Bible study Daily, explanation and encouragement - 2 Timothy
The old apostle left no inheritance; just scars. He did not gather up riches on earth, but he laid up rich treasure in heaven. He did not base his life on seeking personal comfort, but gave himself unreservedly so that the gospel could reach all Gentiles. Even enduring loneliness, abandonment, betrayal, deprivation and ingratitude at the end of his life, he did not close the curtains on his story with bitterness in his soul, but with a hymn of exaltation to Christ on his lips.
Another interesting thing in this text is that even suffering abandonment in prison, God raised Onesiphorus to visit and encourage him and not be ashamed of Paul for being imprisoned. In life, we must have friendships like Onesiphorus, who encourage us, cheer us up, lift us up. With these friends you must walk together and preserve. Friends who abandon you in times of sadness, struggle, need you must isolate from. But you think: "Ah! But I already have so few! Still have to leave some". Yes! Leave! Seek friendship with God, through prayer, have the glorious friendship of the Holy Spirit and in the right time God will raise up loyal friends for you.
MOTIVATING FOR THE MINISTRY!
MINISTRY IS SERVICE, and a "minister" of the gospel is primarily a servant of God, sharing his message boldly and courageously.
He honors the Word of God and defends it tirelessly, taking care to communicate its truth with absolute precision.
IT IS NOT AN EASY TASK, as the Word of God faces violent opposition.
Therefore, the “minister” of the Word of God learns that patience, resistance and hard work are necessary for success in his calling.
PREACH THE GOSPEL boldly without fear!
Recognize that the word of God is a priceless treasure. Do not let the enemy seduce you into (half) lies to please people.
FIX YOURSELF WITH THE TRUTH YOU HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED.
Do not let the enemy corrupt you.
Become a servant committed to the Word of God!
Keep the model of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and charity that is in Christ Jesus.
Guard the truth that has been entrusted to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells within us (2 Tim 1:13-14).
It is said that a certain king of England was in need of a new coachman. Among several candidates for the post, only two were selected for a real interview. They were the best in the kingdom. The first, when questioned by the monarch regarding his abilities, said: - Majesty, I have unmatched skill to guide the 12 horses of the royal chariot. As proof I can demonstrate that I pass, at high speed, two feet from the edge of the precipice in the curves of the mountain at the exit of the palace.
The king was impressed, and asked the second coachman: - And you? How can you demonstrate your skill to me? And he replied to the king: - Majesty, whenever possible, I avoid going on very dangerous paths. I do not dare to go near the cliffs. As for this aforementioned curve, I prefer to take the road a little longer, at the foot of the mountain, and have a more peaceful and safe trip.
With this answer, the king chose the second as his new coachman. So also the apostle Paul advised his young son in the faith, Timothy, to avoid the danger of sinning: Flee, too, from the passions of youth (2 Tim 2:22). You do not play with danger. You do not play with sin. One does not play with questions of eternal life.
- We live in the midst of an ungrateful generation. It seems that the more people have, the less they are grateful.
- As believers, we are in the world, but we must strive not to be like that. The more people around us complain, the more we should express gratitude to God.
BELIEVE THE WORD, PRAY THE WORD!
Only the Word is our source of faith. LITTLE OF THE WORD WITH LITTLE PRAYER IS DEATH TO THE SPIRITUAL LIFE.
Too much of the word with little prayer breeds a sick life. Much prayer and little Word generates more life, but without constancy.
A GOOD MEASUREMENT OF WORD AND PRAYER EVERY DAY BRINGS A HEALTHY AND POWERFUL LIFE! Andrew Murray
Our entire prayer life must also be built upon the Word of God.
THE BIBLE IS THE WORD OF GOD.
The Word is indestructible and immutable, because it is the eternal Word of God. People come and go, but THE WORD OF GOD REMAINS UNSHAKEABLE.
WE MUST KEEP READING THE WORD, BELIEVE THE WORD, OBEY THE WORD AND LIVE THE WORD.
The Word does not depend on our emotions or our intellectual understanding. The Word is above our intellect and emotions.
God bless you! God confirm his Word and His promises with an oath. BELIEVE! LOVE IT! AND PRAY!