1 Timothy

A Hurting World Filled With Hurting People - 1 Timothy 2:1-2

10:00 AM

 1 Timothy 2:1-2


Right now the world is in crisis. War in Ukraine, soaring fuel costs, and rising inflation, are but a few of the challenges we face. And that’s why now more than ever, we are called to be mighty prayer warriors! Soldiers on our knees filling the heavens with our petitions. Prayers for ourselves, each other, and especially our leaders. 


In his letter to Timothy, the apostle Paul tells us that Christians have a duty to pray for all mankind, leaders, and those in authority. And he gives us four types of prayers we’re to use when praying both privately and publicly.  Deēseis, proseuchas, enteuxeis, and eucharistias. Translated into English, these are supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings.


Supplications are those fervent pleas we make to God for immediate response. Prayers refer to all of our general petitions made to the Lord. Intercessions are those prayers from the heart where we lift up before God the needs of others. And thanksgivings are those prayers of praise for all God is, does, and blesses us with each and every day.


Before we  received Jesus as our Savior, we were eternally separated from God. His eyes were blind to our troubles, and His ears deaf to our cries. But now, through the blood of Jesus Christ, we have the privilege and honor of fellowshipping with God. We can approach His throne of grace, and lay our prayers at His feet. Prayers for a hurting world filled with hurting people. On that note, I’d like to leave you with a beautiful little poem about praying for others.


                                                    “Others”


Lord help me live from day to day in such a self forgetful way, 

that even when I kneel to pray, my prayer shall be for others. 

And when my work on Earth is done, and my new work in Heaven begun, may I forget the crown I've won, while thinking still of others. Others, Lord, others, let this my motto be. Help me to live for others, that I may live like Thee….(anonymous)


Today I challenge you to spend some time on your knees. Go to God in prayer. Pray for this world. Pray for all who are facing persecution, hardship, and death. And don’t forget to thank and praise Him along the way. For as the saying goes, “there but for the grace of God go I.” 


1 Timothy

Shining From The Beauty Within - The Virtuous Woman

12:00 PM

 



The Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31: 10-31)



There is no individual story to write, for the Proverbs 31 woman is us all. Or at least the woman God wants to develop in us all. She is everything admirable in both a woman and a wife. And as someone once said, rather than being the yardstick by which all woman are measured, the virtuous woman is the goal we as women should be moving toward. 

When asked to describe true beauty, author Mandy Hale wrote, “There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.” That’s who the Proverbs 31 woman is. Clothed in strength and dignity, her heart is surrendered to thankfulness for all God blesses her with. And out of that thankfulness, comes a character worthy of her family’s praise. For the beauty she exhibits within, shines through in her care for others, sparkling brighter than the largest diamond. And with hearts overflowing with praise her family cries out, “her worth is far above jewels.”


Now that’s not to say we are to be shrinking violets, or are to hide our beauty. After all we are made in the image of God. Each of us is a masterpiece formed by the hands of the Creator of beauty Himself. But as Peter teaches, “Your adornment must not be merely external- braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:3-4)


These are the qualities that glorify God and honor those around us. Qualities such as humility, caring, wisdom, and goodness. And after all, what could be more beautiful than having the glory of the Lord shining through us for all to see? For as Proverbs 31:30 says,” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” 


Ask yourself whose praise is it that you want. Worldly praise for a beautiful shell, or the praise of God and those around you for a heart surrendered to God? Timothy tells us, better to be adorned “by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim of godliness.” (1 Tim. 2:10), then to be just a pretty face. I love how Wayne Barber says, “There is no makeup that will make you look better than godliness. There is no hairstyle that can hold a candle to holiness. And there is no etiquette that earns respect and honor like righteousness.”


If you’re like me, you have work to do in becoming a virtuous woman. And it’s going take a lot of grace in getting there. But we serve the God of grace. One who knows our struggles, fear, and downfalls. And if we will let Him, in time, God will develop the character traits, found in a Proverbs 31 woman. A woman who is a blessing to all who know her, and one worthy of praise whether it is given or not. 



1 Timothy

Pay Close Attention {1 Timothy 4:1-6:21}

10:33 PM


While the apostle Paul traveled to Macedonia, he left behind his beloved Timothy to take charge of the church at Ephesus. It was quite a daunting job indeed. Timothy was young and inexperienced and the problems of the church included the teaching of false doctrines, misconduct, and apostasy. But Paul believed Timothy had what it took to get the job done, and the faith in God to see him through. And so Paul writes a letter to his beloved friend encouraging him, guiding him, and warning him to pay close attention to not only the conduct of the church, but more importantly his own; lest the message of the gospel be discredited. 

