The apostle Paul, imprisoned and knowing that his life would soon be taken, took time to write instructional letters to his spiritual son Timothy. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul reveals what we need in life. You could call them the essentials for life. We must be careful, for they are easily missed due to their being located in Paul's closing personal remarks of the letter. They are revealed to us as Paul speaks about some items he needs as he faces his last days. Paul tells Timothy, "Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. When you come, bring the cloak that I left in Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments." (2 Timothy 4:11-13)
There is the need of Christian fellowship and corporate ministry. "Get Mark and bring him with you." Paul notes that those who are with him are being sent to new places of ministry. But he knows he cannot go it alone, so he calls for Mark to come join him. Yes, this is the same Mark (John Mark) that he and Barnabas ended up separating over. Somewhere along the line there was reconciliation and Mark became a helpful, cherished co-laborer with Paul. He was so dear to Paul that he wanted him near during his last days.
Where did we ever get the idea that Christians were to go it alone? Why do we isolate ourselves from others? The Christian life is a life in relationships; first with God through Christ and with His people through Christ. It is co-laboring, mutual support, and holy fellowship. We are "yokefellows" in our Lord. We really do need each other!
As we travel this earthly road we need to take proper care of our personal physical needs. "Bring me my cloak," Paul instructs Timothy. He was not looking for anything extravagant, only his cloak to keep warm. He knew his body was a temple of the Holy Spirit and needed to be properly cared for. In a day of abuses we need to be examples of sensible holy care of our bodies and our everyday personal needs. Our wants and needs get so clouded. We find it increasingly difficult to separate them. But through prayer and sound Biblical counsel, we can learn to recognize real needs and meet them properly and in a healthy holy manner.
Along with companionship and physical needs, there is the mental and Spiritual. "Bring the scrolls, especially the parchments," Paul instructed Timothy. The scrolls were the literature of that day. But Paul "especially" wanted the "parchments." Parchment was a more expensive writing material made of animal skins and was most likely Paul's copy of the Scriptures. Though aware that he would never be released from prison before his death, Paul knew the need of keeping his mind alert and full of God's Word. Far too many of us attempt to live our lives with our minds in neutral. God's Word collects dust day after day as it sits neglected by us. Good healthy mind and spiritual nourishing materials go unused as we fill our lives with trivial and mindless activity. Scripture is replete with admonitions to hide God's Word in our hearts and to think on wholesome holy things. There are far too many spiritual anorexics today, starving themselves, thinking that Bible study and wholesome holy reading and study are unimportant.
Let us not await until we are at death's door to realize the essential needs of Christian fellowship, proper care of our bodies, and wholesome holy nourishment of our minds. Rather, let us now awaken to the what we really need and live accordingly. By His grace and provisions we can and we must!
Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry