S – But as for you, exercise self-control in everything, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. 

2 Timothy 4:5 CSB

O – Commentary:

Again Paul used the strong contrast But you … (cf. 3:10, 14). Timothy must remain cool-headed in the face of difficulties. He must be ready to endure hardship (cf. 2:3) as the pressure mounted. He must do the work of an evangelist, proclaiming the gospel at every opportunity. (There is no reason to assume, as some suggest, that Timothy was without the gift of evangelism). In every way, Paul wrote, fulfill your ministry (diakonian, the word for voluntary “service” from which comes “deacon”).

 A. Duane Litfin, “2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 758.

A – Hardship is a part of walking with God. The enemy will do whatever he can to dissolve our love for God.  He is a liar, accuser and he wants to rob, kill and destroy us.  Plus, life is hard and has challenges.  Knowing that God is present in all of this is tough to understand at times.  “But for you” reminds us that our relationship with God is personal and we have a choice.  We need to choose faith and trust in God in the midst of all of this.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the One, true God.  Life is hard right now and we invite you into every situation we are facing.  We put our faith and trust in you.

“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.”
‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬-‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

O – This list gives us a practical ability to identify things that are not of God. It also lets us know they will reflect a version of God but not God himself.

A – it is imperative for us to know God, his word and truth. Then, we will know the true identity and power of God. People have been trying to show their version of God since the earliest times. We cannot worship a counterfeit.

R – Heavenly Father, we surrender and worship. Help us to know the real you. We choose you over anything else that tries to reflect you. We want you!

S – Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, bearing this inscription: The Lord knows those who are his,^, and let everyone who calls on the name of the Lord turn away from wickedness. 

2 Timothy 2:19 CSB

O – Commentary:

God’s solid foundation (i.e., the church; cf. 1 Cor. 3:10–15; Eph. 2:19–22; 1 Tim. 3:15) stands firm, with two inscriptions as a “seal” to indicate the structure’s authenticity and integrity (cf. Rom. 4:11; 1 Cor. 9:2). The first is a reference to the rebellion of Korah in which the Lord differentiated between the true and the false (Num. 16:5; cf. Jude 11). The second inscription is possibly a loose reference to Numbers 16:26 or more likely some other Old Testament passage such as Isaiah 52:11. The two inscriptions emphasize respectively both God’s sovereign control over the church and every Christian’s responsibility to turn away from evil. Thus Timothy did not need to fear for the destiny of God’s work, but he was to make every effort to keep himself free from the contamination of the false teachers.

 A. Duane Litfin, “2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 755.

A – Good application for us today.  There are some who are going to come and go in our Christian walk.  God’s church will not be deterred because the foundation is secure in Christ’s life, death and resurrection.  We must be diligent to ensure we are not swayed by false teaching or philosophies contrary to God’s word.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the truth, way and the life.  Grow our faith to trust in the foundation of Jesus Christ even more today.  Help us to know your Word to discern what is from you and what is not.  We want to grow more in our relationship with you.

S – Therefore, I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷ For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power,^, love, and sound judgment. 

2 Timothy 1:6–7 CSB

O – Commentary:

Why Timothy needed this reminder of his ordination, and the confidence in his own gifts he developed as a result of it, is not clear. In 1 Timothy the reference to Timothy’s ordination is associated with problems stemming from his youthfulness (cf. 1 Tim. 4:12). Perhaps he had become somewhat intimidated by the opposition to both Paul and the gospel, even in some ways threatened, defensive, and ashamed (cf. 2 Tim. 1:8) at having to defend a prisoner (cf. 2:9) and the “foolishness” which they both preached about a despised and crucified Jesus (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18–2:5). But such timidity (deilias, lit., “cowardice,” used only here in the NT) has no place in God’s service. Instead God gives a spirit of power (cf. 1 Cor. 2:4), of love (cf. 1 Tim. 1:5), and of self-discipline (cf. 1 Tim. 4:7). These three virtues, each supplied by the Holy Spirit, should characterize Timothy.

A. Duane Litfin, “2 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 750.

A – We all have times when we are “intimidated” by things that are bigger than us.  We need to work through it and recognize that nothing is bigger than God and his ability to work a situation to his good.  Community is crucial in all of this.  I know how much I rely on my core circle in difficult times.  They see the raw emotions and they walk with me as I get back to a healthier place.

R – Heavenly Father, You are the Supreme God -there is none bigger than you.  We invite your Holy Spirit to encourage us today to lead as you have called us to.  The enemy wants to accuse, distract and intimidate but you are bigger than all of those.  You commision us to do the work of the ministry and will open the doors that need to be opened for us to do that.

S – But godliness with contentment is great gain. ⁷ For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out.

1 Timothy 6:6–7 CSB

O – When we are growing in our character to reflect God and we are satisfied with our own resources it allows us to put our focus on God.

A – There are many things we want to pursue in life.  Good things that we enjoy and bring pleasure to our lives. When we can put them in a proper perspective with our relationship with God it is a win – win.  God remains elevated to his rightful place in our lives and we can have things that are enjoyable in a healthy way.

R – Heavenly Father, your are the Lord of All.  Empower us today to see all that you have allowed us to enjoy in a healthy view.  We know you provide for us and we are grateful for all that.  As we keep you first in our lives, we desire a genuine contentment.

S – The elders who are good leaders are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says: Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,^, and, The worker is worthy of his wages.

