Chapter 3:
What makes a person great? Fame? Wealth? Family heritage? Earning & having $? Academic degrees? Expertise? Athletic ability? Artistic talent? Military office? Potential? If you use these measurements, Jesus was not great. And John was even worse, yet Jesus said of John, “I tell you the truth: Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist…” (Matthew 11:11) So what makes a person great?
John’s greatness was related to his calling. He faithfully fulfilled his role of pointing people to Jesus! His message was REPENT – an inner change of heart leading to an outer change in direction. His motive? “The Kingdom is near” – this phrase appears 32 times in Matthew! In other words, “Hey, get your hearts right with God because He’s coming back soon!”
What also made John great was radical lifestyle. The clothes he wore & the food he ate were of little importance. He was on a mission for God and his message was powerful. He addressed everyone and confronted the “religious make-believers” – those who only outwardly spoke of Jesus. “Brood of Vipers” was not a compliment and yet he offered hope, “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.” True inner repentance always shows itself outwardly.
What made JESUS even GREATER? His greater calling! He too faithfully fulfilled his calling of laying down His life for you & me!!! He is about to begin the ministry He is called to and we see the trinity at work in His Baptism: God the Son: Is baptized, not because he needed to repent but to validate His ministry. God the Holy Spirit: Descends from heaven and gives light. God the Father: Audibly speaks and says, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." Up to this point, no old testament sacrifice had ever truly pleased God (because they covered sin, but had not removed it), but now God is pleased, in advance, with the sacrifice His Son would make! Whoah!~ Cool God Stuff!
SO WHAT?!
*All of us want our lives to count, we want to be great in some way or another. So what measurements do you use to determine greatness? Man’s (listed above) or God’s? Use mans and you’ll be disappointed, but use God’s and you can be sure of a life with impact for eternity!
*Jesus & John both fulfilled God’s calling on their lives. Believers in Jesus all have the same calling – To Know Jesus & Make Him Known! Take a sheet of paper and write that phrase at the top. Draw a line down the middle and begin to list on the left side the ways you are working at Knowing Jesus. Then on the right, list ways you are currently working at Making Him Known. How does your list look? Long? Short? Out of balance? Ask God to help you in the needed area so that you can better fulfill your calling!
*Repentance is at the heart of the free forgiveness Jesus offers. The call to Jesus is a call to different thinking & different living. How can you & I “produce fruit in keeping with repentance” today?
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Monday, July 19, 2010
Matthew 2 DEVO: King Jesus: Prophecies, How He Was Received & God’s Sovereignty
Chapter 2:
Ok, let’s define some words: Prophecies are “predictions” made specifically about Jesus. Sovereignty means that God is in control of everything: people, circumstances, etc…
As we read today’s chapter, there are three additional evidences that Jesus has legitimate, unique and absolute royal right to be King!
1. Wise Men Worship Jesus: “Magi” were men skilled in astrology, interpreting dreams etc… and THESE magi recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
2. Fools are either Hostile or Indifferent to Jesus: It “disturbed” Herod that people were worshipping someone other than him! So he plotted to eliminate Jesus by getting the magi to tell them where he was so “…I too may go and worship him.” Ha! God sovereignly overruled by telling the magi in a dream not to go back to Herod. Yeah, that torqued him off! So he figured he’d just kill ALL the babies 2 years old & under, but again we see God’s sovereignty as he told Joseph in a dream to leave.
3. Fulfilled Prophecies: These predictions should certainly convince the skeptical.
a. Verse 6 = Micah 5:2
b. Verse 15 = Hosea 11:1
c. Verse 18 = Jeremiah 31:15
SO WHAT?
*What is your response to Jesus? Hostility? Indifference? Worship? We all have to choose to do something with Jesus. His #1 desire is for our worship – not service, not sacrifice, but first & foremost worship. How are you and I involved in worship of Jesus? Not just Sunday mornings, but throughout our daily lives. Take some extra time today and tell God how awesome He is! Then make it a part of your daily routine!
