May 7th, 2021 – Friday Afternoon
“Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” ~2 Timothy 2:7
Paul, after communicating much in the first part of this chapter, instructs Timothy to consider (to think upon, heed, ponder) what he has said and Paul asks that the Lord would give (to furnish, endue) to Timothy understanding in all things. While this is a pretty straightforward verse, it has great implications for the believer.
First, what any person thinks about, ponders, and heeds ends up defining who they are, how they think, and how they act, at least in large part; this is because what we set our minds on is what we will end up believing and embracing. When Timothy is instructed to think about the truths that Paul has committed to him, Timothy is in essence being encouraged to wholeheartedly accept them as true and allow them to change his life. I think another general example of this is found in Philippians 4:8-9 where believers are commanded to think upon and act upon things that are godly, edifying, and therefore in line with God’s way.
Second, unlike just any person who “thinks good things”, only those who are in Christ are promised supernatural aid when they set their minds on the “things above” (Colossians 3:1-2). Timothy is blessed with the reality that as he considers what Paul has communicated (truth according to God) he will be furnished with understanding in all things by the Lord Himself. Whether his consideration was a prerequisite or not, Paul clearly understood that those who walk in step with the Lord are given His understanding. It is the typical heavenly equation where 1+3 doesn’t equal 4, but infinity; the Lord is able to do things in the mind of Timothy when he submits himself to Him. A similar promise is found back in the Philippians passage too, as Paul says that the God of peace will be with those who follow through in obedience.
What are we considering? What do we ponder? What are we giving heed to? Is it the glorious truths found in God’s Word? Are we being consumed with the things of God, His awesome nature, and with submitting to Him? Are our hearts and minds set on things that pass the litmus test of Philippians 4:8? Everything else that we might be tempted to dwell on will only lead to destruction and to every form of sin. Consider your ways, consider your words, consider your thoughts, and consider what the Lord has done and said; only He can give understanding and peace in all things.