Pastor’s Bible Reading Schedule:
2 Timothy 3-4
1 Timothy 3:10 begins a passage that teaches that our lives exhibit the reality of our inner character. The manner in which we live, the decisions we make, the circumstances with which we must contend, all reveal the beliefs we hold and the priorities we maintain. Paul concluded, in the beginning of this chapter, assuring Timothy that the false teachers and their ideas would come to ruin. Their folly would be revealed through the disparity of their lives against the truth. Now Paul boldly offered himself as a counter argument to these false teachers.
The evidence against the false teachers resided in their theology and behavior. Paul asked Timothy to evaluate him on these issues: You know all about my teaching, my way of life, and my purpose. He was certain that upon examination he would be found blameless. Paul knew his teaching was founded in truth, his life was expressed in purity, and his purpose was driven by God’s glory.
In addition, Paul wanted Timothy to reminisce a little and recount his faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings.These stand as hallmarks of the Christian life. Faith defines our trust, patience acknowledges God’s sovereignty, love expresses to others the sacrificial grace which we receive, endurance keeps our focus on God’s kingdom, while persecutions and sufferings represent our fellowship with Christ. Timothy had shared some of Paul’s difficulties as they traveled together through Antioch, Iconium and Lystra. He had witnessed the way Paul lived and the constancy with which he taught. He had also witnessed how the Lord rescued Paul.
Prayer Requests:
Personal
- Lord, please help me to be a man of character and integrity.
- Lord, please help me to live a life that others can follow and measure what true godliness looks like.
- Lord, please help me to be willing to suffer persecution to maintain this godly reputation.
Political
- Representative Michele Holtenga – District 102 – Manton
- Senator Adam Hollier – District 2 – Detroit
- Representative Rachel Hood – District 76 – Grand Rapids