Tell ‘Em What They Need And Not What They Want

Yesterday’s reading – Amos 1-3; Psalm 80; 2 Timothy 4

Scripture –
2 Timothy 4:3-4 – 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, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Observation –
Paul is concluding his letter to Timothy.  He’s leaving him instructions on how he should be preaching the Gospel.  He tells Timothy to be ready all the time to preach the Gospel.  In these verses, he makes it clear that Timothy must never back off of what the Bible teaches.

Application –
These verses describe how much of the world is.  People want to hear things that are easy to hear.  They don’t want to be told that they are wrong in their beliefs.  They want to believe what they want. They want to do what they want.  They want to be told things that they agree with.  Our world has become very self-centered in nature.  But, we must never give in to this way of thinking.  We must never change God’s Word to match people’s beliefs.  At all times I must hold true to God’s Word and not back off of it.  Of course, I’ve got to do so with the right attitude.  But, as a pastor I must be careful to not just satisfy “itching ears.”

Prayer –
God, Help me to be a faithful pastor, rightly preaching Your word.  May I never give in and just say the things people want to hear.  Rather, help me to be faithful to Your leading.  Help me to preach Your whole word and not just bits and pieces.  Help me to take seriously the task You have given me.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

The Bible – Essential For Life

Yesterday’s reading – 2 Kings 13-14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3

Scripture –
2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

Observation –
Paul continues his advice for the young pastor Timothy.  He wants him to continue with what he had been doing – following Paul’s example.  He knew that Timothy had been faithful to obey the Scriptures and he wanted him to continue to do so.  In this verse Paul talks about why it is so important to follow the instructions in the Bible.

Application –
These verses make it clear that the Bible is inspired by God.  Because of this, it is intended to guide every aspect of our lives.  It teaches us about God.  It corrects us where we need to be corrected.  It helps us to stay on the path that God has for us.  It’s designed to help us become more righteous so that we become more and more like God.  As a result of this, we end becoming competent in following Jesus and we’re ready to do the work that God has intended for us.  As I think through all of this, I’m reminded of the role that Scripture should have in my life.  There are times that I really live out the truth of these verses.  I’m really focused on reading, understanding, and living by the instructions of the Bible.  But, at other times I’m more focused on reading the story of the Bible but don’t allow it to really impact how I live my life.  This has got to change.  I’ve got got to be more consistent in my obedience to the Bible.  God has given it to me so that I might live for Him.  He’s given it to me that I might be more like Him.  If I don’t focus on it, then there’s no way that I’ll really be the man of God that He wants me to be.

Prayer –
God, Thank You for Your Word.  Thank You for revealing Yourself in the Scripture.  May I really take the role of Scripture more seriously in my life.  Don’t just let me read it, but help me to really apply it to my life.  May it impact every aspect of my life – how I do my work, how I treat my wife, how I parent my kids, how I interact with people, in my thought life, in everything that I do.  May I become more righteous as You have intended me to be.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Fail Proof Method of Evangelism

Today’s reading – Jonah 1-4 and 2 Timothy 2

Scripture –
2 Timothy 2:2 – and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Observation –
In his letter to Timothy (a pastor in Ephesus), Paul is trying to give him advice on how to lead.  In this verse, Timothy is encouraged to pass the Gospel message on to responsible people, who will in turn pass it on to others, who will pass it on to others…  This strategy just makes sense.  There’s only one Timothy and he can’t do all the work himself.  He’s got to get others involved in the process.

Application –
There are days that I feel like I’m doing a good job as the pastor of my church.  There are other days when I don’t feel like I am.  This verse is always a challenge to me.  It’s a reminder that I can’t do it on my own.  I’ve got the responsibility to train up leaders, who will train up leaders, who will train up leaders…  I know that I am pouring into the lives of others.  But, am I really doing what this verse suggests?  Am I using this fail proof method of getting the Gospel out?  This is what evangelism is all about.  I believe that I have much work left in this area.  If I get this right then I’m obeying God and I’m doing ministry in the most efficient and effective manner.

Prayer –
God, Thank You for the reminder of what I’m to be about.  May I never act as if it all depends on me.  Instead, help me to constantly invest in others who will then train others.  Help me to be a leader of leaders.  I know that this is really the only way that the church will grow.  Help me to learn this and live it out.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Preach the Word of God

Yesterday’s reading came from 2 Timothy 1-4.  Here’s what I journaled –

Scripture –
2 Timothy 4:2 – Preach the word of God.  Be prepared whether the time is favorable or not.  Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Observation –
This book was written by Paul to Timothy.  Paul was Timothy’s mentor.  Timothy  was leading the church in Ephesus.  So, Paul gave him many insights on how to lead the church.  Paul concludes the letter by encouraging Timothy to “preach the word of God.”  He was to be prepared at all times to preach.  He was given the task of correctly teaching the people.

Application –
This verse jumps out at me because I’m a pastor.  I’m to preach the Word of God.  I’m to teach it correctly.  I’m to use God’s Word to “correct, rebuke, and encourage” others.  I enjoy preaching and teaching.  But, this verse can be intimidating.  It reminds me that I’m not to just get up and say whatever I want to.  Rather, I’m going to be held accountable for clearly and correctly preaching the Word of God.  This is a reminder to me about the importance of my job.  At the same time, it reminds me that it’s not about what I can come up with to say.  Rather, it’s all about God.  He’ll guide me if I’ll follow Him.

Prayer –
God, Thank You for Your Word.  Thank You that You allow me to preach it.  Help me to do justice to Your Word.  May I never get in the way.  May it always be about You.  May I not be afraid to stand up for what’s right.  Help me to show love when I preach.  But, help me to always correct and rebuke.  Help me to encourage others.  May I always stay faithful to Your Word.  Be with me tomorrow as I preach.  Get me out of the way and speak through me. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.