QT 5/31/2024 2 Tim 2:22-26, Listen to God, not the world

2 Timothy 2:22–26 (ESV) — 22 So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.

 

NOTE: Verse 26 captures the essence of our problem today, the devil has ensnared many through the various cultures and worldviews in the world today. Every one of them has the devil's fingerprints and every one is opposed to the true knowledge of God. Today, politics seems to cause more arguments than anything, although I am sure that has been true throughout history. Politics is not our mission, it only distracts from the true mission -- taking the gospel to every person we know. When we get caught up in these foolish and ignorant controversies, whatever they are, they take us away from the main mission -- we play right into the Devil's snares.

 

I'm not saying we should be ignorant of world events, but I am saying that they should NOT dominate our lives. We need to spend more time in God's word than listening to talking heads. This world will pass away but God, his word, and his elect will not. Let's get our focus back on what is important and fix our eyes on Jesus.

 

PONDER:

1. What is my focus?
2. Where is my faith?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me to not be distracted by a world engulfed in sin and by sin. We our listening to the wrong voices. Open our eyes to truth. Set us free by your words of truth.

QT 5/30/2024 2 Tim 2:20-21, Being Useful to God

2 Timothy 2:20–21 (ESV) — 20 Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.

 

NOTE: I'm not sure if the great house is the Church or Christendom, although I lead toward viewing the house as the Church. The true church is made up of believers and this verse implies that there are faithful and unfaithful (or even apostate) believers. If it is Christendom, then there are believers and those who profess belief but are not true. So far, the passage has seemed to imply that the issue is believers who have gone astray (in their teaching or in their behavior). The implication of different types of vessels also argues that all can be used, but some will have a special use. I would hope that we would all want to be the vessel of gold or silver. Those vessels, those type of believers, have three advantages:

 

1. … they are set apart as holy
2. … they are useful to the master of the house
3. … they are ready for every good work

 

In context, the difference is expressed in verse 15, "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth." If we want to be a vessel useful to God, we need to be serious about how we live our life, serious about studying his word, and serious about our application of God's word.

 

PONDER:

1. What kind of vessel am I right now?
2. Am I a vessel useful for noble work?
3. Or am I a vessel that is dishonorable because I have made no effort to be holy, know God, or study his word?

 

PRAYER: Father, increase my love for your word. Speak to me through your Holy Spirit so that I may rightly divide your word. May I never bring shame to your name.

QT 5/29/2024 2 Tim 2:14-19, Having a positive impact for the kingdom

2 Timothy 2:14–19 (ESV) — 14 Remind them of these things, and charge them before God not to quarrel about words, which does no good, but only ruins the hearers. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness, 17 and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have swerved from the truth, saying that the resurrection has already happened. They are upsetting the faith of some. 19 But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”

 

NOTE: The phrase "… they are upsetting the faith of some" stands out to me this morning. I remember a teacher who would ask very hard questions of scriptures in class, the kind an atheist might use. I don't mind hard questions, but what bothered me is that he left the questions hanging and unanswered. In essence, he was unintentionally chipping away at people's faith. It might make for interesting class discussion, but unless you answer the questions using the word, you have just attacked the person's faith with a little cut. A few years of that and your faith dies the death of a thousand cuts. Now doubt cannot cause you to lose your salvation, nor even the loss of faith can take away eternal life. But it can make your life miserable; it makes your witness useless, and it causes you to miss out on promised rewards in heaven.

 

PONDER:

1. Doubt is normal, but when I have doubts, do I seek God and most importantly, his Word, for the answers to my doubts?
2. When I leave someone after a spiritual discussion, is there faith stronger or weaker?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for the words and wisdom to encourage people to grow stronger and deeper in their faith. I want to be a teacher who builds others up, and does not tear them down.

QT 5/28/2024 2 Tim 2:11-13, The importance of living for God

2 Timothy 2:11–13 (ESV) — 11 The saying is trustworthy, for:

If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

12 if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he also will deny us;

13 if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

for he cannot deny himself.

