QT 31 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 3:2, We are called to godly lives, but it is required of elders to serve

1 Timothy 3:2 (ESV) — Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

NOTE: This is a quiet time and not an expository thesis, so I only want to focus on a small number of items. "Above reproach" can be difficult especially when people's standards are not biblical. Obviously, elders are not super men or spiritual giants, but we do have a responsibility to live to a higher standard. Actually, we all do -- the difference is that a person is restricted from the office of an elder if he does not live up to higher standard. There is no "should," it is a "must" or you will not be allowed to serve in that position.

I think "hospitable" is an overlooked characteristic. I am happy to say that in the elder churches that I have served, the men truly lived this. They were not argumentative or petty. They did not demand their own way. They were not overtly prideful. They did not play one-upmanship games. They were very different from many men that I have observed in the business world and in the military world. Again, we are all called to this as believers, but it is a requirement for an elder in order to serve.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for how you change men. It can only be the power of the Holy Spirit that can make strong, prideful, forceful, and intelligent men into godly hospitable men to serve as leaders of your church. Thank you our Pastors again. I so appreciate what you have done in their lives.

QT 30 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 3:1, The noble task of pastor and elder

1 Timothy 3:1 (ESV) — 1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.

NOTE: I always felt you were called to the position, and I am not disputing that is true. In fact, the person's aspiration may very well be the Spirit of God's prompting. The other thing is the Paul does not restrict it to certain gifts.  Again, I always thought of those gifted in shepherding would make good elders and pastors. It could be that as one matures in his love for Christ, he changes in such a way that love for others is evident in his life, and so he takes on the role of a shepherd. I don't have the answers, but it is a good thing to aspire to the role, provided the reasons are right. It is a noble task and it carries great responsibility. But as is seen in the next few verses, it is a special man who serves as an elder.

PRAYER: Thank you for the men, the Pastors, that you have provided to my church. They are good men, full of the Holy Spirit. They love others and are humble. They really do desire for others to grow in their relationship with Jesus. Protect them in these days. Keep them and their families safe.

QT 27 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 3:1-7, Order requires godly leadership

1 Timothy 3:1–7 (ESV) — 1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

NOTE: The overseer is an elder or a pastor in most elder-led churches. The requirements are very high. And this is a very important position for order in the church. The wrong men leading spiritually can destroy a church. I have been an elder in three different churches and I have always been amazed at the spiritual strength of these men. These men are spiritual men and they are recognized by a deep and abiding love for Jesus. They are not religious men who say all the religious things or pray like religious men do. These men pray like they know their savior, not for a show. These men are humble. These men hurt for other people. These men are men of God who are gentle, loving, and hold to the truth. They are respected even by outsiders.

PRAYER: Father, I miss the fellowship of elders. Those were special times and special memories. Thank you for the Pastors in our church. They do exhibit the qualities of elders. They are good men who love you deeply. Thank you for David, Brian, Scott, and Charles. They love and care for others. They show humility and deep respect for you. Their walk with you never comes across as religious but as real and deep. Thank you Lord for our leaders.

QT 26 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 2:13-15, We have roles given by God that we ignore to our personal detriment

1 Timothy 2:13–15 (ESV) — 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

NOTE: Adam should have led in the garden, but he did not. Eve took the lead in the conversation with Satan (Adam stood next to her). The judgment was that this role reversal in spiritual matters (the Garden was a spiritual discussion) should not happen again. Man has that responsibility and role. It is not an indication of ability but it is a result of what happened in the garden. Likewise, the women has a very unique role in childbearing. The word "save" is explained by Dillow below.

The meaning of sozo [to save] in this passage is once again something like ‘spiritual health,’ a full and meaningful life. This fits the context quite well. Paul has just excluded women from positions of teaching authority in the church (1 Tim. 2:9–14). What then is their primary destiny? They will find life through fulfilling their role as a mother IF they continue in faith, love, and holiness with propriety.

This is hard but it is true. The emptiness of life can only be filled by a relationship with Jesus and by an acceptance of our role. Men who do not take on their role as spiritual leaders in the home will struggle and woman who assume spiritual leadership in the home will struggle.

PRAYER: Father, this is the teaching of the bible. Either the bible is true or it is not true. If it is not true, there is not salvation. I believe your word and the truth. And I will stand up for your word and your truth. Give us ears to hear and hearts to act. Amen.

