Friday, October 25th: Jeremiah 48:1-49:22, 2 Timothy 4:1-22, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 26:9-12 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is  Jeremiah 48:1-49:22, 2 Timothy 4:1-22, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 26:9-12

^{2 Timothy 4:3} For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴ They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.

It definitely feels like this is that time.  It's likely not the first time in history to have felt like it, and unfortunately it probably won't be the last either.

There are people who profess to be Christians that have twisted and reinterpreted scripture to align with what our culture says is true. There will always be someone willing to justify your sin to you.

This is also a time where very few people are familiar with the Word of God and what it actually teaches, so they don't recognize the lie for what it is.

We need to be so familiar with the Word that anything even slightly off is immediately recognizable to us.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Jeremiah 49:23-50:46, Titus 1:1-16, Psalm 97:1-98:9, Proverbs 26:13-16

Thursday, October 24th: Jeremiah 44:24-47:7, 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 26:6-8 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 44:24-47:7, 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 26:6-8 

2 Timothy 3:11-12

You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

Paul lists a few of the places where he was persecuted, but adds importantly that God rescued him from all of them. He goes on to say that all believers will suffer persecution. 

This means us, do we face any opposition because we live for Jesus, at home or work or school?

God will rescue us, it may not be immediate, but He will help us. Pray for strength and wisdom, then trust. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 48:1-49:22, 2 Timothy 4:1-22, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 26:9-12

Wednesday, October 23rd: Jeremiah 42:1-44:23, 2 Timothy 2:1-21, Psalm 92:1-93, Proverbs 26:3-5 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 42:1-44:23, 2 Timothy 2:1-21, Psalm 92:1-93, Proverbs 26:3-5

2 Timothy 2:¹⁰ So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.

That is a very bold statement.

Am I willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen?

Are you?


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 44:24-47:7, 2 Timothy 2:22-3:17, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 26:6-8

Tuesday, July 2: 2 Chronicles 25-27, 2 Timothy 4:9-22 ~ Danae

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Chronicles 25-27, 2 Timothy 4:9-22

2 Timothy 4:17a
But the Lord stood at my side & gave me strength.

What words of comfort, encouragement & hope!  Our Lord will be near us in all situations & will strengthen us to face what comes our way.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Isaiah 1-3, Titus 

Monday, July 2, 2018: 2 Kings 16-18, 2 Timothy 4:1-8 by Pamela

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Kings 16-18, 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Yesterday our pastor shared a great message in honour of our country's birthday. These were my notes:

When I read through today's passage, this part of the NT stood out for me:

3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

We are in that "time". People no longer listen to "sound and wholesome teaching". They do look to others who will tell them what they want to hear. People are rejecting the truth. They are seeking after things that are false. But, in the midst of all this, we are called to be faithful to God. We are not to be afraid of suffering for the sake of the gospel. We are to follow God's commands despite the opposition and the price. We are to bring people to Christ through obedience. God is in charge. We need to remember that.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Chronicles 25-27, 2 Timothy 4:9-22

Saturday, June 30th: Hosea 11-14; 2 Timothy 3 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Hosea 11-14; 2 Timothy 3

Unfortunately, these words are very descriptive of society today.....
 2 Timothy 3: 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

BUT!

14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

I am thankful to have grown up in a Christian home.  But I am also aware that I cannot simply stay stagnant in what I learned as a child, or even what I have learned as an adult.  I always need to be proactive in growing my faith, in being sure of what I have been taught, and being faithful to live it out.

His Word is true, and it is relevant today!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 2 Kings 16-18, 2 Timothy 4:1-8

Friday, June 29th: Hosea 7-10; 2 Timothy 2:14-26 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Hosea 7-10; 2 Timothy 2:14-26

“Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭2:25‬

Gently instruct

When having a discussion with someone about things society is for but God is against, it can be very easy to start yelling or harshly stating our opinions. Social media is an especially easy platform for this kind of behaviour. But God says we need to be gentle with how we tell others about the truth. He is the one changing hearts, not us. So instead of getting into a heated argument with someone who doesn’t believe the truth, we need to be gentle and voice our opinions in a way that honours God. He will do the judgement later. 