 

NOTE: Jesus will never renege on his promise to save us. But some born-again Christians do deny Jesus even after confessing his name. They won't reign with him in the millennial kingdom. They will be saved but they will miss out in some way. Actions have consequences. The issue is not fairness, if it was fairness, no one would ever receive eternal life. The issue is that for those who believed in Christ for their salvation (were born again) there is an expectation that we continue in Christ, no longer living for the world but for Jesus. Failure to appreciate the great cost of salvation for us has consequences. I don't know what they look like or how they feel, especially in the millennial age, but I know God will reward the faithful.

 

PONDER:

1. Who am I really living for, myself or Jesus?
2. How much is God's word a part of my life? Do I read it daily? Do I memorize it? Do I meditate on the promises? Or do I completely forget his word during the week?

 

PRAYER: Father, I thank you for your word which changes me and is making me into a different person. Continue to expose my sin to me. Continue to change me to become more like Jesus.

QT 5/27/2024 2 Time 2:8-10, Getting serious about our mission

2 Timothy 2:8–10 (ESV) — 8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

 

NOTE: I'm not sure that I could say "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, …." I have endured suffering in the past, but not what Paul has endured, and definitely not with his attitude. Paul knew that the only thing that truly counts in this life is salvation in Jesus. Everything else paled in significance. Another verse, which echoes Paul sentiment is in his second letter to the Corinthians:

 

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 (ESV) — 16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

 

Paul had the right priorities. He knew the importance of his ministry of reconciliation versus the religion (law) or the politics of the day.

 

2 Corinthians 3:9–10 (ESV) — 9 For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. 10 Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it.

 

We have that glory in our hearts right now if we have put our faith in Jesus.

 

2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (ESV) — 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18 And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.

 

We are the ambassadors of a new and better way. There is no political system that can offer the hope of the gospel. This must be our priority above all things.

 

2 Corinthians 5:20–21 (ESV) — 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

 

God has given us the responsibility of taking this message to our family, friends, neighbors, and those who come in contact with us. How serious are we?

 

PONDER:

1. Few of us go to prison for our faith, but most of us deserve prison for our lack of faith. Are we shrinking back or going forward?
2. When was the last time we shared the gospel or identified with the savior? [Walking with God daily is not going to church weekly.]

 

PRAYER: Father, wake us up to the task before us. We have a high calling. We are ambassadors to the King of Kings and God over all. Peter calls us a kingdom of priests. And yet what are we doing? Give us courage, boldness, and opportunities to share our faith in our communities.

QT 5/24/2024 2 Tim 1:-7, What does ministry look like?

2 Timothy 2:1–7 (ESV) —

1 You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 3 Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him. 5 An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 It is the hard-working farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. 7 Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.

 

NOTE: After years of ministry service, Paul had developed pictures in his mind of what it meant to serve the Lord. After sharing the 4-generation discipleship verse 2:2 (you -- Timothy; me -- Paul; faithful men; others), Paul lays out 3 pictures of discipleship.

 

The picture of the soldier seems to center around focus and energy. I remember working directly for a one-star general as a young lieutenant. When he gave me a task, I worked all night if needed to get it done the next day. I wanted to please him, and so I focused on his task above all else and put all my energy into. That is the way, I should take the tasks that Jesus gives to me.

 

The picture of the athlete is one of integrity. Breaking the rules brings shame. It is far better to lose and have competed correctly than to win and suffer shame when cheating is discovered. A lifetime of success can be destroyed by one bad deed. Our witness always hangs on a knife's edge. The enemy is looking to disgrace us and our message. We MUST stay far from sin.

 

The picture of the farmer is not as clear. I grew up on a farm. I loved to taste the fresh produce. It was the joy of taking a seed and seeing it come to fruition. I suppose seeing God change a person from a sinner to a born-again believer brings that same joy. And I have experienced that joy. I just don't understand Paul's reason for the picture. Maybe, saving people needs to be our motivation. Without Jesus, people are lost. There is no hope without Jesus. Life can be very depressing when we separate ourselves from the source and creator of life. God has given us this seed to spread. We have the answer to the futility of life. What are we doing with it?

 

PONDER:

1. What is the focus of my life?
2. Do I live my life above reproach?
3. Do I care for people and their need for a savior?

 

PRAYER: Father, increase my love for the lost. Give me boldness and opportunities to share my faith with others. Multiply my life into others.

