Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 14

READ: 2 Timothy 4

Chapter 4 really challenges us with the idea that people have choices. In the first half of the passage, Paul talks about the choices one can make in learning truths in God’s Word, in deciding where one will take a stand among a crowd, and how one will reach out to others.

The second half is the sad reality that not everyone who stood with you as you began your journey with Christ will always finish with you. You can almost hear the sadness in Paul’s words as he tells Timothy of those who have left him. At the time of writing 2 Timothy, he is sitting in prison, reflecting on relationships he has had with people and their choices.

Yet Paul demonstrates to us how we’re to react when situations like this come upon us. “At my first defence no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me” (v. 16) He could have chosen to be angry, to be bitter or to seek revenge - all things that seemed part of his character when he was younger. But Paul’s answer reveals the work Jesus had done in his heart. “But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it” (v.17). May we stand fast like this when we face trials and disappointments!

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       Paul was close to heaven at the point of writing this book. What characteristics did he portray in this chapter that demonstrate he was not concerned about this lifetime?

2.       While it is true we can be more heavenly minded than earthly good, thinking about the amazing promise of heaven can spur us on to caring less about the pressure we feel from those around us. For example, being hurt by people who have deserted us has a little less sting when we stand in the promise of the things to come. In what way could you lessen the cares of this world by reminding yourself of the glory of heaven?

3.       Many times we see others who act like Demas or Alexander. They desert us or do us great harm. But we often fail to see that we do the same thing to others. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if this is the case for any of your relationships.

Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 13

READ: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

We live in a society that is saturated with a multitude of Christian resources. There are books, sermons, seminars, music, plays, dance, art, even cartoons! All of these are good things. All of them are tools to build up our faith and reach out to others. Yet none of them come close to working in us like the written Word of God does.

A big reason why we sometimes want to look toward human resources is that they may not convict the way the Bible does. They will challenge and spur on, but at the end of the day, you can disagree with the teaching without feeling guilty. But the Bible isn’t like that; we know that it’s confronting us with God Himself. The Bible, with the wonderful ministry of the Holy Spirit, convicts us like nothing else can.

The Bible also does what no other resource can do – it gives us the tools to stand in the face of adversity. Much of verses 10-17 talk about the persecution we’ll be facing in our walk with Jesus. Resources are good, but will not be our source of strength when these difficulties arise. God’s Word holds the Truth to teach, to correct, to train. For what purpose? To be complete.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       “You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness” (v. 10). In order to follow the guiding of the Word (the Bible), we need to be reading it! How much time do you spend in the Word compared to the resources that compliment it? Ask God if any adjustments need to be made.

2.       Ask God to show you today how much the Bible means to Him.

3.       Think about 1 or 2 experiences where the Bible was your source of strength, encouragement, conviction etc. Thank God for giving you such an amazing book.

Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 12

READ: 2 Timothy 3:1-9

" Mark my words" Those are the kind of words that can really wreck a person. If you turn out to be correct, people might not remember, but if you’re wrong, they will very likely never let you forget it! And this is how are passage begins today; with Paul prophesying through the Holy Spirit about the state of the church in the last days.

So, was Paul right?? Will he be right? What does he say? Let’s carefully review it. "But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people." (2 Timothy 3:1-5)

It’s safe to say that Paul is and will be right on the mark! Who could deny this? Even unbelievers would struggle to deny that such things are rampant in our society! Let’s look closely at a couple things and see for ourselves. What about "lovers of self"? We’re obsessed with ourselves from sun up to sun down. Media says “Be the you that you want to be. Be happy and do what you want by having what you want." Education says, “Get the degree you need, to do the job that you want, to make the money you need, to buy the things you want." Fashion says," Buy these clothes so you can look the way you want. People will love the way you look!" We don’t need to continue much further to exhibit that many are in fact lovers of self.

How about "lovers of pleasure"? If it feels good, do it! From alcohol and drugs to pornography and illicit sex, nothing is off limits in our culture these days. If you want to do it, who can tell you it’s wrong? We love pleasure and it’s easy to see just by looking at where many spend their money. Food, sports, TV, movies, video games, shopping malls, and music are all things we get pleasure from, and our culture LOVES these things, don’t they?

