2 Timothy 1-Part 8
For the which cause I also suffer these things: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. 2 Timothy 1:12
LET IT GLOW
People can persuade you to do a lot of things when a child or teenager. Once when I was a younger teenager, my girlfriends persuaded me to attended a Vacation Bible School with them at a different denomination. During a lesson, the teacher explained the plan of salvation, then invited anyone to come to Christ. I was almost persuaded that day. but pride kept me away. I was surrounded by peers. Little did I know that they would have rejoiced with me if I had only made the decision for Christ as Savior that day. Then one night, a few years later, I became aquainted with Him, and He came into my heart. So I know Jesus in the same way that Paul did, with absolute knowledge. I am now persuaded, beyond a doubt, that I have eternal life with Jesus in heaven. Do you?
In verse 12, Paul says he was not ashamed of his life, suffering for the furtherance of the gospel. He knew, which means absolute knowledge, beyond a shadow of a doubt, Christ was faithful and would reward him. Jesus was the One in whom he believed for salvation and eternal life.
Persuaded means to believe. Experience and years with Christ taught him all that he was saying in this verse was Truth.
Jesus would keep, which means guard, Paul's salvation and service. He had unwavering confidence and boldness because of the Truth revealed to him. The day Paul is talking about is called the "Day of Christ" when believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and be rewarded for their works and service.
I have committed my soul to Him, have you? I am persuaded that He is able to keep that soul which I have committed to Him, from Hell and through the judgment. In Whom do you believe?
LET IT GROW
Verse 11 says: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.
I looked up these words in Thayer's Lexicon:
appointed means to make; to place, usually with a strategy in mind;
a preacher is a herald, a messenger; used of the apostles as the divine messengers of salvation procurred by Christ and to be embraced through him;
an apostle is a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders; with these apostles Paul claimed equality, because through a heavenly intervention he had been appointed by the ascended Christ himself to preach the gospel among Gentiles, and owed his knowledge of the way of salvation not to man's instruction but to direct revelation fromn Christ himself, and moreover had envinced his apostolic qualifications by many signal proofs (Acts 26:12-20);
teacher in this passage means a teacher of the apostles.
How shall anyone believe this gospel without a preacher (Rom. 10:14)?
"Not every Christian was an apostle of Jesus Christ, for a person had to meet certain qualifications and be chosen by the Lord personally, or through His Spirit (Acts 1:15-26, 1 Cor. 9:1). An apostle represented Jesus Christ. To reject an apostle was to reject the Lord," states Wiersbe in Be Faithful.
Paul was made an apostle of Jesus by Jesus. Paul was appointed strategically by God in the furtherance of His plan. Paul had shepherded, pastored, local churches, thus he was a teacher of the Gentiles. I don't think Paul was giving his credientials to Timothy because Timothy already knew this. I think Paul was reasurring him because of the false teachers there in Ephesus.
Since this is the inspired Word of God, aren't we Christians appointed by God to share the gospel with Gentiles, too?
LET IT GO
Suffer for the cause of Christ, if need be.
Persuade others that He is able to keep our soul eternally.
Teach others about this loving, gracious, Savior.
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Plans
2 Timothy 1-Part 7
Who (God) hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9-10
LET IT GLOW
I seem to make plans by the month. Mind you, I write down appointments made months ahead of time, but my main focus is on what's happening this month. Sometimes I write a significant time on a bright orange or red note paper and put beside the handle of my refrigerator in order to remember it. Are you with me? Sometimes it's a birthday, a meeting, a doctor or dentist appoint for me or for others. At any rate, you know it's something that I don't want to forget when that bright colored paper appears. Hold on, I'm going to go write the word grace on one of those note pages. Be right back. Now I will remember "God's Grace."
Plans. God planned out everything, before the world began, on the first day of creation found in Genesis 1:1 to the last amen in Revelation 22:21. Now that I think of it, I can trust Him by faith to work ALL things out for my good and His glory (Rom. 8:28). Oh no, hold the phone. I said "I CAN trust Him," didn't I? Shouldn't it be "I am trusting Him" or "I do trust Him?" Yes, I hung myself on my own words.
