Timothy Archives - Finding direction

Timothy

6 November 2014

Memorizing Philippians? An Update.

If you’re trying to memorize Philippians by the end of the year with me, you should ideally be around Philippians 3:6 or Philippians 3:7. I’m “finished” Philippians 3:4, so just slightly behind.

One thing I have noticed about this whole memorization scheme is that it is very hard to catch up, because it’s all based on repetition. You could, I suppose, do a verse in the morning and a verse at night, but it really is ideal to just do a verse a day — which means if you fall behind, it’s hard to catch up.

Of course I’ve built in a little leeway, so I’m mostly still just doing a verse a day.

Anyway, I’m overall very happy with the Davis method (read more here).

Anyway, back to the passage itself. A lot about unselfishness, sacrifice, and persecution. We have the wonderful passage in the first part of chapter 2 about Jesus’ self-sacrifice on the cross (Philippians 2:5-11).

All of this is an illustration of how we should look to the interests of others. And Timothy and Epaphroditus are examples of this. Timothy, who faithfully served with Paul for the sake of the Gospel, even when others were more concerned with their own affairs (Philippians 2:19-22). And Epaphroditus, who risked his life for the Gospel, and is obviously concerned about others (Philippians 2:25-30).

Now Paul is launching into a wonderful passage, where he will show how Christ is of more value than anything else.

So if you’re still memorizing, even if you’re well behind, keep going! I know there are a few of you who started out with me – feel free to leave a comment and let us know how it’s going.

1 May 2012

Memory Verse Day 21: Every Good Work

Jim Devotional and Bible 0

"a fin de que el hombre de Dios sea perfecto, equipado para toda buena obra."
(2Timoteo 3:17 NBLH)

"that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."
(2Timothy 3:17 ESV)

Last time we were talking about the verse right before this one. 2Timothy 3:16 talks about the nature of the Scriptures. They come from God – breathed out, or inspired. And they are useful or profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.

So what is the result of this? That’s what verse 17 tells us.

First, Paul says that the man of God will be complete, or perfect. Other translations use words like adequate or capable.

What does this mean? Well, Paul expands his thought. The man of God will be equipped for every good work. That means furnished completely, or completely prepared, for everything that God wants him to do.

Paul liked this phrase, "good work". He believed that God would help His people to do every good work through His grace (2Corinthians 9:8). Paul prayed that the believers would be filled with the knowledge of God’s will, so that they could bear fruit in every good work (Colossians 1:9-12).

Earlier in his letter to Timothy, Paul encouraged him to accurately handle the Word of Truth, and avoid worldly and empty chatter. By doing this, Timothy would be a vessel of honour, prepared for every good work (1Timothy 2:15-21).

Paul told Titus that he would need God’s Word in order to contradict "rebellious men", who were worthless for every good work (Titus 1:7-16).

So this is for everyone who is following God. The Scriptures teach us and train us, and also allow us to reprove and correct.

And the Scriptures are all we need to be ready – to be complete – to be prepared for every good work.

There is nothing else you need in your service to the Lord. If you want to do every good work, if you want to be complete, there’s nowhere else you need to look.