April 21
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IF WE ENDURE, WE WILL REIGN WITH CHRIST
8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descendant of David, according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer hardship even to imprisonment as a criminal; but the word of God is not imprisoned. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus and with it eternal glory. 11 The statement is trustworthy: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;12 If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He will also deny us;13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
– 2 Timothy 2:8-12
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In this letter, Paul reminds the believers of Christ’s resurrection. Paul explains why he suffer the hardship of being imprisoned and treated as a criminal even though he was doing the work of the Lord Jesus Christ: to bring the gospel and the word of God to as many people as possible. In verse 9, he proclaims that even though he is imprisoned, the word of God isn’t. It is interesting how he talks about the word as never captured. It is almost like saying that because the truth sets us free, it will never bring us into captivity. What brings slavery in our lives? Isn’t it our human cravings and desires? Isn’t the word of God the one that frees us from all sins and all our bondages?
In verse 10, Paul explains the reason why he endures all things. He does it so that those who are chosen by Christ, may be able to receive the salvation he offers. Endurance is a must in a believer’s life. Without it, he cannot grow. James 1:3 says that the testing of our faith produces endurance. The New Living Translation phrases the same verse as: For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. The ensuing verse says that when endurance is fully developed, one will be perfect in contentment, needing nothing. Without endurance, we won’t be able to mature and grow our faith.
In verse 11, Paul reiterates the resurrection promise. If we died with Christ, we will also live with him. In other words, when believers accepted Jesus, they die to their old selves, and are resurrected and reborn in the new nature in Christ. In verse12, Paul reminds the believers again that if they endure, they will also reign with him, but if we deny Christ, He will also reject us. But in verse 13, it shows us the faithfulness of Christ: if we are faithless, he remains faithful.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for Christians to grow in endurance?
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SUFFER HARDSHIP AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST
April 20
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SUFFER HARDSHIP AS A GOOD SOLDIER OF CHRIST
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 people 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. 5 And if someone likewise competes as an athlete, he is not crowned as victor 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. – 2 Timothy 2:1-7
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he reminds them to be strong and be able to depend on the grace that the Lord Jesus has granted them. In verse 2, Paul wants them to pass on all the teachings that they have learned from him so that the teachers will propagate and teach the gospel. Nothing will be kept within them, but everything they have learned from Paul will be extended and expanded so that the gospel will be preached everywhere.
In verse 3, he advises them to suffer hardship just like a good soldier would. This concept of embracing suffering is something that is counter intuitive to the world. Humans in general will avoid suffering and chase after the easy life. The cost of being a disciple is high as Luke 14:25-33 indicates. Someone who isn’t willing to give up life’s conveniences and comfort must re-think if they can really afford to be a follower of Christ. Some people think that declaring some words to be a Christian is good enough be a follower. It is interesting how Paul likens a disciple as a soldier, who undergoes rigid training to ensure that he is ready for the battle (suffering or hardships). If he wasn’t trained enough, he could either be killed or be defeated in the battle. In verse 5, Paul also mentions the athletes who competes following certain criteria and rules. In verse 7, he also likens the believers to a hard-working farmer who needs to be rewarded for his share of the crops that he patiently and diligently sowed.
Some people are not willing to suffer any hardship, let alone be a soldier for Christ. Have you trained in righteousness? Have you given up the comforts of life just to be a good follower of Jesus? Are you willing to die and give up your own life for the sake of Jesus or for the sake of someone else? Are you able to let go of all things that hinder your walk with Christ?
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REFLECTION
• What areas of your life still needs training to qualify to be a soldier for Christ?
FAITHFUL TO SOUND TEACHINGS AND THE CAUSE OF CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
April 19
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FAITHFUL TO SOUND TEACHINGS AND THE CAUSE OF CHRIST
13 Hold on to the example of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 Protect, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.15 You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 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 was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— 18 the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus. – 2 Timothy 1:13-18
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he advises them to cling to the word of God, which he calls sound words. Sound words would be synonymous to wise words. It is only the word of the Lord that can bring wisdom. He is the source of all wisdom. If we do not know him, and we do not know his word, we will be unable to have a sound mind. Many people think that intelligence is all we need. Not all intelligent ideas are true. Only truth sets one free. Truth comes only from the source of all things, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a sad fate to watch many people cling to false teachings and ungodly beliefs. It only leads to more darkness and confusion. This is why Paul couldn’t help but remind them the importance of sound doctrine and teachings. Many people perish from believing false teachings.