So Paul's sufferings fell under the authority of God, His plans. How did he do in the area of suffering? Paul didn't complain or give up. No siree, he kept on keepin' on. God's grand plans existed before time and space. They accomplish His purposes, yes, HIS PURPOSES, not mine. So is His plan of salvation-it accomplishes His purpose. It's based on His grace, given to undeserving people, like me and you, who trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Charles Swindoll said,"He (God) established His plan, based on grace alone, accomplished by Christ alone, to be received through faith alone. And we have the astonishing privilege of communicating it to the rest of humanity!"
Warren Wiersbe said, "It is His purposes that we are to fulfill, and if these purposes include suffering, then we can accept it by faith and know that God's will is best. This is not fatalism. It is confidence in the wise plan of our gracious heavenly Father."
A promise I found in verse 10 was Jesus abolished death. Abolished means "rendered inoperative." Physical death still exists, but it is no longer a threat or an enemy for Christians (1 Cor. 15:54-55). God chose to make known fully the truth of immortality and eternal life, a reality only partially understood by Old Testament believers. (MacArthur Bible Commentary)
Christ was not only the Destroyer of death (Heb. 2:14-15), but He was also the Revealer of life and immortality. For the most part, the picture was dark. But then Jesus Christ shone His light on death and the grave. Through the gospel, He has given us assurance of eternal life, resurrection, and the hope of heaven.
(Be Faithful by Warren Wiersbe)
Immortality means "incorruptibility," and refers to the resurrection body. The present body is corruptible; it dies and decays. But the glorified body we shall have when we see Christ will not be subject to decay or death (Phil 3:21). In fact, the heavenly inheritance that we hare will be "incorruptible, and undefiled, and [one] that fadeth not away" (1Peter 1:4). (Wiersbe)
Yes! Amen! Glory to God!
LET IT GROW
"God called us with a holy calling," Paul told Timothy and us. Paul put Timothy's calling on the same level as his own. This must have encouraged Timothy. On the Road to Damascus (Acts 9), Jesus met Paul and personally called him into the ministry. Have we had a similar experience?
LET IT GO
Turst God.
Be grateful for God's grace.
Always remember that I'm getting an immortal, incorruptible body one day.
Who (God) hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9-10
LET IT GLOW
I seem to make plans by the month. Mind you, I write down appointments made months ahead of time, but my main focus is on what's happening this month. Sometimes I write a significant time on a bright orange or red note paper and put beside the handle of my refrigerator in order to remember it. Are you with me? Sometimes it's a birthday, a meeting, a doctor or dentist appoint for me or for others. At any rate, you know it's something that I don't want to forget when that bright colored paper appears. Hold on, I'm going to go write the word grace on one of those note pages. Be right back. Now I will remember "God's Grace."
Plans. God planned out everything, before the world began, on the first day of creation found in Genesis 1:1 to the last amen in Revelation 22:21. Now that I think of it, I can trust Him by faith to work ALL things out for my good and His glory (Rom. 8:28). Oh no, hold the phone. I said "I CAN trust Him," didn't I? Shouldn't it be "I am trusting Him" or "I do trust Him?" Yes, I hung myself on my own words.
So Paul's sufferings fell under the authority of God, His plans. How did he do in the area of suffering? Paul didn't complain or give up. No siree, he kept on keepin' on. God's grand plans existed before time and space. They accomplish His purposes, yes, HIS PURPOSES, not mine. So is His plan of salvation-it accomplishes His purpose. It's based on His grace, given to undeserving people, like me and you, who trust in His Son, Jesus Christ.
Charles Swindoll said,"He (God) established His plan, based on grace alone, accomplished by Christ alone, to be received through faith alone. And we have the astonishing privilege of communicating it to the rest of humanity!"
Warren Wiersbe said, "It is His purposes that we are to fulfill, and if these purposes include suffering, then we can accept it by faith and know that God's will is best. This is not fatalism. It is confidence in the wise plan of our gracious heavenly Father."
A promise I found in verse 10 was Jesus abolished death. Abolished means "rendered inoperative." Physical death still exists, but it is no longer a threat or an enemy for Christians (1 Cor. 15:54-55). God chose to make known fully the truth of immortality and eternal life, a reality only partially understood by Old Testament believers. (MacArthur Bible Commentary)
Christ was not only the Destroyer of death (Heb. 2:14-15), but He was also the Revealer of life and immortality. For the most part, the picture was dark. But then Jesus Christ shone His light on death and the grave. Through the gospel, He has given us assurance of eternal life, resurrection, and the hope of heaven.