QT 25 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 2:11-13, We really rebel against the ideas of spiritual roles

1 Timothy 2:11–13 (ESV) — 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve;

NOTE: This is certainly a difficult verse in today's culture but I think the context is easily understood.  First of all this book is about order in the church. The verses don't speak to a woman's ability but to a woman's and a man's role in the church. The verses do not prohibit a woman teaching sub-groups of other women. In fact, later in this same book, Paul tells older women to do just that. No, this passage is about spiritual leadership in the church and indirectly in the family. This is a role given to a man for the church body, and given to the husband for the family. The problem is that too few men step up to their responsibility. I think that seeing a woman as a Pastor of a church adds to the deterioration of this role given by God to men. When a man sees a woman leading a church, he thinks that his wife can also do just as well to lead the family spiritually (and in fact, she probably can). Consequently, the man shrinks back from his God-given role to lead the family (one of the main points of the Garden of Eden story). A healthy family will have the husband leading spiritually. And a healthy church will have a man as the head Pastor. This is not a discussion of leadership style and in no way does it suggest dictatorship. Also, this says nothing about a woman leading a business or any endeavor outside of the church. Neither does it address women's ministries. We could dispute children's ministries, but I am not sure on that. It would seem to be a good idea for children seeing more men leading spiritually, but maybe in the family is enough. I'm not sure why we get all wrapped around the axle when it comes to discussions of spiritual role. I think it is our sin nature--we don't want anyone, even God, to tell us what we can and cannot do.

PRAYER: Father, open our eyes to our own sin. Help us to see life as you see it. I pray we would repent of our rebellion and attitude and demands for life. We were the ones who rebelled against your rulership in the garden. And we are the ones complaining that we don't like what we have made. Forgive us.

QT 24 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 2:1, Praying the right way

1 Timothy 2:1 (ESV) — First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,

NOTE: I decide to go back because I found the four things that Paul urged Timothy interesting.

1. Supplications (Grk deesis) - meaning request, need, want, asking. This is where we lay out our heart's desires to God.

2. Prayers (Grk proseuche) - meaning a place set apart or suited for offering prayer. It could be an open air area situated near a bank of a stream where one could wash their hands before praying.

3. Intercessions (Grk enteuxis) - this is the coming together in a conference to interview or visit or converse. We need to develop the ability to have a conversation with God.

4. Thanksgiving (Grk eucharistia) - means giving thanks. The opposite would be the worldly response of despair, anxiety, and a critical spirit.

Is this our example of prayer? Do we share our heart? Do we cleanse our hands (ask forgiveness for our sins)? Do we have a conversation with God? Do we give thanks? What a beautiful way to pray and what a great application today!

PRAYER: Father, I pray we can have a conversation with you today where, with clean hands, we share our heartfelt desires and needs, and give you thanks for what you are doing.

QT 23 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 2: 8-10, A time to pray and do good works

1 Timothy 2:8–10 (ESV) — 8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works.

NOTE: While it is not true of all men, how do men solve problems? They fix it in their own strength. Well, at least I do. My sin or failure is that too often, I don't pray, but immediately act. So, it is a good thing when men pray. While women may do similarly, they are more apt to pray than men. Paul's main instruction to women is to show your beauty in good works, not in your clothes and shoes. I think men and women do struggle with different issues. In a church, men need to pray more and women need to do good works, not emphasize externals. Those are harsh words to both sexes, but true. A church is known by its prayer life and the good works it shows in the community. Men need to lead spiritually. Women who are too concerned about the color of the carpet, need to do good works and stop complaining.

PRAYER: This is a great time to be a praying church. Give each of us a ministry in our work and neighborhood and family. May we give and not hoard.

QT 20 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 2:7, For many are fooled by their own blindness

1 Timothy 2:7 (ESV) — 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

NOTE: "For this" meaning the call to prayer (vs 1) and the gospel (vss 5-6), Paul was appointed to preach (proclaim the gospel) and an apostle (to establish a new work with the Gentiles with the authority of God). His comment on "not lying" seems out of place, unless there were people in the Ephesians church who doubted his authority. That is quite possible. Paul spent a lot of time at the Church in Ephesus -- 3 years. And the saying, familiarity breeds contempt may be applicable in this case. It is probably also the reason that Paul used a formal greeting for a letter to Timothy knowing that people who disagreed with him were probably reading the letter.

