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

Scripture

Because I preached this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal.

Observation

The Good News is that Jesus Christ was crucified and raised from the dead. Because Paul preaches this Good News, he is chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained.

If we died with Christ, we will rise with Him. If we endure hardship, we will reign with Him. if we are unfaithful, He remains faithful.

Timothy should work hard to present himself before God as a faithful worker. We should avoid foolish talk that leads to godless behaviour. Hymenaeus and Philetus have turned some people away from faith by teaching that the resurrection of the dead has already happened.

Application

The word of God cannot be chained.

Gods word is powerful and mighty. Nobody can restrain it. Tyrants and governments try, and the more they squash the truth the more it grows.

Jesus said that if His disciple stopped praising Him, then the rocks themselves would sing his praises.

Nothing can stop the gospel from being spoken, heard, and accepted .

Some people say that we live in a post-christian society. I say that we’re in a pre-christian society. Many people have rejected the truth, but they will see that Jesus is the only answer to their personal problems and those of the nation.

The word of God, energised by the Spirit of God, is about to be released in the land in a way we have never yet seen.

Prayer

Lord, your word cannot be chained. Make it effective and powerful in all who hear it. Amen