Our Scripture meditation is based on 2 Timothy 1:13–14, part of next week’s Epistle Reading.
[13] Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. [14] By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.
If we solely focus on verse 13 of our Scripture passage, there is a risk that we become weighed down by God’s law. That makes the Gospel in these verses so reassuring.
As we try to navigate life as Christians, there are any number of times when we wonder what step to take next. This makes the instruction in verse 13 very beneficial. When we question how to go forward, we can turn to the Apostle Paul’s teaching. It is trustworthy. Much of Paul’s instruction is applicable to daily life.
Yet the instruction in verse 13 is law. It describes what we must do in living the Christian life. Sooner or later the law weighs us down. Just sorting out how to apply Paul’s words to our lives becomes a burden.
Knowing this Paul, reminds us that we are not alone in living the Christian life. We received the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in baptism (Acts 2:38). This is Gospel, God working on our behalf. The Holy Spirit provides for us that which we cannot give to ourselves.
As if this wasn’t enough Gospel encouragement, Paul reminds us that our motivation come from the faith and love that are in Christ. Jesus carries our burdens, freeing us to “follow the pattern of the sounds words” from Paul.
Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.
Kevin Wilson 360 