QT 6/28/2024 Tit 3:1-2, Living differently is easy in this generation

Titus 3:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

 

NOTE: Wow, that's a lot. I live in a culture that doesn't seem to support submissiveness in any context, except possibly the military. We are not obedient but choose what we want to do. For the most part, we are ready for good works, but it depends on how much it costs me and what I get out of it. We gossip and make it known when we don't like someone. Far from quarreling, we engage in road rage while driving. We consider gentleness a weakness and only show courtesies when the person is important in the entertainment industry.

 

I am ashamed of this culture I live in. But one redeeming truth, if I live in the manner described in the verses, I WILL BE a witness in this dying generation. I would add a few more things that are not hard to do and also improve our witness. Don't use profanity in any context. In the power of the Holy Spirit, it is not hard. Treat every person as a VIP, the janitor, the sales person in a store or fast food location. Again, you will be a witness by doing these simple things.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I treat others? Do I even know the names of the janitors where I work?
2. Is my language gracious and seasoned with salt? Or am I course, profane, and quick tempered? As a believer, there is no reason to continue to live in the world's ways.

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to see my blindspots, where I live like the world, but I should be living like you.

QT 6/27/2024 Titus 2:15, Being willing to handle tough issues

Titus 2:15 (ESV) — Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

 

NOTE: Paul ends with three commands. The first is to declare. We are not to shrink back from teaching the whole counsel of God. Some things are not popular today to speak against, but God is clear on the sanctity of marriage and many other things which are disregarded today. We are not to force people to believe but we are to tell the truth. As for believers, we can exhort and rebuke with authority. We are still to love all men, but believers must be rebuked when they are in direct disobedience to God's word. Finally, Paul tells Titus that he should let no one disregard him. While there is nothing we can do about how one feels toward us, we can assume our authority and live in that authority whether others disregard us or not.

 

PONDER:

I'm not a confront-er by nature, but am I willing to call out another believer when they are in direct disobedience to God's Word?

 

PRAYER: Father, I prefer to teach and rebuke with gentleness and respect. But sometimes I shrink back from the encounter. Give me courage to teach and tell people things they may not want to hear.

QT 6/26/2024 Titus 2:11-14, The other salvation …

Titus 2:11–14 (ESV) — 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

 

NOTE: Salvation does not end at justification, that point in time where we exchange our sinfulness for Christ's righteousness -- that point where we believe in Jesus. Salvation does not end there but continues in a process called sanctification. Our position and hope changed at salvation, our mind and character change during sanctification. We must not be satisfied with justification, there is so much more to knowing God. It absolutely requires daily time with the savior, allowing him to speak to us through His word, and for us to share our concerns through prayer. Van Oosterzee commented on this passage, "

 

"The true learning of heaven must begin with the unlearning and laying off of all which stands in the way of the development of the new man."

 

Too many Christians are satisfied with their positional change and not with their acquisition of the rest that the Hebrews chapters 3-4 present. This rest comes through spiritual maturity, and spiritual maturity is achieved in the sanctification process.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I fully engaged in the process of sanctification and really knowing my God?
2. Or am I satisfied with playing the church game and doing my own thing the rest of the time?

 

PRAYER: Father, continue to help me to grow in you. Lead me and guide me in this new stage of life. Help me to see your purpose for me in this last third.

QT 6/25/2024 Titus 2:9-10, Being a witness at work

Titus 2:9–10 (ESV) — 9 Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything; they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.

 

NOTE: If you have a job, submit to your boss. It is okay to be well-pleasing as opposed to brown-nosing. It is not good to be argumentative, although honesty is a very good virtue. I tried to please my bosses in my work lifetime, but there were times where I had to "disagree" or at least suggest an alternative. Sometimes the boss agreed with me, and sometimes not. When he/she disagreed, I did what I was told with all the energy and enthusiasm I had. In retrospect, I'm not sure why, but I developed a good work ethic and very good relationships with all my bosses. Later, when I assumed Command (military) or was the boss (civilian), I understood those I could trust (honest employees) and those that I needed to take their pleasing comments with a grain of salt. I also found that by trusting people, giving them responsibility, and not micromanaging, I created an atmosphere where people liked working for me and were open and honest with me (well, to the extent people can be honest). It is important to treat people as you would want to be treated. And it is very important to be more concerned for their careers than your own. Maybe that cost me an opportunity or two along the way -- I don't know -- but it did make me a good representative for Jesus Christ in the workplace.