QT 5/23/2024 2 Time 1:13-18, Glimpses of God in the midst of pain and sorrow

2 Timothy 1:13–18 (ESV) — 13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

15 You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, 17 but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me— 18 may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day!—and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.

 

NOTE: I've been there, where it seems everyone and everything is against you, and then God supplies that one person to refresh you and remind you that God cares and he is at work in your present circumstances. We will all go through hard times in life. It can include a myriad of attacks -- financial struggles, persecution for faith, physical health, and many more things. I don't believe God promises to protect us from pain -- the world is evil because we chose to rebel from God's rule back in the garden. Pain shows our need for God to rule, and for us to repent and return to him. He does promise that in ALL things, he works for the good of those who love him. But remember, God's definition of what is 'good' for our life is not always how we view 'good.' God wants us to experience a deep relationship with him and seldom does it occur through abundance. My message to the person suffering -- don't give up. The Lord loves you greatly. He cares!

 

PONDER:

1. Do you trust God in the midst of your pain?
2. Can you believe his love for you is great and he will bring good out of the situation, if you know him?

 

PRAYER: Father, Have mercy on me. I am undeserving of any goodness on your part. You have loved me. You sent your son to the cross to die for me. And you have given me eternal life and a relationship with you that has changed everything about me. Thank you.

QT 5/21/2024 2 Tim 1:6-12, How is my fire going?

2 Timothy 1:6–12 (ESV) — 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 gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.

 

NOTE: Upon belief in Jesus, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our salvation (Eph 1:13). All Christian are also given a spiritual gift. I believe, based on the passage today, that there are times when God gives additional gifts for a peculiar role. The 'laying on of hands' sounds like an ordination ceremony, and it makes sense for God to give additional gifts to perform an ordained position (such as Pastor, Missionary, or as an Elder). Nowhere does it say that we are only given one spiritual gift. But I also believe that a gift of God must be exercised and built. A person who has the gift of knowledge does not know all things or have all the gifts of a researcher, but as he or she uses that gift, the person grows in their ability to discover truth in scripture -- it even will appear supernatural (which is the definition of spiritual gifts). The point is, whatever our gift, what are we doing to increase the effectiveness and skill of our gift? The first and obvious step is to put yourself in situations where you have to use your gift. The next steps require thought and will be different for each gift.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I growing in my spiritual gift?
2. Have I let the fires of my spiritual birth die?

 

PRAYER: Father, everything really starts with our relationship with you. If we are not meeting daily with you, everything falls apart. It is ridiculous to try to improve a spiritual gift if we are not meeting daily with you.

QT 5/20/2024 2 Tim 1:3-5, Painful circumstances require true faith

2 Timothy 1:3–5 (ESV) — 3 I thank God whom I serve, as did my ancestors, with a clear conscience, as I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. 4 As I remember your tears, I long to see you, that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.

 

NOTE: This is a very personal letter. It is made more so by the number of individuals mentioned by name and by the memories he recalls. Apparently the last time together ended bitterly. Probably, Rome interrupted and took Paul back to prison. But Paul was very encouraged. His conscience was clear before God. He had done all he could to tell people of Jesus and to train disciples and disciple makers. I know disciples who are in prison, one who is close to me and who I led to the Lord when I was young. It is hard, especially when I see the injustice of the charges. But we must focus, we must fix our eyes on Jesus. God knows our struggles. He cares deeply for us. And he can do the impossible. I don't know if or when my friend will be released. But I can be confident, that God cares and is bringing about the very best for him in the situation he now resides.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I still have faith in God when things do not go the way I want?
2. Or is my faith shallow and dependent upon "right happenings?"

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray for my friend. I pray that you would use him in the situation he is in. I pray for your comfort. I pray for grace. I pray for justice. I pray that you would empower him in your service.

 

QT 5/17/2024 1 Tim 6:20-2 Tim 1:2, The importance of true knowledge

1 Timothy 6:20–2 Timothy 1:2 (ESV) —

20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.

Grace be with you.