The name Timothy means, “one who honors God”, and as pastor of the church, both his testimony and his lifestyle needed to live up to his title. Paul warned him to be constantly aware saying, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teachings; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” (4:16) As it was with Timothy, so it is with us. We too need to pay close attention to our own conduct ensuring that our message of the gospel brings both people to Jesus, and glory to the Lord. The world is watching to see if we are not only talking the talk, but walking the walk. Like Timothy we need to, “in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.” (vs. 4:12) How do we show ourselves as godly examples? Paul gives us the tools we need to be on guard so that instead of becoming liabilities to the gospel, we become valuable assets.

He begins by telling us to beware of wrong doctrine. Paul warns that in “later times” many would fall away from the faith, “paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons”. We see this happening in the world today. Many are leaving the sound, true doctrine of the Bible for “feel good religion”.  They eagerly follow false teachers with their messages that tickle the ears and justify worldly lifestyles. We need to pay close attention to the words that both we and other believers speak to make sure they line up with God’s Word. And by doing so not only will we lead others to His truth we will become, “a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.” (vs. 4:6)

Knowing God’s Word comes from spending time both in His presence and in the Bible. Paul can’t stress enough the importance of the scriptures. We need to pay close attention that we are reading them, urging others to do the same, and teaching their meanings to those around us. And equally important is our alone time with God. By carving out a space reserved just for the Lord each day, we both learn more about Him and His ways, and strengthen our relationship with Him. We become more Christlike, and when we reflect His character, we become powerful witnesses to the world. For as Paul tells us when we “take great pains with these”, and are “absorbed in them”, our “progress will be evident to all”.

Too many times I have been guilty of not practicing due diligence when it comes to giving my relationship with God the time and attention it deserves. Discipline is not my strong suit. Yet Paul advises us to, “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (vs. 4:7-8) We need to pay close attention to make sure we are becoming disciplined for the purpose of godliness. Why? Because godliness transforms our lives into ones God intends for us to have. Lives of love, peace, joy, and fulfillment. “For it is this we labor and strive, because we fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.” (vs. 4:10) And what better attraction could there be for the lost then seeing a follower of Jesus leading a godly life to its fullest.


1 Timothy

Real Contentment!

12:00 AM



Welcome to Scripture Saturday!

Today we are memorizing 1Timothy 6:6,7…

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.

I love reading verses in the Amplified version as well…

But godliness actually is a source of great gain when accompanied by contentment [that contentment which comes from a sense of inner confidence based on the sufficiency of God]. For we have brought nothing into the world, so [it is clear that] we cannot take anything out of it, either.

As followers of Christ our lives need to be focused on pursuing holiness in behavior, attitude, and thought.  Easy to do in this world?  - no - but we should continue to choose to be content in whatever circumstances God has placed us, placing our trust in a Sovereign God, as Paul himself writes while in prison…

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.  I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound.  In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (Phil 4:11,12)

Paul’s secret? “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (Phil 4:13)

Contentment, as Paul is describing, is a mindset, a heart set, and a work set…knowing/believing/behaving that our real home is in heaven. "It requires but little of this world's goods to satisfy a man who feels himself to be a citizen of another country, and knows that this is not his rest." (Clarke)

Father, thank you for all of the blessings that you have bestowed upon us, for the spiritual wealth that You have given us through Your Son and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help us to keep our eyes and thoughts upon the riches we have in You and in the eternal wealth that has been given us.  Help us to see through this world’s constant reminder of what will make us “happy” - to see it as the work of satan and a testing given by him. We desire to place our hearts solely on the true treasure - You!


Have a blessed and precious day everyone!

1 Timothy

Aspiring to Greater Things {1Timothy 3}

12:00 AM

I once was a young ballerina, at least in my mind I was! In truth, I took ballet lessons from a woman who once danced in the finest ballet company in the country; who filled me and the other girls with great aspirations of doing the same one day! Have you ever dreamed of fame and fortune? Of being someone greater than you consider yourself to be? If so, you certainly aren’t alone! For every singer, every actor, dancer... person that makes it to the top of their profession there are hundreds that never do. Thousands perhaps, that laid down their dreams somewhere along the way.

One thing is certain for all of us however, no matter if we accomplished our dreams or left them behind somewhere, one day the bright lights will dim, and the applause will grow silent for each one of us, and we will find ourselves bowed low before Almighty God- our Creator and have to give an account. On that day we will all be equal as our lives; accomplishments and past failures are laid out before Him.

The question that will be first and foremost on His mind will be, “What have you done with My Son? Did you love Him, accept Him, follow Him and make Him Lord of your life?” Then, I believe, next He’ll want to know what we did with the talents He gave each of us. This is where each of us won’t be equal, for the Bible clearly states that some have been given more than other, and to those given more, more will be expected.