I don't know why believers have to be so snitty and argumentative. It could be that the seed grows so large that even the birds of the field next in its branches (the birds were the same ones who snatched the seed from the path). Not everyone who says that they know you Lord will be invited to the marriage supper of the lamb. Many are with the bride on Sundays but aren't really a part of the body.

PRAYER: Father, during this time of unknown and fear. I pray for those -- who think they know you but don't really -- to introspectively look at their life and attitudes. Convict them of their sin. May they truly believe and put their faith completely in the Lord Jesus Christ, his words and his works.

QT 19 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 2:5-6, The Gospel message is that Jesus is the only way

1 Timothy 2:5–6 (ESV) — 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

NOTE: This is the gospel and it is repeated all throughout the bible and by Jesus himself. There is only one God and there is only one mediator (one-way) to God. His name is Jesus. His unique work is that he lived a sinless life, he willingly gave himself up to death, and by that death he purchased a ransom for all. But John writes (quoting Jesus as well) that there is one sin remaining and it is the refusal to believe in Jesus.

John 3:18 (ESV) — 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.

John 3:36 (ESV) — 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

Jesus paid the ransom, he paid the horrific price for our sin. But salvation is only through belief in Jesus as that mediator between man and God. There is no other way to salvation. There are no other religions that can save eternally.

John 14:6 (ESV) — 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

PRAYER: Father, give us boldness to tell our friends and neighbors this message. Jesus is the only way to salvation. There is no other way.

QT 18 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 2:3-4, Pray for people to hear the gospel

1 Timothy 2:3–4 (ESV) — 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

NOTE: On the subject of predestination and free will, the bible seems to say both. That is not necessarily a contradiction, just something that we can't comprehend. In this passage, there are two verses which support free will. One, God desires all people to be saved. If he desires it, he can certainly make it happen. But his desire is over ridden by an individual's choice to stay in evil and not repent. Two, the context is prayer and within that context (praying for others) it is possible for people to come to a knowledge of the truth (by our praying). In both cases, it is not impossible to fit a predestination argument into the passage. But I think that whether or not we are predestined, we still have a free will. We still have to choose. And therefore it is a good and pleasing thing to pray for the salvation of others. This is an especially good time during a pandemic. We need to boldly stand up for truth.

PRAYER: Father give us words and wisdom to share the truth of the gospel to those we come into contact (socially distant contact). I pray that your spirit would be at work in the world to show the evil of its ways, and I pray we would turn back to you.

QT 17 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 2:1-2, Peace that surpasses understanding

1 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV) — 1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

NOTE: I'm listening to a video from work on "meditation." And there is much to say about slowing down, breathing, and taking a few moments to gather your thoughts. These are not bad things, but really prayer beats them all. Peter writes to "cast all your anxieties on him" and Paul writes "Have no anxiety … but by prayer … make your requests known to God, and the peace of God which surpasses understanding will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Real peace comes two ways, first, in a relationship with God that is only available by belief in the Lord Jesus Christ -- his dying on the cross for our sins. And secondly, peace comes by prayer to those who know the Lord Jesus.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the peace I have in Jesus. I do not need to worry. I can be a witness to others in this time of fear. Give me a strong and calm presence.

QT 16 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 1:18-20, A good teacher's heart is for people to change and become like Jesus

1 Timothy 1:18–20 (ESV) — 18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

NOTE: You cannot lose your salvation, but you can shipwreck your faith. They had damaged themselves so much, that the only alternative was to hand them over to Satan. Marshall writes

"Apparently, in the Pauline churches it was believed that in extreme cases of persistent sin God employed Satan as an agent, but nevertheless God himself remained firmly in control of the situation. (Marshall, I. H., & Towner, P. H. (2004). A critical and exegetical commentary on the Pastoral Epistles (p. 415). London; New York: T&T Clark International)." I think these verses point back to 1:3-6 and then summarized again in 1 Tim 6:20-21 -- which is false, vain teaching. I don't think Alexander was the coppersmith -- I think these two were probably believers. They were probably teachers, but they were more interested in themselves and the glory they received from their teaching than a love for the body. Unless our heart's desire is not to see change -- real application to the word of God -- we are not doing any good.

