Verse of the Day 1/15

Through the Bible - Genesis 37-38, Matthew 13:1-23

 

Good morning,

Many of us have probably gone through classes or studies in our churches in search of "our spiritual gift".  When we "find it" (I won't go into that) we may be tempted to shy away from other opportunities for Christian service, because after all "that's not my gift".

 

For today's verse we'll go to 2 Timothy where Paul has some advice for this young pastor and for us.

2 Tim 4:5 But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.   NKJV
or from the Amplified Bible:

2 Timothy 4:5 As for you, be calm and cool and steady, accept and suffer unflinchingly every hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fully perform all the duties of your ministry.  Amplified Bible

 

Regarding "Do the work of an evangelist" Dennis Fisher writes, "In this particular passage a number of Bible scholars see a distinction between "the gift of an evangelist" and "the work of an evangelist".  It may be that along with Timothy's pastoral gift, he was at times to function in the role of an evangelist without having the gift (Eph. 4:11).  Likewise, sometimes each of us may be called upon to serve on a project that does not necessarily require that we have a spiritual gift in that area."

 

What's another word we use for work?  Labor.  Paul often speaks of "his labor" and in the following verse he challenges us :

1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.    NIV

Giving ourselves fully is not just giving of ourselves in the area of our "spiritual gift".  You may not consider yourself to be an evangelist.  That doesn't mean that you can't be involved in evangelism,  because whether you realize it or not, you are.

 

We are told to be watchful,calm and cool, to know what is going on around us.  We need to have our eyes and hearts open and be ready, be prepared to act.  It's about helping the cause.  It's about passing it on, spreading His love, keeping His message alive.

 

It only takes a spark to get a fire going,
And soon all those around can warm up in its glowing;
That's how it is with God's Love,
Once you've experienced it,
Your spread the love to everyone
You want to pass it on.

 

2 Tim 4:5  But you — keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.
(from THE MESSAGE)

Read the passage below from The Message.  How does it speak to you today?

In Christ,
Mike
mikevw@bellsouth.net
http://mikesvotd.blogspot.com
Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV
2 Tim 4:1-8

 

4 I can't impress this on you too strongly. God is looking over your shoulder. Christ himself is the Judge, with the final say on everyone, living and dead. He is about to break into the open with his rule, so proclaim the Message with intensity; keep on your watch. Challenge, warn, and urge your people. Don't ever quit. Just keep it simple.

 

You're going to find that there will be times when people will have no stomach for solid teaching, but will fill up on spiritual junk food — catchy opinions that tickle their fancy. They'll turn their backs on truth and chase mirages. But you — keep your eye on what you're doing; accept the hard times along with the good; keep the Message alive; do a thorough job as God's servant.

 

You take over. I'm about to die, my life an offering on God's altar. This is the only race worth running. I've run hard right to the finish, believed all the way. All that's left now is the shouting — God's applause! Depend on it, he's an honest judge. He'll do right not only by me, but by everyone eager for his coming.     (from THE MESSAGe)