| Good morning everyone, Our theme for this month: “Deep Discipleship” Our Bible verse for today: “Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all of this.” 2 Timothy 2:7 (NIV) Our thought for today: “Avoid simplistic answers to complicated questions” Deep discipleship helps us to avoid the trap of accepting simplistic answers to complicated questions. Deep discipleship teaches us to arrive at our conclusions slowly and thoughtfully, and only after we have taken the time to pray about it and to do our homework by searching the Scripture and gathering facts. In 2 Timothy 2:7 Paul urged Timothy to “reflect” on what he was saying and to “seek insight” from the Lord about it. To reflect on something means to mediate on it, contemplate it, ponder, brood, mull it over. It means to ruminate, evaluate, examine, and to study a matter. When we seek insight, we are investing time and effort to dive deep into a subject. The Amplified Bible translates 2 Timothy 2:7 this way, “Think over the things I am saying (grasp their application), for the Lord will grant you insight and understanding in everything.” Acts 17:11 tells us that when Paul was in Berea preaching to and teaching the people there, he discovered that they were thoughtful and diligent students who took the time to study and research rather than jumping to quick and easy conclusions. Luke writes, “The people here were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, since they received the word with eagerness and examined the Scripture daily to see if these things were so.” Too often we assume we know the right answer to hard questions and complicated situations, but often our answers are based on incomplete information or on a superficial understanding of the issue. This is how we end up accepting simplistic answers to complicated questions. Deep discipleship helps us to avoid this. Tomorrow I will offer an example of a common misunderstanding about an important and complex issue that is sometimes problematic for Christians. And I will show how deep discipleship – the kind of reflection, contemplation, studying, and examining that the Bereans did and which Paul was urging Timothy to do, can help to reveal deeper meaning and greater understanding that could be missed if we answer too quickly because we assume we already know the answer. The question that will serve as our example for how doing a deep dive into a complex subject can help us gain a better understand of it is, “What factors or conditions must exist in order for a marriage to be considered a legitimate marriage?” God bless, Pastor Jim (If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville |
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