2 TIMOTHY 1

2 Timothy 1:1-5
I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me. - Acts 20:24

TODAY IN THE WORD Chaim Potok, author of The Chosen, captures what it means to live well: “Human beings do not live forever. . . . We live less than the time that it takes to blink an eye, if we measure our lives against eternity. . . . A blink of an eye in itself is nothing. But the eye that blinks, that is something. A span of life is nothing. But the man who lives that span, he is something.”

Second Timothy paints an incredible picture of the confidence we can have on the eve of our death when we have lived well. Paul had that kind of confidence. At the time that 2 Timothy was written, Paul was imprisoned for a second time in Rome (1: and was awaiting execution (4:6). Many of his closest friends and ministry partners had deserted him. His prison chamber was cold and dismal (4:13). Despite his bleak circumstances, Paul's joy and hope in Christ were not dimmed as he considered the “promise of life that is in Christ Jesus” (v. 1). Death awaited him, but it was not the end. Life in Christ is a promise for eternity.

So with this joy for the future, Paul began his letter with expressions of thanks, specifically thanking God for Timothy. Paul was obviously comforted by the friendship that he enjoyed with Timothy. He was thankful to know that while others had deserted him, Timothy remained faithful both to Paul and to the ministry. The tears Timothy had shed at their last parting assured Paul of the warmth and loyalty he felt for the apostle.

Yet Paul was not only comforted by Timothy's loyalty but also by his sincere faith (v. 5). When so many around him had shipwrecked their faith, Paul might easily have begun questioning his efforts as an apostle. But Timothy was a “success story,” a reminder that sincere faith could indeed survive, and that Paul's ministry efforts had taken root, been blessed by God, and had in fact borne fruit.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Timothy was an incredible man of God. And notice how much importance Paul places on the influence Timothy's grandmother and mother had over him. They had taught him the Scriptures from infancy.

If you're a parent or grandparent, consider how you can sow the seeds of God's Word in your children. It's never too early to begin! You just might be raising a Timothy for the next generation of the church.

2 Timothy 1:1-7
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Mickey Mantle, the late Hall-of-Famer for the New York Yankees, was a teenager when the Yankees sent him back to the minors in 1951. Convinced he couldn't make it as a ballplayer, Mantle called his father, who came to Kansas City and found a tearful Mickey ready to quit the game. 'OK, son, if that's all the guts you have, you might as well come home with me and work in the zinc mines,' the elder Mantle said. His dad's challenge stung Mantle back to reality, and he went on to greatness.
Paul's challenge to Timothy wasn't a stinging rebuke, but the apostle did urge his young spiritual son to 'get back in the game,' so to speak.

For some reason, Timothy's spiritual fervor had begun to lag, even though he was in his youthful years (see 1 Tim. 4:12). He needed to rekindle the flame of his spiritual gift (v. 6) and get back in the game.

Being called youthful doesn't mean Timothy was a kid. The word youth in the New Testament could refer to someone up to the age of forty. Timothy was evidently a tenderhearted, maybe even timid, kind of person. It has been suggested that the hardships of serving as pastor of the church in Ephesus had caused Timothy to draw back a little. Maybe opposition intimidated him.

But on the other hand, Timothy had a godly heritage, the energy of youth, Paul's example for encouragement and commission, his spiritual gifts and most of all, powerful divine resources. This was Timothy's season to put all of those resources to work and excel in his ministry.

Not many people would argue with the fact that our youthful, building years are an exciting time of life. We're establishing ourselves, starting families, and trying to make a difference in the world. These are also great years to make a lasting impact for Christ.

APPLY THE WORD Are you in these building years of life? Ask God to give you a kingdom vision and an eternal perspective. And if you are farther along the way, chances are you have children or other family members, co-workers, neighbors, or friends who are younger. Why not determine to be a Lois, Eunice, or Paul to a younger person? They need your example, and the church needs their gifts and energy.

2 Timothy 1:1-8
Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. - Acts 16:31

TODAY IN THE WORD Many people who could easily identify the name Martin Luther would be hard pressed to name Luther's close associate and ally. He was Philip Melanchthon, a brilliant theologian and teacher who dedicated himself to explaining and defending the truths that formed the heart of the Protestant Reformation. One writer says, ""As Timothy was to Paul, so Melanchthon was to Luther--a younger companion and co-laborer in the truth.""
Paul's stop in Lystra on his second missionary journey put him in touch with Timothy, a young believer who had been given a solid grounding in the faith by his mother and grandmother.

Timothy also had a good reputation among the Christians in the area, and he was obviously willing to leave home and join Paul. The apostle knew he had found the ministry companion and disciple he needed to share the work of Christ.

Since Timothy's father was an unbeliever, Paul became a father in the faith to Timothy. They shared the remainder of Paul's second missionary trip and the rest of the church-founding ministry described in the book of Acts.

Initially, Paul may have wanted to test Timothy's strength and his reaction to being under fire, to see if he could handle the ministry. After all, the trip to Derbe and Lystra came just after Paul and Barnabas had disagreed over John Mark, the young man who had failed Paul earlier (Acts 15:36-40).

But Timothy stood the test, and emerged as a major figure in the early church. Based on Paul's statements in 2 Timothy 1, some Bible teachers believe Timothy may have been meek in nature, and inclined to be intimidated (1 Tim. 4:12).

But Paul loved Timothy like a son, and strongly encouraged him to stand strong in his ministry. We can be thankful for Paul's strength, and for Timothy's commitment.

APPLY THE WORD Second Timothy reveals a beautiful turn of events when Paul urged Timothy, ""Get [John] Mark and bring him with you"" (2 Tim. 4:11). The elderly, imprisoned apostle longed for the fellowship and encouragement of these younger disciples.  The point for us today? Our spiritual leaders need and deserve our encouragement--even veteran pastors and others who have been in the ministry for years. Will you fulfill this ministry today? It would take just a few minutes to jot a note to your pastor or other leader.

2 Timothy 1:8-9
Join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life. - 2 Timothy 1:8-9

TODAY IN THE WORD
On March 28, 1997, pastor Eugenio Nij of San Raymundo, Guatemala, was arrested and imprisoned on charges of assault and attempted murder. The charges were completely false--no evidence was produced. Yet Eugenio remained in prison despite petitions signed by hundreds of townspeople.
In jail Eugenio continued to minister. He told Pulsemagazine: “I’ve preached thirty or forty times in the fifty days I’ve been here. . . . I’ve also been able to comfort fellow prisoners, some of whom have confessed their crimes to me while others are innocent. There have been twenty to thirty conversions. . . . As a minister, I find this a special experience from God.”
The apostle Paul had a similar experience as Eugenio. Far from thwarting him, his imprisonment actually served to advance the gospel (v. 12).
We know that after more than two years of imprisonment, Paul had exercised his right as a Roman citizen and appealed to Caesar for justice. After a journey that included a shipwreck, he ended up in Rome under house arrest, awaiting trial (see Acts 24-28). This is the circumstance in which he wrote the letter to the Philippians.
A lack of freedom didn’t mean a lack of ministry, though. Paul’s witness for Christ was stronger than ever! How? First, there was word of mouth. It had become clear that Paul was a religious prisoner, not some political rebel or common criminal (Phil. 1:13). The way he endured persecution for his faith spoke volumes to those guarding him.
The “palace guard” Paul mentioned was likely the famous “Praetorian Guard,” possibly numbering as many as 9,000 soldiers. It’s easy to picture a soldier, after spending the day chained to the apostle, heading back to the barracks and telling his friends about this amazing prisoner. What an outreach!

APPLY THE WORD Suffering is not an easy subject to think about, yet the Scriptures tell us that God uses suffering in many ways in the lives of His children. In His ultimate plan, suffering is for our benefit and to His glory.

2 Timothy 1:8-12

TODAY IN THE WORD
We believe that Paul’s stirring challenge to Timothy is a great text on which to end 1997 and to get us ready for a new year of service and faithfulness to Christ. remind us that one benefit of being faithful to Christ is the blessing we can be to those who are following us on the path. Paul’s ministry to Timothy is a great example of this truth. journalist and Christian apologist G.K. Chesterton, whom we read about earlier this month (See December 4), were being read by a young atheist who later became a professor of English at Oxford University. Chesterton’s powerful pen made a lasting impact on C.S. Lewis, being used by God to help lead Lewis from atheism to faith in Christ. in for. A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading.”remember that you don’t have to be a skilled writer and apologist to influence a life for Jesus Christ. All of us can fulfill Paul’s charge to stand for Christ without shame or embarrassment, to live a holy life, and to speak up for Christ. God even promises us the ability, as the need arises, to suffer for His sake.Christ and what He has done. His “appearing” refers to His birth, earthly life, death on the cross, and resurrection, by which Jesus saved us, destroyed death, and assured us of eternal life (v. 10). 1998 because of the deposits they have “salted away” in various accounts and investments. How much more secure should we be in the knowledge that our faith is deposited with Christ in heaven, secure for all eternity, waiting to be realized on the day when He comes for us!confidence? Have a blessed New Year!

APPLY THE WORD
In today’s reading, Paul gives us at least four worthy goals we can aspire to in 1998. embarrassment. Second, we can prepare our hearts and minds to triumph rather than to fade in whatever trial or suffering God may send our way. Third, we can be holy, living in a way that honors God and brings His approval. Fourth, let’s determine to speak up for Christ in the year ahead.

