Daily Devotions – Making disciples

Daily Devotions – Making disciples

 

 

Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:

2 Timothy 1:3-14 (NIV)

Thanksgiving

I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day. 13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

Timothy became a disciple of Jesus through the faith of his grandmother and mother, with some help from Paul. Making disciples is something that mothers and fathers, grandmothers and grandfathers do. It is something that brothers and sisters and aunts and uncles do. We make disciples when we live quiet, humble lives of goodness, mercy and love towards others and give God’s peace, love, mercy, forgiveness and grace away on a daily basis. Let us pray that God makes us bold disciples that live quiet lives sharing his grace and making disciples wherever He leads us!