(Be Faithful by Warren Wiersbe)
Immortality means "incorruptibility," and refers to the resurrection body. The present body is corruptible; it dies and decays. But the glorified body we shall have when we see Christ will not be subject to decay or death (Phil 3:21). In fact, the heavenly inheritance that we hare will be "incorruptible, and undefiled, and [one] that fadeth not away" (1Peter 1:4). (Wiersbe)
Yes! Amen! Glory to God!
LET IT GROW
"God called us with a holy calling," Paul told Timothy and us. Paul put Timothy's calling on the same level as his own. This must have encouraged Timothy. On the Road to Damascus (Acts 9), Jesus met Paul and personally called him into the ministry. Have we had a similar experience?
LET IT GO
Turst God.
Be grateful for God's grace.
Always remember that I'm getting an immortal, incorruptible body one day.
Friday, October 7, 2011
When I'm a Prisoner
2 Timothy 1-Part 9
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:8
LET IT GLOW
Although I haven't been in an actual jail or prison, but I have been held in physical captivity by a disease. For 40 years, without knowing what it was, Crohn's disease held me captive. I wasn't free to go canoeing, camping, hiking, or any place where a restroom was not quickly accessible because at anytime I could need one. My activities and places I could go were restricted due to this bondage. The Lord helped me identify this bondage. If I will stick to my diet and not eat fried foods, raw fruits and vegetables, drink soda pop, restrict red meats, then I experience freedom from the captivity of food. It is so wonderful that I can't describe it, only give praise to my Savior!
In order for a person to be a prisoner held captive, do they have to be behind bars? Can't we be walking around free to go anywhere, yet be held captive by something? Aren't there different kinds of prisons? Examples are abuse, drugs, alcohol, sexual sins, homosexuality, dishonesty, bitterness, doubt, food, tv, criticism, discouragement, loneliness, worry, fear, physical, emotional, mental, financial, or spiritual prisons. Certainly these can hold us captive. Is there anything holding you captive?
A prisoner is bound, in bonds, a captive.
In her book Breaking Free, Beth Moore defines captivity this way: "A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective spirit-filled life God planned for her."
Are we aware of a stronghold presently holding us captive? If so, have I agreed with God about and confessed all sin involved?
Isaiah 61:1 NAS says The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, To proclaim liberty to captives, And freedom to prisoners.
Ephesians 3:1 says For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 states: For though we walk in the flesh we do not war after the flesh (For the
weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
In the same book, Beth gives us ways to deprogram or reprogram ourself:
LET IT GROW
Getting back to verse 8, according to Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Paul gives Timothy four action steps to strengthening our resolve:
LET IT GO
What do I need to let go of and let God have control?
Reach out to the Lord for freedom from any stronghold of Satan or my own doing.
Be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel.
Anchor my life in the Lord's sovereign grace.
Testify of His power to free a person in captivity.
Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God. 2 Timothy 1:8
LET IT GLOW
Although I haven't been in an actual jail or prison, but I have been held in physical captivity by a disease. For 40 years, without knowing what it was, Crohn's disease held me captive. I wasn't free to go canoeing, camping, hiking, or any place where a restroom was not quickly accessible because at anytime I could need one. My activities and places I could go were restricted due to this bondage. The Lord helped me identify this bondage. If I will stick to my diet and not eat fried foods, raw fruits and vegetables, drink soda pop, restrict red meats, then I experience freedom from the captivity of food. It is so wonderful that I can't describe it, only give praise to my Savior!
In order for a person to be a prisoner held captive, do they have to be behind bars? Can't we be walking around free to go anywhere, yet be held captive by something? Aren't there different kinds of prisons? Examples are abuse, drugs, alcohol, sexual sins, homosexuality, dishonesty, bitterness, doubt, food, tv, criticism, discouragement, loneliness, worry, fear, physical, emotional, mental, financial, or spiritual prisons. Certainly these can hold us captive. Is there anything holding you captive?
A prisoner is bound, in bonds, a captive.
In her book Breaking Free, Beth Moore defines captivity this way: "A Christian is held captive by anything that hinders the abundant and effective spirit-filled life God planned for her."
Are we aware of a stronghold presently holding us captive? If so, have I agreed with God about and confessed all sin involved?
Isaiah 61:1 NAS says The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, Because the Lord has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, To proclaim liberty to captives, And freedom to prisoners.
Ephesians 3:1 says For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles.
2 Corinthians 10:3-5 states: For though we walk in the flesh we do not war after the flesh (For the
weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.
