9 Slaves must always obey their masters and do their best to please them. They must not talk back 10 or steal, but must show themselves to be entirely trustworthy and good. Then they will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive in every way.
11 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.
15 You must teach these things and encourage the believers to do them. You have the authority to correct them when necessary, so don’t let anyone disregard what you say.
Terrie's Comments:
This world is evil. We are to be set apart from the things of this world and look forward with hope to the day when the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ ill be revealed!!
Jesus gave his life so we could be FREE from every kind of sin. We are to be set apart and totally committed to doing good deeds.
Tori's Comments:
I think this really shows how little our circumstances should truly affect us. I was talking with a friend today about why joy is so important and how it actually benefits us. That even as a SLAVE, with no rights whatsoever, that hope and joy and love for everyone should still be there. Because everyone will reach the point in their walk with God where they have to choose either him or the world. And if you choose him, he becomes all that matters.
Everything else doesn't even come close to mattering.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Monday, February 27, 2017
Day 3 - Titus 2:1-8
1 As for you, Titus, promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching. 2 Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.
3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.
6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.
Tori's Comments:
Our lives show what it's like to walk with Christ, especially for the next generation, be it with siblings, kids, or grandkids. As a church, we're supposed to spur one another on and encourage one another. This can be from setting an example and reading your bible daily to not complaining.
Let EVERYTHING you do... (vs. 7) Not just the stuff in front of everybody. The stuff you do when it's just you and them. The stuff you do with the person you like the least. The stuff you do when you're alone.
Terrie's Comments:
Mentoring each other is so important. It is the way we are helped and held accountable. When we allow ourselves to be in the counsel of many we become stronger together.
The one motive I see here is to teach the TRUTH so that no SHAME will be brought to the word of God or His servants. Words are powerful. When we choose to speak the truth of God's word it brings life. Speaking contrary to the word of God brings death and destruction.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.
6 In the same way, encourage the young men to live wisely. 7 And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching. 8 Teach the truth so that your teaching can’t be criticized. Then those who oppose us will be ashamed and have nothing bad to say about us.
Tori's Comments:
Our lives show what it's like to walk with Christ, especially for the next generation, be it with siblings, kids, or grandkids. As a church, we're supposed to spur one another on and encourage one another. This can be from setting an example and reading your bible daily to not complaining.
Let EVERYTHING you do... (vs. 7) Not just the stuff in front of everybody. The stuff you do when it's just you and them. The stuff you do with the person you like the least. The stuff you do when you're alone.
Terrie's Comments:
Mentoring each other is so important. It is the way we are helped and held accountable. When we allow ourselves to be in the counsel of many we become stronger together.
The one motive I see here is to teach the TRUTH so that no SHAME will be brought to the word of God or His servants. Words are powerful. When we choose to speak the truth of God's word it brings life. Speaking contrary to the word of God brings death and destruction.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Sunday, February 26, 2017
Day 2 - Titus 1:10-16
10 For there are many rebellious people who engage in useless talk and deceive others. This is especially true of those who insist on circumcision for salvation. 11 They must be silenced, because they are turning whole families away from the truth by their false teaching. And they do it only for money. 12 Even one of their own men, a prophet from Crete, has said about them, “The people of Crete are all liars, cruel animals, and lazy gluttons.”13 This is true. So reprimand them sternly to make them strong in the faith. 14 They must stop listening to Jewish myths and the commands of people who have turned away from the truth.
15 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.
Terrie's Comments:
We know that we are not saved by works. We are only saved by grace. Why then should we seek a life of righteous living if we are saved by grace no matter what we do? This would be the clincher here... "such people claim to know God, but they deny him by the way they live"
We are not saved by anything we do. We can't make God love us more or less by our actions. God's favor doesn't rely on us at all. We are seen as righteous through the blood and finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. However if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and he is lord of your life then it will change the way you live. The Holy Spirit will change you from the inside out. There will be undeniable fruit in your life.
This is why this passage also says "Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure." We are saved by grace... but that same grace when received also changes us forever!
Tori's Comments:
"useless talk" another thing to be alert of in my own life.
"deny him by the way they live" Christianity is a full transformation. It flips you upside down. Is that transformation, that rebirth, obvious in my life?
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
15 Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure. But nothing is pure to those who are corrupt and unbelieving, because their minds and consciences are corrupted. 16 Such people claim they know God, but they deny him by the way they live. They are detestable and disobedient, worthless for doing anything good.
Terrie's Comments:
We know that we are not saved by works. We are only saved by grace. Why then should we seek a life of righteous living if we are saved by grace no matter what we do? This would be the clincher here... "such people claim to know God, but they deny him by the way they live"
We are not saved by anything we do. We can't make God love us more or less by our actions. God's favor doesn't rely on us at all. We are seen as righteous through the blood and finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. However if you believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and he is lord of your life then it will change the way you live. The Holy Spirit will change you from the inside out. There will be undeniable fruit in your life.
This is why this passage also says "Everything is pure to those whose hearts are pure." We are saved by grace... but that same grace when received also changes us forever!
Tori's Comments:
"useless talk" another thing to be alert of in my own life.
"deny him by the way they live" Christianity is a full transformation. It flips you upside down. Is that transformation, that rebirth, obvious in my life?
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Saturday, February 25, 2017
Day 1 - Titus 1:1-9 - Treasure Hunting with Titus and Philemon!
