TODAY IN THE WORD
Scientific discoveries are usually first published in journals, and political developments are heralded in press conferences and public speeches. But in March 1989, scientists Martin Fleischmann and Stanley Pons announced their discovery of cold fusion at a press conference. It meant a possible alternative energy source for the planet, and of course the scientific community was abuzz with the news. But the excitement died down when their results were later investigated and found unsubstantiated.

How should the gospel be proclaimed? The content of a message often determines how it is mediated, and a life-changing message is communicated best by the lives it has changed.

Though we might read books and hear sermons by pastors and teachers we're not likely to meet, our most memorable and lasting influences will be those people with whom we've shared both truth and life. This was certainly true of Paul and Timothy. This passage today focuses on a call for Timothy to continue and persevere in what he believes and the ministry he discharges. Paul stresses the worthiness of continuing in the faith based upon the solid examples he has to follow.

Paul begins with himself (v. 10). He reminded Timothy of the spiritual strength and endurance he himself had shown despite all the persecutions he had endured. Paul suffered more than the details he mentions here; he seems to emphasize those events that Timothy himself might have observed. Unlike the false teachers whose gospel resembled more a message of self-promotion, Paul had demonstrated faith that suffered but didn't surrender.

Timothy also had the example of his faithful grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice, who had been teaching him the Scriptures since the time of his infancy (v. 15). Timothy owed a lot to these three who had influenced his faith and ministry.

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TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As you think about the people who have most influenced you in your spiritual journey, what qualities about their lives were particularly compelling? Spend some time reflecting on who it is that has most encouraged your faith, and if possible contact them by phone or by letter, expressing your gratefulness. Thank God in prayer for their faithful contribution to your life, and ask Him to help you to be that kind of influence in someone else's life.

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