2 Tim 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus,

2 To Timothy, my beloved child:

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

 

NOTE: These verses don't really go together, although one is the ending of Paul's first letter, and the other is the beginning of Paul's last letter to Timothy. Last words are often the most emotional, and with a life-well lived, are full of wisdom. In the first letter, Paul had warned Timothy of irreverent babble and "contradictions" that are falsely called "knowledge." The same things could be said today to any teacher or preacher of God's word who is in the middle of their life. The thing that stands out to me in the second letter is the emotion, "my beloved child." Emotion is a very dangerous quality that God gave us. When it is not tempered with godly knowledge, emotion can lead people astray. Even today, news shows are more about triggering emotional reactions than actually presenting facts, pros, and cons. Emotions are good, but they must be checked by truth. Knowledge alone is not enough as knowledge can be false. The only knowledge that is certainly true is what God has revealed in his Word. It is and should be our main source of true knowledge. For those who do not spend time each day in his word, they are in great danger of not growing to know their savior or of making poor emotional decisions that could result in irrevocable consequences.

 

PONDER:

What is the basis of my knowledge: God's word or the opinions of the world's 'elites'?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray that I would continue in your word, growing in your knowledge and changing to be more like my savior.

QT 5/16/2024 1 Tim 6:17-21, Using wealth properly

1 Timothy 6:17–21 (ESV) — 17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.

Grace be with you.

 

NOTE: It is not evil to be rich or to have riches. David and Solomon were rich. Lydia was rich and her giving was very helpful to Paul's ministry. The point is not the money, but what it does to you. Wealth can create pride. It can make people think they are more important than others. The real storing up is not the money, but the treasure of good works by using the money for the kingdom's sake. Finally, our faith is not to be based upon our money. That was one of Job's two lessons. He was the richest man of the east, but riches cannot solve all of the problems of life. Riches do not give the power needed for every event. Faith is required and trust that God cares, as he does for every one of his children, those who have called upon his name. True life is not found in buying things but in giving. Money will disappear someday -- what will we have left when we stand before God? How will we have used what he gave? Will we be the like the man who buried his talent (hid his money) and never used it for the kingdom sake? Or will we use and give our talents (our riches) for the kingdom sake, growing the kingdom? There is no tomorrow to decide, there is only today, tomorrow never comes to those who put off things they should do.

 

PONDER:

1. How am I using my wealth?
2. Do I make plans on how to increase my giving (not my getting)?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for all that you have given over the years. Continue to show me ways to give and support others in ministry. I want to be a blessing to others.

QT 5/15/2024 1 Tim 6:11-16, Living for what lasts

1 Timothy 6:11–16 (ESV) — 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

 

NOTE: There is much to learn from this passage and much one can meditate upon. For one thing, there is contrast with the previous passage and the pursuit of money, with the pursuit of righteousness, godliness, etcetera. But the verse that stands out is "Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called …." God gives eternal life when we receive Jesus. It is not only a quantity, but a quality of life. Yet many of us live for things that are not eternal but are temporary. Money is a temporary thing. But there are eternal things of infinitely more value -- a deeper walk with God, knowledge of his Word, and relationships with people. All three of these will exist into eternity. These items do not steal our joy but are worthy pursuits that benefit us in this life and the life to come.

 

PONDER:

1. How much time do I spend on eternal pursuits?
2. How can I make my "temporary" activities (things that will cease to exist upon Christ's return), eternal?

 

PRAYER: Father, may I use my days wisely. May I pursue things that last and not the things of this world. Give me grace to live as you desire me.

QT 5/14/2024 1 Tim 6:6-10, Contentment is great gain

1 Timothy 6:6–10 (ESV) — 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

 

NOTE: In general, contentment is a great strategy for life. It changes everything. But it can be hard to live in contentment if your faith is not deep. When we believe that there really is more to life than what we see physically; when we believe that the unseen world is real; when we believe that we have eternal life -- we can let go of all those expectations and desires of this life. We don't have to be right. We don't have to get a share. We don't need to have things go the way we want. The result is that we can experience a peace that is almost unexplainable. It can exist in the midst of pain and suffering. It does not rely on circumstances.

 

On the other hand, when this life consumes us, it makes us antsy, impatient, critical, and demanding. The is no real peace. And little victories or rewards are short term and nowhere near as fulfilling as we thought they would be. Life is not meant to be lived for stuff. Only a deep relationship with God can root out the junk that consumes our life.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I live wishing for things I never got?
2. Am I truly content or have my expectations of life stolen my joy?
3. Can I be truly honest with myself?

