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You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 2 Timothy 1:15-16

Read: 2 Timothy 1:15-18
Listen: 2 Timothy 1

Paul encourages Timothy not to be ashamed and to keep his relationship with God. It’s an example of one Christian encouraging and challenging another inside a spiritual friendship. Paul ends this section by showing Timothy examples of two paths—disloyalty and loyalty. Many have abandoned Paul. Some have stuck with him. Maybe Onesiphorus’s choice to stick with Paul will encourage Timothy to do the same.

The choice is the same for us today. We’ll either have a relationship with Jesus that will sustain us through times of suffering or one that won’t sustain us when cultural pressures try to make us ashamed. The tendency to deconstruct our faith or walk away because of societal pressures is significant and only getting stronger. The key to having a strong relationship with Jesus is what we looked at earlier this week about knowing the gospel and doing what is necessary to have a vibrant relationship with Jesus.

TODAY: Worship with the Ada Bible Church Worship Team as they sing “Praise.” Use these lyrics to help you stay on the correct path and give you reasons not to be ashamed, “I’ll praise ‘cause you’re sovereign…Praise ‘cause you rose and defeated the grave.” Focus your thoughts and attention on the God who is faithful, true and great.


JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT:

Read Exodus 32. Highlight anything that points to Jesus. Note their disobedience in creating an image of God and how Jesus is the image of God to people (John 14:9).