2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 (NRSV)
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Verse 14But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it, Verse 15and how from childhood you have known the sacred writings that are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Verse 16All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, Verse 17so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
Chapter 4In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I solemnly urge you: Verse 2proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable; convince, rebuke, and encourage, with the utmost patience in teaching. Verse 3For the time is coming when people will not put up with sound doctrine, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own desires, Verse 4and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander away to myths. Verse 5As for you, always be sober, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, carry out your ministry fully.
Devotion
Second Timothy urges us to persist whether the time is favorable or unfavorable.
Dogs do this. They know that some times and some people are more favorable than others for getting food, a walk, or attention. And if a human is not “favorable” -— that is, not a “dog person” -- the dog will work that much harder. The dog is determined to meet the goal, chase down the prize, and win the affection it craves. Whatever the season, the dog is fixed on the object of his fervent love. Humans may be easily distracted, but the dog is not. The dog hangs on.
The Holy Spirit doggedly will preach to us in season and out of season. God is determined to chase you down and win you over. God is fixed on the object of his fervent love. In Christ Jesus, God is fixed on you.
Prayer
Thank you, Lord God, for fixing your name on us in the death and resurrection of your Son. Fix in us your Spirit that we may proclaim your persistent good news. Amen.