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The Bible Study – Our readings for Monday, Jan. 29 are Zechariah 8:1-23 & 2nd Timothy 1:1-18. Today we begin Paul’s second letter to Timothy. The Apostle is writing to the young Pastor he mentored and instructed while in prison chains in Rome. Paul knows the end of his life is near. In a spiritual last will and testament to this man who will continue spreading the Gospel of Christ, the Apostle cautions Timothy to guard what has been entrusted to him. Paul offers encouragement, and issues a charge to preach God’s Word. Martin Luther wrote that Paul’s letter was necessary since, “there are many who will fall away; and false spirits and teachers keep springing up all around.” Sadly, we see Paul’s warning to be very relevant in our secular, un-Godly times. Salvation by God’s grace, through faith, in Christ alone is a central theme in all Paul’s writings, and this is again emphasized in his last known epistle. The Apostle is not only leaving Timothy a spiritual inheritance in this letter, it is an important message for all Christians. As you read Second Timothy, accept these divinely inspired words as God’s grace, encouragement, and instruction for your life as well. Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto http://christlutherantoronto.org/beliefs