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"But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it" (2 Timothy 3:14).

A good old-fashioned testimony service followed which reflected the words of the second verse,

Paul was imploring Timothy to consider the character and integrity of those who had taught him God's truth. We determine this character and integrity by knowing those who teach us. These days we use the word "know" in a very broad sense. We may speak of knowing someone because we have heard of them, read a book, listened to their music or saw them on TV. But surely the sense of the word, "know" Paul is speaking of here is very likely much more localized in the way we know one personally.

The "whom" is plural.Paul might have been referring to Timothy's grandmother and mother since he had mentioned them earlier in the book and commended their faith. Last week we challenged readers regarding the vital role parents and grandparents must fill in passing on the faith. Ken is a friend of ours who has this photo on his desk (left). It's a gift from his children and a visual reminder of the great love grandparents can express to their grandchildren in addition to the godly example they can model as they live for Christ. I (Brooksyne) was greatly influenced to follow Christ because of my grandparent's dedication to God.

Paul himself surely had a role in training Timothy as well. Earlier in the chapter he had written, "You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, persecutions, sufferings" (2 Timothy 3:10,11). Of course there are likely others who had taught Timothy as well. That's usually the case as we examine the many who influence our lives.

This was an observable sense of knowing so unlike the modern usage that often means no more than "I've heard about them". Consider how so much of what we come to know now comes in such an impersonal way.

Earlier in the chapter Paul warned Timothy about false teachers. He encouraged Timothy to look to his past and hold to the basic teachings that are eternally true. Like Timothy we are surrounded by false teachings. But we must not allow our society to distort or crowd out God's eternal truth. We need to spend time every day reflecting on the foundation of our Christian faith found in God's Word, the great truths that build up our life. (adapted quote from Life Application Bible)

In studying a Bible passage I find value in the various ways it is translated, each version conveying shades of meaning. The Bible Gateway has a nifty tool in which you can look at a verse in all the online translations in their database. For 2 Timothy 3:14 it's here. These two versions touch my heart, "Remember from what sort of people your knowledge has come" (Phillips) and "All you have learned comes from people you know and trust" (Voice). This is the basis of the title of today's message.

Today let us consider those whom we know and trust and from whom we have learned the foundational truths of life as well as those who we have the blessing of impacting. Are we a good example and are we faithfully teaching by word and deed?


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber

Daily prayer: Father, as we corporately worship we come together, both young and old, from various ethnic, social and spiritual backgrounds.  Some of us were raised by godly parents and early on chose to follow in Your ways; others more recently enlisting in Your service. There is so much to be gained from young and new in the faith. And we learn so much from the older. We learn from each other and we increase our faith as we continue in that which we have learned and become convinced of because we know those people from whom we learned it. We have seen the commendable results exemplified in their lives and aspire to implement the good into our own. Keep us keeping on in You we pray, in the name of Jesus. Amen.


"Come People of the Risen King"  Video  Kristyn Getty This is the song referred to in the message.

"Satisfied"  Video  Gaither Vocal Band  We also sang this song in our church yesterday. What great lyrics!

This weekend Ester and I went to see "God's Not Dead" a faith-building film with a wholesome ending. We tried to go Friday night but it was sold out.  Last night I bought tickets online and the theater was almost full. At the end of the film we all clapped which I also remember doing at the end of "Courageous". (See clip here) Ester wants me to play the song used in the movie by NewsBoys (Video). She didn't understand that I kept trying to sing to an old children's chorus. Here's the way Brooksyne and I remember singing "God's Not Dead". (Children's video) We suppose a few others will recall this!

Here's a thoughtful blog post related to today's message sent by Jim, a friend from Texas, titled Ageism in an Age of Hipster Christianity?