Study Desk

Timothy, protect the duty God has given you. Yes, people are going to argue with you and start fights, but don't fall for the bait. They may seem smart, but their wisdom is like mud stuck in a horse's hoof.

For God did not give us the spirit of a sissy, but a spirit of strength, love, and self-control.

Don't ever be ashamed about telling someone of your love for the Lord. I ask that you not be ashamed of me either. I know what others say because I'm in prison. But I'm locked up because of my love of the Lord, not because I did something shameful. As you grow in strength, so will grow the bullseye on your back. The strength you need to endure will come from the good news, not yourself.

God saved us and called us to ride a trail of holiness. We didn't deserve either of these, but that was his plan all along. His plan was simple—to show us grace through Christ Jesus.

That's why I sit and suffer in this dark cell. But I do not hang my head in shame. I keep my chin up and my toes out as I continue to serve the Lord, regardless of my circumstance. My trust is in God and I know he is able to deliver me in life and in death as I wait upon his return.

This is the way I want you to ride. Follow this trail that I've left. It is not a trail marked by sign, but by faith and love for Christ Jesus.

But the power we need comes not from our own might, but by the strength of the Holy Spirit who rides with us and in us. Keep this truth locked deep in your heart.

He even came all the way to Rome to find me. He searched every draw and coolie around until he found me. May the Lord give him a special reward for the kindness he showed, not just here in Rome, but also in Ephesus.

And because I tell others this good news, I have ended up shackled like a dog. But God's word breaks every chain.

Don't let people forget who they are supposed to be. In God's name, tell them to stop bickering over words. Arguing over petty stuff never made a good cowboy, but it has ruined many who had promise.

But the bedrock of God's truth is inscribed with, "The Lord knows who his cowboys are," as well as, "All who ride for the brand must ride off from evil ways."

A real cowboy doesn't engage fools, but is kind to all, able to instruct, and patient—especially with difficult people.

People's priorities will only be money and themselves. They will be arrogant and proud. Not only will they scoff at God, but their parents as well. They won't have a grateful bone in their body. Nothing will be sacred.

They will act religious, but deny the power that could change their lives into something special. Steer clear of cowboys like that.

But they won't get away with their falsehoods for long. Every fool will one day get what's coming to them and others will see them for who they really are.

You've seen all the troubles I've gone through in my ride for Christ. You know all about my persecution in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. But remember, God got me through all of it.

But you must remain faithful to the brand. You know the truth and you know you can trust what we say.

to spread the word of God. Keep both feet in the stirrups and always be ready, no matter the season or circumstance. Never shy away from correcting or encouraging, but do both with patience and careful teaching.

Waiting for me at the end is the trophy buckle of righteousness. The Most Righteous, Christ Jesus, will present it to me on that day. But there's not just one. One is waiting for all who've longed to meet him face to face and receive the reward for their ride.

Crescens had pressing matters in Galatia. I had to send Titus to Dalmatia. But Demas just quit me flat-out. He started longing for the world's ways and rode off to Thessalonica in search of worldly pleasure.