“What persecutions I endured, and out of them all the Lord rescued me!” (2 Timothy 3:11)
One reason that we need to read about the lives of men like Paul is because we lack imagination. I cannot imagine how God would save Paul from shipwrecks, corrupt governors, riotous mobs, and stonings… but God did! God is much cleverer than we are, and His rescue plans are more elegant than the ones we would plan.
We tend to like the most direct route out of trouble, but God’s rescue routes can be circuitous, long, and even make it seem like things are getting worse before they get better, but that’s a good thing because God’s rescue routes also increase our faith, use our trials to evangelize, and take us places we need to go to do things we never would have considered doing otherwise. God is good, and His rescue plans always work.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 3:10-17
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision