This page is a daily devotion. It will study a chapter of the Bible for 5 days one section at a time. Then it will move on to another chapter for 5 days. Included is a verse to memorize.
2Timothy chapter 2
Memory verse: 2Timothy 2:15
This letter was written from Rome to Timothy shortly before Paul’s death at the hands of Nero (2Timothy 4:6). It is possible Timothy was still in Ephesus going by those Paul sent greeting to in 2Timothy 4. Whereas 1Timothy is more about how to lead the church, 2 Timothy is directed more toward Timothy himself. Paul encourages him to stand in the faith and doctrine, and warns him of coming doctrinal and spiritual corruption.
Day 1 – a good soldier of Jesus Christ
Verses 1-5
A soldier must be strong (Joshua 1:6-9). The weak and infirm cannot take the battlefield. David was one the greatest warriors ever, but when he became weak, he had to cease from battle (2Samuel 21:15-17). The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (2Corinthians 10:4). God does not need our physical strength for the battles we must fight. He does need us to be spiritually strong. A good soldier is able to impart his knowledge and experience to new soldiers joining the battle. He know how to endure hardness, both physically and mentally. He realizes it’s not easy fighting a war, and doesn’t have unrealistic expectations of comfort and ease. He knows that comes later. He doesn’t get caught up in lesser battles, so he can be free to serve in the real war. He seeks to please his commander. He knows he has to follow the rules of engagement. The honor only goes to those who do it right.
Day 2 – I endure all things
Verses 6-10
A leader has responsibility. He goes through things ahead of those he leads. He leads from the front, not the back. He does not let his people take the brunt. He goes before, and endures first. That is what Jesus did (John 10:11-14, Colossians 1:18, Hebrews 2:9). This is what Paul did (2Corinthians 1:7, Ephesians 3:1, Ephesians 6:20, Philippians 1, Colossians 1:24, 2Timothy 1:8). General George Patton always personally led his troops into battle from the front, and was admired by his troops for it. He made himself into a symbol for his troops to be inspired by. The enemy also had high respect for him, but that also made him a prime target. The enemy knows if it can take down the leader, he not only gets a big trophy, he deals a blow (2Samuel 18:3, 2Samuel 21:17, Psalm 11:3). We should always support our leaders, and pray for them. We should have the highest respect for them (1Thessalonians 5:13, 1Timothy 5:17, Hebrews 13:7 & 17). Of course, they must earn our trust and respect. While not all Christians are called to what we call the ministry, all are called to be people of influence and leadership in some capacity. Whether we are aware or not, people are looking to us. We must be an example.
Day 3 – study to shew thyself approved
Verses 11-15
God is faithful. That should not even be a question, although we sometimes struggle in our faith. The question is are we faithful? If we identify with Him in all things, He will also identify with us (Matthew 10:32-33). Paul again tells Timothy to avoid empty arguments that do not profit, but only subvert (cause catastrophe). Rather we must give diligence to demonstrate to all that we are approved unto God. The word approved here comes from the Greek word dokimos. This refers to men who were honest in business. The world at that time did not have what we know as today’s banking system and paper money. Money was made of metal, and was worth the amount of metal it was made of. Cheaters would shave off some of the metal, and try to get away with trading with money that was worth less than it appeared. Those that did not do this were called dokimos. We must do the work of God faithfully, and with integrity (Matthew 24:45, Matthew 25:21, Luke 16:10, 1Corinthians 4:2, 2Timothy 2:2, Revelation 17:14). We do not just represent ourselves, but Him (2Corinthians 5:18-20). If we are unfaithful, we not dishonor Him, we will be ashamed. When handling the Word of God, we must hold straight and do it right. We cannot shave off parts, and take short cuts. Only the whole counsel of God will do (Acts 20:27). The Bible is not a menu. It takes effort to be a student of the Bible, and to know the precious truth it is.
Day 4 – the foundation of God standeth sure
Verses 16-21
Paul again warns against ungodly, empty, and useless arguing that only advance ungodliness. The words of those people will attach itself to the body of Christ like gangrene, eating away its parts until it gets into the bones. They miss the mark, and deviate from the truth. That means they once had it but swerved off course. Despite them, the building blocks of the house of God cannot be moved. Its foundation has a seal like that of a signet ring authenticating its validity. The Lord knows who His people really are, and He knows who the imposters are. The house of God is a large house with many vessels. Some are separated from sin and suitable for His service, and some are not. The sanctified are to be thoroughly cleansed from those who are not, so they can be His.
Day 5 – in meekness instructing
Verses 22-26
We are not to flirt with evil, testing how close we can get without getting burned. We are to flee it – (1Corinthians 6:18, 1Corinthians 10:14, 1Timothy 6:11). We are to run away as if escaping great danger. We are to run after and pursue faith, love, peace, and purity. Once again, we are to avoid foolish, uneducated, and ignorant debates, knowing they only give birth to arguing. The way to present the word of God is not by contentious arguing, but by gentleness, patience, and meekness. The servant of the Lord tries to help those that are fighting against their own selves, hoping they will find repentance which will lead them to the truth. Maybe they will return to a sound mind like the prodigal son (Luke 15:17) from the devil’s bird trap in which he catches people at his will. When people are sincerely seeking truth, they do not contentiously argue. That does not mean they do not take a stand. It means they maintain a right spirit, always seeking to win a soul, and not just an argument.