2 Timothy 3:6-9

2 Timothy 3:6-9 - Daily Devotion - 14 June 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

6 They are the kind who worm their way into households and captivate vulnerable women who are weighed down with sins and led astray by various passions, 7 who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.

8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses,[A] so also these men oppose the truth. They are depraved in mind and disqualified from the faith. 9 But they will not advance much further. For just like Jannes and Jambres, their folly will be plain to everyone.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Paul Bogg

According to Jewish tradition, Jannes and Jambres are the names given to the Egyptian magicians who opposed Moses and Aaron when they came before Pharoah – you can read about them in Exodus chapters 7 to 9.  What’s interesting about them is that they really stood in opposition to God. They attempted to discredit Moses and Aaron by performing god-like acts to show that the God of Moses had no real power.  After initially seeming to perform well, they are soon found out. God shows that there is no comparison – he is the Lord, and they are fakes.

In today’s passage, Paul warns us that we need to watch out, because the same kind of person might come amongst us today – not a magician, but someone with a form of godliness but denying its power, opposed to the truth, depraved in mind and disqualified from faith. They are the type to take advantage of vulnerable people, and seek to undermine the ministry of the gospel. They lead both men and women astray from the truth. Paul’s message to Timothy is one for us too: turn away from such as these.

I knew one such guy at my workplace. When I first met him a few years ago, he had started dating a Christian girl (not from work). He seemed interested in talking about the Bible and learning more about Jesus. He had informally been meeting up with people at work and at the same church of the girl he was dating.  Not too long after, Covid hit, and I lost touch with him. Two years later, I bumped into him and asked him how life was. He was now living together with the same girlfriend, and no longer interested in talking about Jesus. He probably never was really interested in making Jesus his Lord.

As a father of three girls, and as a brother to many other brothers and sisters in Christ, one of my biggest fears is watching someone like this drag the hearts of believers away from Christ.  As I think about how to help my brothers and sisters stand firm in gospel truth, this passage tells me that I need to be like the apostle Paul – staying close to them, encouraging and reminding them of the gospel, helping them through prayer and speaking words of truth, to help them discern for themselves who to stay near to and who to turn away from.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul is a member of our Bossley Park morning congregation.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

2 Timothy 3:1-5 - Daily Devotion - 13 June 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

1 But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, 4 traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such as these!

REFLECTIONS

Written by George Mihas

When I look at the state of ungodliness today, I wonder: Was there really ever a time of generational godliness? It can be easy to look back and think that past generations were more godly, but I’m not sure it’s that simple.

I come from a European background, and growing up we were taught to respect our elders. A lot of bad behaviours were not acceptable: the way we spoke, getting in trouble at school and on the streets of Sydney, and so on … and I was always in trouble. Does that mean we were a more godly generation? No, because our behaviour and discipline was never about godliness. It was always cultural, and the big concern was: What would the relatives say?

Even with my parents’ generation, which was much more modest, again it was about not dishonouring the family. For girls it was even harder. There was a lot of pressure on them to stay “pure” for marriage (why not the same pressure on the boys)?

The question I am wrestling with is: Was there a time when generations were genuinely more godly, or has worldly society always been about not dishonouring the family name? I remember watching a movie about girls who fell pregnant in Ireland in the Sixties. They were labelled as outcasts and sent to a jail-type laundry run by nuns. They were treated horribly with no mercy, no grace, treated like garbage by people who were supposed to be representing God.

So back to the Scripture.

Without Christ in our lives and in our hearts, we would be no better. We need God’s help to turn from the things Paul mentions, because we can still struggle with them: being lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, traitorous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God (v2-4).

But we don’t just want a “form of godliness” (v5). We want to live in love for Christ, which is true godliness.

Know Christ and submit to his word. For the Christian there is no other way.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

George is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

2 Timothy 2:23-26

2 Timothy 2:23-26 - Daily Devotion - 12 June 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

23 But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing. 25 He must gently reprove those who oppose him, in the hope that God may grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, who has taken them captive to his will.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Mei Chan

Have you ever heard the saying, “win the argument, lose the person”? It’s the idea that sometimes we can be so focussed on proving that we are right in the debate, that we don’t realise the damage to the relationship that can happen through our words or actions. How do we disagree well with a brother or sister in Christ, especially if the truth of the gospel is at stake?

