Word for the day by Christian Education Forum
CARRIERS OF THE GOSPEL
2 Timothy 4: 1-6Vs.2 “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”
The relay race is one of the most exciting athletic items in sports. The precision in exchanging the baton and the contribution of each athlete is very critical in winning the race.
In the text for today, we can see how the Apostle Paul seriously taking the responsibility to pass the baton of faith to young Timothy, who was the spiritual son and a disciple of Paul. We, the believers are called to be the carriers of the gospel in various ways. Therefore, the principles described here are essential for us also to be successful in fulfilling our responsibilities.
Faithfulness: In Vs.6-7 Paul summarizes his life mission as an offering to God which he faithfully achieves by running a good race. Here Paul reminds young Timothy also to do his responsibilities faithfully before a God to whom all are accountable. (Vs.1). We are entrusted with different kinds of divine gifts and it is important to exercise those gifts faithfully before our Lord. In the parable of the talents (Mathew 25), we see that the servants have been given the talents according to their abilities and the master is expecting faithful stewardship.
Integrity: (Vs. 2-4). The responsibility of an evangelist is to preach the unchanging word of God without any dilution. There are people who want only to hear what is pleasing to their ears and suiting to their desires and preachers who will deviate from the truth to please the listeners. But as Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, our goal is not to please the listeners, but to preach the Word truthfully and patiently to fulfill its purpose; correct, rebuke and encourage others to help them mature in their faith.
Commitment: (Vs.2,5). The carriers of the gospel should have the commitment to their calling; with a readiness to discharge the responsibilities of an evangelist regardless of whether times are favorable or unfavorable. A focused vision and the willingness to endure hardship are essential to fulfill this task.
As Marthoma church members, we all are called to be evangelists wherever we are. As we are lighted to lighten, let us depend on Holy Spirit to take that responsibility seriously and to pass the torch of faith to our next generations in a world there is darkness.
In the text for today, we can see how the Apostle Paul seriously taking the responsibility to pass the baton of faith to young Timothy, who was the spiritual son and a disciple of Paul. We, the believers are called to be the carriers of the gospel in various ways. Therefore, the principles described here are essential for us also to be successful in fulfilling our responsibilities.
Faithfulness: In Vs.6-7 Paul summarizes his life mission as an offering to God which he faithfully achieves by running a good race. Here Paul reminds young Timothy also to do his responsibilities faithfully before a God to whom all are accountable. (Vs.1). We are entrusted with different kinds of divine gifts and it is important to exercise those gifts faithfully before our Lord. In the parable of the talents (Mathew 25), we see that the servants have been given the talents according to their abilities and the master is expecting faithful stewardship.
Integrity: (Vs. 2-4). The responsibility of an evangelist is to preach the unchanging word of God without any dilution. There are people who want only to hear what is pleasing to their ears and suiting to their desires and preachers who will deviate from the truth to please the listeners. But as Apostle Paul instructed Timothy, our goal is not to please the listeners, but to preach the Word truthfully and patiently to fulfill its purpose; correct, rebuke and encourage others to help them mature in their faith.
Commitment: (Vs.2,5). The carriers of the gospel should have the commitment to their calling; with a readiness to discharge the responsibilities of an evangelist regardless of whether times are favorable or unfavorable. A focused vision and the willingness to endure hardship are essential to fulfill this task.
As Marthoma church members, we all are called to be evangelists wherever we are. As we are lighted to lighten, let us depend on Holy Spirit to take that responsibility seriously and to pass the torch of faith to our next generations in a world there is darkness.
Prayer
Lord strengthens us to fulfill our responsibilities to become effective witnesses of our Lord. Help us to preach the gospel through our words and lives.
Thought of the day
"Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last." (C.T. Studd)
Abey Cherian, St. Thomas MTC, Yonkers, NY
Lord strengthens us to fulfill our responsibilities to become effective witnesses of our Lord. Help us to preach the gospel through our words and lives.
Thought of the day
"Only one life,’ twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last." (C.T. Studd)
Abey Cherian, St. Thomas MTC, Yonkers, NY