Thursday, October 23

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2014

Jeremiah 42:1–44:23

2 Timothy 2:1–21

Psalm 92:1–93:5

Proverbs 26:3–5

 

 

In 2 Timothy, Paul offers precious insights to his “dear son” in the faith.  Scholars agree that this epistle marks the last canonical writing from the Apostle Paul, who saw his death approaching.  With great eagerness, he implores Timothy to press onward.  In other passages, he displays his humanity and recognizes his own frailty.

 

While Timothy served as a pastor in Ephesus, the words in 2 Timothy 2 have broad applicability for our lives as Christ-followers.  As in the Parable of the Sower, we desire our lives to represent the “good soil,” where the seed of the Gospel produces “a crop – a hundred, sixty, or thirty times what was sown.” (Matthew 13:8)  Please find some brief comments on the verses in this chapter below.

 

 

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1)

 

We all receive God’s grace as a moment-by-moment gift to live according to God’s purposes.  We may try to run in our strength for a short time, but we will soon face exhaustion and frustration.  God’s grace is sufficient for today’s challenges, and we return to Him daily for His sustaining grace.  In this grace, we find irreplaceable strength.

 

 

“And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2 Timothy 2:2)

 

Disciplemaking involves forging strategic connections with others who wish to grow in Christ.  We “entrust” the truth of the Gospel and the Word to “reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”  The language appears similar to the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14–30).  Each disciple receives a deposit (“seed money”) and looks to become more fruitful.  The disciple’s fruitfulness increases when we may deposit these truths in the lives of another person, starting the chain again and building through multiplication.  Whom may you touch with these truths?  How would you like to grow yourself to become a “reliable” servant?

 

 

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David.  This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal.  But God’s word is not chained.” (2 Timothy 2:8,9)

 

Please note the precious simplicity of Paul’s Gospel:  “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David.”  In this formulation, Paul ties the Old Testament prophecies of the Christ to the New Testament reality of His crucifixion and resurrection.  Good News indeed!

 

 

“Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus….  Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.” (2 Timothy 2:3.10)

 

Following Jesus sometimes involves difficult times.  Paul acknowledges that “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12)  The challenges that we face pale in comparison to those endured by Paul or even modern-day believers in other countries.  Yet, in Christ, our suffering may actually have meaning:  for the sake of those who “may too obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus” and for His “eternal glory.”  How may you take steps back to view life from that longer-term perspective?

 

 

“Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly….  Those who cleanse themselves from the latter [ignoble purposes] will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” (2 Timothy 2:16,21)

 

As Paul explained in explained in 1 Timothy 4:7,8, “… train yourself to be godly.  For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”  We must submit ourselves to godly training and desire to be made more like Christ.  I often struggle to surrender worldly ideals for the sake of knowing Christ better and serving Him more fully.  Holy Spirit, convict our hearts and minds when we are not fully committed to Your purposes.

 

 

“Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this….  Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:7,15)

 

God’s servant rightly engages His mind in spiritual growth.  The Word of God deserves reflection and meditation, which will bring out even further truths.  Our approval as a “worker” requires our effort to study and digest God’s Word.  This time will never be worthless, but rather will always bring forth a profit for our lives in Christ and as a blessing for others.

 

 

“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription:  ‘The Lord knows those who are his,’ and, ‘Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.’” (2 Timothy 2:19)

 

We rest in the sovereignty of God, but we also have responsibilities to take action to live out His truth.  As believers, we follow His revealed will, presented in the Bible, but we must watch the slow unveiling of His purposes for our lives.  “Trust and obey,/ for there’s no other way/ to be happy in Jesus,/ but to trust and obey.”

 

 

Lord Jesus, we commit this day and our lives to You.  Help us to grow into full maturity and to encourage others to do the same.  Plant Your Word in our lives and bring its truths to even greater flourishing within our hearts and minds.  In Your Name, amen.

 

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