Weekly Faith Focus

Greetings friends,

I ask that as we begin our spiritual journey together we begin to take some time daily (if you are not already) to read the Scripture and pray. I thought it would be beneficial for us to focus on the same passage of Scripture for the week. This week, we will focus on Sunday’s texts (See below) If you were not present in worship on Sunday and have not yet watched it, I encourage you to do so. The Scripture used on Sunday was 2 Timothy 3:14-17. 2 Timothy is the second letter written by Paul to Timothy, a young pastor who was ministering in Ephesus for the last four years. Timothy had participated with Paul prior to serving in Ephesus, going on both the second and third missionary journeys. Paul was writing from a Roman prison cell, facing imminent death, and yet in spite of his own circumstances, sent this letter of encouragement and support, understanding all of the adversities and difficulties Timothy was facing in ministry. Timothy was charged with directing the church in Ephesus with untainted Christian doctrine, and leading believers to follow as disciples of Jesus, in spite of the many trials they would face. We know that Timothy had a strong upbringing in the faith from his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1;5-6, 3:14-15). We also know from Hebrews 13:23 that at some time after this letter that Timothy was imprisoned for his faith.

Format-this is a repeat from every week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all. It is listed at the bottom for review and for anyone who is new to this exercise. Please remember that it is a suggestion. There is no pressure to do it in the format suggested, to do everything on the days that are listed, or to even to answer all the questions. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you. If one question takes up the time because you are moved in your spirit, then stay with it. The idea of this it to spend some intentional time with the Scriptures, in the presence of God, and in prayer and reflection- in whatever way that works for you!

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14-17 

¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵ and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Other Scriptures referenced:

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

Ephesians 4:14  Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.

2 Timothy 3:1-5a But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ² People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³ without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴ treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— ⁵ having a form of godliness but denying its power.

2 Timothy 4:3 ³ For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.

Jesus teaching the “Sermon on the Mount” can be found in Matthew 5-7

The Ten Commandments are found in Exodus 20:1-17

DAILY QUIET TIME WITH GOD:

Monday: v. 14a “But as for you” is what Paul wrote to Timothy (and because now this letter is regarded as Holy Scripture, this message is for us as well). There is a separation between what we (as believers in Jesus Christ who have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit) are to think and do, and “the world,” or those who are not believers. As believers, we are in the continual process of becoming “sanctified”- the Holy Spirit working within us so that we may become more and more like Christ. The definition of sanctify is “set apart, declare holy; consecrate.” Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your reading as you take a look at the list that Paul provides in 3:1-5a (listed above), which describes people’s lives that are not sanctified. Pay attention to your body, and any thoughts or memories that come to mind as you read. Consider if any of these elements are present within you now. If so, confess it to God, ask God for forgiveness, and “repent” (turn away from that and turn toward God). Ask God for guidance away from it, for healing, and sanctification. Ask for the Holy Spirit to convict you if you ever consider going in this direction again. V.14a “continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of”- “continue” is menó in the original Greek and can also be translated as to stay, abide, or remain. It’s the same as when Jesus was instructing the disciples to “abide in me” in the Upper Room (John 15:4-11). Consider if there have been times when you did not continue in your faith, or considered walking away. What was going on? Was there a situation or circumstance, or perhaps a thought or feeling, which led to it? If so, ask God for clarity, healing, and protection, so that not continuing in your faith is never is considered again. What are the spiritual practices that help you to continue in your faith? “what you have learned and become convinced of”- learning about the faith, learning all about God, means nothing if it is not accompanied by acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, receiving saving grace, and seeking to live in a way that glorifies God. At the same time, it is vital that we continue to learn and grow in our faith- that’s part of the sanctification process. We build our faith on God, who is revealed in the Scriptures, and we become sanctified as the Holy Spirit brings inspiration, revelation, and transformation. The more we seek God the more God works within us. We go beyond learning to becoming convinced, because we have experienced the life-changing presence of God. Consider what you know about the Christian faith, and how much you know about God’s story and God’s message for us, which is revealed in the Bible. Consider how much of that knowledge has led to transformation in your life, versus just a head knowledge about what the Bible says. Is there something that needs to change? Ask God about it. Thank God for his Word. Thank God for so much more! Commit to seeking and learning and growing!