In today’s passage, Paul doesn’t pretend that there won’t be disagreements or misunderstandings, but he encourages Timothy to stay away from the kinds of quarrelling that might stem from things that aren’t gospel issues – things that might be foolish or speculative. Even with debates that are gospel issues, Paul does encourage Timothy to correct false teaching, but with gentleness, kindness, forbearance. The goal of the gentle correction is not to win the argument, but to win their opponent away from Satan and back to God. It’s seeking their good in the deepest sense – longing for their repentance and renewed faith, gaining them back as a brother or sister in Christ instead of losing them forever to the devil.

Even though we’re not all leaders in a church like Timothy was, I pray that these verses would characterise us in the way we have disagreements with our brothers and sisters at church. I pray that we would seek to imitate Timothy (and ultimately Jesus) in the way he sought to bring people to the truth, but with gentleness and mercy, seeking the good of their souls rather than an argument won.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mei is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

2 Timothy 2:19-22

2 Timothy 2:19-22 - Daily Devotion - 11 June 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

19 Nevertheless, God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord must turn away from iniquity.”

20 A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. 21 So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work.

22 Flee from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, together with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Rodney Clarke

When we put our trust in Christ, God calls us to a special purpose. He asks us to put off the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness. We are part of God’s Kingdom – or His house, to pick up the image Paul uses in verse 20. And we each have a part to play in it. Some are called to up-front, Word ministry and others are in the background plodding away day in and day out, but in the eyes of God both are of equal value. We are the family of God who are called to stand in this particular place.

The thing that will stop us from being useful and honourable vessels for God is not what ministry we do, but what our lives are like. To be vessels of honour, we are to abstain from wickedness, ridding ourselves of our past life with its sin and instead being filled with God’s Spirit. The more we do that, by God’s strength, the more we useful we become to the Master. We are to put on faith, hope, love, and righteousness.

I struggle to do this daily. But I know that God has asked me to cast aside my old ways so that I can be renewed in Him. It's not about arguing and wanting to win at all costs. I find this difficult particularly when I ignore God and become pig-headed. This passage is sobering in that regard, because it reminds me of bad choices I have made in the past. Fortunately I can cast that aside and move forward, knowing that through Jesus God has forgiven me completely and always restores me. I don't want to be a vessel of dishonour – and it’s a comfort to know that through Christ, I can be set apart and be useful in the Lord’s service.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rodney is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

2 Timothy 2:14-18

2 Timothy 2:14-18 - Daily Devotion - 10 June 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

14 Remind the believers of these things, charging them before God to avoid quarreling over words, which succeeds only in leading the listeners to ruin.

15 Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth.

16 But avoid irreverent, empty chatter, which will only lead to more ungodliness, 17 and the talk of such men will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have deviated from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already occurred, and they undermine the faith of some.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Paul Bogg

Words have such a huge impact on people’s lives. When I reflect on some of the more significant moments in my life, so many of them involve words being spoken. I can think of specific moments in time when gospel truths have hit home and reshaped how I think and behave.

In today’s passage the apostle Paul warns Timothy about how important the connection between words and godliness is. On one hand, irreverent, empty chatter, quarrelling over words, and false gospel lies can have a devastating impact on listeners, leading them to ruin and ungodliness. On the other hand, one who handles the Word of truth accurately is one who presents themselves approved to God.

When I stand before God at the very end, what kind of Christian brother will he have seen me be? Will I have been like Hymenaeus and Philetus who deviated from the truth, spreading irreverent and empty chatter like gangrene?  Or will I be like Timothy, someone who was an unashamed workman who made every effort to know what the Word of truth is, and to stand firm in it?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

2 Timothy 2:8-13

2 Timothy 2:8-13 - Daily Devotion - 9 June 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David, as proclaimed by my gospel, 9 for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained! 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

11 This is a trustworthy saying:
If we died with Him,
we will also live with Him;
12 if we endure,
we will also reign with Him;
if we deny Him,
He will also deny us;
13 if we are faithless,
He remains faithful,
for He cannot deny Himself.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Linda Vu

Paul knew that nothing could stop the good news of Jesus.

In verses 8-9, he tells Timothy to remember that Jesus Christ is from the family line of King David, and that after Jesus died he was raised from death. That is the good news. Paul was suffering for that good news of Jesus.

