The epistle of Second Timothy is considered to be one of Paul’s most personal letters. He is writing during his second and final imprisonment to his trusted and beloved son in the faith. Paul knows his execution is imminent. His concern is not for himself, but for Timothy, who must continue in the spiritual battle. His theme, “the good soldier of Jesus Christ” follows that of first Timothy, “Fight the good fight” (1Ti 1:18; 1Ti 6:12).
Gene Cunningham - January 8, 2000
The Divine Mentor #3
Rom 8:9-13 says the Spirit dwells within us, that God's life is righteousness, and the power of flesh is broken. Rom 8:14-17 says those led of God are "mature" children. God's guidance increases as we grow spiritually. Rom 8:17-18 we grow through suffering -- it enhances our eternal future. Dangers in guidance: (1) don't confuse personal desire with God's guidance (Numbers 22); (2) don't accept something if it disturbs your inner peace (Col 3:15, Phi 4:6); (3) look for guidance day by day (Heb 3:7, Heb 3:15); (4) recognize your limitations -- we don't have all the facts, nor know the consequences of a decision; (5) Joh 7:17 is key -- we need to be willing to be willing and wait (Isa 40:31). Luk 1:7-11 says "your prayer is heard". Zechariah may have prayed for a child for 40 years while Elizabeth was barren. The Divine Mentor in Psalm 23 : Psa 23:1-6 He leads us -- to green pastures, still water, and righteousness. (1) He is the Good Shepherd - lays down His life (Joh 10:10); (2) He is the Great Shepherd, resurrected at God's hand and supplies our needs (Heb 13:20-2); (3) He is the Chief Shepard coming with our reward (1Pe 5:4). "I cannot lack" because: (1) He has given us all spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3); (2) He has made us acceptable (Eph 1:6); (3) He has supplied unsearchable riches (Eph 3:8); (4) He has promised to supply all our needs (Phi 4:19). "He makes me lie down in green pastures" because: (1) we have entered His rest (Mat 28:29); (2) we feed on the riches of His word (Mat 5:6); (3) we are comforted by His Spirit (Joh 14:16-26); (4) we are protected by His shield (Eph 6:17); (5) we find rest by trusting in Him (Heb 4:1-3).
Scripture References: Psalms 23:1-6, Philippians 4:19, Colossians 3:15, Luke 1:7-11, Ephesians 3:8, Romans 8:17-18, Hebrews 4:1-3, Isaiah 40:31, Ephesians 1:6, Romans 8:14-17, Ephesians 6:17, John 7:17, Ephesians 1:3, Romans 8:9-13, John 14:16-26, Hebrews 3:15, Hebrews 13:20-2, Matthew 5:6, Hebrews 3:7, John 10:10, Matthew 28:29, Philippians 4:6
From Series: "The Divine Mentor"
The Divine Mentor is God the Holy Spirit. God answered Jesus' prayer to provide us the Spirit not just to be with us but in us -- to pray with us labor with us to guide us teach us and equip us -- the goal being that we'd be prepared for the troubled times in which we live.