In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage- with great patience and careful instruction. 2 Timothy 4: 1-2 Are you willing to finish the race well? Finishing the race well, We, as God’s servants, must emphasize the Word. Paul commands Timothy to Preach the Word. This powerful statement has echoed through the centuries and is one that should not be taken lightly. Preach the Word, no…
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Finishing The Race: Part 1
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of because you know those from whom you learned it” 2 Timothy 3:14 In Paul’s day, people like to watch athletes run races. Athletes would train for nine months. Thousands of people would watch the runners. Paul compares our life o earth to a race. The prize at the end of the long race is the race. We don’t have to be the fastest, the quickest, or the first to complete the race. We must please God and remain faithful to the end of the race. If we finish…
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Choosing To Be A Vessel: Part 1
In a large house, there are articles of gold and silver and wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, applicable to the Master and prepared to do any good work. 2 Timothy 2:20-21 Read 2 Timothy 2: 14-3:9. In Timothy’s time, what were examples of vessels of honor and dishonor? Whom did these vessels represent? The problems the false teachers are causing in the house churches of Ephesus. Paul sees a contrast between a godly leader in Timothy and the ungodly leaders. …
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Reflection Day
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 Today is Reflection Day! I love reflection day. It’s a time for me to go back and reflect on what God has spoken to me. It gives me time to pray and seek God about what he wants to change in my life. It gives me time to make a game plan of putting action to what God is telling me and asking of me. Reflection Day gives me a slower pace to grasp what God is telling me. It gives me more time to listen…
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Prayer Time
Our Father in heaven, Your name is honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.] Let’s take some time and focus on prayer. Look up these verses and glean from them. Prayer! It’s a conversation with God. Do you struggle with praying? Is it intimidating to you to pray to God? Is there a right way to…
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Encouragement
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. 2 Timothy 2:8-9 What are the illustrations Paul uses in verses 3-10? Soldier. Paul often used illustrations about warfare and soldiers. Soldiers must endure hardship, suffering, and even death. They must remain loyal to the officer who commands them. Timothy must be willing to suffer. He must not look back but stay committed to Jesus, his Divine Commander. He must avoid defecting and looking for an easier path. Athlete. Athletes of Paul’s day endured strict discipline…
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Prayer Day
Our Father in heaven, Your name is honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your Will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.] Let’s take some time and focus on prayer. Look up these verses and glean from them. Prayer! It’s a conversation with God. Do you struggle with praying? Is it intimidating to you to pray to God? Is there a right way to…
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Relating To Self and The Rich
But godliness with contentment is a significant gain. 1 Timothy 6:6 What is the balance of contentment and wanting more? Read 1 Timothy 6 Isaiah said some people are like greedy dogs. Read Isaiah 56:11, Luke 12:15, Hebrews 13:5. We need to be content with what we have and what we honestly earn to have those things. Paul warns that the desire for riches is a temptation and a trap – an invitation to ruin and destruction. Paul warns us that we cannot serve God and money – we must choose one or the other. The love of money is the root of many evils,…
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Relating To Slaves And False Teachers
All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who believe masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they serve them even better because those who benefit from their service are believers and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them. One timothy 6:1-2 Read 1 Timothy 6 Slaves: Why did God want slaves to show respect to their masters? Outsiders evaluate God and the gospel based on Christian behavior. To understand…
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Relating To People In The Family Of God
Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 1 Timothy 5:3-4 We have been studying the book of First Timothy now for a few weeks. We have learned about the need for the correct doctrine, proper attitudes, and a good reputation. In Chapters 5 and 6, we will learn about the right relationships. Paul refers to the church body as a family in…