Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
Summary: Paul’s instruction about having a good reputation with outsiders is a key diagnostic tool for determining someone’s fitness for serving as an overseer.
This verse goes to the heart of the entire Bible.
In this passage, Paul refers to “outsiders.” This is important! Who are they and what are they?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:7 – The Heart of God’s Word”Since you died with Christ …
Summary: With five simple words, Paul opens the door to the mystery of salvation.
Is Paul writing his letter to dead people?
Considering the words Paul uses, you are right to wonder. To understand what Paul means by “Since you died with Christ,” we first have to understand life and death.
When I was a child, I thought “dead” meant you ceased to exist. It was a terrifying thought. I kept trying to measure how alive I was by how much “living” I could do. I discovered that my thirst for being alive was never satisfied by having “things” or doing “things.”
Continue reading “Colossians 2:20a – Signs of Life”