2 Timothy 1:8-12
Join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. - 2 Timothy 1:8

TODAY IN THE WORD
Early in the morning on January 23, 1999, a group of about sixty Hindu fundamentalists shattered the windows of Graham Staines’s jeep. Graham, longtime director of a leprosy mission in India, and his sons, Philip and Timothy, were participating in a Bible conference in the village Monoharpur.
After breaking the windows, the fanatics poured gasoline over the vehicle and set it on fire. Graham and his sons died, though not instantly, as many heard screams coming from the blaze.
Days later, Graham’s wife, Gladys, made a public statement forgiving the murderers of her husband and sons. She also expressed hope that the guilty individuals would be touched by the love of Christ. India was stunned by her spirit of forgiveness, as well as her commitment to stay on and direct the mission.
Gladys has this advice for future missionaries: “Make very sure of your call from God and, once you’re sure of it, be very prepared for whatever, even if it costs your life.” The strength, love, and commitment of the Staines family teach us much about a godly response to suffering, the focus of today’s devotion.
We suffer in the knowledge of reward and victory. Jesus promised: “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10-12; 2 Thess. 1:4-5; Heb. 10:32-39; Rev. 2:10).
That’s why Paul exhorted Timothy not to be ashamed and to continue boldly proclaiming the good news. From prison, he invited his young friend, “Join with me in suffering for the gospel.” How? “By the power of God” (v. 8).
The gospel is the highest calling, and Paul couldn’t resist summarizing it (vv. 9-10), as he did so often in his letters. Christ, He who destroyed death and saved us to eternal life, can and will sustain us through whatever hardships we face. We have on our side the power of God’s eternal grace, revealed in His Son.

APPLY THE WORD
As we did on October 10, we’d like to suggest that you respond to today’s reading with an act of worship-filled creativity. It can show your faith and confidence in our Savior. Here are some ideas that you can try:

2 Timothy 1:8-14
Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you. - 2 Timothy 1:14

TODAY IN THE WORD
Earlier this past summer, a group of high school boys on an overnight church camping trip in Texas lost most of their food supply to raccoons that swarmed over the campsite after dark. The raccoons scaled an eight-foot pole to devour the food of some campers. They even opened one student's fishing tackle box and ate his rubber worms.
This not-so-serious occasion helps to illustrate a very serious reality: the church's need to guard the ""good deposit"" of the gospel that Jesus Christ has entrusted to His body. Near the end of his life, Paul warned his spiritual son, Timothy, to hold to the truth against all opposition.
There has never been any lack of opposition. Like raccoons swarming over a campsite, people who are eager to water down, modify, or even deny the gospel have moved through the church, looking for anything they can devour.
The apostle himself had lived long enough to see false teachers, self-seeking egotists, and even well-meaning but badly misguided believers, trying to weaken the truth. The gospel is under assault today, too, as its opponents drag out terms such as ""intolerant,"" ""narrow-minded,"" and ""bigotry"" in an effort to discredit the message of human sin, eternal judgment, and salvation in Christ alone. Paul was sure of the gospel and sure of his calling. He also knew that guarding the truth would involve cost--in his case, the kind of suffering that led to imprisonment and eventual martyrdom.
Even though Paul was a prisoner of his enemies, he was not discouraged. He was completely confident in God's ability to guard what Paul had entrusted to Him: Paul's entire life on earth and his future in eternity. Later on in this book, we find out what God was holding in trust for Paul: the ""crown of righteousness"" that God will give to all those who love Him (2 Tim. 4:8).
Paul knew it would be hard for the church to stand for the truth when believers were ridiculed, pressured by family members or friends to quit talking about Christ, or even threatened for being faithful to the gospel. But we have divine power--the ""help of the Holy Spirit""--to stay true to Christ (v. 14).

APPLY THE WORD The only thing harder than having unbelieving friends, family members, neighbors, and coworkers is having these people be openly hostile to the truth of the gospel.  If there is anyone like this in your life, you'll need extra sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's timing concerning your witness. In the meantime, continue to love and serve them. Some-times an act of kindness or selflessness can break down a barrier of hostility and soften a hard heart.

2 Timothy 1:1-14
God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7

TODAY IN THE WORD When it comes to the ""spirit of power"" that God has given His servants, Dwight Moody must have been given a double portion. No review of Mr. Moody's life can miss the fact that his ministry was carried out with a power and passion that often amazed the people around him. When Moody's critics said he lacked the eloquence, the education, and the other qualities necessary to produce amazing results as he did, Moody readily agreed. He gladly attributed the power behind his preaching to the Holy Spirit's work in his life.  Paul, too, realized that his ministry was not the result of his training or personal magnetism or any other quality, but the product of God's sovereign purpose and call (v. 9). And the apostle knew that the spiritual power which rested upon him was God-given, the power of the Holy Spirit.

It was because of God's purpose and power in his life that Paul was determined to carry out his ministry without being paralyzed by fear. He was eager for his spiritual son Timothy (see the February 17 study) to move out boldly too, reminding Timothy of the heritage he had and the spiritual gifts God had given him through Paul's ministry.

Today's reading also reminds us of the great message we have to share, the gospel that brings ""life and immortality"" (v. 10) to all who believe. Paul's references to suffering in the context of preaching the gospel testify to a fact we have encountered several times this month--the reality that the gospel stirs up opposition.

Paul was a prime example of this, since the reaction to his gospel ministry made him a prisoner (v. 8). People who are passionate about the truth and passionate in their concern for souls sometimes serve as a lightning rod for opposition. These people attract others to the flame of their commitment, but they also tend to attract the enemies of the gospel.

Paul's statement of confidence in God's gift of eternal life (v. 12) needs to be read in this context. How could we be ashamed of a God who has promised to guard the deposit of faith we have entrusted to Him? This means that no one with an account of faith in Christ will ever be spiritually bankrupt.

APPLY THE WORD It's exciting to see people we care about make that same deposit of faith by trusting Christ as their Savior.  At the beginning of the month (see February 2), we urged you to pray for a lost person with whom you hoped to share the gospel before the month was over. Has that opportunity come yet? If not, keep praying that God will open the door, even this weekend. Also, ask God to give you a spirit of power in your witness.
 

2 Timothy 1:3-7
TODAY IN THE WORD Many students of church history are familiar with the story of Susanna Wesley, who counted John and Charles among her nineteen children, only nine of whom lived to adulthood. Susanna was said to have prayed for her children two hours a day, along with teaching them their basic school subjects. She was well-prepared to care for and lead her large family. She herself was the daughter of a well-known minister, the youngest of his twenty-five children. Susanna benefited from a godly home and passed the heritage onto her children.

Although his Christian heritage probably did not span as many years as that of the Wesleys, Timothy also benefited from a godly home. His mother and grandmother, Eunice and Lois, are two largely unsung heroines of the Bible.

We first meet Timothy and his family in Acts 16, where Paul takes the young disciple into his circle of fellow workers. Timothy and the two women in his life may not have been believers for very long, since they were probably among the converts Paul made in Lystra on his first missionary journey (Acts 14:6-7).

But Timothy had made good progress in the faith. The brothers spoke well of him (Acts 16:2), a tribute to his mother’s and grandmother’s teaching and influence. Most Bible teachers believe that Eunice was a widow by this time. It’s likely Lois was a widow too, meaning that these women had little or no support as they taught Timothy in the faith.

Paul makes a very interesting reference to these women’s influence when he reminds Timothy that he had known the Scriptures from infancy (2 Tim. 3:15). It’s evident that as a Jewish mother (Acts 16:1), Eunice had been faithful to teach her son the Old Testament Scriptures.

APPLY THE WORD How do you treat the other members of your family? Today, take a moment to consider  Who wouldn’t want to be like Epaphroditus—a person who brings delight wherever he shows up?  Whatever your spiritual heritage, you have a wonderful opportunity today.  Can you point to a parent or a grandparent who taught you to love the Lord? Then you have the opportunity to hand that heritage on to the next generation. That “handoff” is crucial in every generation, since “God has no grandchildren.” In other words, no one “inherits” faith; every person must believe for himself.

2 Timothy 1:5-6
My son . . . do not forsake your mother’s teaching. - Proverbs 1:8

TODAY IN THE WORD John Wesley is renowned as a great evangelist. Charles Wesley, his brother, also preached the gospel and penned numerous hymns, including “And Can It Be” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” But their significant Christian contributions should be considered in light of the influence of their mother, Susanna Wesley. Mother of 19 children, she endeavored to teach her sons and daughters Greek and Latin and instruct them in the faith. One biographer said, “John Wesley and Charles Wesley, as children consciously or unconsciously will, applied the example and teachings and circumstances of their home life.”

The godly impact of parents and grandparents can be seen in the life of Timothy. This preacher and missionary was valuable in the spread of the gospel and the growth of the early church. He was dearly loved by the apostle Paul and considered indispensable in ministry (Phil. 2:22). Scripture takes care to note that Timothy inherited a rich legacy of faith that helped to prepare him for his calling.

First, Timothy chose to follow God as a young man. His father was not a believer, and his mother Eunice was (Acts 16:1). At some point prior to meeting Paul, Timothy had already decided that he would embrace the faith of his mother, and his reputation among the believers testified to his commitment.

Second, Timothy demonstrated his faith through his obedience. To remove any distraction from their ministry, Paul circumcised his son in the faith, and Timothy complied. He left his home in Lystra to accompany Paul and Silas, and God blessed their work with new believers coming to Christ daily.

Finally, as Paul neared the end of his life, he wrote letters to Timothy to encourage and exhort him to remain faithful as a minister of the gospel. He described Timothy's “sincere faith,” and noted that Timothy was blessed with a mother and a grandmother who had this faith. The previous generations had poured themselves into Timothy, and in light of their faithfulness and Timothy's calling, Paul urged him to “fan into flame the gift of God” (2 Tim. 1:6).

APPLY THE WORD If you would like to know more about Susanna Wesley and her impact on the faith of her children, her letters and commentaries have been collected in Susanna Wesley: The Complete Writings, which is available from bookstores or libraries. Several biographies have been written, including Susanna Wesley by Arnold Dallimore. Spend time in prayer today for the generation following you, and seek to model the kind of life-changing faith of Lois and Eunice through the grace of the Holy Spirit.

