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.
October 22, 2017
Paul encouraged Timothy, his “beloved son” in the Lord, to overcome fear, knowing that it didn’t come from God. Timothy was Paul’s young protege, but he wasn’t yet as bold and confident as Paul. Even though Paul had left him in charge of the church at Ephesus, it seems he sometimes struggled because people looked down on him because of his youth. So, Paul reminded him of his spiritual heritage, his ordination and of the “power, love and sound mind” that was his in Christ Jesus.
The word “fear” that Paul used might also be translated “timidity,” or “fearfulness.” The weight of responsibility and the constant challenge of pastoring a church in one of the largest cities in the Roman empire was no doubt heavy on young Timothy’s shoulders. The “spirit of fear” that assailed Timothy was not from God. It may have been from the evil one, but more likely it was of the fleshly kind, the kind that comes from self-doubt. This kind of fear is the opposite of faith and must be put off. Paul told him to rely on the “dunamis power” that had raised Christ from the dead and now belonged to him. He told him to draw on the “agape love” of God that had motivated Him to send His only Son. Finally, Paul told Timothy to think clearly with a “sound mind,” which is the “mind of Christ” (1 Cor. 2:16) when considering the source of his fear, so that the fear would evaporate like a mist.
Are you suffering under a “spirit of fear” today? Put off fleshly fear and put on the power, love and wisdom of Christ!
October 25, 2016
Paul wrote to Timothy that he should preach while the people were receptive, for a day would be coming when they would not “endure sound teaching.” In many cases, this time is already here. Many pulpits already pour out a feel good gospel that is no gospel at all. Yet, do not despair. There are still true preachers and there are still those ready to hear and obey. So preachers, keep preaching, “in season and out.” And hearers, keep supporting the preaching of the gospel that calls all to repentance and salvation in Christ Jesus.
October 25, 2015
Paul’s final charge to Timothy: “Preach the word!” Pastors wear many hats, but preaching is job number one. And not just preaching anything, but preaching the Word of God. Not politics or philosophy, nor self-help tips, but Word proclaiming, Christ-centered, gospel preaching. Pastors are to “be ready.” This means they are to prepare. To study and pray, so that they are always prepared to preach. They are to use every tool in an effective communcator’s toolbox to proclaim the Word which is able to lead people to salvation. Their preaching is to be “convincing” (using argumentation, persuasion), “rebuking” (correcting sin, illustration), and “exhorting” (application, calling out) and this with great patience and a willingness to teach and explain. Do you support the preaching of the Word?
October 24, 2015
Paul told Timothy that there is a time to retreat and a time to advance. As it regards “youthful lusts,” the command is to “flee.” Unlike the instruction to “stand firm” against the devil (Eph. 6:11), lust is not defeated by direct assault. It is to be avoided. When an image in a movie or magazine causes arousal, turn it off or throw it away! When the stomach growls for the apple, get out of the orchard! Run away! And run towards “righteousness.” “Pursue” it. Chase after it. Pursuing righteousness leaves less time for lustful temptation. Pull your affections off your idols and put them on Jesus. Pursue Christ!
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?
October 25, 2014
Paul gave final instructions to Timothy as he faced the real possibility of execution for preaching the gospel. He wanted Timothy to be unafraid of suffering and willing to work hard for the sake of the Good News. Like a captain issuing orders to one of his men, Paul charged Timothy to “fully carry out” his mission. Notice Paul’s particular language. “Work” – make telling others the Good News about Jesus something you labor at, not just occasionally or accidentally, but with the awareness of one who has been employed by God to do so. “Fully carry out” – don’t balk in the final stretch, but run with all your might across the finish line. Jesus was obedient to “fully carry out” His ministry, even unto the cross. This is our commission too. Finish well. Starting well is good, but finishing well is most important. Are you willing to fully carry out the ministry God has given to you?
October 24, 2014
“Inspired” – From the Greek word, Theopneustos, which literally means, “God-breathed.” The Bible is a spiritual book and it is spiritually discerned. It is useful not only for knowing, but for doing. It is therefore both spiritual and practical. It contains the gospel which gives us the wisdom to receive salvation, so it is the Book of Life. The Spirit of Christ uses the Word to wash us and to conform us to His image, preparing us for our wedding day (Eph. 5). The Bible is unique. There is no other book like it. It is the written Word of God.
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?
October 22, 2014
What causes us to feel shame to speak of Jesus? There are at least three reasons: 1) Lack of spiritual zeal. We don’t feel worthy to talk about Jesus because we are not living as we should. 2) Believing the enemy’s lies. These lies tells us that people aren’t interested in Jesus or that they will reject us or make fun of us. Our politically correct culture lies to us that it is inappropriate to speak of Jesus. 3) Lack of knowledge. We feel that we don’t know enough to be able to witness. Yet, witnessing is just telling others what Christ has done for you. Paul told Timothy to “never be ashamed.” Are you able to say, “I’m not ashamed to tell others about Jesus?”