1 Timothy 5-7.19.21
SCRIPTURE
1 Timothy 5:25
In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
OBSERVATION - What does it say?
Paul continues giving practical instructions in this letter to Timothy, including how to deal with widows, elders and sin in the church. Paul says that some sins and good deeds are obvious and others not as much. But, even if no one notices the less obvious deeds now, they won’t remain hidden forever.
UNDERSTANDING - What does it mean?
God sees and will eventually uncover every deed.
I’m reminded of 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
No good deed done for the Lord is a waste of time. Even if no one sees. As a matter of fact, Jesus said that the ones done in secret that we tell no one about are the ones the Father rewards. We don’t have to draw attention or boast of the good things we do – praying, giving, fasting, etc. Actually, when we do Jesus says we’ve received our reward in full and will get no reward from the Father.
LIFE APPLICATION
Do good deeds for an audience of One, trusting that nothing I do escapes his eye.
This is incredibly difficult because praise from others feels so good. But if I have to choose between praise from God and praise from men… I'll just say I believe God’s reward is probably much better than a pat on the back from anyone I know. Knowing that God sees and will reward me gives me peace and joy in doing good, even when no one else sees.
God, thank you that you see everything. May we live in constant awareness of your eyes upon us, knowing that every deed done in secret, whether good or bad, will eventually be uncovered. Help us to store up treasure in heaven, living in light of eternity. Amen.
- Pastor Levi Thompson
1 Timothy 4-7.16.21
SCRIPTURE
1 Timothy 4:10
For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.
OBSERVATION-What does it say?
The letters to Timothy and Titus were written as a way to instruct them in their pastoral roles. We see in these letters ways to handle the different problems they will encounter during their oversight of the various churches they are charged with caring for. He discusses the various qualities a church leader should possess and he gives advice on personal conduct. In chapter four of 1 Timothy, Paul addresses the false teachings and false prophets that were beginning to take root in the church. These teachers were adding practices and requirements in behavior, which were contrary to Jesus’ teachings. The false teachers were advocating for strict diets and banning marriages. In instructing Timothy to teach against these things, Paul tells him that his whole life must bear what he teaches others. He must let the truth shape his whole being, both spiritually and physically. Regardless of age, true character is where authority is derived.
UNDERSTANDING-What does it mean?
This year we will be celebrating the Olympics a year late. Lately, there have been several specials on TV that follow the lives of the athletes who will be competing. It’s been fun to catch up on the sports that only get air time once every four years. The other day, we were watching a show about Simone Biles. While talking about her accomplishments, she also mentioned the sacrifices she made to become the most decorated female gymnast of all time. Biles was only 19 years old when she won her first olympic medal, but she was 15 when she won her first world championship. She was the top women’s gymnast for her entire high school career. She talked about missing football games, homecoming and prom because she was training. Her whole life lined up with her dream to become an olympic champion.
In our Christian walk, Paul challenges us to take up the same calling, making our entire life align with the word of God. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.”(1 Cor 9:24-27) When our lives don’t match up with our words, our testimony loses its effectiveness.
LIFE APPLICATION
Jesus, help me to evaluate all the parts of my life. In evaluating my life, help me to eliminate the parts that don’t lead me to you. Help me to keep from adding to your word or taking things away. Help me to always rely on the fact that your word is everlasting and immutable.
-Tyler Galloway
1 Timothy 3 - 7.15.21
Scripture - What stood out?
1 Timothy 3:12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. (ESV)
Observation - What does it say?
The apostle Paul continues his letter to Timothy in this third chapter. It deals heavily with the qualifications for the overseers and deacons of the church, possibly alluding to a need that Timothy had in filling vacant positions.
Understanding - What does it mean?
I remember being fourteen years old having attended several churches and having no idea what a deacon or elder meant nor having any desire to find out! It wasn’t until I hit my thirties when I kinda sorta began to understand what the titles meant. Different churches may associate different responsibilities to the titles but I began to gather there was some level of maturity and depth to one’s relationship with God in order to gain that status within a church. Because you most likely were involved in making decisions. Possibly important ones.
As I have officially entered the second half of my life, I ask myself this: Even IF I did not feel called to be a deacon, have I managed my household well?
Life Application - How can I apply this to my life today?
Have I managed my household well?
Father God, I repent of all my mistakes which I have knowingly and unknowingly made. Please forgive me for not doing a better job all these years. Highlight the areas of my home that I need to work on, for even if you do not call me to be a deacon or an elder of a church, my desire is to manage my house well. For Your glory, for Your kingdom, In the name of Jesus do I pray, amen.
-kenneth lee