Today in God's Word

Today in God's Word—January 2023 East Tallassee Church of Christ January 28, 2 Timothy 3 I believe following Jesus is the best way to live—best for this world and the one to come. I don’t mean that it is the easiest way to live. If you live by Jesus’ kingdom principles, you will face opposition from a world in rebellion against his lordship.

Paul assured Timothy that the difficulty he faced was neither unusual nor unexpected. Paul’s description of this age is an ugly negative image of the positive virtues and values that characterize disciples of Jesus. Christians should not expect the world to affirm their commitment to Christ. A godly life indicts the ungodliness that characterizes the world, and the world’s animosity will be expressed in persecution. Jesus told the disciples before he went to the cross that the world hated him, and it would hate those who followed him. Paul told Timothy to rely on two powerful factors to help him withstand the world’s evil influence and opposition. First, he told his protégé to follow his example instead of being influenced by the culture and false teachers around him. Paul’s way of life was a pattern of godly integrity, faith, patience, love and steadfastness for anyone who would watch and follow him. His conduct drew criticism and persecution from his enemies, and he flatly declared that everyone who was devoted to godly living would suffer persecution. He told Timothy to continue in what he had learned and believed because he knew who had taught him.

The second powerful influence for good in Timothy’s life was the word of God. The Scriptures, breathed out by God, would teach, restrain, correct and train him. They would bring him to maturity and competence as a servant of the Lord.

We would do well to consciously imitate Paul’s life and not conform to the world around us. Is your conduct more like the description of worldly people who love themselves, money and pleasure more than they love God? Or does your life reflect Paul’s faith, devotion and love for the Lord? We’re not really following Jesus if arrogance, disobedience, ingratitude and a lack of self-control are evident in us.

We would also do well to adopt Paul’s high view of Scripture. Many who do not want to hear its message attack the Bible as a collection of old myths, superstition or the product of ambitious men who wanted to control others. But Paul said the Scriptures were breathed out by God. People who do not want to submit to its life-guiding authority claim it restricts and represses them from doing as they please. But Paul said the Scriptures teach us what to believe and not to believe, what to do and what not to do, for our own good. Godly mentors and God’s word can strengthen and equip you for the challenges of life. Whose example are you following today? What is your attitude toward the Scriptures?

From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament, Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.