Life often leaves us feeling worn down and weak, but Jesus promises a strength that doesnt fade, which is the power of His Spirit living in us. In Acts 1:111, we see that the risen Jesus gives His followers a new purpose: to share His hope with the world. That same Spirit is offered to you today, giving you the courage to step out, live differently, and point others to the hope only Jesus can give.

Have you ever wondered what is the nature and purpose of the Bible? This week Paul looks at the divine origin of scripture; that is authoritative, trustworthy, clear, profitable, and fully sufficient to equip the people of God for every good work.

The life of a Christian is one of learning. However its not a progression towards new and novel ideas but an ever deepening and dependency on the word of God.

It can be hard at times to trust that things are going according to Gods plan. However, we are to trust that Gods plan uses sin, struggles and tragedies to build His kingdom.

Getting our expectations right for the Christian life is important. Though it comes with many blessings, it also comes with persecution. We need Gods grace to fight any temptation to be less godly in the face of more opposition.

We are all imitators. Thats true whether we like it or not, whether we are conscious of it or not. Much of what we know is caught from watching others, as much as taught. In his final words to Timothy, Paul encourages him that he has not been left to face the difficulties of life and ministry without an example to follow. False teachers offer one example, but Paul, in his life, his conduct, his aim in life and his teaching has offered another.

When Paul tells us that there are people we should avoid, it can come as a shock! Arent we meant to love everybody? What is it about these specific people that means we ought to avoid them and their teaching? Thats what our passage this week is about. These people prey on the vulnerable. They are devoid of truth. But they wont get far.

One problem with our culture's creed 'love is love' is that it doesn't recognise that sometimes love can be a problem. When love for self replaces love for God certain things follow. At first glance 2 Timothy 3: 1-5 looks like a description of the world, but it actually turns out to be a description of the worldliness of some who claim to be Christian. They have the appearance of godliness, Paul says, but they deny its power. What's their chief problem? Disordered loves.

One of the saddest, most difficult experiences of the Christian life is watching people we love backslide and sometimes depart altogether from the faith. How should we respond? How do we help? What is our role to play? This is one of the most important works believers must be ready and equipped for. In this passage Paul equips Timothy for this great work.