Devotional
2 Timothy
By James Dearden
I try to live out, and encourage others to follow James 1:22-25.
Last week we read 2 Timothy 1 and I asked some questions of you. Let me also ask some reflective questions.
This week, read 2 Tim 2:1-26
Some of James’ personal thoughts...
Verse 4: For many years I actually wanted to join the army, for discipline, fitness and career. So being a soldier in God’s army resonates with me. Soldiers are trained to fight and lay down their life. Do I lay down my life for God constantly in all areas of my life? This question links to verse 22 also in that we are not to pursue our own desires but pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, calling out to God with a pure heart. We will never have a pure heart in this life, but we should still pursue it with the power of the Holy Spirit to become more like Jesus.
Verse 16: Godless chatter, which is gossip, has been something that plagues many churches and can be very damaging to people and their reputation. I have seen first hand the destruction of this, been a victim of it and done it myself over the years as well. God forgive me for my hurtful actions over the years towards others through gossip and godless chatter.
Pray through your thoughts and discussion with God.
Last week we read 2 Timothy 1 and I asked some questions of you. Let me also ask some reflective questions.
- How did you do with what God gave you?
- Were you able put into practice what he asked of you?
- If you weren’t why were you not able to?
This week, read 2 Tim 2:1-26
- What does this say about God?
- What do you see or what stands out for you through this passage?
- What is God saying to you?
- What is God asking you to do or who do you need to tell?
Some of James’ personal thoughts...
Verse 4: For many years I actually wanted to join the army, for discipline, fitness and career. So being a soldier in God’s army resonates with me. Soldiers are trained to fight and lay down their life. Do I lay down my life for God constantly in all areas of my life? This question links to verse 22 also in that we are not to pursue our own desires but pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, calling out to God with a pure heart. We will never have a pure heart in this life, but we should still pursue it with the power of the Holy Spirit to become more like Jesus.
Verse 16: Godless chatter, which is gossip, has been something that plagues many churches and can be very damaging to people and their reputation. I have seen first hand the destruction of this, been a victim of it and done it myself over the years as well. God forgive me for my hurtful actions over the years towards others through gossip and godless chatter.
Pray through your thoughts and discussion with God.
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