PRAYER: Father, check my heart. I want to see people change and grow in their relationship to Christ. Like John the Baptist, I want to see Jesus exalted more and more in the lives of others. Open our eyes to see the joy that comes from truly knowing and walking with you.

QT 13 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 1:18-20, Serving as a soldier

1 Timothy 1:18–20 (ESV) — 18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

NOTE: Warfare is not easy. The conditions are not good. It is dirty. It is exhausting. It takes strength and determination. And usually, it is long -- it does not always end quickly. Timothy's warfare was probably better classified as a medic. He wasn't shooting down his opponent or engaging in debates (in 2 Tim 2:23-25 he is told to avoid). He was building up the Body of Christ; putting salve on the wounded; and healing the hurting. He also needed to keep a good conscience -- he needed to do things for the right reasons. Why do we  serve? Do we serve in the things we enjoy? Do we serve because it makes us feel important? Those are all the wrong reasons. We serve Jesus in whatever way he calls us.

PRAYER: Father, help us to see ourselves as your servants and not you as ours. We need to get rid of our pride. We need to listen to your voice. We need to stop making excuses. Give us grace I pray.

QT 12 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 1:16, To be a witness, we need to be applying the Word

1 Timothy 1:16 (ESV) — 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

NOTE: We are all examples. None of us deserved the salvation we received. We are all unworthy. And so, we are all examples of God's mercy to someone. That is the idea of being a witness. God has shown me grace and mercy. God has shown each of us grace and mercy. But if we don't live a changed life, what good is the grace and mercy that was given us? You can't be a witness if you have not changed. How do we change? We change by APPLICATION of the Word of God to our life. This is so key to our witness -- the change that is continuing to occur in our life. But that requires obedience to the word, and that requires SPECIFIC application. You just cannot say "I will be a better husband" or "I will serve others more" or "I will be more loving" -- it WON"T happen! An application MUST be specific or you are just fooling yourself as James writes in his letter. The problem in the church today is that we do not look very different from those outside of the church. We have Jesus but no one can see Jesus because we are not allowing Jesus to change us. We are not applying (obeying) the Word of God.

PRAYER: Father, open our eyes to the need for real change. I pray we would stop playing "church." We will never change just attending meetings. We need to be doers of the word and not hearers only. Open our eyes to this life-changing truth.

QT 11 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 1:12-15, God calls sinners not good people

1 Timothy 1:12–15 (ESV) — 12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.

NOTE: Paul's use of the term "insolent opponent," also translated as a "violent man" in the NIV84 captures my attention. The word actually denotes his pride. He was incredibly prideful and apparently good with words so that he would heap insults and difficult arguments upon others in his quest to destroy their faith. I'm sure he felt the full shame of that knowledge after he  came to know Jesus in such a miraculous way. He was ignorant -- aren't we all? -- but God demonstrated mercy and grace to Paul. None of us deserve the opportunities that we have. We are all sinners saved by grace. None of us are needed by God. None of us are untouched by sin. None of us are worthy. Jesus came to save sinners and for some strange reason or seeming accident, he saved me too. Move over Paul, you are not the only one who shouldn't be in the family.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for your salvation and for including me in you plan. I am not worthy to be called your son. Thank you so much for this incredible gift!

QT 10 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 1:9-10, Satan is defining sin away …

1 Timothy 1:9–10 (ESV) — 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine,

NOTE: What is sin? The law reveals it to us. How do we please God? By not sinning? Impossible. We cannot please God by our works. We can glorify God but we can neither save ourselves nor please him in our workings.  The list of sins has remained pretty constant over time, although society and culturehas shifted its emphasis. In verse 10, the only action we would consider sin nowadays is "enslavers," and yet there was a time when 'some' so-called Christians tried to argue it was not a sin. No, it is all sin. And Satan has blinded our society to think that sexual immorality and the practice of homosexuality is not sin. We lie and perjure ourselves constantly in political theaters. And we convince ourselves that lies said for the right purpose are okay. What a wicked generation we are! When oh Lord, when will you come?

PRAYER: Father, forgive us for our blatant sin. Have mercy on us. Open our eyes to truth. Save us from this wicked and deceitful world.

