16At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
17But 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.
- P52
18The 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.- P53
Paul asks Timothy to come to him quickly, mentioning former companionswho deserted him and the people who are still with him. He asks Timothy tobring Mark with him as well as some personal items. He then recounts thatno one came to his support at his first defense but the Lord stood by him. Hecloses with greetings and blessings.- P53
Paul talks about people like Luke and Mark who have been beneficial to his ministry, but he also mentions Demas who deserted him and Alexander who did him a great deal of harm. Because Paul knows that Alexander wants to stop the advance of the gospel, he warns Timothy to also be on his guard as he ministers. - P54
In our own lives, we may come across people like Alexander who are determined to hinder the work of the gospel. When we face such opposition, we should not take it lightly. - P54
We should be on our guard, prepared to give a defense of the gospel and ready to proclaim the reason for the hope that we have.- P54
At the beginning of Paul‘s imprisonment, no one was brave enough to standalongside him to defend his actions. Yet, Paul felt that the Lord stood byhis side and gave him the strength to continue to proclaim the message ofthe gospel to the Gentiles. He was able to avoid execution at the time, buteven as he anticipates death, Paul is assured that God is with him and willbring him safely into His heavenly kingdom. .- P54
Even when we may not feelthat God is near, we can be assured of His presence. He loves us and willnever abandon His people. We can ask for a greater sense of God‘s presencein our lives as we draw closer in communion with Him- P54
Lord, thank you that You are always with me. When I face those who oppose the gospel, strengthen me to persevere and proclaim Your message so that all may hear and believe. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.- P54
Prayer Journl
God converses with us primarily through His words in Scripture.
We can also use His words to respond to Him.
Use the following guide to pray through this week‘s memory verse.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting andtraining in righteousness. - 2 Timothy 3:16- P55
After Moses‘ death, the Lord commissions Joshua to lead the people of Israelacross the Jordan into the promised land. God promises to give them everyplace they set foot on and guarantees His presence with them. He commandsJoshua to be strong, courageous, and careful to obey the Law, meditating onit day and night- P59
After the death of Moses, God calls upon Joshua to lead His people intothe promised land. God is faithful to His promises. He promised Mosesthat He would lead His people into Canaan and He keeps His promise toMoses through Joshua. - P60
Likewise, God has promised eternal life to thosewho believe in the One He sent and He keeps this promise through JesusChrist. However, being the recipient of God‘s calling and promise doesnot shield us from difficult times. God repeatedly commands Joshua to bestrong and courageous. This is not just because maintaining a strong andcourageous character is beneficial; this repeated command implies that greatstruggles lie ahead and overcoming them will require strength and courage.
- P60
When we anticipate trials, we can ask God to take themaway but we canalso ask Him for the strength to persevere through them without giving into fear or discouragement.- P60
