07.14.21 | Training in Righteousness
In today’s BREAD reading from 2 Timothy 3, Paul is very clear about the attitudes and problems that need to be confronted:
“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.”
Paul warns against these people, but reminds us that the Holy Scriptures will make us wise. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work” (vs. 16-17).
Reflecting on this passage, ask God what He wants to highlight for you today. Identify what might be resonating with you. Ask the Lord:
- Am I a lover of pleasure more than a lover of You, Lord?
- Am I unforgiving or without love in an area?
Take the time to express an earnest repentance from these or other things that may have come up for you. Pray for the desire to be a person that reflects the love, patience, and endurance that comes from being with Jesus. Pray for the fruit of His Holy Spirit to be present in your life.
Spend the rest of the day focusing on gratitude for how the Lord is equipping, teaching, and correcting you as He continues to transform your character.
As always, we encourage you to practice what you are learning with a brother or sister in your community. This week, consider confessing where your weaknesses lie, and pray for one another that the Lord would bring His strength to those places.