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Our Daily BreaD®

Writers:Dave Branon • William E. Crowder • Martin R. DeHaan II Richard W. DeHaan • H. Dennis Fisher • Chek Phang Hia Herbert VanderLugt • David C. McCasland Haddon W. Robinson • David H. Roper • Marvin L. Williams

AcknoWledgments:Cover Photo: Point Betsie Lighthouse, Michigan, USA, Alex Soh, © RBC Ministries

Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan.

Managing Editor: Anne Cetas • assistant Editor: Becky KnappContent Compiled by Sim Kay Tee

© 2014 RBC Ministries. All rights reserved. • Printed in Singapore.

Special Edition

Reflections on 2 Timothy

32

Uncompromising FaithFUlness in an age oF

compromise

Whether it is the television miniseries The Bible or the box office movies Passion of Christ, Son of God or Noah, the world has been watching the Bible on

the TV or the silver screens. But what do people believe about the Bible? Do they

believe that the Bible is God’s Word? Do they believe in the God who gave us His Word?

Introduction to 2 Timothy

3

A 2013 State of the Bible Survey revealed that the number of people who believe that the Bible is “just another book of teachings written by men that contains stories and advice” has nearly doubled from 10 percent to 19 percent in just three years. It also showed that only 56 percent believed that the Bible is the inspired Word of God!

Apostle Paul would not be surprised by these survey find-ings. Writing to his young protégé Timothy, Paul warned that increasingly people “will abandon the faith” (1 Timothy 4:1-2), “scoffing at God” (2 Timothy 3:2 nlt). Hence, Paul urged Timothy . . .

• To guard the gospel. “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” (2 Timothy 1:13-14).

• To be prepared to suffer for the gospel. “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. . . . Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained” (2 Timothy 2:3, 8-9).

• To remain faithful to the gospel. “While evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of” (2 Timothy 3:13-14).

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• To persist in proclaiming the gospel. “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, . . . I give you this charge: Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. . . . do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry” (2 Timo- thy 4:1-2, 5).

Though there will be growing skepticism, hostility and rejection of God and His Word, Timothy need not be ashamed of the Bible; instead he must be diligent in “correctly explaining the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 nlt).

Paul reminded Timothy to remain faithful to God’s Word (2 Timothy 3:14) by emphasizing the centrality and essentiality of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:15), affirming the accuracy, the infallibility, the authority, the sufficiency, the efficacy, and the profitability of God’s Word for daily living.

Like Paul, we affirm that the Bible is God’s Word! We believe that “all Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16) and “comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). The human authors of the Bible made it clear that what they spoke or wrote were the Lord’s instructions. They wrote down what God told them (Exodus 24:3-4, 34:27; Jeremiah 30:1-2; Hosea 1:1; Joel 1:1; Habakkuk 2:2; Haggai 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:1; 2 Peter 1:21).

This selection of articles from Our Daily Bread opens our hearts and minds to this second letter that Paul wrote to Timothy. May these devotional thoughts encourage us to “remain faithful to the things [we] have been taught” because we know “they are true … and have given [us] the wisdom

to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:14-15 nlt).

If you find these articles helpful and would like to receive the Our Daily Bread devotional, just complete the request form at the back of this booklet and send it to us. Our materials are offered at no charge. We are supported by the freewill donations of our members and friends.

Sim Kay Tee RBC Ministries

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Jim Cymbala’s daughter had been running from God for a long time. Chrissy had rebelled

against her family, had left home, and was living as far from God as she could.

But one night, this teenager awoke with the distinct feeling that someone was praying for her.

And someone was. The entire congregation of the church her father pastored was talking to God about her. During their weekly prayer meeting, a member suggested they should all pray for Chrissy.

Two days later, she came home. The first question she had for her startled father was this: “Who was praying for me?” She begged forgiveness and recommitted her life to Christ.

In the apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy, he told the young first-century pastor that he was praying for him night and day (1:3). Timothy was facing some big challenges, so it must have been encouraging to know that Paul was praying specifically for him.

Are there some people we know who are in bondage to sin as Chrissy was, or who are facing a challenge as Timothy was? Are we willing to spend some concentrated time praying for them? Are we confident that God will answer?

Who’s praying? We all should be. —Dave Branon

To influence others for God, intercede with God for others.

