Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:3-10 What are the ways we enable the Spirit to minister encouragement to us? Read 2 Timothy 2: 1-13 Do not try to do everything by yourself. Don’t take yourself too seriously. God’s plan is not for the pastor to do all the ministry. His plan is for believers to share the work of teaching others. The harvest is outstanding; the laborers are few. Recruit more laborers. Entrust reliable, qualified men and women to teach others. Recruit…
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In Hard Times – Part 2
“because I know whom I believed, and am convinced that he can guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” 2 Timothy 1:8-12 Read 2 Timothy 1 Encourage yourself through your relationship with Jesus Christ, our Savior. Paul encouraged Timothy by reminding him of his relationship with Jesus. Paul suffered and faced death because Jesus appointed him. Paul wasn’t ashamed because he knew whom he believed. Paul had head knowledge of the Father; he likewise knew and trusted Jesus Christ, the son. Paul also had a personal relationship with Christ. He had faith Christ was a faith of experience. Salvation begins with a…
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In Hard Times
I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 2 Timothy 1:3 What types of problems was Paul facing as he wrote his final letter? Read 2 Timothy 1: 1-7 Paul was set in a Roman prison awaiting martyrdom for his faith. He is writing for the last time to his son in the faith, Timothy. False teachers are wrecking the faith for believers and themselves. The other Apostles have left Paul high and dry. Paul was alone in his final days on earth. Paul was discouraged. Have…
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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 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 Elders
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 1 Timothy 5:1 Do you find it hard to lead the elderly? One of the challenges that Timothy faced at Ephesus. Some honored the old and looked down on the younger. Paul gave Timothy and the church instructions about their relationship with each other. Paul told Timothy to make sure that no one despised his young age. Then, in contrast, Paul told Timothy to treat older men (and women) with respect. We have already seen that in God’s household, the leader should treat…
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Relating To Widows
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 Read 1 Timothy 5:3-10. Pastors should be kind to older women as with mothers. In God’s household, we are all part of the same family. The word recognition means “care for.” Taking care of the widows is a vital concern in the old and new Testament. Look at Exodus 22:22; Deut.…
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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…