READ: 2 Timothy 2 (Focus vs. 14-16 & 22-26)
MEMORY VERSE
“Present yourself to God as one approved.” 2 Timothy 2:15
BACKGROUND
In her early years as a Christian author, Gayle often received winsome gifts from her publisher. Bouquets of flowers, chocolates, boxes of herbal teas. All lovely. But over time, her publisher began to send gifts with lasting value. A one-year Bible, devotionals, and prayer journals.
As she used them, Gayle became a more mature believer—less distracted by frilly gifts and more committed to using her life to lead others to Christ.
This approach recalls Timothy’s growth under the mentoring of the apostle Paul.
Stressing spiritual maturity, Paul advised, “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” (2 Timothy 2:15).
Then Paul added, “Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly” (v. 16).
He added, “Flee the evil desires of youth . . . . Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments. . . . And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (vv. 22-24).
Paul’s wise advice offers believers one other key benefit. Even opponents of Christ, when they see our mature choices in Him, may “come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil” (v. 26).
So “growing up” in God has eternal outcomes beyond ourselves. Let’s not wait, therefore, to grow up in our faith. Others will benefit as well.
Patricia Raybon
INSIGHT
The name Timothy (which means “honoring God”) is the compound form of the Greek words timē (honor) and theos (God). From what’s recorded of Timothy in Scripture, he lived up to his name.
He’s first mentioned in Act 16, where it’s noted that he was a disciple with a good reputation (v. 2). Paul recruited him as a member of his ministry team (vv. 3-5).
Timothy’s path to belief in Jesus and maturity and usefulness began under the tutelage of his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15).
Paul mentions Timothy in many of his letters, including these accolades in Philippians 2: “I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. . . . But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel” (vv. 20, 22).
As we grow in our relationship with Christ, others will benefit.
Arthur Jackson
APPLICATION
Where is your faith immature? How can you “grow up” spiritually?
PR’s (Pastor Richard) RE-EMPHASIS (From Today’s Post)
“…growing up” in God has eternal outcomes beyond ourselves. Let’s not wait, therefore, to grow up in our faith. Others will benefit as well.”
PR’s TAKE
“…growing into spiritual maturity is becoming less self-conscious and more God-conscious” Mark Batterson
“Spiritual maturity is not reached by the passing of the years, but by obedience to the will of God.” Oswald Chambers
PRAYER
“Wise God, please grow my spiritual maturity in You.”
TODAY’S HYMN/WORSHIP/PRAISE/GOSPEL SONG
“MORE OF YOU” Vous Worship
Ooh ooh, ooh
Yeah
Loving Father, faithful Friend
Savior of the lost grace and mercy never end
Jesus paid the cost
I love You, I love You
Have my heart and soul lord, I give it all
I love You, I love You no one else but You
Ever present, always there
Lord of endless light
Peace and hope beyond compare
Jesus, You are life
I need You, I need You nothing else will do
Lord, I just want You i need You, I need You
No one else but You
Ooh, oh ooh ooh
I only, I only want more of You jеsus
I only want more, I only want more
I only want more of You, yеah
My only desire, my only pursuit
I only want more of You…
Only want more (Only want, only want)…
I only want more of You
My only desire…
My only pursuit
I only want more of You
I only want…
I love You, I love You
Have my heart and soul
Lord, I give it all
I love You, I love You no one else but You
I only want more…
I only want more
I only want more of You…
…I trust You, I trust You
You’re my closest friend
You’re my everything
I trust You, I trust You
No one else but You, yeah
God, I only, I only want You
I only want more, I only want more
(I only want) I only want more of You
My only, my only, my only
No one else but You
No one else but You
