2 Timothy 2-Part 5
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel: Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound. Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:8-10
LET IT GLOW
Oh the long hours in a day, lying in bed or on the couch, day in and day out for 5 months. My world as a five year old consisted of what books and toys fit on the coffee table in front of me while Mom was at work, Dad was outside working on the farm, and my two siblings were at school. The instructions of my doctor were "no walking," so I had to be carried to bed and the bathroom. Looking back, I can describe that experience as being "chained to my bed." Oh it wasn't a physical, rattling chain, like Paul had, but my disease of Rheumatic Fever had me in chains, restricted. The reason was so my heart valves would not be damaged by exercise or exertion. For 15 years I took a monthly shot to prevent any infection damaging my heart. I obeyed those instructions and as a result, today I am free from that chain. I only take a cute little pink pill in the shape of a heart, a Beta Blocker. God is merciful!
After saying all of that, I asked myself if I am currently chained to anything? Does some sin, habit, responsibility, or weakness keep me from being free to live for Christ and serving Him as He wants me to do? How about you? Do financial problems, physical limitations, or any relationships hinder you, keeping you in bondage or chained to it?
Paul was chained in a dungeon located in Rome while he wrote this letter to Timothy. This may have occured during the time the Emperor Nero set fire to Rome, blaming the Christians for it. He was very cruel, using Christians as entertainment while wild animals attacked them and the Romans were spectators. My sufferings seems like a small price to pay for being a Christian in comparison to these martyers.
Although he was in bonds, Paul said, "the Word of God is not bound." The Word of God has been burnt, banned, mocked, distorted, and ignored, but It still exists and will stand forever (Isaiah 40:8). Nothing has been able to stop the work of God's Word-no scientists, government, philosophers, religious authorities, nor book burners. (David Guzik)
Paul was freely witnessed for Jesus while in chains. Do I witness while I am free?
LET IT GROW
Jesus Christ was the supreme model of a faithful teacher (Verse 2), soldier (verses 3-4), athlete (verse 5), and farmer (verse 6) that Paul used to illustrate the Christian life. Speaking of His humanity, Jesus was of the lineage of David and rightful heir to the throne of Daivd. He deserved a throne, not a cross. If anyone had a right to cry "injustice" it is He. We are to remember Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. His body and blood were given in order for us to obtain salvation. (1 Cor. 23:24-25) He was raised from the dead, making Him a living Savior, unique from all other gods that are worshiped.
"The Resurrection of Christ is the central truth of the Christian faith (1 Cor. 3:4,17,19). By it, God affirmed the perfect redemptive work of Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:4)," states Liberty Bible Commentary.
Paul said that he endured all things for the elect's sakes so they could obtain salvation in Christ. Certainly he spoke the truth. How much do I endure so a person will come to know Christ as their Savior? John put it plainly in 1 John 4:20-21: He who loves God must love his brother also.
LET IT GO
Suffer trouble if need be, for the gospel to be spread.
Freely speak about salvation in Christ.
Endure all things so the lost will be saved.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Farming
2 Timothy 2-Part 4
And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 2 Timothy 2:6-7 NLT
The husbandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the fruits. consider what I say: and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. KJV
LET IT GLOW
In verse 7, Paul tells Timothy to give deep thought as to what he was writing.
Consider means to think upon, heed, ponder, clear perception, careful consideration.
Reflecting on these three, a pastor/Christian must be a focused soldier, a dedicated athlete, and a diligent farmer. The Lord will give "understanding in all things" as he ponders what he has been taught. Understand of the Scripture is one thing I need.
Matthew 13:12, NLT states To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.
"Let it sink in" is how Liberty Bible Commentary puts it. How can it sink in without studying on the Word?
I shall meditate on these things as Joshua 1:8 says. I will listen to the Word's instructsions.
LET IT GROW
For ten years we lived in the eastern part of our state. That area is fatlands and noted for its farming. Rice, soybeans, winter wheat, and cotton are the main crops grown. It is such a beautiful sight to see bright green fields of winter wheat surrounded by leafless trees and dead grass; wavy green rice fields; golden wheat waving in the wind; white cotton hanging onto dead plants; soybean plants turn from green to brown. The whole process is amazing. Oh, the size of the equipment used to work and harvest hundreds of acres at a time is astounding. You see, I grew up on a cattle and chicken farm, so I was not familiar with crop farming. That's why I was so intrigued by it. It was a totally new experience for me to see and observe.