Tuesday:  v.14b “because you know those from whom you learned it” Paul was making the point that Timothy had learned his faith through the teaching of people whom he trusted, namely Paul himself, along with his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. What a wonderful heritage of faith! This first shows us the importance of passing down the faith to our family. Though we don’t know much about Eunice and Lois, we do know they were faithful believers and that raising Timothy in the faith, and teaching him the faith, must have been a priority. The name Timothy even means “honoring God.” Our example of Paul is that he not only taught the faith, but he sacrificed for it. Timothy accompanied Paul on missionary journeys, and experienced Paul witnessing about the faith to others. Paul was now writing in prison, facing immanent death for it. V.10 Paul writes “You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings…” Paul, Eunice, and Lois served as mentors for Timothy. Whomever we learn about our faith from must be faithful, trustworthy, and showing the marks of discipleship. Consider the expectation that we become that for others- teaching, guiding, and serving as a mentor in the faith. Ask God about this. Are there areas where you need to grow in order to become someone that could serve as a mentor for others? Ask God if there is someone that God wants you to be mentoring. Pray about your witness to others, in whatever setting- could people recognize you are a Christian by the way you live? By the way you respond? Ask God for direction and guidance. Thank God for the people in your life who have mentored you in the faith, and offer a prayer for them. If the Lord leads you to it, let them know the impact they have had on your faith life.

Wednesday: v. 15 “how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures” Timothy was raised in a family that understood that knowing the Holy Scriptures was vital. The Scriptures reveal who God is, and determines how God wants us all to live- holy, sanctified for God- and the Scriptures define what that actually means. The Holy Scriptures that Paul would have been referring to at this point would be primarily the Old Testament, which is something many Christians do not spend much time in. Yet the Old Testament informs the New Testament and carries the message of salvation throughout. The apostles and Jesus quoted the Old Testament often. They knew it, understood it, and trusted in it. The Old Testament shares the raw stories of people’s experiences with God, what they did right or wrong, and God’s response. Timothy was immersed in it from infancy. Consider your own knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. Imagine for yourself what it would be like to live in a way that made knowing the Holy Scriptures a priority. This is an experience for some, but not for many. Ask God to reveal what your own priority level of knowing God’s Word is. Is there something God would like you to change? Consider how you can make known the Holy Scriptures- for yourself and others, from infancy through old age, and how you, and the church, can be instrumental in making it become a priority. Ask God if there’s a specific role God wants you to do in this with others. Ask God for wisdom and guidance. Thank God for his Word!

Thursday:  v.15b “Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ” At the time this letter was written, other new writings were also being regarded as Holy Scripture by the early church- the writings of the apostles, including Paul, and of course the stories of the Gospels which were likely still shared orally (for more on this see 2 Peter 3:15b-16, Colossians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:27, Ephesians 2:20). Through the entire witness of the Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, God reveals to us our need for salvation. “Wise for salvation”- sometimes as Christians we assume this, without ever really internalizing what it actually means. The Greek word for salvation here is sótéria, which means deliverance, rescue, save- from biblehub.com “God’s rescue which delivers believers out of destruction and into his safety.” In the Communion liturgy it says “delivered us from slavery to sin and death.” Take a moment and reflect on the reason why you would need salvation. How does that make you feel? Why is salvation desired? Why is salvation necessary? It occurs through- “Faith in Jesus Christ”- the word “Christ” means “anointed one,” or “Messiah,” and faith is belief, trust, confidence. Why is that important? The Christian understanding is that Jesus, who is God’s only Son, gave himself up for us because God loved us and wanted to be in relationship with us, which couldn’t happen between a Holy God and sinful people. Jesus chose to die a horrible death on the cross for us, as he took all the sins of the world upon himself. In doing so, he defeated the power of darkness (Good Friday) (1 Peter 2:24, 3:18, John 12:31-33, 2 Corinthians 5:21). The veil at the Temple, which kept separate the people from the holy, was torn in two- a symbolic act showing what happened in the spiritual realm (Matt. 27:51, Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45, Hebrews 10:19-20). Jesus rose again, conquering death and giving us hope in eternal life in glory with God (Easter) (Hebrews 2:14, 2 Timothy 1:10). This is called Justifying Grace- we are justified before God through Christ (Romans 3:23-24, Ephesians 1:7). When this happens, the Holy Spirit begins to indwell with us and we begin to experience Sanctifying Grace- becoming more holy, like Christ (Galatians 2:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:23). We have “salvation through faith in Jesus Christ”- trusting that this is true, and living accordingly. Consider what salvation means for you- for now and in the future. What does it mean for God? How does that make you feel? If you haven’t already, put your faith in Jesus Christ. Thank God for his mercy and forgiveness. Thank God for his grace and the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ. Praise God! (note- what I listed are just some of the many Scriptures about this!)

