TITUS+—An Illustrated Summary of Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible by G. Campbell Morgan

"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.

GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, 

DEUTERONOMY, JOSHUA, JUDGES, RUTH, 

1 SAMUEL, 2 SAMUEL, 1 KINGS,  2 KINGS, 

1 CHRONICLES, 2 CHRONICLES, EZRA, 

NEHEMIAH, ESTHER, JOB, PSALMS, 

PROVERBS, ECCLESIASTES, 

SONG OF SOLOMON,  ISAIAH, JEREMIAH,

 LAMENTATIONS, EZEKIEL, DANIEL, 

HOSEA, JOEL, AMOS, OBADIAH, JONAH, 

MICAH, NAHUM, HABAKKUK, ZEPHANIAH,  

HAGGAI, ZECHARIAH, MALACHI,

 MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, JOHN, 

ACTS, ROMANS, 1 CORINTHIANS,

2 CORINTHIANS, GALATIANS, EPHESIANS, 

PHILIPPIANS, COLOSSIANS, 1 THESSALONIANS,

2 THESSALONIANS, 1 TIMOTHY,  2 TIMOTHY, TITUS,

PHILEMON, HEBREWS, JAMES, 1 PETER, 2 PETER,

1 JOHN, 2 JOHN, 3 JOHN, JUDE, REVELATION

Titus 1:15 "To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure." Titus is the name of another faithful disciple and minister Paul wrote to about the same time he penned his first letter to Timothy. Both men were leading churches in challenging areas and needed Paul's guidance. By the inspiration of God's Spirit, that guidance continues to direct and bless churches and individual Christians to this day. Titus was tasked with installing faithful church leaders who would rebuke would-be teachers obsessed with "fables and the commandments of men," which are human traditions that directly or indirectly contradict Scripture. Such traditions constantly lead to a burdensome life because they declare actions to be sins that are not sinful according to God, and leave the truly sinful things of the inner life untouched. To those God makes pure through saving faith in His Son, everything in life such as appetite and food, desire and marriage, exchange and commerce,  recreation and resting will be maintained in purity. To the unbelieving, anything can be made the vehicle and occasion of impurity. Paul later explains, "We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy ... through Jesus Christ our Savior ... being justified by His grace [and] heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:4-7).

Titus 2:10 "Showing all good faith so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior." From talking about leadership in the church, Paul moves onto practical instructions from God to the major groups of people within the church: older men and women, younger women and men, and servants or slaves. The highlighted verse presents two striking ideas: that the doctrine of our great God and Savior can be adorned and that those spoken of as able to do it are slaves. The conditions of slaves in Crete, where Titus was laboring, were of the worst. Paul affirmed what Cretan prophets said about their own people: that they tended to be beastly liars and gluttons. Imagine such people as masters! But now because of the Gospel, some of the slaves became saints. God, through Paul, wanted them to know they were in the powerful position of advancing His work throughout their society. How? By being submissive to their masters, well-pleasing instead of argumentative, honest and faithful. Such actions in difficult circumstances would win from their masters a recognition of their goodness. The doctrine of our God and Savior is adorned when its effects on life and character are expressed in conduct. To be true, gentle, and faithful in hard, unfair, and unjust circumstances is possible only in the power of some great spiritual conviction. The value of godly conviction is revealed in godly conduct, which will draw even the worst of people to saving faith in Christ.

Titus 3:8 "I want you to insist on these things so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works." Paul begins this chapter, "Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people." That kind of behavior shines like a diamond in a dark world characterized by insubordination, laziness, strife, and every form of evil excess. Christians are identified as those who believe in the one true God, which is to believe what He has said in His Word, the holy Bible. We who stand on that belief testify to the power of it by the good works that flow from our faith, such as following a quiet and diligent life of devotion to duty in honest labor. There are few more powerful forces for rebuking all evil things, whether of conduct or opinion, than the quiet, strong, persistent life of a man or woman who goes on from day to day doing the duties of the day well, cheerfully and with joy. It is not easy, which is why Paul says to be careful about it. That means we are to make it a study, to take thought about it, which Paul reiterates in closing this letter: "Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful" (verse 14). The difficulty involved in learning this life skill makes it all the more precious and worthwhile to master.

