Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
The goal of this command is love, (which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.)
Summary: When Paul tells us that the goal of the command he has given to Timothy is love, he forces us to think deeply about what love is and who we are supposed to love.
Before we dive into a closer look at what Paul says in this verse, let’s step back for a moment to gain some perspective.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:5a – Commanded to 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”
… with thanksgiving…
Summary: Thankfulness is a key ingredient to prayer.
Since it is Thanksgiving Day, let’s take a leap back to verse six and fill in a spot we glossed over earlier.
Continue reading “Philippians 4:6b(2) – Happy Thanksgiving!”
[Therefore, if you ….make my joy complete by being like-minded]… and of one mind.
Summary: This text challenges us to examine the original text and the concepts that underly Paul’s message.
To begin this meditation, let’s look at Paul’s words in the New Living Translation:
“Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.” (Philippians 2:2, NLT)
Continue reading “Philippians 2:2e – Paul’s Passion”
[I eagerly expect and hope that…] that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body,
Summary: Paul continues to set an example for us with his life and words.
Paul certainly has a way with words!
If you were going to exalt someone or something, how would you do that? For example, if you are a Muslim and you want to exalt Allah, you prostrate yourself in the direction of Mecca during prayer. This demonstrates respect with your body.
Continue reading “Philippians 1:20c – Doing What’s Right”For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Summary: There are laws, and then there are laws. Being able to tell the difference is key to understanding what Paul tells us in this passage.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:14 – What Jesus Said”… to redeem those under the law
Summary: Simplifying the law helps make being redeemed easier to understand.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:5a – Redeemed”… born under the law,
Summary: One of those words that has many meanings is the word “law.” Making an assumption about which “law” a person is talking about can be dangerous, even deadly.
Continue reading “Galatians 4:4d – Living the Law”If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.
Summary: Pleasing God and pleasing people are at odds with each other. They always have been, and they always will be.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:10c – God First”