This letter is from Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ. I have been sent to proclaim faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives. 2 This truth gives them confidence that they have eternal life, which God—who does not lie—promised them before the world began. 3 And now at just the right time he has revealed this message, which we announce to everyone. It is by the command of God our Savior that I have been entrusted with this work for him.
4 I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.
5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. 6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. 7 A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.
8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. 9 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
Tori's Comments:
There are high standards to leading the church, but even thinking about ANY Christian, we are all ambassadors of Christ and must remember we represent Him here on earth.
Terrie's Comments:
I have decided that since we are treasure hunting that I will be looking for the gems in each passage :-)
Today this was the gem I found... "He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong"
In order to pass on what we know to others in an effective way we must first be taught so that we have a strong belief and a solid foundation. It is important to learn from those people around us who are teaching the truths in the Bible.
Once we are solid in our foundation we can then encourage others and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
4 I am writing to Titus, my true son in the faith that we share.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior give you grace and peace.
5 I left you on the island of Crete so you could complete our work there and appoint elders in each town as I instructed you. 6 An elder must live a blameless life. He must be faithful to his wife, and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. 7 A church leader is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered; he must not be a heavy drinker, violent, or dishonest with money.
8 Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must love what is good. He must live wisely and be just. He must live a devout and disciplined life. 9 He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
Tori's Comments:
There are high standards to leading the church, but even thinking about ANY Christian, we are all ambassadors of Christ and must remember we represent Him here on earth.
Terrie's Comments:
I have decided that since we are treasure hunting that I will be looking for the gems in each passage :-)
Today this was the gem I found... "He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong"
In order to pass on what we know to others in an effective way we must first be taught so that we have a strong belief and a solid foundation. It is important to learn from those people around us who are teaching the truths in the Bible.
Once we are solid in our foundation we can then encourage others and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Friday, February 24, 2017
Day 22 - 2 Timothy 4:19-22
19 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila and those living in the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.
21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
22 May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.
Terrie's Comments:
Great way to end 2 Timothy :-) I love the endings to Paul's letters!
Tori's Comments:
Haha, very short way to end 2 Timothy! :)
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus sends you greetings, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers and sisters.
22 May the Lord be with your spirit. And may his grace be with all of you.
Terrie's Comments:
Great way to end 2 Timothy :-) I love the endings to Paul's letters!
Tori's Comments:
Haha, very short way to end 2 Timothy! :)
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Thursday, February 23, 2017
Day 21 - 2 Timothy 4:9-18
9 Timothy, please come as soon as you can. 10 Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Bring Mark with you when you come, for he will be helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, be sure to bring the coat I left with Carpus at Troas. Also bring my books, and especially my papers.
14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm, but the Lord will judge him for what he has done. 15 Be careful of him, for he fought against everything we said.
16 The first time I was brought before the judge, no one came with me. Everyone abandoned me. May it not be counted against them. 17 But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. 18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
Tori's Comments:
"because he loves the things of this life" We all have to make a choice at one point. God has definitely been emphasizing that choice this year, and how if I want to give Him my life, I have to kick everything else out.
Terrie's Comments:
This stood out to me today... If the Lord stood with Paul and gave him strength to do what he was called to do, he rescued him from certain death, he delivered him from every evil attack and brought him safely into his heavenly Kingdom... If he did this for Paul the Lord will do this for all those who serve Him. The Lord doesn't have favorites.
"But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength so that I might preach the Good News in its entirety for all the Gentiles to hear. And he rescued me from certain death. 18 Yes, and the Lord will deliver me from every evil attack and will bring me safely into his heavenly Kingdom. All glory to God forever and ever! Amen."
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
Day 20 - 2 Timothy 4:1-8
I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Terrie's Comments:
May we be true to whatever God calls me to do from now until the day of His appearing. May we remain faithful to the calling and cling to righteousness. I am eagerly looking forward to the appearing of Jesus Christ so I will be delivered from all the cares and distractions of this world.
Tori's Comments:
"Preach the word of God." This verse is directed at me, too. Not just preachers. I am suppose to evangelize, to spread the good news, to share my faith. Do I see that in my life?
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Terrie's Comments:
May we be true to whatever God calls me to do from now until the day of His appearing. May we remain faithful to the calling and cling to righteousness. I am eagerly looking forward to the appearing of Jesus Christ so I will be delivered from all the cares and distractions of this world.
Tori's Comments:
"Preach the word of God." This verse is directed at me, too. Not just preachers. I am suppose to evangelize, to spread the good news, to share my faith. Do I see that in my life?
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Day 19 - 2 Timothy 3:10-17
10 But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance. 11 You know how much persecution and suffering I have endured. You know all about how I was persecuted in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra—but the Lord rescued me from all of it. 12 Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. 13 But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.
14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Tori's Comments:
"the Lord rescued me from all of it" A great picture of hope and complete trust and reliance on God.
EVERYONE who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Wow, didn't know that was a thing.
Verses 16 and 17 really emphasize the importance of Scripture in our lives.
Terrie's Comments:
Persecution will come if we are faithful to Jesus Christ, when we stand up for all that we have been taught. But God is faithful and just as he delivered Paul from all persecution, He will also deliver us from all persecution.
In order to remain faithful to Jesus Christ we must remain in his word. The word of God is useful to teach us, correct us, guide us and prepare and equip us to do every good work that He leads us to do as we serve him.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. 17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.
