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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Timothy 4 today.
Thursday, March 31, 2016
2 Timothy, Day 4 Readings
Passing the Baton to a New Generation
Today's reading is the memorable ending of 2 Timothy, which provides Paul's memorable final words reflecting on his ministry -- his has "fought the good fight"; he has "finished the race"; he has "kept the faith." This is no accident. The hope of this letter is to pass the baton to other preachers and evangelists who will continue to teach about salvation through Jesus Christ after Paul has died. These people -- Timothy and others -- will preserve Paul's legacy in uncertain times.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
2 Timothy, Day 3 Readings
Persecution Creates False Teachers
Today's reading provides one key challenge that good teachers face. Chaos and persecution will create a host of false teachers -- unsettled times and anxiety make space for a wide variety of explanations as to why things are so crazy. Some people will offer captivating explanations that will lead many astray from the truth. (Unfortunately, 2 Timothy has a terrible gender bias and believes that women are the most likely to fall victim to this false teaching. Of course, it is equally alluring to men as well as women.)
A good Christian teacher will follow the example of Paul, through steadfastness of example and wise words, sharing the wisdom of scripture and the example of Jesus Christ. And a good teacher will earnestly try to keep others from being deceived by false teachers.
A good Christian teacher will follow the example of Paul, through steadfastness of example and wise words, sharing the wisdom of scripture and the example of Jesus Christ. And a good teacher will earnestly try to keep others from being deceived by false teachers.
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Timothy 3 today.
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
2 Timothy, Day 2 Readings
God's Most Useful Worker
Today's reading offers a brief description of the kind of teacher that Paul wants Timothy to be. He must be willing to suffer in order to share the gospel, and he must offer teaching about the most essential lessons of Jesus.
It seems that some Christian teachers have become distracted by speculations or trivia. Paul likens their teaching to "idle chatter." Others seem to have become entangled in controversies. These things only cloud the gospel. A good teacher shows maturity by avoiding such unimportant things and focusing -- no matter what -- on the essential things. In this way, a preacher can become one of God's most useful workers in the church.
It seems that some Christian teachers have become distracted by speculations or trivia. Paul likens their teaching to "idle chatter." Others seem to have become entangled in controversies. These things only cloud the gospel. A good teacher shows maturity by avoiding such unimportant things and focusing -- no matter what -- on the essential things. In this way, a preacher can become one of God's most useful workers in the church.
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Timothy 2 today.
Monday, March 28, 2016
2 Timothy, Day 1 Readings
Faithful Preaching, Despite Betrayal
Today's reading is the beginning of the second letter to Timothy, which encourages the young associate of Paul to continue the great apostle's ministry. From his youth, Timothy was raised to be a great preacher, following the example of faith given to him by his mother and grandmother. Paul expects that Timothy will continue to serve the church as a preacher and teacher, but worries about the opposition and challenges that he will face. The saddest of these is not persecution from non-Christians, but betrayal from so-called Christians -- which Paul himself has experienced (and has the painful scares to show for it).
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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety
If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 2 Timothy 1 today.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
2 Timothy, Overview
Godsway 66, Book 55 - 2 Timothy
2 Timothy is ostensibly a personal letter from Paul to his young associate, Timothy. It is meant to encourage the young preacher to continue spreading the gospel, following Paul's example and standing up against an increasing number of false teachers.
However, this letter was probably always meant to be public. It is a symbolic "passing of the baton" from Paul to the next generation of preachers who will continue to build on his efforts to establish and nurture Christian congregations. And it is a warning -- there are many who claim Paul's legacy who are not teaching the gospel that Paul preached. Instead, some are offering easy and appealing answers; others are getting bogged down in unimportant controversies. Regardless, they are leading people away from the truth of the gospel.
The problem of false teachers is exacerbated by the times of persecution and unrest. Anxiety and fear creates a climate where people desperately look for explanations for what is going on and why. Good Christian teachers need to provide a clear vision of God's truth in these hard times, especially when others offer easier answers.
However, this letter was probably always meant to be public. It is a symbolic "passing of the baton" from Paul to the next generation of preachers who will continue to build on his efforts to establish and nurture Christian congregations. And it is a warning -- there are many who claim Paul's legacy who are not teaching the gospel that Paul preached. Instead, some are offering easy and appealing answers; others are getting bogged down in unimportant controversies. Regardless, they are leading people away from the truth of the gospel.
The problem of false teachers is exacerbated by the times of persecution and unrest. Anxiety and fear creates a climate where people desperately look for explanations for what is going on and why. Good Christian teachers need to provide a clear vision of God's truth in these hard times, especially when others offer easier answers.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Bonus Reading, Matthew
Jesus' Crucifixion and Death
Today's reading tells of Jesus' brutal death by crucifixion. After his trial, he was whipped and mocked, then lead away to Golgotha, where he was crucified with two thieves. Numerous people came by the cross, taunting Jesus and insinuating that if he truly was who he claimed to be that he would not die in such a way.
As Jesus breathed his last breath, there was a massive earthquake, which opened graves and split the massive curtain in the Temple in two. He was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. The Jewish leaders convinced Pilate to station guards outside of the tomb, expecting Jesus' disciples to steal the body.
As Jesus breathed his last breath, there was a massive earthquake, which opened graves and split the massive curtain in the Temple in two. He was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea. The Jewish leaders convinced Pilate to station guards outside of the tomb, expecting Jesus' disciples to steal the body.
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Thursday, March 24, 2016
Bonus Reading, Luke
The Crucifixion and Burial of Jesus
Today's reading describes the darkness of Good Friday. Jesus was led away to be crucified between two criminals. Time and again, Jesus offered comfort and forgiveness, rather than resistance or anguish, to those nearby. Even while on the cross, Jesus showed mercy to the criminal who asked for mercy, promising him a home in paradise. Then, after he died, Jesus was buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, a faithful Jew who was sympathetic to Jesus' teaching.
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