Day 9: The Approved Workman
Read 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Memory verse: 2 Tim 3:16-17 – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
Context: Recall the persecutions Paul mentions; where did Timothy witness them?
Acts 13:50-51 records Paul’s episode in Antioch. There, he faced stern opposition from the Jewish leaders to such a degree that they expelled him. This is a joint effort with support from some of the Gentiles. Timothy would have been informed about this when he joined Paul’s crew.
Acts 14:5-6 outlines Paul’s peril in Iconium. The Jewish leaders there were so agitated by the guy that again they got the Gentiles in on threatening him with physical violence. The threats reached the degree that Paul had to make a hasty exit. Timothy would have been aware of this when he came across Paul.
Acts 14:19-20 is the episode of Paul in Timothy’s hometown, Lystra. There, Paul got the physical battering via stoning to the point where they thought the brother was dead. They dragged him out, and this is where Paul played possum and stayed “dead” til the coast was clear, then took the hint and departed. Timothy would have a firsthand experience of this as an interesting introduction to life on mission for God.
Content: Chart the four uses of Scripture named in v 16.
Teaching – outlining the truth that shapes belief and behaviour, enabling us to become more like the Master.
Reproof – pointing out where we go wrong, highlighting what’s wrong with it, and the consequences.
Correction – realigning us to the right path, resetting us in the right direction, turning us to what is right.
Training in righteousness – guided to gain knowledge and skills to be and do what is pleasing to God in all aspects of life.
The reason it’s worth “charting” these is that this is a daily cycle of life. We open ourselves to the Word to teach us. As we live, we realise how we veer from the track as the Word highlights where we do. We then learn from the Word how to be right. From there, we gain a better, richer, deeper appreciation for what it means to be and do everything pleasing to God. We want to love Him more, and so we allow Him to shape us every day as we accept what the Holy Scriptures from Genesis to Revelation say.
Concept: What does “equipped for every good work” entail?
To be equipped for every good work requires commitment to Christ, desiring Him in all things, learning about Him through His Word, and appreciating Him in all actions. That is to say, character is crucial to carry out every good work. Character submitted to Christ is in the right place to do what Christ says. Understanding who He is and where He calls us makes us ready to do what He calls us to do in every aspect of life. This is why a close relationship with the written word of God is crucial to inform a living, growing relationship with the Living Word of God. We appreciate that the job of word processing requires us to be equipped with an electronic device that has the application functioning properly. Similarly, to do the good works that Christ calls us to, we need His character, calling, counsel and conviction that comes from His Holy Word.
Conclusions: Choose one Scripture intake habit to strengthen this week.
Oooohhhhh. Of the different ways to take in the Word in the coming week, I’d love to strengthen my ability to memorise scripture. I recall how helpful that method of intake is to enrich my interaction with what God is saying in that section of His Word. I’d like to be stronger in that area.
Next Up – 2 Timothy – Day 10: Paul’s Charge to Timothy
Read 2 Tim 4:1-22
Memory verse: 2 Tim 3:7-8
Context: Summarise Paul’s solemn charge and his personal situation.
Content: What does Paul request from Timothy and why?
Concept: Define the “crown of righteousness.”
Conclusions: What one action will help you “finish the race” faithfully?
To pursue righteousness, to defeat false doctrine, to be the approved workman for the Lord, we need to be diligent in the Word of God through the Holy Spirit. 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
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