2 Timothy 1:3-7

TODAY IN THE WORD Jonathan Edwards, considered one of America’s greatest theologians and pastors, wasn’t always highly regarded. In fact, after serving for 23 years as pastor of Northampton Church, he was dismissed over a disagreement about the Lord’s Supper. The church had traditionally served the bread and wine to all who wished to participate, whether or not they professed a personal faith in Jesus. Edwards came to believe that was wrong—and he was fired when he tried to change it.

The work of ministry is incredibly difficult. The hours are long, the pay is usually meager, and the criticism sometimes intense. In the book of 1 and 2 Timothy, we have the apostle Paul’s words to a young pastor whom he had appointed to serve in Ephesus, where false teaching had taken root. This was not an easy appointment for Timothy, who was himself just a young man. He didn’t have Paul’s pastoral experience and apostolic authority, and the text indicates that his natural personality wasn’t terribly bold. Given all these factors, Timothy probably struggled with fear.

In the opening words of the letter, Paul commands Timothy to stay in Ephesus. Throughout the letter, Paul affirms the call and character of Timothy, reaffirming his own confidence that Timothy can lead the church of Ephesus effectively. He recalls the prayers and prophecies that had been spoken over Timothy. Paul’s words to Timothy call us back to our source of courage in times of fear.

Our initial response when we’re afraid is to run. But just like Paul advises Timothy, it’s best to stay put, especially when you know that you’re exactly where God has called you to be. When God calls us to be on mission for Him, He grants the necessary strength and resources.

It’s not as if we won’t face fear. Fear is normal—but we can’t follow our inclination to run for cover. When we’re afraid, we look to the Spirit of God, because He is courageous in us even when our courage fails. And we stand behind the authority of God’s Word, which is eternally true.

APPLY THE WORD Doing something for God is never easy. It requires sacrifice, and it very often inspires fear. We’re aware of our inadequacies. Our resources never feel sufficient. And Satan wields the weapons of fear and discouragement to paralyze us. Ephesians 6:10-18 is a great passage to memorize when we’re facing fear. There we learn to dress ourselves in the full armor of God, including the shield of faith, which extinguishes Satan’s arrows.

2 Timothy 1:3-7
Hannah...named him Samuel, saying, ""Because I asked the Lord for him."" - 1 Samuel 1:20

TODAY IN THE WORD Evangelist Billy Sunday told of a minister who was calling on his people. He came to one home and asked the girl who answered the door if he might talk to her mother. ""No,"" she replied, ""mother prays from nine to ten."" The minister waited for forty minutes; and when the mother came out, her face was so radiant that he understood why her oldest daughter was a missionary and her two sons were in the ministry. Billy Sunday added, ""All hell cannot tear a boy or a girl away from a praying mother.""

Mother's Day probably evokes more emotions and sentiments than any other day of the year. Those of us who were brought up by godly, praying mothers have something more solid than sentiment to offer today, however. We can thank the Lord for a wonderful influence that, as Billy Sunday suggested, is stronger than the attacks of the enemy.

Hannah is a classic biblical example of a praying mother. For Hannah, motherhood itself was an answer to her intense, heartfelt prayer. The mighty prophet Samuel was born with prayer as his covering, and every year Hannah continued to entrust her child to the Lord.

Timothy's mother Eunice and his grandmother Lois are also honored names on the list of godly mothers. Paul's tribute to these women is not a mere tip of the hat to two family members who were dear to Timothy, his son in the faith. Acts 16:1-3 gives us a brief clue to the life-shaping spiritual influence that Eunice had on Timothy, and later we learn that Eunice herself was the product of a believing mother.

The prayer lives of these two honored mothers is not mentioned, but we can imagine the place that prayer had in this home. The strength of faith that Lois and Eunice passed on to Timothy is obvious in today's reading.

Timothy was filling a tough pastoral assignment in Ephesus. He was a little on the timid side, apparently, so Paul urged him to stand strong and serve in the power of God. The strong foundation on which Timothy was to stand was the faith instilled in him by the hands that rocked his cradle. Praise God for a mother's faith and a mother's prayers!

TODAY ALONG THE WAY  It's wonderful when a person's human and spiritual parents are one and the same. But even if your Mother's Day memories are not what you wish they were, there may be someone in your life who filled the role of spiritual parent to help guide you to Christ. We suggest you make a call today, if that's possible, and greet that special person. Or offer a special word of thanks for your spiritual parent.

Exodus 1:6-21 2 Timothy 1:7
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline. - 2 Timothy 1:7

TODAY IN THE WORD An unsung hero of the Holocaust, Marc Donadille, a French Protestant minister during World War II, saved the lives of more than eighty Jewish children by smuggling them into the village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon, whose citizens rescued between 3,000 to 5,000 Jews during the War. Similarly, two ordinary Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who lived fifteen centuries earlier, also acted courageously to save children from death.

The beginning of Exodus bridges the generational gap between Joseph and his Israelite descendants in Egypt (vv. 1-7; cf. Genesis 22-26). Though Joseph's generation has died out, the posterity of the Israelites has not. The author employs four different descriptions in verse 7 in order to emphasize the vastness of the population of Hebrews in Egypt. From the beginning of this narrative, we hear echoes of God's promise to Abraham, “I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore” (Gen. 22:17; cf. Gen. 12:2; 15:5).

To the Israelites, population growth was evidence of God's blessing of covenantal faithfulness; but to the Egyptian king, the number of foreigners was a serious threat. In order to subdue the masses, the king enslaved the Israelites through forced labor, but was shocked to discover an opposite effect to the one he purposed. He consequently concluded that only annihilation of Hebrew baby boys would bring him security.

The author includes two subtle contrasts that help us discern the message. First, though the social status of the midwives is inconsequential compared to the king of Egypt, the two women are named, whereas the king is not (v. 15). Second, the king feared the Israelites, but the passage explicitly states that the midwives feared God (vv. 17, 21). Shiphrah and Puah are the heroines. They trust God and revere Him over a human king; they are courageous when the call to righteousness is perilous; and yet, they are ordinary women who resolutely serve God's greater purposes through their vocational calling.

APPLY THE WORD Shiphrah and Puah participated in fulfilling God's covenantal promise. In the midst of their vocational calling, God used their faithfulness for His bigger purposes. In Christ, God has made a new covenant. We are ministers of this new covenant (2 Cor. 3:12) and Christ's ambassadors (2 Cor. 5:11-6:1). Ask God how He wants you to participate in His will through your vocation. How can you be faithful in fearing Him above all else, living a life of integrity, and serving in His kingdom creatively and courageously?

2 Timothy 1:6-12
Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed. - 2 Timothy 1:12

TODAY IN THE WORD An eager young preacher from Zimbabwe declared: “I'm part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have the Holy Spirit's power. I'm a disciple of His! I won't look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still. . . . I won't give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, paid up, and preached up for the cause of Christ. I am a disciple of Jesus.”

That young preacher captured the spiritual fortitude that Paul displays in 2 Timothy, the same courage to which he is calling Timothy. And courage is most definitely needed for Christian discipleship, especially when we consider all that Paul suffered. The call to suffer for Christ isn't a call to physical self-abuse, but a reminder of the value of the gospel of Jesus Christ . It's a message worthy to be proclaimed, no matter the cost.

This was the last letter that Paul composed, and he made sure the gospel message was retold. It's ultimately a message all about God. Our God reaches out to sinners like ourselves for two reasons: because of His grace and because of His sovereign purposes (v. 9). His plan of salvation was never “Plan B” after a failed experiment with humanity. It was His plan all along, “from the beginning of time.” It reveals not only His mercy to save but His grace to call. He gives us not just salvation but a call to the “holy life” (v. 9). Salvation is just the beginning of the race, and we still have a great many miles to run. We have the goal of the holy life always set before us: we have before us the dual purposes both of sanctification and of service.

Thank God that we've been given the Holy Spirit, whose resources are courage, power, love, and self-discipline for the Christian life (vv. 6, 7). We are not alone in the race. We serve a faithful God who won't ever fail us, even in our darkest moments (v. 12).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY Spiritual maturity isn't a measure of what we know but who we know. It's a measure of the close and intimate relationship that we have with Jesus Christ. Spiritual fruitfulness can never happen apart from connection to Christ. Read John 15 to learn more about the ways you can stay connected to Christ. Commit yourself to creating habits that enhance your union with Christ. Then consider this promise of Jesus: “This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit” (John 15:5)

2 Timothy 1:6-14
[God] 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. - 2 Timothy 1:9

TODAY IN THE WORD Billy Graham preached what may have been his final crusade in New York in late June of this year. According to the Graham organization, 3,198,522 people have come forward and pledged their lives to Jesus at Billy Graham crusades. As they've prayed a prayer of repentance, these men and women have confessed their sins and pledged to surrender their life to God's control as well as to ask for His strength daily to stay on that pathway.

Billy Graham has made it clear that being a Christian is much more, though, than stepping forward for an altar call. Forgiveness of sins is first base—following Christ day to day is the rest of the game. The gospel preached by Billy Graham is the same gospel that Paul preached. It's the very same gospel that Paul asks Timothy to guard (vv. 13-14). The gospel of Jesus Christ is good news for forgiveness and for transformation.

Mercifully, God has saved us (v. 9). We are no longer objects of God's wrath (cf. Eph. 2:3) but children of God (cf. 1 John 3:1). We would have spiritually drowned had God not thrown us the life vest, “this grace . . . given us in Christ Jesus” (v. 9). And yet God's mission isn't just about that moment of rescue; it's about every day that follows. He “called us to a holy life.”

