First Comes Love - Day 13

Day 13 -Wednesday, April 24
Read 2 Timothy 2

Highlight
Pauls sees Timothy as a spiritual son and here he is teaching Timothy how to lead the spiritual family that’s been entrusted to him. This is no easy task. The church in Ephesus has been corrupted by false teachers who are leading the people of God astray. But Paul reminds Timothy that the circumstances and relationships of this world are fleeting and encourages him to keep his eye on the prize of eternity and not to get distracted by unhealthy relational conflict. Timothy is instructed to stay focused and remain full of grace, even for members of the family that are difficult to love.  

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)