So what do we do in response to this? Brothers and sisters, we need to be intentional if we want to stay focused. We are at least closer to Jesus' return than Paul was by 2000 years so we need to stand watch, be alert, pay close attention! This doesn't mean that we hide ourselves from unbelievers. We do need to follow Jesus' lead in our lives and listen to his voice. There may be people he tells you to stop hanging around with. Pay close attention to him alone and he will keep you from all unrighteousness and lead you in the way everlasting.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       Look over Paul's list of sins in chapter 3 and prayerfully consider if you find yourself in any of them. Spend time in confession and repentance. Jesus will be gentle, but clear.

2.       The verses prior (2 Timothy 2: 25-26) talk about the people living in the many sins that are noted in chapter three. Paul says they need to be brought “to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." Spend some time praying for the lost people in your life, in Steinbach, and in Canada. Pray that they would find their way to Jesus and that many might be saved! Journal any pictures or promises the Lord may show you.

3.       "Have nothing to do with such people" (2 timothy 3:5) Ask the Holy Spirit to show you if there are people in your friendship groups or social networks that are not having a good impact on you. Seek Jesus as to what He wants you to do about it. Ask if there are boundaries you could set up or accountability that would help you to stay focused on following Jesus.

Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 11

READ: 2 Timothy 2

Paul uses many images in this chapter to emphasize what he is passing on to Timothy. Sometimes Scripture uses these “word pictures” and real-life examples – i.e. farmer, athlete, soldier – to engage our hearts. In not so many words, Paul is saying “fight, be a good worker, pursue righteousness!”

Oh how easy it is to let ourselves slip into the thinking that we are fine with where we are at in our walk with the Lord! We have so many justifications for ourselves, one of the greatest of which is comparison. “I am good because…I am not where I was before…I am not doing what that guy is doing…my circumstances are just too hard, much harder than most.” The danger about a mindset like this is that it blinds us from our own junk in our lives. When our eyes go outward, looking and comparing to those around us, we miss the Holy Spirit’s conviction for personal righteousness. This is a deadly trap! At the same time, without walking closely with God, we can fall off the other side of the narrow road and assume that everything in our life is less than. We need God’s affirmation too!

2 Timothy 2:20-21 says:" In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work." Those who cleanse themselves will be the Lord’s chosen people, pure and holy. We don’t have time to waste looking around, comparing, judging others and making excuses. We should be really busy working on ourselves, with God’s gracious help of course! In time, and by the direction of God, we will be transformed. Then the Master will use increase our good works. What a privilege!

While it’s true that we sometimes face incredibly difficult situations, God often wants to grow us in them. Just like we see in this chapter, where Paul is pursuing Timothy to keep walking forward no matter what, God is doing likewise with us.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       Read through the chapter again and make a note of every passage that uses imagery. For example, in verse 3 it speaks about being a good solider.

2.       For each of these images, ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you can move forward in your walk with the Lord by thinking of yourself in relation to the image. Be specific. Try not to use ideas like “I need to stop arguing.” While this is good, it is too broad to implement. Break it down into doable pieces.

3.       Spend some time in thanksgiving for what God is going to do. Be excited that He is pursuing us to move forward! Praise Him for His desire to do great things in us.

Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 10

READ: 2 Timothy 1

Paul had such a love for Timothy and for the church that he had to write one more letter to him (them). He again addressed him as his dear son", Timothy (2 timothy 1:2). This chapter mirrors a lot of what the first chapter of 1 Timothy says. Paul reminds Timothy that they are being used as church leaders not because of their worthiness, but rather because of Christ’s worthiness. He tells Timothy that ALL is possible only by the grace of God. Finally, Paul brings it all back to what they have been entrusted with by God.

Why write the same message twice? Would Timothy really have forgotten Paul’s first letter? Not likely! Actually, he tells us what he is up to in verse 13. “What you heard from me, keep as a pattern of wholesome teaching." And what is the rule of patterns? They repeat themselves!! Paul’s message doesn’t really change towards Timothy and even the way he says it hardly varies.

