God’s Truth for Trying Times - 7/23/20

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 ‭2:5-7‬ ‭‬‬

“An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.”

‭‭(2 Timothy‬ ‭2:5-7‬)

CONSIDER: In the athletic competitions of those days they would receive a wreath for winning. Of course, you would only win if you follow the rules. Otherwise you would be disqualified. Similarly, a hard-working farmer, not a lazy one, deserves the first share of the crops. And Paul is reminding Timothy to think about these things, because it is God who gives illumination of his word. All of this is to be applied as Timothy was serving the Lord with all his heart and seeking to please him as he passed on the word to others who could teach others.

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?