We rightly affirm salvation by grace through faith alone in Jesus Christ. We cannot earn salvation by our good deeds. Any message that insists upon the necessity of good works to earn God's favor is no gospel! At the same time, our good deeds matter to God, not because they impress Him or make Him favor us, but because it's the only proper response to His amazing grace.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY What is holiness? Paul gives us a glimpse in verse seven. Holiness is God's Spirit in us, giving us the courage to live for God and speak on His behalf. Holiness is His strength for impossible situations and love for both God and others. Holiness is the practice of self-discipline, not laziness or self-indulgence. Are these character qualities developing in your life? Remember that God not only wants to save you, He wants to change you.

2Timothy 2:1-7
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. - 2 Timothy 2:1

TODAY IN THE WORD
Got milk? About 95 percent of Americans recognize this marketing slogan from the ad campaign touting milk's health benefits. Over 200 celebrities, including many sports heroes, have been featured in ads sporting a milk mustache. Dairy farmers want adults and kids to know that milk makes you strong!
Got grace? That's the secret of spiritual strength found in today's key verse: “Be strong in grace.” Such instruction sounds simple, but these words convey the paradoxical nature of the Christian life—it requires God's grace and human effort. Without question, God's grace is preeminent. We are saved and called by His grace (1:9). If God hadn't first reached out to us, we never would have been able to reach back. But God's work doesn't erase our responsibility to live in Christ. That's the “be strong” part of verse one. Life in grace is both a gift to receive and a command to follow.
Paul explains to Timothy how to be strong in grace by using three different metaphors. First, he tells Timothy to be a strong soldier for Christ (v. 3). Soldiers expect bad food, bad weather, and danger itself. They are ready to suffer, and they expect to sacrifice. We, too, should expect that the Christian life requires sacrifice because we're living not to please ourselves but our commanding officer, Jesus Christ (v. 4).
We must also be strong like the Greek Olympian who “competes according to the rules” (v. 5). Historically, in the ancient Greek Olympic games, in order to participate in the games, these athletes had to complete a ten-month training period and sign an oath that they had done so. We need an athlete's endurance and stamina for the race set before us (cf. Heb. 12:1). When we feel like quitting, we can remember our eternal rewards and continue to the finish.
Finally, pastors specifically should be like the hardworking farmer (v. 6). The farmer is able to enjoy produce from his fields. As pastors work hard, they deserve a share of their labors.

APPLY THE WORD
Have you been surprised by hardship and suffering in your life? Have you often been angry at God for allowing it? Ask God for the strength of the soldier. Do you feel exhausted by the race you're running in the Christian life? Do you feel like slowing down or quitting? Ask God for the stamina of the athlete. Are you serving Christ faithfully and wondering when you'll see the harvest? Ask God for the faithfulness of the farmer.

2 Timothy 2:1-13
If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. - 2 Timothy 2:13

TODAY IN THE WORD
We have been celebrating God's faithfulness this month, and finding out what it takes on our part to fully enjoy this blessing. Before we finish our study we need to answer this question: when our faithfulness to Christ is lacking, what can we do to restore it?
The words of Bible commentator Matthew Henry, written well over two centuries ago, speaks to this need: ""Those who have lost their first love must compare their present with their former state, and consider how much better it was then than now....They must repent. They must be ashamed for their sin and humbly confess it in the sight of God. They must revive and recover their first zeal [and] tenderness.""

Repenting and returning is the biblical prescription for the Christian who has slipped from being devoted to Christ (Rev. 2:5). Verses 11-13 of our reading were probably an ancient creed that the church recited, much as the Apostles' Creed is recited in many churches today. It is a ringing confirmation of God's eternal faithfulness which no situation on earth can shake.

This early creed can sometimes be confusing to the modern reader. Therefore, to understand Paul's hymn it is important to notice the change in tenses he makes from verse to verse. Verse 11 looks at a past-tense action when believers first believed in Christ. The first part of verse 12 has a present-tense action that shows the benefits of continually enduring persecution. But in the last portion of verse 12, Paul refers to a possible future event when one might continually live in denial of Christ's atoning work. If that should happen Christ would then, and only then, deny such an unbelieving person entrance into eternity. Verse 13 returns to the present, showing that believers may have times of faithlessness; but Christ will still be faithful to love us in spite of our spiritual lapses.

But since we are convinced your deepest desire is to be faithful to the Lord, let's look back to 2 Timothy 2:1-10 and see what is required of a faithful believer.

First, we need to be strong (vv. 1-2). We can do this because we learned just yesterday that God is faithful to provide all the strength we need to be spiritually successful.

Second, we need to be focused and ready to endure trials (vv. 3-4). Here is another command we can fulfill because of God's promise that we can do anything in the strength Christ gives (Phil. 4:13).

Third, we must keep our focus on Christ (v. 8) and remember that nothing can stop God's Word. There is no doubt that God is faithful to keep us. Let's decide to be faithful to Him.

APPLY THE WORD
Paul told Timothy, ""Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this"" (v. 7). That's good advice for us on a holiday weekend. After the activities of Thanksgiving, we hope this is a quiet, fall Saturday for you--a good time to take a walk or spend some time alone, reflecting on God's faithfulness to you and your desire to live for Him. Give yourself a mini retreat if possible today, sharing with the Lord what is on your heart and mind.

2 Timothy 2:1-7
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. - 2 Timothy 2:1

TODAY IN THE WORD
Got milk? About 95 percent of Americans recognize this marketing slogan from the ad campaign touting milk's health benefits. Over 200 celebrities, including many sports heroes, have been featured in ads sporting a milk mustache. Dairy farmers want adults and kids to know that milk makes you strong!

Got grace? That's the secret of spiritual strength found in today's key verse: “Be strong in grace.” Such instruction sounds simple, but these words convey the paradoxical nature of the Christian life—it requires God's grace and human effort. Without question, God's grace is preeminent. We are saved and called by His grace (1:9). If God hadn't first reached out to us, we never would have been able to reach back. But God's work doesn't erase our responsibility to live in Christ. That's the “be strong” part of verse one. Life in grace is both a gift to receive and a command to follow.

Paul explains to Timothy how to be strong in grace by using three different metaphors. First, he tells Timothy to be a strong soldier for Christ (v. 3). Soldiers expect bad food, bad weather, and danger itself. They are ready to suffer, and they expect to sacrifice. We, too, should expect that the Christian life requires sacrifice because we're living not to please ourselves but our commanding officer, Jesus Christ (v. 4).

We must also be strong like the Greek Olympian who “competes according to the rules” (v. 5). Historically, in the ancient Greek Olympic games, in order to participate in the games, these athletes had to complete a ten-month training period and sign an oath that they had done so. We need an athlete's endurance and stamina for the race set before us (cf. Heb. 12:1). When we feel like quitting, we can remember our eternal rewards and continue to the finish.

Finally, pastors specifically should be like the hardworking farmer (v. 6). The farmer is able to enjoy produce from his fields. As pastors work hard, they deserve a share of their labors.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Have you been surprised by hardship and suffering in your life? Have you often been angry at God for allowing it? Ask God for the strength of the soldier. Do you feel exhausted by the race you're running in the Christian life? Do you feel like slowing down or quitting? Ask God for the stamina of the athlete. Are you serving Christ faithfully and wondering when you'll see the harvest? Ask God for the faithfulness of the farmer.

2 Timothy 2:2 Deuteronomy 34:1-12
And the things you have heard . . . entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2

TODAY IN THE WORD
In his book Leadership Is an Art, Max DePree characterizes leadership as a stewardship. “Leadership is a concept of owing certain things to the institution,” he explains. “It is a way of thinking about institutional heirs, a way of thinking about stewardship as contrasted with ownership.” Moses understood this principle. It was a measure of Moses’ humility that he could “walk away” from leadership at the end of his ministry. He knew that God’s blessing would not end with the completion of his ministry and that God’s people were not dependent upon any single leader, no matter how great that leader might be.
This doesn’t mean that every leader is the same. Deuteronomy 34:10 says that Moses was unparalleled as a leader. Imagine how intimidated Joshua must have felt following in his footsteps! While it was true that Joshua was no Moses, it was equally true that he had one great advantage. Joshua was empowered by the same Spirit that had enabled Moses to be effective. He did not need to be Moses. Indeed, it is likely that at this stage in Israel’s development as a nation they needed a very different kind of leader. Moses had brought God’s people to the threshold of the land of promise; Joshua would bring them into the land and help them settle it. Moses had been an instrument of divine revelation; Joshua would ensure that Israel remembered all that had been revealed.

The stewardship of leadership also means that leaders are responsible for developing other leaders. Moses understood this and trained Joshua to succeed him. If Moses’ graceful handling of leadership succession speaks of his humility, the fact that he did not try to turn Joshua into a carbon copy of himself speaks of it even more.

APPLY THE WORD
You may not be the leader of an organization or hold a position in the church. Yet it is likely that you have been called to exercise leadership in some area of your life. It may be as a parent, as a committee member for your church, or in your workplace.

