August 20
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2 TIMOTHY 2
14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. – 2 Timothy 2:14-18
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2 TIMOTHY 2 RIGHTLY HANDLE THE WORD OF TRUTH
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The word of truth leads people to a selfless and a godly life
The word of God is life itself and is simple to understand
There is no need for Scripture to be used for selfish agenda
It is to be handled with care so that it will transform the hearers.
Let those who believe in God do their best to rightly handle the word
Any addition or subtraction from the truth is coming from this world
Avoid speculations that do not truly come from God but from humans
Opinions and philosophies that deviates from the truth cause quarrels.
Interpreting the word of God and using it out of context is just chatter
All Scripture is God breathed and alive, we must treat it with honor
To misuse it by swerving from the truth can cause others to stumble
So, let us rightly handle the word of truth so we can proclaim the gospel.
Let us devote our lives to study and apply the word of God in our lives
Hearing it but not doing is hypocrisy and will lead us to believe more lies
A true believer of God does not concern himself with his own understanding
He is someone who obeys the truth and constantly walk with the Holy Spirit.
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REFLECTION
• Should Christians be involved in debates and quarrels on certain issues or in interpreting the truth in their own ways? Why or why not?
Monthly Archives: August 2023
2 TIMOTHY 1 RESSURECTION PROMISE
August 19
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2 TIMOTHY 2
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; 12 if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he also will deny us;13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself. – 2 Timothy 2:8-13
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2 TIMOTHY 1 RESSURECTION PROMISE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Do not be discouraged when you are faced with suffering
For Jesus suffered the ultimate way so that we can stop sinning
Even though we think that we are bound with our sinfulness
The word of God will lead us all to freedom and righteousness.
So, let us bear the trials and adversities that come our way
If we suffer for the sake of Christ, we are on the right path
Even if we are persecuted and rejected, let us stay faithful
Those who believe in him are promised life eternal.
If we die with him, we will also be given life again
Let us not be afraid of death because it is actually gain
When we physically die, we can be reconciled with our Lord
We can look up to the promise of the new heaven and new earth.
Press on and endure hardships for the sake of the body of Christ
You will reap rewards in heaven and will gain the crown of life
He promised recompense to all those who suffer for him
If you endure, you will also reign over the power of sin.
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REFLECTION
• Why should we never be afraid of physical death if we are true believers?
• What did Paul mean in verse 10 when he said he will endure everything for the sake of the elect that they may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus?
2 TIMOTHY 2 A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST
August 17
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2 TIMOTHY 1
But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome, he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day! —and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus. – 2 Timothy 1:12-18
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2 TIMOTHY 1 FOLLOW THE PATTERN OF THE SOUND WORDS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Let us all be thankful for the love that Christ showed to humanity
Without his sacrifice on the cross, we will all continue with our vanity
Our human nature is so bent and always wants to follow its own desires
But Christ died for our sins, so we can let go of being righteous in our own eyes.
The Lord God gave us his word so we can be guided to the right path
There is only one way to go and that is through Jesus Christ
Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from him
This is the only way you will stay righteous and overcome sin.
With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can guard the good deposit given to us
Always walk in the Spirit so we can continually win these unseen battles
We are fighting with forces that wants to chain us down in sinfulness
If we rely on God’s Spirit, we will follow the pattern of righteousness.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for believers to constantly rely on the Holy Spirit and to regularly meditate and feed on the word of God?
• How do we discern whether the patterns we are following are not from the world but from God himself?
2 TIMOTHY 1 BE BOLD FOR THE GOSPEL TO SHINE
August 16
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2 TIMOTHY 1
8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do.– 2 Timothy 1:8-12
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2 TIMOTHY 1 BE BOLD FOR THE GOSPEL TO SHINE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are to stand for truth
We need not be ashamed to proclaim the good news
Let us all stir up the spiritual gifts that we were given
It will not be of use to build up the body if it here hidden.
If you were called to wisdom, understanding and counsel
Let it be manifest as you follow your true calling
It is our responsibility to be aware and grow such gifts
Let it grow and be used for building up the body of Christ.
Do not be ashamed of your suffering, instead use it to proclaim God’s power
When we encounter trials and adversities, it builds up our character
So let us not be afraid when we feel inadequate to use our gifts
God knew what he was doing, when he equipped you with it.