In verse 14, Paul warns the believers to ensure that they protect the truth. They need to walk constantly in the Spirit who gives them these true words from God. Once, they fail to walk in the Spirit, they will be led to walk in the flesh, which will eventually lead to sin. How do we protect the treasure of God’s word and the gospel? We abide in Christ and have fellowship with Him, God the Father and the Holy Spirit. We read, meditate and obey the word of God so we can test the spirits whether they come from God or not.
Paul mentions in verse 15 some of these believers who have failed to protect the treasure of the truth and have walked away from him and from the faith, Phygelus and Hermogenes. In verse 16, he commends Onesiphorus, who faithfully treasured the gospel and was never ashamed of Paul’s imprisonment. Instead, he eagerly supported Paul and looked for him. Paul also mentions how Onesiphorus have continued to serve the church in Ephesus.
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REFLECTION
• Why is faithfulness an important aspect of a Christian’s life? What happens when we aren’t devoted and loyal to the truth and the true gospel?
THE SPIRIT OF POWER, LOVE AND DISCIPLINE ILMA’S VLOG
April 17
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THE SPIRIT OF POWER, LOVE AND DISCIPLINE
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,2 To Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I constantly remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 longing to see you, even as I recall your tears, so that I may be filled with joy. 5For I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelled in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am sure that it is in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
– 2 TIMOTHY 1:1-7
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The ESV bible’s introduction to this book says that Paul wrote this second letter to Timothy during his second imprisonment in Rome, shortly before his death. This imprisonment was after the one recorded in Acts 28. He probably wrote it in A.D. 64–65, though some would place it as late as 67.
In this letter, Paul once again declares his love and longing for his spiritual son, Timothy. He always starts his salutation with the greetings of grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. How often do we write or approach someone with this kind of greeting? We live in a world that doesn’t bring Christ’s grace, peace and mercy wherever they go or whoever they connect with. In verses 3-4, we hear Paul’s love and longing to be with Timothy and how he often thought of him. It must have been difficult to be unable to fellowship with people who have worked with him for years to bring the gospel to the different places they planted churches. Once again, we witness Paul’s selflessness in verses 5-7. Despite the suffering he is going through in prison and the lack of fellowship with his co-workers, we never hear a word of complaint or anything focusing on his circumstances. Instead, he encourages Timothy to focus on his faith that was instilled in him because of his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice’s prayers and faith in God. We can definitely benefit listening to verse 7 as Paul reminds Timothy that fear or timidity is something that God has not given us. Instead, he rekindles his faith by telling him that God created us out of love, power and discipline. When we entertain fear and shyness, we are not operating in God’s gift of love, power and discipline.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it so easy to be fearful and shy instead of be loving and be disciplined?
BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS AND BE GENEROUS ILMA’S VLOG
April 16
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BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS AND BE GENEROUS
17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.20 Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— 21 which some have professed and thereby have gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you. – 1 Timothy 6:17-21
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In this letter to Timothy, Paul instructs the rich believers not to be boast about their material riches and rely on these things. He tells them to watch out that they do not make these riches the focus of their lives. He reminds them that they should never forget the supplier of all their riches, the Lord God. He reminds them to be rich in good works and be generous to share them with others. I think Paul is making sure that the believers won’t be longing for earthly riches but more of heavenly things. There is a big tendency for us humans to be obsessed and lust for more possessions. Paul says that the antidote for this is to be lavish in giving. He probably is referring to the same verse that Luke 12:15 says: to take care that they be on guard against covetousness because one’s life is not just about material possessions.
In verse 19, Paul commands them to store heavenly treasures that reiterates Matthew’s instruction in 6:19 saying not to lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. So, Paul reminds them to seek the heavenly treasures instead of things that doesn’t last.
In verse 20, Paul cautions them again on another issue, which is the pursuit of human knowledge which can lead them astray from truth that only comes in God’s word. So many people think that all knowledge is good. On Proverbs 2:6, Solomon says that all wisdom comes from the LORD, and so do common sense and understanding. How can someone have common sense and understanding when they do not know the Lord and His word?
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REFLECTION
• Why do we need to guard ourselves from the love of material things and human knowledge?
