Three Minute Thoughts

John's second letter is written to someone called the "elect lady" but who in the world is that? And what is the message that this "lady" needs to hear?

John completes his letter by showing us the purpose of the commands of God. They aren't to burden us, rather to show us the way we should go. Likewise the teachings of the Bible are designed to point us who Jesus is - real God and real man.

John reminds us that if we truly love God we'll be able to love those people around us who don't do and say the things we would like them to do and say.

John reminds us that we are children of God not because we've earned it but because God chose us and adopted us to be his own. That's love and that's the love we should show to one another, putting our own needs/wants aside and elevating the other person.

We need to stop making excuses for our sins. John reminds us here that sin is not ok. It's never been ok and when we excuse ourselves by saying that everyone sins, we lessen the weight of our sins and cheapen the power of the law making the gospel of little use.

We are without a doubt 100% sinner but according to John we are also something else.

Paul reminds Titus that some people have become so warped that they are not able to see reason. For such people, we must pray for them but don't get dragged into their divisive schemes.

Paul tells Titus how to teach the truth even when others don't want to hear it. Whether people like it or not we all need to hear what it looks like to stay in our lane.

Paul starts to lay out the qualifications for what it means to be a godly man, but even more so a qualified elder or leader or even pastor in the church.

When the world wants to change the message to sound more like the world, it's time to double down on the foundation of our hope - Jesus alone.

The problem is ungodliness in the world that's only going to get worse. The solution is the truth of Scripture.

There are some arguments that are not worth entering into. Some conversations are better off left not happening. Stay above board friends and thus fulfill the law of Christ.

Paul tells us that we don't have a spirit of fear but one of power and love.

We all face trial and struggle but this is one thing worth fighting for! Paul will encourage Timothy to stay true to what he knows to be right. And God will show him the way.

Paul brings the discussion beyond just the leaders in the church to the members, the people who make up the church. He explains how they are to act toward one another and toward their pastor.

Paul lets Timothy know that when we stop relying on Christ for our greatest needs we run the risk of losing everything. Some will fall away from the truth as they rely on themselves more than on Christ.

This chapter of Paul's letter to Timothy is all about showing who does what and what qualifies someone to fill a specific role. It's kind of like the job description "qualification" section when you apply for a new role.

It's easy to pray for ourselves and those we love but what about those we don't like or those who are against us? Paul reminds Timothy that these people too need our prayers.

Paul encourages Timothy to hold fast to what he knows and not give in to the ways of the world. Know the truth. Hold to that truth. Teach that truth and live that truth.

Paul's final words aren't as comforting as we might hope.

When I am weak, then I am truly strong. It sounds like an oxymoron but when we truly understand it this passage is life changing.

Paul reminds us that if we're trying to one up each other with our activity in the church, he has us beat. So we should really boast not in our accomplishments but rather in our weaknesses.

Paul reminds us of the confidence we have in the gospel when we apply it correctly.

When it comes to generosity, it's far more about heart than amount.

The old testament talks about the tithe but Paul talks about generosity. What's the difference?