"On every page of the God-breathed writings are many thoughts that stretch out like long, clear arms of light across the darkness, discovering things otherwise hidden and illuminating wider areas than those of the immediate context. They are searchlights. I have selected one in each chapter of Scripture, for at least one central thought in every chapter should arrest the mind and affect the life," wrote G. Campbell Morgan, a skilled, wise, warm-hearted Bible teacher who conducted a classic 3-year study called Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible. Here is the fruit of that research—summarized, illustrated, and amplified with useful details—on all 66 books of the Bible.
DEUTERONOMY, JOSHUA, JUDGES, RUTH,
1 JOHN, 2 JOHN, 3 JOHN, JUDE, REVELATION
2 Timothy 1:5 "I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice." Second Timothy is the last letter Paul wrote before his martyrdom at the order of Emperor Nero, which took place soon after he wrote it. As Paul thinks of whom he is writing to, he recalls the faith of one of the chief men who would advance the Christian faith after Paul's departure. Timothy was a loyal disciple and fellow minister characterized by a sincere faith. This is a faith that is not pretended; it is true, real, and trustworthy. So long as there lurks a suspicion of doubt in a person's faith that it is merely outward and does not carry the person along by inner conviction, that kind of faith is weak and not to be depended on. Timothy was living out what Paul described in his first letter to him: "love that issues from a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). Paul goes on to say that this quality of faith was found in Timothy's mother, Eunice, and in his grandmother, Lois. There is a sense in which faith cannot be transmitted by parents to their children: Every individual must exercise faith for himself or herself. But it is also true that it is very difficult for some children not to believe because of what they have seen of the power of faith in their parents. We cannot bequeath faith to our children, but we can make it much easier for them to believe by our own faith. And that is especially true of sincere faith in Christ.
2 Timothy 2:4 "No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life." This means so much more than being denied accustomed liberties and comforts. Think, for example, of what world wars have taught us through stern and awe-inspiring experiences. Nothing is left out. The soldier engaged in active service breaks with everything except the war. Millions left father, mother, brother, sister, spouse, and children, marching away from promising careers, useful occupations, high ambitions, and important responsibilities. Nothing was permitted to entangle them, hinder them, or in any way interfere with the one thing. This understanding sheds helpful light on the claims our Lord's campaign makes on all His faithful sons and daughters. Can we do less than what soldiers have done for the wars of this world? How often those who should constitute the host of God have merely played at war! May God forgive us and help us to be about His business, which Paul well describes in this chapter, especially here: "What you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also" (2 Timothy 2:2) and "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of truth" (2 Timothy 2:15).
2 Timothy 3:11 "Out of them all the Lord delivered me." In this chapter Paul affirms that "all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived" (2 Timothy 3:12-13). He recalls for Timothy his sufferings for the sake of the Gospel in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra (recounted in Acts 13-14), near to where Paul met Timothy in Greece (Acts 16). In Antioch Paul and his fellow ministers were ejected from the border, which led them to Greece, where they had to flee threats of physical violence. At Lystra Paul was stoned and left for dead, but he continued to minister. Such were the kinds of persecutions he faced, but when looking back near the end of his life, Paul is impressed by how he was delivered from them all by the hand of God. His ways of deliverance are varied. Sometimes He saves His servants from persecution by casting them out. Sometimes He makes known the intentions of their foes so they can flee. Sometimes He does not deliver them from things like stoning, but delivers them beyond the stoning, sending them on their way enriched with a new sense of the sufficiency of His grace. He never fails to deliver. This chapter concludes with what that deliverance is for. The risen Christ tells His ministers to "feed My sheep." Perhaps nowhere is that feeding better described than here: "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
2 Timothy 4:5 "Fulfill your ministry." That was the last charge Paul gave to Timothy concerning his responsibilities as a minister of Christ concerning the Truth and the Church. It was a call to make full proof of his service, carrying it out in such a way that there could be no question about its authenticity. All of us who love and serve Christ in whatever capacity do well to apply this. Often our service is unequal. Sometimes it begins well, but then wilts, slows, or evaporates. Sometimes it is characterized by irregularities occasioned by yielding to pressures and forces opposed to constant and consistent endeavor. Paul dares to refer to his own example. He was nearing the end but could honestly look back and say, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." His is not just a special case, for he goes on to say that heavenly reward for faithfulness will be given "not only to me but also to all who have loved His appearing." What a glorious ending to a life of service! The finishing, however, depends on the way of the going. The words immediately preceding "fulfill your ministry" are these: "Always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist," preceded further by these: "Preach the Word; be ready in season and out of season. Reprove, rebuke, and exhort." All faithful Christians are to be busy with this kind of eternal work to one degree or another as gifted by God.
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