Friday 12th January
Read 2 Timothy 2:11-13
“Here is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
13 if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.” (NIVUK)
There are actually five of these ‘trustworthy sayings’ through the Pastoral letters. Each of them, either excerpts from early Christian hymns or sayings that reflected the faith of the early church and which Paul endorses (from the prosaic to the sublime). Except for one concerning aspiration to be a leader and its nobility they lean somewhat towards how present decisions affect future realities.
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15a)
“Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” (1 Timothy 3:1)
“Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
“At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4 But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, 7 so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:3-7)
Spend time today reflecting on them, (well four of them anyway), and how they may have helped early believers to remember Jesus Christ and pursue Him wholeheartedly.
