The Diligence of Living Out the Legacy
Read the Text: 2 Timothy 4
Memorize the Text:
Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called and about which you have made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
(1 Timothy 6:12, CSB)
Consider the Text: 2 Timothy 4:5
The apostle Paul charged Timothy to faithfully live out the legacy instilled in him and live in a manner that forms a legacy for others to live out. The apostle challenged Timothy to practice diligence as he followed and served the Lord. He provided Timothy with the charge to live with self-control, endure difficulty, carry out the work of the evangelist, and fulfill his calling to ministry. The encouragement extended to Timothy remains true today and challenges believers to live out a life in Christ diligently.
SELF–CONTROL
The apostle Paul knew that the flesh could lead an individual to respond in emotion and passion. When such moments occur, people find it difficult to control their responses and often act irrationally. Paul’s command to Timothy called the young man to live a life of self-control and restraint. Self-control means that one lives a life of harnessing the passions of the flesh and responding to dynamics in the world in a controlled manner. The same calling exists in the lives of believers today. We still contend against responding in the flesh; thus, we need to develop the ability to live a life under self-control. What areas of your life does the flesh threaten to cause an uncontrolled response? How can you develop a life of self-control?
ENDURANCE
The apostle charged Timothy to run a good race earlier in his letter. The race requires endurance. Paul knew that the course of life’s race would include moments of difficulty and struggle; thus, he encouraged Timothy to endure the hardship and press on toward the finish. The endurance practice to overcome hardship creates more endurance for the next obstacle. Believers today need to practice the same endurance. We must not give up or stop serving the Lord in the moments of trial. Instead, we must commit to enduring and build greater endurance for the future task of following Jesus. What obstacles do you need to face with greater endurance?
EVANGELISTIC WORK
Paul knew that the world needed to hear the gospel so that people would have the opportunity to respond in faith. The apostle also knew this message must be declared by faithful servants of the Lord like Timothy. Thus, he called Timothy to stay the course and to practice the art of evangelism because the eternal life of individuals was at stake. Paul did not provide an avenue out of sharing the gospel for Timothy but instead commanded Timothy never to stop. The same calling extends to us today. People in the world need Jesus. We live with people, beside people, and pass people every day in need of King Jesus as their Savior, and we are the instrument to declare his gift. Who needs to hear the gospel in your life? How can you find avenues to be the instrument of good news declaration?
FULFILL YOUR MINISTRY
The apostle Paul knew that every believer received a call to participate in the ministry of the Lord. Some individuals received the call to serve as leaders in the local church, while others received the call to just support the local body in serving. He understood that the Lord equipped the saints with various tools to carry out the task of the Lord. As a result, Paul commanded Timothy to fulfill the ministry to which he had been called. Every believer today receives a call to ministry. Each of us has been gifted for the kingdom work. How has the Lord gifted you to serve him in ministry? How can you continue, start, or improve at fulfilling the ministry given to you by the Lord?
These four encouragements must challenge us to live in faithfulness before the Lord. First, we need to battle to maintain a temperament of self-control in all things. Second, we must develop endurance to engage in the trying journey of following Christ. Third, we need to reach into the lives of others with the message of the gospel so that people may know how to receive redemption. Finally, we must know the calling of the Lord and fulfill the task no matter what. How can you develop each of these areas in your life?
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