*Who have you recently brought to worship? Wycliff missionary, Greg Carlson, spoke at our church yesterday and said, “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” Being God’s rep here on earth means leading people to worship! Who have you shared Christ with recently? Who have you invited to church or student ministry lately? These are invitations to worship!
Ok, let’s define some words: Prophecies are “predictions” made specifically about Jesus. Sovereignty means that God is in control of everything: people, circumstances, etc…
As we read today’s chapter, there are three additional evidences that Jesus has legitimate, unique and absolute royal right to be King!
1. Wise Men Worship Jesus: “Magi” were men skilled in astrology, interpreting dreams etc… and THESE magi recognized Jesus as the Messiah.
2. Fools are either Hostile or Indifferent to Jesus: It “disturbed” Herod that people were worshipping someone other than him! So he plotted to eliminate Jesus by getting the magi to tell them where he was so “…I too may go and worship him.” Ha! God sovereignly overruled by telling the magi in a dream not to go back to Herod. Yeah, that torqued him off! So he figured he’d just kill ALL the babies 2 years old & under, but again we see God’s sovereignty as he told Joseph in a dream to leave.
3. Fulfilled Prophecies: These predictions should certainly convince the skeptical.
a. Verse 6 = Micah 5:2
b. Verse 15 = Hosea 11:1
c. Verse 18 = Jeremiah 31:15
SO WHAT?
*What is your response to Jesus? Hostility? Indifference? Worship? We all have to choose to do something with Jesus. His #1 desire is for our worship – not service, not sacrifice, but first & foremost worship. How are you and I involved in worship of Jesus? Not just Sunday mornings, but throughout our daily lives. Take some extra time today and tell God how awesome He is! Then make it a part of your daily routine!
*Who have you recently brought to worship? Wycliff missionary, Greg Carlson, spoke at our church yesterday and said, “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.” Being God’s rep here on earth means leading people to worship! Who have you shared Christ with recently? Who have you invited to church or student ministry lately? These are invitations to worship!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Matthew 1 DEVO: The King's Ancestry & Arrival
Introduction:
Of the four Gospels, Mathew, Mark, Luke & John, the book of Matthew:
- Has the most amount of Jesus’ teachings
- Contains more references (50) and illusions (75) to the old testament
- Has more references to money than the other three
- Has the most instructions to the disciples
Matthew was a disciple of Jesus and a tax collector, which was an occupation that was hated because they were seen as traitors to the Jews. Matthew writes to a primarily Jewish audience and presents Jesus as King. The problem was that the Jews were looking for a political king who would bring an external (release from Roman rule) kingdom. Jesus was and is a spiritual king who is bringing an internal (character/heart change) kingdom. This book presents Messiah King who is Revealed, Rejected and will Return. In it we are given life-changing lessons on discipleship!
Chapter 1: The King’s Ancestry & Arrival
If you’re ever looking for some names for your kids, these first 14 verses may be helpful……or not. Hey – they were ALL part of Jesus’ family, not good enough for you?!~! Genealogies can tend to be boring, but we have to remember that in Jewish culture, tribal identification and line of descent were of major importance! Anyway – chapter one records two basic things: Jesus’ family tree and how he came to earth.
FIRST – Jesus’ Ancestry. As we read this, Jesus was both a legal descendant of David through Joseph and a blood descendant of David through Mary, making Him perfectly qualified. Interestingly we see God choose sinners to be such a part of Jesus’ lineage! Mary, his mom, was a sinner (Luke 1:47), David & Abraham who both had issues, and then did you notice the only other three women mentioned? Tamar (a harlot), Rahab (a prostitute) & Ruth (a pagan with no “right” to be a grandma to David). Is God gracious or what?!~!
