Unlearning Tradition, Relearning Scripture

Tag: 2 Timothy 4:7

  • In Christ Alone

    Once again, taking the verse of the day from YouVersion and studying the verse from its context for personal devotion and sharing.

    Matthew’s Gospel narrates the story of the wealthy young ruler, shedding light on the challenges posed by prevailing religious beliefs, earthly attachments, and the call to faith in Christ. The young man’s wealth and youth are evident from Matthew 19:22, which states, “When the young man heard this, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.” Luke further specifies that he was a ruler (Luke 18:18), and the Greek term used for “ruler” suggests that he was likely a Jewish leader. His question to Jesus—“What must I do to inherit eternal life?”—and his appeal to the Mosaic Law (Matthew 19:17-19) underscore his religious background.

    The lesson emerges when Jesus challenges him: “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me” (Matthew 19:21). The young ruler’s sorrowful departure shows that love for wealth and perhaps his being a religious leader can hinder genuine discipleship. Even someone who claims to follow the Law cannot secure salvation on their own (Matthew 19:25-27). Jesus’ response, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), reminds us that salvation comes only through faith in Him, not by works or personal merit.

    Jesus’ statement, “But many who are first will be last, and the last first” (Matthew 19:30), is clarified in the parable of the vineyard (Matthew 20:1-16). Both Jews and Gentiles—those who were first recipients of the Gospel and those who are last—are equally recipients of God’s grace. Paul echoes this in Romans 1:16, emphasizing the Gospel’s power for salvation first to the Jew and also to the Greek. And in Ephesians, Paul, taking his teachings from Christ Jesus, states, “Salvation is a gift of grace, not a result of works, so that no one may boast, and we are God’s workmanship created to do good works” (Ephesians 2:8-10).

    In God’s kingdom, pride, entitlement, and self-importance have no place. All service—whether in sharing the Gospel, giving, or doing good—is the fruit of God’s workmanship in us. Church leaders, pastors, and elders are partners in ministry, not competitors (3 John 5-8). Yet, many congregations struggle today because leaders either lack biblical training or fail to live by it. True reform requires humble submission to Scripture, abandoning extra-biblical traditions, and patiently modeling obedience for future generations.

    To please Christ, there is no other way but to trust Him fully and walk in obedience to His Word. Lasting change is slow, but faithfulness to Scripture will bear fruit in God’s time.

    I’ve been eagerly anticipating the transformation in the landscape of Christianity. However, undoubtedly, if more individuals would contribute their own modest efforts, we can achieve greater and more rapid progress together.

    I have no illusions that significant change in Christianity will occur soon, but I would be delighted if it does happen soon. Drawing inspiration from Paul’s words, and I hope I am indeed qualified to make the same claim, I would like to modify it slightly to better suit my circumstances: “I have been fighting the good fight, I have hope of completing the race, and I praise Jesus Christ that I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

    Jesus declares, “With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26) In Christ alone, everything is achievable!

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessings!

  • The Best Testimony

    Personal conversion testimony is valid for as long as we have kept the faith. Though God remembers our actions in the past, He is more concerned about how we have kept the faith. That’s the point of Paul’s assertion saying, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7)

    Let us not gravitate to personal testimonies that never became a lifetime commitment. That’s the reason we get surprised when spiritual giants get caught in controversy. Paul states, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1Corinthians 11:1)

    The Bible tells us, “Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.” (Acts 8:13)

    And yet, Simon, perhaps not being able to overcome his old self. He tried to buy from Peter the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 8:18-19). So Peter replied, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” (Acts 8:20-23) 

    Our water baptisms serve as a personal testament to our repentance of sins and commitment to follow Jesus Christ. Like a survey, they reflect the moment, not the end, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey with Jesus. Therefore, only in hindsight can people truly validate our transformation for Christ Jesus. 

    Back when I was still in Metro Manila, I often heard this phrase on a Christian radio station: “If you are still talking about what you have done in the past, then you have not done anything new.” Christians need to constantly walk the talk and live by their faith. Once saved, always saved is only true if one has kept the faith. The best testimony you can give is your life.

    Peter, in the words of Acts 3:6, declared, “I possess neither silver nor gold, but in the name of Jesus Christ, I offer you what I have.” Share this article freely, for you freely receive. Take note, underlines and highlights are clickable links for definitions or Bible references. Stay updated by heading to our about page and subscribe directly to receive notifications in your inbox. Blessing!