In the same book, Beth gives us ways to deprogram or reprogram ourself:
- Recognize the captor (Satan). The imprisoned believer is held captive by controlling thoughts.
- Stand in agreement with God. Confession means coming to the point of saying the same thing God says about any specific matter. Agree with God concerning the personal sin involved, your personal stronghold or high place.
- Tear down the lies. Satan uses lies and deception. God is greater (1 John 4:4). Stop repeating the sins and lies after confessing them and asking forgiveness from the Lord Jesus.
- Put up the truth. Renew, transform your mind (Rom. 12:2) so we think thoughts of Christ about the situation.
- Bow thought to the truth. Memorize scriptures and take them with you.
LET IT GROW
Getting back to verse 8, according to Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Paul gives Timothy four action steps to strengthening our resolve:
- Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord. Christ's "testimony" includes His teachings, His life, His death on the cross-then considered a shameful, humiliation death-and His resurrection. Paul is writing from a dungeon; Timothy enjoys freedom. Paul faces beheading for the sake of the gospel; Timothy, little more than ridicule.
- Do not be ashamed of the people of God. Paul is sitting alone in a prison cell, surrounded by other abandoned souls, because no one except Luke dares to be close to him for fear of arest and persecution.
- Be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel. Paul didn't consider himself a prisoner of Nero. He called himself a prisoner of Christ. So far as Paul was concerned, he remained in a dungeon because the King of kings wanted him there in service to the kingdom of God. He expected persecution (3:12).
- Anchor your life in the Lord's sovereign grace (verses 9-11). We like grace so long as it's on our terms-without humility or suffering, in our time and manner of choosing.
LET IT GO
What do I need to let go of and let God have control?
Reach out to the Lord for freedom from any stronghold of Satan or my own doing.
Be willing to suffer for the sake of the gospel.
Anchor my life in the Lord's sovereign grace.
Testify of His power to free a person in captivity.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Fears
2 Timothy 1-Part 5 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
2 Timothy 1:7
LET IT GLOW
Standing on the edge of the South Bend of the Grand Canyon, a cold, strong wind blew. I was afraid to get too close to the edge in fear of falling off into the deep canyon below. That happened when I was 11 years old. One summer my brother, mother, and I went on a vacation out west. You must not visit Arizona without going to the Grand Canyon because no words can describe it. (Linda's Law) This marvelous place is so evident of God's power displayed by water flowing through rocks. (I think it happened during the Flood.) The various colors of rocks is so gorgeous. How can a person stand there gazing at God's creation and not believe in Him is beyond me. Although I wasn't a Christian at that time, I did believe in God. To me, it has to take the power of God to make something as magnificent as the Grand Canyon. What an awesome God He is!
There have been other things that I have feared? Certainly. How about you? Yet, this verse tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear. So why do we fear?
The Greek word for fear means "timidity, cowardice." It denotes a cowardly, shameful fear caused by a weak, selfish character. Timothy may have been overwhelmed by the Roman persecution under Nero's rule, hostility within the Ephesian church, and false teachers assults.
Swindoll said: "The 'spirit' in this verse should be 'Spirit' with a capital S. Paul's reference to the Holy Spirit in 1:14 strongly suggest the divine spirit here, God-given courge emanating from a life submitted to and dependent on Him. We might be timied-as Timothy apparently was-but the Holy Spirit is bold. Our competence might falter, but the Spirit never fails. We might lack confidence, but the Spirit of God never disappoints and never suffers uncertainty."
If a person is fearful, it didn't come from God. (MacArthur)
Fear is no excuse to disobey God. Fear will enslave you, but Christ has come to set you free. As He reveals the reality of your situation, He will enable you to continue in obedience.
"Fear is human, not divine," said Charles Swindoll.
"Fear is not of God! Satan must be resisted and rebuked by faith (James 5:7, Matt. 16:23)," states Liberty Bible Commentary.
This has put a new perspective on what things I fear.
LET IT GROW
Paul describes the qualities produced by the Holy Spirit in the man or woman who yields to His control:
As believers, we already have spiritual resources for every trial and threat (Matt. 10:19-20). Divine power-effective, productive spiritual energy-belongs to believers (Eph.1:18-20). This kind of love mentioned centers on pleasing God and seeking others' welfare before one's own (Rom. 14:8). This sound mind is a
disciplined, self-controlled, and properly prioritized mind. Focusing on the sovereign nature and perfect purposes of our eternal God allows believers to control their lives with godly wisdom and confidence in every situation (Rom 12:3). [MacArthur Bible Commentary]
1 John 4:18 says There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
I think I need to read this more than once so it can sink in.