2 Timothy 2:2 Philippians 2:19-30
The things you have heard me say...entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. - 2 Timothy 2:2

TODAY IN THE WORD
The list of people influenced directly or indirectly by MBI founder Dwight Moody seems endless. Another story found in the book A Passion for Souls concerns Rev. Clarence Chambers, a Baptist minister in Aberdeen, Scotland who heard Moody speak in 1874 and was ""deeply moved and personally affected."" Rev. Chambers shared that spiritual fire with his son Oswald...and through his incredible teaching, preserved by his wife in handwritten notes which were later published, the world is still benefiting from the personal devotions of Oswald Chambers.
It's exciting to hear about the great ways God can use His faithful servants to touch lives. Paul and Timothy are prime examples of this.
Yesterday we recalled that Paul loved and nurtured Timothy as his own son; and Timothy responded. Any of us would be happy to have our spiritual mentor say of us what Paul said of his spiritual son and co-worker: ""Timothy has proved himself"" (v. 22). Whatever hesitancy Timothy may have displayed later in the face of opposition at Ephesus was outshone by his record as a faithful servant of Christ.
The church at Philippi was a beneficiary of Timothy's solid service. He genuinely cared about these believers, evidently sharing Paul's deep affection for this church that had shown the apostle so much love and support.
Epaphroditus was another man beloved in Philippi, one of their own. Paul also paid Epaphroditus a high tribute: he was a ""brother, fellow worker and fellow soldier"" to the apostle (v. 25). Paul's affection for Epaphroditus was clear in his distress at the illness that had almost cost Epaphroditus his life (v. 27).
It was Paul's desire that the church share his esteem and affection for dedicated workers such as Epaphroditus. ""Welcome him in the Lord with great joy,"" Paul instructed, ""and honor men like him"" (v. 29).
Epaphroditus had put his life on the line for ""the work of Christ"" (v. 30). The church at Philippi was blessed to have him among their ranks.

APPLY THE WORD
Do you ever become ""weary in doing good"" (Gal. 6:9)?
All of us get discouraged at times, especially if we think our lives are having little or no influence for Christ. But we aren't the ones to decide that. If you knew a potential Timothy, an Oswald Chambers, or an Emma Dryer was being nourished by your commitment to Christ right now, would you feel more energized? It could be happening. God's Word promises us a harvest if we refuse to give up (Gal. 6:9b)!

2 Timothy 2:12 Mark 10:32-45
If we endure, we will also reign with him. - 2 Timothy 2:12

TODAY IN THE WORD
When Alexander the Great captured the Indian king Porus, he asked the defeated monarch how he would like to be treated. Porus replied, “Like a king.” Alexander asked the ruler if he had any additional requests. Porus replied that he did not, “for everything is comprehended in the word ”˜king.' ” Alexander was so impressed with this reply that he restored Porus's lands to him.
James and John shared a similar desire to be treated like kings. But instead of waiting to be asked, they took their request to Christ. Actually, according to Matthew's Gospel, it was the mother of the two sons of Zebedee who made the initial request that the two brothers be granted a seat on Jesus' right and left hands (Matt. 20:20). It was considered an honor to be seated at someone's right hand. To sit on the right and the left suggests an even greater honor. Perhaps the two envisioned a kind of co-regency with Christ. Furthermore, their naïve response to Jesus' probing question suggests that they believed they were prepared for the task.
Although they were warned that the cross must come before the crown, the two sons of Zebedee glibly overestimated their ability to face the storm that was about to engulf the Savior and His disciples. The places at Jesus' right and left hands were not to be their destiny, but they would eventually reign with Christ.
This is true of every believer. In Romans 8:17 the apostle Paul promises: “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.” There is glory promised to those who follow Jesus, but it is a glory that can only be attained by humility. Those who would share in the glory of Christ must first embrace Him as Lord and Savior and then take up the cross and follow after Him.

APPLY THE WORD
James and John were not the only ones who struggled with self-centered ambition. The reaction of the other ten disciples indicates that the desire for pre-eminence is a universal temptation.
One way to fight against it is to practice the spiritual discipline of secrecy. Find ways to serve others without drawing attention to yourself. Write an anonymous note of encouragement or quietly perform a task in the church that often goes undone. Pray, give, or serve in secret, trusting that the One who sees what is done in secret will reward you.


2 Timothy 2:8-19
Present yourself to God as one approved . . . who correctly handles the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2:15

TODAY IN THE WORD
Learning in ancient cultures frequently relied on memorization. People would pay close attention to the stories as they were verbally recounted, committing large portions to memory. Few people had access to personal copies of Scripture and had to listen closely to public readings. Many of the New Testament books circulated as letters that would be read aloud in the churches.

The ability to remember was vital for absorbing information, and God's people must remember the gospel if they are to have any hope of pleasing God in ministry. Because the gospel is a historical truth, not one subject to change, church leaders must preserve the revealed truth of Jesus Christ. And not only that, they must “remind” the church to remember the gospel. Paul's short poem in verses 11 through 13 provides an easy method of remembering the essence of the gospel.

First, the gospel begins with death. The death of Jesus Christ made it possible that we, too, die to sin's power over us. And when we identify with Christ in His death, the power and reward of His resurrection are also ours (cf. Rom. 6:1-10).

Next, the gospel is a call to endure. If we're truly saved, we'll make it to the finish line. People like Hymenaeus and Philetus, by “wandering away from the truth,” forfeited an incredible reward (cf. Phil. 3:14).

Then, the gospel is a call to confession. Faith isn't a private matter of the heart but a public proclamation of allegiance. If we disown Christ and disavow His ownership over our lives, thus despising His grace, we have nothing to expect but fierce judgment (Heb. 6:4-6).

Finally, the gospel is a reminder of God's faithfulness. When we lapse into sin for a season, even cowardly refusing to name Christ as our Lord for a moment, we, like Peter, can expect Him to remain faithful even in the face of our faithlessness. This is the solid foundation of the gospel.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our remembrance of the gospel is vital for our spiritual health. Do you abuse God's grace by allowing patterns of sin in your life? Remember that confessing Christ means turning from wickedness. Meditate on and memorize Romans 6:1-2. On the other hand, maybe you constantly doubt your salvation, worrying that every personal misstep might mean a loss of God's grace. Take courage that once you're in God's family, He will never disown you (v. 13). Memorize John 1:12.

2 Timothy 2:13 Mark 14:66-72
If we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself. - 2 Timothy 2:13

TODAY IN THE WORD
In his book, Peculiar Treasures, Frederick Buechner (refer to June 1) includes a vivid personality sketch of the apostle Peter. After noting that Jesus had prophesied Peter’s three-fold denial, Buechner writes, “That’s the way it was, of course--Peter sitting out there in the high priest’s courtyard keeping warm by the fire while, inside, the ghastly interrogation was in process, and then the girl coming up to ask him three times if he wasn’t one of them and his replying each time that he didn’t know what in God’s name she was talking about.”
By the end of this awful evening, Peter was ready to put himself under all kinds of curses and to swear an oath that he didn’t even know Jesus. This was certainly a defining mom-ent in Peter’s life--and without Jesus’ own intervention on Peter’s behalf in prayer (Luke 22:31-32), it would have been the end of the apostle’s ministry.
Peter did just about everything wrong that night. Earlier, in the Garden of Gethsemane, he had tried to defend Jesus and maimed a man named Malchus (John 18:10-11). But the Savior rebuked Peter and healed the wounded man (Luke 22:51).
Next, Peter unwisely left the other disciples and joined strangers at the fire outside the high priest’s residence while Jesus was being tried inside. Being among this hostile crowd left Peter open to accusations that caught him off guard and led to his quick denials.
But there is one very important thing Peter did right on the night he denied Jesus Christ. Immediately after hearing the rooster and realizing that Jesus had correctly predicted his actions, Peter “broke down and wept” (v. 72).

APPLY THE WORD
We all fail, and we are so much like Peter on that night. But our failure is never final, because Jesus remains eternally faithful and He is holding us in His hand (John 10:28). That means we can do anything He asks us to do and declare with Paul: “I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Phil. 4:13).

2 Timothy 2:15

TODAY IN THE WORD
In his book entitled Jesus the Pastor, John Frye observes that today’s church is often tempted to look to models other than Jesus to guide its leaders. “I am not saying that Jesus has been totally neglected, rather, he has been relegated to other dimensions of Christian and local church experience,” he explains. “Jesus is shoved into our shadows as we read our management books, do our cultural surveys, attend our leadership seminars, and applaud or criticize one another’s endeavors.”
In many ways the problem that Frye identifies is not a new one. Israel’s new-found freedom brought the challenge of establishing corporate leadership structures that reflected God’s value system. Immediately, they faced the challenge of selecting judges capable of handling the inevitable problems that come when people live in community and are responsible for governing themselves. There were also religious questions and disputes that had to be settled by the priests and Levites. What’s more, God’s people would face an even graver leadership challenge in the future.

Moses warned that Israel would not always be satisfied with the leadership structure God had established for them. Like today’s church, the time would come when they would be tempted to turn to secular examples. Moses warned that in that day they would want to choose a king who was “like all the nations” around them (Deut. 17:14). In view of these temptations, it was critical that God’s Word should be their ultimate point of reference. Israel’s leaders may have looked like those of the surrounding nations in certain respects, but they were not to be like them.

APPLY THE WORD
Think of the most effective leader you know. What parallels do you see between that person’s leadership style and the leadership of Christ? Why not take a moment to write a quick note to them today sharing your observations and thanking them for their effort? Don’t forget that the church is not the only context where Christ-like leadership is needed. Jesus should be our leadership model whether the context is the church, the home, or the workplace. Where do you need to lead like Jesus today?

2 Timothy 2:19 Matthew 7:24-28
God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his.” - 2 Timothy 2:19

TODAY IN THE WORD
When Marc and Karen purchased their dream house, they pulled out all the stops. Young and successful, they both had high-paying jobs in the film industry. They could afford to pay more for their house than most of us make in a lifetime. Their home’s huge windows provided a 360-degree panorama of the San Fernando Valley, their favorite feature and one that made visitors gasp.
All that changed when an earthquake sent their dream house tumbling down the cliff into the valley below while the couple slept. “They never knew what hit them,” Marc’s brother later said. “They loved that house.” Marc’s house was well-built. It was just built on the wrong foundation. Because of that, he and his wife both lost their lives.
In His conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus used a similar picture to describe a spiritual disaster of even greater proportions. In this case the loss is not of a house and a life, but of a soul.
Jesus used this terrifying picture to describe two possible ways of responding to His teaching. One is to take Jesus at His word and build your life upon it. The other is to ignore what Jesus has said. Those who are building their lives on something other than Christ and His word are setting themselves up for a terrible fall.
Throughout the Sermon on the Mount Jesus emphasizes both grace and obedience. These do not contradict each other. People who have experienced the grace of God in Christ are called to live a life of obedience to His word.