 

PRAYER: Father, I've lived in both worlds, and still do at times. But the more time I spend with you, the more contentment rules my life. I am okay with what you have given. I am excited for today. I don't need to dream about tomorrow. Continue to give me joy and peace through your Holy Spirit.

QT 5/13/2024 1 Tim 6:3-5, Modern culture is not improving life

1 Timothy 6:3–5 (ESV) — 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

 

NOTE: To disagree with the sound words of Jesus is an incredible level of conceit, since the person would be placing themselves up against God. Why? Clearly the impact would be to cause arguing and dissension. To disagree with the plain sense of scripture is a level of apostasy rarely seen on a grand scale. I do see people who don't like something Paul wrote or who try to reinterpret something Jesus said. Some try to make the bible fit with today's cultures and mores in regard to marriage, sexual activity, gender roles, and gender definition. The issue is ignorance of who created us and an unwillingness to believe that the creator knows what is best for us to experience the blessing of life to the fullest.

 

We do have an enemy. There is a demonic realm. And it has done an incredible job in these last days to question everything that God has said without any real evidence. And as a scientist myself, I do mean that sincerely. The so-called studies regarding culture are often reported when the results fit the narrative but follow-on studies that fail to support the narrative are ignored. Theories fitting the cultural narrative are called settled-science, a term that is not scientific, but a made-up phrase to make something sound rational. A good scientist is always questioning and is always reevaluating the data. Our world is falling apart culturally in many ways. The anger and strife only increases. Yet no one questions the narrative that got us to where we are today.

 

PONDER:

1. Who is right, God or man?
2. If a person believes that man is right and God is wrong, it is because there is no belief in God. What is my belief?

 

PRAYER: Father, the end days will be a terrifying ordeal to those who have bought Satan's lies. I pray for families before they are ruined by following this toxic culture to turn to you and be rescued before it is too late.

QT 5/10/2024 1 Tim 6:1-2, Being a light at work

1 Timothy 6:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. 2 Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.

Teach and urge these things.

 

NOTE: Barclay estimates there were 60,000,000 slaves in the Roman Empire at the time of this letter. The NT neither approves or condones the use of slaves, although the Christian teaching (most notably in Gal 3:28 and Eph 6:29), certainly lifted them up and improved their lives. In the Jewish system, slaves were essentially a seven-year contract for a certain sum, but it only applied to Israelites serving another Israelite. It is the gospel and the belief that all men are created equal in the image of God that ultimately destroys slavery. Sadly, in many parts of Africa, the practice of slavery continues.

 

How does it apply today? Our system is no longer based on slavery contracts. But we do have employers and employees where much of the relationship remains. A boss tells us what to do and we must obey. We have the option of quitting, but depending on the employment conditions on the outside, our freedom from a bad boss is not so easily exercised. And really Paul's admonition here has nothing to do with job opportunities but rather witnessing opportunities. We are to honor our bosses so that they have no reason to slander our faith. And if your boss is also a believer, you should not try and take advantage of the relationship but work just as hard, since you are benefitting a brother in Christ.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I treat my boss? Or if am a boss, how do I treat my employees?
2. Would others know I am a Christian by my attitude at work? Am I any different from any other employee or boss?

 

PRAYER: Father, I thank you that I learned this lesson many years ago and that the workplace became a place of ministry. It was not a place where I shared the gospel in words so much as where I shared the gospel through my life, hard work, and a good attitude. Without barely mentioning my faith, it became known among others. I pray that our lives at work would bring people to consider Jesus.

QT 5/9/2024 1 Tim 5:17-21, Seeing the positive as well

1 Timothy 5:17–21 (ESV) — 17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.

 

NOTE: Considering some of the leadership issues that Timothy was facing, it is interesting that Paul exhorts Timothy to honor and protect the good leaders. I suppose, too much attention on the negative doesn't build up the positive aspects in the church. Rather than take on the role of Mr. Fixit, we need to be careful not to see all things in a negative light. It is just as important to honor and protect the good things that are happening as it is to deal with the things that are going bad. I can be fairly critical, and I need to take a step back, and look and see the good things. The people in attendance last night took the time out of their evening to listen to an unpaid teacher speak on a very complicated and difficult subject. They deserve applause for making that effort.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I only see the negative things, and am always suggesting ways to fix?
2. Or do I see the positive things as well, and am complimenting those quiet unseen servants?

