Pastor Matt encourages us to rejoice in the overflowing joy that only Christ can bring. The Christmas season can be complex, bittersweet and sometimes filled with difficult emotions or life situations. But true joy doesn't depend on our circumstances or emotions, but instead can be found in the person of Jesus, who came into our world to save us from sin.

In the first chapter of 2 Peter we find a lesson in the redemptive, transformative power of Christ in our lives, versus our own inaccurate self perceptions and futile efforts. We cannot change our sinful nature instantaneously; it is the Holy Spirit working with and within us that brings us closer to reflecting God's character gradually over time.

In chapter 2 of Ephesians, Pastor Matt explains what we were, what God did, and how God saved each of us. We were created for God’s workmanship (poema) created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. God saved us by grace, through faith. When we come to that understanding, we become emotionally healthy Christians who are able to make more image bearers of Christ.

Paul lists 16 names in the final strokes of his pen, showing that people are important. Most of the names mentioned are with fondness and wanting to leave them with a final greeting, but some are those who caused Paul harm and warning Timothy about them. Most of all, he commends Timothy to the Lord. The culture of a ministry can best be seen in its relationships. What are the values that are lived out? What are the truths held dear? As we close our study in 2 Timothy, can it be said of us that the goal of our instruction (ministry) is love that flows from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith?

In a passionate and heart-felt charge, Paul exhorts Timothy before God and the Lord Jesus Christ to preach the word, keep his head in all situations, and fulfill his ministry. Paul has been encouraging Timothy to fight the good fight since 1 Timothy chapter 1. Now Paul sees the end of his life coming, and he gives Timothy an emotional valedictory and inspiration that Paul is still looking forward to receiving the reward of a faithful life of stewardship to Christ.

In verses 10-17 of chapter 3, we see the discipleship between Paul and Timothy and the sufficiency of scripture as our source of truth, guidance and inspiration; these together contribute to a "gospel culture" that emphasizes what God has done for us and motivates us to be faithful to Christ out of gratitude. When a person (like Paul) disciples someone (like Timothy) with an authentic life in authentic relationship with the authentic truths of God, it shapes that person’s life in a way that is compelling and conducive for an authentic ministry that replicates the godly pattern.

In chapter 2 of Revelation, Jesus, through John, addresses the church of Ephesus. He praises them for their faithful service to the Lord and standing against evil, but notes that their love has grown cold. He charges them to recall what it was like when they first came to Christ, and do what they first did to grow their relationship with Christ. In this passage we are challenged to keep Christ's love at the center of all we do.

In chapter 3, Paul warns Timothy of the difficulties to come and the character of those who will make it difficult. Manipulation by people who claim to be speaking for God is a problem as old as Moses. Timothy must be aware of them, but he can rest in God’s judgment of their eventual exposure. We live in stressful and perilous times. We must recognize false teaching and its fruits, and be ready to preach the gospel and maintain a gospel culture that proclaims the goodness and beauty of God.

In the second half of chapter 2, we see a contrast between approved workers who keep the focus on the main things and accurately handle the word of truth entrusted to them; and disapproved workers who indulge in false teachings and worthless disputes which result in bad behavior by these teachers and those they infect. We live in a time where the Church sometimes becomes embroiled in specious and controversial issues. We must keep our teachings, church, and behavior from this life-sucking baggage.