Saturday, August 21
Read II Timothy 4
Think About It:
Paul’s farewell message to Timothy in Chapter 4 gives good advice to Timothy, who will continue the ministry. Verses 2-5: “proclaim the Word of God and stand upon it no matter what! Rise to the occasion and preach when it is convenient and when it is not. Preach in the full expression of the Holy Spirit – with wisdom and patience as you instruct and teach the people. For the time is coming when they will no longer listen and respond to the healing words of truth because they will become selfish and proud. They will seek out teachers with soothing words that line up with their desires, saying just what they want to hear. They will close their ears to the truth and believe nothing but fables and myths. So be alert to all these things and overcome every form of evil. Carry in your heart the passion of your calling as a church planter and evangelist, and fulfill your ministry calling.”
The instruction in verse 5 can be summed up in three words: watch, endure, and work. We all should follow this simple pattern – watch and stay alert, endure hard times and persecution, and do the work of the ministry. We all have ministry to do, wherever you are. Once you are saved, everything in your life becomes sacred, consecrated, “God’s work” – even in your secular job or with your unsaved friends and family. God has placed you in specific circumstances for a very specific reason – to pray God’s Kingdom into the earth where you live to influence those around you. Consider if you were Timothy reading this letter from Paul… Pray about how you can follow Paul’s advice for your life.
Family Time:
- In reading this passage one finds Paul coming to the end of his life. He talks of friends that have forsaken him and about the Lord, who has not forsaken him. He has suffered many afflictions, abandonment, and betrayals. Yet, this letter talks about enduring to the end. Paul reminds people to preach!! Sometimes we can become very hardened or discouraged. Perhaps you have tried to tell people you love about Christ or perhaps some of your friends claim to be Christians but are not following the Lord at all. Do not be discouraged. Do not look at what others are doing or not doing. Look to the Lord and continue to fight the good fight and finish the race well! Do not be disqualified.
- If someone looked closely at your life, would they see Christ in you? Would they see Christ in you at school, when you are with friends, when you are alone, or would they only see you pretending to follow Christ? May Christ shine through us always, even when no one is looking.