ON PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND GODLINESS ILMA’S VLOG
April 15
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ON PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND GODLINESS
11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I direct you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without fault or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. – 1 Timothy 6:11-16
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he emphasizes to run from worldly cravings but to pursue righteousness and godliness. Anyone who chases temporal things will not have God’s righteousness in them. God and the world are opposites. James 4:4 says that those who love the world are enemies of God. Those who claim to follow God must live righteous lives. According to Ancient Hebrew researchers, The Hebrew words tsadiyq, translated as yashar, translated as upright, are paralleled many times in the Bible indicating that in the Hebrew mind they were similar in meaning. Upright is another abstract word but it is used in a concrete manner, such as in Jeremiah 31:9, where it means “straight” as in a straight path. A righteous person is not one who lives a religiously pious life, the common interpretation of this word, he is one who follows the correct path, the path (way) of God. So, a follower of God, is someone who doesn’t detour and veers away from the narrow path to righteousness. In verse 12, Paul challenges all believers to fight the good fight. This fight is not a physical argument, but is a pressing on to the confession that God is our Lord and Master and that we will not serve the world, but God alone. In verse 15, Paul declares that Christ is the only Lord of lords and King of kings. In other words, no earthly king or lord will ever be greater than Christ. So, what is the point of serving human lords and kings when their kingdom is only temporary. Why not serve an eternal King and Lord?
The word righteousness and godliness have been corrupted by religion but it only means to make your path straight into the truth that sets you free and gives you eternal life.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the word righteous is a favorite word of Satan to twist?
THE ROOT OF DISCONTENT ILMA’S VLOG
April 14
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THE ROOT OF DISCONTENT
7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. – 1 Timothy 6:7-10
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he emphasizes the root of discontent. In verse 7, he reminds the believers that when they came into this world, they had nothing. Just think of a newborn baby, naked and without anything on him or her. That’s the best illustration of our entry into this world: “naked and has nothing.” How is it that many of us end up hoarding and not letting go of material things? As that little baby grows, he or she is provided for by her caregivers and little by little, begin to crave for something, to be comfortable and secure. As they grow into adolescence and adulthood, they begin to want more as the world system dictates. If their needs haven’t been met, there is a graver danger that they would want clamor for that thing. Once they gain it, they would want more and the cycle never ends.
Paul says in verse 8, that we can be content just as we have food and covering for ourselves. In verse 9, he exposes the root of discontent: the desire to get rich, which can bring destruction to one’s life. And in verse 10, the love of money become the source of all wickedness and longings which lead to lost faith and grief in life.
It is so true what Paul says in this letter. Once we become discontented, there is a craving underlying beneath that surface. James 1:14-15 clearly explains this concept of dissatisfaction that leads to sin. James says that each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then his desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Paul identifies another root of discontent in this letter: the love of money. Money in itself is not bad, but the longing for it is the one that leads to discontent. How many of us focus on being thankful for whatever God has provided us with? Often, we still clamor for something more because the world dictates to us these cravings and longings for possession. It ties and binds us to focus on the world and less on spiritual riches.
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REFLECTION
• How is discontent a manifestation of a heart that doesn’t seek God?
CONDUCT FOR SERVANTS ILMA’S VLOG
April 12
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CONDUCT FOR SERVANTS
All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.
– 1 Timothy 6:1-2:
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In this letter, Paul addresses the importance of how masters and slaves in the community of believers must conduct themselves. In verse 1, he tells all those who are yoked as slaves are to respect and honor and serve their master well. Paul gives them the reason why this is a must for all Christian servants. If they do this, they will be honoring God as well and the doctrines they have taught will not be challenged or compromised. Can you imagine teaching something and then do the opposite of what you just taught? It will be hypocrisy to preach something that they cannot follow in their own lives.
In verse 2, he tells the slaves how it is more important that they give a double respect and honor to their masters if they are believers themselves. Since they are both serving the Lord Jesus Christ, it is only right to serve them all the more. In the letter to the Colossians, which was written earlier than this letter to Timothy, Paul commands the slaves to obey their masters as they would obey the Lord himself. In Colossians 3:23, it says that whatever you do, do your work heartily as you would do it unto the Lord. In verse 24, of this letter, Paul tells them that the reward that they will receive is from the Lord Jesus Christ himself.
