Highrock Church

People are often fascinated with angels yet the Bible tells us remarkably little about them. The opening to the Book of Hebrews does give us some important clues. First, we see that Jesus is far above all angels. He is not even just the greatest of the angels. Instead, God the Father calls the Son "God" as well, an identity infinitely greater than any angel. What is truly shocking is the second truth we learn about angels, and it is in relationship to humans rather than God. Who are angels to us? They are spirits who serve or minister to "people who will inherit salvation." God became a human, one of us, and we therefore share a deeper and more amazing connection to God than anything else in all creation, angels included!

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For Reflection:

- "The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God" (v3). What aspects of Jesus' life, teaching, and character help you understand what God is like?

- We are told that Jesus is far above all the angels. What are some things people today might give excessive spiritual importance or authority to, sometimes allowing them to distract from the central place Jesus should have in their lives?

- Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to clearly see the majesty of who you are, and marvel at how you send your mighty angels to serve us.

It is so easy to view others as problems rather than people. Relationships can be risky investments paid in terms of finances, time, energy, and vulnerability. In this letter, Paul sends a runaway slave Onesimus back to his former master Philemon — a situation fraught with risk and complexity. But Paul does not send Onesimu back empty-handed; he sends him with this letter in hand. And in this letter, Paul relies on persuasion rather than power, seeking to convince rather than coerce, so that Onesimus might be welcomed back, not as a slave, but as a brother in Christ.

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For Reflection:

- Paul appeals to Philemon on the basis of love rather than simply exercising his authority. What does Paul risk by using persuasion rather than power? What does he gain?

- Paul offers to pay any debt Onesimus owes. How does Paul's willingness to absorb the cost of reconciliation reflect the grace Jesus has shown us? Is there a situation in which pursuing peace might require you to absorb some cost yourself?

- Prayer: Lord, help me see others with your eyes, extending grace and pursuing peace even when it costs me.

Earlier in this letter (Titus 2:10), Paul spoke of making the teaching about God our Savior attractive to outsiders. Here, in the closing, Paul spells out several ways that the world might see the beauty of the Gospel in the way that we live. "Good works" do not earn God's grace. Instead, God's grace teaches us to live differently, and the fruit of our changed lives can help lead others to know Jesus.

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For Reflection:

- We were once just as lost and in need of mercy as anyone else (v3). How might remembering your own need for God's grace change the way you handle your frustration with others, including our political leaders?

- God saved us not because of any goodness in us, but because of God's mercy. How might this truth challenge the temptation to measure your spiritual worth by comparing your accomplishments, morality, religious activity, or other virtues?

- Prayer: Lord, thank you for loving me without regard to any worthiness in me. May your grace and your Spirit continue teaching and transforming me to follow you into doing good for all.

Have you noticed how many of your closest friends are also Christians?

The small group. The Sunday crowd. The people who already speak your language.

What if our world has quietly gotten smaller without us noticing?

And who in your life has never had the chance to see what Jesus is doing in you?

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As Paul closes his letter, he urges Timothy to preach and teach faithfully. There will be a time, says Paul, when people will no longer listen to anything they do not want to hear. Until that time comes, make the most of every opportunity. What gifts do you have? Use them at every opportunity. Who has God called you to share your faith and love? Do it every chance you get, not just when it's ideal or convenient. Run the race to the finish and Jesus will be waiting there to welcome you home!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

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For Reflection:

- Paul warns that people will seek teachers who tell them only what they want to hear. How can you recognize and guard against this impulse?

- Paul can say that he has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. If you were looking back on your life today, what would you be most grateful for? What might you still want to change so that you can finish your own race well?

- Prayer: Lord help me to run the race given to me and to finish well, having poured out my heart with your love.

Paul reminds Timothy that life is going to become difficult and that he will face persecution, just like Paul. Describing how bad the situation will become, Paul paints a picture that reminds us of the worst parts of our world today. But rather than allow bad news to lead us toward despair, Paul hopes that the bad news will drive us to cling even closer to the good news that is confirmed to us in God's inspired writings. Let the bad news drive us toward God, who can transform us into agents of God's good news!

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

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For Reflection:

- Paul describes a world filled with suffering when society loses its way. What elements of Paul's picture in vv2-5 do you feel describe our world today? How might you guard against allowing them to shape your own priorities?

- Paul says that Scripture equips us for every good work (vv16-17). How has the Bible corrected, encouraged, or changed you? Is there a way that the Bible is still challenging you?

- Prayer: Lord, protect me from a faith that is only outward appearance, ground me in your Word, and shape my character so that I can persevere through difficulties and be equipped for every good work.

As he continues to speak to Timothy as a spiritual parent to a spiritual son, Paul gives him two clear dangers to avoid — youthful lusts and pointless arguments. Both temptations can ruin our reputations, our character, and our relationships. People who are young in years or young in faith tend to underestimate these temptations and overestimate their own strength of character. Instead, Paul gives Timothy advice on what to do instead, including the importance of being with people who love God and remembering the example of Jesus and how he was gentle and loving instead of being argumentative.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- Paul first tells Timothy to put distance between himself and the temptations that play to his youthful passions. If Paul were speaking to you, what encouragement might he give to you in this matter?

- Paul then warns against arguments that lead to nothing but division. How might you tell when you're in such an argument and what might God invite you to do instead?

- Prayer: Lord, help me turn away from dead-end pursuits and help me to pursue your righteousness and peace instead.

What would you do if you had only a little time left? Who would you speak to? What would you say? In what many believe was Paul's final letter, Paul writes to Timothy like a spiritual father to a spiritual son, passing on his legacy of wisdom and faith. He speaks with great affection for Timothy, with encouragement for his lagging confidence, and with urgency for the precious tasks that Paul leaves in his hands. Much of what Paul passes on to Timothy belongs to us as well as we seek to live with power and purpose in serving the same Lord.

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- In addition to Paul's legacy, Timothy also had a grandmother and mother who built up Timothy's faith. Who has helped shape your faith, and how might you pass that faith on to someone else through your words and example?

- Paul encourages Timothy to "fan into flames" the gift God has given him. What might it look like to "fan into flames" the gifts God has given you?

- Prayer: Lord, rekindle the gifts you have given me and help me remain courageous and faithful in passing the gift of faith to the next generation.

A great sum of money is not great wealth if you cannot enjoy it. Sadly, the love of money usually leads to an ever-increasing appetite that is never satisfied. Instead, Paul instructs Timothy that "true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth" (v6). So what is the secret that leads to this blessing? Money is an unstable foundation for happiness and well-being, so where can we find this contentment? Where can we find the joy that money over-promises and under-delivers?

Looking for a previous devo? Want to share one with a friend? Start here:

https://www.highrock.org/daily-devotionals/

For Reflection:

- Paul warns that the love of money can lead people away from God. How has the pursuit of material comfort and financial security led you toward or away from trusting God?

- We are encouraged to be rich in good deeds. What resources (money, time, skills, relationships, or influence) has God entrusted to you that you could use more intentionally to help others?

- Prayer: Lord, teach me to be content with what I have, pursue what matters eternally, and use the resources you have entrusted to me with generosity, humility, and love.

Have you ever pulled up the drawbridge on someone who hurt you?

A call you stopped returning; a holiday you stopped attending; a conversation you stopped trying to have.

What if retaliating and retreating aren’t our only two options?

And what would it look like to follow Jesus into the very relationship you’ve been avoiding?

· · ·

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👉🏻 Check out Highrock's 15-min daily devotionals