 

PONDER:

1. What kind of an employee am I?
2. What kind of boss am I?
3. Am I secure in who I am or do I try to project someone I am not?

 

PRAYER: Father, even though I am retired, I still plan to work at times in the near future. I pray that I can mentor others to be good leaders and that I will continue to work hard myself to submit and to lead with love.

QT 6/24/2024 Tit 2:6-8, Setting a good example in teaching

Titus 2:6–8 (ESV) — 6 Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

 

NOTE: The key thought is that I (and other leaders) are to set the example in our teaching for younger men. Paul emphasizes two areas, good works, and teaching with three characteristics (integrity, dignity, and sound speech).

 

Good works. It is important for a leader to be more than just a teacher. The leader / teacher must be involved in the community, helping and serving. We are not ivory tower residents, but men who serve and care for others. If our teaching does not compel us to apply it, how can we expect others.

 

Teaching that shows integrity. The Greek word is translated uncorruptness. What does that mean? I think it emphasizes the importance of sound doctrine. Also, the teaching should fit, there should not be holes in the logic or contradictions to other areas of scripture.

 

Teaching that shows dignity. The Greek word translates to behavioral dignity. There are ways to share truth that does not bring shame to the message or turn off the unbelieving listener. I think dignity, control of the emotions, and logical arguments are a part of bringing dignity to teaching.

 

Teaching that shows sound speech. The Greek words translate as a healthy message, literally hygiene logos. Lea and Griffin argue for a well composed presentation, thought-out, and delivered attractively. Good hygiene is a mark of civilized society. It is hard to look at a person who does not take care of themselves, it distracts from the message. So, I think both the personal appearance and the message appearance should be sound and attractive (to the extent possible).

 

PONDER:

1. I agree with each of the four paragraphs, but where am I the weakest?
2. What can I do to improve in one of the four applications?

 

PRAYER: Father, while the new grandchild was fitting into the home, I let some of my serving tasks fall by the wayside. I need to get back into those habits. I don't want to sit in my ivory tower but I want to set an example to those who watch me.

QT 6/21/2024 Tit 2:3-5, Finding what is the best way to live life

Titus 2:3–5 (ESV) — 3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, 4 and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.

 

NOTE: Today, this passage is reviled by most women, young and old. Although I doubt the feminist movement has provided the happiness and fulfillment they dream of life. Most women are beyond the stories of princesses and dashing knights on white horses, but I think those stories are not so forgotten as they might argue. I've learned a few things about God's word over the years, but there is one that stands out, God's way (as expressed in his word) is always better than man's (or woman's) way. What we think is best is never as good for us as God's best. We trade the best away so that we might have the supposed good. In fact, we are constantly trading ideas looking for that which might actually fulfill, but never really considering God's way. Of course, men are just as bad, and their behavior -- from the start of a relationship -- is almost a guarantee that God's way won't work for the woman. But still, I think it is better to commit yourself to God and trust him than to try to build a kingdom that will ultimately crumple in your lap. God's way is always better than our way.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I seeking God's way through his word?
2. Am I trying to build my kingdom through human knowledge and effort?
3. What will it take to let God have his way?

 

PRAYER: Father, we all seek our own way, turning down your truth for our muddled truth. We are created. We did not evolve. And only the creator knows what is best for his creation. Speak to us and help us to see your truth for our life.

QT 6/20/2024 Titus 2:1-2, Be careful in our teaching

Titus 2:1–2 (ESV) — 1 But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.

 

NOTE: Sound doctrine is what the Holy Spirit has revealed to the church starting from the first century. Yes, the church has gone off the rails at times, but doctrine that has stood that test of time (and similarly creeds) should not be so easily discarded. Some new idea that challenges the orthodoxy of the past needs to be thoroughly reviewed. And we need to remember that we wear Western hats with Greek culture firmly embedded. The bible is written by Jews, who were eastern in their culture, and unique as well in their practices. We have a tendency to ignore Jewish idioms or the common language of the time in our search for truth. Orthodoxy can be wrong, especially if it was developed hundreds of years after the event. But long-standing theological views should be carefully researched before abandonment. Sound doctrine may seem boring but it is a protection against the enemy's schemes.

 

PONDER:

Am I too quick to accept some new idea? What is the impact of the idea on other doctrine and practices? Does it encourage faith or does it tear down another's faith? Is it useful?