In our world today, we don’t have servants and masters but we have employers and employees. So many of us, employees, do not treat our employers with the same respect that we would to someone we are in relationship with. Paul couldn’t emphasize more the importance of doing everything you do as you would unto the Lord. Instead of employees trying to sneak in personal stuff at work, shouldn’t they honor and follow their bosses because whatever one does to someone, they are doing it to the Lord as well? Sadly, dishonesty and selfish ambitions plague our workplaces now. If you were a master or a boss, it will be a novelty to find honest and truthful workers.
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REFLECTION
• Why should we honor our superiors just like we would honor our Lord Jesus?
• What do you think are the effects of a workplace that is compromised?
KEEP FREE FROM SIN ILMA’S VLOG
1 April 11
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KEEP FREE FROM SIN
21 I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. 22 Do not lay hands upon anyone too quickly and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.23 Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.24 The sins of some people are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. 25 Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed. – 1 Timothy 5:21-25
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In this letter, Paul encourages and insists that Timothy continue to follow and maintain all the teachings to others without discrimination or bias. Paul is reiterating his letter to the Romans chapter 2 verse 11 that God shows no favoritism. Paul is merely reminding Timothy that if God doesn’t show biases, then His own people shouldn’t as well. Guzik comments on this chapter that “Prejudice and partiality are grave sins before God. In the New Testament, the emphasis is on partiality according to class (James 2:1-9); but partiality according to race and gender is also included (Galatians 3:26-29) and regarded as sin.” In verse 22, Paul instructs Timothy not to give easily the approval for anyone who wants to serv in the ministry unless they have proven themselves mature spiritually or he may be partaking in their hidden agendas that may be a result of being immature. This is important because one can be corrupted by sin if they participate in the sins of others. How can we participate in someone else’s sin? We can be accessory to someone sins if we don’t rebuke a sin that we know they are doing. We can also be participants in evil if we don’t speak the truth and expose the “lies” they are believing, which is opposite the truth. Another way we can be part of someone else’s sin is by ignoring or tolerating them and not addressing the sins. We don’t love them if we don’t let them know that we recognize the sin and it is not honoring God if they don’t stop.
In verse 23, Paul was referring to Timothy’s ailment. Some commentaries mention that he was trying to let Timothy know that if wine will be good for him, there is no reason to abstain from it just because he wants to set a model for them to follow when his health was also at stake. In other words, he didn’t want Timothy to fall into legalism or the law.
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REFLECTION
• Why do true believers need to keep away from sin at all times? What happens if they become accessory to other people’s sin? What will that do to the body?
CONCERNING ELDERS ILMA’S VLOG
April 10
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CONCERNING ELDERS
17 The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE IT IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 1 Timothy 5:17-20
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he explains to him matters concerning the elders. In verses 17-18, talks about compensation for the position of elders. In verse 17, the phrase “worthy of double honor” can be translated as worth of double wage or salary. He specifically talks about an elder’s role at preaching and teaching. Elders here includes pastors, wardens, deacons and all others in leadership in the church. Notice how Paul raises up the work of a preacher or a teacher. Since they are handling the word of God or truth, it involves study, preparation and a bigger responsibility in bringing the truth to the body of Christ. Just as a teacher in school prepares the lesson plan ensures that understanding and learning becomes possible, so does the preacher and teacher of the word. There are many people who thinks that ministers and church leaders shouldn’t get a salary and instead the donations should only go to the poor or needy. In this letter, Paul justifies the need for these hardworking elders to be compensated too. After all, they also invest time and energy and work in bringing truth to the body.
In verses 19-20, Paul tackles the issue when elders are accused of an offense, a sin or wrongdoing. He talks about the importance of two or three witnesses. Once again, Paul refers to Deuteronomy 19:15 that says that one person is not sufficient to put a charge for an offense but needs two or three witnesses to establish such offense. He also gave a guideline to follow in case these elders continue to sin. They have to be rebuked in the congregation so that it will be something that will instill fear to sin.
It is sad to know that a lot of churches do not follow these guidelines for elders. It almost seems like these Elders basis for work is just like the regular world system. It is now a novelty to see the church deal with sin especially if it is done by the leaders. That is why there is so much authority abuses ongoing now in many churches. What a shame it is for the people of God not to address these very important issues.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Paul clearly spoke of the importance of addressing sin?