Why? Take for example Southland’s weekend messages. Each week we cover a new passage of scripture and once a year we change the message series (slight exaggeration....J). Even though there are adjustments to what passages are used and what the series are, the core themes of the preaching never change! There is a God! He is most fully known in Jesus! We can know Him, talk to Him, listen to Him, read His words in the Bible, fellowship with His spirit and we are only saved by repenting and believing in Him (which are ongoing things)! This basically sums up the core message. Why do the preachers hit these main points so often? They are preaching a “pattern of sound teaching." In in doing so, it is being ingrained into the church.

Moses also did the same thing for the Israelites. In his writings (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) Moses is constantly repeating himself over and over again. This is a common practice all over the Bible. Proverbs, Psalms, the prophets, and the gospels are filled with repetition! Paul wasn’t trying something new, he was taking a good old fashioned approach to apostleship. You see, it isn’t the quantity of things that we know that is important to God. Rather, it is our obedience to what we already know and keep hearing. Will we be doers of the Word? Paul was challenging Timothy and the church with these thoughts.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       Re-read 1 Timothy 1 as well as 2 Timothy 1. Meditate on the passages and ask the Holy Spirit to highlight something new for you. Insert your name where Timothy’s is and read it as a letter written directly to you. Ask God to put his vision in your heart for your life.

2.       Paul starts this chapter off by talking about the “sincere faith" passed down in Timothy’s family. Spend some time thanking God for your family. Maybe you didn’t come from a Christian family. In this case, thank God that he still saved you and now you can pass it on to others.

Paul passed on to Timothy a pattern of sound teaching. Pray and ask Jesus how you can begin to pass something on to someone else. Maybe it’s encouragement to a co-worker, or someone in the same cell group you attend. Maybe it’s a passage of scripture to a friend or family member. Follow Jesus' lead!

Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 9

Paul’s second letter to Timothy was written at the end of Paul’s life and scholars agree that 2 Timothy was the last letter he would pen. As such, it is interesting to read what Paul’s final instructions were – another “how to” guide for the church.

The state of the church had likely taken a turn for the worse since Paul wrote in 1 Timothy. Godlessness and worldliness had crept into the minds of the people. Paul knew that if the church failed to fulfill its purpose, God’s truth would cease to go out into the world. This letter was sent to Timothy to give him guidance and direction as a leader in the church. It must have encouraged and emboldened Timothy to know that Paul was not forgetting about them, or him.

Of course, although we’re not all leaders in the church, we do have people whom we influence. As such, these instructions can be applied to all of our lives. Let’s carefully listen to what the Spirit is saying to us . . . .

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       Spend some time thanking God for His Word, that He left such a wonderful love letter and life manual for us. Thank Him for the ways that the Word has ministered to you in the past.

2.       We as individuals make up the body of the church and each of us represent Christ as a whole. Spend some time thanking God that He has given us a support system that fuels our passion to love and serve Him. Thank Him for specific ways that the church AND individuals in the church have contributed to your walk with Jesus.

3.       Reflect on your service to the body of Christ. Ask Jesus to show you how to be an effective minister in the church, both here and outside the walls of Southland. Pray about any steps of obedience He is asking of you today.

Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 8

READ: 1 Timothy 6

We've heard it said, “money makes the world go round." This is just one of the many sayings about money we use today, and I wonder, do we believe it? When we look around our society and the world we live in, is there a love of money? The answer is an obvious ‘yes’.  And so it was in Paul's day too. He writes this to Timothy: "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people 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." (1 Timothy 6:9-10)

The topic of money is a vital thing to consider as we seek to follow Christ. It seems as if people throughout the ages have a natural ability to love money and the desire to get as much of it as they can (or the “things” that money can buy). God has warned his people through prophets, kings, and teachers to be careful about loving riches. Jesus specifically warned people that you cannot serve both God and money. Do we meditate on this? Do we weigh the words of Jesus and Paul here in 1 Timothy carefully? Money CAN cause us to wander from the faith and pierce ourselves. These are serious things! We can be especially blind to this because we live in such a materialistic culture, and we may seem like we’re doing better than others. But God’s Word is the standard by which we’ll be judged, not the habits of our culture or friends even.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

Today we will look at specific passages in 1 Timothy 6 and pray about what it means in our lives to stand up for and live truth.

