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.