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2 TIMOTHY+—An Illustrated Summary of Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible by G. Campbell Morgan

"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.

GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, 

DEUTERONOMY, JOSHUA, JUDGES, RUTH, 

1 SAMUEL, 2 SAMUEL, 1 KINGS,  2 KINGS, 

1 CHRONICLES, 2 CHRONICLES, EZRA, 

NEHEMIAH, ESTHER, JOB, PSALMS, 

PROVERBS, ECCLESIASTES, 

SONG OF SOLOMON,  ISAIAH, JEREMIAH,

 LAMENTATIONS, EZEKIEL, DANIEL, 

HOSEA, JOEL, AMOS, OBADIAH, JONAH, 

MICAH, NAHUM, HABAKKUK, ZEPHANIAH,  

HAGGAI, ZECHARIAH, MALACHI,

 MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, JOHN, 

ACTS, ROMANS, 1 CORINTHIANS,

2 CORINTHIANS, GALATIANS, EPHESIANS, 

PHILIPPIANS, COLOSSIANS, 1 THESSALONIANS,

2 THESSALONIANS, 1 TIMOTHY,  2 TIMOTHY, TITUS,

PHILEMON, HEBREWS, JAMES, 1 PETER, 2 PETER,

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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1 TIMOTHY+—An Illustrated Summary of Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible by G. Campbell Morgan

"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.

GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, 

DEUTERONOMY, JOSHUA, JUDGES, RUTH, 

1 SAMUEL, 2 SAMUEL, 1 KINGS,  2 KINGS, 

1 CHRONICLES, 2 CHRONICLES, EZRA, 

NEHEMIAH, ESTHER, JOB, PSALMS, 

PROVERBS, ECCLESIASTES, 

SONG OF SOLOMON,  ISAIAH, JEREMIAH,

 LAMENTATIONS, EZEKIEL, DANIEL, 

HOSEA, JOEL, AMOS, OBADIAH, JONAH, 

MICAH, NAHUM, HABAKKUK, ZEPHANIAH,  

HAGGAI, ZECHARIAH, MALACHI,

 MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, JOHN, 

ACTS, ROMANS, 1 CORINTHIANS,

2 CORINTHIANS, GALATIANS, EPHESIANS, 

PHILIPPIANS, COLOSSIANS, 1 THESSALONIANS,

2 THESSALONIANS, 1 TIMOTHY,  2 TIMOTHY, TITUS,

PHILEMON, HEBREWS, JAMES, 1 PETER, 2 PETER,

1 JOHN, 2 JOHN, 3 JOHN, JUDE, REVELATION

1 Timothy 1:11 "According to the Gospel of the glory of the blessed God." First Timothy is one of 3 pastoral letters (including 2 Timothy and Titus) that the aging apostle Paul sent to those who would continue his work. Timothy was Paul’s spiritual son. Young but gifted, Timothy had been assigned to lead the church at Ephesus. In this letter, Paul directs Timothy on matters of church leadership, including proper worship and qualifications for leaders. He also addresses confronting false teachers and respectfully treating the different kinds of people within a congregation. Paul urges Timothy to live a life beyond reproach, giving believers a Christ-like example to follow. He states, "The Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, understanding this, that it is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for ... those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, the sexually immoral, people who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is not in accord with the Gospel of the glory of the blessed God." God Himself lives in bliss and pure happiness. That is what He wishes for His creatures, but we who are made in His image need to trust and obey Him first. God mercifully helps us, as Paul experienced personally. He tells us, "Formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." Mercy like that helps us "fight the good fight, keeping the faith and a good conscience."

1 Timothy 2:1 "Supplications, prayers, intercessions, thanksgiving." The what, who, why, where, and how of prayer are the themes of this entire chapter. Supplications are requests expressing a need that all those offering them share, such as for spiritual cleansing and enablement. Prayers are distinct acts of worship in which the need, for the moment, is forgotten and the sense of God's majesty and mercy bring adoration. Intercessions are requests for others as an expression of love for them and God Himself. Thanksgivings are glad outpourings of grateful hearts remembering the Giver of all gifts. God's people are to pray this way for all people, especially for those "who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good and pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." Our Lord Jesus Christ is the one mediator between God and man, "who gave himself as a ransom for all"—all kinds of people. Christian men are to lift "holy hands without anger or quarreling" and Christian women are to be modest and self controlled. The God who made us knows what each of us most needs to hear.

