FBC Daily Devotions

BE ALWAYS READY

Read 2 Timothy 4:2.

I have heard it said that as a pastor, one needs to be prepared to preach at any given time. Having a sermon in one’s “back pocket” is perhaps good advice because one might never know when it will come in handy. The message in today’s passage is a similar one – be prepared in season and out of season to challenge, warn, and urge people on (MSG). The NEB version says it this way, “press it home on all occasions, convenient or inconvenient.” The point here is that good leaders will always be ready to take advantage of an opportunity to press home the truth.

The picture of being in season or out of season can either relate to Timothy or his hearers. If to Timothy, then it meant that he was to preach the word (correct, rebuke, encourage) whether he felt like it or not (see 2 Tim. 1:6-7). If to his listeners, then he was to preach whether or not it was convenient to his audience. Considering what Paul says in the subsequent verses, it is likely Paul was telling Timothy to preach the word to a sometimes not so receptive or interested audience. In that case, I’m not sure I would feel like preaching, which would then make both possibilities apply!

But this was more than simply preaching from a pulpit. Timothy is told to patiently work with his people, giving careful instruction. He was not to be angry over a lack of progress or frustrated by continually correcting false ideas. He was to be patient in his approach.

This is a picture of biblical leadership. Someone who goes to great lengths to ensure others are growing in the knowledge of the truth and living in such a way that is pleasing to God. They’re not afraid to do what is good and right even when it’s inconvenient. A strong leader doesn’t hammer on people to walk with God, but gently and patiently works with people to help them understand the Scriptures, to apply the Scriptures, to correct when needed, to cheer them on in their progress, even in their failings.

To consider: What kind of leader are you? How are these characteristics exhibited in your leadership?

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Questions for Home Groups

1) As one under the care of leaders, how do you best receive direction, correction, and encouragement?

2) How difficult would it be for you to teach an audience who didn’t want to listen? Based on this passage, how should a good teacher respond?

SAVE THE PLANET!

Read 2 Timothy 4:1-2a.

The Word – it is called the mystery of Christ in Colossians 4:3; it is the gospel of 1 Thes. 1:6, 8; and it is the good doctrine of 2 Tim. 4:3; and it is Jesus Christ Himself in John 1:1. The Word is all that pertains to Christ and His redemptive purposes for the fallen creation. The Word is most notably an emphasis on the gospel as it relates to the fallen human race.

How important is the preaching of the Word? It is perhaps the most important thing that must be done on this planet Earth. It gives the “Save the Planet” slogan its truest meaning. We can spend billions of dollars and lifetimes of manpower to reduce waste, reduce greenhouse emissions, and reduce the slaughtering of forests and endangered species, but there will be no greater use of time or money than saving the planet from the impending disaster of a Christless eternity. The former may be valuable, but the latter is absolutely critical.

So calling upon God and Christ as his witnesses, Paul charges Timothy to preach the Word. And one can imagine Paul looking ahead to Christ’s glorious yet unpleasant (for many) return, His judgement of every person, and the eternal kingdom to follow — that must have only impassioned his charge to Timothy. The world must hear the gospel!

How important is the preaching of the Word? It is all important. It is not only important that it be preached, but in context of this letter, it must also be preached accurately (2 Tim. 2:15). The point Paul seems to be making here is that Timothy is to preach the Word – not some conterfeit truth, not some quarrelsome trivia, not controversial, inconclusive word-battles. He was to preach the genuine, life-changing, eternal Word of God. That was Timothy’s call to a world just beginning to hear the gospel of Christ. While the Word has gone forth to most of the world since that day, there are still many who do not fully understand the gospel. The preaching of the Word is just as important today – just as Christ’s return, judgment, and eternity will be for the first century world as well as the 21^st century world.

To Consider: What part are you to be playing in the preaching of the Word?

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Home Group Questions

1) What does it mean to “preach the word”?

2) What are some typical ways the word is preached today?

3) Is every follower of Christ called to “preach the word”?

4) Do you believe the Word (i.e. the gospel, doctrine) is preached enough at FBC? How could we do better?

5) What is your role in the preaching of the Word?

What are some truths you learned from Sunday’s message? How can it make a difference this week?

REVIEW

Looking back over the week, consider what God impressed upon you and how you might continue to apply that to your life. Pray for God to continue to work in and through His word.

THE VALUE OF THE SCRIPTURES

Read 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

Back when this letter was written to Timothy, the Bible as we know it today did not exist in collected and printed form. The New Testament had not yet been compiled at this time. Therefore, when Paul tells Timothy that “all Scripture is inspired by God,” he is, as in v. 15, perhaps referring to the Old Testament. Some have suggested that 2 Peter 3:16, by referring to Paul’s letters as “scripture”, Paul’s writings were placed on par with Old Testament Scripture. That view is also supported by the fact that v. 16 could equally be translated, “all inspired Scripture is God-breathed…” (rather than “all Scripture is inspired by God”). This discussion could go on for many, many pages. Regardless, at the very least, the Scriptures of the Old Testament are to be seen as valuable to us because they are “God-breathed” (NIV) or “inspired by God” (NAS). Anything that is by the hand of God (or breath for that matter) is of the utmost value to us. How sad to treat the Scriptures as manmade. In fact, when we see the Scriptures as merely scriptures (little “s”), their importance and influence begin to diminish in our lives. Think about that. The things that are most important to us will influence our decisions and our character. When God’s Holy Scriptures are seen as the very words of God to us (and whether or not this passage includes the NT is irrelevant because this principle applies to all of Scripture), we will begin to live the way God intended.

How do the Scriptures affect us? Paul says they are:

useful for teaching            
     (God’s way, KJV – doctrine)

rebuking                    
     (or reproving – the standard by which we are proven or tested)

correcting                         
     (for the purposes of restoration)

training in righteousness    
     (the equipment that helps us develop righteous living)

For what purpose?

so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Note that we are not merely equipped, but we are thoroughly equipped for every good work.

To consider: How important is God’s word in your life? Does it guide your life? Do you recognize its standard? Has it ever convicted you to change something in your life? Is it a regular part of your week to help improve your walk? When God’s word begins to soak into our minds and hearts, I suspect it affects you more than you may realize.

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Questions for Home Groups

1) Do you agree that the things we value most will influence our decisions and character? Why or why not?

2) How have you seen the Scriptures help you live a Christ-centered life?