Tori's Comments:
"the Lord rescued me from all of it" A great picture of hope and complete trust and reliance on God.
EVERYONE who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. Wow, didn't know that was a thing.
Verses 16 and 17 really emphasize the importance of Scripture in our lives.
Terrie's Comments:
Persecution will come if we are faithful to Jesus Christ, when we stand up for all that we have been taught. But God is faithful and just as he delivered Paul from all persecution, He will also deliver us from all persecution.
In order to remain faithful to Jesus Christ we must remain in his word. The word of God is useful to teach us, correct us, guide us and prepare and equip us to do every good work that He leads us to do as we serve him.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Monday, February 20, 2017
Day 18 - 2 Timothy 3:1-9
You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
6 They are the kind who work their way into people’s homes and win the confidence of vulnerable women who are burdened with the guilt of sin and controlled by various desires. 7 (Such women are forever following new teachings, but they are never able to understand the truth.) 8 These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith. 9 But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.
Terrie's Comments:
In the last days... we must be getting close to the last days if the description that Paul gives here talks about people in those days. It is hard to believe these were written thousands of years ago.
It is so important to know the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and not be searching for something else to mix in or trade it up for. We don't have to follow new teachings because when we understand the truth of Jesus Christ our search will be over!
Tori's Comments:
"They will act religious" Hypocrisy is definitely a major issue, something that has stuck around since the time of the Jewish religious leaders.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Sunday, February 19, 2017
Day 17 - 2 Timothy 2:14-26
14 Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.
19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”
20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
Terrie's Comments:
Words can build up and words can destroy.
"all who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil"... "Run away from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts."
In verses 23-26... instructions in dealing with people including those who we find it hard to deal with in our lives. What is the motive to be kind and not argue or start fights? Perhaps God will change those people's hearts and they will learn the truth and be set free from the devil's trap! That is a pretty good reason to be kind, and be patient with difficult people in our lives.
Tori's Comments:
Wow, petty squabbles are still a problem in Timothy's church. Of course, it's still a problem in churches today.
Make sure everything I say is not useless, but glorifies God.
Again, run to righteousness and God.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
15 Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth. 16 Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior. 17 This kind of talk spreads like cancer, as in the case of Hymenaeus and Philetus. 18 They have left the path of truth, claiming that the resurrection of the dead has already occurred; in this way, they have turned some people away from the faith.
19 But God’s truth stands firm like a foundation stone with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and “All who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil.”
20 In a wealthy home some utensils are made of gold and silver, and some are made of wood and clay. The expensive utensils are used for special occasions, and the cheap ones are for everyday use. 21 If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.
22 Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.
23 Again I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights. 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.
Terrie's Comments:
Words can build up and words can destroy.
"all who belong to the Lord must turn away from evil"... "Run away from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts."
In verses 23-26... instructions in dealing with people including those who we find it hard to deal with in our lives. What is the motive to be kind and not argue or start fights? Perhaps God will change those people's hearts and they will learn the truth and be set free from the devil's trap! That is a pretty good reason to be kind, and be patient with difficult people in our lives.
Tori's Comments:
Wow, petty squabbles are still a problem in Timothy's church. Of course, it's still a problem in churches today.
Make sure everything I say is not useless, but glorifies God.
Again, run to righteousness and God.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Saturday, February 18, 2017
Day 16 - 2 Timothy 2:1-13
Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus. 2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
11 This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him,
we will also live with him.
12 If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.
13 If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is.
Terrie's Comments:
We are called to pass on our faith and our hope in Jesus Christ to others who will be trustworthy to keep it and pass it on to future generations. Even if we are not faithful to the call Jesus still remains faithful to his word... he can't deny who He is. This is powerful. We are human but through Christ we are made righteous. verses 11-13 are pretty powerful. Just read them over again a few times slowly and let the words sink in :-)
Tori's Comments:
We can't even be strong without God. We must rely on Him for everything.
I love all of these analogies he's using... a farmer, a soldier, an athlete.. love it.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
3 Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. 5 And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules. 6 And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. 7 Think about what I am saying. The Lord will help you understand all these things.
8 Always remember that Jesus Christ, a descendant of King David, was raised from the dead. This is the Good News I preach. 9 And because I preach this Good News, I am suffering and have been chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained. 10 So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.
11 This is a trustworthy saying:
If we die with him,
we will also live with him.
12 If we endure hardship,
we will reign with him.
If we deny him,
he will deny us.
13 If we are unfaithful,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot deny who he is.
Terrie's Comments:
We are called to pass on our faith and our hope in Jesus Christ to others who will be trustworthy to keep it and pass it on to future generations. Even if we are not faithful to the call Jesus still remains faithful to his word... he can't deny who He is. This is powerful. We are human but through Christ we are made righteous. verses 11-13 are pretty powerful. Just read them over again a few times slowly and let the words sink in :-)
Tori's Comments:
We can't even be strong without God. We must rely on Him for everything.
I love all of these analogies he's using... a farmer, a soldier, an athlete.. love it.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Friday, February 17, 2017
Day 15 - 2 Timothy 1:13-18
13 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. 14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.
15 As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me—even Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. 17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. 18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.
Tori's Comments:
"guard the truth" what does that look like?
