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.

QT 4/30/2024 1 Tim 4:6-8, Meeting with God regularly is life-changing

1 Timothy 4:6–8 (ESV) — 6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

 

NOTE: "Train yourself for godliness" is why the spiritual disciplines are so important. We need to renew our mind, and that is done reading the word of God. The word of God is living and active. It can break things down. It can cut away to the root issue. It can burn away the dross. It can light the way. It can reveal sin. But you must accompany reading the word with application, otherwise you will only be a hearer, not a doer, and you will deceive yourselves.

 

The most life changing habit that a person can do is a DAILY quiet time. A quiet time is where you start the day with a short prayer, a short reading of a passage from scripture (not someone else's devotional), and then writing down your thoughts -- allowing the Holy Spirit to speak to you through your pen (or keyboard if you type your thoughts like me), and then you pray based on what God has shown you from his word. At that point, if you want to read a related devotional, that's fine, but don't let someone else's spirituality substitute for God changing you spiritually.

 

PONDER:

1. Do you have a regular, daily quiet time?
2. Are you short changing your life by letting other things crowd out God?

 

PRAYER: Father, I don't know how to say it any stronger. We need time in your word to truly meet with you and know you. Jesus told Martha that Mary had chosen what was far better, as Mary sat at Jesus' feet listening to his word. Make us into Mary's and protect us from the things that keep us from meeting with you.

QT 4/29/2024 1 Tim 4:1-5, Loving God genuinely

1 Timothy 4:1–5 (ESV) — 1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.

 

NOTE: A lot could be said about this passage, but it is clearly false teaching that encouraged legalism that Paul is denouncing. The thing about legalism is that it puts the emphasis on the individual, not on the Holy Spirit. Thanksgiving puts the emphasis on God, and not the individual. But we must not swing the pendulum too hard in the other direction either as Lea notes below:

 

Paul’s comments about eating call for three observations. First, Paul normally regarded what a person eats as an indifferent matter so long as the practice does not cause spiritual harm to another believer (1 Cor 8:8–9). Second, partial asceticism may be a helpful experience for some, but it should not be enforced as a means of salvation (Col 2:20–23). Third, Paul was resisting a theologically based asceticism. He would not necessarily oppose an asceticism whose goal was to give physical strength to the body.

[Lea, T. D., & Griffin, H. P. (1992). 1, 2 Timothy, Titus (Vol. 34, p. 130). Broadman & Holman Publishers.]

 

But someone might reply that isn't spiritual discipline a form of legalism? There is a difference between legalism and discipline. I've put some thoughts together over the years.

 

1. Legalism loves laws, and discipline loves God.
2. The object of legalism amounts to the “dos and don'ts”, while the object of discipline is God and God alone.
3. Legalism says, “I will do this thing in order to gain merit before God.” Discipline says, “I love God, I love the Lord Jesus Christ and I will discipline myself to please them.” (where the idea of pleasing recognizes that in no way can we increase the love of God toward us)
4. Legalism is man-centered; discipline is God-centered.

 

PONDER:

1. I need to be very careful in my teaching. Am I suggesting legalism in any of the applications I suggest?
2. Am I confusing my spiritual disciplines with legalism? I don't think so, because I truly enjoy my spiritual disciplines.

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray that as a church we would seek you with all of our heart. I pray we would turn from legalism if it has developed anywhere, and turn to you in love. I pray we would be serious (disciplined) in our walk, and genuinely loving in our relationships with other.

QT 4/26/2024 1 Tim 3:14-16, The mystery of godliness

1 Timothy 3:14–16 (ESV) — 14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh,

vindicated by the Spirit,

seen by angels,

proclaimed among the nations,

believed on in the world,

taken up in glory.

 

NOTE: What is the mystery of godliness? It really is that Jesus gave us his righteousness.

 

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV) — 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 became flesh, and proved he was both God and man. He brought a message of hope in the world. A small group of disciples believed. And he proved all his claims by rising from the dead. He is the firstfruit of many more who will be resurrected onto life. In and of ourselves, it would be impossible, but the mystery of godliness is that God made it possible.

 

PONDER:

1. Have you experienced the new life, the new creation?
2. Have you been born again?

 

PRAYER: Lord, I pray the questions would echo in the hearts and minds of those who don't know you. I pray for an awakening that would bring many to Christ before the great and terrible day of the Lord.

QT 4/25/2024 1 Tim 3:11-13, Roles were created for our fulfillment

1 Timothy 3:11–13 (ESV) — 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

 

NOTE: Technically, the verse does not say "their wives" and is more easily translated "women." In understanding this and the previous verses, verses 8-10 would apply to all deacons (regardless of sex), then special requirements for the woman (verse 11), then special requirements for the man (verse 12), and finally a promise to all deacons (verse 13). Why do I think verse 12 applies only to men, because I believe the primary responsibility of the man is be the spiritual head of the home. The woman is able to do the job, but it is the role God assigned to man. God gave him that role and he is responsible. Failure reflects on the man, not on the woman (although most failed marriages do show failures distributed to both, still this is something a man should take responsibility to heal). As men and women serve the body in the role as Deacons and Deaconess, there is a special confidence they receive in our faith, because they see God using their lives for the good of others.

