- By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 1:14 – This “good deposit” is the teaching and work of the Gospel that we have been given. Paul is encouraging Timothy to keep the teachings about Jesus that he has been taught pure and unchanged by false teachings. Paul is also telling him to keep up the work of sharing those teachings he has heard with those who need to hear it. By relying on the Holy Spirit Timothy could do all that, and so can we as we trust in the Holy Spirit inside of us. We too have a world that is desperately trying to get us to change what we believe about Jesus and the Bible. We also have people all around us needing to hear the pure teachings we’ve heard about Jesus. Let’s take to heart the direction Paul gave. With the power of the Holy Spirit, be sure to not let false teachings mix with what you’ve learned about Jesus and keep sharing what you’ve learned with those who need to learn. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 478
- As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 2 Timothy 1:4 – Paul is writing to Timothy who was his apprentice, friend, ministry colleague, and brother in Christ. Paul acknowledges that Timothy is saddened by Paul’s imprisonment for the gospel and is seeking to encourage him. Yet what we read in this chapter is how Timothy was also an encouragement to Paul. For despite the struggles of ministry and despite Paul being imprisoned, Timothy remained steadfast in his calling and remained a support for Paul. Which, as we see in the end part of the chapter, wasn’t always the case with Paul’s companions. Many turned from Paul and many stepped away from the work of the gospel, and this was disheartening for Paul. Yet Timothy’s faith and support remained, and this was an encouragement to Paul. Let’s not dismiss then the impact our steadfast faithfulness to the Lord will have on other believers. For others will see our walk, our pastors will see our walk, our families will see our walk, and it will encourage them in their walk. For like Paul, we too see people around us stepping away from the faith, and we too may not always get the spiritual support we expect to get. So when it does come our way and we do see another believer living faithfully, what an encouragement that is to our walk. Be then that encouragement for other believers. Remain steady in the struggle and be willing to offer support when you can to your brother or sister. Never underestimate the impact your steady faithfulness to the Lord can have on the faith life of others. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2490
Daily DEVO 