APPLY THE WORD
In 2 Timothy 2:19 the apostle Paul describes the foundation upon which the Christian life is built as a solid one with two inscriptions: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” If you were to write an inscription for the foundation stone of your spiritual life, what would it say?


2 Timothy 2:20-26
We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. - Ephesians 2:10

TODAY IN THE WORD
According to a French existentialist Albert Camus, life is completely absurd. We have no real purpose because there is no life beyond our days on earth, which themselves are filled with meaningless suffering. The only meaning to be found is heroically enduring the absurdity of it all and finding joy in the hollow emptiness of life.

No wonder people despair when they embrace such bleak world views! Today's verse describes one of the Christian's purposes, that of usefulness. God made us to do good works. He calls not just pastors but every Christian to take part in doing good for Christ and in Christ's name. In our text, Paul instructs Timothy how to be useful to God in his ministry, words that also benefit us.

First, to be useful to God, one must continually strive for purity in all areas of life, public and private. Usefulness to God depends upon our willingness to be consecrated—to be “made holy” or set apart from lesser desires and pursuits (v. 21). This includes obviously battling sin in our lives, but even as we've seen in the previous chapter, it also includes setting oneself apart from things that would distract and dilute our passion for God (cf. 2:4). In avoiding everything that compromises personal holiness, we can be “prepared to do any good work.” By living obedient lives, we are then in a constant state of readiness to be used by God (cf. John 15:10).

Specifically, Paul commands Timothy to avoid compromising his character even in ways that seem insignificant. He (and we) should not be quarrelsome. Quarrels, especially wrangling over words, have more to do with parading one's own understanding then actually resolving a difference of opinion. When disagreement and opposition erupt, the Lord's servant must be gentle and meek, always praying that God would grant a repentant change of heart (v. 25). This demonstrates true humility, without which no one is useful to God.

2 Timothy 3:1-5
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. - Colossians 3:2

TODAY IN THE WORD
According to data from the Unity Marketing Group in Stevens, Pennsylvania, Americans spent almost $706 billion on entertainment in 2004. As company president Pam Danziger explained, “Recreation and entertainment are purely discretionary and emotionally driven.”
As we continue to study holiness and humor in Scripture, we must reckon with our own choices in entertainment, recreation, and humor. Our passage provides a strong warning about our priorities.
This letter from Paul to Timothy was the last missive written by the aging apostle. Throughout the letter, his passion for the gospel, sense of urgency, and commission to Timothy permeate each sentence. He knew his own days on earth were numbered, and he wanted to be sure to communicate each exhortation that the next generation needed to hear.
Our text warns of the traits that will be seen and celebrated in the last days. We might expect to read about shocking or barbaric attitudes and actions to be catalogued here; it’s sobering to consider how unshocking most of us would find these descriptions. Lovers of money? Proud? Disobedient to parents? Unforgiving? Rash? If we were making a list of behaviors that signal the apocalypse, would we include these? Paul describes them as “terrible” (v. 1).
Included in the list is “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (v. 4). This sums up the root of all these sins. Rather than place God at the top of all priorities, people have placed themselves there. Rather than follow God’s instructions for relationships, people follow their own agenda. When self is on the throne, terrible things will follow.
These sinful priorities can infiltrate our attempts to worship. When we value self-actualization above Scripture, seek pleasure above discipleship, promote profit above praise, or want entertainment above worship, we deny the power of the gospel (v. 5). The corrective is to measure our actions, attitude, and priorities against the truth of God in Scripture (vv. 14-17).

APPLY THE WORD
Some ascetics have used these verses to claim that all pleasure or entertainment is sinful, but that view isn’t supported here. Pleasure isn’t inherently sinful, but it must be subordinated to God. Saturation in Scripture is one of the best ways to help keep our priorities and pursuits in line. You can supplement your daily Bible reading with a Scripture memory plan, reviewing note cards with verses throughout the day, or listening to music that uses Scripture as lyrics.



2 Timothy 3:1-9
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind . . . Love your neighbor as yourself. - Matthew 22:37, 39

TODAY IN THE WORD
In Matthew 22, the Herodians and Sadducees had failed to trick Jesus. Then the Pharisees—the most devout adherents to the Law—decided to test Jesus with the perfect question: they would demand that He choose among all the commandments of God and pick one above the others. It was foolproof—no matter what He chose, they could argue that He was neglecting another of the 613 commands that they followed scrupulously.

Jesus was not tricked. Rather than engage in a discussion of the particulars in the law, He went right to the essence of God's truth: Do we love God first and most? If we do, we will naturally obey the second greatest command, to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:34-40).

Today's passage diagnoses a spiritual cancer that happens when our love for God and our love for others become corrupted by a love for self and for pleasure. When “what feels good” takes precedence over our loyalty to God and His commands, we spiral spiritually. We start to love money more than God. We begin to cherish our opinions more than God's. We're soon following the moment rather than the good.While our spiritual devotion decays, the outward forms of religion are still intact (v. 5). We may scarcely notice how far from our first love we've really wandered.This affects our relationships. They are quickly strained and even ruined by our self-centered ways and our arrogant attitudes. Our family relationships and friendships crumble under the demands of the all-important “me.”

This was the terribly sad state of some of the teaching elders in Ephesus. They had opposed the true message of the gospel, taught what was false, and misled many, including some particularly vulnerable women in the congregations. Timothy's one hope was that their false teaching and foolishness wouldn't slip under the radar for much longer (v. 9).

TODAY ALONG THE WAY

Loving God might be simple, but it's far from easy. We're confronted daily with desires which compete for God's place in our hearts. Loving God begins first with grace (cf. 1 John 4:19). If your passion for God has cooled, ask Him to fan into flame a zealous affection for Christ. While we can't necessarily make ourselves love God, we can certainly do that which enhances love for God: disciplines like corporate worship, private Scripture reading and prayer, as well as service.

2 Timothy 3:10-15
Continue in what you have learned . . . because you know those from who you learned it. - 2 Timothy 3:14

TODAY IN THE WORD
Scientific discoveries are usually first published in journals, and political developments are heralded in press conferences and public speeches. But in March 1989, scientists Martin Fleischmann and Stanley Pons announced their discovery of cold fusion at a press conference. It meant a possible alternative energy source for the planet, and of course the scientific community was abuzz with the news. But the excitement died down when their results were later investigated and found unsubstantiated.

How should the gospel be proclaimed? The content of a message often determines how it is mediated, and a life-changing message is communicated best by the lives it has changed.

Though we might read books and hear sermons by pastors and teachers we're not likely to meet, our most memorable and lasting influences will be those people with whom we've shared both truth and life. This was certainly true of Paul and Timothy. This passage today focuses on a call for Timothy to continue and persevere in what he believes and the ministry he discharges. Paul stresses the worthiness of continuing in the faith based upon the solid examples he has to follow.

Paul begins with himself (v. 10). He reminded Timothy of the spiritual strength and endurance he himself had shown despite all the persecutions he had endured. Paul suffered more than the details he mentions here; he seems to emphasize those events that Timothy himself might have observed. Unlike the false teachers whose gospel resembled more a message of self-promotion, Paul had demonstrated faith that suffered but didn't surrender.

Timothy also had the example of his faithful grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, who had been teaching him the Scriptures since the time of his infancy (v. 15). Timothy owed a lot to these three who had influenced his faith and ministry.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As you think about the people who have most influenced you in your spiritual journey, what qualities about their lives were particularly compelling? Spend some time reflecting on who it is that has most encouraged your faith, and if possible contact them by phone or by letter, expressing your gratefulness. Thank God in prayer for their faithful contribution to your life, and ask Him to help you to be that kind of influence in someone else's life.

2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. - 2 Timothy 3:12

TODAY IN THE WORD
In today's age of instant communication, it's easy to forget the anxiety that comes from not being able to communicate with someone or even to know his or her whereabouts. But if you've ever had a child or close friend travel to a very isolated area, then you might know how hard this can be. The understandable anxiety that accompanies not knowing another's circumstances explains Paul”˜s state of mind in today's passage.
Recall that Paul, Silas, and Timothy had to leave Thessalonica hastily. From there, they traveled to Berea where a large numbers of Jews put their faith in Jesus. But the Jews who had caused problems in Thessalonica came to Berea and created problems there as well. Consequently, Paul had to flee again, this time to Athens, over 200 miles to the south. Eventually, Paul left Athens for Corinth. According to Acts 18:5, Timothy and Silas finally met with Paul in Corinth. As we noted earlier, it is likely that Paul wrote his letters to the Thessalonians from this city.
Unable to bear the uncertainty of not knowing how the young Thessalonian church was doing, Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica (v. 2). The depth of Paul's love for this church is all the more remarkable when we remember that his stay with them was relatively short. Paul's actions also show his high regard for Timothy, whom he entrusted with this important mission. Apparently Timothy hadn't been associated with the earlier uprising and was free to travel back to Thessalonica.
Paul's ministry of strengthening and encouraging the Thessalonians implies that the Jewish opponents were likely trying to persuade these young believers to abandon Christianity and to convert to Judaism. Some may have been tempted by this possibility as a means of avoiding persecution. Once again, however, we see that the real entity behind such temptation is not human, but Satan, whom Paul describes here as “the tempter” (v. 5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Paul's concern for the Thessalonians underscores the dangers that believers face. The gospel often comes with persecution and temptations to abandon the faith, even for mature Christians. Perhaps you've walked with the Lord for some time, but feel tempted to pull back in your Christian walk. All believers need strengthening and encouragement. This might be a good time to join a Bible study or find a prayer group. Strong fellowship is a good defense against temptation.

