Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
Summary: Paul points us to the idea that Jesus needed faith, too.
In addition to God’s grace, or perhaps part of it, is the “faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:14b – A Gem Called Jesus”
[…the sound doctrine] that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God…
Summary: Paul’s definition of sound doctrine depends on an understanding of the Gospel.
Paul began this passage talking about using the law “properly” (1 Timothy 1:8). This inspired a frenzy of meditations dealing with judging, law, covenants, and Paul’s examples of what the law is used for.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:11a – Good News!”
[The goal of this command is love, which comes from]… a sincere faith.
Summary: Wrapping up our discussion of Paul’s three reasons for his “command,” we come to the question of faith. What is it and why is it important?
Writing to Timothy about the need to “command” misguided believers in Jesus not to do certain things,* he says the goal is love (agapē). He then explains that there are three sources, three artesian springs if you will, where the headwaters of love spring from. The three sources are:
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:5d – The Headwaters of Love”
[… advancing God’s work] — which is by faith.
Summary: Advancing God’s work by faith might sound simple, but some aspects of this task can be incredibly hard.
When we talk about “God’s work,” we are talking about something very different from what we normally think of as “work.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:4c – By Faith”
Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—
Summary: Understanding Paul’s intent in this passage provides us with a valuable opportunity to reflect on what God wants us to do with our lives.
If we are correct in our analysis so far, Paul has instructed Timothy to command “certain people” who claim to be followers of Christ* to stop promoting “controversial speculations.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:4b – God’s Work”
…and of Christ Jesus our hope,
Summary: Paul’s words are carefully chosen, and as we look at them, we are able to catch a glimpse of how Paul sees his Lord and Savior.
Let’s begin our meditation with a review of Paul’s entire opening words so far:
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope …”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:1d – Our Hope”
But our citizenship is in heaven.
Summary: The idea of citizenship in heaven is a provocative peek into our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Citizenship is something many of us take for granted. Growing up, I never worried about carrying citizenship papers until I traveled overseas. Before traveling outside the country, I needed to get a passport. Getting a passport required proving that I was a citizen.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:20a – Our Heavenly Passport”
Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters…
Summary: Reading about Paul’s life in the Book of Acts reveals a portrait of a man who is not only devoted to Jesus Christ but can maintain that devotion through every hardship.
As I read Paul’s words in this passage, my mind wanders to the question: “What was Paul like?”
What kind of person was he?
What, exactly, was the example that he set?
Continue reading “Philippians 3:17a – Learning From Paul”
Only let us live up to what we have already attained.
Summary: Paul challenges us to ponder what it means to know Jesus.
Oddly, Paul has just told us all the things he has not yet obtained (vs. 12). Yet, in this passage, he points to things “we” have already attained.
Continue reading “Philippians 3:16 – Attainment”
All of us, then, who are mature should take such a view of things.
Summary: Paul continues to challenge our thinking with his words. Here, he is speaking to “all of us … who are mature.” How do we know who is “mature?”
I wonder if Paul is talking to me?
He says, “All of us, then, who are mature…”
How do I know if I am “mature?”
Continue reading “Philippians 3:15a – Such a View”