January 8, 2024
Please use the comment section on this page to share insights from today’s reading OR your own personal Bible reading.
Reading along with us in 2 Timothy? Here’s today’s reading:
2 Timothy 2 (NIV)
The Appeal Renewed
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 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. .……Continue Reading
11 ¶ This is a faithful saying:
For if we died with Him,
We shall also live with Him.
12 If we endure,
We shall also reign with Him.
If we deny Him,
He also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless,
He remains faithful;
He cannot deny Himself.
Paul is saying to Timothy as he has taught and discipled him so should he also disciple others and they will also do the same. Faithful men who will teach the truth as they learned from the scriptures. We are to study the word of God rightly dividing it. Paul calls out two more men by name. Both Hymeneus and Philetus and probably others were teaching a false doctrine that there was no bodily Resurrection and therefore were leading others astray. As we know without the bodily Resurrection of Christ our hope and faith is in vain and we are still in our sins. 1 Corinthians 15;17 [ And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.] Here is a statement by The Bible Knowledge Commentary. [ Greek philosophers typically viewed the soul as immortal and the body as its temporal prison. The idea of the physical resurrection of the body, both Christ`s and the Christians, was therefore foreign and difficult for them to grasp.] 1 Cor. 15 and Acts 17;32. Of course them having trouble understanding it doesn`t negate the fact of the Resurrection of Christ. But it would cause me to think that these two men were not saved. But some how had gotten in roads into the church. Scripture is it`s own best answer when studying scripture. Let`s not be led astray but understand the word of God rightly diving it. When Melodye and I were looking for a God fearing church that taught the word of God we found it in Living Hope. This was almost 6 years ago. I have never heard any teaching from the Pastor or others that would be in error. May God continue to bless our leadership and our whole body in Christ.
Paul’s 2nd letter to Timothy Has a somber tone yo it. As Paul has a sense his time is at hand and there is much persecution on Christians as Nero plots out his suffering on Christians. Encouraging Timothy from prison to still be bold and just use the gifts he has and the Holy Spirit will guide him going forward. Can’t imagine writing this letter I’m sure Paul
Had tears writing to one that was like a son to him.
“But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.”
This requires discernment to fulfill. In today’s world people divide over foolish disputes AND people do not like to be corrected with the truth! Makes me think of one of pastor’s points this Sunday….what are you drinking? God’s word or septic cleaner?
I couldn’t help but think of the phrase “drinking the Koolaid”. Referring to the Jonestown cult where 900 people drank a cyanide-laced drink…..either committing suicide or being forced to do so.
We must be discerning in all aspects of our knowledge: physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, and even political, scientific, and health. Satan is introducing lies in all arenas.
2 Timothy 2
2Timothy 2
23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
As Christians we need to speak Truth in Love. When we get overtaken by the argument and the need to be heard or right we are no longer speaking with love. I find it isn’t the words we say that people notice as much as the way we live. You might have all the right answers from the Bible but if you can’t show Christ’s love to someone they will not hear your words anyway!
How important it is for us to be serious about the things of God and understand the nature of what God has called us to. In Christ we have become part of a kingdom that aligns us with truth, power and authority and we are soldiers representing that kingdom and so our lives should be lived with that reference point. First we have to consider the wickedness that wars against us through influences that are inside and outside. We must abandon such things and recognize how inconsistent they are with the glory that God offers us and equips us with. Soldiers can’t afford to play around with devices that come from the enemy and even need to watch distractions that are more about civilian affairs rather than preparing and being in battle. Second we have to consider those who oppose the truth. We are to watch the nature of the arguments we get into and avoid quarrels over insignificant things. We are to gently instruct them and pray and hope that God grants them repentance where they see things like God would have them. Third we have to consider those who have been in the truth and are walking away. We need to warn them and direct them to the truth but also watch out that we don’t get caught up with the very things they are tripped up by, especially when they too argue about false things and want to engage in arguments that bear no fruit. In all things we need to remain pure and pursue the right things God calls us to. And encourage and be encouraged by those who join us in the truth, recognizing the battle belongs to the Lord, but He calls us, His soldiers, to fight in a way that reflects the character and nature of the kingdom we represent.