1.       “Let all who under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled.” We can stand for truth in our jobs, school or anywhere there is someone having authority over us. This may look differently in your life than someone else’s. It really isn’t a formula! Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you as to how to stand for truth in this area. Maybe the Lord wants to encourage you to continue to do what you’re doing and speak words of affirmation to you. A huge part of standing up for truth, of course, is living the truth of submission to your boss, of being an excellent employee. This is the most powerful truth-bearing, is being a man or women that displays the fruits of the Spirit.

2.       “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” The word ‘but’ is a conjunction – a joining of two ideas. Paul was just speaking about following sound teaching and joins it with the idea of godliness with contentment. Sound teaching MUST be combined with being a person who entrusts themselves to God – these includes trusting Him no matter our circumstances. Poor circumstances never justify complaining. Ask God to show you where you have contentment and where complaining is starting to take control. Make any necessary commitments to change.

3.       “They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasures for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” Storing up treasures! It’s easy to do big things for God, but those daily small things that cost us an amount of time, energy or money, those can be the hard things! Ask God if there is anything that He is asking of you today that would not necessarily be big, but would qualify as storing up treasures in heaven.

Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 7

READ: 1 Timothy 5

Chapter 5 gives very practical tips on how to treat people. In this passage, Paul gives instructions for widows (both young and old) and elders. He goes into detail about which widows should be helped and how the church should interact with their elders. Many things can be learned from these words of Paul. First, it’s not the responsibility of the church to help everyone, no matter how they act or have acted. There is much room for grace, as we learn elsewhere in the Bible, but in the face of limited resources, decisions have to be made and the personal godliness of a person is a consideration when making decisions. It is very true that often people find themselves in helpless situations because they have made very poor choices. There is a balance here, helping those who are deeply hurting and yet finding ways to support godly behaviour. The Spirit needed to lead the early church in these matters, as He does for all churches today.  

Second, in speaking about leaders, God says that they are worthy of honor. They are dealing with a bunch of different (and difficult) situations and circumstances. While nobody will be perfect, and indeed there are times where correction is necessary, our church leaders need our love and support. “In the same way, good deeds are obvious and even those that are not cannot be hidden” (v. 25). We can spend much time lifting up our leaders in prayer, asking God to do a powerful work in them and through them.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       We may or may not see in this lifetime the effects we have on people, whether through prayer or action. But God wants to encourage us that He does see these things. Ask Him to show you one area that He is proud of you for being obedient in serving others, or in Paul’s words, where you, “give proper recognition to those . . . who are really in need.”

2.       This chapter gave practical areas that we can serve Him – to widows (or perhaps elderly people) and church leaders. Pray and ask God if there is something He would like you to do for these particular people. Schedule some time in your day (or week) and do it! Also ask Him if you’ve been helping someone that you shouldn’t be out of false compassion or guilt.

3.       Another demographic of people that need our love and support are the young moms who feel overwhelmed with the task of being a godly wife and mother. Again, ask the Lord if there is a mom you know that could use a boost of encouragement. This does not have to be a large scale action. It can simply look like a note, a text or a phone call.

Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 6

READ: 1 Timothy 4

In reading through 1 Timothy 4 we experience the challenge to carefully consider what we believe. This can help us see deception for what it is, involve putting off foolish myths or being able to exhort people with the truth of the Word. We need to have convictions, knowing and understanding in our hearts and minds can keep us strong.

But knowing what we believe isn't always enough. Paul was also calling Timothy out of his comfort zone, pushing him to take a stand before others. Being bold isn't always easy. It is often easier to move to the beat of another party’s drum as opposed to breaking rhythm and standing out. Tet this was the advice Timothy was given.

To make matters worse, Timothy was younger than his counterparts, and couldn’t even back himself up with the authority that often accompanies age. But this didn't stop Paul from pushing Timothy in this direction. Paul said, "Command and preach these things. Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young.” “Thanks Paul. Easy for you to say being hundreds of miles away!" may have been Timothy’s response at first, but in the end, Paul knew best.

One quick word of caution: this does NOT mean that young people everywhere should rise up and rebuke, left, right and center. Bad idea! The important thing to note is that in this case Timothy is told to do this by his older and wiser mentor. Before we do anything crazy, run it through a few godly filters, as well as take it to Jesus personally! This is very wise advice for anyone who feels that they have both truth and zeal, no matter our age.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       A key to not departing from the faith as described in verses 1-5 is to move knowledge from your head to your heart. In other words, it needs to be transformative! Examine how you’re doing with moving the knowledge you have from the Bible to your heart. Reflect on the following:

a.       Holy Spirit, how do I shift my thinking to allow my heart to be transformed?

b.      Is there any area where I have put myself in danger because I have not internalized your Word?

c.       Show me one person today that I can share something that I want moved from head to heart. This could be a conversation, email, text etc.

Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 5

READ: 1 Timothy 3

Housekeeping! Most of us know all about it, whether we do so ourselves or appreciate those who work hard to maintain a home. Obviously, such housekeeping requires things such a lists, organization and proper instructions. As we move into chapter 3 of 1 Timothy we find a “checklist” of housekeeping for an orderly church. Praise God that He would give us such direction. He desires for us to be able to walk wisely as we seek Him in community!

As we consider what Paul says, it doesn’t hurt to have an understanding of what the culture was like at the time that he wrote. Essentially, he is borrowing some concepts and pictures to help the early church grasp their roles and attitudes. Listen to what one author has said . . . try to read through it carefully and consider the church as you read it. “The Greco-Roman household consisted of different groups, duties and responsibilities, and in the larger ones stewards were given authority to see that each did her or his share so that the master's purposes might be achieved. The concept of household with its associated notions of interdependence, acceptable conduct and responsibility was so strong that Paul could borrow it to illustrate the nature of the church. It too, both then and now, is made of different groups (men and women from every level of society, parents and children, employers and employees) who must depend upon and, in love, serve one another.”

Paul starts this passage off with direction; He specifically points it at overseers (pastors/ church leaders/cell leaders). A leader must first lead himself before he can lead a church, and Paul is reminding Timothy of that. Although as we read his specific instructions we may wonder – what a high standard! - we are all better off if our leaders hold to them. Anyone can aspire to lead in some sense and try to live them out. Learning to lead yourself is the benchmark of all good leaders. Renewal begins within!

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       Although we are not all in the position of “overseer” (whether in church, at work or at home), we can work toward becoming people who “desire this noble task” (v.1). Read over the list mentioned in vs. 2-3. Is there an area that you need to improve in?

2.       Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one area that you have improved in already. Think of the process He took you to get to this improvement. Spend time marvelling at how He has worked in you! Our past growth can be an encouragement that He will bring to completion the work He has begun.

3.       Households work together! Doing things together can be wonderful, and at times, difficult. Spend time today thanking God for those of your “household” – whether that be at home, work, cell, or church overall.

Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 4

READ: 1 Timothy 2

“I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling” (v.8.) Jewish people knew about the purity of the hands. Washing hands was a requirement that one needed to do to approach their Holy God. Exodus 30: 19-21 says, “Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet with water from it [the bronze basin]. Whenever they enter the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water so that they will not die. Also, when they approach the altar to minister by presenting a food offering to the LORD, they shall wash their hands and feet so that they will not die. This is to be a lasting ordinance for Aaron and his descendants for the generations to come.”

As people began to walk in the new covenant, they understood that purity shifted from the physical washing of hands to the inner washing of the heart, as talked about in James 4:8. “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

It is this shift in the condition of the heart that Paul addresses in the second half of 1 Timothy 2. Women were adorning themselves with the “biggest and best” in fashion, most likely creating a divide in status to those who could not afford to do so. Some women, while being released by Jesus to walk in freedom, were taking this freedom to cause division. Paul admonishes them toward a life of holiness. We really need to think about holiness. What is holiness in God’s eyes? Paul is pushing Timothy and through him, the entire church, to consider their ways. When we think of the Christian life, we often consider “not sinning”, as in not murdering or committing sexual immortality. It is so much more than this, and the book of 1 Timothy points us in this direction. God is looking for a consistent uprightness in our lives.

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       Holiness and the purity of heart is something that God asks of us, regardless of gender. The Old Testament gave a symbol of this purity – the washing of hands. We use our hands for everything we do. We work, comfort, talk and show emotions with our hands. Now think about our entire bodies! How we use them often reflects what is in our heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one area where you are not walking in the direction He would have you. Where are you being impure?

2.       As a response to the thing God showed you in #1, ask Him for one practical step you can take today to “wash your hands” in this area.

