December 9 - II Timothy 1-4
This second letter of Paul to his son in the ministry, Timothy, is even more encouraging and personal than the first. The theme is clear. Paul wants to urge Timothy to remain strong and unashamed in the Lord. He knows that he will die soon, so he feels an urgency to communicate this message to Timothy. I believe that all of us need this message all of the time. Often, we are weak and ashamed of Christ, when we should be strong in the Spirit and confident in Christ.
II Timothy 1:7 is a wonderful promise. God has not given us a spirit of fear. God does not make us afraid, except to have a healthy fear of Him. He gives us the power, love, and the sound mind we need to do His will. Is that your experience, or are you living in fear? If we choose to live in fear, we are giving in to Satan. If we choose to rely fully on the Lord, He will give us the power, love, and the sound mind we need in every situation of life.
Paul uses three figures of speech in chapter 2 to encourage Timothy. He exhorts him to endure and overcome like a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Meditate on each of these analogies, and allow the full meaning of each one to sink into your heart. Being a faithful Christian is hard work in the sense that it requires discipline, courage, and much patience. We can only do these things with God's help. We must be constantly pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace. (v.22) If not, we will fail. Not because we are weak, but because we did not depend on the Lord.
Chapter 3 describes the world we live in today. We must be strong in the face of Satan's forces. We must finish the race and keep the faith, while fighting the good fight each day. (4:6) Again, is is not easy, but it will be worth it all, when we see Jesus, if we have been faithful to Him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Titus 1-3 and Philemon.
II Timothy 1:7 is a wonderful promise. God has not given us a spirit of fear. God does not make us afraid, except to have a healthy fear of Him. He gives us the power, love, and the sound mind we need to do His will. Is that your experience, or are you living in fear? If we choose to live in fear, we are giving in to Satan. If we choose to rely fully on the Lord, He will give us the power, love, and the sound mind we need in every situation of life.
Paul uses three figures of speech in chapter 2 to encourage Timothy. He exhorts him to endure and overcome like a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer. Meditate on each of these analogies, and allow the full meaning of each one to sink into your heart. Being a faithful Christian is hard work in the sense that it requires discipline, courage, and much patience. We can only do these things with God's help. We must be constantly pursuing righteousness, faith, love, and peace. (v.22) If not, we will fail. Not because we are weak, but because we did not depend on the Lord.
Chapter 3 describes the world we live in today. We must be strong in the face of Satan's forces. We must finish the race and keep the faith, while fighting the good fight each day. (4:6) Again, is is not easy, but it will be worth it all, when we see Jesus, if we have been faithful to Him.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Titus 1-3 and Philemon.