[14] “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,” — 2 Timothy 3:14 NKJV
Timothy was Paul’s associate in the ministry. Because of the spiritual guidance he received from Paul, he had the privilege of learning many things in the Lord from Paul, and that was great. Today, it’s just like a ministry subordinate serving under the anointing of a great leader he’s following; it’s so great because there’s an avenue to learn so much.
But at the time the epistle was put into writing, some people arose in the church to teach heresies, engage in ungodly arguments, and other forms of evil things that didn’t glorify God. Paul, knowing that Timothy could be led astray by these deviants, warned him to continue in the things which he had learned from him (Paul). Paul charged Pastor Timothy to stay loyal and grounded in the teachings he had received from him for years, so that his faith would not suffer reproach. Wow!
Today, what Paul said to young Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:14 is just like your senior pastor telling you to uphold the sound doctrine you’ve heard him preach for long. It is for your good and protection so that as you move on in life, your faith will remain grounded.
Many people are born again. But due to life’s circumstances, work, marriage and other things, they’ve neglected the teachings of Christ they’ve received, left church to follow heresies, all because of better conditions of life. Today, several of these people have ended up in places they never like.
For instance, I’ve met several young people who tell me that, my country, Ghana, isn’t a good place to be. They want better lives for themselves, so they’re trying several ways to go abroad. But I know of at least one believer who followed suit, got abroad and had all the earthly possessions he wanted. Yet, he lacked one thing — the joy of his salvation. He didn’t have fellow believers around him to help him keep him in fellowship with God, although he had everything physically. The last time I spoke to this person, he was counselling me not to travel outside the country just because of greener pastures. Hmm!
My friend, I want to let you know that whatever you’re looking for in life is found in Christ. When the Bible said that God will meet all your needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19), your location wasn’t included in that text. God will bless you. But before He does that, He expects you to continue in the faith, and not get tossed to and fro by any wind of doctrine.
Life may come with several options. And in those options, some can be baits of temptation, capable of making you neglect your faith. But from today, advise yourself. Don’t let whatever you hear people say exchange the doctrine of Christ you’ve received and live by. God be with you.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, help me stay true to the faith in all the various phases of life I’ll ever go through. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2024 – 067