2 Timothy Study 3

Dear Student of the Word,

It's time once again for your installment of the Word, this time from Paul's second letter to Timothy. I have already decided to move on to Matthew once this study is done, but first we have two more chapters to cover in Paul's letter, which some believe is Paul's last letter that we have. Someone's last words are always of significance, so we need to pay attention to what he wrote. Of course, we need to pay attention to everything he wrote.

This week I included a short self-assessment in the study. I thought I would include it here for those who cannot download the studies:

3:10 -- Paul confidently and boldly set himself apart from Jannes and Jambres as a true carrier of God's word and truth. Paul knew who he was and his way of life was consistent with the truth he bore. Look at the aspects of his life to which he drew attention: 1) teaching; 2) way of life; 3) purpose; 4) faith; 5) love; 6) endurance; 7)persecutions; and 8) sufferings.

These aspects must be important or Paul would not have mentioned them to Timothy. So if they are important, then let's take a look at them in your own life. Give yourself a score of 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) in each of those areas. Here are some things to think about as you consider what scores to give yourself:

1. Are you teaching? Do you know what you believe and why? Can you impart that truth to others?
2. What is your way of life? Your values? Your life philosophy? Are you living it or do you just talk about it?
3. Do you know your purpose? How effectively are you fulfilling it?
4. How is your giving? What project are you involved with that, unless God comes through in a miraculous way, you will fail?
5. Are you growing in your relationship with other people? Are you loving some who are unlovely?
6. How long have you been working and trusting God for some outcome or project?
7. Jesus warned that you should beware when all men speak well of you. Who is speaking ill of you for the cause of the Lord?
8. Are you suffering in any area? Why? For your testimony or for dumb decisions?

Add up your scores for all areas. What is the total? 80 is the highest you could score and 8 is the least. Are you happy with your total score? What can you do to improve in which areas? I would suggest that you start with the area that has the lowest score and develop a plan to improve in that area. Then do this assessment again in three to six months.

Feel free to add your comments or your answers to the questions I pose for others to read. You can do this and find the studies to Corinthians, First Timothy and Mark's gospel on the site where this week's entry is posted. You can also go to that site to sign up to receive each week's study.

Download this week's study: 2 Timothy Study 3.doc

Comments

[Adah]

Hey, this is adah ameyo asachi. You were at ICC international christian centre and i got to know about you from there. Your teachings are such a blessing to me and i just thought i should say hey to you and thank you for your efforts in bringing the word of the lord close and easily to us students of the word. May God bless you in all you do thanks once again.

[Sybel]

thank you for sending me your weekly bible readings i am blessed every day i woke up
knowing there is someone up in heaven who is taking care of me. i was so touched by your last meeting in march you bring a spiritual word which really changes my life may god bless you

[margaret]

Thank you for those questions. By the time i finished i was in tears coz of the number of times i fail dismally what God requires of me.