Day 4: What Friends Are For
Read 2 Timothy 1:15-18
Memory verse: 2 Tim 1:16 – May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
Context: Who deserted Paul and who refreshed him?
Everyone in the crew with him in Asia deserted him. Meanwhile, Onesiphorus’s household went to great lengths to ensure that Paul was refreshed, searching for him in Rome and memorably serving him throughout. The contrast is so intriguing. Know that even when your crew deserts you, there’s always someone who has your back and is willing to serve in all circumstances.
Content: Note the verbs that describe Onesiphorus’s actions.
Wonderful – okay, those verbs – according to the ESVUK, the associated verbs are refreshed, searched, found, and served.
What do we then note about the household of Onesiphorus? They served – they looked to see how they could support Paul. They refreshed – that’s both a mental and physical experience, delivering energy when it’s depleted and also reviving and restoring someone who’s exhausted and worn out. It’s very similar to what the angels did for Jesus after His 40 days in the wilderness and His subsequent victory over the devil in the three temptations. The impression I get is of a group of people who knew the assignment and recognised that those involved in Kingdom business are often in need of replenishment and restoration. Much of that comes from people who are there to offer physical, emotional, and mental restoration.
Concept: What does loyal friendship look like under pressure?
What a wonderful, wonderful question. Loyal friendship looks to refresh, seeks out the welfare of the other until it’s found, works in tandem with others to support and encourage and brings about all that’s needed when the going gets tough. The measure of loyal friendship is measured by the capacity to remain focused on ensuring that friends stay the course of God’s mission. They won’t desert the other in tough times. They will remain even if things get dire. Their only focus is to do whatever it takes to replenish, revive, restore, refresh and refocus.
Conclusions: Who could you encourage today?
I can start by encouraging my wife. Then there are my good friends, whom I consider to be part of my core. Followed by other friends, I consider them to be part of my crew. Then there are other friends I’ve made along the journey.
2 Timothy – Day 5: Passing on the Baton
Read 2 Timothy 2:1-7
Memory verse: 2 Tim 2:1
Context: How does Paul pass the baton of ministry?
Content: List the three metaphors (soldier, athlete, farmer) and their key qualities.
Concept: Why is “grace” the power source for these roles?
Conclusions: Which metaphor best matches your current season, and what next step follows?
It’s one thing to have a friend in Jesus; it’s another thing to know that He can give friends that stick around when the going gets rough. That’s another reason to get the Word In so we can get the Word Out!
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Life With CD 
I ove the idea of ‘getting the word in, so we can get the word out’. And you’ve got me thinking – am I soldier, athlete, farmer or bits of all three. It’s another good message from the CD stable.