“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching” (2 Timothy 4:2 NLT). Paul’s final charge to Timothy was “Preach the Word!” For he knew the many duties that beg a pastor’s attention. Pastors wear many hats, but preaching is
“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts” (2 Timothy 2:22 NLT). Paul told Timothy that there is a time to retreat and a time to run after. As it regards “youthful lusts,” the command
“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15 NLT). There are so many voices vying for our attention. To whom do we listen? Whose approval should we
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline” (2 Timothy 1:7 NLT). Paul encouraged Timothy, his “dear son” in the Lord, to overcome fear, knowing that it didn’t come from God. Timothy was Paul’s young protege, but he wasn’t yet as bold and confident as
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10 NLT). Money is a means of exchange, a morally neutral thing that is useful when rightly used. Yet, the love of money
“Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader” (1 Timothy 5:22 NLT). Paul gave young Timothy good leadership advice on how to raise up leaders in the church at Ephesus. Literally, his advice was, “Don’t be hasty in the laying on of hands.” In other words, “Timothy, take your time before promoting someone.”
“Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them” (1 Timothy 4:13 NLT). Paul told the young pastor Timothy to avoid focusing on silly distractions and people who might despise his leadership. Instead, he was to give his attention to the ministry of the Word–– its
“Singing cheerful songs to a person with a heavy heart is like taking someone’s coat in cold weather or pouring vinegar in a wound” (Proverbs 25:20 NLT). There are those who have never experienced loss that think the way to cheer up the one who has is by distraction. However, this response is not only
“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4 NLT). God desires that all humanity would be saved. Yet, we know from the Scriptures that only those who believe will receive God’s salvation. The tension between what God “wants” and what we
“The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5 NLT). Paul’s teaching did not have a goal of increased knowledge, but of increased love. Knowledge is good, but without love, it is nothing (1 Cor.