 

Our culture does not like the idea of "roles," and so our problem is with God, not the church. God says that we find our fulfillment and happiness in following how he created us. Satan has particularly attacked us in this area, and we are blind to the pain our "freedom" has brought us.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe God or do I believe the culture?
2. Do I seek my happiness in the world's view of how life should be lived?
3. Do I know any difference?

 

PRAYER: Father, the enemy has deceived this culture in so many way: sexual identity, gender, marriage, roles, sexual desires, creation,  made in the image of God, existence of sin and guilt, absolute truth, morals importance of work, existence of a hidden world of demons, heaven, hell, and the list goes on. And the secret is that everything we are told is untrue is actually true. Open our eyes to your truth and to real life.

QT 4/24/2024 1 Tim 3:8-10, Deacon, a high calling

1 Timothy 3:8–10 (ESV) — 8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless.

 

NOTE: The list for deacons is shorter than the list for elders. In Acts, we see the first usage of deacons as they were appointed by the apostles to care for the widows and free up the apostles for prayer and the word of God. There is no restriction on maturity (i.e., recent convert), so it is possible for men of good character, but young in the Lord to serve as deacons. But they are to be tested, probably because there is no restriction on maturity. What would be the test? I think that would require "time," but not as much time as required to be an elder. In general, both positions represent the church body both to other members and to the world as a whole. The church suffers greatly when men are chosen to serve as deacons and elders, and do not meet the biblical requirements.

 

Many people, that I and others have shared the gospel to, have commented on a bad church experience, sometimes involving deacons or elders. The positions are a serious thing and can impact others far more than what we might expect. Consequently, it is even more important to maintain a connection with the head, Jesus, and listen to the word so that the enemy does not deceive us.

 

PONDER:

1. As a church leader, do I realize the impact I have on others?
2. Do I regularly meet with God and apply his word to my life?
3. Am I becoming more like Jesus?

 

PRAYER: Father, I pray that you would protect me from the devil's schemes. I do not want to bring disgrace to the body of Christ. I want to be a positive example and story to those seeking truth.

QT 4/23/2024 1 Tim 3:1-7, Leaders are gentle

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 Greek word for overseer is episkope, and refers to an overseer or church leader; one who "watches over." I think of the term as referring to the elders, pastors, or spiritual leaders of the church, as opposed to the deacons, who minister through serving. There are differences as well with the deacon requirements. I will focus on two of the requirements, "not violent but gentle" and "not quarrelsome." I know some church leaders who always have an opinion of every action. Their language is stern. They are quick to criticize. And they always have a reason why they are right. Those men are not, or should not be elders (church leaders). It is a different person, a man who has been humbled by God, who has learned gentleness, humility, and kindness -- those who are able to teach and share the other characteristics in the above list, those are the ones we want as church leaders. Even though this list is for elders, I think it is a list that every man should aspire to in some degree.

 

PONDER:

1. In that list, what is the area where I am the weakest?
2. What am I doing to grow and change to be more like Jesus?

 

PRAYER: Father, I am certainly not young any more, but I can still allow myself to get puffed-up. Forgive me. Help me to see myself as others see me. Give me grace to change.

QT 4/22/2024 1 Tim 2:11-15, Trusting God for joy in your marriage

1 Timothy 2:11–15 (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; 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: I know this is not a popular verse, nor is the teaching for a man to be the spiritual head of the home. Men shudder to lead their home spiritually, and so I understand the woman's response. But, I don't believe we need to apologize for this verse. A man needs to take the lead spiritually. A man needs to love his wife as Christ loved the church, sacrificially giving himself for her. Until men live as God intended men to live, women will struggle with verses like this and I don't blame them, I blame men. I even blame Adam for not stepping in when the serpent deceived Eve. From the text (NIV84), we read,

 

Genesis 3:6 (NIV84) — 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

 

This is the start of the problem, in the preceding conversation in Genesis, not once did Adam intervene and take leadership. The NIV84 says that he "was with her." He failed as a leader. Eve failed as well. They listened to Satan instead of listening to God. I cannot explain Paul's command to Timothy, and why it is better for this type of relationship/role to work, but I believe by faith that our greatest opportunity for joy is by trusting God's word.

 

PONDER:

1. Do I believe in God's plan for successful marriage relationships, or do I accept the world's plan for successful marriage relationships? Which works better?
2. Do I believe in a pick and choose philosophy to scripture, denying the authority of some parts of Scripture? And who chooses what is right and wrong?

 

PRAYER: Father, I know this passage makes many angry. It is opposed to the current worldview. I really don't think the current worldview on women has made women happier or healthier. I don't think our marriages are better. We need to trust you. Men need to assume their responsibility for leading in love and servanthood. Father, help us to see and believe that your plan works best.