2Preach the word; be prepared...

2Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with - P48

7I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8Now 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. - P49

Paul charges Timothy before God and Christ Jesus to preach the Word, correct,
rebuke, and encourage with patience and careful instruction. He warns of atime when people will reject sound doctrine and follow myths.  - P49

Paul says he is already being poured out like a drink offering; he has fought the good fight,
finished the race, and awaits the crown of righteousness. - P49

Paul charges Timothy to faithfully proclaim the gospel message and to correct, rebuke, and encourage with great patience and careful instruction. He warns that many will not listen because they prefer teachers that only talk about what they want to hear. However, Timothy is encouraged to persevere and to be level-headed and prepared for every situation. This exhortation is not simply for church leaders. All Christians at any time should be ready to share the gospel. - P50

In order to be prepared, we should diligently read Scripture, pray, and surround ourselves with those who can help us become more like Christ. Then, we will be able to endure hardship, stay level-headed in all situations, and stand ready for whatever work God has planned for us. - P50

As he sits in prison, Paul knows that he will soon meet his death. Yet, he issatisfied with his life, knowing that he has been faithful to God. Paul hasfought against those who opposed him, and he has persisted through manychallenges to complete his service to God. During Paul‘s time, a winner of arace would receive a victory crown, and Paul is confident that he will receivea crown of righteousness from the Lord because he has been faithful to hiscalling.  - P50

May we be like Paul, confident each day that we have been usingour gifts and talents to live out our God-given callings with faithfulnessand righteousness. - P50

Dear God, please prepare me to be an effective witness of the good news of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help me to be bold in my proclamation, fighting through any opposition or challenge, so that I may live out Your call with faithfulness and righteousness. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P51

With the help of the HolySpirit, God‘s Word not only reveals our sin, but it also reveals His immenselove for His people, and this compelling truth is hard to ignore. - P51

Paul warns that in the last d...

Paul warns that in the last days, people will be lovers of themselves, money,
and pleasure rather than lovers of God. They will be boastful, abusive, anddisobedient. He describes them as having a form of godliness but denyingits power and compares them to Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses.
Their folly will eventually be clear to all. - P41

Paul tells Timothy that people who pretend to be godly manipulate othersand deceive those who indulge in sin and are consumed by their evil de-sires. These hypocritical teachers oppose the truth, following their depravedminds instead. They may have initial success, but Scripture teaches thatthey will not progress very far. Their manipulation and deceitful purposeswill soon become obvious to everyone.  - P42

Let us not be easily swayed by seemingly compelling people who do not understand the truth of God‘s Word.
Rather, let us keep in step with the Holy Spirit, so that we may quicklyrecognize those who oppose the truth and are motivated by ungodly desires. - P42

Let us ask the Holy Spirit to keep us alert and discerning about the peoplewho influence us. May we not be easily impressed by appearances but rec-ognize those who trulyreflect the humility and godliness of Christ. Finally,
may we seek to become godly examples ourselves, so that those around usmay be strengthened in their faith. - P43

11persecutions, 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.

12In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

- P44

15and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

16All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,

17so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- P45

Paul reminds Timothy of his teaching, way of life, purpose, faith, patience, love,
and endurance. He recalls persecutions and sufferings, noting that everyonewho wants to live a godly life in Christ will be persecuted. Paul encouragesTimothy to continue in what he has learned from Scripture. - P45

Whatever form of persecution or suffering we may experience for the gospel, let us support one another in multiple ways, including prayer and finances, and let us keep our eyes on Jesus, who understands our suffering and is the reason why we persevere through it. - P46

Paul has faced persecution and suffering in multiple cities, but he conveys to Timothy that the pain is worth it for the sake of the gospel because the troubles are temporary. Paul has been able to continue his journey because God has rescued him every time. Life for the early Christians was especially difficult because many faced persecution and even death for their faith in Jesus. Many Christians around the world continue to face similar situations today. - P46

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Your Word that helps me know Your character and Your works. As I read more from Scripture, may I be inspired by the words You breathed and grow in wisdom and in my ability to encourage and teach those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P47

Even if we haveread the Bible since we were very young, there is always more to learn. Wewill grow in wisdom as we read it, not only for our personal growth, butalso for the benefit of others around us. - P46

A good worker requires training and equipping, so Paul reminds Timothyto continue reading and learning from Scripture. Even though Timothyhas known the Scriptures from infancy, he can grow in wisdom as he con-tinues to immerse himself in the God-breathed words. By doing so, hewill improve in his work of serving the Lord and become more effective inteaching, correcting, and training others in righteousness.  - P46

We also see the diligence and faithfulness of theprophets themselves, who have the daunting task of facing those who donot want to hear their message. The prophets have the privilege of beingGod‘s mouthpiece, but the role often comes with challenging assignmentsand even suffering.
- P47

No matter what season we are going through, we can read different textsfrom Scripture, including unfamiliar ones, and be inspired and encour-aboutaged as we see God‘s good character and works. Even in passagesjudgment, we see God‘s history of graciousness to His people. With God‘sproven record of faithfulness, we are assured that we can persevere throughany situation because we serve a God who cares about His people and isfaithful to keep His promises. - P47

1But mark this: There will be...

1But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.

