ESOCS Devotional 12 November
TEXT: 2 TIMOTHY 3: 1-17 KJV
MEMORY VERSE: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” 2 Timothy 3:14 KJV
Paul’s letter to Timothy comes as a reminder of the evil men that will come and attack the church. Verses 1 – 9 are filled with descriptions of these evil men and how they go about deceiving people.
Our major concern is the words of wisdom and advice given by Paul, which serves as an encouragement to his faith to walk in the right way. In verses 10–13, Paul displays the high level of extent by which he had discipled Timothy. He put forth nine aspects of his life that Timothy followed and ought to continue to follow. They are his doctrine (teaching), manner of life (conduct), purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions and afflictions. Therefore, he encouraged Timothy to follow him in all the things he had learned from him. The reason why Timothy should continue in the things he had learned was because evil men would wax stronger, they would grow worse, and their level of deception would increase. Therefore, it was advisable he continued in the teachings he had learnt so as not to fall prey to these evil and deceptive men. What about the church today, are you following Christ, His teachings, conduct, purpose, patience, faith, longsuffering, love, persecutions, and afflictions because this is the essence of today’s text, that we follow and walk with Christ so that we will not be deceived by evil men who have crept into the church?
Secondly, he encouraged Timothy to follow his teachers (verses 14–15a). At this point, Paul brought Timothy back to the time that he was a little child. And there, his convictions began and where he learned the sacred writings, which were able to make him wise unto salvation. Timothy was privileged to be taught by his mother and grandmother who were also rooted in Christ. Just as Paul advised Timothy, so also we are advised to follow Christ’s teachings and to ensure we teach our children from childhood about the doctrine of Christ, which is able to make them wise unto salvation.
Read yesterday’s ESOCS Devotional here
We must understand that all scripture is given by inspiration of God for man’s benefit. It is intended to help man live a perfect life in Christ, to reprove, correct, and instruct man in the way of righteousness. This could only be achieved, if you continue in the things you have learned and have been assured of.
CHALLENGES
- Examine yourself to know if you are still doing the things you have learned in the scripture. Have those things you have learned made you wise unto salvation?
PRAYER POINT
- Thank God for the things you have learned. Ask Him to help you to continue in those things you have learned of Him and make you wise unto salvation.
FURTHER READING: Job 14:20-22; 16:1-22; 2 Timothy 4:1-12
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ESOCS Devotional 11 November
