ORDER IN DAILY DEVOTION

“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of…” – 2 Timothy 3:16a

An Orderly Christian Life is characterized by ORDER in DAILY DEVOTION: “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them” (2Tim.3:16). Devotion refers to the spiritual disciplines and habits we “continue in” – what we practice consistently. Although the word “devotional” is not in scripture, the concept is all over. The Christian life is a life devoted to God. Our relationship with God requires absolute commitment, loyalty, and sacrifice. We are not supposed to give God the remnants of our time and attention after other activities have already used up the best portions. A healthy Christian life will cost us something. If it does not cost anything, it will not be worth anything, and may be practically meaningless in the here and now and from an eternal perspective.

The Believer’s Daily Devotional life is a regular time of personal nourishment in God’s Presence. This is the springboard for developing a rich, rewarding, and productive relationship with the Lord. The key to living a life of continuous victories beyond human comprehension is to be in touch with God in a consistent and practical way. This can also be described as “Quiet Time,” “fellowship of the Spirit” or “abiding in Christ”. The core concepts of devotion and the most significant disciplines of a Christian’s Devotional Life include the following: Bible Study, Prayer, and Meditation.

Bible Study or Living by the Word of God: The central pillar that holds every other idea of the devotional is that Man was created by God to live by the Word of God (Mt.4:4). A Christian must have a consistent, daily time of Bible study. Scripture is the key foundation for our understanding of what it means to follow Jesus Christ. Any effective devotional life must include a consistent habit and pattern of studying the Word. Devotion in God’s Word has profound impact on our lives in tangible ways, as it provides character and direction, foundation, divine connection, correction and instruction, and completion.

Character and Direction: “you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance” (v.10).

Foundation: “which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (v.15b)

Divine Connection: Scripture creates a connection to God – “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (v.16a). This literally means “God-breathed”!

Correction and Instruction: “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (v.16a).

Completion: “that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (v.17).

Alone Time with God: The cornerstone of daily devotional time is essentially about time spent with God. Such times keep us practically alive in the spirit from day to day, just as necessary nutrition keeps our body going! There is no shortcut in spiritual things. We cannot serve or give our way around this. We need time, alone with our Father, as long as we are still in this temporal frame. The specific activities that fill up this ‘Alone Time’ would include: Adoration, Thanksgiving, Praise, Worship, Prayer, and Meditation. Until we see Christ as He is, become like Him and forever, completely experience His full presence, time with God is the only way to realize the dream of living in His presence and experiencing His daily blessings.

Fellowship with God: this describes our state of being together and talking with God. By virtue of spiritual re-birth, we are privileged to experience and enjoy practical fellowship with God that revolves around nurturing our time with Him. Our daily devotional time must be dedicated to focusing solely on Him, being in His presence, hearing Him and talking to Him. Beyond the devotional time is an even more intimate connection – learning to sustain fellowship with God all day long and to cultivate His presence, no matter the situation. The devotional life is a critical foundation for building this 24/7 fellowship.

Paul testified that Timothy “carefully followed” (v.10). He had the habit of living scripture daily. In Christ, similar testimonies can be ours!