Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
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”
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:
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:15 – Living by Faith”
For Adam was formed first, then Eve.
Summary: If we visualize Adam and Eve as pieces of God’s puzzle picture called “Creation,” we begin to see ourselves as part of something truly beautiful.
Paul’s words in verse thirteen are a “puzzle.” If all the pieces are there, the puzzle makes sense. If not, then Paul’s words don’t make sense, either.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:13 – Puzzle Pieces”
For there is one God …
Summary: As Paul begins his description of God’s salvation for mankind, he starts with the most difficult truth of all: There is only one God.
Paul has just said that God wants all people to be saved and know the truth. Now he begins to tell us what that truth is.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:5a – Only One”
This is good …
Summary: The concept of “good and evil” or “good and bad” is central to what the Bible is all about.
Reading Paul’s letter to Timothy is not really like reading someone else’s mail. Paul’s words to Timothy are also intended for us. We are the real audience he was writing for. In the same way, it is not really Paul who wrote the letter — God is the real author (2 Timothy 3:16). This is important because if it is God’s Word we are reading, then the phrase “This is good…” takes on special meaning.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:3a – Taste and See”
… that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Summary: Paul’s words summarize the goal of Christianity: the absence of conflict, pain, and suffering.
A chess game is, in a sense, a model of life in miniature. It begins with a field of play, the chessboard, and revolves around a struggle between two opposing forces. The game begins with an “opening,” and continues with most of the action happening in the “middle game.” Finally, after many battles and strategic moves, there are only a few pieces left. If one side can conquer the other side’s king, the struggle is over, and peace is achieved. This is called the “end game.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:2b – The End Game”
[I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving]… be made for all people…
Summary: Paul’s instruction on prayer includes praying for “all people.” At first blush, this might seem counter-intuitive. However, if we remember our place in the universe, this command starts to make sense.
What, exactly, does Paul mean by “all people”? Does he have any idea what he is saying? Does he actually mean to be “thankful” for people who have beaten him, imprisoned him, stoned him, and left him for dead (2 Corinthians 11:24-26)? And what about the people preaching false doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3)? What about the people Paul wished would emasculate themselves (Galatians 5:12)?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:1e – The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly”
[…holding on to faith and a good conscience]…which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.
Summary: Paul uses a metaphor to help explain the importance of maintaining control over our thoughts and actions.
This passage brings up a sensitive topic for many people. They read these words Paul wrote and wonder, “Does this mean we can lose our faith?” Others take the question one step further and ask, “What about salvation? Does this mean we can lose our salvation?”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:19c – Sheets & Tillers”
… holding on to faith …
Summary: The story of Peter walking on water takes on a whole new meaning as we step back and take a look at the bigger narrative in the Gospel accounts.
Looking back on our last meditation, “Trusting God (Part I),” there are a few unanswered questions that it might be helpful to consider. For example:
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:19a – Trusting God (Part II)”
…and receive eternal life.
Summary: Taking a closer look at Paul’s words, we take a moment to review what it means to have eternal life.
Jesus called Paul to be an Apostle — one who is “sent” to teach others about the kingdom of God. We might not ever be called to appear before a king in this life, but we will in the next, and we need to understand what is involved so that we can be prepared.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:16c – The Way Home”