DIFFICULT TIMES

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy

Read 2 Timothy 3-4

     But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come    2 Timothy 3:1 NKJV

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      Paul tells Timothy that his own ministry is about to come to a close. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, he gives us some insight into what will happen prior to our Lord’s return: “For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good..., lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. " (3:2-5)
     In other words, the world will become an increasingly perilous place in the last days. In the face of this, what is Paul’s challenge? "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:2) Even though people will not want to hear the truth, Timothy is to preach it anyway.

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     Lord, forgive me when I have been hesitant to answer those who deny the truth of Your Word. Give me courage to speak rather than remain silent when the name of Jesus is blasphemed. Grant me also the wisdom to know when I should remain silent and simply live the message.

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     All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.   2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV

GENTLE PATIENT TEACHING

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy

Read 2 Timothy 1-2

     For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.   2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

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     When Timothy took on the pastorate of the church at Ephesus there were already false teachers at work. Paul speaks of two men in particular “who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.” (2:18) But he encourages Timothy to stand fast to what he has been taught, in spite of the fact that some have followed these men. Paul continues, “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His...” (2:19)

     Paul urges Timothy to join him in willingness to suffer for the cause of Christ and to “Flee also youthful lusts; and pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.” (2:22)
     Citing his own example he says, “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."(1:12)

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     Lord, it is such a comfort that You know those who are yours. Sometimes it is necessary to stand alone in regard to the truth of Scripture. Help me to be gentle in presenting the gospel and the truth of the resurrection.

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     And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth.     2 Timothy 2:24-25  NKJV

RICH IN GOOD WORKS

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy
Read 1 Timothy 4-6

     For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10-11 NKJV

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     Timothy had a very difficult job ahead of him. He was charged with the task of correcting false teaching. He had to do this in a way that would be accepted by those who were older than he in age, though perhaps not in the faith. He had been trained by his godly mother and grandmother and also by Paul himself to “be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith...” (4:6a)

     Paul writes, “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (4:12)

     Concerning Timothy’s preparation, the apostle urges, “Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine”, (4:13-15) thus making it clear that he is not only to teach right doctrine but also to show his faith by his works.

     Paul warns about greed saying, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (6:10-11)

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     Lord, like Timothy, I want my life to be an example of what I believe. Today I pray for the enabling power of Your Holy Spirit in my life.

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     But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.   1 Timothy 6:11 NKJV

A QUIET AND PEACEFUL LIFE

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LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Timothy

Read 1 Timothy 1-2

     This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.  1 Timothy 1:15

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     Timothy had been a disciple and traveling partner of the apostle Paul. Now he is the pastor of the church at Ephesus. Paul begins this letter to him by expressing his thankfulness for God’s mercy in his own life.
     He refers to himself as the “chief of sinners” whom Jesus came to save, because he was at one time a persecutor of Christians. “However,” he writes, “for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” (1 Timothy 1:16)
     In relationship to unbelievers, Paul writes, “I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”   (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

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     Lord, I pray for our President and for all in his administration that they will acknowledge your authority and that we may lead godly and reverent lives among our neighbors. Thank you for showing mercy to me, a sinner.

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     “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all...”   1 Timothy 2:3-6 NKJV