Slices
Prepare
‘In the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time’ (Titus 1:2). Spend a moment reflecting on these words and the hope we have in God.
Bible passage
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.
20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.
Grace be with you all.
Explore
What has been entrusted to Timothy’s care (v 20)? It is not immediately evident what Paul is referring to. It may be the church in Ephesus (1:3), the people Timothy is leading and ministering among. It may be the gospel itself (1:15–17). It may be the correct teaching of godly conduct, which Paul has been passing on to Timothy throughout his letter (vs 17,18). It may be Timothy’s own heart and godliness. He is to ensure he is turning away from godless chatter and false knowledge (v 20), as Paul knows Timothy must lead from a place of purity. We don’t know which of these Paul is referring to, but we know all must be guarded, for the enemy seeks to destroy or distract from them all.
How can we guard or protect our hearts, our churches and ministries that God has called us to? We have seen many practical suggestions throughout this letter. But Paul knows the hardness and the size of the task. It can only be done with the help of the Holy Spirit. We need God’s help. ‘Grace be with you all’ (v 21).
Respond
Replace the word Timothy in verse 20 with your name. Read it out loud. What has God entrusted to your care? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you guard it.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 1 Samuel 23,24; Mark 16
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for Mission Events Coordinator Karen Quinney as she deals with volunteer applications for the summer holidays. Pray that sufficient volunteers will come forward and that they will be processed and cleared to serve in plenty of time.
Because a strong start begins with smart preparation
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