The farmer knows just the right time to till the soil, plant the seeds, fertilize, water, and spray for insects. Not hours but days and weeks would be spent doing each task so there would be an abundant harvest. I remember being awakened on several Saturday mornings by a crop duster flying over, back and forth, spraying fields in order to kill insects that were a danger to the plants. There were times we had to follow slowly behind a huge tractor pulling equipment while driving on a two-lane highway on the back roads. Without all of that, I wouldn't enjoy the food and clothes I have as a result of those farmers' hard work, to whom I am grateful.
The fourth example Paul used to illustrate the life of a good minister/Christian is that of a farmer. In 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, Paul compared the local church to a cultivated field in which all believers worked together. Each Christian has his particular task to perform, but it is God alone who give the increase. Here are some practical truths found concerning the farmer and his field:
The spiritual leaders who share the Word with the people are the first ones to enjoy its blessings. More is recieved during prepration of a lesson or sermon than when it is actually heard or read. There is great joy in seeing planted seeds bear fruit in the lives of others. Just as farming is hard work, has its disappointments and challenges, and rewards, so it is in spiritual farming.
LET IT GO
Consider what Paul and the Lord is saying to me.
Diligently sow, water, and till the Word.
Patiently pray for a spiritual harvest.
And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things. 2 Timothy 2:6-7 NLT
The husbandman that laboreth must be first partaker of the fruits. consider what I say: and the Lord give thee understanding in all things. KJV
LET IT GLOW
In verse 7, Paul tells Timothy to give deep thought as to what he was writing.
Consider means to think upon, heed, ponder, clear perception, careful consideration.
Reflecting on these three, a pastor/Christian must be a focused soldier, a dedicated athlete, and a diligent farmer. The Lord will give "understanding in all things" as he ponders what he has been taught. Understand of the Scripture is one thing I need.
Matthew 13:12, NLT states To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge.
"Let it sink in" is how Liberty Bible Commentary puts it. How can it sink in without studying on the Word?
I shall meditate on these things as Joshua 1:8 says. I will listen to the Word's instructsions.
LET IT GROW
For ten years we lived in the eastern part of our state. That area is fatlands and noted for its farming. Rice, soybeans, winter wheat, and cotton are the main crops grown. It is such a beautiful sight to see bright green fields of winter wheat surrounded by leafless trees and dead grass; wavy green rice fields; golden wheat waving in the wind; white cotton hanging onto dead plants; soybean plants turn from green to brown. The whole process is amazing. Oh, the size of the equipment used to work and harvest hundreds of acres at a time is astounding. You see, I grew up on a cattle and chicken farm, so I was not familiar with crop farming. That's why I was so intrigued by it. It was a totally new experience for me to see and observe.
The farmer knows just the right time to till the soil, plant the seeds, fertilize, water, and spray for insects. Not hours but days and weeks would be spent doing each task so there would be an abundant harvest. I remember being awakened on several Saturday mornings by a crop duster flying over, back and forth, spraying fields in order to kill insects that were a danger to the plants. There were times we had to follow slowly behind a huge tractor pulling equipment while driving on a two-lane highway on the back roads. Without all of that, I wouldn't enjoy the food and clothes I have as a result of those farmers' hard work, to whom I am grateful.
The fourth example Paul used to illustrate the life of a good minister/Christian is that of a farmer. In 1 Corinthians 3:5-9, Paul compared the local church to a cultivated field in which all believers worked together. Each Christian has his particular task to perform, but it is God alone who give the increase. Here are some practical truths found concerning the farmer and his field:
- A farmer has to work. Left to itself, the field mostly produces weeds. Christians work in their spiritual fields, sowing the seeds, which is the Word of God, encouraging and teaching Christian principles for life. As God multiplies that seed in peoples' hearts and lives, souls are saved and grow in faith. sometimes the harves is seen and sometimes not.
