The pursuit of the godly!
Scripture reading for July 6th: Ecclesiastes 4-6, Psalm 125, 2nd Timothy 2
2nd Timothy 2: 22-26 “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil after being captured by him to do his will.”
Paul’s last instructions to Timothy, his son in the faith, was a warning and an encouragement. Timothy was warned to flee youthful passions and avoid those who wanted to wrangle over words and cause strife. As servants of God, His people are to be in ‘hot pursuit’ of God’s kingdom and His righteousness found through faith in His Word and grounded in His love and peace. This brings purity of heart to the believer and they can see God even more clearly and will be able to show the love and kindness of God to those involved in evil. Patience and gentleness must mark those who serve Christ Jesus. This contrasts with those ensnared by the devil. Our holy lifestyle can lead them to repentance and life through grace.
Psalm 125:1-2 “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds His people, form this time forth and forevermore.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for the advice of a Father through Paul to Timothy. I am warned, even in my old age, to avoid quarrels and arguments. Fill me with Your Spirit of patience and gentleness as I teach Your Word and seek to help those caught in the devil’s snare to find repentance and eternal life. Surround me with Your presence and make me stand firm, rejoicing in every opportunity to serve You.
Ecclesiastes 5:19 “Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil–this is the gift of God.”
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