The resurrection reminds us that Jesus Christ is the son of God, and Christ’s descending from David reminds us that Christ is human, but also born in the line of the promised King.

Christ had to be human in order to die for us. He knows what it means to be hated by others, lied about, betrayed by friends, tempted, and ultimately killed for the sake of the gospel. Timothy needed to remember this, as he walked the same path of Christ. Christ walked it first, and Christ would walk beside him to give strength to faithfully endure.

There are times at work I could tell the good news to my non-Christians colleagues, but I find it very hard due to fear of feeling like an outcast and being treated differently. I need to remember Jesus, just like Paul did, to faithfully endure and not give up.

In verse 11, Paul highlights that if we are faithful, we will share in Christ's reign, and if we are unfaithful, he will not deny himself – he will remain faithful to his promises. This passage really helps me to remember that God's unwavering faithfulness does not change and to keep trusting in him because his promises are good and the power of his word goes forward no matter what. Chains cannot stop it!

Unlike the Apostle Paul, we are not in chains for our faith. Pray that God would help us to unchain ourselves from fear of others and open our mouth with the good news that the world so desperately needs to hear.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Linda is a member of our Fairfield Morning congregation.

2 Timothy 2:3-7

2 Timothy 2:3-7 - Daily Devotion - 7 June 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

3 Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him. 5 Likewise, a competitor does not receive the crown unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to partake of the crops. 7 Consider what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all things.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Herman Tu

When I first became a Christian, I remember speaking to my pastor, Vincent, about following Jesus and athletic endeavours. At that time, I was intoxicated with the mindset of becoming a “Herman who is an Australian athlete”. All of my actions had to funnel towards this single vision of myself. This included going to the gym for long hours most days of the week, befriending people on the basis that I knew they would be of benefit to me, and feeding myself with perpetual self-talk of unlocking my future potential.

It is no wonder that what Vinno said rocked me to the core: “Herman, you are a Christian before you are an athlete. Therefore, what is more important is not how well you perform, but your identity as a Christian.” More than that, he said: “Taking Jesus seriously means that all aspects of your life, including sport, should be done in a way that brings honour, praise and glory to God”. I was shocked. It was just so radical and countercultural.

This passage really resonates with my experience of those conversations. Understanding who Jesus is forces you, in a loving way, to give up all self-centred facets of your life and to use all of your life to worship God.

Paul definitely understood this, because he commands Timothy to life sacrificially and to join him in his suffering (v3). The Apostle Peter spoke the same way when he commends believers who “endure the pain of unjust suffering” for Christ’s sake (1 Peter 2:19).

What did they understand that propelled them to live so sacrificially and single-mindedly for Christ? As we will see tomorrow, they remembered Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David (v8). They remembered the good news that “with the precious blood of Christ” God has purchased for us “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (1 Peter 1:4, 19).

For me now, sacrifice can mean giving something up. But it can also be choosing to use something for God joyfully, knowing that we may be judged or treated unrighteously. Because we know of the inheritance and the glorious future to come.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Herman is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

2 Timothy 2:1-2

2 Timothy 2:1-2 - Daily Devotion - 6 June 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

1 You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard me say among many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be qualified to teach others as well.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Tina Bogg

This part of Paul's letter to Timothy continues the theme of being entrusted with the gospel. Back in chapter 1 verse 14, Paul told Timothy to guard the “treasure” entrusted to him – the gospel that had been passed to him to preach. Now Paul is expanding this and urging Timothy to pass this same gospel on to reliable people who will then be qualified to teach others.

When I read these verses, they raise the question for me: What makes someone reliable? How would Timothy have known who would be qualified to teach others? Am I reliable? This passage reminds me of how important it is not only to witness to others and tell them the good news, but also to invest time ensuring they understand and are discipled so they can go on to teach others faithfully. I don't imagine the people Timothy was discipling were expected to have a theological degree before being able to teach others, but at least they needed to remember and understand the essence of being a follower of Jesus, to trust that He is the son of God who lived, died and rose again that we might have life. They also needed to be godly in their lives (as we’ll see later in the letter) – not to be quarrelsome or greedy or abusive, but to live lives dedicated to God.