- A farmer needs patience. A farmer does his part taking care of the seeds, waiting for plants, but he must wait for God to give the rain and cause it to grow, then a harvest to be produced. James 5:7 tells us about this. Spiritually, our harvest will be reaped in heaven. Challenges of pests, disease, frost, drought, or flooding can ruin the entire season's work. The farmer doesn't have a guarantee on a good return on his investment as the worker for Jesus does.
- A farmer deserves his share of the harvest. This hardworker should be the first to benefit from his long hours of hard labor. Paul states here that a faithful pastor ought to be supported by his church. In 1 Timothy 5:18b, the laborer is worthy of his reward. the laborer is worthy of his reward. However, Paul gave up his right to support by the church. In 1 Corinthians 9:11, Paul asks, "If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things?"
The spiritual leaders who share the Word with the people are the first ones to enjoy its blessings. More is recieved during prepration of a lesson or sermon than when it is actually heard or read. There is great joy in seeing planted seeds bear fruit in the lives of others. Just as farming is hard work, has its disappointments and challenges, and rewards, so it is in spiritual farming.
LET IT GO
Consider what Paul and the Lord is saying to me.
Diligently sow, water, and till the Word.
Patiently pray for a spiritual harvest.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Playing Horse
Timothy 2-Part 3
And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 2 Timothy 2:5 NLT
And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. KJV
LET IT GLOW
I wasn't an atheletic person growing up. The only sports I participated in, beside bike riding, and dodge ball at school, was playing horse with a basketball in the backyard with my older brother. He had a netless goal attatched to the back of our garage. In case you don't know how to play horse, I'll explain quickly. When one person makes the goal, the next person has to stand in the exact same place and shoot the ball in the same manner. If they miss, they get a letter, which eventually spells "horse." Since he was seven years older than I am, I had to practice in order to hold my own. My two best shots were made up close, almost under the rim on the right side, and back at an angle on the left side. The further back from the goal, the less likely I was to sink the ball. Of course, that was when I had to throw it "granny style" just to hit the garage. Sometimes I would actually win, if my brother missed his long shots. I never won any crowns or ribbons for my victory, though.
The third example Paul used to illustrate the life of a good minister/Christian is that of an athlete. He used
wrestling, boxing, running, and exercising. We know that the Greeks and Romans were enthusiastic about sports, because the Olympic and Isthmian Games were important events to them. In 1 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul urged Timothy to exercise like an athlete.
I found several scriptures using the word crown:
a corruptible crown-1 Cor. 9:25;
a crown of rejoicing-1 Thess. 2:19;
a crown of righteousness-2 Tim.4:8;
a crown of life-James 1:12, Rev. 2:10;
a crown of glory-1 Peter 5:4;
crowns of gold-Rev.4:4;
golden crown-Rev.14:14;
Jesus crowned with glory and honor-Ps. 8:5, Heb. 2:9;
crowned with loving kindness-Ps. 103:4;
24 elders will cast their crowns before the throne-Rev. 4:10.
According to Thayer's Lexicon, crowned in verse 5 refers to encircle with a crown; is the victor in a contest.
Do I crown Jesus as king in my life?
LET IT GROW
Paul was telling Timothy,"The important thing is that you obey the Word of God, no matter what people may say. You are not running the race to please people or to get fame. You are running to please Jesus Christ."
LET IT GLOW
Obey God's Word.
Keep running the race to please Jesus.
And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 2 Timothy 2:5 NLT
And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully. KJV
LET IT GLOW
I wasn't an atheletic person growing up. The only sports I participated in, beside bike riding, and dodge ball at school, was playing horse with a basketball in the backyard with my older brother. He had a netless goal attatched to the back of our garage. In case you don't know how to play horse, I'll explain quickly. When one person makes the goal, the next person has to stand in the exact same place and shoot the ball in the same manner. If they miss, they get a letter, which eventually spells "horse." Since he was seven years older than I am, I had to practice in order to hold my own. My two best shots were made up close, almost under the rim on the right side, and back at an angle on the left side. The further back from the goal, the less likely I was to sink the ball. Of course, that was when I had to throw it "granny style" just to hit the garage. Sometimes I would actually win, if my brother missed his long shots. I never won any crowns or ribbons for my victory, though.