1 Timothy 3:5 "If a man does not know how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?" Paul in this part of his letter is giving instructions on the orderly government of the church. Their first application is to its leaders, but they contain a principle that applies to the whole field of Christian service. Picture around every believer a series of concentric circles in which his or her service and Christian witness operates: those of home, church, city, and nation. Necessarily one's influence is more evident in the first circle, but it will extend positively to the others only as the inner circles are managed well. Paul's question has a self-evident answer: If a man is not able to regulate the affairs of his own household, he cannot guide and guard the church to ensure its orderliness. His failure in his own house will negate any attempt he may make in the church, for people will obey only an authority evidenced by results. Fitness for the guidance of others in the home, church, or anywhere is created by control of one's own life as it is wholly under the sway of the Lord.

1 Timothy 4:12 "Let no man despise your youth, but show yourself an example to the believers in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity." The first meaning of this instruction is that Timothy should conduct himself with such excellence as to make it impossible for people of good will to despise him. Another way of saying this is, "See to it that—your youth notwithstanding—you are not despicable, but quite the opposite!" It may be that there is a tendency among older people to hold youth in contempt, but it is often as much the fault of youth as of age. A young man enamored by the dignity of his office and seeking to impress others with that dignity is always despicable and invariably despised. A man concerned about his character and seeking to realize in his life the ideals of his Lord gives a weight and dignity to his office, which is recognized and yielded to without any reference to his age. This injunction to Timothy is of perpetual application, and not alone to the young.

1 Timothy 5:8 "If anyone does not provide for his own, especially his own household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Paul is instructing Timothy on the duty of the church to care for its most vulnerable members, especially widows. That the church has such a responsibility when there is no other recourse he makes perfectly clear in this chapter, but he also shows how it ought to be safeguarded. In all such matters responsibility first lays with the family (1 Timothy 5:4, 16). That principle is most clearly stated in 1 Timothy 5:8, above. It is characterized by the sane, practical common sense everywhere displayed in Paul's inspired teaching. A man's very first responsibility is that of his own, his own household. No call on him must be allowed to take precedence over that, not even that of the church, and certainly not his own pleasures. To neglect to make such provision is to deny the Christian faith, which is the way of love in all its most practical bearings. The believer who does so is worse than an unbeliever, for common human instincts prompt unbelievers to care for their own flesh and blood. Christianity is the transfiguration of the commonplace, and in proportion as it enables a man or woman to realize all human obligations on the highest level, he or she is thereby recommending it to others. Teaching like this presents serious rebuke for some and much comfort for others. The family is God's first circle of society, and it is a person's first sphere of responsibility.

1 Timothy 6:10 "The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Not money, but the love of it. Money is not a root of evil. Neither is it a root of good. It is non-moral. It may be the greatest curse that can come into a person's life; it may be the instrument of untold good. Much depends on how it is used, but even more important is the soul's attitude towards it. "Love of money," 3 words in English, translates just one Greek word meaning exactly that. Avarice is probably the closest one-word English equivalent because it describes a fierce love for money in and of itself, so is characterized by hoarding. Covetousness, by way of contrast, is an inordinate desire for things that Paul elsewhere equates with idolatry, so it also is a root of evil. Both vices dry up the springs of compassion in the soul. They lower the whole standard of morality and are the inspiration of all the basest things. Both arise from a wrong conception of life, for Jesus said, "One's life does not consist in the abundance of things he or she possesses" (Luke 12:15). Paul therefore concludes, "Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out.... If we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. But those who desire to be rich fall into ... many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.... Flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness.... As for the rich in this present age, charge them not ... to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to ... be rich in good works ... and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life" (1 Timothy 6:6-19).

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2 THESSALONIANS+—An Illustrated Summary of Life Applications from Every Chapter of the Bible by G. Campbell Morgan

"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.