QT 9 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 1:8-9, The law is good -- it reveals sin to the unbeliever

1 Timothy 1:8–9 (ESV) — 8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers,

NOTE: Paul now goes on to explain what he means by the statement that the law is good. The law is not for the just. It is not for Christians, who are justified. Certainly, we are to live holy lives, but that is summed up in the law of Christ. The primary purpose of the OT law is to reveal sin. That is why Paul goes to great detail to list all the types of individuals for whom the law is good. The law is a good thing because it calls sin by its real name, sin. It is not a problem or an error or the result of being a victim. Sin is when we choose to disobey God. The law tells us what it means to disobey God. This is proper teaching. The law is useful for believers as well. It helps us to understand what it means to love God and to love our neighbor. Out witness is very much dependent on a proper understanding of behavior that does not show love to others. Jesus said that we would be known by our love for each other. So, it also provides insight to the believer. But it is not about pleasing God or gaining his love. We are completely loved because of what Christ did, not what we do.

PRAYER: Father, I pray that you would use your word and the law to reveal to man the sinfulness of his heart. Open our eyes to our sin. I pray that we would repent and turn to you for true healing.

QT 6 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 1:6-7, Handling the word correctly

1 Timothy 1:6–7 (ESV) — 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

NOTE: There are people who make very confident assertions of the law, but they don't really understand the law or the purpose of the law. They are dogmatic. They hold to something without a true understanding of it. So, there is a need for an insight and there is a need for a holistic view of scripture. One of our rules as teachers is that scripture interprets scripture and that scripture does not contradict scripture. If Paul says in another letter that we are not under the law, and then in the next paragraph in this letter says the law is good, we need to understand what he means by good and not under the law. They cannot contradict but must be mutually supportive.

PRAYER: Father, I pray I would never be overly dogmatic with scripture. Certainly, there are things which cannot be compromised, but I think that can be used as an excuse not to investigate things differently. Protect me Lord from my own biases.

QT 5 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 1:5-7, A teacher who loves encourages application

1 Timothy 1:5–7 (ESV) — 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

NOTE: What is my focus as a teacher? Why are secret teachings so appealing? Do we try to exalt ourselves by showing special knowledge? Does it make us feel important? This is certainly a danger for any teacher. We do want others to discover truth and see it with new insights. But, I think it is a dangerous thing to want the "wow factor" or the "zing" truth. The results of teaching should lead to solid application of the word. What does a new insight do? Does it tickle a fancy or does it highlight a doctrinal truth which must be obeyed. If my students are not obeying the word, then my function is worthless to the church.

PRAYER: Father, I pray I would keep the focus on obedience to the truth. I pray that I would emphasize application of the word and not just insight into the word. Insight needs to lead to application, otherwise I am just puffing up my students. And I do not love them if that is my only result.

QT 4 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 1:3-4, The Word of God alone is the key

1 Timothy 1:3–4 (ESV) — 3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith.

NOTE: People are always looking for that little extra, that secret knowledge from God. This can be very dangerous since it was the very same trick that Satan used on Eve -- secret knowledge. The Gnostics were and still are a draw to people and Satan uses it to keep people from the obvious truth, the pure scriptures. Genealogies back then led to a focus on myths developed for various names in scripture. Apparently, the book of Jubilees is an example of such practice. The key point is that these fantasies keep people away from the pure simple instruction of the word of God. If we want to grow and change to be like Jesus Christ -- if we want to know God more deeply -- the truth, the word is right before us. We need to read it and just as an important, we need to apply it to our lives. These other things tickle us, but they don't change us.

PRAYER: Father, protect us from this wasteful speculation. Open our eyes and ears to see and hear the word of God and to allow it to change us. Forgive us for not believing you have provided all we need in your word.

QT 3 Mar 2020, 1 Tim 1:1-2, Major on the majors

1 Timothy 1:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

NOTE: This letter is both personal and official. If it was only personal, Paul would not need to remind Timothy of his authority. An example of a personal letter is Philemon where Paul just says who is writing (he and Timothy) and that he is a prisoner (although for the Lord Jesus), and it then immediately greets Philemon. Paul knew this letter would be read to the church at Ephesus because of the subject matter. It is a letter written to a church leader on conduct and operations in the local church. It is late in Paul's life. We may wonder why the need for such a letter. Fortunately, there is not a great detail, meaning that God's church can operate in a variety of ways. But there is some, meaning that there is some minimal level of order required.

PRAYER: Father, open my eyes to understand the minimum essentials. Help me to let go of the things that are not important, but hold on to the things that are truly important.