Day 241 - 2 Timothy Sunday (chapters 1-2)
“23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:23-26 ESV)
Have you ever been so upset with someone who denied Jesus that you allowed your anger to show? Have you ever “argued religion” with a non-believer? I think we have all been there at some time. And, to tell you the truth, it’s like trying to convert a Viking fan into a Packer fan. Arguing just doesn’t work.
Our job as witnesses for Jesus, and that is what we are all called to do, must not get into quarrelsome encounters. Paul instructed Timothy and us to:
● be kind to everyone,
● teach (in winsome manner),
● patiently endure evil and
● correct with gentleness.
That is a very tall order. But, as Paul also put it, “I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 ESV)
Do you know someone who is living without Jesus and heading for hell? Pray for that person, and then put Paul’s directives into practice. That person’s eternal future is at stake. Besides, this is your Christian calling!
Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me from eternal death. Enable me to follow Paul’s advice as I attempt to share You with others. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
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