Day 1

Night and day I constantly

remember you in my prayers. 2 TimoThy 1:3

Who’s praying?1 Paul, an apostle of

Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

2 To Timothy, my dear son:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and

Christ Jesus our Lord.3 I thank God, whom I

serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.

Today’s Bible Reading2 timothy 1:1-4

Reflections

98

Whenever I meet a Christian for the first time, I’m inter-ested in learning how he

came to trust Jesus as his Savior. Each person has a different story to tell, but they all testify that they learned the truth because of the efforts of oth-ers—their parents, pastors, Sunday school teachers, Bible club leaders, friends, writers. Someone has rightly observed that the body of Christ grows through “an unbroken chain of teachers.”

In today’s Scripture we learn that Timothy became a believer through the influence of his grandmother Lois, his mother Eunice, and the teaching of Paul (2 Timothy 1:5; 2:2). The apostle told Timothy to become part of that chain and “entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (v.2).

The “reliable men” Paul had in mind were probably church elders, yet he was expressing a principle that applies to every believer. We had to receive the truth from someone; now it is our gracious privilege and solemn duty to transmit that truth to others.

Think of yourself as a link in the living chain that extends from the time Jesus lived on earth to the present. We must keep that chain strong by telling others about Him so that the gospel will reach to future generations. —Herbert VanderLugt

The good news is meant to be shared.

an Unbroken chain

Day 2

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. 2 TimoThy 2:2

5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. 6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering

for the gospel, by the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.


Reflections

1110

D o you know an aglet from a tang? Would you recognize duff if you walked on it?

It’s not essential to know these terms to make it through life success-fully. If you didn’t know that an aglet is “the covering on the end of a shoelace,” that a tang is “the projecting prong on a tool,” or that duff is “the decaying mat-ter found on a forest floor,” it’s not all that important. You could always look it up.

We can be glad we don’t have to know everything to get by in this world. We often can depend on someone else’s knowledge. For instance, I don’t know how to fix the brakes of my car—but as long as someone else knows and can fix them, I’m okay.

There is a knowledge, however, for which we are individu-ally responsible if we expect to enter heaven. I’m talking about knowing Christ personally. We live in an age of expanding information, and a personal relationship with Christ is the only way to live wisely and be prepared to meet God. The apostle Paul had this in mind when he said, “I know whom I have believed.”

Do you know the One who died for you and can forgive your sins? Unless you know Him, all other knowledge is insig-nificant. —Dave Branon

To know Christ is the greatest of all knowledge.

What yoU Don’t knoW

Day 3

Yet I am not ashamed, because

I know whom I have believed.

2 TimoThy 1:12

12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.


Reflections

1312

I received an e-mail asking if I would spend some time with an ailing pastor. The writer said, “Even

pastors need to be ministered to.” She is right. Everybody needs the

encouragement of a friend. Even the courageous and deeply spiritual apos-tle Paul drew on the support of friends as he languished in a dungeon await-ing execution. This is evident from his desire that the Lord extend special mercy to the family of a friend named One-siphorus (2 Timothy 1:16).

This man had gone to great lengths to find Paul, who was imprisoned in Rome. His visits to the apostle were a great encouragement. Paul expressed his gratitude for Onesiphorus, and he wrote, “May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day!” (v.18). Since all believers will receive mercy when they stand before Christ, I believe Paul meant that God will give special recognition to those who have shown special kindness to His servants.

Many people are looking for a little encouragement from a Christian friend. A pleasant greeting, a verse from the Bible, or a simple prayer can do wonders. Onesiphorus was a special friend because he showed special kindness. Let’s follow his example. —Herbert VanderLugt

Kind words are always music to a heavy heart.

be a FrienD

Day 4

May the Lord show mercy to the household

of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed

of my chains. 2 TimoThy 1:16

15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was

not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.


Reflections

1514

Felipe Massa of Brazil should have won the Formula One Grand Prix in Singapore in September 2008.

But as he drove off from a refueling stop while in the lead, the fuel hose was still attached. By the time his team removed the hose, he had lost so much time that he finished 13th.

The apostle Paul warned Timothy of another kind of attachment that would cause him defeat—“civilian affairs” (2 Timothy 2:4). He urged Timothy not to let anything slow him down or distract him from the cause of his Lord and Master.

