So I know a majority of you are on the beach, takin selfies, beating the bigstuf interns in volleyball, and getting sweet one piece tan lines. But here me out on this blog ya’ll! Actually, hear Paul out. Because this here is my favorite book in the entire bible! And lucky me, I was able to blog about it. So lets dive in.
This letter to Timothy is all about encouragement. That is one reason why it’s my absolute fav. A little background behind this letter: This was the last letter written by Paul before he died. Paul was in prison in Rome at the time and had lost a lot of his followers. He was writing this letter to Timothy (a pastor in Asia minor) to encourage him to follow in the way of the Lord.
So, here is paul, in prision and knowing death is near, yet check on the first chapter! He simply starts by letting Timothy know how important he is to Paul. You see this when Paul acknowledges him as his son (vs 2), and when he is telling him how thankful he is to God for him and that he’s praying for him. Who wouldn’t be encouraged by that? but he doesn’t stop there. He continues by saying he is longing for him and how he is reminded of his sincere faith.
For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. – 1:7
This verse has pushed me through some tough decisions, always reminding me that the spirit lives within me and that means timidity does not live within me, but power, love, and self-discipline does!! Those words are enough to change how you live! With that being said, the next verse goes into not being ashamed to share our faith. We already know our spirit is not timid..so why are we so afraid to share our faith? Well I would go as far to say we are not walking in the Spirit when we make that decision. So pray everyday that you would be walking in the spirit, and what could possibly go against that power? That’s right, nothing!
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. -2:1
What a powerful statement, that is hard to live out every single day (can only speak for myself). We are human. When we follow the Lord, our sin becomes more exposed in our lives. Unfortunately for us, the world tells us that forgiveness is hard, and that it is often easy to be bitter to those who have wronged us. With that being said, we put that mindset on God. Thinking there is no possible way He could have forgiven us for all the junk in my life. Junk that I have been to ashamed to even talk about. Well this verse brings that into the light, reminding me that GOD IS NOT OF THIS WORLD. Our struggles are not his struggles because he is over all of them. So for us to put a worldly standard on God, is us belittling Him. “Be strong in the grace…” be confident and assured every single day that Jesus died for you! Don’t allow yourself to put worldly standards on God any longer. THAT is the gospel. Man, I love this stuff.
Speaking of the gospel. Paul literally sums it all up in one simple verse. So of any “life verse” or verse to memorize..this should be it. Because this is what we as Christians strive everyday to live our lives by. Ready for it?
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel. -2:8
Paul explains that this is the very gospel that he is in chains for, but he goes on in saying that even though he is in chains God’s word isn’t. This all speaks for itself. Paul is one imperfect person in chains for teaching the perfect Gospel. That is exactly who we are, and exactly what God has entrusted to us. Pretty exciting stuff, right?
If we died with him, we will also live with him. If we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us. If we are faithless, he will remain faithful. For he cannot disown himself. -2:11-13
So…if we die with him, we live? if we endure, we will reign? If we disown him, he will disown us? Pattern seems pretty typical right? NO. If we are faithless God will be faithless? Not a chance. God is always faithful. Good stuff.
All scripture is God-breathed and 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
Remember this truth this week as you pour into these middle school and high schoolers! This is the very reason why we are taught the discipline of being in the word and reading about our God. We have been equipped for every good work. Now it is our turn to equip others! The Lord promises an crown of righteousness for all those who are longing for his presence (vs 4:8). Paul encourages Timothy, and ultimately all of us, to run the race. And when we run a race, we are in it to win the prize. And when we are in something to win, we don’t do it half heartily. We go into it equip, we go into it with others, we thrive off of those around us who are headed for the same prize, we run hard and fast through the obstacles because we know what is ahead, and most importantly we have faith that what has been promised will be given. Hold on to God’s promises today. Allow Paul’s encouragement to Timothy, be an encouragement to you as well.
This is the same God you guys get to see up close and personal this week through the kids, worship, and beach time. Soak it all in 🙂
Magalicious
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