SECOND – The whole virgin birth thing. Even if you’re somewhat new to the whole having babies thing, you know that “virgin” and “birth” don’t go together! Yet this was Jesus’ DIVINE lineage! The first 17 verses explain his human descent, verse 18 explains his divine descent. It’s a miraculous truth! Joseph didn’t get it (wanted to divorce her) and I would not have either. But we have to remember that not understanding something doesn’t disqualify truth. Jesus is God and this was the divine, amazing plan of the trinity! “Immanuel – God with Us” – what an wonderful promise!
SO WHAT?!
*What is your family background? Godly heritage or not really? Jesus’ family background was filled with scars & outcasts and yet God used Him! How much more can God use you & me & any who will surrender their lives to the Lord! Sweeeeeeeeet!!!!
*Jesus was both Human & Holy! God wants us to strive for the same. The human part we’ve got down, it’s the holy that needs work! No perfection, but direction. How does it show in your life & mine that we desire to live a godly life for Christ? What are you & I giving up to do so?
*Ever feel alone, discouraged or abandoned? Then the good news of Jesus being Immanuel, God with us should pump you up! He will never leave or forsake His kids! Are you one of His? Putting your trust & faith in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of your sins makes you the Kings kid! If you’ve never done that, what’s stopping you from doing that right now? If you are His kid, then know He’s with you ALWAYS!
Of the four Gospels, Mathew, Mark, Luke & John, the book of Matthew:
- Has the most amount of Jesus’ teachings
- Contains more references (50) and illusions (75) to the old testament
- Has more references to money than the other three
- Has the most instructions to the disciples
Matthew was a disciple of Jesus and a tax collector, which was an occupation that was hated because they were seen as traitors to the Jews. Matthew writes to a primarily Jewish audience and presents Jesus as King. The problem was that the Jews were looking for a political king who would bring an external (release from Roman rule) kingdom. Jesus was and is a spiritual king who is bringing an internal (character/heart change) kingdom. This book presents Messiah King who is Revealed, Rejected and will Return. In it we are given life-changing lessons on discipleship!
Chapter 1: The King’s Ancestry & Arrival
If you’re ever looking for some names for your kids, these first 14 verses may be helpful……or not. Hey – they were ALL part of Jesus’ family, not good enough for you?!~! Genealogies can tend to be boring, but we have to remember that in Jewish culture, tribal identification and line of descent were of major importance! Anyway – chapter one records two basic things: Jesus’ family tree and how he came to earth.
FIRST – Jesus’ Ancestry. As we read this, Jesus was both a legal descendant of David through Joseph and a blood descendant of David through Mary, making Him perfectly qualified. Interestingly we see God choose sinners to be such a part of Jesus’ lineage! Mary, his mom, was a sinner (Luke 1:47), David & Abraham who both had issues, and then did you notice the only other three women mentioned? Tamar (a harlot), Rahab (a prostitute) & Ruth (a pagan with no “right” to be a grandma to David). Is God gracious or what?!~!
SECOND – The whole virgin birth thing. Even if you’re somewhat new to the whole having babies thing, you know that “virgin” and “birth” don’t go together! Yet this was Jesus’ DIVINE lineage! The first 17 verses explain his human descent, verse 18 explains his divine descent. It’s a miraculous truth! Joseph didn’t get it (wanted to divorce her) and I would not have either. But we have to remember that not understanding something doesn’t disqualify truth. Jesus is God and this was the divine, amazing plan of the trinity! “Immanuel – God with Us” – what an wonderful promise!
SO WHAT?!
*What is your family background? Godly heritage or not really? Jesus’ family background was filled with scars & outcasts and yet God used Him! How much more can God use you & me & any who will surrender their lives to the Lord! Sweeeeeeeeet!!!!
*Jesus was both Human & Holy! God wants us to strive for the same. The human part we’ve got down, it’s the holy that needs work! No perfection, but direction. How does it show in your life & mine that we desire to live a godly life for Christ? What are you & I giving up to do so?