There are many attractive things in our world that are so easy to get entangled with—hobbies, sports, TV, computer games. These may start off as “refueling” activities, but later they can take up so much of our time and thought that they interfere with the purpose for which God created us: to share the good news of Christ, serve Him with our gifts, and bring glory to Him.

Paul told Timothy why he ought not be entangled with this world’s affairs: So that he could “please his commanding officer” (v.4). If your desire is to please the Lord Jesus, you will want to stay untangled from the world. As John reminds us, “The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). —C. P. Hia

Although we live in this world, we must declare our allegiance to heaven.

an attacheD FUel hose

Day 5

No one serving as a soldier

gets involved in civilian affairs—he

wants to please his commanding

officer. 2 TimoThy 2:4

1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 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. 3 Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs—he wants to

please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.


Reflections

1716

It was the kind of moment that peo-ple have nightmares about. A tanker truck filled with 2,500 gallons of

propane gas caught fire while parked at a fuel storage warehouse. The flames shot 30 to 40 feet out of the back of the truck and quickly spread to a load-ing dock. Several large tanks nearby were in danger of exploding.

At that point, the plant manager, after helping to rescue the badly burned driver, jumped into the cab and drove the blazing truck away from the warehouse. His quick action and courage saved lives.

The apostle Paul also risked his life on behalf of others (2 Timothy 2:10). He was stoned and left for dead (Acts 14:19). On another occasion he was mobbed, whipped, and impris-oned (16:22-23). Three times he was shipwrecked, and he was beaten many times with lashes and rods (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). Why did Paul willingly endure such suffering? He was thinking in terms of eternal fire and eternal life, so he gladly undertook the risk.

Do we see the danger as clearly as Paul did? Do we take advantage of opportunities to go to the rescue of people who need the good news of Christ? Are we filled with the same sense of purpose that caused Paul to endure all things for the sake of the lost? —Mart DeHaan

It’s risky to go out on a limb— but that’s where the fruit is.

the reason anD the risk

Day 6

Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may

obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with

eternal glory. 2 TimoThy 2:10

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with

eternal glory. 11 Here is a trustworthy

saying: If we died with him, we

will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will

also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;

13 if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.


Reflections

1918

I n her amusing book Eats, Shoots & Leaves, Lynne Truss bemoans the problem of poor punctuation in

today’s world. To illustrate, she tells the funny story of a panda who enters a café, orders a sandwich, eats it, and then pulls out a gun and starts shoot-ing. When a waiter asks him to explain his behavior, the panda hands him a poorly punctuated wildlife guide and asks him to look up the description of a panda. It reads: “Panda. Large black-and-white bear-like mammal, native to China. Eats, shoots and leaves.”

Having a comma after the word eats is an error that changes the whole meaning of the last sentence. The words shoots and leaves become actions, instead of plants to eat.

This idea of being careful with language is important in Bible study as well. Paul described this process as “correctly handl[ing] the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). The phrase translated “correctly handl[ing]” was used of a skilled crafts-man cutting something straight. In the context of Bible study, it means taking the time for diligent and careful study, while prayerfully asking for the Holy Spirit’s guidance. It means teaching the truth directly and correctly. Accurately discerning and passing on God’s truth must be the priority of every conscientious believer. —Dennis Fisher

Apply yourself to the study of the Bible and apply the Bible to yourself.

Day 7

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.

2 TimoThy 2:15

the shooting panDa

14 Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarrelling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 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. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their

teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”


Reflections

2120

According to Greek mythology, sirens (sea nymphs) inhabited certain Mediterranean coastal

areas. As ships passed by, the sirens sang such enchanting songs that the sailors, drawn by the music, would jump overboard and drown.

Odysseus was on a ship that had to pass that way. Aware of the power-ful allurement of those songs, he ordered that he be bound with ropes to the mast and that the crewmen’s ears be sealed with wax to block out the tantaliz-ing music of the sirens. Having taken such precautions, Odysseus and the rest of the crew were able to sail past without yielding to the lure of the sea nymphs.

As Christians, we should be prepared to resist any temp-tations to evil. We must hate sin and be so serious about not giving in to its allurements that we are determined to deny our desire to participate in it.