2 Timothy 3:14-4:2
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful . . . for training in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16
 

TODAY IN THE WORD
Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg had an unpleasant surprise last year: he discovered that his biography in the online encyclopedia Wikipedia had been “updated” to include a number of unflattering statements, some of which qualified as libel. Wikipedia entries can be written or edited by nearly anyone who so desires. Research experts say that while Wikipedia might be a first step in gathering information, material found there should be verified elsewhere rather than regarded as authoritative.
Unlike Wikipedia, the Bible was not created by a collection of human authors and edited by anyone who felt like it (see 2 Peter 1:12-21). The Bible can be trusted as absolutely accurate and absolutely trustworthy. Understanding its truths and principles should be the first step and the final authority for every follower of Jesus.

Throughout this month, we've sought to learn what God's Word says about important issues such as our view of our bodies, heaven, the gospel, blessings, church, and having fun. The greater principle underlying each examination of these topics is that Christians must rely on Scripture to form their beliefs and opinions.

Today's reading emphasizes this. As Paul wrote his final words of advice and encouragement to Timothy, his beloved son in the faith, he chose to focus on faithfulness to God's Word.

Paul outlines some essential qualities of Scripture here. First, it is inspired by God, not invented by men (3:16; 4:3). Second, it is important in shaping our beliefs, correcting our misconceptions, and leading us into Christlikeness. Through a study of the Bible, we are prepared to do the good works that God has for us (3:17).

In light of the power of Scripture, no wonder Paul commands Timothy to continue in his study and proclamation of the Word (3:14; 4:2). Just as it was for Timothy, the Bible is still the way that God speaks His timeless truth to us.

APPLY THE WORD
We could all benefit from a renewed passion for God's Word, since it is where we find necessary guidance for our lives and the truth about our Savior. If you find your love for God's truth ebbing, read through Psalm 119 and pray that the Holy Spirit would ignite that kind of dedication and devotion for His word and His way in your heart. As we shape our beliefs about any issue, may we be the people who are true to God's Word.


2 Timothy 3:15-4:5

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season. - 2 Timothy 4:2

TODAY IN THE WORD
Haddon Robinson, in his book, Biblical Preaching, bemoans the dismal state of preaching in the modern church. “When [ministers] fail to preach the Scriptures, they abandon their authority. . . That is why most modern preaching evokes little more than a wide yawn. God is not in it.”

Preaching the Word of God is a difficult task because it always confronts sinful human beings. Left to our own sin, we'd prefer self-help books and the power of positive thinking rather than correction and rebuke. We don't want to hear what we're doing wrong. Apart from the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit, we'll spit out the healthy meat of sound doctrine and instead munch on the marshmallows of false teaching (vv. 3, 4).

For God to do His work of sanctifying the human heart, He must use the chisel of the Scriptures, the most effective tool available to the pastor and church leader (v. 17). Because of the power and sufficiency and wisdom of the Bible—because they originate with God Himself (v. 16)—we must be faithful in our proclamation of the Word.

The Word has the power to instruct in what is good and identify what is false. The Word has the power to change not only our thinking but also our behaving. The Word strengthens us when we're weak, corrects us when we're wrong, and challenges us to change.

Preachers offer a far inferior substitute when their sermons originate from personal biography, moralizing thoughts, or human wisdom rather than from a solid footing in the Scriptures. Their digression from the Bible is sin, and it puts their congregation at risk.

It may be easier to preach for the applause of many, but a minister has to “keep his head,” refusing to be swayed by the desires of “itching ears,” relying on God's power for the difficult work of correction, and praying for the passion to communicate God's Word in its power and glory.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
This passage gives us some helpful guidelines for evaluating a church. When making a decision to join a local church, listen to whether the pastor is faithful to open the Scriptures week after week and pour forth God's truth instead of offer sermons that are collections of pithy quotes and personal stories. Seek other opportunities to receive good teaching in the church through group Bible studies or Sunday school classes.

2 Timothy 3:16 Jeremiah 36:1-32
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16

TODAY IN THE WORD
Try to imagine the following headline: “President Rips Up Constitution in Front of Cabinet Members!” In the United States, even if a president or other official disagrees with points in the Constitution, it is still respected and upheld. It would be ludicrous for anyone to believe that simply by ripping the Constitution into little pieces its validity was nullified.
Unfortunately, King Jehoiakim seemed to think that if he just cut up the scroll containing God’s Word and burned it, then the judgment it foretold would simply not happen. If his action weren’t so arrogant, we might even think it was funny.

There actually was a way for the coming judgment to be avoided, but it didn’t involve ripping up anything. Instead, it involved repentance (v. 3). Repentance was God’s purpose in sending His word to Jeremiah, and that was Jeremiah’s fervent hope when he sent Baruch to the temple (v. 7). But sadly neither the king nor the people opted for repentance.

Jeremiah’s faithful servant, Baruch, knew that he risked his life bringing this scroll to the king. Jeremiah 45 records his initial reluctance to this task, but in the end he obeyed.

A few other people in this account also showed their faithfulness. Micaiah made sure the officials higher up knew about the scroll. They in turn verified that it was authentic (v. 17) and then brought it to the king.

It’s clear that the king was unmoved by this reading of God’s Word. Notice that he didn’t impulsively tear the scroll up. Rather, he carefully cut columns and deliberately placed them in the fire. He then sought to harm Jeremiah, but the Lord protected him. Moreover, the Lord’s backup system was better than any computer product–He simply gave His Word to Jeremiah a second time (v. 28).

APPLY THE WORD
It’s easy to laugh at Jehoiakim’s naïve attempt to change the future by cutting up parts of God’s Word. But we can do the same thing, without using a knife! Parts of God’s Word aren’t easy to read, but that doesn’t mean we should avoid them. All of God’s Word is necessary for our spiritual growth. If you’ve never read through the entire Bible, consider doing so this upcoming year. There are “One Year” Bibles divided into daily readings, but regardless of the method, it’s important to have a balanced biblical diet.

2 Timothy 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16
The word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword . . . it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. - Hebrews 4:12

2 Timothy 4:1-8
Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season. - 2 Timothy 4:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy just a few years after he wrote to the Colossians, but those few years brought a dramatic change in the apostles circumstances.
Although Paul wrote to Colossae from prison in Rome, that was not his final imprisonment. He was released, then re-arrested and brought back to Rome, this time to be sentenced to death and, no doubt, thrown into a dungeon to await execution.
This setting gives 2 Timothy a very personal and tender tone in places. Paul is the elderly apostle, lonely and cold in his cell, longing for the companionship of Mark and the warmth of his cloak.
But Paul saves his personal needs and reflections for the end of the letter. The majority of 2 Timothy is a strong and impassioned plea for faithfulness to Christ no matter what the cost. This is the spirit in which we need to read the opening verses of chapter 4 and accept the challenge Paul lays down. Nothing less than faithfulness to Jesus Christ will get the job done in 1999.
We need to be alert on two fronts. First and foremost is the ministry of Gods Word, both to us and through us to other people. Most of us are not pastors, but the church needs many teachers of the Word who will explain and apply Gods Word in a way that touches lives.
The second reason we need to be alert is because of the presence and prevalence of false teachers. We know the Colossian believers were being bombarded by those who were pushing heresy in an attempt to build their own kingdoms. Timothy was facing the same kind of threat in his ministry at Ephesus.
Keep your head in all situations, Paul told Timothy (v. 5). Given the possibilities for everything from computer failures to international upheaval that may await the world in 1999, that's good advice for us. In times like these, the only people who will be able to keep their heads are those who keep their heads in Gods Word.
Paul's testimony about his own ministry (vv. 6-8) gives us good reason to be faithful. The Lord is storing up the crown of righteousness for us, a reward worth the devotion it takes for us to attain it (v. 8)

APPLY THE WORD
Is there something special you want God to do in your personal, family, work, or church life next year? God can do it, because you have this promise from Him: He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6). Tell God about your objective, and remind Him of this promise. We also encourage you to write down your goal somewhere, maybe in the front of your Bible, with the reference to this verse as an encouragement.

2 Timothy 4:3 Philippians 3:2-3
Men . . . will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. - 2 Timothy 4:3

TODAY IN THE WORD
Spirituality has become fashionable in recent years, but doctrine and theology are dismissed as old-fashioned attempts to control people and confine God. In a discussion about the book, The New Earth, talk-show host Oprah Winfrey put it this way: “God, the essence of all consciousness, isn't something to believe—God is. God is a feeling experience, not a believing experience. If God for you is still about a belief, then it's not truly God.”
This doesn't conform to the teaching of Scripture. A relationship with God is important, but we aren't free to define it however we choose. Paul warned the Philippians about the threat to true Christian unity that comes from false teaching.
Paul's ministry had been plagued by Judaizers for years. They taught that in order to be right with God, Gentiles had to embrace the Jewish law regarding dietary regulations and circumcision. Paul vehemently rejected the notion that they were required of Gentiles. In fact, these cultural things added requirements to the gospel, diluting it into no gospel at all.
These verses are filled with plays on words. Judaizers used the term “dogs” to describe Gentiles and others who were ceremonially unclean (v. 2). Whereas they declared that circumcising the flesh was necessary to please God, Paul denounced them as “mutilators of the flesh,” using a term that sounded similar to “circumcision” but recalled the pagan practice of ritual cutting and scarring. The Judaizers were actually the embodiment of all they despised.
The confidence of faith doesn't come through external ritual or anything of the flesh. It comes from glorying (or boasting) in Jesus and His work, and worshiping Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. Verse 3 echoes Jeremiah 9:24, where the Lord says, “Let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me.” To boast or glory in Christ means He is the full measure of our confidence and trust.