LET IT GO
Instead of fearing, turn to God.
Pray for His Holy Spirit to take control.
Have faith.
2 Timothy 1:7
LET IT GLOW
Standing on the edge of the South Bend of the Grand Canyon, a cold, strong wind blew. I was afraid to get too close to the edge in fear of falling off into the deep canyon below. That happened when I was 11 years old. One summer my brother, mother, and I went on a vacation out west. You must not visit Arizona without going to the Grand Canyon because no words can describe it. (Linda's Law) This marvelous place is so evident of God's power displayed by water flowing through rocks. (I think it happened during the Flood.) The various colors of rocks is so gorgeous. How can a person stand there gazing at God's creation and not believe in Him is beyond me. Although I wasn't a Christian at that time, I did believe in God. To me, it has to take the power of God to make something as magnificent as the Grand Canyon. What an awesome God He is!
There have been other things that I have feared? Certainly. How about you? Yet, this verse tells us that God has not given us a spirit of fear. So why do we fear?
The Greek word for fear means "timidity, cowardice." It denotes a cowardly, shameful fear caused by a weak, selfish character. Timothy may have been overwhelmed by the Roman persecution under Nero's rule, hostility within the Ephesian church, and false teachers assults.
Swindoll said: "The 'spirit' in this verse should be 'Spirit' with a capital S. Paul's reference to the Holy Spirit in 1:14 strongly suggest the divine spirit here, God-given courge emanating from a life submitted to and dependent on Him. We might be timied-as Timothy apparently was-but the Holy Spirit is bold. Our competence might falter, but the Spirit never fails. We might lack confidence, but the Spirit of God never disappoints and never suffers uncertainty."
If a person is fearful, it didn't come from God. (MacArthur)
Blackaby had this to say about fear in his devotional book, Experiencing God Day-By-Day:Fear causes us to stop and question what God has clearly told us to do. Perhaps we were confident in our obedience until persecution came; now we doubt whether we heard God correctly. Most fear is fear of the unknown. We do not know what lies ahead of us, so we become apprehensive. Our imaginations can magnify problems until they seem insurmountable. We need a sound mind to see things in proper perspective. That is why God gave us His Holy Spirit, to enable us to see things as God sees them.
Fear is no excuse to disobey God. Fear will enslave you, but Christ has come to set you free. As He reveals the reality of your situation, He will enable you to continue in obedience.
"Fear is human, not divine," said Charles Swindoll.
"Fear is not of God! Satan must be resisted and rebuked by faith (James 5:7, Matt. 16:23)," states Liberty Bible Commentary.
This has put a new perspective on what things I fear.
LET IT GROW
Paul describes the qualities produced by the Holy Spirit in the man or woman who yields to His control:
- dynamis-power, the supernatural ability to do the will of God;
- agape-love, the distinctly Christian brand of love that begins with a decision, behaves unselfishly, seeks the highest and greatest good of another, and flows with deeply-felt godly emotion;
- sophronismos-discipline, a rational, reasonable, sound-minded manner of thinking and behaving that reflects the orderly mind of God; it is seeing the world from His perspective.
As believers, we already have spiritual resources for every trial and threat (Matt. 10:19-20). Divine power-effective, productive spiritual energy-belongs to believers (Eph.1:18-20). This kind of love mentioned centers on pleasing God and seeking others' welfare before one's own (Rom. 14:8). This sound mind is a
disciplined, self-controlled, and properly prioritized mind. Focusing on the sovereign nature and perfect purposes of our eternal God allows believers to control their lives with godly wisdom and confidence in every situation (Rom 12:3). [MacArthur Bible Commentary]
1 John 4:18 says There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear; because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
I think I need to read this more than once so it can sink in.
LET IT GO
Instead of fearing, turn to God.
Pray for His Holy Spirit to take control.
Have faith.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
She was Your Grandmother?
2 Timothy 1-Part 4 I remember you genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. This is why I remind you to fan into the flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.
2 Timothy 1:5-6
LET IT GLOW
When I get to heaven I'm going to look up my two grandmothers right away. Mom and Dad will introduce me, I'm sure. You see, I never knew either of my grandmas. One died 7 months before I was born and the other died 2 months before my birth. I'm sure they were sweethearts from the stories I heard about them.
