November 16
2 Timothy 2
Paul uses the metaphors of a soldier, athlete, farmer, and worker to encourage Timothy.
INSIGHT
In our hard-driving society, gentleness is almost a lost commodity. Not only is it rarely honored, but it is also often thought of as being undesirable. Yet Paul instructs Timothy that the "servant of the Lord must . . . be gentle" (v. 24) and that our gentleness may help others repent from sin. Jesus said, "Blessed are the meek (the gentle)" (Matthew 5:5). Gentleness is not a word which suggests weakness or impotence. It is used of powerful war horses who have been skillfully trained to instantly obey their masters. It is a word which suggests power under complete control. It offers much.
PRAYER
The Lord is gentle with us, and for this we praise Him and try to be gentle toward others:
Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you righteous;
And shout for joy, all you upright in heart! (Psalm 32:11).
Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous!
For praise from the upright is beautiful.
Praise the Lord with the harp;
Make melody to Him with an instrument of ten strings (Psalm 33:1-2).
Pause for praise and thanksgiving.
Pray this confession to the Lord as you seek to keep your life free from sin:
All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6).
Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind, and pray this affirmation to the Lord:
He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.
(2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
greater passion for moral excellence,
Christian education institutions,
your activities for the day.
Finally, offer this prayer to the Lord:
Let all those who seek You rejoice and be glad in You;
And let those who love Your salvation say continually,
"Let God be magnified!"
But I am poor and needy;
Make haste to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer;
O Lord, do not delay (Psalm 70:4-5).
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