< Back

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it.” 2 Timothy 3:14

Read: 2 Timothy 3
Listen: 2 Timothy 3

The Apostle Paul writes to Timothy, a young leader in the early church. Paul mentors Timothy in ministry and drafts this letter to help Timothy as he leads the church in Ephesus. This section of the letter reveals those who have positively influenced Timothy’s spiritual growth, as well as other influences Paul warns Timothy to avoid. He encourages Timothy to stay away from destructive influences and remember the truths taught to him by Paul and Timothy’s family.

This week we will look at both the people who influence us and the type of influence God desires us to be for others. We will ask ourselves some important questions: Who do we want to be? Who are we becoming? How are we influencing those around us? As we do, we will see that Paul has incredible words of encouragement and challenge for us. Whether we realize it or not, we are both influenced by others and influencing others.

TODAY: As you begin this week, pray for openness. Ask God to reveal who is influencing you. Ask him for discernment about whether they are pointing you toward or away from Christ. Finally, ask him to help you see how you influence others. End your prayer by thanking him for his grace despite your shortcomings, and ask him to help you to grow.


JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read 1 Samuel 26-27. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Consider the mercy David shows his enemy and his lack of retaliation.