23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sorry Will I liked this one a lot too! But you were right, I probably would have chosen the scripture about the soldiers if I hadn't cheated and say your post before I did mine! Anyway, this passage is incredible. It calls us to be patient with the people who are misguided and who do not want to receive the truth for one reason or another! Paul instructs us to avoid foolish and ignorant arguments three times in this chapter alone! Not to mention, he has said it a bunch of times in his other letters. IT seems like people were wasting their time on meaningless things, rather than focusing on the truth of the gospel which is dipped and covered in LOVE! If someone doesn't want to understand something, it is because they are blind and have not escaped from the devil's trap...We need to be persistent...but patient and wait for God to change their hearts and reveal the truth to them!
3 "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus."
ReplyDeleteLet me say that I wanted to pick the first seven verses of this chapter just because they are so awesome and really relate to me, but this one really stepped out when I read it. And I bet this is one of Tito's favorites! I have never really considered myself a soldier of God, but after reading this passage it is quite accurate. We are put on this earth to fulfill God's will. We are also meant to battle evil just as soldiers battle. And like it later says, we are not concerned with civilian affairs, or worldly affairs, but we want only to obey and please our commanding officer, Jesus. My point is to not only act as children of God, but as soldiers. To fight for God and to solely try to please him by doing what he has ordered us to do.
10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
ReplyDeleteIt is difficult to endure challenges and trials for the sake of God; however, at some point this is a part of every Christian's faith. When we are faced with hardships for the sake of Christ, it is important to push through and endure. It is in these times that it can be the hardest to see God's will, but he always works things in the favor of those who love him. We have to trust that he ultimately has a plan for the situation and that our trials will either be for our own good or for the good of others so that they may see Christ.
22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
ReplyDelete2 Timothy 2:22
Here Paul says to flee from the desires of youth, i take this to be immaturity, but pursue a life of faith. This is said countless times, but it always strikes me. It is something so simple in idea, but we make it so hard to truly turn away from our immaturity. Makes me think.
15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.
ReplyDeleteThe one who is approved is the one whose life reflects their believe in Christ. We cannot change ourselves. We must humbly present ourselves to God and allow him to mold us through his word. A life that reflects the word of God is a life approved of by God. The greatest testimony is a life that reflects the word of the LORD.
11 Here is a trustworthy saying:
ReplyDeleteIf we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
he will remain faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.
I really want to read this every morning when I wake up. As I was reading before class this really caught my attention. I especially love the last line about when we are faithless he will remain faithful. This also reminds me up how Christ is the loving husband and we are the adulterous wife. We go around living of the world while Jesus is remaining faithful to us as we run around with the world.
Thank you Jesus that you are faithful while we are not.
You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus,
ReplyDelete(2 Timothy 2:1 ESV)
Grace strengthens? honestly I don't know if I will ever understand everything concerning the mystery of God's grace. Saved by grace through faith in Christ which is a gift from God; so accepting this grace brings strength to us as children of God. His strength is made perfect in my weakness...out of context, but I think may still be truth that can be applied, that when we experience God's grace in Christ Jesus, we are strengthened as we recognize that God's grace is coupled with His promised Holy Spirit which equips us for every good work through the power that rose Jesus from the grave.
So, "Father, strengthen me by grace in Jesus Christ."
4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
ReplyDeleteI feel like this is saying that we should try and please God as our commanding officer and not get tangled up in the things of this world that don't have eternal significance. I know there is a time to relax and have fun, but our life's goal shouldn't be spent on that because ultimately that is'nt going to matter at all.