Terrie's Comments:
It is important to stay firm and support believers around us. May I not be like Phygelus and Hermogenes who deserted Paul when persecution came.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
15 As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me—even Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in chains. 17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. 18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.
Tori's Comments:
"guard the truth" what does that look like?
Terrie's Comments:
It is important to stay firm and support believers around us. May I not be like Phygelus and Hermogenes who deserted Paul when persecution came.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Thursday, February 16, 2017
Day 14 - 2 Timothy 1:1-12
This letter is from Paul, chosen by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus. I have been sent out to tell others about the life he has promised through faith in Christ Jesus.
2 I am writing to Timothy, my dear son.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
3 Timothy, I thank God for you—the God I serve with a clear conscience, just as my ancestors did. Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 I long to see you again, for I remember your tears as we parted. And I will be filled with joy when we are together again.
5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
8 So never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord. And don’t be ashamed of me, either, even though I’m in prison for him. With the strength God gives you, be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News. 9 For God saved us and called us to live a holy life. He did this, not because we deserved it, but because that was his plan from before the beginning of time—to show us his grace through Christ Jesus.10 And now he has made all of this plain to us by the appearing of Christ Jesus, our Savior. He broke the power of death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the Good News. 11 And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.
12 That is why I am suffering here in prison. But I am not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until the day of his return.
Terrie's Comments:
In Paul reminding Timothy to "fan into flames the spiritual gift" He also reminds us that no matter how strong our faith is we need to press forward and continue in the faith! God has given us power, love and self-discipline so this is possible for us to finish strong! If we don't continue to deliberately invest in our relationship with Jesus Christ it will fade into the background without us realizing what happened. We must spend time in the word of God, in prayer and choose to continually re-align our lives to match what the word says so that when we move on into heaven our Father will be able to say "well done, good and faithful servant"
No relationship is passive. For a relationship to be intimate time must be invested regularly so it will blossom and grow deeper.
"never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord" "be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News" These are good challenges to think about for all of us. Persecution will come in various forms if we are not ashamed to speak and live out our faith in Jesus Christ... Are we ready to suffer for the sake of the Good News so that others will hear and be saved from eternal separation from God and all that is good?
In Paul reminding Timothy to "fan into flames the spiritual gift" He also reminds us that no matter how strong our faith is we need to press forward and continue in the faith! God has given us power, love and self-discipline so this is possible for us to finish strong! If we don't continue to deliberately invest in our relationship with Jesus Christ it will fade into the background without us realizing what happened. We must spend time in the word of God, in prayer and choose to continually re-align our lives to match what the word says so that when we move on into heaven our Father will be able to say "well done, good and faithful servant"
No relationship is passive. For a relationship to be intimate time must be invested regularly so it will blossom and grow deeper.
"never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord" "be ready to suffer with me for the sake of the Good News" These are good challenges to think about for all of us. Persecution will come in various forms if we are not ashamed to speak and live out our faith in Jesus Christ... Are we ready to suffer for the sake of the Good News so that others will hear and be saved from eternal separation from God and all that is good?
Tori's Comments:
"fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you" How is that done?
Verse 7 is one that has definitely been a beautiful reminder in my life.
Verse 9 pretty much sums up my theology class right now.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Wednesday, February 15, 2017
Day 13 - 1 Timothy 6:11-21
11 But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things. Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight for the true faith. Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you have declared so well before many witnesses. 13 And I charge you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 15 For,
At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.
May God’s grace be with you all.
Tori's Comments:
We are supposed to RUN from evil things. Not tolerate them. Not dabble in them.
And in doing so, we should run to righteousness. To God.
"use their money to do good" How am I spending my money?
"always being ready to share with others" The ALWAYS is pretty convicting.
Terrie's Comments:
One of the things that is repeated in this particular letter often is the discussion on words. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you... I feel like many times the first thing that comes to mind when Christians think about "evangelism" is being able to debate, or have all the answers for the person that they are talking with. We are called to be ready to give an answer for our hope, not debate our faith. We are called to love each other with an unselfish love, not oppose one another within the body.
It is shocking to me that the Bible seems to be seeing into the very soul of our church, society and lives of the current time... NOTHING HAS CHANGED! The church hasn't got any better in relating with one another and we still argue and debate with brothers, sisters and unbelievers alike. When will this change? How often do I get caught up in "defending" myself or what I believe? How should we be responding in a Biblical way so that we do not end up in debates, argument or foolish conversations with others?
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
At just the right time Christ will be revealed from heaven by the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. 16 He alone can never die, and he lives in light so brilliant that no human can approach him. No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will. All honor and power to him forever! Amen.
17 Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 18 Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. 19 By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
20 Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. 21 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.
May God’s grace be with you all.
Tori's Comments:
We are supposed to RUN from evil things. Not tolerate them. Not dabble in them.
And in doing so, we should run to righteousness. To God.
"use their money to do good" How am I spending my money?
"always being ready to share with others" The ALWAYS is pretty convicting.
Terrie's Comments:
One of the things that is repeated in this particular letter often is the discussion on words. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you... I feel like many times the first thing that comes to mind when Christians think about "evangelism" is being able to debate, or have all the answers for the person that they are talking with. We are called to be ready to give an answer for our hope, not debate our faith. We are called to love each other with an unselfish love, not oppose one another within the body.
