First Comes Love - Day 12
Day 12 - Tuesday, April 23
Read 2 Timothy 1
Highlight
This week we’re exploring what God has to say about singleness. Truthfully, there is not a lot in Scripture that directly addresses singleness, but as we saw yesterday what is shared is overwhelmingly positive because of the freedom it affords to followers of Jesus to focus fully on God’s Kingdom and to embrace the family of God, his Church, in a special way. We’re going to spend the rest of this week in 2 Timothy which is Paul's pastoral letter to his disciple whom he is preparing to continue His mission work. Paul is writing this message from prison, and while this is certainly not the first time he’s been put in prison for sharing the Gospel, he feels this may be his last - Paul knows it’s likely he will not survive. Paul, who was never married and has now been abandoned by many of his followers and friends because of the shame and fear associated with his imprisonment, is celebrating the Spirit’s work in his life which has given him the strength to stand for Christ even when he has had to do so alone, and is encouraging Timothy to do the same.
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
This week we’re exploring what God has to say about singleness. Truthfully, there is not a lot in Scripture that directly addresses singleness, but as we saw yesterday what is shared is overwhelmingly positive because of the freedom it affords to followers of Jesus to focus fully on God’s Kingdom and to embrace the family of God, his Church, in a special way. We’re going to spend the rest of this week in 2 Timothy which is Paul's pastoral letter to his disciple whom he is preparing to continue His mission work. Paul is writing this message from prison, and while this is certainly not the first time he’s been put in prison for sharing the Gospel, he feels this may be his last - Paul knows it’s likely he will not survive. Paul, who was never married and has now been abandoned by many of his followers and friends because of the shame and fear associated with his imprisonment, is celebrating the Spirit’s work in his life which has given him the strength to stand for Christ even when he has had to do so alone, and is encouraging Timothy to do the same.
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)
Posted in First Comes Love