*Ever feel alone, discouraged or abandoned? Then the good news of Jesus being Immanuel, God with us should pump you up! He will never leave or forsake His kids! Are you one of His? Putting your trust & faith in Jesus alone for the forgiveness of your sins makes you the Kings kid! If you’ve never done that, what’s stopping you from doing that right now? If you are His kid, then know He’s with you ALWAYS!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
2 Tomothy 4 DEVO: Last Words
Chapter 4:
A person’s last words are often both remembered & recorded. Today we read the last written words of the apostle Paul. He is passing the baton of ministry to Timothy and he wants to sum up what is important. He begins by charging him to eternal thinking: “in view of his appearing and his kingdom…” Those who want to make an impact for Christ must have an eternal perspective. And here’s the main key: “Preach the Word.” Not slick sayings, not stories, not our own ideas. Only the Word of God is living and active, your words and mine are not! Simple statement, but complex applications because God’s Word will “correct, rebuke and encourage” – and most people don’t want the first two! They’d rather have their ears tickled with sweet nothings. Worse yet, they’d rather hear myths. Timothy – don’t you go that direction! “…keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” Paul was passing the Gospel baton “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.”
What comes next is what I, and all believers, would hope to say at the end of life, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” Kuddos Paul for a life well lived!
The rest of the letter I would call “Friends & Foes” because in ministry and in life there are both those who partner with you and those who seek to derail what you are doing. Those like John Mark (an example of Paul’s forgiveness), whom Paul calls helpful, and those like Alexander whom strongly oppose! More reason Paul is constantly saying to guard the truth! What kept Paul going? “…the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed…” Yep – having the LORD by his side!
SO WHAT?!
*What are some famous last words you have heard? (click here for some) What would you like you last words to be? And to whom?
*All of us need at least 3 people in our lives: A Paul (those who are mentoring us), A Timothy (those whom we are mentoring) and a Barnabas (those who just plain encourage us no matter what). If you have these three, take a moment and thank God for them! If you don’t, take a moment and ask God to bring these people into your life!
*How is ministry going for you? Excited? Bored? Discouraged? Do you tend to focus on the friends or the foes? Don’t let others get you down, “keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
A person’s last words are often both remembered & recorded. Today we read the last written words of the apostle Paul. He is passing the baton of ministry to Timothy and he wants to sum up what is important. He begins by charging him to eternal thinking: “in view of his appearing and his kingdom…” Those who want to make an impact for Christ must have an eternal perspective. And here’s the main key: “Preach the Word.” Not slick sayings, not stories, not our own ideas. Only the Word of God is living and active, your words and mine are not! Simple statement, but complex applications because God’s Word will “correct, rebuke and encourage” – and most people don’t want the first two! They’d rather have their ears tickled with sweet nothings. Worse yet, they’d rather hear myths. Timothy – don’t you go that direction! “…keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” Paul was passing the Gospel baton “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.”
What comes next is what I, and all believers, would hope to say at the end of life, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” Kuddos Paul for a life well lived!
The rest of the letter I would call “Friends & Foes” because in ministry and in life there are both those who partner with you and those who seek to derail what you are doing. Those like John Mark (an example of Paul’s forgiveness), whom Paul calls helpful, and those like Alexander whom strongly oppose! More reason Paul is constantly saying to guard the truth! What kept Paul going? “…the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed…” Yep – having the LORD by his side!
SO WHAT?!
*What are some famous last words you have heard? (click here for some) What would you like you last words to be? And to whom?
*All of us need at least 3 people in our lives: A Paul (those who are mentoring us), A Timothy (those whom we are mentoring) and a Barnabas (those who just plain encourage us no matter what). If you have these three, take a moment and thank God for them! If you don’t, take a moment and ask God to bring these people into your life!
*How is ministry going for you? Excited? Bored? Discouraged? Do you tend to focus on the friends or the foes? Don’t let others get you down, “keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.”