Friday: v. 16 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” “God-breathed” meaning that the essence of God gave inspiration and revelation of God’s message to people and they wrote it down, creating what we now refer to as the Holy Bible. Take a moment and visualize the “breath of God.” How did you see it? How did it make you feel? If God did this so that we would have his message, what does that indicate our response should be toward it? Why? “useful for teaching”- we are born with a sinful nature and we need to be taught God’s ways because it doesn’t come naturally. By nature we tend to be focused on self over God. Scripture teaches us what God’s way is, and the expectations for following God’s ways. Ask God if there are any ways that you are following now that are not in alignment with what Scripture reveals are God’s ways. If God brings something to mind, follow through- ask for forgiveness, repent, and ask for empowerment to make those changes. “Rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” is the conviction and direction of the Holy Spirit. When we have the words of Scripture in our mind and heart the Spirit begins to use that for guidance. Begin to pay attention throughout the day as things are thought by you, and said and done by you and others. You might experience what I often call a “check in the Spirit”- the Holy Spirit indicating that something isn’t right. It could be a physical sensation, or a thought that comes to mind, or a mental picture- somehow the Spirit is “rebuking” and letting you know that something is not how God would have it. When you notice this happening, follow through. Ask God about it. Do you need to confess? Repent? Ask forgiveness from someone? Do something differently? Have you ever experienced this before? Describe what happened. When you respond to the Spirit by acknowledging the rebuke, asking God about it, and then following through- it’s part of the process of sanctification. Note that Jesus used Scripture when rebuking the enemy when he was being tempted (Matthew 4:1-11) by saying “it is written.” When we are faced with temptations from the enemy the way we fight back and protect ourselves is through the Word of God. This is why it’s important to not only read the Scriptures but internalize it. Ask God if there are any areas of your life where you need rebuking and correcting. If there are attacks from the enemy, ask God to reveal his truth to you so you can stand strong in the faith and fight against the attack. Thank God for his goodness, faithfulness, and protection!

Saturday: v. 17 “so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” We need to be not only learners about God, and hearers about God, but doers of God- becoming a servant of God. This is part of the commitment we make when we accept Jesus Christ as not only our Savior but our Lord. We work in God’s kingdom, serving in ministry and mission, and advance God’s kingdom through evangelism and witness of our faith. Think about what it means to be a “servant of God.” How is that being lived out through you? Ask God about it- is there something God wants you to do, or change, or share? What are the personal characteristics of a servant of God? How did you come up with your list? How would knowing the Holy Scripture inform and guide that understanding? How does the example of Jesus relate to being a servant of God? Ask God if there are any characteristics within yourself- whether it be the way you treat God, or yourself, or others, that needs to be transformed if you are to live fully into being a servant of God. Is there some attitude or belief system that has been holding you back? Consider the “fruit of the Spirit” (Galatians 5:22-23a)- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.  “thoroughly equipped for every good work”- What do you believe would be some of the things internalized through Scripture that would equip you? Consider that the Bible has insight and knowledge about everything- leading, following, teamwork, conflict resolution, healing, caring, serving, finances, relationships, church ministry, etc.- absolutely everything! “for every good work”- “good work” could be (and should be) done in every area of your life. Think about all of the areas just listed and/or other areas, and consider what “good work” equipped with the Holy Spirit revelation through God’s Word would look like. Pray about how you can live into that more fully. Thank God for equipping you so you can step out in faith and do “good work.” Thank God for his Word, for all that God is doing in your life, and all the opportunities God will be giving for you to grow and give and do even more “good work.”

Other items:

Responsive Reading

Let us join together in professing the Christian faith as contained in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments:

Apostle’s Creed:

Leader: Do you believe in God the Father?

