Remain in What You Have Learned (2 Timothy 3:14)
2 Timothy 3:14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.
In 1 and 2 Timothy, Paul left powerful instructions, urging Timothy to be strong in the faith, to resist the temptations of the world, and to set aside everything that did not please God.
These were Paul’s final words, written during his second imprisonment in Rome—likely under terrible conditions.
Paul was alone, abandoned by men, but not by God.
He also said that he had endured great persecutions, but the Lord had delivered him from all of them.
2 Timothy 3:11 Persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.
In the very next verse, Paul reminds us that everyone who desires to live in Christ will face persecution.
2 Timothy 3:12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
Following Christ is not a simple or easy choice.
Following Christ is not just attending church on Sundays.
Following Christ means living a life of surrender.
It is impossible to choose to live according to God’s will and remain the same.
But, unfortunately, some people are not interested in change.
Often, almost automatically, we are driven to place our own desires ahead of God’s will. But we must remember: when we surrender our will, we are not losing anything—we are gaining!
Gaining more of God, building an intimate relationship with Him. It’s worth it!
As I said, Paul was abandoned by men, and I can’t imagine what he suffered and endured out of love for God. But look at the beautiful words he wrote in 2 Timothy 4:17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength...
2 Timothy 4:16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth.
Paul had full conviction of where he was going and that everything he went through had been worth it.
May we remain firm in the center of God’s will, regardless of the world around us.
2 Timothy 2:4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.
To Christ be the glory, forever and ever. Amen!
The Lord bless you and keep you.
Mariana Martins Segades
Worship Minister at Cristo é Paz Church