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
2 Timothy 3 DEVO: Life Today & How To Conquer It
Chapter 3:
As you read the first six verses what comes tom mind: Today’s newspaper? Your school? Your workplace? Your friends? Your self? Those who say the Bible isn’t relevant must have skipped over this section, even though it was written nearly 1950 years ago! Paul sets forth quite the list of character traits that described not only his people at the time, but us today as well:
- Lovers of themselves (check)
- Lovers of money (check)
- Boastful (trying to look better than I am - check)
- Proud (check)
- Abusive (evil speech – check)
- Disobedient to their parents (ask your parents – check)
- Ungrateful (not usually but…..check)
- Unholy (duh – check)
- Without Love (family affection first – check)
- Unforgiving (hold grudge – check)
- Slanderous (Pastor’s message this week – check)
- Without self-control (I deny myself very little – check)
- Brutal (I’m sure I’ve been – check)
- Not lovers of the good (lose my focus – check)
- Treacherous (traitor – not sure, but – check)
- Rash (careless, just ask Jean – check)
- Conceited (see #4 – check)
- Lovers of Pleasure (put myself before things of God – check)
- Having a form of godliness (before Jesus – check)
Ok – So I’m guilty of them all. How about you? If you said no, then you blew at least number 3! Anyway, this is a convicting list, and one that would throw me into depression if verse 10 didn’t start with “You, however,….” GREAT words! Direction, not perfection is the key here. God knows we’re ALL guilty of these at times, but when they begin to define our lives, that’s a problem.
So what is the solution? Paul writes:
- Follow His example: (10-11) Paul went thru some pretty tough stuff and endured!
- Expect tough times: (12-13) Ok, so how many of us have verse 13 as a memory verse? Not the kind of verse we put to memory, yet just as true.
- Keep on keepin’ on: (14) Much of the Christian life is the daily grind of saying no to our selfish desires & temptations from the enemy and instead following the ways of the Lord.
- Let God’s Word… (15-16) Its gives eternal life and wisdom!
o Teach me – God’s ways are not my ways.
o Rebuke me – Bible constantly smacks me in the face when my heart or actions are wrong.
o Correct me – Sets me on the right course.
o Train me – It’s like a spiritual workout!
- Why? So God can use me! (17) Completely gives me all I need to serve the Lord!
SO WHAT?!
*Take the list at the beginning and go through it. Circle the top two things you’d like God to help you with. Commit them to prayer & practice over the next 30 days and watch God do some great things!
*What has the Bible taught you lately? How has it rebuked & corrected you? How are you being trained by it?
*If you’re a believer in Christ, take a moment right now and thank God that you are new creation, that you are being transformed and fro the fact that He will complete the good work He began in you & me!!!
As you read the first six verses what comes tom mind: Today’s newspaper? Your school? Your workplace? Your friends? Your self? Those who say the Bible isn’t relevant must have skipped over this section, even though it was written nearly 1950 years ago! Paul sets forth quite the list of character traits that described not only his people at the time, but us today as well:
- Lovers of themselves (check)
- Lovers of money (check)
- Boastful (trying to look better than I am - check)
- Proud (check)
- Abusive (evil speech – check)
- Disobedient to their parents (ask your parents – check)
- Ungrateful (not usually but…..check)
- Unholy (duh – check)
- Without Love (family affection first – check)
- Unforgiving (hold grudge – check)
- Slanderous (Pastor’s message this week – check)
- Without self-control (I deny myself very little – check)
- Brutal (I’m sure I’ve been – check)
- Not lovers of the good (lose my focus – check)
- Treacherous (traitor – not sure, but – check)
- Rash (careless, just ask Jean – check)
- Conceited (see #4 – check)
- Lovers of Pleasure (put myself before things of God – check)
- Having a form of godliness (before Jesus – check)
Ok – So I’m guilty of them all. How about you? If you said no, then you blew at least number 3! Anyway, this is a convicting list, and one that would throw me into depression if verse 10 didn’t start with “You, however,….” GREAT words! Direction, not perfection is the key here. God knows we’re ALL guilty of these at times, but when they begin to define our lives, that’s a problem.