 

PRAYER: Father, give me pause when new ideas come to me. Help me to seek you. Help me to understand truth. You promise that the Holy Spirit will help and guide me in truth. Fill me with your Spirit to discern truth.

QT 6/19/2024 Tit 1:10-16, Teaching truth, not accepted culture

Titus 1:10–16 (ESV) — 10 For there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. 11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach. 12 One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth. 15 To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.

 

NOTE: Except for Galatians, and maybe another case in his first letter to Timothy, Paul's response is usually more gentle and meek. "… rebuke them sharply …" is a very strong command. Agreeing with one of the Cretan poets (Epimenides) on the Cretan's lying, evil, laziness, and gluttony is also unusual. The issues apparently are very important although not clearly laid out here (I'm sure Titus knew what the problems were). The latter part of the passage (vs 15) suggests that one of the issues is asceticism (abstaining from certain foods). I think these issues is one of the reasons Paul wants Titus to appoint elders, giving spiritual authority to sound teachers. Some of these teachers sound religious, but don't really know God (vs 16).

 

"Of all bad men religious bad men are the worse.” [C. S. Lewis, Reflections on the Psalms, p. 32.]

 

I think it is very important that I (we) check my (our) own teaching and my (our) own behavior.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I teaching the scriptures or my own opinion?
2. Does my behavior match my words?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for your Holy Spirit to guide me as I study your word. Give me insight into truth. Protect me from the culture and the worldview that wants to fit scripture into what they want to be true.

QT 6/18/2024 Titus 1:5-9, An elder is a unique individual

Titus 1:5–9 (ESV) — 5 This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you— 6 if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. 7 For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, 8 but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. 9 He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

 

NOTE: There is too much to review or discuss in this passage. The topics include Paul's reasons for leaving Titus at Crete; when did Paul and visit Crete; what does a husband of one wife mean (outside the obvious restriction of bigamy); and each of the various negative (5) and positive (6) qualifications for an overseer (also called elder). I would like to highlight for my memory this phrase "… must not be arrogant or quick-tempered … or violent, but hospitable, … self-controlled …." In the years that I have served as an elder in three churches, I have always been amazed that 12 (the usual number in the churches I served) men could be so unified in so many areas. In the world of work outside the church, 12 persons would always have someone (if not more) who is opposed to an idea, and who does not want to move off of their position. These people feel they are right and you are wrong. They believe they think better. They fight to get their way. I never saw that inside of a church with the elders. I did see it among the congregation quite often. But elders were always different. The chairman of the elders was not the senior pastor, although the senior pastor was an elder too, and almost every decision was unanimous. Elders should not be the popularity selection of the body, they should be men who are examined deeply and approved by other elders first before assuming the role.

 

PONDER:

1. What type of person am I when it comes to church decisions?
2. Do I always have a reason why something cannot be done? Do I think I am always right? Do I get angry at church decisions? If the answer is yes to any of the three, then that is a good sign the person is not ready to be an elder

 

PRAYER: Father, give me grace in my conversations with people. I want to be supportive and encouraging. Help me to address issues of false teaching in a loving and kind manner.

QT 6/17/2024 Tit 1:1-4, We have a spiritual need

Titus 1:1–4 (ESV) — 1 Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began 3 and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior;

4 To Titus, my true child in a common faith:

Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

 

NOTE: This is a long introduction and is deep in theological concepts. It was probably written after 1 Timothy and before 2 Timothy. Paul, at this point has not been re-arrested. Titus is a Gentile Christian who apparently came to faith as a result of Paul's ministry. He is mentioned by Paul in four letters, although not with a lot of detail. There were probably a number of house churches in Crete at the time. Titus' job was to establish order in the churches and protect them from Satan's schemes. Paul's opening statement is a reminder of a key doctrinal point -- our eternal life is a sure hope. No one who has put their faith in Christ can lose that salvation. We are God's elect and God does not lie. You cannot make a stronger statement of our faith.

 

The work has been accomplished by Jesus, but the message has been entrusted to us. It is a message that is timeless. Modern times have not eclipsed the need in the soul for meaning and purpose. That need did not evolve, but was created in our hearts by the creator of all. We are not only physical, but we are spiritual beings. Denying our soul has led to many attempts to fix ourselves which only harm. Drug use is epidemic again. Sexual deviations are espoused by more and more. Gender dysphoria is running rampant through our population. Suicides continue to climb. Families are repeatedly broken by cultural norms that have made life worse at every point. We are not improving our lives in our quest to deny God.

