1 Timothy 4

Self-Discipline: Training for Godliness (1 Timothy 4)

12:30 PM




Our Reading: 1 Timothy 4

In this writing of Paul to Timothy, he warns him about the importance of being disciplined and vigilant to keep his heart focused on Christ so that his impact on others is that of a good servant.  In contrast, he warns against false teachers who lead believers away from their faith. He describes them as having a “seared conscience”. 
What does it mean to have a “seared conscience”? Just as meat is seared in a pan and forms a thick, hard crust on the outer surface, our hearts can be seared and become so hardened that they can not even detect the conviction of sin. How does this happen?
“The more a person suppresses (ignores) the voice of the Spirit, the harder it is for the Spirit of God to speak to them about their sin. If this continues, the conscience will become like a callous on a hand…it will not feel anything anymore. By tuning out the Spirit of God, we are making it harder each time for the Spirit of God to speak to us. In time, the conscience will be so seared that we cannot even hear the Spirit anymore, and that will surely bring disaster.” (Jack Wellman). 

Paul gives Timothy some good advice that we all can benefit from.  To keep our hearts attentive to hearing God’s voice, knowing truth and being teachable, we have to be intentional about our behaviors and the focus of our priorities. We also have to be vigilant to not be influenced by deceit and untruthful teachings. This includes the messages we are bombarded with everyday in the world around us.

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 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.”(7-8)
This tells us that we can’t just do nothing and expect to grow spiritually. Spiritual health involves right choices about what we feed our minds and exercising God’s truths in daily application. If we sit in church and hear a message from God’s Word but don’t incorporate that into the rest of the week, what is the benefit to our spiritual well being?  Just as we keep a certain weight or body tone or healthy immune system in mind as motivation to eat right and exercise, we should keep goals in mind to motivate our spiritual habits as well. 
“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.”(10)

It’s not uncommon when you start to pursue spiritual growth, that the enemy puts doubts and obstacles in your pathway to hinder you or discourage you. For Timothy, who was trying to be a spiritual leader, his young age was a potential source of difficulty, but Paul encouraged him to not allow that to impede him but to be devoted regardless. 
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.”(12-13)
We also should realize that others watch our behaviors and motivations which means our sphere of influence in the world is important. We should strive through the enablement of God’s spirit ( for we can not do it in our own flesh) to be good examples through our speech, conduct, faith and purity as well. Our devotion, should also include being in God’s Word so we know truth and our hearts remain soft and yielding. As opportunity presents itself, we can then teach and encourage others.

Paul lists some important attributes of discipline: Practice, Immersion, and Persistence.
“Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 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.”(15-16)
I challenge you today to examine what you find yourself most immersed in for it will reveal a lot about your spiritual health and the condition of your heart. Is your heart becoming seared with bitterness, selfishness, self-seeking, or indifference. Or is your heart remaining soft as it seeks, yields and immerses its self in the love of God?

contentment

Contentment-The Gain of Godliness {1 Timothy 6}

11:00 PM



Each day we are bombarded on social media with images of those who seem to have it all. Perfect lives filled with everything a person could want. And when we see such images we can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy and wonder, “Why can’t that be me? Why can’t I have it all?” Such thinking is what the Bible calls coveting. Chip Ingram describes coveting as, “an inordinate, ungoverned, selfish and passionate desire that leads us away from God and corrupts our relationship with others.” That seems kind of harsh doesn’t it? I mean what harm can it do to want more then we all already have? What’s wrong with seeing the grass as greener on the other side? The truth is that when we covet, we are telling God that we are not satisfied with what He has already so generously given us. And as far as the harm it causes, all we have to do is look at Adam and Eve. Not content with the beautiful garden provided by God, they wanted more. And that more resulted in a broken relationship with the Lord, and a fallen world. 

Contentment, or lack there of, is actually a heart problem. When we base our value and self esteem on how we stack up against others or what the world considers successful, we will find ourselves always coming up short. As the pastor of the church at Ephesus, Timothy faced the challenge of members who too thought that contentment could be found in the material things of the world. The apostle Paul warned against such beliefs saying, “But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.” (vs. 6:6) No amount of wealth or things can fill the hole inside of us. Fulfillment can only be found in a close personal relationship with the Lord. In fact Paul goes on to say that those who seek contentment in the worlds riches, “fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. The love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (vs. 6:9-10)

So how can we be learn to be content? By having hearts filled with gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 tells us, “In everything give thanks, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” No matter how great or how small, everything we have is due to the generosity of the Lord. Although He may not give us everything we want, He promises to give us everything we need.  “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19) “God already has blessed us with so much. And Satan is the one who seeks to redirect our focus to what eludes us, fostering a malignant virus of discontent. Instead of falling for his lies, why not take inventory of all that He has blessed you with and thank Him for each and every blessing.”...Dr. Charles Stanley

Nothing this world has to offer can give us the contentment, peace, and joy that comes with knowing the Lord. When the world tells us that we aren’t enough, God calls us perfect and His cherished treasures. He loves us like no other. So much so that “He did not spare His own Son but delivered Him over for us all”. (Rom. 8:32) The writer of Hebrews tells us to be content with what we have. (Heb. 12:5). And what do we have? A Heavenly Father who promises to never leave or forsake us. So if in this world all you have is Jesus, you already have everything. And to me that brings more contentment than any earthly treasure every could!

