Day 11: Looking Back & Pressing On
Read 2 Timothy straight through
Memory verse: Pick the verse that most shaped you.
Chapter 1 Contender vs 13-14 – Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
Chapter 2 Contender vs 24-25a – The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. (Very difficult to choose just the one, other contenders include vs 4 – soldier pleases his boss; vs 11-13 – die, endure and don’t deny for He remains faithful and that’s the only way we live and reign; vs 15 – present as an approved worker; vs 21 – honourable vessels, clean and ready for service; vs 22 – flee that, pursue the other thing with people pursuing it as well)
Chapter 3 Contender vs 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.
Chapter 4 Contender vs 2 – Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.
Context: How has your understanding of Paul, Timothy, and their era deepened?
The personal way Paul talks to Timothy is something I’ve appreciated much more. The way in which he shares what is most important and reiterates key themes that Timothy should be aware of, from guarding the deposit entrusted to him to being aware and wary of suffering, persecution, resistance, and opposition to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The importance of the relationship and the transferable nature of it that operates in showing the example, and then expecting it to be replicated in the person we’re doing business with.
Content: List the top three truths or commands that stood out over the 10 days.
Do your best to present yourself as an approved worker (2:15). Paul’s command to Timothy is one that I take on board for myself in understanding the ongoing instruction to submit to the Spirit of God to ensure that I’m ever presenting myself to God as a worker He can count on and sees to be efficient and diligent in doing what He directs me to do.
Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace along with those who call on God from a pure heart (2:22). These are the qualities to prioritise in all life. Then there’s the importance of doing that in a relationship, in a partnership and in a fellowship. A reminder of what’s of greatest importance and how it only happens with others.
Fulfil your ministry (3:5). Three small words. One massive instruction. I will be answerable to God. I will be accountable to God. I will be responsible to God. He will assess me to see whether I have completed what He called me to do. He has called me to serve in a specific way for His glory. I desire to reaffirm that and focus on what that means on a day-to-day basis.
Concept: Trace the book’s core argument in one or two sentences.
As I reach the end of my time serving the Lord, it is so important, Timothy, that you be God’s servant in character and do the work of guarding the gospel that’s been entrusted to you and diligently pass it to trustworthy folks, especially as times are only going to get worse for you. And as you do that, hurry up and get to me because times have been tough for me over here.
Conclusions: Write a brief action plan: specific relationships, habits, or ministries you will pursue in the next month.
In the coming month, I hope to – Develop WIWO – maintain consistency in producing and extend sharing it to others; intentionally apply 7x Prayer Principle daily; pray for relationships; memorise Acts 7; invest in Mission Motherwell – walk the area, spot areas of connection; cultivate strategic Kingdom relationships with the significant three members of the core. Support missions that build biblical literacy for healthy Christian discipleship.
Next Up – New Study on James – First Day: Setting the Foundation
Read James out loud
Background Information: James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader of the Jerusalem church, writes to Jewish Christians scattered throughout the Roman Empire. His letter reads more like a sermon than typical apostolic correspondence, filled with practical wisdom reminiscent of Old Testament wisdom literature and Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount.
Context: What circumstances might have prompted James to write this intensely practical letter to scattered believers?
Content: As you read through the entire letter, what recurring themes or concerns does James address most frequently?
Concept: How does James seem to define genuine, mature faith throughout his letter?
Conclusions: What initial impressions do you have about how James wants his readers to live differently as followers of Christ?
Paul’s precious letter to Timothy is a great reminder of how important it is to develop relationships that point to Christ. 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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