Day 65
for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:5 MEV
This is the reason that we pray over food before it is prepared or eaten.
Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 MEV
Though I don’t always get it right, as a pastor, I strive to be an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. Lately, I’m further realizing the importance of purity of heart. It is all part of this sanctification thing that is painful but the will of God. The question to answer is who do you love, your flesh or God? As for me, as I chase after God, seek His Kingdom and actively pursue right standing with Him, the rest will follow. Amen. Keep it real.
Meditate on these things. Give yourself completely to them, that your progress may be known to everyone. 1 Timothy 4:15 MEV
To be sold out for Christ is something to strive for, and is in fact my personal goal. So I meditate on these things, I renew my mind.
Do not rebuke an elder, but exhort him as a father, the younger men as brothers, the elder women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, with complete purity. 1 Timothy 5:1-2 MEV
This requires patience for the former, compassion for the middle, and purity for the latter; all gotten from the Lord, not human or earthy in any way.
For some have already turned aside after Satan. 1 Timothy 5:15 MEV
This is the danger, no matter how well meaning we might be, of not following not just this principle but àll of God’s precepts.
Do not lay hands suddenly on anyone, and do not partake of other men’s sins. Keep yourself pure. 1 Timothy 5:22 MEV
This is connected, and I had to learn this the hard way. Ask me about this if you are curious because I’m not going to share it here.
Some men’s sins are evident, pointing to judgment, but other men’s sins are revealed later. Likewise, the good works of some are evident, but those that are not cannot be hidden. 1 Timothy 5:24-25 MEV
Nothing is hidden from God. Everything is clear, especially the content of our hearts.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 MEV
Paul is saying this while he is ambitious about fulfilling his call in Christ, so he is not talking about passivity at all. If Eve was content, the Satan would not have been able to tempt her.
Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold on eternal life, to which you are called and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12 MEV
A good fight because Jesus has already won, but a fight nonetheless against our flesh and sin. Profession or declaration of our faith is vital.
Command those who are rich in this world that they not be conceited, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who richly gives us all things to enjoy. Command that they do good, that they be rich in good works, generous, willing to share, and laying up in store for themselves a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:17-19 MEV
Command, not suggest. Strong word.
Day 66
Follow the pattern of sound teaching which you have heard from me in the faith and love that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:13 MEV
Of faith in Christ Jesus and the love of God…
Guard the treasure that was committed to you through the Holy Spirit who lives in us. 2 Timothy 1:14 MEV
Treasure indeed, but not if you value money.
So you, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. Share the things that you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses with faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Endure hard times as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No soldier on active duty entangles himself with civilian affairs, that he may please the enlisting officer. Anyone who competes as an athlete is not rewarded without competing legally. The farmer who labors should be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I am saying, and may the Lord grant you understanding in all things. 2 Timothy 2:1-7 MEV
Things to meditate on and to understand.
in which I suffer trouble like a criminal, even with chains. But the word of God is not bound. 2 Timothy 2:9 MEV
Indeed, the word of God is in no way bound.
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. 2 Timothy 2:13 MEV
Numbers 23:19 NLT God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?
Isaiah 55:11 NKJV So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Even though this scripture is used for human unfaithfullness, it in the context of verse 10 to 12 that this was written. 2 Timothy 2:10-13 NLT So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen. [11] This is a trustworthy saying: If we die with him, we will also live with him. [12] If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us. [13] If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.
So flee youthful desires and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22 MEV
Out of a heart that is pure. Sometimes it takes the Lord to purify our heart, to refine us.
having a form of godliness, but denying its power. Turn away from such people. 2 Timothy 3:5 MEV
Turn away, for only those who are led by the Holy Spirit are the true sons of God. Not a pretence of power, not a denial of power, for be careful of those who say that they are filled but don’t have a relationship with God.
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, and I have kept the faith. From now on a crown of righteousness is laid up for me, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8 MEV
The apostle Paul knew that his life was nearing the end so he encouraged and challenged Timothy to stay strong in the Lord. History tells us that Paul was arrested, persecuted, and eventually beheaded by Roman officials under emperor Nero. This was his last letter to his son in the faith.
When you come, bring with you the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, and the books, but especially the parchments. 2 Timothy 4:13 MEV
Books and parchments. Even in his last days on earth, the Apostle Paul hungered for the word of God.