Also, I know they loved Jesus. Grandma Mary played the guitar and taught her children songs about Jesus. They even sang on our local radio station.
Now time has moved on and the tables are turned. I am a grandmother to 5 beautiful dear ones. What kind of legacy am I leaving them? Do they hear about Jesus and His faithfulness to me? Do they hear about all the wonderful things He has done in my life? Can they see and feel His unfailing love through me? Will they be proud when someone asks, "Was she your grandmother?"
Originally, the purpose of this blog was to serve a testimony of Jesus' workings in my life in relation to scripture. However, the Lord has taken it beyond that. I've been digging into the Word and learning for myself.
In verse 5 we hear Paul remembering the unfeigned faith (anhypokritos in Greek), which is unhypocritical faith. Timothy is no fake. His grandmother and mother raised him in the fear and instruction of the Lord (3:15).
"Eunice sang to him the songs of Zion and whispered the prayers of Moses. She instilled in her son the best attributes of Joshua, and David, and the prophets," stated Charles Swindoll.
"When Paul came to Lystra on his first missionary journey, that was probably the occasion for Timothy's conversion. When Paul returned on his second journey, he enlisted Tomothy into Christian service. Paul had watched Timothy's life and service during those years they were together. He was certain that Timothy's faith was genuine," says Wiersbe's book, Be Faithful.
Was Timothy's heritage a great one? He was reared in a godly home, trained by a wonderful apostle, and given marvelous opportunities for serving the Lord, so I would affirm that statement.
Perhaps some day someone will ask one of my grandchildren or yours, "Was she your grandmother?"
Wouldn't it be an honor? Glory goes to the Lord Jesus on high.
LET IT GROW
Look at verse 6. Paul uses the phrase "stir up the gift." Stir up means literally "to keep the fire alive," gift refers to the believer's spiritual gift. The gifts of God are without repentance (Rom. 11:33), but they must be used and exercised (1 Tim. 4:14).
Do I need to ask the Lord to stir up a fire in my heart for using my spiritual gifts? What about my talents?
Has my excitement in using either burned down?
LET IT GO
Pray for my grandchildren.
Be a Lois or Eunice so there will be a Timothy in my family.
Use my spiritual gifts and talents for the glory of God.
2 Timothy 1:5-6
LET IT GLOW
When I get to heaven I'm going to look up my two grandmothers right away. Mom and Dad will introduce me, I'm sure. You see, I never knew either of my grandmas. One died 7 months before I was born and the other died 2 months before my birth. I'm sure they were sweethearts from the stories I heard about them.
Also, I know they loved Jesus. Grandma Mary played the guitar and taught her children songs about Jesus. They even sang on our local radio station.
Now time has moved on and the tables are turned. I am a grandmother to 5 beautiful dear ones. What kind of legacy am I leaving them? Do they hear about Jesus and His faithfulness to me? Do they hear about all the wonderful things He has done in my life? Can they see and feel His unfailing love through me? Will they be proud when someone asks, "Was she your grandmother?"
Originally, the purpose of this blog was to serve a testimony of Jesus' workings in my life in relation to scripture. However, the Lord has taken it beyond that. I've been digging into the Word and learning for myself.
In verse 5 we hear Paul remembering the unfeigned faith (anhypokritos in Greek), which is unhypocritical faith. Timothy is no fake. His grandmother and mother raised him in the fear and instruction of the Lord (3:15).
"Eunice sang to him the songs of Zion and whispered the prayers of Moses. She instilled in her son the best attributes of Joshua, and David, and the prophets," stated Charles Swindoll.
"When Paul came to Lystra on his first missionary journey, that was probably the occasion for Timothy's conversion. When Paul returned on his second journey, he enlisted Tomothy into Christian service. Paul had watched Timothy's life and service during those years they were together. He was certain that Timothy's faith was genuine," says Wiersbe's book, Be Faithful.
Was Timothy's heritage a great one? He was reared in a godly home, trained by a wonderful apostle, and given marvelous opportunities for serving the Lord, so I would affirm that statement.
Perhaps some day someone will ask one of my grandchildren or yours, "Was she your grandmother?"
Wouldn't it be an honor? Glory goes to the Lord Jesus on high.
