2 Ti 4 FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT
Friday, February 11, 2022.
2 Ti 4:7
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: this is the goal of every Christian, to hear God say: Well done good and faithful servant Mt 25:21.
Application: Paul stated three important aspects in receiving a commendation from God. Firstly, he was involved in the war. Many Christians are on the sidelines watching others fight for them, much like fans at a boxing match. Everyone needs to be involved. Secondly, Paul finished the race. He didn’t quit midway into the battle, but persevered through the difficult days 2 Ti 4:16. Lastly, he didn’t waver in his faith although he mentioned others that did 2 Ti 4:10, and those who opposed him 2 Ti 4:14. All Christians need to be encouraged by Paul’s dedication, and be confident like Paul, for their accomplishments.
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2 Ti 3 PRECIOUS TREASURE
Thursday, February 10, 2022.
2 Ti 3:16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness: the Bible was written by men directed by the Holy Spirit 2 Pe 1:21 guaranteeing that its contents are accurate and truthful. It is useful for teaching the doctrines contained within, rebuking the reader of things to avoid or to do, correcting false beliefs and learning how to live a righteous life.
Application: the more you study the Bible, the more knowledge you will have Ps 119:99, of who God is Eph 1:17, and what pleases Him Eph 5:10. It is the way to wisdom and salvation Ro 10:17, and the most powerful weapon Eph 6:17 when facing adversaries or deciding on an action to take.
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2 Ti 2 REMAINING STEADFAST
Wednesday, February 9, 2022.
2 Ti 2:12
if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us: this was an ancient hymn that Paul quoted. It begins with the thought that if we die for Christ, we will life with Him 12 Ti 2:11 meaning if we die to self-rule, then Christ will reign in our hearts. It also means if we are martyred for Christ, we will be honored in the next life. If we endure in this life, our reward will be the honor to reign with Christ in the next life. If we fall away from Christ Mt 13:21, He will deny us Mt 10:33. If we do not have faith to trust in Christ and become a poor example for others, Christ still remains faithful for He doesn’t change Heb 13:8.
Application: when someone turns away from Christ, it can have an adverse effect on others, but Christ can be counted upon to remain faithful to His promises regardless of who defects. Our faith should not be in man but in God alone.
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2 Ti 1 Holy Spirit POWER
Tuesday, February 8, 2022.
2 Ti 1:7
For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline: Paul described the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. He does not make us timid but gives us the motivation to be courageous, like the courage of Jesus at the Cross—one rooted in unconditional love. His presence is strength to endure, to be steadfast, to complete God’s assignment, not to give up. The Holy Spirit’s fruit is self-control to help us avoid worldly addictions and sinful activities in order to focus on God’s goal rather than any personal desire.
Application: do these gifts come through osmosis? No, we must diligently seek God’s truth and allow the Holy Spirit to build our character over time through experiences. The more we allow the Spirit to be our teacher, the more we will be conformed into Christ’s image 2 Co 3:18—full of love, courage and self-control.
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