Christmas with Compassion - Day 21
Day 21 - Monday, January 01
Read 2 Timothy 1
Highlight
Verse 7 is one of the first verses I ever memorized. The command “do not fear” is the most common command in Scripture, and this verse has always been a powerful reminder to me that the Holy Spirit’s presence within me means that I do not ever have to be afraid. But verse 8 is equally as important because Paul indicates how that power is to be leveraged: to walk knowingly into a life of suffering and trials for the sake of the Gospel. Here Paul establishes the call of Christianity as a chain of following the examples set before us, a chain with links that lead all the way back to Jesus. Timothy is to follow Paul’s example of being willing to suffer for the Gospel and not be ashamed of his teacher even though he is in prison. Timothy should do that because Paul did that, being willing to suffer for the Gospel and not be ashamed of his teacher, Jesus, even though he was shamefully crucified. And why did Jesus choose to suffer? “For the joy set before him He endured the cross, scorning its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2) That same joy, namely the power of salvation and the hope of being with our Lord forever, should lead us to be willing to scorn any shame or pain that may come from faithfully following our Lord.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read 2 Timothy 1
Highlight
Verse 7 is one of the first verses I ever memorized. The command “do not fear” is the most common command in Scripture, and this verse has always been a powerful reminder to me that the Holy Spirit’s presence within me means that I do not ever have to be afraid. But verse 8 is equally as important because Paul indicates how that power is to be leveraged: to walk knowingly into a life of suffering and trials for the sake of the Gospel. Here Paul establishes the call of Christianity as a chain of following the examples set before us, a chain with links that lead all the way back to Jesus. Timothy is to follow Paul’s example of being willing to suffer for the Gospel and not be ashamed of his teacher even though he is in prison. Timothy should do that because Paul did that, being willing to suffer for the Gospel and not be ashamed of his teacher, Jesus, even though he was shamefully crucified. And why did Jesus choose to suffer? “For the joy set before him He endured the cross, scorning its shame…” (Hebrews 12:2) That same joy, namely the power of salvation and the hope of being with our Lord forever, should lead us to be willing to scorn any shame or pain that may come from faithfully following our Lord.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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