It is shocking to me that the Bible seems to be seeing into the very soul of our church, society and lives of the current time... NOTHING HAS CHANGED! The church hasn't got any better in relating with one another and we still argue and debate with brothers, sisters and unbelievers alike. When will this change? How often do I get caught up in "defending" myself or what I believe? How should we be responding in a Biblical way so that we do not end up in debates, argument or foolish conversations with others?
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
Day 12 - 1 Timothy 6:1-10
All slaves should show full respect for their masters so they will not bring shame on the name of God and his teaching. 2 If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved.
Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. 3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Terrie's Comments:
Two parts of today's passage stuck out.
verse 2 - "If the masters are believers,.... Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved"
I thought that this was interesting. Something to think about ... our attitude towards fellow believers and their success. Do we help or hinder other believers?
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
In North America most of us have enough food and clothing... let us be content!
Tori's Comments:
I feel like some of these things are shocking... like how could he be asking us to do that? But it shows just how selfless a life we are called to, with a focus on Him rather than us.
Again, that theme of unity and how that should be one of our priorities in the church.
"enough" That word enough is a lot. It also emphasizes the importance of giving, and how we should share out of our surplus. I find that this is an especially hard thing to implement in my own life.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. 3 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life. 4 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. 5 These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
9 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
Terrie's Comments:
Two parts of today's passage stuck out.
verse 2 - "If the masters are believers,.... Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping other believers who are well loved"
I thought that this was interesting. Something to think about ... our attitude towards fellow believers and their success. Do we help or hinder other believers?
6 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 7 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. 8 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
In North America most of us have enough food and clothing... let us be content!
Tori's Comments:
I feel like some of these things are shocking... like how could he be asking us to do that? But it shows just how selfless a life we are called to, with a focus on Him rather than us.
Again, that theme of unity and how that should be one of our priorities in the church.
"enough" That word enough is a lot. It also emphasizes the importance of giving, and how we should share out of our surplus. I find that this is an especially hard thing to implement in my own life.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Monday, February 13, 2017
Day 11 - 1 Timothy 5:17-25
17 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain.” And in another place, “Those who work deserve their pay!”
19 Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.
21 I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone.
22 Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23 Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.
24 Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. 25 In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
Tori's Comments:
Never realized just how much work went into pastorhood, and should go into it.
Verse 23 seems a bit misplaced...
Terrie's Comments:
17-22 are talking about pastors specifically. In Paul's letters Deacons are like our current day elders and elders are like our current day pastors.
Then in verse 23 it switches to a brief comment about Timothy's stomach. It has been speculated that it could have had to do with the water that was around to drink and because of the religious and social stigma's on drinking wine Paul was reassuring Timothy that a little wine would be okay to settle his stomach.
Verses 24-25 are great reminders to us that God looks at the heart. Things are not always as they appear to us on the surface. Hence in previous passages Paul has encouraged Timothy to be kind to everyone.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
19 Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is confirmed by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others.
21 I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone.
22 Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. Do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.
23 Don’t drink only water. You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach because you are sick so often.
24 Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. 25 In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.
Tori's Comments:
Never realized just how much work went into pastorhood, and should go into it.
Verse 23 seems a bit misplaced...
Terrie's Comments:
17-22 are talking about pastors specifically. In Paul's letters Deacons are like our current day elders and elders are like our current day pastors.
Then in verse 23 it switches to a brief comment about Timothy's stomach. It has been speculated that it could have had to do with the water that was around to drink and because of the religious and social stigma's on drinking wine Paul was reassuring Timothy that a little wine would be okay to settle his stomach.
Verses 24-25 are great reminders to us that God looks at the heart. Things are not always as they appear to us on the surface. Hence in previous passages Paul has encouraged Timothy to be kind to everyone.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Sunday, February 12, 2017
Day 10 - 1 Timothy 5: 11-16
11 The younger widows should not be on the list, because their physical desires will overpower their devotion to Christ and they will want to remarry. 12 Then they would be guilty of breaking their previous pledge. 13 And if they are on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will spend their time gossiping from house to house, meddling in other people’s business and talking about things they shouldn’t. 14 So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children, and take care of their own homes. Then the enemy will not be able to say anything against them. 15 For I am afraid that some of them have already gone astray and now follow Satan.
16 If a woman who is a believer has relatives who are widows, she must take care of them and not put the responsibility on the church. Then the church can care for the widows who are truly alone.
Terrie's Comments:
Today and yesterday have been an interesting look on the charity of the early church. I think that our modern society could learn a few things from these passages for sure. I think our churches have passed on the responsibility of taking care of widows mainly to the government and other agencies that are available, which aren't necessarily Christ based organizations. Is this something that the church has missed the mark on? Should we be stepping up more to help those without family around to help them? Something to think about.
Tori's Comments:
Laziness and gossiping are definitely everyday things that this cultures gladly accepts, but Paul here says those who do it may "follow Satan".
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
16 If a woman who is a believer has relatives who are widows, she must take care of them and not put the responsibility on the church. Then the church can care for the widows who are truly alone.
Terrie's Comments:
Today and yesterday have been an interesting look on the charity of the early church. I think that our modern society could learn a few things from these passages for sure. I think our churches have passed on the responsibility of taking care of widows mainly to the government and other agencies that are available, which aren't necessarily Christ based organizations. Is this something that the church has missed the mark on? Should we be stepping up more to help those without family around to help them? Something to think about.
Tori's Comments:
Laziness and gossiping are definitely everyday things that this cultures gladly accepts, but Paul here says those who do it may "follow Satan".
