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1 Timothy 6 (link to reading)
Scripture: 1 Timothy 6:6-10 Observation: Paul exhorts Timothy to choose godliness over the pursuit of wealth. Application: Money is simply a medium of exchange that allows people to obtain the basic necessities that they need to live. Having more money doesn't secure your salvation and having less money doesn't make you more spiritual. The Bible teaches us that the love of money (greed) is the root of all sorts of evil. Which makes sense because our hearts (motives and intentions) are often tied to our bank accounts. Not surprisingly, you can learn a lot about a person by looking at their check register and credit card statements. Where am I investing what God has entrusted to me? Prayer: Lord, thank You for blessing me so abundantly. Please direct my heart and help me to be a blessing to others...
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1 Timothy 5 (link to reading)
Scripture: 1 Timothy 5:19-20 Commentary: Paul was deeply aware of opposition to the ministry. He had already spoken of the need to guard the congregation from the reproach of slanderers (cf. 3:2, 7), and would do so again (6:1). Here he stipulated the procedure for separating valid accusations from false ones. It is the venerable approach of both the Old Testament (cf. Deut. 19:15) and the New (cf. Matt. 18:16; John 8:17; 2 Cor. 13:1), wherein an accusation should be considered only if two or three witnesses swear to it. When such accusations would then prove to be true, Timothy was to rebuke the offenders publicly, that is, before the entire congregation. In this way the remaining members could take warning (lit., “have fear”). Fear of the discipline of God, in this case administered through the congregation, is a healthy thing in a Christian, especially for those in places of leadership. Modern congregations that ignore church discipline do so at the peril of both the offender and themselves. Litfin, A. D. (1985). 1 Timothy. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 744). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books. Application: Paul's instructions to Timothy are to protect leaders from being falsely accused of wrongdoing. Hence the two or three witnesses needed to confirm their misbehavior. Although verse 20 isn't applicable anymore, churches need to have a plan to discipline wayward leaders. Prayer: Lord, help us to discern how to apply Your instructions... 1 Timothy 4 (link to reading)
Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:1-4 Observation: Like a proud father, Paul prepares his adopted son (Timothy) for the challenges of ministry with practical instructions of what to do. Here, he explains how people will abandon their faith in Jesus when they are deceived. Application: After 20 years of serving in ministry, I’m no longer surprised when I hear of someone abandoning their faith in Jesus, but I’m still disheartened. Especially if the news comes from a friend who tells me that their children are no longer walking with Jesus. Deception has not diminished over the past 2000 years, in fact I would say that the challenge to live with integrity is greater today than ever, because of the lies. If your family has been affected by the lies and you’ve lost loved ones to our enemy, take heart, put on your armor, pick up your sword (Ephesians 6) and fight for the battle is not lost. Jesus the Christ is Lord and He still reigns. Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope we have in Jesus. Lord Jesus, we trust in Your saving grace to redeem our families. Please equip us to do our part. 1 Timothy 3 (link to reading)
Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-13 Observation: Paul details the qualities and character traits of aspiring leaders and deacons. Application: What would the world look like if the church hired leaders who embodied the qualities Paul outlines for Timothy? Actually, every church usually lists this scripture in their pastoral search ad. The challenge is vetting the candidate because everyone puts their "best foot" forward, myself included. In order to really know someone, you need to spend extended time with them. Hence, the challenge of hiring someone to fill your vacancy. What would happen if we promoted pastors, teachers, apostles, prophets, and evangelists from within the body of Christ that they serve in? Huh? Prayer: Lord, help us to identify and promote qualified leaders... 1 Timothy 2 (link to reading)
Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-6 Observation: Paul instructs Timothy to pray for all people, especially those in authority. Application: Following Jesus' example, Paul submits to those God has chosen to lead. Rather than rising up and rebelling against Rome and its ungodly leadership, Paul teaches Timothy the secret to build a revolution that will last. Submission to God is the key. Prayer: Lord, teach me to submit to You... |
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