Monday, August 3, 2009
Daniel and Timothy
If you are waiting for your materials, you can begin your study by reading the 1st 6 chapters of the book of Daniel. Then make a note about what you notice about Daniel's character. When you finish that, read 1st and 2nd Timothy, also noting what you notice about his character. We'll do something with these notes later.
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Daniel was already well educated in the Hebraic method when he arrived in Babylon. Without the gift of reasoning and passion for God instilled in him by his parents, he would not have had the fortitude to respectfully stand against all the things placed before him that he knew would draw him away from God.
In Timothy, I found I Timothy 1:5 very helpful as an overall goal in our education here in the Heidemann household: "But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." This is something I need to keep before me in the coming year as I go about my tasks in educating the boys.
Timothy, like Daniel, had been taught from childhood--so much so that Paul mentioned his grandmother and his mother in regard to the influence in Timothy's life.
Randy and I are raising boys. Our boys are at that turning point where they are learning to be men. It's difficult sometimes for them to relate to me as their mom. So sometimes I forget that as a woman God has a critical role in influencing them in their spiritual development. Both Daniel and Timothy point out the importance of a mother in the lives of her sons. [and daughters]
II Timothy 3:10-12 Timothy saw the example of Paul in every area of his life and everything he taught and all he endured. Paul also assured Timothy that he would also suffer these afflictions should he take up the calling. It takes strong character to step into hardship knowing beforehand the difficulties ahead.
II Timothy 3:15 Timothy was taught the holy scriptures from childhood, which made him wise and then prepared to fulfill the calling in verses 10-12.
The goal of our education and that of our children is to be prepared to undertake the calling God has for each one. The better practiced one is in childhood at living out the many exhortations in these epistles, the greater the calling one will be able to fulfill for the Lord as He directs.
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