1 Timothy 3 - 4.8.26

Scripture: I Timothy 3:14-15

Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.

Observation

Did you ever read a chapter in the Bible and think, “That doesn’t apply to me?” Well today is not that day! 2 Tim. 3:16-17 “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

In I Timothy 3, Paul lays out the requirements to be an overseer (elder) or a deacon (trustee). But these expectations are not only for the elders and trustees. Paul explains that these instructions are for all of us – anyone who is a part of God’s household.

“What Paul has done here is simply given a list of behavioral standards (that’s what these are) that are, in fact, applied to all Christians … and said, in effect, whatever ought to be the standard in Christian conduct generally must be particularly exemplified in the leaders.” Don Carson

Application

As you read the list of expectations for leaders, you will see that these are reasonable expectations for every Christ follower – that we are growing in the wisdom and knowledge of God and the fruit of the spirit should be evident in our life. And this is emphasized in verse 7, “He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.”

Our reputation matters. People who don’t know Jesus are watching us every day. They want to know if our actions match our words. When I was younger, many people put fish symbols on their cars. I remember thinking, “I don’t want to put a symbol on my car and be held accountable for my driving!” But I need to remember that I am an ambassador for Jesus at all times, not just when I feel like it.

This was a reminder for me today to examine myself. If Jesus is Lord of my life, it should be evident all day, every day. I don’t want to be a different person at church than at the DMV.

Prayer

Lord, please forgive me for the times that I haven’t been a great example of your love. Thank you for this reminder today. Continue to work on my heart and grow me in patience, love for others, and self-control. Be the Lord of my life in every situation.

- Debbie Dunn

1 Timothy 2 - 4.7.26

SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 2:1-6

I urge, then, first of all, that 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. For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 

OBSERVATION

The Apostle Paul is giving instructions to the young Timothy who was discipled by him who became the pastor and bishop of the Church in Ephesus. A couple of the church’s objectives were to live peaceful and quiet lives and to appreciate and pray for all people especially those in authority which would be pleasing to God.  As mentioned in Daniel 2:21, it is God who appoints and deposes kings and places who He pleases in positions of authority.  Paul also points to the fact that God wants everyone to come to knowledge of knowing Him and the salvation that is freely offered to all mankind. 

APPLICATION

These same instructions are for the Church today which is to live peaceful and quiet lives and to be law abiding citizens, by setting good examples for others to follow which would glorify God. We as Believers also need to pray for those in authority, whether it be those in the government, our bosses, and our elders, whether we agree or disagree with their beliefs. We are to pray for their salvation and their wisdom to be used by God. Lastly, we should constantly pray for everyone that they may witness the glory of God working in their lives and for them to come to the knowledge of truth. James 5:16 says that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus, I thank you for the assurance that our prayers are powerful and effective because we serve You, God Almighty! Lord, I thank You for life and every individual that You have placed in my life. I pray that You let those who don’t know You have an experience with You and call out to You alone for salvation. I pray for our world leaders and those in authority in our nation. I pray that You give them wisdom and place Your hand on them to fulfill Your will. Lastly, I thank you Jesus for being the mediator between the Father and us and bridging the gap to have communion with You, Amen.

- Darrence Hamilton

Haggai 2 - 4.6.26

SCRIPTURE

Haggai 2:6-9 

“This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘In a little while I will once more shake the heavens and the earth, the sea and the dry land. I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,’ says the  Lord Almighty. ‘The silver is mine and the gold is mine,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the  Lord Almighty.”

OBERSERVATION

The word of the Lord came to the Prophet Haggai after the return of the Jewish people to Jerusalem. The walls of the city and the Temple were completely destroyed by the Babylonians due to the punishment of their sins and disobedience, but God being ever faithful and merciful returned the Jews to the Promise Land to fulfill His promises to Abraham. Although they were allowed to return to Jerusalem and felt a sense of freedom, they’ve witnessed their homeland utterly destroyed and barren, and the Temple was not like it was in its former glory where God’s tangible presence inhabited it. God gave a special word to Haggai that encouraged His people about the coming glory of the rebuilt Temple, and His presence was closer to them than they could imagine. This would be the same Temple that Jesus would come to visit, to teach, and to cleanse centuries later.  Now under the New Covenant mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:19, our bodies are all temples of God where the Holy Spirit dwells.

APPLICATION

Just as those who returned from exile under bondage, there were still dark times and hardships that the Jewish people had to face, but the Lord was with them. When we return to God, once being in bondage to sin, life will not be easy, and we will also face dark times and hardships, but the Lord is dwelling in our hearts now. Collectively, we as the Church serve the same faithful and merciful God who will be with us during the challenges that the enemy, the world, or life will throw at us if we continue to fulfill His will. 

PRAYER

Lord, I thank You for Your word, full of power and encouragement during the tough times. I thank You for being faithful and merciful. During the dark times in our lives, it may seem like you are far away, but I know that You are closer to us than we can ever imagine. Thank You for inhabiting us and allowing us to be Your Temple where you dwell. I also want to thank You for the laborers that you send in our lives that also encourage us, like the Prophet Haggai did for his people, as we all are partnering with You to build Your kingdom. I ask you, Lord, to continue to work in us and help us to experience You in new ways, Amen.

- Darrence Hamilton