Our Daily Scripture – 8/9/22

SCRIPTURE:  2 TIMOTHY 2

BIBLE VERSES:

“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 people who will also be qualified to teach others.  Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1-3)

“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 2:10)

“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.   Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.” (2 Timothy 2:15-16)

“Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.  And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.” (2 Timothy 2:22-24)

“Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,  and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:25-26)

THE GRACE OF GOD CAN STRENGTHEN US TO BECOME:   FAMILY MEMBERS OF GOD (v. 1), FAITHFUL TEACHERS (v. 2), GOOD SOLDIERS, (vs. 3-4). DISCIPLINE ATHLETES (v. 5), PATIENT FARMERS (v. 6), ONE OF CHRIST’S BODY ON EARTH (vs. 8-13), INDUSTRIOUS WORKMAN (vs. 9-15),  SET-APART NOBLE VESSELS (vs. 20-23) and GENTLE LORD’S SERVANTS (vs. 24-26).

PAUL PRESENTS SEVERAL PICTURES OF THE LOCAL CHURCHES AND THE PASTOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES:

  1.  As a Family Member of God (v. 1) – Paul addressed Timothy “my son” which means he belonged to God’s family meeting together in fellowship worship and service.
  2.  As a Qualified Teacher (v. 2) – Timothy has the responsibility to guard the truth, to preserve it, to live and teach it to the next generation.
  3.  As a Good Soldier (vs. 3-4) –  Timothy was discouraged because he was facing opposition.  But Paul told him to endure hardship and stand against the wiles of the devil through the grace of God.  He was to go to the field as a soldier and take orders from Christ, the captain of our salvation.
  4.  As a Discipline Athlete (v. 5) – Every athlete has to follow rules in any competition.  Every believer in God’s team of runners racing toward the goal.  It needs discipline, dedication and direction to finish the race.  Teamwork between pastors and believers are needed in the local church.
  5.  As a Patient Farmer (vs. 6-7) – It takes time, patience and hardwork for a farmer to reap fruitful harvest.  The church is a garden and the seed is the Word of God.  The pastor is like a faithful farmer who plants, waters and shares the blessings of the harvest.
  6. As one of Christ’s body on earth (vs. 8-13) – Paul reminded Timothy that if Christ suffer, believers also suffer.  We die with Him as members of His body and we shall arose with Him when He comes and reign with Him in eternity.
  7.  As a Industrious Workman (vs. 14-19) – Paul told Timothy to study the Word and handle the Truth carefully.  He warned about false doctrines because it will spread like gangrene.  The only healthy doctrine is the Word of God.
  8.  As a Set-Apart Noble Vessel (vs. 20 -23) – Timothy is warned to cleanse himself from the dishonorable articles and be an instrument for noble purpose, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
  9. As a Gentle Lord’s Servant (vs. 24-26) – The Lord’s servant must not engaged in foolish and stupid arguments that produces quarrel.  Instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful and gently instruct those who oppose him in order to lead them to repentance.

THOUGHTS:

  1.  The grace of God enables us to have the strength to live for Christ and do His work.
  2.  Every believer needs to be equipped with God’s Word to make disciples and pass on their faith to the next generation.
  3.  Every Christian is like a soldier, an athlete and a farmer that needs discipline and be willing to sacrifice to achieve victory and good results.
  4.  The Good News is:  Christ is fully man and fully God, who has taken our sins by dying on the cross for us and reconciles us to God.  He died and was resurrected on the third day now sited at the right hand of the Father.  Jesus is one person with two united nature.
  5. While facing persecution and opposition, remember that God is faithful to be with us until the end of the ages.  We will live eternally with Him and share in the administration of His kingdom.
  6. Consistent and diligent study of Bible is essential to build our life on His Word.  It tells us how to live for him and how to serve Him.
  7. Avoid disagreements that provoke anger and hurt feelings.  Try to find solutions that focus on sounds doctrines.
  8. Things that false teachers do:  tell lies, distant the truth, dilute or delete God’s Word.  Follow the solid foundation of God’s truth which never changes.
  9. Be the kind of person Christ can use for his noblest purpose.  Allow God to use you as the best instrument of His will.
  10. Run away physically from any situation that will stimulate your desire to sin.  Spiritual battle consists of when to run and how to fight.