2 Timothy 3.16,17 - A Perfect Fit

Reading through the Bible is challenging. I’m now reading Leviticus…dare I use the word…boring!? As we see Jesus in the wilderness, know that He did not have those verses from Deuteronomy memorized simply because He is God. No, he learned them the hard way like we do. Bible reading does not always evoke the same instant gratification of “likes” for your clever postings, or the excitement of watching Star Wars - neither does learning Mandarin, running a Marathon, or earning a Ph.D. Yet we willingly put in the time and endure the pain for these passing laurels. But the work of learning Scripture bears eternal fruit - it builds your faith, revives your spirit, and restores your soul. Consider this, God breathed into Adam and also into the Scriptures (Genesis 2, 2 Timothy 3.16) – the Word was made for us, and we’ve been made for the Word.

2 Timothy 3.17 - Do you have a verse for that?

Today there are ‘apps’ for just about everything we need. But it’s hard to find a Bible verse clarifying whether to wear the blue dress or the brown one? Or, to marry the Kenyan or the Canadian? Or where to vacation this October holiday!? How can we make righteous decisions where Scripture is apparently ‘silent?’ We cannot find a Bible verse to address every complex situation of our lives. But we can view our questions through the lens of key principles of Scripture. Consider these vital questions in each decision you face:

2 Timothy 4.1-5 - Talking Points

2 Timothy 4.2 - Empty Cups

On a crisp clear day marathon runners from far and wide gather to race. Supported by devoted families, hardened by years of training, the lean and sinewy athletes set off. As the race winds on, their bodies grow weary and their thirst rages. Finally, the dehydrated competitors come to a “thirst aid” station. Cheering throngs hold paper cups filled with cool water. Passing runners grab and gulp as they continue their course. Some grab two cups, one to drink, another to drench their heads. As the marathoners pass out of sight, a sea of empty cups litters the road. Renewed by their contents, runners just toss the cups down and speed on. More cups will be waiting at the next station. Instead of cups, now imagine pages of sermon notes - scattered on the ground. Those who run by are struggling saints and sinners - all needing His “living water.” They are engaged in the marathon of life, with all its twists and turns. Stumbling, sometimes falling, they move forward by grace through faith. Preachers hold out needed refreshment from their “thirst aid” preaching points. The treasure of God’s Word is held in the disposable vessel of sermons. They grasp and gulp and plod on, week after week. No one cheers the empty cups, nor should they, but all heaven rejoices with the believer who has finished their race.

2 Timothy 4.8 - We WILL Meet

In those sad moments of ‘good-byes’ in ZGC we often utter hopeful words to numb the pain, “see you again…somewhere….somehow.” Those words are true! On the final day on God’s clock everyone will meet up…literally! The famous, the forgotten, somebodies, nobodies, everybody, and anybody will gather before the Great White Throne of God’s judgment. That guy you never want to see again, the boss, teachers, roommates, colleagues, our classmates, and the neighbors will all be there. Scripture implies (it’s hard to be dogmatic here!) we will recognize one another. It will be a day of separation, a prelude to our eternal home - endless joy for some, inconsolable grief for others. Our eyes may even meet with that person we never once told about Jesus. True, people who go to hell will do so by their choice. But we also choose whether to point others to heaven.

2 Timothy 4.8 - What a Day!

365 days, times the years God gives you, that’s a lot of days. Most are quickly forgotten. One cruel day Joseph went from Son to slave - followed by 4,745 days of dreary duties. Suddenly his prison monotony was shattered by shouting, “The Pharaoh wants to see Joseph!” After a scrub and shave he obeyed the summons. As Genesis 41 details, that day Joseph rode his rocket - from pit to palace! It was the speediest change of status of any person in Scripture! Are YOU ready for your rocket? If you are in Christ, earth’s last breath will be exhaled in His presence! “Now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day…to all those who wait with love for him to appear.” 2 Timothy 4.8 GNT

Titus 2 - Doctrine all Dressed Up

The word ‘Doctrine’ (“teaching”) often conjures images of thick books and long lectures.  But Paul in Titus wants us to picture doctrine all dressed up – men and women and boys and girls joyfully following the footsteps of Jesus. Doctrine is more than “getting the right answer” or “winning red faced arguments.” Somehow, sadly, many Christians missed this memo. We tilt toward unbalanced extremes. Some pile Bible truths sky-high while having ant-sized reputations.  Others display ethical virtue as “silent witnesses” saying no Word about Jesus the Righteous One. Titus is to tell Cretan Christians that Biblical doctrine is both “hearing and doing” – “loving and obeying” – “talking and walking.” The gospel is meant to make us godly, God’s truth is transforming. Notice how Titus 2 applies the gospel quite specifically to each one of us. Here in Beijing, we will be the first Bible some people will read.