From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, Aug 28, 2023 at 5:30 AM

Subject: 8-28-23 THOUGHTS

8-28-23   THOUGHTS

Paul advises Timothy on discipline and a level of action in life that includes some suffering.  The metaphor is a soldier in a war.  Also advised is to not be entangled with the affairs of this world.  Paul wants Timothy to listen to his word so that he might have understanding in all.  Powerfully, Paul wants Timothy to teach the things he has heard to FAITHFUL men, who will teach others also.  A method of renewal and survival is taught.  God’s TRUTH is passed on!
2Tim 1:7-10 are supporting.

2Tim 2:1-7   You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  2  The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.  3  Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  4  No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.  5  Also if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not win the prize unless he competes according to the rules.  6  The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7  Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
2Tim 1:7-10   For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.   8  Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9  who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 10  but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

My Prayer:
Father, may we take seriously our enlistment as soldiers in Your Kingdom.  Give us skill as we strive to remain un-entangled with the world.  May there be a resisting on our part, and a fleeing on Satan’s part as we deal with the devil.  Help us to consider carefully our possession of Your Word, as we pass it on to those who follow us.  Keep us from failing, O God!  Empower us with Yourself, Father God.   In the name of Jesus,      Amen