2People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,

3without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good,

4treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—

5having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.
- P40

6They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires,

7always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

- P41

This warning reminds us to be discerning so that we are not so easily deceived by those who act and appear godly while pursuing personal pleasure. - P42

After saying that some who oppose the gospel will hopefully come to their senses and repent, Paul also warns that many will continue to live in unholy and unloving ways. These people are prideful and selfish and will focus on their own desires rather than caring for others. Some of them may appear godly, but they do not truly believe in the power of God. Paul instructs Timothy to avoid them because of the harm they inflict on the community. - P42

Lord Jesus, thank you for the truth of Your Word. When I encounter people who seem godly, let Your Holy Spirit guide me so that I may discern those who truly represent You from those who oppose the truth and are motivated by selfish desires. In Your name I pray, amen. - P43

14Keep reminding God’s people...

14Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.

15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

16Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

17Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,

18who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some.

- P36

19Nevertheless, 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."
l - P36

22Flee 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.

23Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.

24And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.

- P37

25Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth,

26and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. - P37

Paul tells Timothy to warn others against quarreling about words and en-courages him to correctly handle the word of truth. He warns against godlesschatter and false teachers. He instructs Timothy to flee from the evil desires ofyouth and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.  - P37

He is to gently instructhis opponents, hoping God will grant them repentance. - P37

Paul instructs Timothy to warn the believers against indulging in godless conversations, which promote further ungodliness. He also points out how false teachings can destroy a person’s faith. Healthy debate and correction can be useful, but quarreling and bickering have a negative impact on those who listen. Paul’s instructions are meant to remind Timothy of the power of words. - P38

Maintaining good character is also important because someone who does God’s work should not be comitting shameful acts or mishandling God’s Word. - P38

Remember that words have power and value, especially when related to faith. Words of truth coming from people with godly character have great impact, but those who indulge in shameful acts and false teachings destroy others. - P38

Paul describes what Timothy should be like as a servant of the Lord: notquarrelsome, kind to everyone, able to teach, and not resentful. He mustgently instruct his opponents, hoping that God will lead them to repentand know the truth.  - P38

True servants of the Lord are not to act out of arogance or immaturity but pursue righteousness, faith, love, andpeace.
They are to avoid foolish arguments and seek to be kind to others, offeringgentle instruction. Such an approach can help people recognize the devil‘slies for what they are and see the light of God‘s truth.  - P38

May we be carefulto avoid prideful, immature, and foolish pursuits and instead reflect God‘srighteousness and kindness as we encourage others to draw near to Him. - P38

 I am, of course, open tohealthy debate and correction, but if someone offers a harsh word, hopethat my own response will reflect Christ-like character. - P39

Dear God, thank you for the privilege of being Your servant on this earth. I want to be effective in helping others know Your truth. - P39

Lead me away from immature or foolish pursuits and teach me to reflect Your gentleness when I speak with others. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P39

3Join with me in suffering, l...

3Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. - P32

7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. - P32

8Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel,

9for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.

10Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

- P33

11Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him;

12if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;

13if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself. - P33

Paul encourages Timothy to be strong and entrust what he heard from Paulto reliable people. Paul shares that he endures suffering for the sake of theelect.  - P33

He gives Timothy a trustworthy saying: if they die with Christ, they willlive with Him; if they endure, they will reign with Him; if they disown Him, Hewill disown them; if they are faithless, He remains faithful. - P33

Paul exhorts Timothy to be strong in the grace of Christ Jesus. When he is fully walking in this grace, Timothy becomes like a good Christian soldier who is not distracted by everyday activities and willingly does whatever he can to please God. He can effectively convey the gospel message to others who in turn spread it to even more people. - P34

Sharing the gospel can feel daunting at times, but as we embrace the grace of Christ, we will become focused on the Lord and the tasks He has for us, and we will find that we are able to do far more than we thought possible. - P34

May we continue to seek His grace so that we might be strong, resilient, and focused Christian soldiers for His kingdom. - P34

Paul explains that he is able to endure suffering even to the point of beingchained because he is focused on Jesus. He does everything he can becausehe wants more of God‘s people to receive salvation. Even if some people arefaithless,  - P34

Paul is encouraged because God remains faithful. Instead of beingself-centered and making much of his hard work, legacy, or honor, Paul isfueled to endure suffering for the sake of the gospel because he remembersthe work of Jesus Christ. Even though he experiences some suffering now,
he looks forward to the day when God‘s people will reign with Him.  - P34

Let uslikewise be quick to remember our glorious Christ whenever we struggle toendure through our hardships. - P34

"Humility, gratitude, dependence on Christ, contrition-these are the characteristicattitudes of the truly converted."- Don Carson - P34

When Jesus declares that the greatest commandment is to love God with allour heart, soul, and mind, this commandment points to the Father‘s profi-ciency in knowing how to empower, encourage, and sustain His children.
We see this even more clearly in the second part of the same command-ment: to love our neighbors as ourselves. We are not capable of doing thiswithout first receiving from the source of love.
This fundamental truth is challenging today because our world boasts ofknowing how to keep us recharged, motivated, and satisfied. The greatdanger is not that the world will succeed in proving its point but that wewill dabble in the endless disappointments of life, trying one source afteranother until we slowly starve ourselves into misery.  - P35

Let us recognize thateverything has a fitting source. We were made for God, so we must remaincontinually connected to Him to live a full life. Only He can truly invigo-rate, equip, and satisfy our bodies, souls, spirits, and minds. - P35

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I am tempted to live for my own glory. - P35

Keep me focused on You, and remind me that I cannot do a single thing without Your grace and strength. In Your name I pray, amen. - P35