All: I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

Creator of heaven and earth.

L: Do you believe in Jesus Christ?

All: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,

who was conceived by the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, died, and was buried;

he descended to the dead.

On the third day he rose again;

he ascended into heaven,

is seated a the right hand of the Father, 

and will come again to judge the living and the dead.

L: Do you believe in the Holy Spirit?

All: I believe in the Holy Spirit,

the holy catholic church,

the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins,

the resurrection of the body

and the life everlasting. Amen.

Unison Prayer

We praise You loving and eternal God. We thank You for giving us Your Word to instruct, convict, and guide. Shine Your light into Your Word, by the power and presence of Your Holy Spirit. Give us revelation and inspiration. We offer ourselves to You, Lord, that we may become disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Amen.

Song Lyrics:

Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise #103

1. Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
   in light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
   most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
   almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.2. Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
   nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
   thy justice like mountains high soaring above
   thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.

   3. To all, life thou givest, to both great and small;
   in all life thou livest, the true life of all;
   we blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
   and wither and perish, but naught changeth thee.

   4. Thou reignest in glory; thou dwellest in light;
   thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
   all laud we would render: O help us to see
   ’tis only the splendor of light hideth thee.

Glorious Day (Living He Loved Me) by Casting Crowns

One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

One day they led Him up Calvary’s mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him
From rising again

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my Beloved One bringing
My Savior Jesus is mine

Living, He loved me
Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He’s coming
Oh glorious day, oh glorious day
Glorious day
Oh glorious day

Wonderful Words of Life #600

1. Sing them over again to me,
   wonderful words of life;
   let me more of their beauty see,
   wonderful words of life;
   words of life and beauty
   teach me faith and duty.
   Refrain:
   Beautiful words, wonderful words,
   wonderful words of life.
   Beautiful words, wonderful words,
   wonderful words of life.2. Christ, the blessed one, gives to all
   wonderful words of life;
   sinner, list to the loving call,
   wonderful words of life;
   all so freely given,
   wooing us to heaven.
   (Refrain)

   3. Sweetly echo the gospel call,
   wonderful words of life;
   offer pardon and peace to all,
   wonderful words of life;
   Jesus, only Savior,
   sanctify forever.
   (Refrain)

Format (this is a repeat from last week, and will be consistently present for anyone new and as a reminder for all):

Find a quiet place and time to focus on the Word, and to hear from God through it. It doesn’t have to be long, for some it will be longer than others. I encourage you, if possible, to do this practice in the morning. You will then find that God brings it to your mind throughout your day.

For greater impact I encourage you to get some paper and a pen and journal daily what thoughts and impressions God brings to mind. Write out also your own thoughts and your own prayers, making sure to leave space within your time for God’s response. Listen intently, and notice what rises up within you- what you are thinking, feeling, memories that arise and ideas that spring up. It may be something God would want you to address within yourself and/or with others. It may be something God is inspiring you to begin or end. God’s possibilities are infinite! After time, it is often beneficial to go back and read what you have written, and notice how God has been moving in your life (and praise God for it!).

Begin with prayer, quieting yourself within and opening up to hearing what God would like to reveal to you. Praise God for who he is, for loving you, being with you, and more. Then ask God to speak to you; to open your heart and mind to hear his message. (if you are journaling, you could write out the prayer)

Read the Scripture passage over twice; once as a read through, and the second time slowly, meditatively. Notice what God illuminates for you. Notice what words or ideas are “jumping off the page at you,” impacting you from the Scripture. Ask God why that is being highlighted for you. What is God saying to you? What is God asking you to say, do, change, pray about, etc.? What is the application for my life today? **Most importantly- what am I going to do about it? (If you are journaling you could write it all out, which reinforces it in a greater way)

I have put together some daily questions based upon the Scripture. You may use those, but also feel free to deviate away from it if God is leading you there. They are simply offered to prompt contemplation with God. There is much more in this passage, feel free to delve in more!

At the end of your time pray again. I recommend praying throughout, but the ending prayer would include praise, thanking God for revelation, and asking for the Holy Spirit to continue to reveal, bringing to mind God’s will. Ask God for the courage, empowerment, and opportunity to do what you have determined God is asking you to do.