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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.


2 Peter

Climbing Faith's Ladder {2 Peter 1}

12:00 AM

Just as with Paul in writing his 2 second letter to Timothy, we find Peter writing to all of us, knowing he hasn’t much time left on this earth (2 Peter 1:14). for that reason, I tend to view his words here as weightier, since he knows these are most likely his last. After all, if you knew you had only days left to live what would your conversations key on? What would be of greatest importance to you?


For Peter, it seems he’s most concerned about false teachers with their bogus doctrines and sinful lifestyles leading believers astray, and Peter has determined the best way to combat all of that is to make sure we are growing up in our faith! Notice:

“His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness.Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.
“For this very reason, be diligent to add to your faith goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge;
and to knowledge, self-control;
and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love.
“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.
“Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” -2Peter 1:4-11

I borrowed this from my HCSB study Bible: Because of God's generous provision in Christ, Peter encouraged his readers to build upon their foundation of faith—their initial acceptance of God's love—with the Christian virtues of goodness... knowledge... self-control... endurance... godliness... brotherly affection, and love. These graces, sometimes called the "ladder of faith," are the fruit of sharing in the divine nature. Each successive quality seems to spring from the previous one.

Did you also notice that his exhortation to us also includes a great promise? “...be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall,and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”- 2Pt 1:10-11

With all this in view, I thought it would be wise to break down our “building blocks” of faith to make sure we’re applying each to our lives today, for we must always be growing, and not merely talking about it. After all, according to James- faith without works is a dead faith.
I thought it would be best to begin by defining the word diligence- which basically means, “come up with all the determination you can muster...be persistent, earnest, painstakingly pressing on”. (Hmm… can you see why Peter may have felt the need to add a promise? No slacking allowed in the Christian faith!)
Be diligent to add to your faith...
Goodness or Moral excellence- a quality by which one stood out as excellent, fulfillment of purpose. Found in the Proverbs 31 women and can’t be produced without faith, for it is also a fruit of the Holy Spirit -(Gal 5:22-23)  
“His death saved us but His life transforms us; Everyone has a standard of virtue- humanists say-“you can do it; Jesus says “I’ll do it thru you, with your cooperation” Mjr. W. Ian Thomas in The Saving Life of Christ:

Knowledge- understanding, a recognition, or an acknowledgment. To “know” something is to perceive it or to be aware of it. Many times in Scripture, knowledge carries the idea of a deeper appreciation of something or a relationship with someone. It can only develop with moral excellence and comes as we obey the Word of God.

Self-control- physical and emotional self-mastery, particularly in situations of intense provocation or temptation (1 Cor 9:25) and arises from our knowledge which comes from obedience to the Word of God, out of the faith God has given us.

Perseverance- The ability to bear up under and deal with circumstances and with others; long-suffering in dealing with people. (Rom 5:3)

Godliness - is the reverent awareness of God's sovereignty over every aspect of life, and the determination to honor him in all one's conduct. "Godliness" and "holiness" denote one reality (the terms are joined in 1 Tim 2:2) In Rom 12:1 and 2 Tim 3:5, godliness is evident in deny ourselves (desires, rights, opinions, etc.) and laying down our life to Christ's supremacy.

Brotherly Kindness- The Greek word for brotherly kindness is transliterated "philadelphia," a compound word involving two words: "phileo" (love) and "adelphos" (brother). Therefore it is a love for the faithful and a by-product of true godliness.

Love is agape love (God’s love) and is an action, not a feeling. It’s defined in 1 Cor 13:4-8.

Peter wants us to understand that growing in the knowledge of Jesus Christ is a process- sort of a spiritual construction project. We were all saved by faith, but that’s just the beginning to this new life in Christ! God plans for all of us to be conformed to the image of His Son (Rom 8:29). Therefore, He begins by adding to our faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, and godliness, which will become evident through our brotherly kindness and love towards others.

“A deeper knowledge of the Person of Jesus is the surest safeguard against false doctrine.” - Michael Green. Therefore we should make sure that we are “diligently” following Peter’s advice and building on our faith daily! So let me ask you,
__Do you possess the faith in Jesus that Peter has written about? Have you trusted in Him as your only means of salvation?
__ Are you submitting/surrendering to Him as the Lord over your life?
__Are you growing in your knowledge of God through knowing Jesus as Lord?

These are the foundations of our faith! As you look back over each try to determine just where you would place yourself in your walk with Him? Which one are the two of you working on just now?