The third example Paul used to illustrate the life of a good minister/Christian is that of an athlete. He used
wrestling, boxing, running, and exercising. We know that the Greeks and Romans were enthusiastic about sports, because the Olympic and Isthmian Games were important events to them. In 1 Timothy 4:7-8, Paul urged Timothy to exercise like an athlete.
I found several scriptures using the word crown:
a corruptible crown-1 Cor. 9:25;
a crown of rejoicing-1 Thess. 2:19;
a crown of righteousness-2 Tim.4:8;
a crown of life-James 1:12, Rev. 2:10;
a crown of glory-1 Peter 5:4;
crowns of gold-Rev.4:4;
golden crown-Rev.14:14;
Jesus crowned with glory and honor-Ps. 8:5, Heb. 2:9;
crowned with loving kindness-Ps. 103:4;
24 elders will cast their crowns before the throne-Rev. 4:10.
According to Thayer's Lexicon, crowned in verse 5 refers to encircle with a crown; is the victor in a contest.
Do I crown Jesus as king in my life?
LET IT GROW
Wiersbe said in his book Be Faithful:Paul admonished Timothy to obey the rules. A person who strives as an athlete to win a game and get a crown must be careful to obey all the rules of the game. The Greek athlete had to be a citizen of his nation, with a good reputation, and follow specific standards. If not, then he was disqualified. He could loose his crown if it was found out after winning.
Paul was telling Timothy,"The important thing is that you obey the Word of God, no matter what people may say. You are not running the race to please people or to get fame. You are running to please Jesus Christ."
Charles Swindoll said:Many people define "grace" as the absence of rules. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Word of God is, among other things, a rule book, a guide for life. The Bible contains principles requiring discernment to apply, but it also contains specific precepts--hard-and- fast rules--that must be obeyed without question.
- Abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thess. 4:3).
- Be kind to one another (Eph. 4:32).
- Husbands, love your wives (Col. 3:19).
- Love one another (John 13:34).
LET IT GLOW
Obey God's Word.
Keep running the race to please Jesus.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Stewards and Soldiers
2 Timothy 2-Part 2
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3
LET IT GLOW
(If this illustration is a repeat, forgive me.) My granddaughter enjoys playing in a small hole that she has dug in our backyard. However, usually the next morning it has often filled in and she repeats the process again. There is no gold, silver, or precious stones found. Occassionaly there's a piece of glass or a rock dug up. Why does she keep on digging? The only thing I can figure out is that she enjoys the process. She has me fill up a little bucket with water and pour it into the empty hole. During the hot summer she'd stick her feet into the water. Sometimes she'd float a boat in it. Now she floats fallen leaves in it. Maybe that hole is a learning tool of science. Who knows what goes through a three-year olds mind. She certainly is the only one who takes care of that hole.
The ability to study, understand, and teach the Word of God is a gift of God's grace. "Apt to teach" implies apt to learn; so a steward must also be a diligent student of the Word of God.
Am I a good steward of God's Word, diligently studying and teaching as the opportunities arise? I have lots of gold nuggets, yellow highlights, marked in my Bible. How about you? Am I sharing them when I find them, or keeping them to myself?
LET IT GROW
In this chapter, Paul gives the characteristics of a good soldier of Jesus Christ:
LET IT GO
Be a good steward of God's Word.
Be a good, brave soldier for Jesus by enduring hardships, avoiding wordly entanglements, magnifying the Lord, thinking of other Christians, trusting in Him.
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 2 Timothy 2:3
LET IT GLOW
(If this illustration is a repeat, forgive me.) My granddaughter enjoys playing in a small hole that she has dug in our backyard. However, usually the next morning it has often filled in and she repeats the process again. There is no gold, silver, or precious stones found. Occassionaly there's a piece of glass or a rock dug up. Why does she keep on digging? The only thing I can figure out is that she enjoys the process. She has me fill up a little bucket with water and pour it into the empty hole. During the hot summer she'd stick her feet into the water. Sometimes she'd float a boat in it. Now she floats fallen leaves in it. Maybe that hole is a learning tool of science. Who knows what goes through a three-year olds mind. She certainly is the only one who takes care of that hole.