Trust in the Lord especially when trials of various kinds arise
He uses these difficulties to strengthen you and grow your faith
Be bold to proclaim the gospel even if you think you are not worthy
God will equip whomever he has planned to use for his own glory.
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REFLECTION
• Why do we often become uncomfortable to proclaim the gospel or even share our burdens to each other in the body of Christ? What is the root of this?
• How can we grow in our boldness to use our gifts and proclaim the gospel?
2 TIMOTHY 1 NOT OF FEAR BUT OF LOVE
August 14
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1 TIMOTHY 6
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith. Grace be with you. – 1 Timothy 6:17-21
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1 TIMOTHY 6 THE UNCERTAINTY OF RICHES & HUMAN KNOWLEDGE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
The riches of this world are fleeting and temporal
There’s so much uncertainty in the things that are material
They rot, they burn or get destroyed and can be stolen as well
While the riches in heaven lasts forever and are truly eternal.
When you have been blessed with much possessions and wealth
Make sure that you are not hoarding it for yourself but share it with others
Do not be caught up with accumulating wealth for it will consume you
Use all the gifts and blessings you were given to bless others and to praise God.
Guard your minds and hearts so that it will be lined up with truth
The quest for human knowledge will go against God’s word
We are not to lean on our own understanding but on God’s promises
Let us pursue godly wisdom that is pure, peaceable, impartial and sincere.
Abiding in Christ and following his laws are better than the pursuit of knowledge
Get to know the Lord instead of relying on your very limited thinking
If you seek him first in all you do, you will receive the mind of Christ
This is true knowledge from above that will bring you life everlasting.
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REFLECTION
• How did Solomon reiterate the vanity of wisdom and wealth in the book of Ecclesiastes as Paul talks about it to Timothy in these following verses?
1 TIMOTHY 6 TAKE HOLD OF THE ETERNAL LIFE YOU WERE CALLED FOR
August 13
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1 TIMOTHY 6
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. – 1 Timothy 6:11-16
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1 TIMOTHY 6 TAKE HOLD OF THE ETERNAL LIFE YOU WERE CALLED FOR
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As a servant of God, we are expected to fight the good fight of the faith
The Lord gave us everything we need so we can follow our fate
His word and his laws are given to us towards the path to holiness
We need to follow it and live our lives for the One who is all righteousness
As his children, we are instructed to walk towards his light
Let’s continue to obey his laws to take hold of eternal life
Be alert of the constant struggle that we face in this world
We can only discern such battles if we follow his word.
Let’s take hold of salvation and everlasting life given to us
Let us not take it for granted for that is just ingratitude
The sovereign King Jesus died on the cross so we can have life
Let us be thankful and give up wickedness and walk towards his light.
Let us give up all kinds of filthiness and wicked ways
Wear the new nature that Christ has given us
Walk in the ways of the Holy Spirit to stay in his light
Grow the faith that we have received and take hold of the eternal life.
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REFLECTION
• What are the ways that we can take hold of the eternal life we were called for according to these verses?
1 TIMOTHY 6 THOSE WHO DESIRE RICHES & LOVE MONEY
August 12
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1 TIMOTHY 6
7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. – 1 Timothy 6:7-10
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1 TIMOTHY 6 THOSE WHO DESIRE RICHES & LOVE MONEY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Since God is the creator of all things in this world
We cannot own anything because he made it all
Even the food we eat and the clothes that are provided for us
Though you may think you worked for these things, they are not ours
We are only stewards of all the gifts and the wealth we are given
We need to honor God with what we have received and been gifted with.
Those who desire to be rich are going to prioritize gaining wealth
Those who love money will definitely not serve Jesus Christ
For one cannot love money and also love God
Money is from the world and faith is from our Lord
When you love money, all kinds of evil accompany it
Envy, selfish ambition, greed and lust will find its way in.
Through one’s lust for money come many forms of evils
For the love of money makes one love the world and its systems
When one loves the world, they will not want to please the Lord
To gather riches in heaven is what is the opposite of the systems of this world
Let us all desire to be spiritually wealthy rather than gain worldly wealth
Worldly riches cannot be taken when one dies, but heavenly riches give eternal life.
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REFLECTION
• What do you think is the cause of “love for money?”
• Why are we warned not to love money in these following verses?