Scripture

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realise what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Observation

Timothy knows Paul. He knows Paul’s faith and his purpose in life. He knows about the persecution that Paul has suffered at the hands of evil people and impostors.

Paul exhorts Timothy to be faithful in the things that he has been taught. Timothy has been taught the Scriptures since childhood, and these gave him the wisdom to receive salvation.

All scripture is inspired by God, and it is useful to teach us and correct us, as well as preparing us for every good work.

Application

All Scripture, the entire Bible, is inspired by God. The words that we read are God’s words to us. The understanding and wisdom that we gain our God’s wisdom.

The Bible is good to equip us for every good work in Christ. It shows us what is God’s message for the world. It teaches us the values and attitudes that we should carry in our everyday life.

The Bible is good for confronting our sins and destructive attitudes. It convicts us about where we have grieved God and teaches us how to repent and get back to friendship with God.

We need to read the Bible with the grace of the Holy Spirit. It is no good reading it with human reason. It is God’s Word, not just a human book, and so it must be interpreted to us by the Holy Spirit.

Prayer

Dear God, thank you for your special word, the Bible. Help me to read it and to receive the life-changing message it carries. Amen.

Scripture

They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that.

Reflection

Oh how my heart aches for these people who are respectable on the outside, but their hearts are far from me. They are like cockatoos who squawk loudly, they dress in there whiter than white clothes, and devour those who are naive.

Week by week they sit in churches, not listening to the message that could set them free. They infiltrate the structures of men and demand a doctrine that will tickle fleshly ears but leads people away from me.

You, my son, are not to be like that. Preach the pure word of God. Let my spirit infuse and lead all that you say and do.

How do you pursue true religion? Read my word. Pray daily. Listen to my voice.

People who practise false religion have never heard my voice. The a’re not my sheep. If they heard my voice they would follow me and receive my power to be transformed. If they heard my voice they would love me because they are seeking me but are deceived .

Again I say to you: preach my word with truth and conviction, even courage. I will lead you in my ways, and I will direct your paths because I love you and you are special to me.

Prayer

Thank you Lord for your promise to lead me in your ways. May I always be open to your Spirit. Amen.

Scripture

Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.

Observation

In wealthy homes, some vessels are for special occasions, while others of cheaper quality are for everyday use. If you keep your life pure, you will be ready for the Lord to use for every good work.

Paul urges Timothy to run away from anything that stimulates lusts, but instead to pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace.

Timothy must not get involved in foolish arguments. He should gently instruct those who oppose the truth. perhaps such people will come to their senses and escape the devil’s trap.

Application

We are not to be passive about temptation. The fact is that we are all subject to the devil’s seductions. We all have our weaknesses that satan can exploit against us.

Paul urges Timothy to be aware of these things in his own heart and flee from those situations likely to cause him to stumble.

The active side of this is that we should pursue positive things – righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Rather than being in those places that vex our soul, we must actively seek out the values that the Lord wants to grow in us.

Rather than seek the friendship of sinners, we should pursue fellowship with believers who will stimulate spiritual growth. This is not to live in a christian bubble, untouched by unbelievers. No, it is a direction to ensure that our hearts are being influenced by people who are walking in the Lord.

Prayer

Lord, please show me how to order my life according to your priorities. Please direct my path every day. Amen