We have all been entrusted with the gospel, even if we don’t all have the same official roles or responsibility of teaching in the church. But we should all be working on our character to be reliable sources, and to want to grow in our godliness, understanding and ability to teach others about Jesus. This includes reading God's Word regularly so we remember it, asking questions and discussing with one another so we understand it well, and striving to be more like Jesus in our daily lives, by God’s strength. We are also called for a purpose, to keep teaching others so God’s good news can keep spreading. Pray with me that we will keep studying God's Word and being reliable disciples who share God's word with others.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tina is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

2 Timothy 1:16-18

2 Timothy 1:16-18 - Daily Devotion - 5 June 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains. 17 Indeed, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me.

18 May the Lord grant Onesiphorus His mercy on that day. You know very well how much he ministered to me in Ephesus.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Val Dewan

I do not know many people who are in prison. The people around me are quite easy to hang out with. Although there may be moments where I find hosting people or building relationships inconvenient or difficult, it is always easier to quash those feelings, because I really do want to build upon these friendships. When I first read this passage, I thought: I can relate to Onesiphorus and his actions in refreshing his friend Paul. But on reflection, I realised for the first time how incredibly brave Onesiphorus was, not just to be associated with Paul, but to openly show his loyalty and deep love for him.

Paul was in a pitiful and dishonourable state as a prisoner of the Roman empire, locked up without his friends knowing where he was. But more than that, Paul was facing execution simply for being a Christian. No wonder Paul praises Onesiphorus, a man who showed such kindness and faithfulness to him.

Not much else is described about Onesiphorus, but I am touched and inspired by his dedication in showing love to Paul. He was a friend who ‘refreshed’ Paul and searched for him ‘diligently’ – in stark contrast to all the people who turned their backs on Paul in his most vulnerable moment. Paul finishes by praying for the Lord to show mercy to Onesiphorus because of his faithfulness.

Even though I don't know anyone in chains, I have friends who are struggling or dishonoured by people around them because of their trust in Jesus. This passage challenges me to love and encourage them, and be willing to forgo comfort and convenience. This will look different for everyone, but I pray that we all can be like Onesiphorus – people who love God, and so love our brothers and sisters generously, even if doing so will risk bringing shame to our name. That shame will seem so small in the light of God’s great mercy when Jesus returns and we see him face to face.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Val is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

1 Timothy 1:13-15

2 Timothy 1:13-15 - Daily Devotion - 4 June 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

13 Hold on to the pattern of sound teaching you have heard from me, with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

15 You know that everyone in the Province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Omar Dewan

In March this year, Valerie and I travelled to Peru and explored the area of Cusco, which was the capital of the great Incan Empire. We learned that the Spanish came to Peru in the early 1500s in search of treasure – it’s estimated that the Incan Empire had over $1 billion AUD in gold and other precious metals. The Spanish placed high monetary value on these metals, but to the Incas it had no monetary value – gold wasn’t considered to be treasure, but rather it was used for political, religious and ceremonial purposes. I thought it was interesting that the same object could be valued so differently by different groups.

Today’s passage in 2 Timothy 1 rounds out Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to not be ashamed of Paul’s testimony and of the gospel. In the passage today, the part that sticks out to me is in verse 14 – “Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us”.

It is easy to be distracted by the things of this world like career, money and relationships, and view them as our greatest treasure. I know for myself, it’s so easy to be distracted with talk about career and promotions, and it’s common to hear from others that the gospel has little-to-no value (like those who deserted Paul in Asia). But I am reminded today that the gospel is the greatest treasure there was, is and ever will be! As we heard earlier in 2 Timothy 1:9-10, Jesus has saved us and called us to a holy calling, by God’s own purposes before time began. Jesus has defeated death and shown us the way to eternal life with God – and this is all by grace alone, not because of our works!

I need the Spirit’s help to continually sustain my hope in God and to not desert Him. I need the Spirit’s help to continually view the gospel as the priceless treasure that it is – and not to place anything else above that, or to minimise the value of the gospel in pursuit of other things. Why not pray with me for these things, and that we would continue to seek God’s kingdom wherever we are?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Omar is a member of our Fairfield Evening congregation.

2 Timothy 1:8-12

2 Timothy 1:8-12 - Daily Devotion - 3 June 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of me, His prisoner. Instead, join me in suffering for the gospel by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel, 11 to which I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.