So what is the solution? Paul writes:
- Follow His example: (10-11) Paul went thru some pretty tough stuff and endured!
- Expect tough times: (12-13) Ok, so how many of us have verse 13 as a memory verse? Not the kind of verse we put to memory, yet just as true.
- Keep on keepin’ on: (14) Much of the Christian life is the daily grind of saying no to our selfish desires & temptations from the enemy and instead following the ways of the Lord.
- Let God’s Word… (15-16) Its gives eternal life and wisdom!
o Teach me – God’s ways are not my ways.
o Rebuke me – Bible constantly smacks me in the face when my heart or actions are wrong.
o Correct me – Sets me on the right course.
o Train me – It’s like a spiritual workout!
- Why? So God can use me! (17) Completely gives me all I need to serve the Lord!
SO WHAT?!
*Take the list at the beginning and go through it. Circle the top two things you’d like God to help you with. Commit them to prayer & practice over the next 30 days and watch God do some great things!
*What has the Bible taught you lately? How has it rebuked & corrected you? How are you being trained by it?
*If you’re a believer in Christ, take a moment right now and thank God that you are new creation, that you are being transformed and fro the fact that He will complete the good work He began in you & me!!!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
2 Timothy 2 DEVO: Discipline, Duty, Danger
Chapter 2:
Three points all starting with the same letter, sounds Baptist. But I think there are 3 ideas Paul is wanting to communicate to Timothy and this will help me remember!
First, he reminds Timmy to continually be strengthened by the grace of Christ – the good news of the Gospel! Never forget that you were hopeless and God stepped in & offered us hope! Next is probably the clearest verse on passing the discipleship baton in the new testament: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” From God to Jesus to Paul to Timothy to Reliable Men to Others! How does this happen? Paul gives four pictures of how to be strong in God’s grace in order to pass it on: Teacher, Soldier, Athlete, Farmer. And what is the common thread? DISCIPLINE! All of the occupations require patience & endurance looking for future reward! So, “Remember Jesus Christ….” (8) and be strong in grace!
Second, we have a duty: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Of all the great things that God has given us, none is more valuable than His Word! It is both a treasure we are to enjoy & a trust we are to take care of! And again, discipline is required, because spending daily time reading the Bible & praying may at times seem unglamorous or mundane. But in actuality, it is the greatest way to be drawn to God! And as we do so we become “an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”
Finally, because our faith is a guarded treasure, there are dangers that lurk to destroy in – some from within and others from the outside. This requires both a turning from and a turning to: “FLEE the evil desires of youth, and PURSUE righteousness, faith, love and peace…” Sexual sin is a huge issue among students (and all people) and one we are called to run from – even though our emotions can often want to take over! Arguing & fighting put our usability in danger as well. The better response keeps our eyes on eternal things: “Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
SO WHAT?!
*So, on the scale of laziness – disciplined, where do you land? How about spiritually? Are you keeping up with our daily readings? Takes discipline doesn’t it? (Just ask the guy who gave his word he would write daily devotions to go along with it! – hehe…) Ask God for help and then find a buddy to hold you accountable!
*How are you “correctly handling your Bible?” Can you explain the Gospel to another? If friends have life questions, can you go to your Bible and help them find wisdom & answers. There are no shortcuts here. It takes TIME with God in prayer and His Word. Lord, help us to be devoted to these!
*Which is easier for you: fleeing or pursuing? Why? If you do one without the other, can you fulfill verse 21? What “impure” things do you need to ask God to help you id yourself of today?
Three points all starting with the same letter, sounds Baptist. But I think there are 3 ideas Paul is wanting to communicate to Timothy and this will help me remember!
First, he reminds Timmy to continually be strengthened by the grace of Christ – the good news of the Gospel! Never forget that you were hopeless and God stepped in & offered us hope! Next is probably the clearest verse on passing the discipleship baton in the new testament: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” From God to Jesus to Paul to Timothy to Reliable Men to Others! How does this happen? Paul gives four pictures of how to be strong in God’s grace in order to pass it on: Teacher, Soldier, Athlete, Farmer. And what is the common thread? DISCIPLINE! All of the occupations require patience & endurance looking for future reward! So, “Remember Jesus Christ….” (8) and be strong in grace!