Warren Wiersbe, in his book Be Faithful states this:We are stewards of the spiritual treasure God has given us. It's our responsibility to guard the deposit and then invest it in the lives of others. They, in turn, are to share the Word with the next generation of believers. It takes strength to teach the Word of God. We must dig out of the rich mines of Scripture the "gold, silver, precious stones" that are hidden there. This strength can only come from God's grace. The secret of Paul's great ministry was the grace of God (1 Cor.15:10).
The ability to study, understand, and teach the Word of God is a gift of God's grace. "Apt to teach" implies apt to learn; so a steward must also be a diligent student of the Word of God.
Am I a good steward of God's Word, diligently studying and teaching as the opportunities arise? I have lots of gold nuggets, yellow highlights, marked in my Bible. How about you? Am I sharing them when I find them, or keeping them to myself?
LET IT GROW
In this chapter, Paul gives the characteristics of a good soldier of Jesus Christ:
- endures hardship (verse 3). Ministers and Christians often endure jokes, being made fun of, and prejudices from the world. A soldier is at war so he may have to endure wounds and suffering. God didn't start the war, Satan did. Are we prepared to endure what he shoots at us? Am I properly armed as Ephesians 6 tells me to be?
- avoid worldly entanglements (verse 4). A good soldier can't be distracted by business or faimly affirs while serving. A soldier is totally committed to his Commanding Officer, the One who enlisted him, Jesus Christ. He can't let his focus be on other things, but on the task at hand. So it is with a Christian, his or her focus must be on the Word and aiding in meeting needs of others.
- magnifies Jesus Christ (Verses 8-9). Jesus is the Captain of our salvation (Heb.2:10). Our purpose is to bring Him honor and glory. His example is that of suffering and dying for God's cause. Since Jesus was treated as an evildoer, His soldiers can expect the same treatment.
- thinks of the whole army (verse 10). Not only did Paul suffer for the Lord's sake, but for the church's sake too. The elect are God's people, chosen by His grace and called by His Spirit (2Thess. 2:13-14).
- trusts his Commanding Officer (verses 11-13). We don't fear the enemies because Jesus has already conquored them. It is faith in Him that gives us victory (1 John 5:4). We obey our Commander because he knows what is best for us. We trust our very life and soul to His care.
- must be brave. Fickle soldiers are of no use in the heat of battle. Neither are untrustworthy soldiers who go AWOL (absent without leave) at the first sign of stress. Good soldiers bravely accept suffering as the mantle for service.
LET IT GO
Be a good steward of God's Word.
Be a good, brave soldier for Jesus by enduring hardships, avoiding wordly entanglements, magnifying the Lord, thinking of other Christians, trusting in Him.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Traveling Rough and Rugged Roads
2 Timothy 2-Part 1
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1
LET IT GLOW
What a week I've been having! The antibotic I'm taking makes me run to the bathroom; our neighbors' cows got into our soft, wet yard leaving poop and hoof prints, and holes; the computer messes up at work; hubby gets upset with me; my car window won't stay up so the seat got wet when it rained. And the week isn't over yet.
But God is still on His throne! This was definitely the day I needed to here, "Linda, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
How about your week? I hope it isn't going like mine.
Friend, I am so glad that you have decided to join me on this journey, walking through the New Testament. There is always room for more, so I'll move over as we walk along this rough and rugged road called life. We've been experienceing some plesant and not so pleasant times, haven't we? I've often said that life is full of challenges-it's how we handle them that counts. Do we expect anything different of our Christian life?
"We can expect life to present difficult challenges as the Christian walk follows a rough and rugged path," said Charles Swindoll.
Perhaps this is so because God wants to make us like His Son Jesus. In order for this to develop, He sends joys, sufferings, trials, and tests our way.
All right, Brother Meyer, I must be on the right track.
Christ is the source of the power, we receive that power from Him, and grace is the means by which it flows from Him to us. Just like electricity in your home, if the flow of power stops, nothing works.
