Tracing the Pattern

268 - Today's Prime Time Devo comes from 2Ti 3:10-11, “But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra--what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. (2 Tim 3:10,11) “But you!” Unlike the false teachers like Jannes and Jambres, Timothy has followed Paul in every way and in every circumstance. Whereas Jannes and Jambres steadfastly opposed Moses, Timothy gladly went all in with Paul and the entire package of the truth of God's Word, and everything that comes along with it. Paul is about to be martyred. He knows it and Timothy knows it, and in this his last letter, he uses this portion to greatly commend and encourage Timothy. This commendation and encouragement is something we would all do well to emulate in our own lives. I speak especially to those who may be getting a little gray around the edges. Look around. Who do you see that is carefully following and embracing the truth of God's Word in their words and deeds. Take the time to commend them whenever you can. Take the time to encourage them whenever you can. The days are coming for them when they will need it! No need to manufacture encouragement and compliments, just make sure you are sincere and hand them out as Paul did to a person who “carefully follows.” The word “carefully” here means to “follow near,” to “trace out.” Remember when you traced out a pattern for a project you were doing. Remember how careful you were in following that pattern? Timothy's pattern was Paul's pattern, and Paul's pattern was the Word of God, and that's the bottom line! Paul reiterates that truth later in this section with one of the most powerful and faith strengthening statements in Scripture: 2Ti 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, All Scripture is useful for us in tracing out the path we need to follow as disciples of Jesus. Are you following that pattern? If so I commend you and I encourage you to not waver from it! Finish strong in the footsteps of Timothy, Paul, and most importantly Jesus.