Scripture reading for October 4th: 2nd Timothy 2
Key Scriptures for over-comers: 2nd Timothy 2:1-3 “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”
Paul urged Timothy, in this last letter before his being martyred, to stand strong in the grace that is in Jesus. It is not our works, serving, or gifts that will take us through to the ultimate victory. Grace is found in resting in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. As for Timothy’s pastoral ministry, Paul encouraged Timothy to find other reliable men (and women) who would be qualified and entrusted with the gospel message of grace to in turn teach others. Successful ministry is all about multiplication of disciples who will in turn take the gospel to others and find others to take it to their circle of influence! The Church of Christ Jesus is propelled forward by multiplication!
Observations for over-comers: Mature disciples of Jesus Christ are working to raise up others who will reliably and with determination multiply and make other disciples. “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.” (Psalm 126:5-6)
Scripture reading for October 29th: Hebrews 12
In a sense, Jesus, too, lived by faith. He knew His Father’s heart and plan to save mankind through sending Him to earth to reveal the way home to heaven for lost men and women. He ‘saw’ what was not visible as He walked this earth and acted out of a deep trust in His Father’s Word and will. He suffered and died on the cross to bring many sons to glory by justifying them through His blood sacrificed!
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses; let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In you struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding you own blood.” (Hebrews 12:1-4)
Christ’s example of faith and joyful obedience should motivate us as believers! We have a great host of people of faith that have gone before us as witnesses. We can, through faith and the power of the Holy Spirit, throw off sin and all hindrances to pursuing Jesus and His promises. We can patiently wait for His return and the fullness of salvation. After all, we don’t have to suffer nearly as much as our Lord! Most will never have to shed their own blood so let’s run this race to win! The joy awaiting us is worth it!