A pastor is to be empowered continually in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and lead his flock on the journey we call the Christian walk.(Swindoll)
Am I continually being empowered with the grace of Christ so I can be strong? Wow!
Excuse me while I hit my knees.
LET IT GROW
I will be sharing in the next several lessons the seven pictures of the Christian minister that Paul gives in this second chapter. I think they can also be used by us ordinary believers, too.
Paul warned Timothy that the journey would not be easy. He chose seven examples that we will discuss:
LET IT GO
Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Support others as they travel down their rough and rugged road of life.
Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 2:1
LET IT GLOW
What a week I've been having! The antibotic I'm taking makes me run to the bathroom; our neighbors' cows got into our soft, wet yard leaving poop and hoof prints, and holes; the computer messes up at work; hubby gets upset with me; my car window won't stay up so the seat got wet when it rained. And the week isn't over yet.
But God is still on His throne! This was definitely the day I needed to here, "Linda, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus."
How about your week? I hope it isn't going like mine.
Friend, I am so glad that you have decided to join me on this journey, walking through the New Testament. There is always room for more, so I'll move over as we walk along this rough and rugged road called life. We've been experienceing some plesant and not so pleasant times, haven't we? I've often said that life is full of challenges-it's how we handle them that counts. Do we expect anything different of our Christian life?
"We can expect life to present difficult challenges as the Christian walk follows a rough and rugged path," said Charles Swindoll.
Perhaps this is so because God wants to make us like His Son Jesus. In order for this to develop, He sends joys, sufferings, trials, and tests our way.
Charles Swindoll quotes the British theologian and author F.B.Meyer's book Christ in Isaiah, published in 1917:Think it not strange, child of God, concerning the fiery trial that tries thee, as though some strange thing had happened. Rejoice! For it is a sure sign that thou art on the right track If in an unknown country, I am informed that I must pass through a valley where the sun is hidden, or over a stony bit of road, to reach my abiding place-when I come to it, each moment of shadow or jolt of the carriage tells me that I am on the right road. So when a child of God passes through affliction, he is not surprised.
All right, Brother Meyer, I must be on the right track.
Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus says:
While the Christian journey toward joy is, indeed, rough and rugged, we do not travel without help. We have within us a divine GPS device; the Holy Spirit continually gives us expert guidance toward our destination-if only we will listen and heed His instructions! We have in our hands a perfectly reliable map of the terrain in the form of sixty-six books, bound together as the Bible. And the Lord has called and equipped trustworthy guides to lead the way. These we call "pastors."Be strong is a verb form of endynomoo, meaning "to empower," which calls for an ongoing response, better translated "keep on being empowered." In other words, God does the empowering, so our responsibility is to submit to His work and to cooperarte with it.
Christ is the source of the power, we receive that power from Him, and grace is the means by which it flows from Him to us. Just like electricity in your home, if the flow of power stops, nothing works.
A pastor is to be empowered continually in the grace that is in Christ Jesus and lead his flock on the journey we call the Christian walk.(Swindoll)
Am I continually being empowered with the grace of Christ so I can be strong? Wow!
Excuse me while I hit my knees.
LET IT GROW
I will be sharing in the next several lessons the seven pictures of the Christian minister that Paul gives in this second chapter. I think they can also be used by us ordinary believers, too.
The reference used is from Warren Wiersbe found in his book Be Faithful:
Paul warned Timothy that the journey would not be easy. He chose seven examples that we will discuss:
- the steward
- the soldier
- the athlete
- the farmer
- the workman
- the vessel
- the servant
LET IT GO
Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
Support others as they travel down their rough and rugged road of life.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
It Took my Breath Away!
2 Timothy 1-Part 10 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. 2 Timothy 1:17
LET IT GLOW
After two weeks of dust blowing and ragweed's pollen scattering, it finally rained. I opened my front door that morning and took a deep breath. I could smell the rain. How refreshing it was! The air was clean and cool once again. Another deep breath-the freshness, it took my breath away! I listened to water dripping off the corner of the house. How relaxing it was! The wind was blowing, not pollen and dust this time, but sweetness surrounding me. I wanted to sit on the porch swing, but I knew I'd get wet, so I went back into the house, smiling and giving thanks for the rain. Isn't the Holy Spirit like that? He comes and cleanses my heart, refreshes me, cools off my disposition, surrounds me with His sweet presence, softens my attitudes. Thank You Lord for another day to live in Your presence. Thank You for life and breath, and most of all, Your Holy Spirit. His wonderful presence takes my breath away.