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Hosea 11-14; 2 Timothy 3

Thursday, June 28th: Hosea 4-6, Timothy 2: 1-13 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Hosea 4-6, 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Hosea 6:3
Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth"

2 Timothy 2:10
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.

Both verses, one in the Old Testament portion and one in the New Testament, stood out to me.

Both verses speak to the importance of living for God, by acknowledging Him first then obtaining salvation from Him and therefore commiting ourselves to Him.

A good reminder to me to focus on God and what He's all done for me, giving thanks and then doing my best to live how He wants.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:  Hosea 7-10, 2 Timothy 2:14-26

Wednesday, June 27th: Hosea 1-3, 2 Timothy 1 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Hosea 1-3, 2 Timothy 1

2 Timothy 1:5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Lois taught Eunice who taught Timothy.  A legacy of faith is the biggest thing you and I could ever do.  Teaching our children the truths of God's Word, instilling in them a familiarity and love for His Word, these things are vital.

And God notices.  He rewards those who are faithful to Him.

9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
We have done nothing to merit His grace or favour.  He saved us. He called us.  All glory belongs to Him alone.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Hosea 4-6, 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Monday, October 30th: Jeremiah 20-21; 2 Timothy 4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 20-21; 2 Timothy 4

2 Timothy 4:2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction.
We need to be ready to preach the word.  No matter what we're doing or who we're with, we need to be prepared to share the good news.  It is not enough to just live out our faith and hope that someone asks us about tit.  They're not going to catch the gospel message through osmosis.  We need to say something!

In order to say something it is helpful to know a little bit about what we're talking about.  Now, that doesn't mean we need to wait until we're reknowned Biblical scholars in order to share the gospel.  But it does mean that we should put a little effort into knowing what we profess to believer.  And in the meantime, keep professing it!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 22-23; Titus 1

Sunday, October 29th: Jeremiah 18-19; 2 Timothy 3 ~ Emma

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 18-19; 2 Timothy 3

“Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.”‭‭ - 2 Timothy‬ ‭3:12‬

This verse is a reminder that you’re not alone in your faith, and your struggles. But you will only suffer a short time on this earth compared to the eternity you will live in paradise with Jesus. So don’t lose hope, and encourage your brothers and sisters in the faith. Jesus is coming soon.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 20-21; 2 Timothy 4

Saturday, October 28th: Jeremiah 15-17; 2 Timothy 2 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 15-17; 2 Timothy 2

2 Timothy 2:11-13

11 Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
My Life Application Bible says...
This is probably an early Christian hymn. God is faithful to his children. Although we may suffer great hardships here, God promises that someday we will live eternally with him. What will this involve? It means believers will live in Christ's kingdom, and that we will share in the administration of that kingdom. This truth comforted Paul as he went through suffering and death. Are you facing hardships? Don't turn away from God - he promises you a wonderful future with him......

Jesus is faithful. he will stay by our side even when we have endured so much that we seem to have no faith left. We may be faithless at times, but Jesus is faithful to his promise to be with us "to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20) Refusing Christ's help will break our communication with God, but he will never turn his back on us even though we may turn our backs on him. 

What comforting truths!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage:   Jeremiah 18-19; 2 Timothy 3

Friday, October 27th: Jeremiah 12-14, 2 Timothy 1 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Jeremiah 12-14; 2 Timothy 1

"So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God."  2 Timothy 1:8

Being a Christ follower does not mean an easy life; Paul wrote this letter to Timothy at a time when he was lonely and experiencing hard times for himself.  Timothy too, was no stranger to hard times as he struggled with a lack of confidence, while the Christian community was experiencing an increase in persecution and false teachers, which resulted in a deterioration of moral standards.

Paul was confident that eternal life awaited him through Jesus Christ, who has destroyed death.  When hard times strike us, our only source of comfort and hope is in Christ alone.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Jeremiah 15-17; 2 Timothy 2

Saturday, December 10th: 2 Timothy 1-4 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is 2 Timothy 1-4

2 Timothy 1:8a So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. 

I think if we're honest, we've all shied away from an opportunity to share the gospel with others for one reason or another, and likely at least in part because we were a bit worried about what others would think of us. Thankfully, there is grace, even for this.  But this verse is a good reminder that I need to be willing to share the truth about Jesus, no matter what anyone might think of me.