12 For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Keith Hengpoonthana

I was bullied in high school. Everything I said and everything I did was mocked and ridiculed. There were days when I dreaded going to school. Even worse, there was no escape even away from school, as the bullies carried on their harassment outside of school. To this day a part of me wants to avoid anything that might draw attention to me being different. I always desperately wanted to fit in. I was anxious about what people thought about me all the time. So it’s no surprise that sharing the gospel with others, particularly non-believers, is one of the most difficult parts of my Christian life. The few times that I have tried evangelism and failed brings back the angst of my childhood.

So I found this a hard passage to read initially. Paul wanted Timothy to not be ashamed of proclaiming the good news of our Lord Jesus and to join him in suffering for the gospel. My heart sank; this is all too hard for me. I can imagine Timothy felt the same, knowing that Paul who he cared dearly about was imprisoned and suffering. But as I read on, Paul encourages him to hold strong. Why? Because we have been saved by the grace of God in Christ Jesus who defeated death and brought us to eternal life. The Lord has called us to fulfil his purpose, including Paul and Timothy, and… even me, the anxiety-ridden scaredy-cat. Paul himself suffered for the gospel. He knew full well what it costs to follow Jesus, and he reasoned that it is well worth it.

I read stories of Christians being persecuted around the world for boldly proclaiming the gospel, some even losing their lives. I realise that the suffering I went through at school is nothing compared to how those Christian brothers and sisters are persecuted, it doesn’t compare to what Paul and the original disciples had to bear, and it certainly doesn’t compare to the suffering and death of Jesus, who took the punishment for my sins upon himself.

Pray today that we may be able to withstand the hardship of following Jesus and proclaiming the gospel. Be encouraged in knowing that on that final day we will be raised with Him, and there will no longer be any suffering forever.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keith is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.

2 Timothy 1:1-7

2 Timothy 1:1-7 - Daily Devotion - 2 June 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,
2 To Timothy, my beloved child:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as did my forefathers, as I constantly remember you night and day in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you so that I may be filled with joy.

5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced is in you as well.

6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Stephen Shead

Today we are starting what was very likely the last letter the Apostle Paul wrote before he was executed for his faith in Christ. He wrote it to his dearest friend and apprentice, Timothy – and he knew this would probably be his final letter.

To set the scene: When Paul wrote this, he was in prison in Rome. This was not the comfortable house arrest we read about in Acts 28. That was several years earlier. Now, Emperor Nero was severely persecuting Christians, and Paul was chained in a cold, dismal dungeon (1:16-17; 4:13). His friends had deserted him at his first court hearing (4:16), and now he was waiting for his death sentence – which, it seems, came shortly after.

Knowing that background makes the whole book so much more moving – especially these opening verses. Paul longs for the joy of seeing Timothy, but he knows that the next time they see each other may be in the new creation.

And yet throughout the letter, Paul is not consumed by grief (because Jesus is risen!). His consuming priorities are bigger, gospel-shaped concerns. As we will see, Nero’s persecution wasn’t the only crisis the church was facing. There was a crisis of false teachers and whole churches abandoning the gospel. So Paul’s “last will and testament” to Timothy was that he “fan into flame the gift of God” (v6) – that is, that he grow strong in the ministry God had given him. That ministry was all about proclaiming and defending the gospel of Christ, to save the lost and protect Christ’s sheep.

Not all of us have been given a ministry exactly like Timothy’s. But we have been given the same Spirit of God – the Spirit of “power, love, and self-control” (v7). It is the Spirit in us who gives us the power to stand up boldly as Christians, a love big enough even for our enemies, and self-control to resist being led astray by the world.

Finish by praying that God would help you to fan into flame the Spirit’s work in your life – his power, love, and self-control.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Stephen is our Senior Minister.

Psalm 28

Psalm 28 - Daily Devotion - 31 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.

1 To You, O LORD, I call;
be not deaf to me, O my Rock.
For if You remain silent,
I will be like those descending to the Pit.
2 Hear my cry for mercy
when I call to You for help,
when I lift up my hands
toward Your holy sanctuary.

3 Do not drag me away with the wicked,
and with the workers of iniquity,
who speak peace to their neighbors
while malice is in their hearts.
4 Repay them according to their deeds
and for their works of evil.
Repay them for what their hands have done;
bring back on them what they deserve.
5 Since they show no regard for the works of the LORD
or what His hands have done,
He will tear them down
and never rebuild them.

