Daily Encouragement Day 322 – 2 Timothy 3

Paul predicts a time of increasing arrogance, rebelliousness, and vulnerability to spiritual deception (3:1-9) and warns Timothy that he can expect that persecution for the sake of following Christ will increase (3:10-13).  He reminds Timothy to stay strong in Scripture and to use it effectively in this spiritual combat (3:14-17).

Paul’s letters to Timothy indicate that he was youthful, frequently ill, and timid (1 Timothy 4:12; 5:23; 2 Timothy 1:7), but that he was a trustworthy and gifted teacher.  The apostle wrote this letter to encourage him to be faithful to his calling and to stand firm in the face of obstacles to the spread of the gospel.  Timothy was encountering a number of hardships, and Paul wanted to strengthen him to handle external persecution and internal problems of false doctrine and dissension within the churches.  This was especially urgent in light of the fact that Paul was nearing the end of his ministry and needed to entrust important areas into the care of his faithful associate and disciple.

READING of 2 TIMOTHY 3

Prayer:

Lord, I acknowledge that all Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, so that we may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Meditation passage for today: verses 12, 15-17