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The Scriptorium

Persuaded

How persuaded are you of the truth of the Gospel?

The Pastoral Epistles: 2 Timothy 1 (4)

Pray Psalm 71.17.

O God, You have taught me from my youth;
And to this day I declare Your wondrous works.

Read and meditate on 2 Timothy 1.11, 12

Reflect.

1. Why was Paul not ashamed to be a prisoner for Christ?

2. What had Paul committed to Jesus? 

Meditate.
Paul was not locked up in a Roman prison because he was a lawbreaker; rather, he was imprisoned because he was faithful in his calling. God had appointed him as a preacher, apostle, and teacher of the Gentiles (v. 11). In the faithful discharge of his duties, he had incurred the wrath of his enemies, and become subject to the judgment of Rome.

But he was not ashamed (v. 10). For Paul, this season of trial and setback was a confirmation of his calling and a spur to greater trust in the Lord. He was confident that God would see Him through this to the end, because Paul knew the Lord, and knew He would never fail nor forsake him.

The knowledge of God and Jesus Christ is eternal life (Jn. 17.3). To grow in grace is to grow in the knowledge of Jesus, which is eternal life (2 Pet. 3.18). Unless our faith is anchored in Jesus, focused on Jesus, yielding all things to Jesus, and being transformed into Jesus’ own image, we shall have a hard time knowing the kind of confidence, peace, and power Paul evidenced during his prolonged trial.

Paul had committed himself entirely to God, to be faithful in his calling and obedient in all his ways. He was persuaded that God would keep that commitment for him (1 Thess. 5.24), as Paul kept his focus on Christ and continued to live for Him. So that, on that great coming Day, it would be clear to all that Paul was a true child of the Father and follower of Jesus Christ.

How persuaded are you of your calling from God? Whatever God has called you to in life, in your Personal Mission Field, be faithful and consistent, and you will know the peace and confidence of Paul, and the power of God at work in and through you.

Reflect.
1. What have you committed to God? Is there anything in your life you have not committed to Him? Explain.

2. Though his witness for the Lord got him in trouble, Paul was not ashamed. Why are believers sometimes ashamed of their faith, and thus reluctant to talk about the Lord?

3. Paul said he was “persuaded” about the faithfulness of God. How does being persuaded about God and His truth show up in our lives?

What is “that which has been entrusted to me”?The faith, the preaching of the gospel. God, who committed this to us, will preserve it unimpaired. I suffer everything, that I may not be despoiled of this treasure. I am not ashamed of these things, so long as the faith is preserved uninjured. Or by “that which is entrusted to me” he may be referring to the faithful people who God has committed to him. John Chrysostom (344-407),Homilies on 2 Timothy 2

Lord, let me not be ashamed of You or of the Gospel. Instead, today help me to…

Pray Psalm 71.17-21.

Thank God for opportunities to share His Word with others, and seek His presence to help you live as His witness today.

Sing Psalm 71.17-22.
Psalm 17.17-22, 3 (Solid Rock: My Hope is Built on Nothing Less)
O Lord, I praise Your righteousness, Who me from youth have taught and blessed.
Forsake me not when I am old, ‘til I Your mercies all have told! 
Refrain, v. 3
A Rock of Habitation be, command Your Word to rescue me.
My Rock and Fortress ever be!

Your righteous deeds are great and true. O God, there is no one like You! 
Though many troubles I have seen, You will revive my soul again! 
Refrain

Increase my greatness, comfort me, and unto You shall praises be. 
Your truth I will exalt full well, O Holy One of Israel! 
Refrain

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006).All psalms for singing are from The Ailbe Psalter (available by clicking here).

T.M. Moore

T. M. Moore is principal of The Fellowship of Ailbe, a spiritual fellowship in the Celtic Christian tradition. He and his wife, Susie, make their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont.
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