 

PONDER:

1. Have I found the true source of life and fulfillment?
2. Or am I still trying to fill an empty hole inside me with things that can never replace my need for God?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for saving me so many years ago when I was lost and searching. I was a stupid college student without hope or purpose, looking for friends, experiences, and meaning. You completely changed my entire direction of life. There have been hard times and good times, and while I would not want to go through the hard times again, I know that everything has been good for me. Watch over me in my ministry these days. Lead me and guide me in your grace.

QT 6/14/2024 2 Tim 4:19-22, Remember the Lord's presence

2 Timothy 4:19–22 (ESV) — 19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus. 21 Do your best to come before winter. Eubulus sends greetings to you, as do Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers.

22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.

 

NOTE: Paul wasn't completely alone. Miletus is another example of where miracles of healing are not produced on demand, as some in the health and wealth movement might suggest.

 

The emphasis on coming before winter may have something to do with his cloak or just the fact that shipping pretty much shut down from November through March. Also, it suggests this letter was written in the spring or summer.

 

The last phrase, the benediction, are probably Paul's last words (at least written words) to Timothy. The first clause is singular, the second clause is plural (probably to the church). Yet, the Lord is with us, he lives within us through the Holy Spirit. So why say this phrase, as many do quite often? Maybe, we need to remember that God is with us always. We don't do things without his presence. He is here in our midst. When we recognize that truth, it probably changes our response and actions to things in life.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I recognize God's presence in ALL the things I do?
2. Do I forget that God is with me?

 

PRAYER: Father, I don't always remember that you are with me every moment of my day. I am foolish. I need you and I need your grace. By myself, I will fail. Today I will memorize this verse: 2 Tim 4:22 The Lord be with your spirit, Grace be with you (all).

QT 6/13/2024 2 Tim 4:16-18, Standing up for truth

2 Timothy 4:16–18 (ESV) — 16 At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! 17 But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

 

NOTE: I'm not surprised that everyone deserted Paul. The re-arrest sounds very harsh since it was so abrupt that he could not even gather his parchments, or grab a coat. It would seem Nero's crusade has elevated from a notice of arrest to smash and grab -- what we call Gestapo tactics today. So the fear of Paul's supporters is understandable. But God was gracious, Paul's defense allowed him to share the gospel message and still avoid being thrown to the lions at the colosseum. Even though the situation was bad, Paul saw every good thing from God. He believed that God cared. The outcome was the Lord's and he would believe that until his last breath was drawn.

 

We are already approaching a moment in history where the crowd is out for blood. They are many who are angry and want to attack Christians, not understanding the true message of the gospel. We do list things as sin, such as homosexuality, adultery, sex outside marriage, as we call sin to anger, gossip, and cursing. We hate sin, but struggle with it ourselves. But we are called to love people who do not know the truth. We do judge those who call themselves believers but openly sin against God's word. We are not out to attack homosexuals, despite the media's attempt to paint that picture. But those who oppose us with their new morals ('there is no sin') don't want to hear the truth, they are the ones who want someone to hate. And so like Paul's friends, we are sometimes shy to share what we believe anymore.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I have the courage to stand with those who are mistreated for their faith?
2. Can I love those who hate me, knowing that they are blinded by hatred and sin?

 

PRAYER: Father, this world continues to spiral out of control. People have changed the who meaning of words. Help me to stand for truth and not be ashamed for I know who I have believed and I know he is able to save me against the day.

QT 6/12/2024 2 Tim 4:14-15, Be wary of those who hate God

2 Timothy 4:14–15 (ESV) — 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me great harm; the Lord will repay him according to his deeds. 15 Beware of him yourself, for he strongly opposed our message.

 

NOTE: We don't know who Alexander was. He may have been an Ephesian Jew who led the accusations against Paul, but the name was common at the time. 'Alexander' represents men who work to destroy Christians. They are evil and "THE LORD WILL REPAY HIM ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS." Somewhere else it says, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. There is nothing we can do which comes even close to the fires of eternal hell. And, we should have some compassion, for we were headed there too before Jesus saved us. There will always be people who oppose the message. Unfortunately, they are even in the church. They are twisted, argumentative, and arrogant. They are actually easily recognizable. There is no love in their hearts. The message is simple, beware of these people and keep your distance.

