Action Research for Christian Living Part II

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Look
To illustrate the action research process, we will examine this question: How do we hold onto our beliefs when contradictory information is appearing all around us? Many biblical illustrations exist. The one I will focus on here is from 2 Timothy.

It is widely believed that the book of 2 Timothy is one of three letters (First and Second Timothy and Titus) written by the Apostle Paul to Gentile Christians. The second letter to Timothy addresses the work of a pastor caring for a congregation in Ephesus. There, the church is being subjected to teachings that are contradictory to those of Christ. Paul is writing to Timothy to advise, motivate, and encourage him. Evidence suggests that these letters were penned late in Paul’s career while he was imprisoned in Rome. He cites episodes from his own life to illustrate the points he is attempting to make to his protégé, Timothy. While the pastoral letters were written around 60 AD to the leaders, or pastors, of the congregations to whom they were addressed, their relevance, and their wisdom are still pertinent today. Members of the Christian community stand to benefit from the wisdom and advice contained in the epistles. With that background in mind, our action research begins as we look carefully at 2 Timothy 1-2.

Think
Thinking is the next step in the action research process. Let’s start by returning to our original question: How do we hold onto our beliefs when contradictory information is appearing all around us? In this step, we are charged with the task of interpreting and explaining what we just read. Here we address the questions: Why, What, How, Who, Where, When. As we explore and analyze we look for explanations that reveal the nature of the problem. What is happening here? How or why are things as they are? How do these things apply to my situation?

In 2 Timothy, the writer Paul instructs Timothy in how to preserve the purity of the church’s doctrine. This second letter has a personal tone and provides encouragement and further advice for the young minister whose congregation is under siege by false teachings. Paul shares his own life experiences with Timothy in an apparent effort to fortify Timothy’s steadfastness in delivering a Christian message that is true to its origins.

In protecting the community from the impact of false teaching, Timothy is advised not to be afraid of the personal attacks that might result. The writer recommends that Timothy depend on the scriptures, on proclamation of the word, and on sound doctrine. Timothy is also advised not to be intimidated by people who do not accept him.

Act
Here in the third phase of action research, we identify action steps that need to be taken in order to unpack the issue. In the focus scripture, Paul reminds young Timothy to “stir into flame the gift of God” that he has been given. “For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7).* Verse 8 reminds Timothy not to be ashamed of his testimony of the Lord, but to “bear your share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God.” Timothy is also told to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth” (2 Tim 2:15). Verse 19 reminds Timothy that through it all, “God's solid foundation stands, bearing this inscription, ‘The Lord knows those who are his’; and, ‘Let everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord avoid evil’.”

In the next blog post, we will develop a blueprint for action.

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