Living by the Book/Living by the Book Workbook Set (100 page)

• Why do you think Solomon got involved with so many women?

• What did Solomon’s human relationships have to do with his relationship with God?

• What lessons can you find in this section that are just as true to life today as they were in Solomon’s time? In addition to obvious observations (improper physical relationships, spiritual apostasy, etc.), look for other lessons as well. For example, Solomon didn’t receive the full brunt of God’s displeasure. Is that something you can relate to? Or perhaps you can understand what it’s like to have a future that doesn’t look as bright as you might hope, yet isn’t exactly hopeless.

If you look closely, you’re likely to find more things that are true to your life than you anticipated.

TODAY’S PASSAGE:

2 Timothy 1

TIME COMMITMENT:

30 minutes

“There’s a ring of authenticity to the accounts of [Bible characters]. But it’s easy to miss if your eyes are not looking for things that are true to life. When you study the Word of God, make sure you plug it into real life. Then you will discover that the people in the biblical narrative are just like you and me. They are cut out of the same bolt of human cloth” (pp. 172–173).

I
n the last chapter we looked at Solomon, a man who had wealth, power, title, wisdom, prestige, and God’s endorsement as king. Yet in spite of everything he had going for him, he lost faith late in life and suffered the consequences.

Today we look at an opposite extreme—Timothy. A young man called to the ministry, Timothy had several strikes against him. His mother and grandmother were believers in Jesus, but apparently his father wasn’t (Acts 16:1). In addition, Timothy was young and probably somewhat shy. It’s not exactly a profile that many business consultants would choose to pair with the bold apostle Paul. But God saw the potential in Timothy, and Paul became a mentor for the young pastor.

Read 2 Timothy 1. As you do, note anything that rings true to life, based on your own experiences. For example:

• Do you know mothers or grandmothers who go out of their way to see that their children grow up properly, including an exposure to spiritual things?

• Do you know someone who is a strong Christian, even though his or her home life wasn’t exactly ideal?

• Do you know of any “odd pairings” when it comes to one person working to disciple another? What have been the results of such relationships?