READING:
One-year plan: Jeremiah 24-26, 2 Timothy 3-4
Two-year plan: 2 Kings 10, John 10:22-30
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Church leaders often turn to 2 Timothy 3:16-17 to talk about the inspiration of the Word of God—and that direction makes sense. The Word is indeed “God-breathed.” Within the context of 2 Timothy 3, though, these texts also help us see God’s means to help Timothy grow:
But you have followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, and endurance, along with the persecutions and sufferings that came to me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from them all. . . . You know those who taught you, and you know that from childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work (2 Tim. 3:10-17).
First, note that Timothy’s foundation was the Word of God. The Word was profitable for him, equipping him for God’s work. Second, Timothy learned that foundation “from childhood” through the teachings of his mother and grandmother (2 Tim 1:5); thus, family members played a significant role in Timothy’s growth. Third, God gave Timothy a mentor in the apostle Paul. Paul’s job was not to replace Timothy’s family, but to walk alongside them in assisting Timothy in his growth. Paul invited Timothy into his life—including the good days and the bad ones.
This combination of the Word, the family, and believers/the church (represented by Paul’s role in Timothy’s life) is still the best plan to make disciples. Each of us has a role to play in raising up the next generation of Christian leaders.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How committed are you to letting the Word speak to and correct your entire life?
DAILY PRAYER: “Father, thank You for giving us Your Word, for placing us in a family, and gifting us brothers and sisters in Christ who walk with us.”
TOMORROW’S READINGS:
One-year plan: Jeremiah 27-30, Titus 1
Two-year plan: 2 Kings 11-12, John 10:31-42