1 Timothy 5 - 4.10.26
SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 5:17
“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”
Observation
The Elders is referencing the leaders of the church such as pastor or other leaders that are full time in preaching and teaching. Double honor refers to financial support of full-time leaders who preach and teach.
This verse is interesting since we are asked to give from our heart to those of double honor. Jesus however gave us so much more. Last week we had Good Friday, the day Jesus gave all of him for us. The day Jesus was crucified, He gave His life in place of ours. In Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23 and John 19 we see he was betrayed, tried, flogged with a whip that ripped the skin off, A crown of thorns was placed on his head, spit on, the soldiers struck him with a staff again and again. They took a cross and then hammered nails in his hand and feet. After Jesus died, they pierced his side and he was placed in a tomb. Jesus gave his life on that cross and took on my sin. Only Jesus can forgive me of my sins. Jesus can forgive all sins for all those that believe in Him.
Last Sunday was Resurrection Day (Easter). Jesus arose from the grave and is alive and victorious over death. Now his gift to us is eternal life. John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Application
Our Pastors deserve our gratitude for their hard work. They deserve our financial support. Our tithe and offerings support our Pastors, Staff, Facilities management, mission field etc. Let us support the church and the pastors out of love for their work.
In 2 Corinthians 9:7-9 it states: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”
Malachi 3:10 - “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”
We can’t out-give Jesus but when we give, it should be generous and with a grateful heart.
Prayer
Jesus, you have shown me great mercy and grace. All I have is because of you Jesus. I have been blessed more than I deserve. Thank you for our Church family, and those that shepherd us, Pastor Levi and Katie Thompson. God, you gave your Son for us. May we give back generously with a grateful heart of our resources, time and talents. Jesus, may I give you my best for You are worthy O’ Lord. In Jesus name Amen.
- Robert Oberg
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