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Saturday, February 11, 2017
Day 9 - 1 Timothy 5:1-10
Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father. Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. 2 Treat older women as you would your mother, and treat younger women with all purity as you would your own sisters.
3 Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her. 4 But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God.
5 Now a true widow, a woman who is truly alone in this world, has placed her hope in God. She prays night and day, asking God for his help. 6 But the widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she lives. 7 Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism.
8 But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.
9 A widow who is put on the list for support must be a woman who is at least sixty years old and was faithful to her husband. 10 She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?
Tori's Comments:
We are a family, and we need to act like it!
"prays night and day" To be able to depend wholly on Christ...
Terrie's Comments:
This passage is so practical. Treat those in Christ's family, no matter who they are, as if they are part of your own family.
Taking care of our own relatives should be a priority. And taking care of those who have no one else in this world to care for them.
If I live my life in full dependence on God then if I am ever in the position of widow it would be my automated response to rely on Him even then. This should be the goal of every believer. Dying to our own needs and living fully as a servant of Jesus Christ.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
3 Take care of any widow who has no one else to care for her. 4 But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. This is something that pleases God.
5 Now a true widow, a woman who is truly alone in this world, has placed her hope in God. She prays night and day, asking God for his help. 6 But the widow who lives only for pleasure is spiritually dead even while she lives. 7 Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism.
8 But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.
9 A widow who is put on the list for support must be a woman who is at least sixty years old and was faithful to her husband. 10 She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. Has she brought up her children well? Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? Has she helped those who are in trouble? Has she always been ready to do good?
Tori's Comments:
We are a family, and we need to act like it!
"prays night and day" To be able to depend wholly on Christ...
Terrie's Comments:
This passage is so practical. Treat those in Christ's family, no matter who they are, as if they are part of your own family.
Taking care of our own relatives should be a priority. And taking care of those who have no one else in this world to care for them.
If I live my life in full dependence on God then if I am ever in the position of widow it would be my automated response to rely on Him even then. This should be the goal of every believer. Dying to our own needs and living fully as a servant of Jesus Christ.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Friday, February 10, 2017
Day 8 - 1 Timothy 4:9-16
9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.
11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
Terrie's Comments:
"Focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them." The reason they would have been reading and teaching from the scriptures is to build faith that Jesus Christ was who he said and that he was whom the scriptures were pointing towards.
Keeping watch over the truth, using the spiritual gift that has been given to us diligently and teaching the truth to others. Be an example to all believers in how we live. It is so simple really. When we allow the Holy Spirit to direct our paths and empower us to do whatever he is asking us to do we have nothing to loose. It is not our name that is at stake... It is the name of Jesus Christ and we know that God is more than able to defend himself.
Tori's Comments:
Be encouraging. And seek encouragement from the Word yourself.
"throw yourself into your tasks" I LOVE this phrasing, that we should give everything we have into what we are doing, because everything we do is another opportunity to witness.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
11 Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. 13 Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 15 Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.
Terrie's Comments:
"Focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them." The reason they would have been reading and teaching from the scriptures is to build faith that Jesus Christ was who he said and that he was whom the scriptures were pointing towards.
Keeping watch over the truth, using the spiritual gift that has been given to us diligently and teaching the truth to others. Be an example to all believers in how we live. It is so simple really. When we allow the Holy Spirit to direct our paths and empower us to do whatever he is asking us to do we have nothing to loose. It is not our name that is at stake... It is the name of Jesus Christ and we know that God is more than able to defend himself.
Tori's Comments:
Be encouraging. And seek encouragement from the Word yourself.
"throw yourself into your tasks" I LOVE this phrasing, that we should give everything we have into what we are doing, because everything we do is another opportunity to witness.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Thursday, February 9, 2017
Day 7 - 1 Timothy 4: 1-8
Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 2 These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.
3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
Tori's Comments:
"everything God created is good" let us be known as a thankful people.
Terrie's Comments:
Once again the idea of not wasting time on arguing over things has come into this letter. It sounds like it was something that was happening a lot. This time Paul is encouraging people to not argue about godless ideas or old wives' tales.
I believe for me it takes just as much, if not more discipline and effort to train myself spiritually as it does to train physically. But we are assured not only here by Paul but also by the Holy Spirit himself that there are promising benefits here and in heaven for training ourselves spiritually. Physical training is only beneficial here on earth.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
3 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. 4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
6 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed. 7 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”
Tori's Comments:
"everything God created is good" let us be known as a thankful people.
Terrie's Comments:
Once again the idea of not wasting time on arguing over things has come into this letter. It sounds like it was something that was happening a lot. This time Paul is encouraging people to not argue about godless ideas or old wives' tales.
I believe for me it takes just as much, if not more discipline and effort to train myself spiritually as it does to train physically. But we are assured not only here by Paul but also by the Holy Spirit himself that there are promising benefits here and in heaven for training ourselves spiritually. Physical training is only beneficial here on earth.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
Day 6 - 1 Timothy 3: 8-16
8 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 9 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must live with a clear conscience. 10 Before they are appointed as deacons, let them be closely examined. If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons.
11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:
Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.
Tori's Comments:
More elaboration on the previous guidelines... that above all, we are apart of God's family. We are representatives, ambassadors of His household and should act accordingly.