APPLY THE WORD
Why would the Philippians be tempted by the claims of the Judaizers? It likely had to do with their political and cultural context: the Roman Empire did not recognize the Christian faith, but it did sanction and permit Judaism. The Philippian church was being tested and persecuted; it might have been tempting to adopt just a few elements of the Judaizers to get some relief, to fit in more. We must beware of adding things from our culture to Christian doctrine to make things easier or to fit in!

2 Timothy 4:6-7

TODAY IN THE WORD
“Capacocha” was the name for the human sacrifice ritual practiced by the ancient Incas of Peru. Such sacrifices were often offered after a significant event such as an earthquake or the death of an emperor.
Once a physically perfect sacrifice was chosen, typically the child of a chief, a procession traveled from the child’s home village to Cuzco, the capital city. Then, in one form of sacrifice, the child was placed in a tomb, walled in alive, and given only a drugged potion to drink. In other cases, the priests sedated then strangled the child. The sacrifices, who were often deified later, were buried at the tops of mountains so as to be closer to the Inca sun god.

Without God’s truth, the practice of sacrifice goes horribly wrong. When Paul calls himself a “drink offering” or urges us to be “living sacrifices” (tomorrow’s reading), he does not have in mind a horrifying scene like those practiced by the Incas, but the beauty of spiritual consecration and service to God.

Service is another “sacrifice” we are instructed to offer. After all, Jesus led the way: “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (Jn. 13:15; cf. Mk. 10:45).

A drink offering never stood alone in the Old Testa-ment, but was always offered with a greater sacrifice (see, for example, Num. 15:6-7; 28:6-7). Thus, in today’s reading, Paul places his individual service in the context of the larger body of believers (Phil. 2:17), and presumably in the context of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice as well (v. 16). To transform the Gentiles into an acceptable sacrifice was the consuming purpose of Paul’s life (Rom. 15:16; 2 Cor. 11:2)!

APPLY THE WORD
Service and witness are inseparable in Paul’s writings. We have one more suggestion to add to those from April 24 and 26 that will help you share Christ.
Invite friends over and show the Jesus video. Tell them that the movie’s script faithfully portrays the Jewish culture of that day. They may believe that Jesus was just a great teacher; tell them you’d be interested in discussing His life with them after they see the film.


2 Timothy 4:6-8
Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day. - 2 Timothy 4:8a

TODAY IN THE WORD
Alfred Nobel opened his newspaper one morning in 1888 and was shocked to read his own obituary. The fact was that Nobel’s brother had died, and a careless reporter had put the wrong man in the story. The incident left Nobel deeply disturbed for more than the obvious reasons.
Through the erroneous obituary, he saw himself as the world saw him--a wealthy Swedish industrialist whose most enduring legacy was the invention of dynamite. Resolving to do something that would uphold his cherished ideals, Nobel used a portion of his great wealth to establish prizes that would reward people whose work benefited humanity. The Nobel Prizes were first awarded in 1901, and today they are still considered the most esteemed prizes in the world.
The soul-searching that Alfred Nobel underwent as he reviewed his life is the same kind of self-examination Christians need to make regularly. Paul urged the Corinthians, “Examine yourselves” (2 Cor. 13:5).
All of us are storing up a spiritual legacy of some sort. The goal is to live each day in such a way that when we reach heaven, our service for Christ will pass the test of His judgment seat and He will reward us (see May 12). The rewards are available to us in heaven. It’s up to us to earn them.
Paul was near the end of his life when he wrote to Timothy. Most people become reflective at that point, but it’s obvious from the apostle’s confident statement that he didn’t wait until the end to evaluate his ministry. You can’t fight a good fight, run a solid race, and keep the faith without paying close attention to the way you live.
Paul was constantly aware of the goal he was reaching for and made all of his decisions in light of that goal. Philippians 3:7-14 is a great example of Paul’s self-examination.
 

APPLY THE WORD
Earlier in this same chapter, Paul gave Timothy a very specific example of what it means to serve Christ faithfully and effectively.

2 Timothy 4:6-8

TODAY IN THE WORD
By every measure, Timothy Dwight was born for leadership. He was the grandson of Jonathan Edwards, considered one of the greatest theological minds America has ever produced. At the age of four, Timothy taught the catechism to Native Americans in his area. By age six, he was studying Latin; and at thirteen he entered Yale, where he tied for valedictorian honors in his graduating class.
But Dwight's greatest legacy was spiritual. Assuming Yale's presidency in 1795, Dwight prayed and labored long to reverse the damaging influences of secularism and spiritual indifference in the student body. His fervor for Christ paid off when revival came to Yale in 1802.

Timothy Dwight's intellectual and spiritual pedigrees were distinguished and impeccable, like Paul's. The ""apostle to the Gentiles"" received the finest education possible in that day. As did some of his fellow Jews, Paul had a misguided zeal for God before his conversion (Rom. 10:2). The difference was that nobody could match Paul's zeal (Phil. 3:6).

The fact that Paul finished well is beyond dispute. He is a model of perseverance and faithfulness for all believers in all ages. What sincere Christian hasn't claimed today's text, especially verses 7-8, as his or her life goal?

Paul finished his Christian race as a winner. What makes him even more remarkable is the point from which he began his race.

Paul abandoned everything in his life that seemed to be to his advantage--his degrees and accomplishments and reputation--when he met Christ. Paul was stripped of anything human that could get him ahead, as God retooled him into the man He wanted. God Himself taught Paul theology during his years of isolation.

APPLY THE WORD
Paul tells us which prize he was pursuing: ""the crown of righteousness"" which God would give him (2 Tim. 4:8). The crown is a familiar New Testament metaphor for the rewards God has in store for His faithful children. For a midweek dose of encouragement, use a Bible concordance to trace the word ""crown"" through the New Testament. It will give you new energy for your race--a result Paul would surely applaud!


2 Timothy 4:6-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. - 2 Timothy 4:7

TODAY IN THE WORD
Woody Allen, a famous comedian and filmmaker, once mused about his own death, “I'm not afraid of death. I just don't want to be there when it happens.” Apart from hope in Jesus Christ, death is our greatest enemy. It would make perfect sense that we would want to avoid it!

Paul's words from today's passage stand in stark contrast to this secular view of death. In these last months of Paul's life, as he sits alone in his cold prison cell, he isn't tallying all of the mistakes made and opportunities lost. Instead he's facing his death with a sense of satisfaction with the life he's lived and the anticipation of what is to come. Paul embraces his death because it is not final. Death is not the last chapter of existence but merely a “departure” (v. 6).

“I have fought the good fight.” Paul has suffered tremendously as a solider in the ranks of Jesus Christ (cf. 2 Cor. 11:23-29). He had been persecuted and thrown out of cities where he later returned courageously to continue the work of proclaiming the gospel. He had not feared for his life. He had not quit because of adversity. He had marched resolutely towards this prison cell where he then awaited execution.

“I have finished the race.” God had given Paul a tremendous task, a mission he learned as early as his conversion (cf. Acts 9:15-16). He was to preach the good news to the Gentiles, and he had faithfully done this (cf. Acts. 20:24).

“I have kept the faith.” Though teachers in Ephesus had shipwrecked their faith, and members of the circumcision party had abandoned the gospel of grace (cf. Gal. 1:6-7), though there was great temptation to dilute the revelation he'd received, Paul remained faithful. He preached salvation in and through Christ alone until the very end of his days.

There is no pride to be found here, only the joy of knowing it's been worth it all.

TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Praying Scripture can transform our spiritual lives. Take these three phrases of our key verse and begin to use them in your prayers. “Lord, help me to fight the good fight and to have courage for what you call me to do. Lord, help me to finish the race. Strengthen me as I feel weary and weak. Lord, I want to keep the faith. Help me to grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, staying faithful to Him and His Word all of my life.”


2 Timothy 3:10-4:8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. - 2 Timothy 4:7

TODAY IN THE WORD
In the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Naoko Takahashi won the first gold medal ever for a Japanese woman in track and field, crossing the finish line first in the marathon. Although she led much of the way, she had to overcome a strong finishing kick by a Romanian runner in the final quarter-mile. Takahashi also set an Olympic record in the process!
Paul knew what it was like to run a long race all-out. He told Timothy, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). Second Timothy was his last letter, penned in 67 or 68 a.d. from the Mamertime dungeon in Rome as he awaited execution. Though his personal finish line was near, he encouraged his young friend, “God's word is not chained” (2 Tim. 2:9).

Three principles emerge from today's reading for a life filled with purpose. First, practice what you preach. Actions must match words. Timothy knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that his “spiritual father” had remained utterly faithful to his calling. If his mentor could write this from a dark cell, surely Timothy could run his race with passion and integrity.

Second, expect persecution (3:12). The world will never understand Christians, and Satan will always be hostile to the gospel. And third, hold fast to the Scriptures. They are the inspired and perfectly true Word of God, useful for “teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (3:16-17).

Paul's “last words” are a series of pictures (4:6-8). He was being poured out like a drink offering, an image of worship and sacrifice. It was the end of a wrestling match, the end of a marathon, the conclusion of a thirty-year journey. But in fact it was just the beginning—his “departure” had a destination. In heaven he knew that his Lord would be waiting to give him a crown of righteousness (cf. 1 Cor. 9:25) and an eternal place in His glorious presence.
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APPLY THE WORD
Tomorrow we continue our year's study on the theme of the purpose-filled life with a study on the life of Esther. God's Word is filled with men and women, rich and poor, young and old, who demonstrate a life filled with meaning and purpose.
This should encourage us—no matter who we are or what our situation, God can give us His fulfillment and use us to do His work. He has created us and He delights in our service for Him.

2 Timothy 4:11 Acts 13:4-13; 15:36-41
Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. - 2 Timothy 4:11