Verse 16 says: The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.
Paul wanted a special blessing for a special friend and his family because Onesiphorus visited and encouraged Paul in his time of need. He was "a breath of fresh air" Paul indicated as he used the word refreshed.
Refreshed means to refresh one's spirit, by fellowship, consolation, kindnesses, to recover breath, take the air, cool off, receive, refresh one's self.
Did you catch that little word "oft" which Paul used? It is the word we use for "often." He often visited and often refreshed, encouraged Paul. It wasn't just a one time occurance, was it?
How often I need refreshing! Can others say that I refresh them? Do I encourage them more than once?
LET IT GROW
We don't know much about the special friend of Paul's, Onesiphorus. He may have been a deacon in the Ephesian church where Paul pastored three years. This is concluded from verse 18 where Paul says that Onesiphorus ministered to him at Ephesus.
Thayer's Lexicon says ministered means to attend to, anything that may serve another's interests. Paul was saying, "How many things I owe to his ministration."
Another thing Onesiphorus did for Paul was he diligently sought Paul out and found him. Whether it was a business trip that took Osesiphorus to Rome or just a special trip with the intentions of meeting Paul's needs, scripture doesn't say. At any rate, It was a special effort made on his part. In fact, it must have been difficult for Onesiphorus to find Paul since he diligently sought Paul; diligently means active, zealous, earnest; sought means to seek in order to find.
"His search involved time, effort, and possibly even danger," states MacArthur Bible Commentary.
Ezekiel 34:11 says: For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
I am so thankful that the Lord sought me. I was His lost sheep and then He found me and saved me. Dear friend, He is still seeking us to draw us near Him. He is diligently seeking. How will I react when He finds me?
Psalm 53:2 says God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
The question is, "Am I seeking Him?"
A good man will seek opportunities of doing good.
Oviously, Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul's chains. It would have been a disgrace to be in prison in the world's view. However, Paul was inprisoned because of his preaching Jesus. Paul had other friends, Luke, Mark, and Timothy who were not afraid to risk their lives to give Paul aid in person.
To sum up these last three verses in chapter 1, Paul says to be a loyal servant like Onesiphorus, not like Phygellus and Hermogenes, who turned away from him.
What kind of friend and servant am I?
LET IT GO
Diligently seek the Lord.
Often refresh others.
LET IT GLOW
After two weeks of dust blowing and ragweed's pollen scattering, it finally rained. I opened my front door that morning and took a deep breath. I could smell the rain. How refreshing it was! The air was clean and cool once again. Another deep breath-the freshness, it took my breath away! I listened to water dripping off the corner of the house. How relaxing it was! The wind was blowing, not pollen and dust this time, but sweetness surrounding me. I wanted to sit on the porch swing, but I knew I'd get wet, so I went back into the house, smiling and giving thanks for the rain. Isn't the Holy Spirit like that? He comes and cleanses my heart, refreshes me, cools off my disposition, surrounds me with His sweet presence, softens my attitudes. Thank You Lord for another day to live in Your presence. Thank You for life and breath, and most of all, Your Holy Spirit. His wonderful presence takes my breath away.
Verse 16 says: The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.
Paul wanted a special blessing for a special friend and his family because Onesiphorus visited and encouraged Paul in his time of need. He was "a breath of fresh air" Paul indicated as he used the word refreshed.
Refreshed means to refresh one's spirit, by fellowship, consolation, kindnesses, to recover breath, take the air, cool off, receive, refresh one's self.
Did you catch that little word "oft" which Paul used? It is the word we use for "often." He often visited and often refreshed, encouraged Paul. It wasn't just a one time occurance, was it?
How often I need refreshing! Can others say that I refresh them? Do I encourage them more than once?
LET IT GROW
We don't know much about the special friend of Paul's, Onesiphorus. He may have been a deacon in the Ephesian church where Paul pastored three years. This is concluded from verse 18 where Paul says that Onesiphorus ministered to him at Ephesus.
