Being Challenge Ready

¹⁴ Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works:

¹⁵ Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words.

¹⁶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to their charge.

¹⁷ Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

¹⁸ And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

-2 Timothy 4:14-18 (KJV)

In this second letter to Timothy, Paul is urging him to stay true to the Gospel that he has learned from Paul. As a minister, Timothy would be challenged for his teaching. Even today, preachers are challenged by people who only want to hear what they want to hear. Paul gives an example of a time when Paul was challenged for his teachings.

Verse 14-15 says, "Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words." Alexander challenged Paul and his teaching. Paul was not only warning Timothy about Alexander, but also warning him about the troubles he may (and will) face. Alexander challenged Paul's words. What I picture happening is that after Paul spoke, Alexander would rally the people behind their idols, we see evidence of this in Acts 19:23-41. 

Paul warned Timothy that his message would be challenged, but also taught Timothy to look past the challenges. Verse 18 says, "And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen." Just like God delivered Paul from the evil works that challenged him, He will do the same for you and me. When we boldly take our message to a lost world, we will be challenged. But, the same God that was with Paul, and preserved Paul, will do the same for you and me. Are you letting fear keep you from doing what God called you to do? Think About It.