2 Timothy 3 - 4.14.26

SCRIPTURE:  2 Timothy 3:1-5

“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.  People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power.  Have nothing to do with such people.”

OBSERVATION:  Prophetically, Paul’s words to Timothy describe most cultures of the world over the past 2,000-year period, but the closer we get to the second coming of Jesus, godlessness will dramatically increase all over the world, as we are witnessing now!

Paul warned Timothy of the opposition that he and other believers would face in the last days.  He told Timothy to be prepared for these unfaithful people by remembering his example, and finding strength and power in the Word of God.

There is no doubt that we are living in the last days, and difficult times are up ahead, but thanks be to God that He has equipped His Church with everything we need to remain strong in our faith.  We have God’s active, powerful, living presence, His Word to guide us, and His Spirit to support us.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, SO THAT the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”  ( v16).  We should not study God’s Word simply to gain more knowledge or to prepare to win arguments, but to study and apply it in order to know how to do God’s work in the world. 

APPLICATION:  Because of people like Paul and Timothy, and for their devoted commitment to preach the gospel, the Christian faith has spread to us today.  Now it is our responsibility as genuine, devoted Christ-followers to be ready, prayed up and prepared to proclaim the Good News to the lost. As people become more and more corrupt in their thinking, attitudes and actions, we must become more and more firm in our faith as we stand on God’s Word of truth and wisdom.

PRAYER:  Lord, these are difficult times we are living in, but I thank You that You are with us, and that You have given us everything we need to remain strong in our faith as we follow You. I pray You will help us to align our beliefs and actions with Your plan as we partner with You to add more and more people into Your family while there is still time. Amen

- Robin Orefice

2 Timothy 2 - 4.13.26

SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 2:8 - 10

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”

OBSERVATION:

Paul, while in prison, wrongfully charged, is writing to Timothy to encourage him in two areas: Christ’s diety by being raised from the dead, and Christ’s humanity being a “descended from David.”

Paul contrasts his time in prison saying he’s “chained like a criminal” but makes a powerful point that “but God’s word is not chained.” He might be in prison but God’s word is still being proclaimed.

Paul encourages Timothy by his example to endure everything so others can come to know Christ as their savior, and then rest in eternal glory in heaven.

APPLICATION

Paul has such a powerful testimony! He is encouraging Timothy to remember the facts of Christ, and that no matter your circumstances, God’s word is not restricted, chained, or silenced. Whether you’re in a hospital bed, sent to jail, suffering anything in your life, lost a loved one, betrayed by anyone, no matter the circumstances, God’s word holds the truth everyone needs in their life: to become saved by the power of Jesus Christ.

Part of the reason Paul’s testimony is so powerful is that he brings everything back to Jesus. He is proclaiming Christ’s message of salvation while in prison. He uses a negative situation of being in jail, suffering in chains, and endures it all - without fighting it - just so others can see his testimony in action. He lives out his faith each day and endures what comes before him. He’s not complaining in his situation but enduring everything for God’s message of hope and salvation.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for Paul’s testimony. He suffered so much yet always brought it back to your salvation message. Help me to live out your message, your word, and to never restrict spreading the Gospel message. Give me your Holy Spirit’s power to endure what’s before me in life, and to always bring it back to Christ’s salvation message. Lord, forgive me for the times I fall short, for not speaking up, for not enduring like Paul did in prison. Let my life be a living example so others come to know Christ as their savior. In Jesus name - amen!

- Mary Oberg

1 Timothy 5 - 4.10.26

SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 5:17

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”

Observation

The Elders is referencing the leaders of the church such as pastor or other leaders that are full time in preaching and teaching. Double honor refers to financial support of full-time leaders who preach and teach.

This verse is interesting since we are asked to give from our heart to those of double honor. Jesus however gave us so much more. Last week we had Good Friday, the day Jesus gave all of him for us. The day Jesus was crucified, He gave His life in place of ours. In Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23 and John 19 we see he was betrayed, tried, flogged with a whip that ripped the skin off, A crown of thorns was placed on his head, spit on, the soldiers struck him with a staff again and again. They took a cross and then hammered nails in his hand and feet. After Jesus died, they pierced his side and he was placed in a tomb. Jesus gave his life on that cross and took on my sin. Only Jesus can forgive me of my sins. Jesus can forgive all sins for all those that believe in Him.

Last Sunday was Resurrection Day (Easter). Jesus arose from the grave and is alive and victorious over death. Now his gift to us is eternal life. John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Application

Our Pastors deserve our gratitude for their hard work. They deserve our financial support. Our tithe and offerings support our Pastors, Staff, Facilities management, mission field etc. Let us support the church and the pastors out of love for their work.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7-9 it states: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

Malachi 3:10 - “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

We can’t out-give Jesus but when we give, it should be generous and with a grateful heart.

Prayer

Jesus, you have shown me great mercy and grace. All I have is because of you Jesus. I have been blessed more than I deserve. Thank you for our Church family, and those that shepherd us, Pastor Levi and Katie Thompson. God, you gave your Son for us. May we give back generously with a grateful heart of our resources, time and talents. Jesus, may I give you my best for You are worthy O’ Lord. In Jesus name Amen.

- Robert Oberg