2 Timothy 2 NIV
Most of us; but, I am aware not all of us, have spent of our youth in pursuit of evil desires. That does not mean those who did not pursue evil desires did not sin. They just did not pursue it as others have. But, just as we age with each passing day, we ought also to be growing mature in Christ with each passing day.
St. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (vs 19) That is not always the easiest thing to do. Once we fallen off the path, sometimes it is very difficult to get back on it. Sometimes, it takes a while. It can be a long process. It behooves the mature Christian to support and faithfully witness to those who are set on pursuing a life more befitting a Christian witness themselves.
They are to be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Those who are mature in their faith must persevere in their witness to Christ. We cannot be sidetracked by unduly worrying about or following things of this world. St. Paul asked Timothy to "Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding office." (vs 3-4) "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (vs 15)
As Christians, we serve the world by being faithful to Christ as workers who are not ashamed of the gospel and who correctly handle the word of truth. Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace with all people. Support those who are struggling on the journeys. In this way, others will hear and believe and grow in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
God's Peace - Pr. J
Most of us; but, I am aware not all of us, have spent of our youth in pursuit of evil desires. That does not mean those who did not pursue evil desires did not sin. They just did not pursue it as others have. But, just as we age with each passing day, we ought also to be growing mature in Christ with each passing day.St. Paul wrote to Timothy, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (vs 19) That is not always the easiest thing to do. Once we fallen off the path, sometimes it is very difficult to get back on it. Sometimes, it takes a while. It can be a long process. It behooves the mature Christian to support and faithfully witness to those who are set on pursuing a life more befitting a Christian witness themselves.
They are to be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.
Those who are mature in their faith must persevere in their witness to Christ. We cannot be sidetracked by unduly worrying about or following things of this world. St. Paul asked Timothy to "Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding office." (vs 3-4) "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth." (vs 15)
As Christians, we serve the world by being faithful to Christ as workers who are not ashamed of the gospel and who correctly handle the word of truth. Pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace with all people. Support those who are struggling on the journeys. In this way, others will hear and believe and grow in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
God's Peace - Pr. J
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