Day 294 – 2 Timothy – Difficult times for Christian service
“Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear.” 2 Timothy 4:2-3 NLT
Read 2 Timothy 3:1 to 2 Timothy 4:22
Paul and Timothy were active in preaching and teaching the Good News about Jesus Christ. Paul encouraged Timothy not only to carry the torch of truth but also to train others, passing on to them sound doctrine and enthusiasm for Christ’s mission. We also must prepare people to transmit God’s Word to others so that they, in turn, might pass it on. Think of this like a torch of Hope being carried over from generation to generation of believers.
In the final days before Christ returns, false teachers, spiritual dropouts, and heretics will be prevalent. Because of deception and false teaching, we must be disciplined and ready to reject error. The remedy for error is to have a solid program for learning and teaching. Know the Word of God as your sure defence against error and confusion.