Terrie's Comments:
I think one might wonder why we are reading all these instructions that don't pertain to us in general. 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus are letters that were written specifically to Pastors for the purpose of instructing them in their role. As we read these letters it is good to keep in mind the intent of the letter. Many of us are members of the church but probably not in the role of a pastor so some things that are mentioned may just be good reading but may never be practical instruction in our lives.
If we are a wife of someone in leadership then we "must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do."
Final thing I noticed about this passage was that even though it refers to a "mystery" the mystery isn't a mystery anymore. When Jesus Christ came and ascended into heaven the mystery was revealed. This is the good news!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
11 In the same way, their wives must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
12 A deacon must be faithful to his wife, and he must manage his children and household well. 13 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
14 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, 15 so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.
16 Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith:
Christ was revealed in a human body
and vindicated by the Spirit.
He was seen by angels
and announced to the nations.
He was believed in throughout the world
and taken to heaven in glory.
Tori's Comments:
More elaboration on the previous guidelines... that above all, we are apart of God's family. We are representatives, ambassadors of His household and should act accordingly.
Terrie's Comments:
I think one might wonder why we are reading all these instructions that don't pertain to us in general. 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus are letters that were written specifically to Pastors for the purpose of instructing them in their role. As we read these letters it is good to keep in mind the intent of the letter. Many of us are members of the church but probably not in the role of a pastor so some things that are mentioned may just be good reading but may never be practical instruction in our lives.
If we are a wife of someone in leadership then we "must be respected and must not slander others. They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do."
Final thing I noticed about this passage was that even though it refers to a "mystery" the mystery isn't a mystery anymore. When Jesus Christ came and ascended into heaven the mystery was revealed. This is the good news!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Day 5 - 1 Timothy 3: 1-7
This is a trustworthy saying: “If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.” 2 So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach. 3 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. 4 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 5 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?
6 A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.
Tori's Comments:
I think, in summary, we can safely state that a leader is a servant who deeply loves God.
Terrie's Comments:
And a man who is led by the Holy Spirit :-)
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
6 A church leader must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall. 7 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.
Tori's Comments:
I think, in summary, we can safely state that a leader is a servant who deeply loves God.
Terrie's Comments:
And a man who is led by the Holy Spirit :-)
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Monday, February 6, 2017
Day 4 - 1 Timothy 2: 9-15
9 And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 10 For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.11 Women should learn quietly and submissively. 12 I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly. 13 For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty.
Terrie's Comments:
It was pointed out to me recently that Jesus spoke in Aramaic. So when the Bible was written in other languages it had to be translated from Aramaic into those languages in the first place. Just like English doesn't always translate well from Hebrew and Greek... Hebrew and Greek don't always translate well from Aramaic. This means that by the time you get English there is already two obvious places that miscommunication could have happened.
This is what this passage says when directly translated from Aramaic into English:
"In like manner also, let the apparel of women be simple and their adornment be modest and refined; not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly array;
But let them be engaged in good works, as is becoming women who profess reverence for God.
Let the women learn in silence with all subjection.
I do not think it seemly for a woman to debate publicly or otherwise usurp the authority of men, but she should be silent.
For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and she transgressed the law.
Nevertheless, if her posterity continue in faith and have holiness and chastity, she will live through them."
In light of what Paul has said previously we really shouldn't be involved in debating publicly with anyone, no matter who we are.
"through Childbearing" is in direct relation to being saved through Jesus Christ.
Tori's Comments:
"through childbearing" Me no understand. Bad translation? This opposes a previous statement by Paul that it's better to be unmarried if possible.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
"through childbearing" Me no understand. Bad translation? This opposes a previous statement by Paul that it's better to be unmarried if possible.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Sunday, February 5, 2017
Day 3 - 1 Timothy 2:1-8
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For,
There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.
This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.
8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.
Tori's Comments:
"pray for all people" Do I do this? No.
God wants everyone to be saved. This is a truth to cling to in this world that accuses God of being hateful and unfair. We all deserve hell. Anything less is a mercy. And that really IS good news.
"free from anger and controversy"
Terrie's Comments:
PRAY FOR ALL PEOPLE - SAVED AND UNSAVED ALIKE!
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.
Ask God to help them;
intercede on their behalf,
and give thanks for them.
Pray this way for kings (our prime minister, our premier, our mayor, etc)
and all who are in authority (teachers, principle's, pastors, elders in our churches, parents, police officers etc)
SO WHY ARE WE SUPPOSED TO PRAY FOR EVERYONE?...
so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
This is good and pleases God our Savior,
who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
WHAT TRUTH DOES GOD WANT EVERYONE TO UNDERSTAND?
For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.
How do we live free from anger and controversy in a world that seems to thrive on controversy? What does it look like to live against the main stream of society? Are we living set apart for Christ?
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.
This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.
8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.
Tori's Comments:
"pray for all people" Do I do this? No.
God wants everyone to be saved. This is a truth to cling to in this world that accuses God of being hateful and unfair. We all deserve hell. Anything less is a mercy. And that really IS good news.
"free from anger and controversy"
Terrie's Comments:
PRAY FOR ALL PEOPLE - SAVED AND UNSAVED ALIKE!
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people.
Ask God to help them;
intercede on their behalf,
and give thanks for them.
