1 Timothy 4 - 4.9.26

SCRIPTURE

I Timothy 4: 8 - 10: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.  That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

OBSERVATION

Godliness IS:

-- profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is: Paul explains the value of godliness, both in the present sense and its eternal sense. Godliness makes the life that now is better, and we should not hesitate to believe it and to tell people this.  Only godliness is the path to eternal life and happiness.

-- the only guarantee of a profitable life which is to come. There are many pleasures or achievements in this world that do not even pretend to offer anything for the life which is to come.

-- the path to eternal life and happiness. 

-- living in a way that reflects God's character and values, demonstrating holiness and righteousness. 

Our Hope is in the living God. 

Jesus’ work is adequate to save all, but only effective in saving those who come to Him by faith.

APPLICATION 

The foundation of our love and faith in Jesus is rooted in His biblical teachings, emphasizing obedience to God's Word and commandments. 

TO live a life of godliness requires discipline on our part. And we are to: 

-- Practice a deeper relationship with God, such as prayer, fasting, and meditation. 

-- Live in a way that reflects God's character and values, demonstrating holiness and righteousness. 

ALL for the purpose of spiritual growth, maturity, and becoming more Christ-like in thoughts and actions.

PRAYER 

Lord Jesus, on bended knee I come before You to ALWAYS remember all you did for us to have eternal life with You.  My Faith and my Hope is in you Lord Jesus Christ, our living GOD.  I come to you to give me your strength to live a life that reflects who you are and give me your words to draw others to know you. YOU ARE MY HOPE!  YOU ARE THE HOPE OF ALL NATIONS.  AMEN!

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

- Charleen Zakarian

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