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Memorize Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-7

So far, Paul hasn’t said much about his imprisonment and his expectations for the future. However, in this week’s passage, he gives an indication that he sees the end in sight.

You can see his thoughts in 2 Timothy 4:6-7:

2 Timothy 4:6-7

Earlier in the letter, Paul mentioned that he is in prison, something Timothy was surely aware of (2 Timothy 1:8, 12, 16, and 2:9). However, here he indicates that he feels his time on earth is about over. He must make sure Timothy is ready to take on the responsibility of leadership, because soon, Paul’s death will occur.

Paul uses two different metaphors in this verse alone to describe his impending death.

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Top 5 Reading & Study Apps

I use my mobile devices for a lot of different things. Perhaps the biggest use comes in the form of reading and study. My usage in this area spreads across both my iPhone 5s and my iPad, almost interchangeably, although there are some things I do almost exclusively on one or the other.

Reading And Study Apps

I also own an Amazon Kindle Touch, but I find that it doesn’t really play into this discussion much. I only use it for reading, and only then for reading fiction. For most of the rest of my reading, I prefer to use other methods, primarily in book form.

On the other hand, I really like the mobile versions of my Bible study software, which tops off this list.

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4 Negative Results Of Jealousy

Jealousy leaves a pretty bitter aftertaste. It really doesn’t mater who you are or in what capacity you experience it, jealousy never results in positive growth.

Jealousy

Jealousy can be referred to as envy, and leads to frustration, anger, resentment, and bitterness. Jealousy results in all kinds of things in our lives that we would be better off without.

Jealousy is labeled as an emotion, and as such, it can rear its ugly head pretty quick. However, I’m not so sure that the term “emotion” aptly describes this. Jealousy is more of an attitude or a decision than it is an emotion, and as such, the Bible instructs us to guard against it frequently.

That can be hard. When the church down the street experiences a growth spurt, or builds a new building, it’s easy to question why it hasn’t happened here yet. When another ministry sees giving increase dramatically, we start to dream about what we could do with that money in our own roles. When good things happen to others, we wish it was us, or at least not them.

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Coffee Break – 07.21.2014

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Burr Versus Blade Grinder – One of the most critical elements in making good coffee is getting a good consistent grind. The Roasterie has a pretty comprehensive comparison of the tow types of grinders in this post. All of my grinders are burr grinders, due to the better consistency. It makes for a better cup of coffee in my Chemex.

California Is An Island? – That’s the case according to this map from 1639. This is pretty interesting, and the story behind it is fun to read. I’d love to hang one of these on my wall, but I’m sure it’s probably very expensive…

Artwork Made From Pencils – I found this incredibly captivating and inspiring. Very impressive creativity.

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Memorize Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:4-5

In last week’s passage, Paul gave a very dark description of the false teachers and those who prefer their teachings. In these two verses, Paul continues his critique and then compares that to how Timothy is to handle himself, giving four positive descriptions for Timothy to follow.

Take a look at this week’s passage in 2 Timothy 4:4-5:

2 Timothy 4:4-5

In the previous verse, Paul gave a description of those who turn away from the truth and seek to justify their own actions and lifestyles. It is a very sad depiction, and looks very familiar today.

These people have turned away from seeking healthy teaching and sound doctrine. They have turned away from seeking the truth. They no longer want to hear the message of the cross with it’s power.

Paul says that there will be those who still teach the truth, but there will be few who want to hear it. Instead they have turned aside to myths and false teachings. Paul refers to these myths again in Titus 1:14. This was probably some form of Jewish Gnosticism, possibly including some variety of witchcraft. Whatever the case, it was not good.

The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men [and women] to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself is the core and center of their hearts.

A. W. Tozer - The Pursuit Of God (Regal Publishers, 2013)