The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

II Timothy 1:8 & 2:15, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me His prisoner; but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God….

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.”

Mankind has always wished to be free. Being a prisoner has never been desirable. Yet, its very thought is modified considerably when it’s viewed from the cause. Paul is writing as a prisoner in Rome; yet his cause is just where his imprisonment is not. He was accused by Jewish fanatics in Jerusalem, and not being able to receive justice in Israel, he was forced to appeal to Caesar in Rome.

Now, although unjustly imprisoned in Rome, he saw it as profitable for the Gospel. Paul was never ashamed of or embarrassed by the Gospel of Christ. It was and is “the testimony of our LORD.” Despite the suffering, Paul viewed it all as “according to the power of God.” The same power that accompanied Paul’s preaching now accompanied his suffering. Why don’t we view things like that?

When Paul admonished Timothy to present himself “approved of God,” he was viewing the LORD’s power in the same way as when he was ministering the Gospel. The one caveat is that the minister, the witness must “handle accurately the Word of Truth.” The words “handling accurately” in Greek mean “to cut straight.” No mincing of words or dancing around the Scripture’s true meaning! Tell it like it is!

The power behind the Word, when it’s “handled accurately,” bespeaks a clean and honest heart and mind within the witness. In my more than 60 years of Christian ministry, I’ve encountered my share of human adversaries. I can honestly say that I have never knowingly misused the Holy Scriptures for my own advantage. Some “Christian” people just don’t like “straight talk.” And since they cannot take their fight to the LORD, they take it out on His servant.

My problems were not what people did or said, it was how I responded to what they did and said. So, recently, I spent considerable time reviewing all of the “troubles” I had encountered over those years, along with those who surreptitiously “brought them to my notice.” I wanted to be sure that I had forgiven them for what they had said and how they had acted. With only a few, did I have the opportunity to speak before they died. My conscience was cleared by that same power of God. It is an exercise I greatly encourage! And may our LORD be glorified in it all!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”