 

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the message and reminder. I want to be an encourager, not a criticizer. Forgive me for when I get in that human tendency of judging things. May I rest in the peace that you give and see things as you see them.

QT 5/8/2024 1 Tim 5:16, Are we fighting against God

1 Timothy 5:16 (ESV) — If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.

 

NOTE: So why does the passage single out women? First, I believe we are talking about married women who have resources. Second, while men can do this task, I believe that women are uniquely equipped to care for others and especially for other women. The husband's work provides the resources, and so the burden falls onto the believing family to care for the widows that are their relatives. The passage is not saying it is "woman's work" or that men are incapable (in some cases that is true), rather that is part of the role assigned by God. Since the role is assigned by God, it is glorious and is a form of worship. It is the glory of a woman to care. It is the glory of a man to provide (protect, sustain, cherish, and lead spiritually). I know this idea is not a popular idea in today's culture. Because of the failure of men in their roles throughout history, Satan has attacked the cultural structure God created. We use terms like "nuclear family" to scoff at the idea. But the idea is established in the very first chapters of Genesis. Our discomfort and brokenness with life arises out of our rejection of these truths. Our culture has not made us any happier. It has fooled and deceived us.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I truly happy with my role in life?
2. Am I grasping for something that God never promised?
3. Do I find myself fighting against God (or as God said to Paul, "kicking against the goads"? Life is very painful when we fight God.

 

PRAYER: Father, help us to see where we are fighting against you. Open our eyes to truly see life as you see it. Help us to listen to you and what you are saying to us.

QT 5/7/2024 1 Tim 5:11-15, Work and waiting upon God

1 Timothy 5:11–15 (ESV) — 11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry 12 and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. 13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. 14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. 15 For some have already strayed after Satan.

 

NOTE: There is a lot going on in this verse and it would take a lot of study to resolve some of the apparent conflicts. I will say that I have observed repeatedly in my life, young godly Christian women who upon finding a man (usually a non-Christian who pretends some faith) who shows some interest in her, marry the unbelieving man with the argument that he will change in time. I have seen this over and over again. And for every ten, there is one case where it turns out well. In the end, if they do not abandon the faith, they are rendered useless in the kingdom and powerless with their faith.

 

Concerning young widows, work is good. Work protects us from foolishness. Idleness is a trap and over time will give the enemy opportunity to draw the person away from the faith and into many useless and sinful endeavors, thereby ruining their witness. This is true for a man as well as a women. Jobs were not abundant for woman as they were for men in those days, and so raising children was one of the few available.

 

PONDER:

1. If I am single, am I willing to wait upon God for a godly spouse?
2. Do I take work seriously, or do I live for leisure? Do I believe work is good for me?

 

PRAYER: Father, while some of this passage is hard to related to in a modern age, the dangers are still apparent. Satan has worked hard to destroy the idea of marriage, but it is a very good thing when done within the boundaries you have set up. I pray for young Christian women today. Help them to wait. Help them to trust you. Help them to find godly husbands who can lead them to grow closer to you.

QT 5/6/2024 1 Tim 5:9-10, Honoring the aged who worked hard for the Lord

1 Timothy 5:9–10 (ESV) — 9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.

 

NOTE: This passage seems to provide a little bit more detail to the previous passage. Apparently there was a list (some called it an "order") of widows. I think these were widows without any means of financial support. They had to be 60 or older. They had to faithful to their husband in their life. The passage does not exclude marrying more than once, since in verse 14 Paul encourages younger widows to remarry. Rather, these are women who showed fidelity to their husband. It does not say that she had to have children but that she brought up children, that is, knows how to care for children. She is humble, willing to take on the role of a servant if needed (usually only servants washed feet). She knows how to care for the ill, and finally she has lived her life doing good works for others. The church owes these widows, who have no support, to provide and care for them in their older years.