Second, we have a duty: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Of all the great things that God has given us, none is more valuable than His Word! It is both a treasure we are to enjoy & a trust we are to take care of! And again, discipline is required, because spending daily time reading the Bible & praying may at times seem unglamorous or mundane. But in actuality, it is the greatest way to be drawn to God! And as we do so we become “an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”
Finally, because our faith is a guarded treasure, there are dangers that lurk to destroy in – some from within and others from the outside. This requires both a turning from and a turning to: “FLEE the evil desires of youth, and PURSUE righteousness, faith, love and peace…” Sexual sin is a huge issue among students (and all people) and one we are called to run from – even though our emotions can often want to take over! Arguing & fighting put our usability in danger as well. The better response keeps our eyes on eternal things: “Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.”
SO WHAT?!
*So, on the scale of laziness – disciplined, where do you land? How about spiritually? Are you keeping up with our daily readings? Takes discipline doesn’t it? (Just ask the guy who gave his word he would write daily devotions to go along with it! – hehe…) Ask God for help and then find a buddy to hold you accountable!
*How are you “correctly handling your Bible?” Can you explain the Gospel to another? If friends have life questions, can you go to your Bible and help them find wisdom & answers. There are no shortcuts here. It takes TIME with God in prayer and His Word. Lord, help us to be devoted to these!
*Which is easier for you: fleeing or pursuing? Why? If you do one without the other, can you fulfill verse 21? What “impure” things do you need to ask God to help you id yourself of today?
Monday, July 12, 2010
2 Timothy 1 DEVO: Unashamed
Introduction:
I love this letter! 2 Timothy is in my Top 5 Fave’s when it comes to books in the Bible! It wreaks with relationship, with discipleship and includes the final words of faithful servant Paul to one whom he is passing the baton of faith - Timothy!
Paul’s second letter to Timothy is much more personal as it was written near the end of his life. He knew his death was near (4:6-7) and because the Gospel was more important to Paul than even his life, he wanted to be sure Timothy would continue the message. He personally directs Timothy to maintain his spiritual passion (1:1-7) and to be a faithful partner of his suffering for the gospel (1:8-2:13). Paul warns again against false teachers (2:14-19) and urges Timothy to be a noble servant of Christ (2:20-26). Chapter 3:1-9 describes the conditions in the last days (we are in them). Then he gives Timothy his final charge (3:10-4:5). Paul was in prison and soon after this letter was written, he was beheaded for his faith. Paul knew Timothy would carry a heavy ministry responsibility in his absence and so he gives him these final words.
Chapter 1: Unashamed
If there is one word I would use to describe the apostle Paul it would be “unashamed.” From the moment he came to know Jesus (Acts 9) to his final recorded words, Paul clearly, boldly and proudly spoke of Jesus Christ his Savior. Timothy had the blessing to be around such a person as he traveled & ministered with Paul. There no other person whom Paul was closer to and whom he would rather hand off his ministry to. So he reminds Timothy of two things: His “sincere faith” and “to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…” Faith and serving God are a calling that requires “a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” – and Timothy, you have what it takes! What encouraging words for Timothy to hear from his mentor!
He then tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel (8-12). Why repeat the Gospel to Timothy? Because it should never get old to any of us! We need always to remember, remember, remember what Jesus did for us!
Then, as mentor, Paul writes, “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Stick to the truth you’ve learned form the scriptures Timmy, remember Jesus, be loving and let the Holy Spirit use you!
Finally, Paul reminds him there will be ups & downs in ministry: “everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me” and “show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me…….was not ashamed of my chains…………in many ways he helped me”
SO WHAT?!