Verses 14 and 15 are significant verse in this letter to Timothy, for here Paul states his reasons for writing, “...I am writing these instructions to you  in case I am delayed, so that you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in the household of God.” But what truly struck me the most was how he began his list of qualifications for the overseer and deacons of the local body, “The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.” (1 Tim 3:1) The terms overseer, pastor, elder or bishop are all used in the New Testament to refer to the same office, which would be the man placed in charge of watching over the congregation, or local body of believers.

The next thing that stuck me was Paul’s list of qualifications! Looking down the list I noticed that Paul is not giving a job description, but in essence is describing the character of the person who should serve in the position of 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.” (3:2-7) The description for deacons is fairly similar except that the overseer must be able to teach.

I love that when it comes to God’s church He has leveled the playing field. It doesn’t matter how rich or poor, nor how talented or beautiful, what matters is the heart. It's clear, Paul is speaking of a man  as an overseer, though I think all of us should aspire to possess these same qualities when we come before Him one day.
Hi Everyone!
If you enjoyed this post I'd like to personally invite you to join me and a wonderful, eclectic group of women from all over the world on a Facebook site we call, Women in the Word . We are currently traveling through the entire New Testament - one chapter a day! It has been such an incredibly journey which we want to share with you! So, if you've ever wanted to know more of what God's Word has to say about everything, and meet and make new friends from all over the world, come join us by clicking on this link . 
There will always be someone there to welcome you! Oh! And please feel free to invite others!
God bless you,
sue

1 Timothy

ALL People {1 Timothy 2}

12:30 AM

If you’ve been following our posts all summer, you probably have caught on that the Apostle Paul has been telling us to pray.  I know that these readings have made a huge impression on me, and I want to pray – and pray for people and circumstances I never considered in the past.

Paul reminds us here to pray for ALL people.  We are supposed to pray.  We need to pray.  But there’s a challenge here for all of us – we are to pray for ALL people.  For rich people, for poor people, for different ethnicities and nationalities.  Don’t let your prayers be for just the people you know and like.  We need to pray for ALL leaders.  Are you praying for our president?  And not that secret prayer that he will fall from his current position.  What about the leader of Russia?  How about your mayor?  ALL those politicians you disagree with?  We need to pray intentionally.  We need to pray for peace amidst persecution.  We need to pray for peace for the Church to thrive and not be in opposition.  Think about this - who was the ruler of the Roman Empire as Paul wrote this?  Nero!  Nero was the ruthless leader who had no trouble persecuting Christians.  He even executed his mother.  And burned Christians alive.  Paul was painting a picture of God wanting everyone to know of His salvation.  That cannot happen if we hold a grudge against a certain person or group of people.

We are saved by grace.  Undeserved!  I like what Richard Baxter, an old English pastor said about prayer.  “Do you not care who is damned as long as you are saved?  If so, you have sufficient cause to pity yourself, for it is a frame of spirit utterly inconsistent with grace.”

 Image result for 1 timothy 2:3

We pray because God desires the salvation of ALL people .

We pray because God deserves the honor of ALL people.

There is one God over all kinds of people.

We pray because Christ died for the rescue of ALL people. 

As we pray to God for all people, we preach the gospel to all people.

Did you know that one popular college degree is in gender studies?  Why do you think people are so interested in gender?  God’s Word applies to ALL people, ALL the time!  It’s not outdated or obsolete. 

Paul reminds men to pray with holy hands.  What are holy hands?  “Without anger or quarreling”.  We cannot pray before God when we have conflict with one another.  Prayer before God is fake if there’s no peace between you and someone else. 

“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar.  First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.”  Matthew 5:23-24

I wonder how often we go to church without being honest with God.  It’s so routine, that we don’t truly worship Him.  How often do we go in with an attitude or expectation?  How often are we clinging to sin?  I am grateful that as I enter my church, I enter with an opportunity to confess – to humbly come before the Lord and lay my sin down.  I can confess before the Lord before the worship service begins.

And then we come to verse 9.  Ladies, even over 2,000 years ago, women struggled with modesty.  Who are you dressing for when you go to church?  Are you attempting to draw men to look at you?  Are you choosing things that you will draw eyes to you?  Or are you asking yourself, “what can I wear that can best express a humble heart that wants nothing but the worship of God?”  Whose attention are you competing for?  GOD’s!  You want your worship and your life in every way, to draw attention to God, not to you.  I realize this is totally against the societal grain – but we have got to get this across to our children (and the lady sitting next to you)!

Image result for matthew 5:16
And finally, vs. 11-15.  Just as Paul was dealing with false teachers in his day, we too are constantly battling with the roles of women, especially in the Church.  God created men and women with equal dignity.  Men and women are equally valuable before God.  (Gen. 1:3).  Neither is superior or inferior.  To demean women is to sin against God.  To demean men is to sin against God.  God created men and women with complimentary roles.  From the beginning in Genesis 2, men and women are different, distinct, not in value, but in role. 

