Today’s Bible reading is 2 Timothy chapter 2
(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)
“Paul’s burden before his martyrdom was that Timothy preach the Word and guard the faith.” (Wiersbe) He charged Timothy to, “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:1) Paul gave Timothy four images of a faithful servant of the Lord. First, the man of God must be a faithful Teacher. Timothy didn’t have to invent the message, but preach the truth that God had revealed. Second, the man of God must be a good Soldier. The Soldier endures difficulties, and is dedicated to his duties. He strives to please his commanding officer. Third, the man of God must strive to win like an Athlete. I once read that Pro Golfer Tiger Woods got up at 4 a.m. every morning to hit golf balls. Basketball legend Pistol Pete Maravich spent hours of his childhood practicing obsessively from time he was 7 years old. Maravich remains the all-time NCAA leading scorer with 3,667 points scored and an average of 44 points per game. “Pistol” Pete became a believer after his basketball career, and before his death Maravich said, “I want to be remembered as a Christian, a person that serves Jesus to the utmost, not as a basketball player.” Paul said, “If anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” (2 Timothy 2:6 HCSB) Finally, Paul taught Timothy that a man of God is like the hardworking farmer. His work leads to a bountiful harvest. “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 HCBS)
Prayer: “Dear Father, we pray for pastors and Christian workers to be faithful to preach the Word and guard the faith. In Jesus name. Amen.”
Randy J. McPheron
T.H.E.M. 