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Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” 2 Timothy 2:19

Read: 2 Timothy 2:14-26
Listen: 2 Timothy 2

Paul deliberately places Timothy in a strategic location. Ephesus is one of the largest and most significant cities in the Roman Empire. It’s also an incredibly religious city. About 600 years before, a massive temple to Artemis was constructed. It still dominates city life during Timothy’s time. Believers in Ephesus have their work cut out for them. Paul reminds Timothy that he has to go against the flow. The culture isn’t going to point people to Christianity. What’s even more challenging are false teachers inside the church itself. Timothy needs to teach the church the truth. Paul’s instructions are clear. Timothy is to correctly handle the Word, gently instruct those who disagree and make sure the people in his church are ready for God to use them.

There’s good news and bad news for us here. The bad news is that, like Timothy, we’re going to have to go against the flow. Our culture isn’t going to point us to Jesus. There are even voices in the greater Christian community that might lead us the wrong way. The good news is that we aren’t alone, and we’re not the first to face such challenges. Christians have been going against the flow since the church began. It’s possible. We can do it.

TODAY: Pray for courage and strength to go with God and against the flow. Join the Ada Bible Worship Team as they sing “Singing in the Victory.” We can find the strength and courage to go against the flow when we remember the victory Jesus won for us.

JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read 1 Samuel 18-19. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Consider David’s victories and his suffering at Saul’s hands.