2 Timothy 4: 3, 4 “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.”
Dear God,
It is with a grateful heart, I reflect upon my blessings and for caring friends that You have provided for me. Please keep my blessings before me, lest I take them for granted.
I note as I read scripture, the faithful work of the stalwarts in the building up of the early church, as they lived out their gospel commission to go tell the Gentiles as well as the Jews, that Christ had indeed lived, died and risen again. Because of the numerous writings of Paul, we know much of his activity, and evidently, the Holy Spirit had revealed to him, that difficult times were ahead for the Christian church; as is still the case in many parts of the world right now. As well as that there would be falling away from true allegiance to You in nations called Christian, which should come as no surprise to me, as Satan is still very much with us on the earth, and has even more hate for Christ and less time to work on us, before Jesus comes and finishes off Satan’s chances.
These words of scripture have an application for us in these days as well, 2 Timothy 4: 1, 2 “I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and teaching.” I understand that there is urgency in this charge, because it is predicted a time is coming when the listeners will want softer teaching, that won’t make them feel rebuked or acknowledge they are not living as given in scripture and need to humble themselves before God in sincere repentance. I believe we in the Christian church are at risk of being caught sleeping, because it would seem the time for action is already upon us!
Lord I am not a preacher or teacher, but I do know You will provide for me opportunities to bring Your true life changing gospel to people who have not yet accepted Jesus as their Lord and Saviour. I am glad for the examples of the many people who have gone before, with a life given over to You, spoke more to the heart of another, in way a sermon would not have done. I can appreciate more and more that a person, who is living the way of Jesus, will have the sweet influence of a life lived out in a way that reveals personally the life changing message of salvation. To have a Christ centred influence on another soul, is never achieved by ‘pandering to self’, but more about by self-denial living their life in humility and obedience to Jesus.
Please be my power and wisdom, so I will be filled with Your love and power, enabling me to live in an attractive way the gospel message in truth, that will draw others to seek Jesus, so that they also have the opportunity to accept salvation.
Amen