LET IT GROW
Look at verse 6. Paul uses the phrase "stir up the gift." Stir up means literally "to keep the fire alive," gift refers to the believer's spiritual gift. The gifts of God are without repentance (Rom. 11:33), but they must be used and exercised (1 Tim. 4:14).
Do I need to ask the Lord to stir up a fire in my heart for using my spiritual gifts? What about my talents?
Has my excitement in using either burned down?
LET IT GO
Pray for my grandchildren.
Be a Lois or Eunice so there will be a Timothy in my family.
Use my spiritual gifts and talents for the glory of God.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
If Only
2 Timothy-1: Part 3
I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 2 Timothy 1:3-4
LET IT GLOW
If only I hadn't thought that...
If only I hadn't said that. ..
If only I hadn't done that...
If only I hadn't gone there...
If only.
If.
We can "what it" it to death, can't we? Haven't we all thought, said, or done something that we regret? Paul didn't seem to have any regrets of his decisions. At least he didn't mention any in his writings. Someone said, "Let the past be in the past." Make any repairs needed, then go on.
Even though Paul was in prison, he knew he had obeyed the Lord, so his circumstances were perfectly aligned with the Lord's will. It doesn't mean Paul never sinned, but he kept short accounts of wrongdoing. He pormptly repented, learned from his mistakes, and didn't repeat them.
How's my attitude, heart, conscience? Is it an attitude of gratitude? Is it a heart of worship? Is it a clear conscience?
LET IT GROW
How often was Paul praying for Timothy? The answer is night and day. This spiritual leader remembered to pray for his dear friend. Is that encouraging or what? How wonderful it is to have a busy person take your needs before the throne of grace.
Another thing Paul mentions is his longing to see Timothy. He enjoyed Timothy's presence and missed him.
It probably had been a couple of years they were together on Paul's second missionary journey. There are some friends I miss, but miles have seperated us.
Do I pray for my distant friends? Do I pray for those in ministry? How often?
LET IT GO
Be grateful and thankful.
Keep a heart of worship.
Stay confessed up.
Pray day and night for others.
I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 2 Timothy 1:3-4
LET IT GLOW
If only I hadn't thought that...
If only I hadn't said that. ..
If only I hadn't done that...
If only I hadn't gone there...
If only.
If.
We can "what it" it to death, can't we? Haven't we all thought, said, or done something that we regret? Paul didn't seem to have any regrets of his decisions. At least he didn't mention any in his writings. Someone said, "Let the past be in the past." Make any repairs needed, then go on.
Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus says this:
In fact, Paul gives his apprentice a threefold gift of encouragement. Charles Swindoll gives us an outline where Paul lifted himself out of his circumstances to express admiration (while in a dungeon).
First, he adopts an attitude of gratitude. Gratitude is the first prerequisite of genuine encouragement. It comes from a generous spirit.
Second, he cultivates a heart of worship. The primary purpose of the priests in the temple was service, which was a form of worship.
Third, he maintains a clear conscience. Always do what is right and you relieve anxiety. Whenever we violate our conscience, fear of God's wrath starts twisting our perspective and gives Satan the opportunity to drive a wedge between us.
Even though Paul was in prison, he knew he had obeyed the Lord, so his circumstances were perfectly aligned with the Lord's will. It doesn't mean Paul never sinned, but he kept short accounts of wrongdoing. He pormptly repented, learned from his mistakes, and didn't repeat them.
How's my attitude, heart, conscience? Is it an attitude of gratitude? Is it a heart of worship? Is it a clear conscience?
LET IT GROW
How often was Paul praying for Timothy? The answer is night and day. This spiritual leader remembered to pray for his dear friend. Is that encouraging or what? How wonderful it is to have a busy person take your needs before the throne of grace.
Another thing Paul mentions is his longing to see Timothy. He enjoyed Timothy's presence and missed him.
It probably had been a couple of years they were together on Paul's second missionary journey. There are some friends I miss, but miles have seperated us.
Do I pray for my distant friends? Do I pray for those in ministry? How often?
LET IT GO
Be grateful and thankful.
Keep a heart of worship.
Stay confessed up.
Pray day and night for others.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Do You Need a Refill?
2 Timothy 1-Part 2
To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:2
LET IT GLOW
Here we have Paul, a prisoner in Rome and facing death (2 Tim. 4:6). (See previous lesson for a description.) Now Paul's missionary team has desolved, except for Luke (2 Tim. 4:11). Small in statue but not small in faith, sitting in shackles and deserted, there's not a trace of self-pity in this letter. Time is precious and Paul knows it.
Paul sent this letter to Timothy by way of Tychicus, who would stay in Ephesus to fill in while Timothy went to visit Paul at Rome. (4:9,12) We don't know for sure if he made it before Paul was beheaded or not. At any rate, Timothy was to take Paul's place and give spiritual leadership to the churches. Let's get a closer look at the Word.
Paul addresses this letter personally and individually to Timothy. He affectionately calls Timothy "my beloved child," a literal translation. The Greek term refers to one's legitimate progeny, offspring. Paul had adopted him as his spiritual son, though Timothy was the son of a Greek father and Jewish mother, Eunice. Although this letter was directed to Timothy, it was also intended to instruct other pastors and ministers of all kinds. (Swindoll)
Am I encouraging those called of God into the ministry? Am I encouraging them, praying for them?
LET IT GROW
Whenever we go out to eat at a restaurant, the waitress returns to our table inquiring if we need a refill on our drink. "At those prices, just bring the whole pitcher of tea," I think but don't say. I like refills during my meal because I don't wait until I have finished eating before I drink my tea. Similiarlly, I am always in need of being filled with God's grace, mercy, and peace. Aren't you?
In Paul's threefold greeting, he sends to Timothy "grace, mercy, and peace" from our Father and Lord. This is the only appearance of these three words in Paul's salutations. Didn't Paul have the right to say, instead, "Pain, mistreatment, and misery accompany me?" After all he had suffered, beatings and mistreatments, and now was experiencing imprisonment for the cause of spreading the gospel of Jesus, we would have understood. But his message wasn't about himself.
"The gospel message is about grace, God's gift to the worthless. It's about mercy, God's ministry to the helpless. It's about peace, God's love for the restless," stated Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus.
Aren't we all in need of a refill of grace, mercy, and peace from our heavenly Father? Do I show His grace, mercy to others? Am I living in peace with others?
LET IT GO
Be encouraging to those in the ministry.
Share God's grace, mercy, and peace with others.
To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:2
LET IT GLOW
Here we have Paul, a prisoner in Rome and facing death (2 Tim. 4:6). (See previous lesson for a description.) Now Paul's missionary team has desolved, except for Luke (2 Tim. 4:11). Small in statue but not small in faith, sitting in shackles and deserted, there's not a trace of self-pity in this letter. Time is precious and Paul knows it.
Paul sent this letter to Timothy by way of Tychicus, who would stay in Ephesus to fill in while Timothy went to visit Paul at Rome. (4:9,12) We don't know for sure if he made it before Paul was beheaded or not. At any rate, Timothy was to take Paul's place and give spiritual leadership to the churches. Let's get a closer look at the Word.
Paul addresses this letter personally and individually to Timothy. He affectionately calls Timothy "my beloved child," a literal translation. The Greek term refers to one's legitimate progeny, offspring. Paul had adopted him as his spiritual son, though Timothy was the son of a Greek father and Jewish mother, Eunice. Although this letter was directed to Timothy, it was also intended to instruct other pastors and ministers of all kinds. (Swindoll)
Am I encouraging those called of God into the ministry? Am I encouraging them, praying for them?
LET IT GROW
Whenever we go out to eat at a restaurant, the waitress returns to our table inquiring if we need a refill on our drink. "At those prices, just bring the whole pitcher of tea," I think but don't say. I like refills during my meal because I don't wait until I have finished eating before I drink my tea. Similiarlly, I am always in need of being filled with God's grace, mercy, and peace. Aren't you?
In Paul's threefold greeting, he sends to Timothy "grace, mercy, and peace" from our Father and Lord. This is the only appearance of these three words in Paul's salutations. Didn't Paul have the right to say, instead, "Pain, mistreatment, and misery accompany me?" After all he had suffered, beatings and mistreatments, and now was experiencing imprisonment for the cause of spreading the gospel of Jesus, we would have understood. But his message wasn't about himself.
"The gospel message is about grace, God's gift to the worthless. It's about mercy, God's ministry to the helpless. It's about peace, God's love for the restless," stated Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus.
Aren't we all in need of a refill of grace, mercy, and peace from our heavenly Father? Do I show His grace, mercy to others? Am I living in peace with others?
LET IT GO
Be encouraging to those in the ministry.
Share God's grace, mercy, and peace with others.
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