Day 351

More Advice for Pastors

Read: 2 Timothy

In this second letter, Paul continues to tell Timothy how to be a good pastor. Apparently, Timothy tended to be too timid, for Paul reminds him that “God did not give us a spirit of timidity [or fear] but a spirit of power” (1:7). As servants of Christ, we should all have a humble boldness. We should not be ashamed to speak of him and live for him (v. 8).

Again, Paul emphasizes the importance of a teaching ministry. He is to teach so that his pupils will in turn become teachers (2:2). Through the church, is God calling you to be a teacher? Be willing to do this for Christ and at the same time keep learning. We are to learn from the soldier, the athlete, and the farmer how to work in the service of Christ (vv. 3-7). Our focus on Jesus Christ is to be our great inspiration as we work in the church (vv. 8-13).

The world gets worse (3:1-9), but we are to follow the example of Paul (vv. 10-17). We are to believe that “all Scripture is inspired by God” (v. 16a). But this is not enough. We must use Scripture for its intended purpose, for it is “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (v. 16b). We must not only have a thorough knowledge of the Bible—we must do what it says. These words of Paul should be taken seriously, for he is soon to be killed for his faith.

PRAYER
Father, help every Christian to realize we are each called to serve faithfully in your church. In Jesus’ name. Amen.