1 Timothy 4- 06.16.22
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 4:8 AMP
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training) is of value in everything and in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and for the life to come.”
OBSERVATION:
In this portion of his letter to Timothy, Paul emphasizes the Importance of Spiritual Training.
UNDERSTANDING:
I remember hearing a Pastor once say, “The only thing we bring into Heaven with us is our Character”. That statement stunned me because I had never thought about it before. Yet, so many scriptures—like this one, speak to that very Truth. Our godliness is of value, holding Promise for the Life to come.
Clearly, our spiritual training matters. We will be experiencing the consequences/benefits in THIS life—and—for an eternity.
Spiritual Training “exercise” is not easy; we must “labor” and “strive”.
“That is why we “labor” and “strive”, because we have put our hope in the living God” (1 Timothy 4:10a NIV)
The word “Strive” is actually an athletic word from which we get our English word “Agonize”. It is a picture of an athlete “Straining” and “Striving” to give their absolute BEST to Win. In case there is any doubt, all Christ Followers are IN this race. In order to succeed, we must “work” at it—by the Grace of Jesus AND to the Glory of God.
LIFE APPLICATION:
From the Passion Translation in Hebrews 12, we are told to “Run Life’s Marathon Race with Passion and Determination, for the Path has been already MARKED our before us” (vs 1). The further explanation tells that this “marathon” race may feel like an “Obstacle” course at times. The Greek word “Agona” means agony or conflict. The assumption is that the “Race” will Not be easy, BUT the Proper Path IS set before us!
“Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials.
Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance
leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace.
And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” (James 1: 2-4 NIV)
Lord Jesus,
Thank You that YOU are the author and finisher of our faith. Thank YOU that your Love for us is deeper than we will ever fathom. Thank YOU that the trials we experience are not for our harm, but to Grow our faith and produce inner peace that is dependent on YOU and not outward circumstances. I pray YOU will develop me more and more to Experience this DEEP Joy in the midst of trials. Thank YOU for what you have been showing me lately. How many unexpected things have turned for good that seemed like stressful challenges recently. Give me Your Strength to persevere when I am weak and help me to be disciplined in Your word and prayer as my continual well spring and Joy. Thank YOU for Your Faithfulness, Lord.
Tina L Kudelka
1 Timothy 3-6.15.22
Scripture
1 Timothy 3:11
16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
He appeared in the flesh,
was vindicated by the Spirit,[d]
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
Observation-What does it say?
“Paul’s purpose for writing was to give Timothy, as a leader, practical information on how to run things in the Ephesian church.” (enduringword.com)
In the beginning of this chapter, Paul gives instructions to Timothy on the qualifications of an overseer and deacon in the church. (In some translations, instead of overseer, it says elder.) Then, Paul gives the reasons why he wrote those instructions to him. At the end, he says Who true godliness springs from.
Understanding-What does it mean?
True godliness springs from Jesus. It all starts with Him.
Life Application
When the Lord Jesus is at the throne and we are fully submitted to Him, everything falls into place.
As an elder’s wife and ministry leader, it’s easy for me to get caught up with the qualifications of an elder/deacon/wife of a deacon and thinking it is from my husband’s power or my power that those traits occur. However, true heart change and godliness always starts with Jesus. Our desire and will to be above reproach, take care of our marriage, home, children, to be temperate, trustworthy, not a lover of money, gentle, not to be a malicious talker, etc. always begins at the heart level first. Trying to manufacture these traits is not sustainable.
Dear Lord, I pray over all the overseers of our church, from my Husband, to our Pastors, to our DSC Board, DSC Staff and even ministry leaders like myself, including the spouses. I pray that we would continue to put You first as our true Source of godliness and that everything in our homes, marriages and churches would fall into place according to Your will as a result. Amen.
-Michelle Gaddi
1 Timothy 2-6.14.22
SCRIPTURE:
1 Timothy 2:1-6
"I urge, then, first of all, that all petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, Who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
OBSERVATION:
Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, his true son in the faith. This letter was written after Paul's first imprisonment in Rome. In the letter, Paul urged the church to pray for all people. He included kings, and ALL who were in authority.
UNDERSTANDING:
The all-powerful and all-knowing God has chosen to let us partner with Him THROUGH prayer. We are to pray for our government leaders, and for all who are in authority so we will have a peaceful environment in which to worship God and to share the gospel freely. A Christ-follower's most powerful resource is communion with God through prayer. Our prayers are powerful and effective, and they help us take our stand against the devil's schemes, and against the powers of this dark world, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. We fight in prayer against the enemy by using God's Word. The more we know and use God's Word, the more effective our prayers will be! "The prayers of a righteous man avail much!" God hears our prayers, and He answers them according to His perfect plans and purposes, AND according to HIS perfect timing!
LIFE APPLICATION:
Thank You God that You give us the desires of our heart's! Thank You that You hear our prayers and accept them, and answer them when we pray according to Your will. Thank You for teaching us how to get our prayers fulfilled: by making them in harmony with Your kingdom principles. Thank You for helping us to build our faith more and more on Your Word to ensure us that our prayers will be in line with Your perfect will. Thank You that it is Your desire and great delight to answer us when we pray. And thank You for the way You grant our earnest prayers to have powerful results!
-Robin Orefice