 

PONDER:

1. Who are the "Alexander's" I have encountered in life?
2. Do I still bear resentment against them, or have I moved on?
3. Have I forgive them? If so, do I pray for their salvation?

 

PRAYER: Father, may I never be that person. May I never treat someone so terribly. May I never think of myself so highly or so much better. Search me, and show me my heart. Reveal in me my sin.

QT 6/11/2024 2 Tim 4:9-13, Even Paul was a lifelong learner

2 Timothy 4:9–13 (ESV) — 9 Do your best to come to me soon. 10 For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke alone is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry. 12 Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, also the books, and above all the parchments.

 

NOTE: Some scholars believe that Paul was released from Rome and then later re-arrested (rather harshly) at Troas. The suddenness of the arrest did not allow him to gather his things. While some disciples deserted him, others were probably assigned to ministry tasks. A previous disciple, Mark, who had deserted Paul, was back, and had a very useful ministry to Paul (maybe he was a writer who wrote the book of Mark). When all else is gone and your freedom is lost, who are the people you value the most and what is the most valuable thing? Certainly family are the ones you wish to see at the end of your life, but there are a few friends that mean a lot to me as well. As for things, my android tablet, or pc tablet, or kindle would be most valuable. They have all my books and all my notes (in OneNote). My library (on each device) easily exceeds most small town libraries of years ago. I have quite a few thousand books and journals. Unfortunately, they do require power. It is interesting that books and writings seem so important to people.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I a reader, a life-long learner?
2. What things have value to me, and why?

 

PRAYER: Father, I think my books are valuable because they continue to give insight to you and to your creation. I love learning. Thank you. I pray that I can continue to study and learn up until the day you take me home.

 

QT 6/10/2024 2 Tim 4:6-8, Longing for Jesus' return

2 Timothy 4:6–8 (ESV) — 6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

 

NOTE: Maybe I will get one crown, I do so look forward to Jesus' appearing. This world is nice and beautiful, but it is badly marred by sin. There are appalling things done by people against other people. The number of narcissists and the level of selfishness has made community a disappointing ideal. People drive angry and live angry and comment angrily. And they even blame Christians for the fallen world, thinking that life without God would create some type of utopia. They are deluded by their own sin and hatred of God. They have ceased to be rational. They are easily swayed by emotional arguments. They only hear what their itching ears want to hear.

 

My day of departure could happen at any moment and could yet be 30-plus years away. These latter days (at least in my sense) are to continue in ministry, and continue to grow in my relationship with Jesus. I don't really know what today holds, but I can start it off speaking and listening to my Lord.

 

PONDER:

1. Lord, what am I to be about today? What situations will you bring?
2. Are we in love with God or the world?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to be observant today. Help me to do the right thing. Lead me and guide me. Give me boldness and courage. Give me wisdom, constraint, and gentleness.

QT 6/7/2024 2 Tim 4:1-5, A lifelong learner of God's word

2 Timothy 4:1–5 (ESV) — 1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 3 For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, 4 and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. 5 As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

 

NOTE: I like the exhortation of verse 2, "preach the word; be ready in season and out of season, reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching." The first part tells me that I have to continue in the word -- reading it, studying it, memorizing it, and meditating on it -- so that I am ready "in season and out of season." I teach certain passages at different times and years. For the last year, I have been teaching the book of Ezekiel, and am almost finished. But I may encounter situations, as I often do, where someone will ask me a question about a different passage than what I am working on right now. As long as I continue in the word daily, there is a good chance I will remember something God taught me in regards to another passage. The second part reminds me that in my exhortation to others regarding the application of God's word, I must be gentle "complete patience" and logical "[complete] teaching." I cannot be harsh or mean or strident. Fortunately, that is not me. I don't need to get emotional, in the sense that someone must believe me. I just want to make sure they understand what I am saying (and I understand them).

 

PONDER:

1. Do I have a lifetime goal to master the entire bible?
2. How much of the bible do I know, and what will take to get to know it?

 

PRAYER: Father, I know this is a lifetime task, but most people spend very little time at it. Somehow, by volunteering to be a teacher, I became a person who studies the bible regularly. Years later, that seems to be the best decision of my life. Continue to use me for your purpose.

