Message from Scripture: 8/7/2020

Today’s message from Scripture comes from 2 Tim. 4:5: “But you, be sober in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fully carry out your ministry.”

In this last letter of Paul, written to his child in the faith, Timothy, Paul wanted him to carry out the work God had for him to do in preaching the gospel. Even though there would be trials and hardships in the process, it was what God wanted and needed from him. Timothy needed to take seriously the role he had in the kingdom, to fully, completely, do what God had assigned him to do.

Everyone who obeys the gospel has a role in the kingdom of God. When it comes to leadership, men are to exercise spiritual headship, while women are to be in submission (1 Tim. 2:8; 1 Tim. 2:11-12). Within these roles, we should use the talents and abilities God provides each of us to serve. Peter reminds us, “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God” (1 Pet. 4:10).

There are ways we each can be involved, even in times like this, for the sake of the kingdom. We can pray, for our nation, for the church in a sinful world, for the needs brothers and sisters in Christ, for opportunities to share the gospel with the lost. We can spend time in Scripture to keep our spiritual focus. We can make phone calls to encourage others. No matter how little it may seem to us, when done for the Lord, it is of eternal value.

On the other hand, there is never a time to stop serving God, to go on vacation from Christian living, to decide deeds of the past will be sufficient when there is still a life to be lived for God. The charge of the Lord in Rev. 2:10, “be faithful until death,” means until the day of death, not to stop before. Within the role God has given each of us, are you seeking to carry out your ministry, your service, to Christ? What can you do today be fruitful in the kingdom, to bless others and find blessings for yourself? Have a great day. God bless.

Robert