Christmas with Compassion - Day 25
Day 25 - Friday, January 05
Read 2 Timothy 4:9-22
Highlight
Here Paul gives us a picture of how it is possible for a follower of Jesus to forgive completely. Paul lists out several people who have disappointed and hurt him. Alexander the metalworker, in particular, has wounded Paul but Paul doesn’t instruct Timothy or anyone else to seek revenge. After all, ‘The Lord will repay him for what he has done.’ (v14) Tim Keller says, “Nothing is clearer in the Bible, especially the Old Testament, than that God will do justice and that he cannot shrug, wink at, or ignore any sin or evil.” Christians can be comforted by the fact that no wrong that has ever been committed against us will just be overlooked. God is angered by the evil that destroys the things that He loves - his creation and the human race he made for his glory and our happiness.
But the key word there is ‘love.’ It was His love that motivated Him to find a way for sin to be justly punished while still allowing Him to be with us. The cross is where God’s love and fury came together. Paul knows Jesus took that punishment not just for Alexander the metalworker, but for Paul too. That’s why Paul does not wish for the sin of his brothers to be held against them (v16) because he doesn’t want his own sin to be held against him! This gives us the full picture of how the Christian can forgive. First, we give our desire for justice to the only one who can be truly just. Then, realizing there is no difference between ourselves and those who have wronged us, we treat others the way that God has treated us.
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 4:9-22
Highlight
Here Paul gives us a picture of how it is possible for a follower of Jesus to forgive completely. Paul lists out several people who have disappointed and hurt him. Alexander the metalworker, in particular, has wounded Paul but Paul doesn’t instruct Timothy or anyone else to seek revenge. After all, ‘The Lord will repay him for what he has done.’ (v14) Tim Keller says, “Nothing is clearer in the Bible, especially the Old Testament, than that God will do justice and that he cannot shrug, wink at, or ignore any sin or evil.” Christians can be comforted by the fact that no wrong that has ever been committed against us will just be overlooked. God is angered by the evil that destroys the things that He loves - his creation and the human race he made for his glory and our happiness.
But the key word there is ‘love.’ It was His love that motivated Him to find a way for sin to be justly punished while still allowing Him to be with us. The cross is where God’s love and fury came together. Paul knows Jesus took that punishment not just for Alexander the metalworker, but for Paul too. That’s why Paul does not wish for the sin of his brothers to be held against them (v16) because he doesn’t want his own sin to be held against him! This gives us the full picture of how the Christian can forgive. First, we give our desire for justice to the only one who can be truly just. Then, realizing there is no difference between ourselves and those who have wronged us, we treat others the way that God has treated us.
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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