Scripture to Read: 2 Timothy 1:1-4
We begin a new book this week, walking through 2 Timothy. My prayer is that God will plant His Word deep within us as we read, study and even memorize His Word for life transformation. God has Paul introduce himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ, but it happened as part of God’s will. In reading this, we would think that Paul did not have a choice, but that is not the truth. God chose to reveal Himself to Paul on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-9), but Paul had to either reject Christ’s invitation or accept it. Paul accepted Christ’s invitation to follow Him and because Paul saw our risen Lord, he became an apostle. We know God is using Paul to write to Timothy again and, of course, God’s plan all along was for this letter to speak to us today as well. Paul calls Timothy his “beloved son,” which is a great reminder to us as we make disciples of Christ that those disciples are family members since we all belong to Christ our Lord. Paul thanks God that he has a clear conscience before God as he serves God and prays for Timothy both night and day. Our conscience before God, as His children, should also be clean and clear. The reason our conscience is clear is because Christ has cleansed us of all of our sin and guilt through His shed blood on the cross. So, a clear conscience is not from our good works but from the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior on the cross.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you this week about discipling others, prayer, and a clear conscience before Him?
2. How are you walking with our Lord and praying for others and keeping your conscience clear before our King?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!