Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
[The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith] and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.
Summary: Paul points back to the origin of deception to help us see the danger of listening to anything other than Christ.
In our last meditation, “For or Against?,” we explored two possible views about what “abandon the faith” might mean.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:1b – Calling Jesus”
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith…
Summary: Paul’s statement about “later times” leads us to wonder what he means by “abandon the faith.”
Believe it or not, this passage is a troublemaker.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 4:1a – For or Against?”
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:
Summary: Paul is pointing us to a ‘mystery’ that only God understands the answer to. For our part, it is enough to see and believe.
It must be a challenge, even for God, to communicate with us. After all, God is an eternal being (Psalm 90:4). His ‘living memory’ spans all of time. He created everything there is (Genesis 1:1), which means that even our highest form of math and the farthest reaches of our science barely scratch the surface of God’s knowledge.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:16a – Unusual Clarity”
… God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.
Summary: God’s Word paints a picture connecting three things into one very important picture.
Personally, I enjoy the verses like this one. In this passage, Paul provides us with a definition. In fact, he provides us with three! He ties together three important points in a simple equation.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:15b – Family Portrait”
Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.
Summary: Paul addresses a question that often haunts the believer’s mind.
I was in a Bible class the other day, and one of the people there asked if people can lose their salvation.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:13 – The Path to Assurance”
In the same way, deacons are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
Summary: Paul’s introduction to the work of a deacon leads us to wonder, “What is a deacon, anyway?”
When Paul begins with “In the same way…” he means in the same way overseers are worthy of respect (1 Timothy 3:4), deacons should be worthy of respect.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:8 – Deacons”
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”
He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
Summary: Paul’s warning about conceit and judgment applies as much to all believers as it does to overseers.
Of the five categories in an overseer’s job description, Spiritual Maturity is perhaps the most important.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:6 – Spiritual Maturity”
Now the overseer is to be above reproach…
Summary: Paul’s instructions on being an overseer lead us to consider where they come from and how they relate to God’s will for us.
Paul begins this part of his letter to Timothy with a job description for an overseer.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:2a – The Building Blocks of Integrity”
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.
Summary: Leadership in the church has always been a challenge, and — quite frankly — somewhat of a miracle.
Here is another one of Paul’s “trustworthy sayings.” These appear to be key teachings that Paul wants us to use in the organization of the church.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:1 – Regula Fidei”