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October 23

Scripture for today: Jeremiah 42:1-44:23; 2 Timothy 2:1-21; Psalm 92:1-93:5; Proverbs 26:3-5

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“Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1 NLT).

From: October 23, 2018

CHRIST OUR STRENGTH
Paul’s second letter to Timothy is a letter of encouragement from a father to his spiritual son. The affection Paul has for Timothy is evident, yet so is his desire to see him strengthened in his walk. Paul had learned to depend on the grace he received from abiding in Christ to be his strength when all else failed him. As he wrote to the believers in Philippi, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13). Yet, how do we call on this strength?
 
It has been my experience that the strength of which Paul speaks is available at the very moment when I make myself available. I have gotten up from a sickbed on many a Sunday morning, taken a shower, dressed and arrived at the church weak as water. Yet, when I stepped into the pulpit a power beyond my own radiated and surged within me, enabling me to preach. If I had not shown up, I would not have experienced this power. I have found that the strengthening of Christ lies just at the point where my strength has run out. The way to tap into that power is a decision to “be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Eph. 6:10) when your strength is gone.
 
If we are to experience this strength that comes from abiding in Christ, we must attempt things that are beyond us, trusting that we can be strong in Christ.

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV).

From: October 23, 2017

There are so many voices vying for our attention. To whom do we listen? Whose approval should we seek? The apostle Paul advised the young pastor Timothy to focus on God’s “approval.” He told him to “be diligent” in this, studying to hear God’s voice and please Him above all others. This rightly required “shunning” (2 Tim. 2:16) voices that competed with or spoke contrary to God’s Word. He told Timothy to work at the study and preaching of God’s Word like a tentmaker who cuts straight the thick camel hides of his craft, “rightly dividing” the Scriptures. Don’t water it down. Cut it straight!
 
This is still good advice for today. Work diligently to fulfill the calling God has on your life. Focus on it. Live for the approval of God, not man.

“And I have this day declared it to you, but you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God in anything that he sent me to tell you” (Jeremiah 42:21 ESV)

From: October 23, 2016

The remnant that remained in Jerusalem after its fall to Babylon came to Jeremiah asking him to pray to God concerning their plan to escape to Egypt. They begged him to pray to the Lord on their behalf, committing to do whatever the Lord instructed. Yet even as Jeremiah declared God’s response, he predicted their disobedience. Apparently, the people only wanted God’s approval for their plans. When Jeremiah told them that they would die if they went to Egypt, but live if they remained in Jerusalem, they rejected his godly counsel and left for Egypt anyway. Many people today are like this. They just want the preacher to bless the plans they have already made. They really don’t want to hear and obey the Word of the Lord.

“And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2 NKJV)

From: October 23, 2015

This is the powerful, world-changing strategy of discipleship through the process of multiplication! Paul told Timothy to disciple others in the same way he had been discipled. We all need a Paul to mentor us. A Barnabas to walk alongside as a peer to encourage us. And a Timothy that we can invest in and disciple. Are you seeking these three powerful relationships?

“Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach” (2 Timothy 2:8 NLT)

From: October 23, 2014

What was the “Good News” that Paul preached? Answer: Christ crucified and raised from the dead. This is the news event that we are to proclaim. For the gospel is not good advice, it’s good news. And news is to be announced. Some will believe and some won’t. But for those who do believe and accept this good news as truth, theirs is eternal life in Christ. Many of us are news “junkies,” glued to our 24 hour news stations and internet outlets. We ask if others have seen the latest football score or weather report. Yet, do we “always remember” to proclaim the greatest good news of all?

“What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also” (2 Timothy 2:2)

From: October 23, 2013

The powerful, world-changing strategy of multiplication discipleship! Paul told Timothy to disciple others in the same way he had been discipled. We all need a Paul to mentor us. A Barnabas to walk along side as a peer to encourage us. And a Timothy that we can invest in and disciple. Do you have these three powerful relationships?

“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others” (2 Timothy 2:2)

From: October 23, 2012

Paul taught Timothy the power of discipleship multiplication. Paul told him to teach those who are “trustworthy” and “able” to teach others. Pour your life into a few reliable men, teaching them what I taught you, and challenging them to do likewise. This is the divine plan for reaching the world with the gospel. With whom are you investing your life?