May 26, 2023 | Be On Mission
A Call to Steadfastness
Scripture: 2 Timothy 2(NIV)
1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
11 Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
14 Keep 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. 15 Do 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. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, 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.”
20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.
22 Flee 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. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Devotional
In chapter one, Paul encouraged Timothy to keep and guard the things he had passed on to him. Here, in 2 Timothy 2:2 he continued the thought with an eye to future generations, saying, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”
This is my personal life verse, the one that most guides me as a Christian, disciple-maker, and church leader. In it there are four generations of disciple making: Paul, Timothy, reliable people, others.
To me, Christianity is always about paying it forward. I am indebted to my spiritual grandparents and parents who have passed the faith to me. I am encouraged by my spiritual brothers and sisters with whom I live out the faith. And I am responsible for my spiritual children and grandchildren who will pursue Jesus long after I am gone.
In yesterday’s devotion, you reflected on your spiritual grandparents and parents. They may have been actual grandparents or parents, or they might have been other relatives, friends, pastors, and other people who introduced you to Jesus and discipled you in the faith. I still have a ministry coach in my life. He lives in Pittsburgh and is my spiritual and ministry mentor.
Now think about your spiritual brothers and sisters. As we are seeing in this study, Paul had people like Barnabas, Silas, Mark, Luke and others who ministered alongside him. We should never walk our faith journeys alone. Who are your spiritual peers who are there with you as you become more Christ-like? Are there others you should invite to journey alongside you?
Finally, who are your spiritual children and grandchildren? Unlike biological offspring, these spiritual descendants could be older, the same age, or younger than you. You only need to be more mature in your spiritual walk than they. Paul had Timothy and many others. And Paul encouraged Timothy to pass on the faith to reliable people who in turn would pass it on to others. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you some people you should invest in for their spiritual journeys.
Poem
Good Soldier
Good soldier, you must leave your home
Shave off all self indulgence
Train body, mind and spirit—strong
Your fellows, be reliant
Good soldier, you must sacrifice
Throw off whate’er would tangle
And strengthen weak joints for the fight
Where foe you will entangle
Good soldier, obey each command
Aside you lay your ego
Endure the worst, e’en suffering
Hold onto Faith’s true credo
Good soldier, don’t be quarrelsome
Which does no good, but ruins
The comradeship within your ranks;
Avoid panic’s confusion
Good soldier, bear the seal of Christ
God’s firm foundation standing
Cleanse life from all dishonorable
Thus God’s kingdom expanding
