Tag: pursue righteousness
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.”
Fight the good fight of faith!
Scripture reading for October 1st: 1st Timothy 6
Some people believe that being a Christ-follower means sitting around and waiting for Jesus to come. Others are deterred by chasing money. But Paul encouraged Timothy to fight a good fight of faith. Believers must actively pursue godliness and resist the snares and temptations of the world and Satan. Ministers are to lead in this fight and set the example for others in their care!
“People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (1st Timothy 6:9-10) The pursuit of money and material possessions distracts us from seeking what is really of lasting value. Jesus, Himself, taught that you cannot serve God and money! (Luke 16:13) The love of money leads to other kinds of evil as well. Some use dishonest practices to obtain it. Others turn to gambling, selling drugs, prostitution, or other means that take them away from God and His kingdom and lead only to grief and sorrow.
“But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1st Timothy 6:11-12) As one belonging to God, we must take action with our own choices. We must flee temptations and the love of money, instead, pursuing what leads to deeper faith and lasting endurance. We must fight the good fight of faith and actually lay hold of the promises of God each day! It is a ‘good fight’!