2 Timothy 3:14-17 (ESV)
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and
have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from
childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to
make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is
breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction,
and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete,
equipped for every good work.
I love to watch the Olympics. It’s a fun time to watch the
athletes compete for the gold medal. These athletes have trained their entire
lives for this one moment. They know the battles they will face. They will need
to endure trial and suffering. They will have to give up certain luxuries that
other people can take. But, yet they give up those things and focus on their
one goal. They train for one purpose—to win their event. So, they keep training
for years and years.
And then the event arrives. The pressure builds. In that
moment, what do the Olympic athletes rely on? Their training, their coach, and
their form. They have practiced and practiced. They have trained and built
their strength so that when the pressure is on, they know exactly what to do and
can do it without even thinking. Their training has become a part of them.
The Christian life is similar to the training of an Olympic
athlete, except a Christian isn’t training for a one-time event like the 800m
run, the 100m dash, figure skating, or speed skating. Being a Christian isn’t
an event; it is a way of life. And the Christian path is filled with trials and
temptations. The devil and the world, who influence you and your friends, will
want you to do certain things, to “enjoy” sinful things, and to give up all
your training for a good time.
In those moments, there is a lot of pressure. When
temptation is standing right in front of you, the pressure is on. You can feel
it. In moments of temptation, what can you do?
Many times, our strength isn’t as great as the Olympic
athlete, and we fall to temptation. In those moments of weakness, what can you
do?
Like an Olympic athlete, you have something to rely on in
moments of temptation and weakness. You have God’s Word. You already know God’s
Word and can learn to know it better. Read again Paul’s words to young Timothy.
Paul encourages Timothy to continue in God’s Word! Paul encourages Timothy to
not give up his “training” but to continue in reading, studying, and applying
God’s Word. Why? God’s Word gives you the power to tell the devil and all the
temptations, “No.” God’s Word points you to Jesus and reminds you he’s won the
contest for you. God’s Word tells you about forgiveness from all your guilt—yes
even your secret guilt—because of what Jesus did.
When temptation’s pressure is on, remember your training.
Run to God’s Word.
Dear Lord, help us constantly train in God’s Word, so that
by Your grace we may fight the temptation that are all around us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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