Episode 1665: 26th Sunday after Pentecost

Epistle
2 Timothy 4:1-8
I beseech thee before God, and Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and dead, at his appearing and his kingdom:
Preach the word: be instant in season, out of season: reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
For there shall be a time, when they will not endure sound doctrine; but, according to their own desires, they will heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears:
And will indeed turn away their hearing from the truth, but will be turned unto fables.
But be thou vigilant, labour in all things, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill thy ministry. Be sober.
For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of justice, which the Lord the just judge shall give me at that day: not to me only, but to them also that love his coming.
2 Timothy 4:1-8 is a powerful passage that contains St. Paul's final instructions to his beloved disciple, Timothy. In these verses, Paul reminds Timothy of his solemn duty to preach the Gospel, even in the face of opposition. He also encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in his faith and to persevere in his ministry.Show more

Key themes in this passage include:

The importance of preaching the Gospel: Paul emphasizes the urgency of proclaiming the truth of Christ, even when it is unpopular or met with resistance.

The need for perseverance: Paul encourages Timothy to remain firm in his faith and not to be swayed by false teachings or persecution.

The promise of eternal reward: Paul reminds Timothy that his faithfulness will be rewarded with eternal life.

Specific points to consider in this passage include:

Paul's solemn adjuration: Paul begins by adjuring Timothy in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, the Judge of the living and the dead. This underscores the gravity of Timothy's responsibility.

The call to preach: Paul urges Timothy to proclaim the Gospel "in season and out of season," with patience, teaching, reproof, and rebuke. This emphasizes the importance of both proclaiming the truth and addressing error.

The prevalence of false teaching: Paul warns Timothy that there will be those who reject sound doctrine and seek teachers who cater to their own desires. This highlights the need for discernment and adherence to the true faith.

The importance of vigilance: Paul calls Timothy to be vigilant and steadfast in his ministry, prepared to face challenges and remain faithful to the Gospel.

The promise of eternal reward: Paul assures Timothy that his faithfulness will be rewarded with the "crown of righteousness" on the day of Christ's return. This encourages perseverance and hope in eternal life.

Overall, 2 Timothy 4:1-8 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of preaching the Gospel, the need for perseverance, and the promise of eternal reward for those who remain faithful to Christ. It is a passage that continues to inspire and guide Christians today.
Gospel
Luke 18:9-14
Verse 9: Jesus tells a parable about two men who went to the temple to pray.
Verse 10: The first man was a Pharisee, a member of a strict Jewish sect. The second man was a tax collector, a profession that was despised by the Jews.
Verses 11-12: The Pharisee prayed aloud, thanking God that he was not like other people and that he fasted and gave tithes.
Verse 13: The tax collector stood at a distance and would not even look up to heaven. He beat his chest and said, "God, have mercy on me, a sinner."
Verse 14: Jesus said that the tax collector went home justified, while the Pharisee did not. This is because the tax collector was humble and repentant, while the Pharisee was proud and self-righteous.

The message of the parable is that God does not favor the rich and powerful. Instead, he favors the humble and repentant.
Luke 18:9-14 presents the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, a well-known story that teaches about humility, repentance, and God's mercy. In this parable, Jesus contrasts the attitudes and actions of two men who went to the temple to pray: a self-righteous Pharisee and a humble tax collector.

Key themes in this passage include:

Humility vs. Pride: The Pharisee exalts himself, boasting of his religious practices and comparing himself favorably to others. In contrast, the tax collector recognizes his sinfulness and pleads for God's mercy.

Repentance vs. Self-Righteousness: The tax collector's sincere repentance is evident in his humble posture and heartfelt plea for forgiveness. The Pharisee, on the other hand, lacks repentance and fails to recognize his own need for divine grace.

God's Mercy vs. Human Judgment: The parable concludes by emphasizing God's mercy towards the humble and repentant tax collector. Jesus's words, "This man went down to his house justified rather than the other," underscore the importance of humility and repentance before God.

Specific points to consider in this passage include:

The Pharisee's Prayer: The Pharisee's prayer focuses on his own perceived righteousness and his supposed superiority over others. He lacks humility and fails to acknowledge his own sins.

The Tax Collector's Prayer: The tax collector's prayer is a direct plea for God's mercy. He acknowledges his sinfulness and seeks forgiveness without any self-justification.

Jesus's Conclusion: Jesus's concluding statement highlights the contrast between the Pharisee's self-righteousness and the tax collector's humility. The tax collector's willingness to humble himself before God leads to his justification, while the Pharisee's self-exaltation results in his remaining unjustified.

Overall, Luke 18:9-14 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of humility, repentance, and God's mercy. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and to approach God with humility and a sincere desire for forgiveness.