Today we continue our study in 2 Timothy, the second letter the Apostle Paul sent to Timothy. Chapter three has several verses that may be familiar from different sermons or other Bible study lessons. Paul warned Timothy that there will be terrible times in the last days. Paul described how people would behave and their character in the last days in verses two through five. People will move further away from God in the last days. Paul warned Timothy he should not have anything to do with the kind of people described in verses two through five. Today there are people that fit Paul’s description in verses two through five. Also, there are more people today that are always learning but never come to a knowledge of the truth. There are educated people with several degrees that deny who Jesus is and the power of God demonstrated through the death of Jesus on the cross and his resurrection on the third day. Paul said in verse twelve, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Jesus was persecuted while he lived on this earth and his followers will be persecuted while they live on this earth also. Jesus said so and Paul echoed that to Timothy. Paul warned about what will happen to evildoers and imposters. They will go from deceiving others to being deceived. They will go from bad to worse. Paul encouraged Timothy in verses fourteen through seventeen. Scripture is God-breathed, useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. How can we recognize teachers that oppose the truth? How can we persevere during persecution? How can we be equipped for every good work? Please read the following for next week: 2 Timothy 4
0 Comments
Today we continue our study in 2 Timothy, the second letter the Apostle Paul sent to Timothy. Paul encouraged Timothy to pass on what he heard him say to other reliable men that would teach others. Paul reminded Timothy that the gospel he suffered for is that Jesus Christ was descended from David and was raised from the dead. Paul believed that he could endure imprisonment because he knew the word of God was not chained up like him. Paul wanted the elect, the Jews, to receive salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul instructed Timothy as a leader to be prepared so he could handle the word of truth correctly and be presented to God as a workman that is not ashamed. Paul gave the warning that godless chatter can lead a person to become more ungodly the longer they take part in it. Paul also warned about two people that strayed from the truth and said the resurrection had already happened. Paul said some people’s faith was destroyed because those two said the resurrection had already happened. Paul said God’s solid foundation was sealed with, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” Paul also instructed Timothy to, “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” Paul encouraged Timothy not to quarrel, but to be kind to everyone. Paul also said the Lord’s servant must teach, not be resentful, and gently instruct those that oppose him, “in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.” How often do you pray for the salvation of the elect, the Jews? How can we avoid godless chatter and straying from the truth? How have you turned away from wickedness since confessing Jesus Christ as Lord? Please read the following for next week: 2 Timothy 3 Today we start our study on the second letter the Apostle Paul sent to Timothy. This letter started out with a greeting from Paul to Timothy before going into what Paul wanted to share. Paul encouraged Timothy to, “fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” Paul affirmed that the Holy Spirit “does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.” Paul did not want Timothy to be ashamed of him or the testimony about Jesus. Paul also wanted Timothy to live a holy life because God saved him and called him to live a holy life. How can you tell if you have a gift of God inside you? How can we fan the gift of God we have into a flame? How can you tell you have received power, love, and self-discipline from the Holy Spirit? Please read the following for next week: 2 Timothy 2 Today we finish our study on Colossians. To close his letter to the church in Colossae, Paul gave them some final instructions and greetings from people they knew. In verse two Paul encouraged them to “devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” Paul wanted them to pray for him and those that were working with him to proclaim the mystery of Christ. Paul also encouraged the church to be wise in the way they treat outsiders, make the most of every opportunity, and speak with grace so they would know how to answer everyone. From start to finish Paul wrote an encouraging letter to the church in Colossae. He may not have met them personally, but he cared for them, prayed for them, and wanted them to continue living their life for Christ. How often do we pray for others? How often do we ask others to pray for us? Do we ask others to pray for us more than we pray for others? How are you making the most of the opportunities you have to proclaim the mystery of Christ to those that need to hear about him? Please read the following for next week: 2 Timothy 1 |
AuthorPastor Chris Martin Archives
May 2024
Categories
All
|