Pray this way for kings (our prime minister, our premier, our mayor, etc)
and all who are in authority (teachers, principle's, pastors, elders in our churches, parents, police officers etc)
SO WHY ARE WE SUPPOSED TO PRAY FOR EVERYONE?...
so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
This is good and pleases God our Savior,
who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.
WHAT TRUTH DOES GOD WANT EVERYONE TO UNDERSTAND?
For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.
How do we live free from anger and controversy in a world that seems to thrive on controversy? What does it look like to live against the main stream of society? Are we living set apart for Christ?
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Day 2 - 1 Timothy 1:12-20
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him,13 even though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ. In my insolence, I persecuted his people. But God had mercy on me because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was! He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.
15 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them all. 16 But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 All honor and glory to God forever and ever! He is the eternal King, the unseen one who never dies; he alone is God. Amen.
18 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you, based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier. May they help you fight well in the Lord’s battles. 19 Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear. For some people have deliberately violated their consciences; as a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are two examples. I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they might learn not to blaspheme God.
Terrie's Comments:
I know that God doesn't scale sin. Every sin is sin and deserving of death. But I would think that actively destroying the church the God himself is building would be up near the top of the worst of the worst. Paul had been saved by grace radically even though he was blaspheming God. He didn't know any better. Paul actually thought that he was defending God by trying to shut down Christianity.
I believe that this is why he is encouraging Timothy to "Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear". Paul goes on to mention two men who had allowed themselves to side step their faith and blaspheme God. Paul had been operating in "ignorance and unbelief" but these two men knew the truth and had abandoned it.
Something to think about... what does it mean to blaspheme God? Have I ever done it? Have I ever been tempted to violate my conscience?
I know that God doesn't scale sin. Every sin is sin and deserving of death. But I would think that actively destroying the church the God himself is building would be up near the top of the worst of the worst. Paul had been saved by grace radically even though he was blaspheming God. He didn't know any better. Paul actually thought that he was defending God by trying to shut down Christianity.
I believe that this is why he is encouraging Timothy to "Cling to your faith in Christ, and keep your conscience clear". Paul goes on to mention two men who had allowed themselves to side step their faith and blaspheme God. Paul had been operating in "ignorance and unbelief" but these two men knew the truth and had abandoned it.
Something to think about... what does it mean to blaspheme God? Have I ever done it? Have I ever been tempted to violate my conscience?
Tori's Comments:
How the mercy God has shown us should affect our daily life. We should be constantly rejoicing at the things we've been given that we don't deserve: salvation, redemption, love, joy, the list goes on and on.
How the mercy God has shown us should affect our daily life. We should be constantly rejoicing at the things we've been given that we don't deserve: salvation, redemption, love, joy, the list goes on and on.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
Friday, February 3, 2017
Day 1 - 1 Timothy 1:1-11
1 This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the command of God our Savior and Christ Jesus, who gives us hope.
2 I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
3 When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 4 Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.
5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.
8 We know that the law is good when used correctly. 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.
Tori's Comments:
Terrie's Comments:
I have read through 1 and 2 Timothy a few times lately in preparing for this challenge and in preparing for leading another Bible study in my home. Each time I have read this particular portion of the letter the word "meaningless" stands out to me.
How often do I engage in "meaningless" speculations or discussions that don't help people live a life of faith in God? I seem to be around plenty of people who LOVE to debate and discuss theology and more often than not it is just a waste of time and it hasn't deepened anyone's faith or brought us any closer in relationship with each other. On the other hand I have plenty of people who LOVE to talk about things that are truth and are able to connect me at a deeper level with my Savior Jesus Christ... these are sweet friends and sweet times for sure :-) I hope that I can learn to be more a friend that helps them live a life of faith in God and learn to engage less often in "meaningless" speculations and discussions!
2 I am writing to Timothy, my true son in the faith.
May God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord give you grace, mercy, and peace.
3 When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 4 Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God.
5 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith. 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions. 7 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don’t know what they are talking about, even though they speak so confidently.
8 We know that the law is good when used correctly. 9 For the law was not intended for people who do what is right. It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy, who kill their father or mother or commit other murders. 10 The law is for people who are sexually immoral, or who practice homosexuality, or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that contradicts the wholesome teaching 11 that comes from the glorious Good News entrusted to me by our blessed God.
Tori's Comments:
Speculations don't help us in the faith, and I feel like it's because we get into a territory of truths we can't cling to. We should instead invest in a life of love and faith we can count on, faith we know to be true.
This is something that I want to guard against at bible college. I don't want to suddenly start talking about God as if he could be contained in a laboratory to perform experiments on. I want to remember how He pursued me in love. I want to remember just how real He is. How real His love is.
Terrie's Comments:
I have read through 1 and 2 Timothy a few times lately in preparing for this challenge and in preparing for leading another Bible study in my home. Each time I have read this particular portion of the letter the word "meaningless" stands out to me.
How often do I engage in "meaningless" speculations or discussions that don't help people live a life of faith in God? I seem to be around plenty of people who LOVE to debate and discuss theology and more often than not it is just a waste of time and it hasn't deepened anyone's faith or brought us any closer in relationship with each other. On the other hand I have plenty of people who LOVE to talk about things that are truth and are able to connect me at a deeper level with my Savior Jesus Christ... these are sweet friends and sweet times for sure :-) I hope that I can learn to be more a friend that helps them live a life of faith in God and learn to engage less often in "meaningless" speculations and discussions!
WELCOME TO TIMOTHY!
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
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