QT 6/6/2024 2 Tim 3:14-17, Learning should never stop

2 Timothy 3:14–17 (ESV) — 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

 

NOTE: Paul writes that Timothy is to "… continue in what you have learned … the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation …." I think what we don't understand is that 'being saved' is not the end of learning for our salvation. We need to continue to study and learn because that will be important even when we are in the millennial kingdom. There is a reward for how we lived our life as well as how we have learned and applied God's word. We receive that reward after our life is over. We need scripture now and in our future home. We need to be serious about Gods' word.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I still learning, even after being saved?
2. While I can't lose my salvation, I can be ready for future service by my commitment to God's word now. What am I doing to be a learner and a doer of God's word?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the heart to study and learn your word. Continue to teach me and use me in these days and in the future.

QT 6/5/2024 2 Tim 3:10-13, Living for what really matters

2 Timothy 3:10–13 (ESV) — 10 You, however, have followed my teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness, 11 my persecutions and sufferings that happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, and at Lystra—which persecutions I endured; yet from them all the Lord rescued me. 12 Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

 

NOTE: The life of faith is not an easy one. The promise is that everyone who desires to life a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. That is hardly a health and wealth gospel message. Paul's life was difficult. If we came to Christ for an easy comfortable life, we will be disappointed. There is peace, a peace that passes all understanding. There is a type of rest that comes with spiritual maturity, a confidence in God and what he is doing -- a belief that he knows what I am going through, he cares, and he is bringing about good in my life. But a rich, comfortable lifestyle? No, rather a relationship with God which far exceeds anything the world has to offer. We need to continue to seek him, daily, and with all of our heart.

 

PONDER:

1. How serious am I in my relationship with God?
2. Who do I love more, the world and the things of the world, or God?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to see where I need to live more closely to you. Fill me with the joy of your Holy Spirit.

QT 6/4/2024 2 Tim 3:6-9, We absolutely need to be doers and not just hearers of God's word

2 Timothy 3:6–9 (ESV) — 6 For among them are those who creep into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 always learning and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so these men also oppose the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith. 9 But they will not get very far, for their folly will be plain to all, as was that of those two men.

 

NOTE: For myself, the danger Paul presents is the "always learning but never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth." Discussing a controversial passage or topic is okay, but only discussing (where that is the pattern) is not good. There will be topics that are unknowable, such as free will and God's sovereignty (i.e., predestination). And even in those cases, we can agree that it is beyond our understanding, but we should also come to a conclusion of what do we do with the truth -- how is it applied? That is the danger of people like Hymenaeus, Philetus, and others, who think they are so clever and interesting but they leave their hearers empty.

 

I too can fall into that danger. I love to learn, but learning needs to be accompanied by application of the knowledge. Learning should change me, not puff me up.

 

PONDER:

1. As I study, do I look for the opportunity to use the truths that God reveals?
2. In my teaching, do I leave people with practical application?

 

PRAYER: Father, I want to be a doer and not just a hearer of your word. Help me to be discipline to do. Help me to always have applications of your truth in my classes.

QT 6/3/2024 2 Tim 3:1-5, Civilized society is not getting better

2 Timothy 3:1–5 (ESV) — 1 But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. 2 For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, 4 treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.

 

NOTE: I believe that this passage represents our day and culture. The argument I hear against this view is that things have been as bad or worse back in history. And no doubt, today's media does portray that. Certainly, in an uncivilized societies, life is cruel and chaotic. Paul was writing from an area of the world that had been civilized for many centuries. On the outskirts of the Roman empire, there was still barbaric practices, and war always brings out the worst in people. But I think what makes this passage important and different, is that rather than seeing society get better, we will see a moral decline from a time of relatively moral behavior as we approach the end times. In civilized society, we have seen this transition from community to narcissism over the last two millennia, and I would argue most of the change has occurred in the last half century. Consequently, while life has been more barbaric in the past, civilized society has not degenerated so much in such a short time. Yes, we did see Nazi Germany try to destroy a people group out of pure antisemitism, but the behavior of the majority was not narcistic. Today, we are seeing a wholesale descent of the culture into narcissism (or me-first). We see it driving during rush hour. We see it in our politics. We have seen rage rise to levels not seen in our civilized society. Where we should be getting better, or evolving as the world suggests, we are devolving.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I angry? Why?
2. Am I becoming more like Christ in gentleness and love, or more like a self-centered child?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray to live differently before others. I pray that my life would attract people to Jesus. Protect me from the ways of the world, the sin of the world, and the selfishness of the world.