Are there recurring sins in your life that have been defeat-ing you? Drastic measures must be taken. You must keep away from any enticements that you know would play into your weakness. The best protection against temptation is to heed the warning Paul gave to Timothy: “Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness” (2 Timothy 2:22). That was good counsel then; it’s still good today. —Richard DeHaan

The best way to escape temptation is to flee to God.

Flee temptation

Day 8

Flee the evil desires of youth,

and pursue righteousness, faith, love and

peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a

pure heart. 2 TimoThy 2:22

20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. 21 If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy,

useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.


Reflections

2322

There are times when we must “contend for the faith” (Jude 3). But in doing so, we must

never be ungracious or antagonistic. The 17th-century English Puritans were right when they said that faith can never be foisted on another per-son. Consent must be gained by gen-tle persuasion and reason.

Today’s Bible reading underscores that principle. Paul told Timothy that “the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone” (2 Timothy 2:24). He wanted Timothy to be thoughtful and relevant in proclaiming the truth, not defensive. When people opposed the truth, he was to gently correct them in the hope that God would “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” (vv.25-26).

What was true for a young leader like Timothy applies to all believers. Those who oppose us are not the enemy but victims of the enemy. They can be delivered, Paul insisted, but we are to speak the truth in love.

Truth without love is dogma that does not touch the heart. Love without truth is sentimentalism that does not challenge the will. When truth is spoken with love, God’s Spirit can use it to change another’s mind. —David Roper

Truth spoken in love is hard to refuse.

speaking the trUth in love

Day 9

And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able

to teach, not resentful.

2 TimoThy 2:24

23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 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, 26 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.


Reflections

2524

A British company has devel-oped a product called “Spray-On Mud” so city dwellers can

give their expensive 4×4 vehicles the appearance of having been off-road for a day of hunting or fishing with-out ever leaving town. The mud is even filtered to remove stones and debris that might scratch the paint. According to the company, sales are going well.

There is something within each of us that values how we look on the outside more than who we are on the inside. It causes some people to pad their résumés or embellish their memoirs. But it has no place in our lives as followers of Jesus.

Paul warned Timothy about people in the church who had a form of godliness but denied its power. “They will maintain a façade of ‘religion,’ but their conduct will deny its validity. You must keep clear of people like this” (2 Timothy 3:5 phIllIps). The inward reality of Christ is what counts, because it will produce the outward signs of faith.

Paul’s authority to instruct the church about spiritual authenticity came through his suffering, not by “spraying on mud.” “I bear on my body the marks of Jesus,” said the apostle (Galatians 6:17).

God calls us to authentic living today. —David McCasland

If you are true to God, you won’t be false to others.

spray-on mUD

Day 10

Having a form of godliness but

denying its power. Have nothing to do

with them. 2 TimoThy 3:5

1 But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

6 They are the kind who worm their way into

homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.


Reflections

2726

In his early years, British statesman Joseph Chamberlain (1836-1914) taught Sunday school. His favorite

Bible verse was Genesis 12:5, “They went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came” (kjv).

That verse was a motto well-suited to a man of his iron will. It also gave him a biblical basis for citing two qualifica-tions for success in life. One is to have the right destina-tion—”They went forth to go into the land of Canaan.” The second is to keep going after we have started—”into the land of Canaan they came.”

As the apostle Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, he knew that he would die soon, and he reflected on his life. He was not a leaf tossed about by the winds; he was an arrow headed for a target. Paul found his direction and destination in his relationship with Christ, and he wanted to cultivate in Timothy the virtues of a well-lived life. He offered himself as a model: “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance” (2 Timothy 3:10). “Stay with it,” he seemed to be saying to young Timothy.

Keeping Christ uppermost in our lives will keep us headed right and will give us the strength to keep going. —Haddon Robinson

We conquer by continuing.

keep going!Day 11

Continue in what you have learned and have become

convinced of. 2 TimoThy 3:14

10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet

the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.


Reflections

2928

On a road trip with a friend, we used his GPS navigation device to guide us as we

drove each day. After entering our destination on the screen, a voice told us which road to follow, as well as when and where to make each turn. When we left the route, whether accidentally or deliberately, the voice would say, “Recalculating.” Then it would tell us how to get back on the right road.

