Bible Reading
2 Timothy 2:
1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
2And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
3Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
4No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
5And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully.
6The husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
7Consider what I say; and the Lord give thee understanding in all things.
8Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to my gospel:
9Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound.
10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
12If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
13If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
14Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
17And their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
18Who concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already; and overthrow the faith of some.
19Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.
20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
21If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
22Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
23But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
26And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
Devotional
Timothy was a young man, so young that Paul thought it necessary to write to him, "Let no man despise thy youth." As a young man he, no doubt, was tempted by youthful lusts; but he was not to give in to them, and follow the ways of the world; but he should shun them, and be an example of believers, in word, in conversation (conduct), in charity (love), in spirit, in faith, in purity. Thus alone could he be a true servant of Jesus Christ. It would not do to preach the truth to others and then not walk in the truth himself. But this admonition is not only applicable to young preachers but to all young people, who want to be followers of Christ, and profess to be Christians. There is great danger, indeed, of being led astray. How quickly some young people yield to temptation, and are overcome of evil. Instead of warring a good warfare, holding faith and a good conscience, they put away the warnings of conscience, and, concerning faith, suffer shipwreck. Paul again warns: "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition." Therefore flee all evil lusts, whether love of money, carnal lusts, lust for worldly power or whatever it may be, and follow after righteousness, faith, love, peace. We must confess that in our own strength we cannot do this. But when we realize our own weakness and helplessness, we shall call on the Lord out of a pure heart. And God's strength shall be made perfect in our weakness. Then we will give him all the glory.
Prayer
O Lord God, help us to call upon Thee out of a pure heart. We must confess that by nature our hearts are sinful, full of evil lusts. We pray, purify our hearts by faith, so that we may be sanctified in Christ Jesus. Make us meet for the Master's use, prepared unto every good work. May we so let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify Thee, our Father in heaven. Amen.
Scripture in Devotional: 1 Tim. 4:12; 1:19; 6:9; 2 Cor. 12:9.
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