6 Blessed be the LORD,
for He has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
Therefore my heart rejoices,
and I give thanks to Him with my song.

8 The LORD is the strength of His people,
a stronghold of salvation for His anointed.
9 Save Your people and bless Your inheritance;
shepherd them and carry them forever.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 27

Psalm 27 - Daily Devotion - 30 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.

1 The LORD is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The LORD is the stronghold of my life—
whom shall I dread?
2 When the wicked came upon me to devour my flesh,
my enemies and foes stumbled and fell.
3 Though an army encamps around me,
my heart will not fear;
though a war breaks out against me,
I will keep my trust.

4 One thing I have asked of the LORD;
this is what I desire:
to dwell in the house of the LORD
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the LORD
and seek Him in His temple.
5 For in the day of trouble
He will hide me in His shelter;
He will conceal me under the cover of His tent;
He will set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be held high
above my enemies around me.
At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy;
I will sing and make music to the LORD.

7 Hear, O LORD, my voice when I call;
be merciful and answer me.
8 My heart said, “Seek His face.”
Your face, O LORD, I will seek.
9 Hide not Your face from me,
nor turn away Your servant in anger.
You have been my helper;
do not leave me or forsake me,
O God of my salvation.

10 Though my father and mother forsake me,
the LORD will receive me.11 Teach me Your way, O LORD,
and lead me on a level path,
because of my oppressors.
12 Do not hand me over to the will of my foes,
for false witnesses rise up against me,
breathing out violence.

13 Still I am certain to see
the goodness of the LORD
in the land of the living.
14 Wait patiently for the LORD;
be strong and courageous.

Wait patiently for the LORD!

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 26

Psalm 26 - Daily Devotion - 29 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.

1 Vindicate me, O LORD!

For I have walked with integrity;
I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
2 Test me, O LORD, and try me;
examine my heart and mind.
3 For Your loving devotion is before my eyes,
and I have walked in Your truth.

4 I do not sit with deceitful men,
nor keep company with hypocrites.
5 I hate the mob of evildoers,
and refuse to sit with the wicked.
6 I wash my hands in innocence
that I may go about Your altar, O LORD,
7 to raise my voice in thanksgiving
and declare all Your wonderful works.

8 O LORD, I love the house where You dwell,
the place where Your glory resides.
9 Do not take my soul away with sinners,
or my life with men of bloodshed,
10 in whose hands are wicked schemes,
whose right hands are full of bribes.

11 But I will walk with integrity;
redeem me and be merciful to me.
12 My feet stand on level ground;
in the congregations I will bless the LORD.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 25

Psalm 25 - Daily Devotion - 28 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Of David.

1 To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul;
2 in You, my God, I trust.
Do not let me be put to shame;
do not let my enemies exult over me.
3 Surely none who wait for You will be put to shame;
but those who are faithless without cause will be disgraced.

4 Show me Your ways, O LORD;
teach me Your paths.
5 Guide me in Your truth and teach me,
for You are the God of my salvation;
all day long I wait for You.
6 Remember, O LORD, Your compassion and loving devotion,
for they are from age to age.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth,
nor my rebellious acts;
remember me according to Your loving devotion,
because of Your goodness, O LORD.

8 Good and upright is the LORD;
therefore He shows sinners the way.
9 He guides the humble in what is right
and teaches them His way.
10 All the LORD’s ways are loving and faithful
to those who keep His covenant and His decrees.
11 For the sake of Your name, O LORD,
forgive my iniquity, for it is great.

12 Who is the man who fears the LORD?
He will instruct him in the path chosen for him.
13 His soul will dwell in prosperity,
and his descendants will inherit the land.
14 The LORD confides in those who fear Him,
and reveals His covenant to them.
15 My eyes are always on the LORD,
for He will free my feet from the mesh.

16 Turn to me and be gracious,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 The troubles of my heart increase;
free me from my distress.
18 Consider my affliction and trouble,
and take away all my sins.
19 Consider my enemies, for they are many,
and they hate me with vicious hatred.

20 Guard my soul and deliver me;
let me not be put to shame,
for I take refuge in You.
21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me,
because I wait for You.

22 Redeem Israel, O God,
from all its distress.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 24

Psalm 24 - Daily Devotion - 27 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

A Psalm of David.