*Do you have a sense of mission? Every great man or woman of God has had this. Not selfish ambition for success, but to do your part in contributing to God’s purposes. Is Jesus, the Gospel, more important to us than even our lives? Lord, make Acts 20:24 true, not only in my life as student pastor, but in the lives of all who read this!
*How are you involved in passing the baton of faith? 2 Timothy contrasts Paul’s strengths with Timothy’s struggles. This is a mature believer training a younger believer. Who is your Paul? Who is your Timothy? Each of us needs to be involved in passing the baton o faith to others. Are you? If not, ask your pastor or mentor their advice on how you can be!
*Ever been hurt in ministry? You stepped out to serve Jesus and got criticized or ridiculed or just plain ditched. Then you can relate to Paul……….oh, and to Jesus! Imagine where we’d be if the first time Jesus got criticized, He said I’m not doing this!~ Later in Chapter 3 Paul will write, “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” Don’t let people or circumstances rob you of the joy in serving Jesus!
I love this letter! 2 Timothy is in my Top 5 Fave’s when it comes to books in the Bible! It wreaks with relationship, with discipleship and includes the final words of faithful servant Paul to one whom he is passing the baton of faith - Timothy!
Paul’s second letter to Timothy is much more personal as it was written near the end of his life. He knew his death was near (4:6-7) and because the Gospel was more important to Paul than even his life, he wanted to be sure Timothy would continue the message. He personally directs Timothy to maintain his spiritual passion (1:1-7) and to be a faithful partner of his suffering for the gospel (1:8-2:13). Paul warns again against false teachers (2:14-19) and urges Timothy to be a noble servant of Christ (2:20-26). Chapter 3:1-9 describes the conditions in the last days (we are in them). Then he gives Timothy his final charge (3:10-4:5). Paul was in prison and soon after this letter was written, he was beheaded for his faith. Paul knew Timothy would carry a heavy ministry responsibility in his absence and so he gives him these final words.
Chapter 1: Unashamed
If there is one word I would use to describe the apostle Paul it would be “unashamed.” From the moment he came to know Jesus (Acts 9) to his final recorded words, Paul clearly, boldly and proudly spoke of Jesus Christ his Savior. Timothy had the blessing to be around such a person as he traveled & ministered with Paul. There no other person whom Paul was closer to and whom he would rather hand off his ministry to. So he reminds Timothy of two things: His “sincere faith” and “to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you…” Faith and serving God are a calling that requires “a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline” – and Timothy, you have what it takes! What encouraging words for Timothy to hear from his mentor!
He then tells Timothy not to be ashamed of the Gospel (8-12). Why repeat the Gospel to Timothy? Because it should never get old to any of us! We need always to remember, remember, remember what Jesus did for us!
Then, as mentor, Paul writes, “What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” Stick to the truth you’ve learned form the scriptures Timmy, remember Jesus, be loving and let the Holy Spirit use you!
Finally, Paul reminds him there will be ups & downs in ministry: “everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me” and “show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me…….was not ashamed of my chains…………in many ways he helped me”
SO WHAT?!
*Do you have a sense of mission? Every great man or woman of God has had this. Not selfish ambition for success, but to do your part in contributing to God’s purposes. Is Jesus, the Gospel, more important to us than even our lives? Lord, make Acts 20:24 true, not only in my life as student pastor, but in the lives of all who read this!
*How are you involved in passing the baton of faith? 2 Timothy contrasts Paul’s strengths with Timothy’s struggles. This is a mature believer training a younger believer. Who is your Paul? Who is your Timothy? Each of us needs to be involved in passing the baton o faith to others. Are you? If not, ask your pastor or mentor their advice on how you can be!
*Ever been hurt in ministry? You stepped out to serve Jesus and got criticized or ridiculed or just plain ditched. Then you can relate to Paul……….oh, and to Jesus! Imagine where we’d be if the first time Jesus got criticized, He said I’m not doing this!~ Later in Chapter 3 Paul will write, “everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted…” Don’t let people or circumstances rob you of the joy in serving Jesus!
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