Teachers of the Truth

Are you ready to study God's Word this morning? Me too! Today we are studying 2 Timothy 1:9-16. This is Michele with you today and I hope you are having a great week so far. Let's jump right in and see what God has to say to us this morning. What pops out at me is this:

Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me - a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you. (v. 13-14)

Paul was encouraging Timothy not to stray from the truth but to hold tightly to what he had been taught as he goes out to teach others. This is true for all of us. Whether we're pastors, maintenance workers, teachers, grocery store clerks, librarians, engineers, business owners or whatever our occupation may be we need to stand firm to the truth that we have been taught as followers of Christ. We constantly come in contact with those who don't know Christ and we need to be prepared to teach others about our Lord and Savior.

Chris blogged Saturday on the fear factor that we sometimes have when it comes to witnessing or telling others about Jesus. This was a great blog and certainly true for many, if not all, of us. We are fearful and often concerned about what others may think of us but we need to remember we're not selling a multi vitamin! We're teaching others about the way to eternal life that no amount of money can buy. And when we do this we may come up against people who want to debate. These verses are telling us to hold on to the truth. Don't let others sway your knowledge of the truth. Remember that nothing outside of Jesus' death can lead to eternal life, no other religion points to the truth of God's Word and no one can take from you what you know God has done for you personally. Your salvation is yours because you've accepted the only absolute truth there is. And, most importantly, you have the power of the Holy Spirit living inside of you. You have it....use it!

As you go out into this world on mission for Christ, remember you're not alone. The Holy Spirit will guide you and give you the words when you don't have them. God wants nothing more than for you to lead others to him. He won't leave you to do it all on your own. It's a promise he has made to you. How can we keep such awesome news to ourselves? There are many out there who are literally dying to know the truth!

Thank you, Lord, for showing us truth and filling us with faith. Now, help us to teach others about your saving power and the love that you have for each and every one of your creation. Fill us with  power from the Holy Spirit when we get scared. Help us to remember that your perfect love casts out all fear. Amen.