GENTLE PATIENT TEACHING

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy

Read 2 Timothy 1-2

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

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When Timothy took on the pastorate of the church at Ephesus there were already false teachers at work. Paul speaks of two men in particular “who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.” (2:18) But he encourages Timothy to stand fast to what he has been taught, in spite of the fact that some had followed these men. Paul continues, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His...” (2:19)

Paul urges Timothy to join him in willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ and to “Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2:22) Citing his own example he says, “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."(1:12)

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Lord, it is such a comfort that You know those who are yours. Sometimes it is necessary to stand alone in regard to the truth of Scripture. Help me to be gentle in presenting the gospel and the truth of the resurrection.

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And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth. 2 Timothy 2:24-25 NKJV

RICH IN GOOD WORKS

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy

Read 1 Timothy 4-6

For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10-11 NKJV

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Timothy had a very difficult job ahead of him. He was charged with the task of correcting false teaching. He had to do this in a way that would be accepted by those who were older than he in age, though perhaps not in the faith. He had been trained by his godly mother and grandmother and also by Paul himself to “be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith...” (4:6a)

Paul writes, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (4:12)

Concerning Timothy’s preparation, the apostle urges, “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine”, (4:13-15) making it clear that he is not only to teach right doctrine but also to show his faith by his works.

Paul warns about greed saying, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (6:10-11)

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Lord, like Timothy, I want my life to be an example of what I believe. Today I pray for the enabling power of Your Holy Spirit in my life

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But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.
1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV

A QUIET AND PEACEFUL LIFE

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy

Read 1 Timothy 1-2

This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15

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Timothy had been a disciple and traveling partner of the apostle Paul. Now he is the pastor of the church at Ephesus. Paul begins the letter by expressing his thankfulness for God’s mercy in his own life. He is the “chief of sinners” whom Jesus came to save, because he was at one time a persecutor of Christians. “However,” he writes, “for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” (1 Timothy 1:16 NKJV)

In relationship to unbelievers, Paul writes, “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” (2:1-2)

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Lord, I pray for our President and for all in his administration that they will acknowledge your authority and that we may lead godly and reverent lives among our neighbors. Thank you for showing mercy to me, a sinner.

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“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all...” 1 Timothy 2:3-6 NKJV

STAND FAST

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Thessalonians

Read 2 Thessalonians 1-3

Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 NKJV

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Paul writes this letter to correct false teaching about the Lord’s return. “Now, brethren,” he writes, “concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, we ask you, not to be soon shaken in mind or troubled, either by spirit or by word or by letter, as if from us, as though the day of Christ had come. (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2)

Paul goes on to explain the events that will happen prior to the Lord’s return to earth. He tells them of the coming evil world leader who will oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped, so that he sits as God in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” (2 Thessalonians 2:4)

Even though this man of sin will not be revealed until after the “gathering together” of believers, (2:7-8) the spirit of antichrist was and is already working in the world. Paul reminds them and us that “the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.” (3:3)

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Lord, it is so evident in our day that the spirit of antichrist is at work. Help us to keep our eyes on You and not be discouraged as Your coming draws closer. Above all, help us not to grow weary in serving you and others in Christian love.

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"...But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. " 2 Thessalonians 3:13 NKJV

IN VIEW OF HIS COMING

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Read 1 Thessalonians 4-5

God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:7-8 NIV

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Paul includes some very practical instructions in this letter on how to live the Christian life. Very clearly he says, "it is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality." (4:3) He says that when someone wrongs his brother in this way, he is really sinning against God and God will hold him accountable.

In regard to those who would tend to be lazy or obnoxious toward outsiders he says, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands,...so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” (4:11-12)

Paul reminds them and us that we are in a spiritual battle and will be until the Lord returns. The time of Christ’s return is not as important as being ever ready and expectant. He writes, “For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him." (5:9-10)

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Lord, I pray that I will live my life in a way to win the respect of my friends and neighbors. I know we are surrounded by principalities and powers that would like to see us fail. But Lord, Your Holy Spirit within me is enough and today I am asking for Your guidance and strength.

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"May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it." 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NIV