From Chapter 3...
14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Studying God's Word - like we're doing together in this blog - is absolutely vital in order for us to grow in our faith and for our lives to reflect Him to a watching world.

Chapter 4...
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.
That time is definitely here!  Unbelievers pretty much make up truth so it suits their desires.  And even those who profess to be Christians have been trying to make the Bible say what they want it to say - and not to condemn things the world wants us to embrace.

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.I want to be able to say these words with integrity!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: 1 Peter 1-5

Tuesday, November 10th: Ezra 9-10, 2 Timothy 4 ~ Nathan

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezra 9-10, 2 Timothy 4

In Ezra 9 the writer (Ezra) is devastated that the people of Israel keep on disobeying God by not separating themselves from other nations who do not worship and honour God. Ezra is devastated because the Israelites were severely punished and lost everything for years and years of sinning against God. They were taken out of the promised land and made slaves. Finally God gave them another chance and they were blowing this one too!

To make matters worse,  it was the leaders of the people of Israel who were leading in this sin. In Ezra's devastated state he says in 9:10

“But now, our God, what can we say after this? For we have forsaken the commands"

It was embarrassing for Ezra and I'm sure he felt exhausted and considered giving up. But the Israelites who were guilty of this sin responded by weeping bitterly and truly wanted forgiveness.

How many times is God frustrated with us at our repeated sins?  We need to also be truly ashamed for our sins and be more desperate for forgiveness,  which only God can give through the death and resurrection of Jesus.  I don't think I take my sin seriously enough at times, I pray that I realize that it is serious and needs to be cleaned up.

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage:  1 Chronicles 1-3; Jude

Monday, November 9th: Ezra 6-8, 2 Timothy 3 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezra 6-8, 2 Timothy 3

Ezra chapter 6 begins with Darius' reply to the Persian governor's letter in regards to the Jews having authority to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple.  His reply was a pretty strong yes.  Not only did they have the authority to rebuild it, but he also commanded that the project be funded from the royal treasury.  If there was any thought of someone wishing to prevent this from happening, verse 11 would take care of that notion - "I decree that if anyone changes this edict, a beam is to be pulled from his house and he is to be lifted up and impaled on it.  And for this crime his house is to be made a pile of rubble."  Certainly a strong punishment for attempting to stall the rebuilding process.

Despite strong words of likely punishments, typically people don't like to be told what to do, especially if it does not fit into our own agenda.  If in a situation like that, our backs would be arched like a cat and our tails would be puffed out to twice the size.  In this particular situation, God had his hand in it.  "the Lord had filled them with joy by changing the attitude of the king of Assyria, so that he assisted them in the work on the house of God, the God of Israel." (verse 22b)

This verse reminded me of the power that God has in His ability to change others and His ability to soften their hearts.  Do I give God access to all areas of my life when facing trials?  Or do I leave Him on the bench and attempt to accomplish things on my own?

I liked Ezra 7:10 - "For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel."  Ezra illustrates some important aspects of a true follower of God.  He was devoted not to himself, but to the Law of the Lord.  Something we should strive for and I believe we all are by participating in this blog.

What I enjoyed reading in Ezra chapter 8 was not so much the genealogy, but that Ezra was a normal human too.  Despite his devotion to God, he still had some fear in regards to their journey to Jerusalem.  Verse 22 says, " I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to protect us from enemies on the road, because we had told the king. "The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to him, but his great anger is against all who forsake him."

Even though Ezra had a strong faith in God and was devoted to Him, it does not mean that he did not feel the need to handle difficult situations on his own.  He did, however, show his ability in looking past his fear and realizing where his strength comes from.  Ezra relied on his faith in God and made things right with Him by fasting and praying for three days calling upon Him to protect their journey.