3.       There is a song by Chris Tomlin that echoes the above thoughts. “Give us clean hands, give us pure hearts, let us not lift our souls to another.” Our hearts can be drawn to outward adornment or having “the biggest and best.” Ask God if there is anywhere in your life where you are doing this – with clothes, electronics, household items, etc. Ask Him if people know you more for what you have or for who you are. Ask the Holy Spirit for help to change anything He reveals.

Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 3

READ: 1 Timothy 1: 12-20

1 Timothy 1:12 " I thank Jesus Christ our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service."

Take a minute to let the words of this verse sink in. The fact that God trusts us in amazing, isn't it? God knows all and sees all, which means that He sees all our weaknesses and faults. Despite this He chooses to use us, and in doing so, He is declaring that He trusts us!

In the verse prior (1 Timothy 1:11) Paul states that the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God had been entrusted to him. The word entrusted means, to put something into someone’s care or protection." So what is Paul saying? Immediately Paul goes on to tell us about all of his failures and mistakes He had made in his life (1 Timothy1:14-15). Why would God entrust anything to a man who once killed Christians?

Do you ever wonder how God could trust you? Maybe you have a long list of failures that you have already brought to the front of your mind. You read the words, but in your heart you don't believe them; “God can’t trust me." you say. Well then, the next verse is for you. "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners- of whom I am worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life." 1 Timothy 1: 15-16

Did Paul have to change to become trustworthy to God? Oh yes he did. Paul repented and walked out a life of repentance to be used by God. But the point is that even the worst of sinners can be entrusted with something from God because of the abundance of God mercy and grace! Our ability to be used by God is much more dependent on the greatest of the gospel, not on our worthiness!

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       Ask the Holy Spirit to show you areas of your life where you have been already entrusted with something precious. It could be things like your kids, marriage, job, areas of influence, evangelism opportunities, etc. Thank Him that He would trust you with these things.

2.       Listen in prayer and see if there are old faults or failures of your past that are stopping you from acting on what God has entrusted you with. Ask Jesus to show you how to move past these things. If there are sins or struggles that you are still dealing with, confess them to God and bring them to the cross.

3.       Paul finishes off this portion of scripture praising Jesus for what he has done (1 Timothy 1:17) spend some time praising the King Eternal for all he has done in your life! REALLY PRAISE HIM!

Foundations: First & Second Timothy - Day 2

READ: 1 Timothy 1: 1-11

As we read this passage we see that Paul is challenging Timothy to stay where he is at in ministry, being faithful to remain in Ephesus. Timothy’s goal in being there was to show the leaders/teachers that they had strayed from truth. Paul tells his young charge that he is to correct these people with love being the motivating factor. These teachers were confident in the things they were teaching, but were actually incorrect in their doctrine.

Paul is essentially saying to Timothy, “Stand up for truth. Love the people enough to correct them.” He is giving Timothy permission to be bold, BUT to be bold with a heart of love. This kind of correction only comes by getting God’s heart in the matter.  Paul is pushing this young leader to defend the truth that was entrusted to Paul, then passed onto him. Timothy already knew this truth but he needed a nudge in the right direction. As we’ll read later, Timothy had a great understanding of Scripture and the things of God. (2 Timothy 3:14-15)

JOURNALING AND PRAYER

1.       While we don’t have a clear picture as to Timothy’s direction for the Ephesian church, we can understand that Paul is asking him to be faithful in his calling to them. Think of an area where God has put you – with work, or in your family, or in a ministry. Are you being faithful in that area? Spend some time considering changes to be made, and renewing your commitment to where God has put you for now.

2.       Is there an area where God has challenged you to stand up for truth? How have you responded to this task? Often our response is to give reasons as to why we can’t do what He’s asked us. And sometimes they even sound good! But if we are to grow ourselves and others, we need to learn obedience in this area. Ask for God’s love in the situation He has given you. We must marry grace and truth as both Jesus and Paul did.

3.       Correction can often be a sore spot for people because of pride. We are often stubborn and want to be right. There can be even times where we see the right answer, but our selfish heart doesn’t want to give into being corrected. Ask God if pride is hindering you from receiving the best God desires to offer you. Ask for forgiveness and choose to learn from correction. An attitude of thankfulness will help you in that!