of God. We must not be ashamed today of Christ and living for Him!
While in quarantine, Paul focused on steadfast service that involves hard work and endurance.
Paul did not describe the Christian life as a life of ease or a life in which a person could engage at his convenience. One who is “approved to God” is called a “worker” (2:15), and even more than that, he is to be “hard-working” (2:6). There is many a “hardship” that a faithful Christian will have to “endure” in his service (2:3), but only through steadfast endurance will he receive the eternal “salvation” (2:10) and “reign” (2:12) promised by Christ. We must labor diligently for the Lord today!
While in quarantine, Paul focused on steadfast service that is offered from the right heart.
Paul never led Christians to believe that their service to the Lord was merely an external effort or for the sake of appearance. For one’s steadfast service to actually be acceptable to the Lord, it must be generated by a “genuine faith” (1:5), that is embedded in a heart that is “gentle,” “patient” and “humble” toward all (2:24-25). We must make sure our heart is right with God!
While in quarantine, Paul focused on steadfast service that labors until the very end and finishes the work that is to be done.
Paul did not let up when he was nearing the end or suggest that he could take a break. He said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (4:7). We must have that same confidence!
Could the words “steadfast service” be used to describe our efforts as a Christian? Even while in quarantine?