Today's reading in Ezra showed me that God is a caring God, who will accomplish His will in spite of opposition, and whose protection in our daily lives is all we need to make it through each day.

In our NT reading, Paul tells us in verse 16 that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,".

Through prophets and apostles, God interprets past events and accurately predicts future ones.  This makes the Bible trustworthy, eternally fixed, perfect and complete, and a sure guide for life, as it makes us wise for salvation!

Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Ezra 9-10; 2 Timothy 4

Sunday, November 8th: Ezra 3-5, 2 Timothy 2 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezra 3-5; 2 Timothy 2

The section that stood out to me in our Ezra passage was how the young people rejoiced in the rebuilding, but the older people wept because they saw the difference between the original, glorious temple, and the newer, rebuilt one.  It's true that the beauty of the building is not as important go God as the attitudes of the builders and worshipers, but my Life Application Bible has this insight as well....
The celebration after laying the temple foundation was marked by contrasts of emotion - shouts of joy and sounds of weeping. Both were appropriate. The Holy Spirit can stimulate us both to rejoice over the goodness of his grace and to grieve over the sins that required him to correct us. When we come into the presence of Almighty God, we may feel full of joy and thanksgiving, yet at the same time feel sobered by our shortcomings.

Just as the workers did, we can expect opposition when we do God's work.  There may be compromising alliances, discouragements, intimidation, or unjust accusations. When we go into it expecting opposition, it is easier to stay the course.  We must continue to move ahead, trusting that God will show us how to overcome any obstacles that may be thrown our way.  After all, the right thing is seldom the easy thing.

We also need to be leery of those who claim to be Christians, but whose actions clearly reveal that they are only using Christianity to serve their own interests and further their own agendas.  Saying you're a Christian doesn't make you one.  Which is why we too, must be sure that walk the talk, and prove our faith genuine by our deeds.

This verse stood out to me in our NT passage....

2 Timothy 2:13  if we are faithless, he remains faithful

So thankful for that truth!



 Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage:  Ezra 6-8; 2 Timothy 3

Saturday, November 7th: Ezra 1-2, 2 Timothy 1 ~ Tammy

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Ezra 1-2; 2 Timothy 1

Once again we see a display of God's sovereignty.  Cyrus was not a Jew, was not a believer, and yet God moved him and worked through him to fulfill prophecy and return the exiled Jews to their homeland. And not only did he allow their return, he provided them with protection, money, and the temple articles that had been taken by Nebuchadnezzar.  God's power is not limited to our resources. He can use anyone to accomplish His plans.

I wonder about the Jews who chose to remain in Babylon.  The journey back to Jerusalem was definitely difficult, dangerous, expensive, and long.  How often do we miss out on God's best for us because we're not willing to do the work or make the sacrifice that God asks of us?  Are comfort, security, and material possessions our priorities, or is it serving God in whatever capacity He asks of us?

In our NT passage, I love Paul's reference to Timothy's mother and grandmother.  It implies that Timothy's father was not a believer, or was not around.  What hope this gives to single parents or those married to unbelievers.  Your faith can still have an impact on your children or your grandchildren!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Ezra 3-5; 2 Timothy 2

Monday, November 21 - Jody

Today's reading from the Chronological OT/NT Reading Plan is: Ezekiel 16-17, 2 Timothy 2

Happy Monday Everyone!

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:22-24
²² Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³ Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. ²⁴ And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. ²⁵

Observation
We are called to PURSUE righteousness, faith, love and peace. It's not just going to magically happen as we have been believers for a long time. It is a pursuit that must be searched out. Verse 23 is one for me! Don't have ANYTHING to do with foolish and stupid arguments.

Application
There are several application steps for me in this passage.

1. Keep intentionally pursuing the righteousness of God along with other people searching for the same thing. Connect with other believers in this pursuit - don't do it alone!
2. Walk away from foolish conversations and arguments. How often don't I get sucked into this! I must admit, I'm a sucker for a good argument. I can actually be quite argumentative at times, and God has really been focusing on this aspect of my personality lately. Quite fitting that I get this passage today! :)
3. Finally, we must be kind to everyone. Everyone. Not just the people that are kind to us...

