1 Timothy 2:15 – Living by Faith

Portrait of a family (Pixabay - courtesy of Alisa Dyson Family)

But women will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.

Summary: Paul’s words can feel challenging, yet if we look at them in the fullness of his meaning, we discover a message that is both egalitarian and demanding. 

Paul’s view of men and women is interesting.

Earlier in verse eight, Paul says he wants men to pray, lift up holy hands, and do this without anger or disputing. Prayer requires a man to rely on God instead of themselves. Lifting up “holy hands” means our hands are clean — we haven’t been doing something we shouldn’t. Doing anything without anger and disputing can be challenging. But Paul is not finished yet. He goes on by telling women how he wants them to address their challenges, and then he says this:

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Philippians 3:21a – Under Control

Picture of a lit candle against a black background (Pixabay)

the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control,

Summary: Power is desired by those who want control over others. Jesus shows us that real power is revealed when we can control our desire for power over others. 

Consider what Paul is saying in this passage: Jesus Christ has the power to bring everything under his control. 

Wow. 

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Colossians 3:8e – Doom Loop

Hand holding a lighted wooden match with a dark woods in the background.

[… rid yourselves of] … slander …

Summary: By following each step in Paul’s thinking, we discover that he has something very specific in mind. 

Let’s go back and review the whole verse so far: 

But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander …” 

Paul is painting a portrait of a slave to SELF. When we put our self-interest above God and others, we will always find things that offend us. The rest of the world is only interested in pleasing themselves, so since my SELF is most important (to me), it is very irritating when other people do not share my concern for my own happiness. 

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Colossians 3:8c – Wrath, Rage, and Bugs

Picture of a cartoon bug holding a sign that reads "The End is Near!"

[… rid yourselves of] … rage …

Summary: Seeing ourselves from God’s point of view is a challenge. Especially when trying to understand what it means to be under God’s wrath. 

The word Paul used in this sentence is not always translated as “rage.” In fact, about two-thirds of available English translations of the Bible use the word “wrath” instead. Is there a difference? 

From a human point of view, there may not be much difference. From God’s point of view, there is a difference. 

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Colossians 3:8b – Anger Management

[… rid yourselves of] … anger …

Summary: Anger has been around for a long time. In most cases, human anger is the result of putting ourselves before God. When that happens, frustration and anger are not far behind. 

The kingdom of heaven doesn’t just happen by itself. The King’s people need to stand up and be counted for the kingdom to exist on earth. 

One way we are counted as People of God is by mastering our anger. God’s people don’t get angry. Well, not like ordinary people, anyway. 

So what is anger, anyway? 

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