Day 297

Jeremiah 44:24–47:7; 2 Timothy 2:22–3:17; Psalm 94:1-23; Proverbs 26:6-8

IN OUR READING from 2 Timothy today, Paul gave us the primary reason we are taking this journey through the Bible in the first place. But before that, he contrasted two ways of living —one that is false and destructive, and one that is true and enduring.

Timothy was told that in difficult times,

People will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly.

Paul told Timothy to avoid those kinds of people for his own sake and to protect the community from them. It doesn’t take much effort to see why. The behaviors Paul described creates a very unhealthy and destructive situation —especially in a community. And the challenges Paul warned Timothy about are still with us two millennia later.

Timothy had heard Paul’s teachings throughout his ministry and had witnessed his life behind closed doors. He had personally seen Paul suffer persecution and had witnessed Paul’s faith, patience, love, and endurance. So Paul instructed Timothy to remember that a different path had been modeled for him:

You must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

The divergence between the first kind of person Paul described and the one Paul encouraged Timothy to be is extreme. If unchecked, the first set of behaviors could become a black hole that would suck the life out of any person or community. The contrasting second path is solid, life-giving, and enduring —even in the face of trying times.

Finally, Paul told Timothy the value of the Scriptures, and how they would serve him well. Like Timothy, we are reminded why we need the treasure of God’s Word to direct our lives and carry us forward day by day:

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

MEDITATION:

Joyful are those you discipline, LORD, those you teach with your instructions.