1 The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof,
the world and all who dwell therein.
2 For He has founded it upon the seas
and established it upon the waters.

3 Who may ascend the hill of the LORD?
Who may stand in His holy place?
4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart,
who does not lift up his soul to an idol
or swear deceitfully.
5 He will receive blessing from the LORD
and vindication from the God of his salvation.
6 Such is the generation of those who seek Him,
who seek Your face, O God of Jacob.
Selah

7 Lift up your heads, O gates!
Be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of Glory may enter!
8 Who is this King of Glory?
The LORD strong and mighty,
the LORD mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, O gates!
Be lifted up, O ancient doors,
that the King of Glory may enter!
10 Who is He, this King of Glory?
The LORD of Hosts—
He is the King of Glory.
Selah

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 23

Psalm 23 - Daily Devotion - 26 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

A reminder: This month, we are using our do-it-yourself method for reading the Psalms. Each day, after the reading, I’ll ask you to reflect on two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

A Psalm of David.

23 The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
for the sake of His name.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 22:16-31

Psalm 22:16-31 - Daily Devotion - 24 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

Yesterday we heard about the sufferings of David, or the Messiah, and how he felt like he’d been abandoned by God. But he also remembered God’s faithfulness and how God has always delivered his people. As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

16 For dogs surround me;
a band of evil men encircles me;
they have pierced my hands and feet.
17 I can count all my bones;
they stare and gloat over me.
18 They divide my garments among them
and cast lots for my clothing.

19 But You, O LORD, be not far off;
O my Strength, come quickly to help me.
20 Deliver my soul from the sword,
my precious life from the power of wild dogs.
21 Save me from the mouth of the lion;
at the horns of the wild oxen You have answered me!

22 I will proclaim Your name to my brothers;
I will praise You in the assembly.
23 You who fear the LORD, praise Him!
All descendants of Jacob, honor Him!
All offspring of Israel, revere Him!
24 For He has not despised or detested
the torment of the afflicted.
He has not hidden His face from him,
but has attended to his cry for help.

25 My praise for You resounds in the great assembly;
I will fulfill my vows before those who fear You.
26 The poor will eat and be satisfied;
those who seek the LORD will praise Him.
May your hearts live forever!

27 All the ends of the earth
will remember and turn to the LORD.
All the families of the nations
will bow down before Him.
28 For dominion belongs to the LORD
and He rules over the nations.
29 All the rich of the earth will feast and worship;
all who go down to the dust will kneel before Him—
even those unable to preserve their lives.30 Posterity will serve Him;
they will declare the Lord to a new generation.
31 They will come and proclaim His righteousness
to a people yet unborn—
all that He has done.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.

Psalm 22:1-15

Psalm 22:1-15 - Daily Devotion - 23 May 2025
St Barnabas Anglican Church Fairfield & Bossley Park

As you read, keep in mind our two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

For the choirmaster. To the tune of “The Doe of the Dawn.” A Psalm of David.

1 My God, my God,
why have You forsaken me?
Why are You so far from saving me,
so far from my words of groaning?
2 I cry out by day, O my God,
but You do not answer,
and by night,
but I have no rest.

3 Yet You are holy,
enthroned on the praises of Israel.
4 In You our fathers trusted;
they trusted and You delivered them.
5 They cried out to You and were set free;
they trusted in You and were not disappointed.

6 But I am a worm and not a man,
scorned by men and despised by the people.
7 All who see me mock me;
they sneer and shake their heads:
8 “He trusts in the LORD,
let the LORD deliver him;
let the LORD rescue him,
since He delights in him.”

9 Yet You brought me forth from the womb;
You made me secure at my mother’s breast.
10 From birth I was cast upon You;
from my mother’s womb You have been my God.
11 Be not far from me,
for trouble is near
and there is no one to help.

12 Many bulls surround me;
strong bulls of Bashan encircle me.
13 They open their jaws against me
like lions that roar and maul.
14 I am poured out like water,
and all my bones are disjointed.
My heart is like wax;
it melts away within me.
15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd,
and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
You lay me in the dust of death.

REFLECTIONS

Now think about the two questions:

  1. What things in this Psalm can I relate to?

  2. Is there anything in the Psalm that makes me think of Jesus?

Then pray, seeking to delight in God or to depend on God.