 

In some ways, this is an honor to be put on the list. These women honored God in their lives, and the church needs to honor them in their old age.

 

PONDER:

1. What am I doing now (today) in terms of good works?
2. What am I known for in terms of my life?

 

PRAYER: Father, help me in these years to establish a reputation that honors you in all that I do. I want to be known as a servant of others. In my latter years, I don't want to be that old bitter man who only cares for himself.

QT 5/3/2024 1 Tim 5:3-8, Avoiding bitterness when old

1 Timothy 5:3–8 (ESV) — 3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

 

NOTE: There are three types of widows addressed in the passage. 1) It is clear that those widows with children should receive support from their children. That is the duty of their believing children. 2) A widow without children should be supported by the church. 3) And finally, a widow without children and who is  self-indulgent, the church has no responsibility to care for them.

 

Some people have widowed Moms who are old, but who live such bitter, gossipy lives, that it is very difficult to give them support. Nowadays, the government does provide a basic income, but even just the believer's responsibility to call and communicate is very painful. It is hard to know what to do, although it would seem from the passage, to the degree it is possible, we do need to continue the communication, and if nearby, the visitation.

 

How do we avoid becoming that kind of person, bitter and always creating drama? We need to be content in Jesus while we are young. We need to let go of the "what if's" and the "if only's" and thank God for everything in life. If we don't live a life of gratitude, we will end up being those people who drive us crazy in their old life.

 

PONDER:

1. Are there hurts that I have not let go?
2. Am I a complainer, never satisfied with who I am or where I am in life?
3. Do I regularly thank God in everything? Or only when I get what I want?

 

PRAYER: Father, it is not too late to avoid being a bitter old man or bitter old woman. Help us to be grateful for everything that has happened in life. Help us to rejoice always as both Paul and James reminded their readers. Keep us from Satan's tool of bitterness.

QT 5/2/2024 1 Tim 5:1-2, Treat everyone with love and gentleness

1 Timothy 5:1–2 (ESV) — 1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.

 

NOTE: My initial response to this passage is "Why?" I suppose the first thing to note is that while the word "rebuke" is used about 120 times in the gospels and approximately 30 times in the epistles, but this is the only use of the Greek word epiplesso. This is a strong word for rebuke, meaning,

 

1 to strike upon, beat upon. 2 to chastise with words, to chide, upbraid, rebuke. [Strongs]

 

In other words, when we do have something to say against an older man, it must be done in a gentle and encouraging manner. Likewise, the comparisons to family in the other encounters, all suggest a "loving" response to the individual. It is not as if the leader is "playing politics," but rather the other person is more likely to listen if the admonishment is done is a positive and uplifting manner.

 

Anger usually only begets anger. It is not a sign of weakness to be meek or a sign of strength to be aggressive. We stand before God. He made us who we are and his opinion is the only opinion that counts. Therefore, we need to confident in who we are and gently convey truth to the other person in a manner that causes them to listen and to grow.

 

PONDER:

1. How do I respond to people that are disagreeable?
2. How do I seek to correct people?
3. How would I want to be corrected?

 

PRAYER: Father, these words to Timothy are the same words you have spoken to me over many years and in various ways. Thank you for the change that you have brought about in my life. Continue to lead me and help me to see and observe when I act contrary to this word.

QT 5/1/2024 1 Tim 4:9-16, Keep in the Word

1 Timothy 4:9–16 (ESV) — 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

 

NOTE: I like Paul's exhortation to "immerse yourself in them," referring to reading the word, exhorting, teaching, among other things. It is this attitude of life that brings about change and causes others to see progress (change) in your life. The word of God is very powerful both to change me and change others. Since coming to Christ many years ago, I have persisted in the word, and I have seen the effect. I am not the same person I was. I am very different. I will always have room to grow, but I can sense the peace and joy that the Lord has placed in my heart. Life can still strike me down, and I don't doubt I will fail when suffering grows too large, but I know that I will come out of every challenge stronger.

 

PONDER:

1. Are we growing in Christ every year? Are we different or stagnant?
2. Are we seeing the impact of our life on others for their good?

 

PRAYER: Father, give us a deep love for your word. Help us to find time to meet with you and allow you to change us. Make us witnesses that are a pleasing aroma to you.