Today's Scripture
Running The Race 2 Timothy 3:10-17
10 Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions, and my suffering the things that happened to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 Indeed, all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 But wicked people and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving others and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, 15 and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
RJ's Devotion
What Does the Passage Say?
V. 10-11 You know what I have gone through, for the sake of our Lord. You also know how our Lord delivered me in every situation.
V. 12-13 “Anyone who wants to live all out for Christ is in for a lot of trouble” (v. 13 The Message)
V. 14-15 Continue to do the good work like I (Paul) had set an example. Rely on the Scripture that will lead you to wisdom and salvation.
V. 16-17 The Scripture is given to us so “we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God had for us.”
What Does the passage Mean to Me/US?
The book of Timothy is more like a personal letter from Paul, to his apprentice, Timothy.
Paul sees the work of God, in this young man, and wants to see how the work of God will continue through Timothy’s ministry.
Paul says that it is inevitable to encounter trials and difficulties while doing God’s work.
We see this in many stories of the people who committed their lives to the mission of God. There will be trials and persecutions, but it was never a reason for them to give up. Rather, they will rejoice for the trials, since it is a sign for them faithfully following God’s ways.
Paul tells Timothy to remember who God’s hand rescued Paul in the times of difficulties, which means Timothy should also remember God’s faithfulness.
Paul continues to share how relying on the Scripture will be the foundation of living out the mission of God.
The Message says, “There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing you the way of salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another – showing us the truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s ways. Through the Word, we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us” (v. 16-17 The Message).
Prayer
Lord, guide us as we walk through this day, living for your mission. Help us to see how your living Word, becomes alive in our lives. In Christ Name, we pray, AMEN.
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