Do Not Be Afraid 12.10.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Today we are studying the book of II Timothy, please read Chapters 1-4 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=II%20Timothy%201-4&version=9

Today we are reading about Pauls's exortations to Timothy; the coming denial of Christ; steadfastness in the Scriptures; the charge to preach or teach. Today's message continues to focus on the importance of learning and teaching God's Word. We can not be ashamed of what we know nor be afraid to tell others. Jesus gives us the strength and protection to withstand all persecution.

The book of II Timothy is the 16th book/11 epistle of the New Testament and contains 4 chapters. The author of the book is Paul and it was written to Timothy. The purpose of the letter was to challenge Timothy to assume responsibility for the ministry which the apostle was handing over to him. What we are to learn from the book is that each one teach one to reach one.

Paul wrote this book from prison as he knew he would soon be executed for his faith. Paul reminds Timothy that his mother and grandmother had faithfully taught him and that he should no be ashamed to teach what he learned to others. "When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; " (II Timothy 1:5-8). We can not live in fear of our beliefs, we will all face persecution, but rest assure that Jesus is with us and gives us the strength and protection to withstand all afflictions.

Paul was deeply concerned that Timothy would remain faithful to God. Paul choose him because he knew that the Scriptures would prepare him to be responsible to carry out the Lord's commands. "Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. " (II Timothy 2:1-4). Paul knew that for Timothy to remain faithful in the midst of trials and disappointments, he would need to diligently study the Word of God as essential for spiritual wisdom. This is a lesson for us all to learn, we must keep God's Word in us daily, this will also allow us the teach the truth to others.

Paul also encouraged Timothy to remember that the Holy Scriptures are necessart to make us wise and teach us many things. "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (3:13-17).

This is a doctrine of vital importance to the Church in this generation. Both testaments are the Word of God and we must study both in order to understand God's message. The terms "old" and "new" testaments are used to distinguish between God's agreement with man before and after the death of Jesus Christ. We do not disregard the Old Testament simply because it is called "old." The Almighty God obviously controls all the affairs of the universe and nothing could have been more vital than His control over the men whom He inspired to translate into English more than 400 years ago the One Book that reveals His will for our lives.

The Word of God is the true source of reproof. Added to reproof is "rebuke, exhort" which means we are also to encourage or bring comfort. Rebuke without encouragement may defeat the purpose of the rebuke. Long-suffering is a necessity if exhorting is to be profitable. Since the truth can never be out of season - meaning, always available - nothing compares to the necessity of knowing God's Word. There are no options, no substitutes, no alternatives.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
Help me to remain faithful to You and your calling upon my life. Strengthen and grow my faith as I daily search Your Scriptures and apply their truths to my spiritual walk. As I go through the trials and experiences of my earthly journey would You fix my eyes and my ever-wandering heart upon Jesus. Because I take refuge in You my spiritual foundation is firm, always dependable, and leads me to glorious victory. In Jesus' name........Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night.
God Bless You and Merry Christmas,
Christina

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