Don’t Deviate
Opening Prayer
Good Lord, my God, I thank You today for all those who have helped and encouraged me throughout my life.
Read 2 TIMOTHY 3:10-17
[10] You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, [11] persecutions, sufferings-what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. [12] In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, [13] while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. [14] But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, [15] and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. [16] All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, [17] so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What is the origin and purpose of Scripture?Paul’s letter now starts drawing together its central themes. As we review them, recall the past week. What has God been saying to you as we have studied 2 Timothy?
“You know all about me” (10-13). As Timothy’s mentor Paul again reminds him of his life. He does not ask Timothy to do anything he has not done himself. Paul concludes that it’s not possible for anyone who is serious about living the Christian life to avoid persecution (quite a challenge!). So it is not enough for Timothy to admire his great “Uncle Paul,” he has to join him on the same journey.
“But as for you” (14-17). For Timothy there is just more of the same. The Christian life is “a long obedience in the same direction” (a phrase from Nietzsche used by Eugene Peterson as a book title). He is to continue in what he has learned and become convinced of. To encourage him, Paul again describes the network of connections that give Timothy confidence: his teachers in the faith, Paul and his family, and the Scriptures that have shaped him. He is equipped for the task (17); now he needs to complete it.
Apply
For what task(s) has God equipped and called you? What might Paul say to you today?
Closing prayer
Lord, thank You for Your Word, the Bible. May it shape and equip me for the work You have for me.
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