Second Timothy 3:16 describes the Bible as a spiritual navigation system for our journey through life. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, cor-recting and training in righteousness.” Teaching tells us which road to travel; rebuking tells us when we are off the road; cor-recting tells us how to get back on; training in righteousness tells us how to stay on God’s road.

The mistakes and choices that detour us from the Lord are not to be taken lightly. But failure is seldom fatal and few decisions are final. The moment we veer off on our own, the Holy Spirit is “recalculating” and urging us to return to the Father’s way.

If we’ve drifted off course, there’s no better time than right now to heed God’s voice and return to His road. —David McCasland

To stay on course, trust the compass of God’s Word.

recalcUlating

Day 12

All Scripture is God-breathed

and is useful for teaching, rebuking,

correcting and training in righteousness.

2 TimoThy 3:16

14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation

through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.


Reflections

3130

Grading university papers is full of surprises. Sometimes, one of my students will success-

fully handle a subject and display good writing style, and I feel as if my instruction was worthwhile.

Other surprises aren’t so pleasant. Like the paper in which a student wrote, “The Bible says, ‘Thou shalt not ____.’?” He filled in the blank with the activity he was writing about—even though Scripture does not contain such a verse. I thought his biggest problem was not knowing Scripture, until he concluded, “Although the Bible says this is wrong, I don’t see why, so I think it’s okay.”

It’s dangerous and the worst kind of arrogance to think we know more about an issue than God does. Scripture pre-dicted this kind of thinking. Paul said in 2 Timothy 4: “For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths” (vv.3-4). This points to people who set aside the inspired Word of God (3:16) in order to accept teaching they think is “okay.”

When the Bible clearly spells out a principle, we honor God by obeying Him. For believers, there’s no room for “Yeah, but . . .” responses to Scripture. —Dave Branon

The Bible: Read it, believe it, obey it!

yeah, bUt . . .Day 13

They will turn their ears away from

the truth. 2 TimoThy 4:4

1 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when men will not put up with

sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.


Reflections

3332

When I was a kid, I dreamed of becoming a black belt in karate. Several years

ago, I began training and came close to fulfilling that goal. However, two belts away from my goal, I quit. There were two reasons—my teacher changed styles in the middle of my training, and I got so busy that I could not devote adequate time for training.

Almost every week, I am nagged by the thought that God wants me to be a finisher in all aspects of my life—but espe-cially in my service for Him.

As Paul spoke of the conclusion of his life, he did not have any nagging thoughts of unfinished business about his ministry. In this final farewell (2 Timothy 4:7), Paul used imagery-rich words to talk about finishing his service for Christ. He described his life and ministry in terms of a fight: “I have fought the good fight.” The fight was good because he had engaged in it for God and the gospel. Then he used the imagery of a race as synonymous with his ministry: “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” Paul affirmed that by God’s grace he had finished all that God had given him to do.

As followers of Jesus, let us strive to be finishers, perse-vering in our service for Jesus Christ. —Marvin Williams

Run the race with eternity in view.

Finishers

Day 14

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

2 TimoThy 4:7

6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 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.


Reflections

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just days before his death, Gandhi wrote, “All about me is darkness; I am praying for light.” By con-

trast, evangelist D. L. Moody’s last recorded words were, “This is my triumph; this my coronation day! It is glorious!” In both cases, their last words were significant expressions of their perspectives on life, death, and everything in between.

Aside from some personal greetings, Paul’s last recorded words dealt not with what he had done in life and ministry but rather with how he viewed people. What makes it even more significant is that some of those words were about people who had disappointed him.

Regarding an individual who had harmed him by oppos-ing his ministry, Paul trusted the Lord to deal with him. And when considering those who had abandoned him when imprisoned, he asked others to handle them graciously: “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them” (2 Timothy 4:16). His last words were those of compassion and kindness instead of harshness and retaliation.

Will our last words show the grace of Christ or the bitter-ness of a wounded heart? Our answer should impact the words we use today. —Bill Crowder

What words will be your legacy?

FamoUs last WorDs

Day 15

At my first defense, no one came to my support, but

everyone deserted me. May it not be

held against them. 2 TimoThy 4:16

9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

16 At my first defense, no one came to my support,

but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers.

22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.


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