GENESIS, EXODUS, LEVITICUS, NUMBERS, 

DEUTERONOMY, JOSHUA, JUDGES, RUTH, 

1 SAMUEL, 2 SAMUEL, 1 KINGS,  2 KINGS, 

1 CHRONICLES, 2 CHRONICLES, EZRA, 

NEHEMIAH, ESTHER, JOB, PSALMS, 

PROVERBS, ECCLESIASTES, 

SONG OF SOLOMON,  ISAIAH, JEREMIAH,

 LAMENTATIONS, EZEKIEL, DANIEL, 

HOSEA, JOEL, AMOS, OBADIAH, JONAH, 

MICAH, NAHUM, HABAKKUK, ZEPHANIAH,  

HAGGAI, ZECHARIAH, MALACHI,

 MATTHEW, MARK, LUKE, JOHN, 

ACTS, ROMANS, 1 CORINTHIANS,

2 CORINTHIANS, GALATIANS, EPHESIANS, 

PHILIPPIANS, COLOSSIANS, 1 THESSALONIANS,

2 THESSALONIANS, 1 TIMOTHY,  2 TIMOTHY, TITUS,

PHILEMON, HEBREWS, JAMES, 1 PETER, 2 PETER,

1 JOHN, 2 JOHN, 3 JOHN, JUDE, REVELATION

2 Thessalonians 1:10 "He comes on that day to be glorified in His saints, to be marveled at among all who have believed." Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians came shortly after the first one because of problems that arose.  First, they were concerned that the Lord had already returned. Paul urged them not to become “shaken in mind or alarmed,” fearing that “the Day of the Lord” (2:2) had already come. Second, he admonished them not to be idle, which apparently became a serious issue since he commanded,  “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat!” (3:10). But to begin with in this first chapter, we learn Paul had been boasting of the Thessalonian congregation to other churches because of their faith in Christ and their love for each other in the face of persecution. Paul reminded them that God would repay their persecutors with the ultimate "punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might." At the same time, Christ at His return will "be marveled at among all who have believed"—by the Thessalonians from long ago, us now, and all who believe up to our Lord's appearing. At that sublime moment, we will be "fashioned anew and conformed to the body of His glory," to quote one of several Christian creeds on the Resurrection, but our focus will be on Him rather than each other. While all this is a radiant description of the goal toward which we travel, should we not also live now that He may be glorified in us daily, and marveled at as the One to whom we owe everything?

2 Thessalonians 2:7 "The mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He  who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way." Paul now addresses the situation of panicky idleness at Thessalonica. It arose because of ridiculous false teaching that the Lord somehow had already returned, but they had missed out.  When Christ returns, "every eye will see Him," as the Book of Revelation tells us. Paul states plainly in verse 3 that the Day of the Lord "will not come unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed.”  He could have said next, "It hasn’t happened. Go back to work." But instead, Paul goes into amazing detail. During this age in which we live, "lawlessness is already at work," but it is also true that there is One who restrains that evil work, holding it in check until its final development. Paul apparently meant for us to remember our Lord's description of the Holy Spirit's ministry: convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. In God's perfect timing, the Spirit's restraining influence will be removed so that evil will work out its final expression to be finally destroyed at the return of Christ. Those who perish will be those who "refused to love the truth and so be saved" (verse 10) and "did not believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (verse 12). How much more ought we to love the truth now?

2 Thessalonians 3:5 "The Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and the patience of Christ." Paul wraps up this letter beautifully and practically: "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful: He will establish you and guard you against the evil one. And we have confidence in the Lord ... that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and the patience of Christ." Unless we are careful, our eager anticipation for our absent Lord may degenerate into impatience. Think about Christ's life on earth, especially how patient He was with others. He bore with them then, and He bears with us now! One of our greatest needs in life is patience like His. It comes from the love of God, as Paul states above. Christ worked and waited, secure in His knowledge of His Father's love for Him, and in His love for the Father. That is still the secret of patience.  The measure in which we are sure of the love of God is the measure in which, despite the afflictions of this life, we wait patiently for our Lord to return, trusting in God's perfect timing. Notice Paul said it is the Lord who directs our hearts into this love and patience. This is His work. Let us not hinder Him.

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