I know often for us "mature" Christians these messages are old and familiar. We sometimes skim over these thoughts because we've been hearing this our whole Christian lives. But the intentional acting out of these directions can still be a challenge, yet we are called to be different from those around us. We are called to always be ready to teach God's word, that means, we are called to always be a positive display of what that God can do in the life of a sinful person.

Prayer
God, help us pursue you today. Would you send your Holy Spirit to nudge us towards gentleness today? Give us the clarity of mind and action to walk away from foolish conversations and arguments. God, direct our words and actions today in pursuit of your righteousness. Amen.

Tomorrow's passage: Ezekiel 18-19, 2 Timothy 3

Sunday, November 20th

Today's reading from the Chronological OT/NT Reading Plan is Ezekiel 14-15, 2 Timothy 1

In our Timothy passage Paul is writing to Timothy from a dungeon as he awaited what he knew was his imminent death. As he was waiting to die, he wrote these words to Timothy, the last words we have from Paul. And in this passage he's encouraging Timothy to be courageous.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life - not because of anything we have done but because of his own purposes and grace.

Paul first reminds Timothy that God had given him specific gifts for the purpose of ministry and advancement of the kingdom. MacArthur puts it pretty frankly in his sermon ....

Courage then rises initially out of a sense of giftedness, that I have been enabled by the Holy Spirit, infused with a spiritual gift for the purpose of ministry in the name of Christ and for the advancement of His Kingdom. And if I know that I am divinely prepared and enabled to serve Christ and to proclaim His name and to represent Him and to build His body, then I have to do what I was designed to do. And frankly, if I don't do that I have violated the very reason for my existence. Not to use my spiritual gift is to place myself in a mode where I might as well be dead as far as usefulness to the church or the Kingdom. (emphasis mine)

Paul then tells Timothy to consider his resources. He's been given the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8), he's been given love (Romans 5:5) and he's been given self-discipline (Galations 5:23). He has been given the resources necessary to minister effectively.

He then reminds Timothy to accept and anticipate the fact that suffering and opposition is inevitable for anyone loyal to the gospel.

Then Paul charges Timothy to remember the power of God.

the God who from eternity past planned the plan of redemption, brought it to appearing in Jesus Christ, saved you, made you holy, gave you life. That same God is your God. So remember the power of God.

Paul then instructs Timothy to understand his duty. Paul was called to be a herald, an apostle and a teacher. When we have a duty, we are bound to do it, we are compelled to do it - it is not really even a choice.

duty can be the greatest joy or the deepest pain. And I'll tell you how. You do it and it provides the greatest joy. You don't do it and it provides the deepest pain. Duty undone is a killer.

Paul then goes on to explain why it is he is able to bear up under suffering and persecution. It's because he trusts his security and his security is found in this

because I know whom I have believed

Please notice it's not in what I have believed, it's in whom I have believed. The thing that sustained him in suffering was not his theology, it was his God. Do you understand the difference? The thing that sustained him in trials was not doctrine, but fellowship...And because I know Him, follow the verse, "I am convinced.".....I know that the Lord is able to hold on to my life until I stand that day to receive my eternal reward.....

"O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you." And what was entrusted to him? The truth, sound doctrine...sound doctrine.

The reason most people don't have the courage of their convictions is because they don't have convictions. Before you can put your life on the line for what you believe, you have to believe it....

So he is saying guard the truth, verse 14, retain the standard of sound wholesome life-giving words, be committed to the proper theological structure, the proper interpretation of Scripture, the proper outline of the truth that produces spiritual growth, spiritual maturity. Have a theology....

but hold it with faith toward God and love toward man. In that way you'll be doing it in the Spirit of Christ Jesus who provides that faith and provides that love...

So, how do you avoid being ashamed of Christ? Renew your gift, consider your resources, accept your suffering, remember your God, realize your duty, trust your Savior, affirm your doctrine, and lastly, choose your associates. (emphasis mine)

And, of course, I thought of this song

Tomorrow's passage: Ezekiel 16-17, 2 Timothy 2