Year 5, Day 330: 2 Timothy 4

Theological Commentary: Click Here

Discipleship Focus: Bear Fruit

• Bear Fruit: We bear fruit after we grow.  Bearing fruit is ultimately the goal of abiding and the goal of being called into the Kingdom of God.  However, while bearing fruit is our calling, it is not the end.  We bear fruit so that we can then prune, abide, grow, and bear more fruit in another season.  Bearing fruit is not the end, but rather only a portion of the whole rhythm of life into which God has called us.

As Paul goes to finish this letter to Timothy, he puts things back into perspective.  Remember, Paul is in prison, likely to be tried for his ministry.  Timothy is in Ephesus, trying his best to lead a church in spite of his inexperience and his age.  Paul has given advice to Timothy about the future.  Paul has exhorted him to continue the work that he’s begun.  So what is left for Paul to say?

Paul reminds Timothy to continue to bear fruit.  Preach. Reprove.  Rebuke.  Exhort.  Teach.  Be Patient.

In other words, keep making disciples.  Keep helping those who are disciples become better disciples.  Teach other people how to make disciples.  Bear Fruit.

When life gets tough, it is good for us to remember perspective.  When I am being persecuted, it is good to remember the calling that God has for me and to focus on bearing fruit.  When life is easy and things are going my way, it is good for me to remember my calling from God and to make sure I am bearing fruit.  While bearing fruit may not be the complete endgame, it is great at giving us perspective.

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