- …having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people. 2 Timothy 3:5 – First off, please read verses 1-9 to get the full grasp of what Paul is saying. We see him warning Timothy of the type of people that he will most certainly come in contact with. The list of characteristics of these people is long and ugly, but look at the last characteristic Paul gave. Having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. He is saying that there will be people who claim to be Christians, but have not allowed Jesus to change their life and they just keep choosing to go their own way. Maybe you’ve ran into some “Christians” like that. What does Paul say to do? Avoid those people. Timothy had an important mission to spread the gospel message. Having deep friendships with Christians who were refusing to follow God wasn’t going to help him with his mission. Same for you. While you may have been friends with them for so long and sought their advice for years, if they aren’t following God and allowing God to work in them, then a relationship change needs to take place. Lean into people who are following God so you can be encouraged to carry on with your mission of spreading Jesus’ love. If your “Christian friend” won’t help you that way, they aren’t your friend. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 480
- But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14-15 – Once again Paul is writing to Timothy about the levels of persecution that are to come at Timothy for choosing this path of serving Jesus. Paul encourages Timothy that when the struggle hits and the wrong-doing people surround him to tear him away from the truth, to lean on the truth of scripture that he from childhood had been taught. Here we see what a blessing it can be to have grown up in a family and home where the Bible is read and God is taught. Often in ministry life I hear people almost saddened that they don’t have a crazy conversation story because they’ve “been in church since they were born.” They feel almost less-than because they don’t have the rough past and the amazing turning around story, but notice what a blessing this life of Timothy was. Timothy grew up in a loving family who taught him scripture and about the Lord all his life. Paul reminds Timothy that those years of teaching will make him wise and ready for all that is to come in this faith life. Today then, if your story isn’t one of massive change from a prodigal life of running away from God, know your life is still a blessing and a tool for the work of the Lord. Whether it’s a powerful conversion story or a powerful knowledge of God’s goodness from a childhood home that taught scripture, either are wonderful tools to be used for the Lord. Whatever your story is, it’s useful for the mission. The question is will you use if for Jesus? I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2492
Daily DEVO 