We don’t have to look far to see the best example we have.  The Father and Son.  The Father is fully God, the Son is fully God, both equally God, but the Son is submissive to the Father, and the Father directs the Son.  The Son doesn’t ever complain.  The Father doesn’t ever domineer over the Son.  This is loving authority and glad submission.  The man and woman relationship is a complementary one and a reflection of the nature of God.  Different roles, equal value, beautiful harmony.

Paul reminds us that women can teach, just not above the elder (you’ll see more about this tomorrow in chapter 3), or as an elder.  Women should be listening to the teaching of the elders and then teaching/sharing what she has learned.

Women have all kinds of opportunities to teach.  This is not contradictory as some people try to argue – scripture is not contradictory.  Paul is simply reminding us women to listen to the elders and go out and share what we have learned.  We are not to be elders, pastors or overseers (v. 12).  And as our perfect example of Christ, we are not to rebel against the leadership.  We are to gladly serve the body of Christ.  (I cannot wait to get into Titus 2!)

We need to reflect God’s pattern in scripture.  We need to protect ourselves from Satan.  He is very crafty at deception.  Just remember, God created man first with leadership responsibility.

I just want to say in this gender equality and gender neutral world, God created you as a man or a woman, and there is unique significance behind that.  We are not working out our salvation as just some generic person.  We are working out our salvation as a man or a woman of God!  Uniquely blessed.  Uniquely formed.  Uniquely gifted.  You have been given unique opportunity for His glory to be made know through you, in a way that is distinct from His glory being made through someone else. 


Women and men are saved through the death of Christ.  Sin has distorted this world that we live in.  Satan has distorted God’s design for our lives as men and women.  He has distorted God’s design for our marriages, our families, the Church, the culture, but Christ has come, and He has conquered sin, and He has trampled Satan and in Christ, we can thrive.  Jesus died to make us the men and women God created us to be.

1 Timothy

God's Word Is True {1 Timothy 1}

12:00 AM


God's Word Is True  { 1 Timothy 1 }
Timothy, a Galatian born in Lystra, was a young man who after receiving Christ as his Savior, became the Apostle Paul's protégé and part of his missionary team. He was eventually sent out by Paul to advise churches on how to run the body of Christ, how to deal with false teachings, and what the conduct of the minister should be. Knowing the great responsibility he carried, Paul wrote this letter to Timothy to share his love, encouragement, and guidance.

Paul begins by urging Timothy to stay in Ephesus to, "instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give further rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith." (vs. 3-4) Ephesus was a wealthy and influential port city where the temple of the Greek god Artemis was located. It was full of false doctrines, immorality, and cult worship. Outside influences were trying to mislead members of the church away from sound biblical doctrine. Paul instructed Timothy to pay no mind to these false teachings, but instead focus on leading people to Jesus by teaching godly truth.  

Sadly these same influences are still alive in today's culture. Our society is filled with immorality, cults, and false religions. Too many churches claiming to teach the Word of God do anything but. Scripture is taken out of context and twisted to fit the narrative needed to convince people of its truth, or disregarded all together. Throughout the Bible God gives us very strong warnings about adding to or taking away from His Word. In Deut. 4:2 God says, "You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I have commanded." And Proverbs 30:6, "Do not add to His words, or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar." We must be very careful that our own opinions and interpretations of Scripture, and those of our Christian teachers line up with what God actually says in His Word. Paul warned Timothy against men who "straying from these things have turned aside to fruitless discussion, wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions." (v. 7)

We can protect ourselves from falling prey to false teachings by having an intimate personal relationship with God, and studying His Word. For as Psalm 119:160 tells us, "The sum of Your Word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting." In this chapter of 1 Timothy the truth Paul wants us to know is this, "That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners among whom I am foremost of all"(v. 15) Paul sure knows of which he speaks. When it came to Christians, Paul was public enemy number one. No one persecuted God's people more fanatically than him. Yet even though Paul was intent on destroying God's church, when he accepted Jesus as his Savior he received God's forgiveness and unmerited grace. "I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life." (v. 16) Paul is saying, "Look at me. If God is willing to save someone as wretched as myself, He's willing to save all of those who believe in Him."

Could there be a more amazing truth? No matter who we are or what we've done, God wants us!  He wants to be our Father and cover us with His loving grace. "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God..." (1 John 3:1)  And as children of God, we should take our responsibility of sharing the truth of the Good News as seriously as Paul and Timothy did. We live in a world that fiercely opposes God's truth. Even so that shouldn't deter us from sharing the gospel, never giving up, and always fighting the good fight. For God's Word is true, and "to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen." (v. 17)