1 Timothy 5:17–18 CSB

O – Study Bible:

elders Refers to mature believers responsible for managing and teaching in the church. Paul appointed elders in the local church and advised Titus do the same (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). Like overseers, elders nourish and protect the believers in the church community (see Acts 20:28 and note; 1 Tim 3:2 and note).

Episkopos and Presbyteros Word Study

double honor This refers to an adequate compensation for the work of the ministry. In the context of v. 3, this honor included financial support from the community

 John D. Barry et al., Faithlife Study Bible (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016), 1 Ti 5:17.

A – The church needs to have leaders who are mature, with strong leadership skills and a heart the cares for the congregation.  Realizing the broad spectrum that represents, we need to pray for our church leaders to grow in all these aspects.  As they do, the church will mature and grow.

R – Heavenly Father, you are the Lord of all.  We pray for our church leaders to grow in their individual relationship with you first.  Let them know you in a deeper, more intimate way today.  Grow their maturity, leadership and heart for their congregations so the church is protected and moved to their own growth and maturity.

S – Rather, train yourself in godliness. ⁸ For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

 1 Timothy 4:7–8 CSB

O – Commentary:

As valuable as physical fitness (training is gymnasia, “exercise,” used only here in the NT) may be (and Paul did not disparage it), spiritual fitness, or godliness, is much more valuable. Physical fitness is profitable only, literally, “for a little.” But godliness is profitable for all things, not merely in this present transient life but in the life to come, that is, for eternity. Godliness colors all aspects of temporal and eternal life, bestowing its blessing on all it touches

A. Duane Litfin, “1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 740.

A – Training in “holiness” or godliness has benefits that far exceed our bodies, minds and thoughts.  It affects all those plus eternity and the spiritual realm.  As I grow in my godliness, it has a positive affect on the physical realm as I experience joy and peace.  I have greater understanding and faith in the spiritual realm.

R – Heavenly Father, you are a holy and just God.  Help us to grow in our godliness today.  We invite your Holy Spirit to coach us through our training as we grow in our godliness and holiness.  As we do this, give us courage and strength to pursue you.

S – And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great: He was manifested in the flesh, 

vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, 

taken up in glory. 

1 Timothy 3:16 CSB

O – Commentary:

(1) Appeared in a body refers to the Incarnation of Christ. (2) Was vindicated by the Spirit refers to God’s demonstration through the Resurrection (cf. Acts 2:24–36), by the Holy Spirit (cf. Rom. 8:11), that the crucified Jesus is Lord and Messiah. (3) Was seen by angels refers to His exaltation before the heavenly realm (cf. Phil. 2:9–11; Col. 2:15; Heb. 1:6). (4) Was preached among the nations (cf. Col. 1:23) and (5) was believed on in the world refer to the progressive fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan through His preordained means (cf. 1 Cor. 1:18–2:5). (6) Was taken up in glory refers to the Ascension (Eph. 4:10).

 A. Duane Litfin, “1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 739.

A – When we recognize the entirety of what Jesus accomplished in his time on earth, it is astounding.  The spiritual realm was just as shaken as the earthly one.  The mystery of God was revealed so man could be in relationship with Him.  

R – Heavenly Father, you are the one, true God.  Thank you for coming to earth in the form of a man, taking our sins upon you, dying as our sacrifice and resurrecting to demonstrate your power over death.  Your love for us is amazing and humbling.

S – First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, ² for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

1 Timothy 2:1–2 CSB

O – Commentary:

With Nero’s growing resentment toward Christians—which came to full bloom after the fire in Rome in July, a.d. 64—and the general disintegration of the Roman Empire due to Nero’s profligacy, Christians began to suffer persecution from the Roman authorities. Having recently been released from his Roman imprisonment, Paul was greatly aware of the deteriorating political atmosphere. Thus he urged prayer for the salvation of all men, but especially rulers, so that the stable, noninterfering environment of previous days might be recovered. This is the minimum requirement if Christians are to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

 A. Duane Litfin, “1 Timothy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 734.

A – With all that is going on in the world, praying for our leaders in all areas that affect our lives is a good idea.  Whether at work, government or business, praying for those who help shape our lives invited God into each area we interact with on a regular basis.  We shouldn’t just pray.  We should model our faith in a way that it also influences our areas of life.

R – Heavenly Father, we worship and surrender to you.  As we go into all the aspects of our lives, we pray for the leaders of those areas – leaders, bosses, pastors, coaches, teachers – anyone who brings influence to something we care deeply about.  We pray that they would know you in a personal relationship and would invite you Holy Spirit to help lead them.  And, we commit to living a life that exemplifies our love for you.  Thank you God for being with us today.

S – In view of this, we always pray for you that our God will make you worthy of his calling, and by his power fulfill your every desire to do good and your work produced by faith,

2 Thessalonians 1:11 CSB

O – Commentary:

Paul consistently made what God has done for believers the basis of his appeals for them to lead lives in keeping with their destiny. Christians do not live worthily in order to obtain salvation but because they have been granted salvation

 Thomas L. Constable, “2 Thessalonians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 716.

A – Love the commentary – we do not live a life for Christ to “obtain” but in response to a love that is amazing.  He is worthy of our lives and love aligning with his will and purpose.

R – Heavenly Father, we love you for who you are.  Not just for what you can do for us or the benefit of knowing you.  Give us strength and a fortitude to live a life that glorifies you alone today.