What Do You See In A Person’s Life?

II Timothy 3:10-13

Mentoring is one of the most effective ways of teaching. A person works with another, showing how to do a particular thing in a real life situation, not just a theoretical lecture or even a contrived model, although these may be used to demonstrate basic steps. By setting an example in varied situations, the person being mentored learns how to resolve issues other than the basics. Some times, before the basic solution can succeed, preparations or adjustments are needed.

Several years ago, a young man studying psychology was told that he would be unable to help drug addicts until he had experienced what they experienced. He tried the drugs himself and became addicted. When he finally kicked the addiction, he completed his training and became a counselor. He found that you could not help others if you were living with the same problem. A person who had never experienced it might not understand the problem, but one who has not gotten victory has little to offer as to how to escape. One reason so many drug and alcohol treatments fail is that that counselors have not resolved their own problems.

Timothy had worked alongside Paul, seeing his attitudes and responses in many situations. He also observed the results of those actions. Paul reminds him of those things as a way of preparing him for what will surely come.

“But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me.”(II Timothy 3:10-11)

Paul has set an example to be followed in his teaching. His lifestyle has modeled what Timothy needs to do. The intentions of Paul’s ministry have been clear. He has demonstrated faith, and a lack of complaint in light of his problems. The struggles have not made him hard or bitter, and he has demonstrated love and acceptance when others did not respond in a proper or fitting manner. This has been true in the face of both persecution by others, and in physical deprivation and sickness, not just once, but in place after place. As a result, Timothy has seen that it was God that produced the results.

Paul then delivers one of those promises most would rather forget. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” (II Timothy 3:12). Everyone who tries to serve God will be persecuted. Peter warns that we should not be surprised by such trouble. “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” (I Peter 4:12-13)

Some teachers today would have us believe that a walk with God will eliminate all the problems. They have ignored the scriptures. Instead of being upset, we should be rejoicing that the problems enable us to share in what Christ did for us, and to see his power in our daily lives. Jesus himself spoke of this in John 16:33. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” We can depend on him to take care of these things.

Paul also gives another promise we sometimes wish wasn’t true. “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived,” (II Timothy 3:13). Peter warns that the false teachers will not all be in other groups. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” (II Peter 2:1)

Not only has Paul set an example for Timothy, but he has demonstrated his relationship with God as being a man living and walking in the Spirit. Jesus stressed that these fruit would identify those who were really serving God.

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:15-21)

To avoid being taken in by the false teachers, we will need to examine their lives for the fruit that is produced. Many kinds of trees look similar, but some are poisonous. False teachers resemble the true prophets, but they endanger those who follow their teachings. Just listening their statements or looking at the outward appearances or actions is not enough. The Holy Spirit affects the attitude as well. The attitude will then affect everything they do.