Thayer's Lexicon says ministered means to attend to, anything that may serve another's interests. Paul was saying, "How many things I owe to his ministration."
Another thing Onesiphorus did for Paul was he diligently sought Paul out and found him. Whether it was a business trip that took Osesiphorus to Rome or just a special trip with the intentions of meeting Paul's needs, scripture doesn't say. At any rate, It was a special effort made on his part. In fact, it must have been difficult for Onesiphorus to find Paul since he diligently sought Paul; diligently means active, zealous, earnest; sought means to seek in order to find.
"His search involved time, effort, and possibly even danger," states MacArthur Bible Commentary.
Ezekiel 34:11 says: For thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out.
I am so thankful that the Lord sought me. I was His lost sheep and then He found me and saved me. Dear friend, He is still seeking us to draw us near Him. He is diligently seeking. How will I react when He finds me?
Psalm 53:2 says God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
The question is, "Am I seeking Him?"
A good man will seek opportunities of doing good.
Oviously, Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul's chains. It would have been a disgrace to be in prison in the world's view. However, Paul was inprisoned because of his preaching Jesus. Paul had other friends, Luke, Mark, and Timothy who were not afraid to risk their lives to give Paul aid in person.
To sum up these last three verses in chapter 1, Paul says to be a loyal servant like Onesiphorus, not like Phygellus and Hermogenes, who turned away from him.
What kind of friend and servant am I?
LET IT GO
Diligently seek the Lord.
Often refresh others.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
What Lasts Forever?
2 Timothy 1-Part 9
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. 2 Timothy 1:13-14
LET IT GLOW
There are few things on earth that last forever. Due to high winds, our barn and one old chickenhouse, which were over 50 years old, blew down and another chickenhouse collasped due to two feet of snow. Ponds fill in and the creek changes its course. Children only remain children for a short period of time, then grow up and have their own children. Even towns change and two-lane highways become four lanes. My old high school and home economics building were torn down years ago to make way for new ones. Yes, even my hair is changing color.
Are my investments eternal or temporal? How much time am I spending in God's Word and bringing souls to the Savior?
LET IT GROW
New American Standard says verse 14 this way: Guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
What are some things Paul told Timothy to do that are found in these two verses?
LET IT GO
Invest in God's Word and the souls of people.
Hold onto doctrine in faith and love.
Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. 2 Timothy 1:13-14
LET IT GLOW
There are few things on earth that last forever. Due to high winds, our barn and one old chickenhouse, which were over 50 years old, blew down and another chickenhouse collasped due to two feet of snow. Ponds fill in and the creek changes its course. Children only remain children for a short period of time, then grow up and have their own children. Even towns change and two-lane highways become four lanes. My old high school and home economics building were torn down years ago to make way for new ones. Yes, even my hair is changing color.
Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus says:
There are a few things which will last forever. They are God's Word (Isaiah 40:8, Matt. 24:35) and the souls of people. When the time comes, everything else will be consumed by the fire of God's judgment. Then He will make a new earth (2 Peter 3:7; Rev. 21-22). These are two types of eternal investments. Paul reflected on the timeless treasure of God's Word and pondered the immortal souls of people.
Are my investments eternal or temporal? How much time am I spending in God's Word and bringing souls to the Savior?
LET IT GROW
New American Standard says verse 14 this way: Guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.
What are some things Paul told Timothy to do that are found in these two verses?
- Be loyal to God's Word.
- Hold fast to the precious deposit of Christian truth, the principles of sound doctrine. A form is a pattern to be copied, a template.
- Pass this doctrine along to others (2:2). Paul taught Timothy and he is to teach others, handing it down to the next generation.
- Do this with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 4:15 talks about "speaking the truth in love."
- Guard the truth as the Holy Spirit enables you. He is the one who must teach us (John 16:13). Guard means "to protect by keeping careful watch." It's like a deposit in a bank that is guarded. We have the power of Almighty God living with us to help us.
LET IT GO
Invest in God's Word and the souls of people.
Hold onto doctrine in faith and love.
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