October 25, 2023
“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2 NLT). Paul’s final charge to Timothy was “Preach the Word!” For he knew the many duties that beg a pastor’s attention. Pastors wear many hats, but preaching is
October 24, 2023
“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (2 Timothy 2:22 NLT). Paul told Timothy that there is a time to retreat and a time to run after. As it regards “youthful lusts,” the command
October 23, 2023
“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NLT). There are so many voices vying for our attention. To whom do we listen? Whose approval should we
October 22, 2023
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT). Paul encouraged Timothy, his “dear 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
October 25, 2022
FULFILLING THE MINISTRY GOD HAS GIVEN YOU As Paul faced the real possibility of execution for preaching the gospel, he gave final instructions to Timothy. 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,
October 23, 2022
CHRIST OUR STRENGTH Paul’s second epistle 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 the Lord. Paul had learned to depend on the grace he received from abiding in Christ to
October 22, 2022
MAINTAINING YOUR PASSION FOR MINISTRY This is the second letter the apostle Paul wrote to his spiritual son in the Lord, Timothy. Here, we see Paul boldly reminding Timothy, as a father would a son, to take personal responsibility for his own spiritual passion. He reminded Timothy of his calling into the ministry and the
October 25, 2021
FULFILLING THE MINISTRY GOD HAS GIVEN YOU As Paul faced the real possibility of execution for preaching the gospel, he gave final instructions to Timothy. 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 soldiers,
October 24, 2021
RETREAT OR RUN AFTER? Paul told Timothy that there is a time to retreat and a time to run after. As it regards “youthful passions,” the command is to “flee.” Unlike the instruction to “stand firm” against the devil (Eph. 6:11), lust is not defeated by direct assault, nor resistance. It is to be avoided.
October 23, 2021
THE LIFE ON LIFE DISCIPLESHIP STRATEGY Just as Jesus discipled twelve and sent them out to make disciples, so Paul discipled Timothy to do the same. This is the powerful, world-changing strategy of life on life discipleship that Paul taught Timothy. Some have described this strategy of life on life discipleship as following five