2 Timothy 3:12-4:5
You hear us say all the time on Back to the Bible and here on P4 that there's nothing more important than God's Word and, of course, engaging the Word (receiving scripture by reading or hearing, reflecting on or considering it, and then responding to it). Paul really confirms that in 2 Timothy 3:12-4:5, plus he gives us instruction on how to use God's Word not only in our individual life, but also with others.
This passage was just a great read for me today. I can never have too many reminders that God's Word is absolute and perfect and needs to be the center of my living.
So why is the Bible so important to you? Did you see anything new in 2 Timothy 3:12-4:5? What about good reminders from this passage? Tami W.
The concept that resonates most with me whenever I read this passage is that of TRAINING. Paul also wrote in 1 Timothy 4:8:
"For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
I'm a big believer IN & advocate FOR physical fitness. I enjoy running, biking & working out. But I remember reading 1 & 2 Timothy a few years back and God brought it to my attention that I was focusing a disproportionate amount of time & energy in the physical realm in comparison to the spiritual. As a result, I made some adjustments & certainly do not regret it. As a friend of mine put it, "How ridiculous would it be to stand before Jesus at the end of your life and say, 'Well, Lord, my spiritual body is flabby & malnourished, but look at these six-pack abs!" He was absolutely right. :)
And I love the reason for our training in godliness given in 2 Timothy 3:17 -- so that we will be "thoroughly equipped for every good work." Our spiritual training isn't just for our own benefit. It is extended to others through good works & service.
The Bible is important to me because it is my GPS navigational system for life, and it is the only one that is calibrated to the "Truth" who is Jesus Christ. Coming out of 10 years of ascetic Buddhism I always have my broken road that led to Christ as a backdrop in my life, and I always live with the contrast from my Buddhist past in relation to my present life in Christ. The Buddhist life of lies has left permanent scars in mind and body that keep me mindful of Christ. Thus, I'm continually reminded of the contrast between truth and lies, and the Bible becomes very clear. The Bible is the beacon and the refuge in my life. Christ has saved my marriage, kids and family, and saved me from further physical damage due to the Buddhist concept of depriving the body of food and sleep to attain enlightenment.
2 Timothy 3:12-4:5 are accurate reflections of what is happening today. The ethics and morals in our world is in a downward spiral, there are attacks on the Bible both inside and outside of the Church, false teachers receive lots of attention (e.g., The Divinci Code, properity / word of faith teachers). When we see and experience the garbage that permeates our culture, we can take refuge and have comfort that what is expounded in the Bible is true and gives me confidence to press on in my walk with the Lord.
Kerry, your comment really resonated with me, as I am a fitness enthusiast and know that I devote too much time in exercise. It has become an obsession. Fortunately, I am also obsessed about the Word of God, hungry to learn all that I can from the Bible. I often listen to His message during workouts. I know I need to scale down on physical fitness, and am working on it. You're comment was encouraging.
The Bible is important to me because it us the word of God. It is our manual on living our lives. It speaks to my heart and guides my actions. I turn to the Bible for advice and to advise, for comfort and chastisement.
This passage reminds me that persecution can be expected when you are a Christian, but I can relax in God's word, for it speaks the truth. As I learn God's word, I can reach out to others and teach the word, spreading the word.
Russell, your own experience as a former Buddhist provides you with a unique experience to reach out to others. I think we all have our own experiences with which to share and open doors to reach out to unbelievers.
I appreciate your comments, Kerry C. and Russell. Wow, Russell, I would love to hear your testimony.
I'm new to powered by 4, I just signed up this week. I've been listening to the radio program for awhile now.
I can relate to your comment Kerry. I also work out often, at least 3 times a week, but often fail to do my bible readings and flex my spiritual muscles! So I'm glad that I have signed up for this online community. Verse 15 where it talked about us knowing the sacred writings since children is something I never caught before. It made me so thankful for my christian parents and the spiritual food I was given as a child. So the challenge to continue in what I have learned is so relevant in my life. I often get discouraged because even at the office where I work, I sometimes don't "fit in" with everyone and I believe it is because of my christianity. But these verses say we can EXPECT persecution and that's ok. All we need to do is continue in our faith and live it out.
What speaks to me the most in this passage is the simple truth that "everyone who wants to live a life in Christ will suffer persecution." (2 Tim 3:12). Not to say our lives shouldn't exhibit joy, but that our life while here isn't meant to be a cake walk. This is something I need to be reminded of on a regular basis. It's so easy to get caught up in a pity-party when things aren't running smoothly, when all the while, I'm missing the point. Instead of focusing on what's gone haywire, I need to understand God sees the big picture and I am traveling through those particular seasons to bring me to a place of humility where He can refine me.