Tag: 2nd Timothy 1-4
Avoid tickling ears!
Scripture reading for December 8th: 2 Timothy 1-4
The second letter of Paul to Timothy is widely believed to be the last written by the Apostle before his execution in Rome. His final words of encouragement to this young man should also be encouraging to us.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
Timothy came from good stock. His mother and grandmother were both Jewish believers. They had faith which was alive in them. Paul sensed the call of God on Timothy and prayed for God’s gifts to come forth in him. One gift was that of pastor and teacher which required holy boldness.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:12-17
Paul warned Timothy of coming persecution and deception. The best defense was continuing in the word of God. This was the word that was taught him by his mother and grandmother as well as Paul.
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.” 2nd Timothy 4:1-2
He told Timothy to “preach the Word” of God. It should be used to correct people, to rebuke those in sin and to encourage them to prepare for Christ’s coming. Take this simple charge to your heart today and let it move you to action! It’s in season no matter what time of year!
Preach the Word!
Scripture reading for December 8th: 2 Timothy 1-4
The second letter of Paul to Timothy is widely believed to be the last written by the Apostle before his execution in Rome. His final words of encouragement to this young man should also be encouraging to us. We can easily be overcome by fear at the events unfolding around us.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7) Timothy came from good stock. His mother and grandmother were both Jewish believers in Jesus Christ. They were not timid but were filled with power and love because of their personal knowledge of God. Paul had sensed the call of God on Timothy and had prayed over him for God’s gifts. Timothy’s gift was that of pastor and teacher.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:12-17) Paul warned Timothy of coming persecution and deception. The best life strategy was applying the word of God in daily living and ministry.
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.” (2nd Timothy 4:1-2) Paul gave Timothy a simple charge: “Preach the Word.” The Word is always in season. It should be used to correct people, to rebuke those in known sin and to prepare for Christ’s coming. Take this simple charge to your heart today and let it move you to action! It’s the season to listen to reason!
The Crown of Righteousness!
Scripture reading for December 9th: 2nd Timothy 1-4
God calls His servants to live a righteous and holy life. Good character is the first requirement for church leadership. It is more about who you are than what gifts and talents you possess. In this last letter to his son in the faith, Paul encourages Timothy to live boldly and to live holy!
“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace.” (2nd Timothy 1:7-9) Timothy was a young man who sometimes suffered with fear and insecurity. Paul always encouraged him to live boldly through the Holy Spirit. Life as a pastor was a life of serving and also a life of suffering for the gospel. Not everyone would love the preacher. Paul was, at that time, suffering for preaching the gospel, but he was confident that God would guard what he had committed to Him for the day of Christ’s return. (2nd Timothy 1:12)
Again in this letter, Paul warned Timothy about terrible times in the last days. (2nd Timothy 3:1-5) People would lack self control and be lovers of pleasure, rather than lovers of God. Paul describe them as having a “form of godliness but denying its power.” False believers and false teachers are deceived and lead others astray. They appear to be godly, but the power of the Holy Spirit to enable them to live a holy life is missing from their everyday attitudes and actions. Paul warned Timothy (and us) to have nothing to do with such people.
Paul shared that all who live a godly life in Christ Jesus would be persecuted. (2nd Timothy 3:12) Timothy’s best defense was to study and hold fast to the Holy Scriptures. These would equip him for every good work! Timothy must preach this word with great patience and instruction. Paul’s life was nearly over and he was looking to the reward: the crown of life that would be given to him and all who loved Christ’s appearing! Paul encouraged Timothy to live boldly and to live holy to share in that reward! What are you living for?
Preach the Word!
Scripture reading for December 8th: 2 Timothy 1-4
The second letter of Paul to Timothy is widely believed to be the last written by the Apostle before his execution in Rome. His final words of encouragement to this young man should also be encouraging to us. Living in these last days requires focus. We can easily be overcome by fear at the events unfolding around us. Let’s listen with our hearts open to the Lord to Paul’s final words.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
Timothy came from good stock. His mother and grandmother were both Jewish believers. They had faith which was alive in them. They were not timid but were filled with power and love because of their personal knowledge of God. Paul had sensed the call of God on Timothy and had prayed over him for God’s gifts to come forth. One gift was that of pastor and teacher. This gift involved preaching and teaching God’s Word.
“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life will be persecuted, while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:12-17
Paul warned Timothy of coming persecution and deception. The best defense was continuing in the word of God. This is the word that was taught him by his mother and grandmother as well as his mentor, Paul himself. It is the best equipment for a man or woman of God.
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead and in view of His appearing and His kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction.” 2nd Timothy 4:1-2
The presence of the Lord with Paul and his understanding of God’s judgment of each person at Christ’s appearing caused him to give Timothy a simple charge. He told him to preach the Word of God. The Word is always in season. It should be used to correct people, to rebuke those in known sin and to encourage them to prepare for Christ’s coming. Take this simple charge to your heart today and let it move you to action! It’s in season no matter what time of year!