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God's Truth for Trying Times - 8/20/20

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God’s Truth for Trying Times - 8/20/20

 

We need God’s truth in trying times. Read the Scripture passage, think about what it is saying, then pray; by yourself or with your household. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16).

 

READ: ‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭4:16-18‬ ‭‬‬

“At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me. May it not be charged against them! But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

‭‭(2 Timothy‬ ‭4:16-18‬)

 

CONSIDER: Paul had gone through the pain of those who should have stuck with him deserting him. But he’s basically praying that God would not hold it against them, signifying that while it was tough on him, he did not hold it against them. It echoes Jesus at the cross saying “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” He recounts how Jesus stood by him and strengthened him, and gave him power to proclaim the gospel so that all the Gentiles would hear it. He was rescued from the enemy. I love the assurance and the confidence that Jesus will rescue his beloved from every evil deed and bring us safely to heaven. We praise the glories of his Majesty forever.

 

THINK: What does this declare about God? What are God’s people being called to do? What assurance is given? How does the Word of God transform our hearts and lives and relationships?