Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk.
Summary: With this passage, Paul dives into the deep end of the pool and invites us to follow. As we consider his words, we pause and think about the nature of judging.
At this point in his letter, Paul is quite blunt. He begins to call out the difference between people who “teach false doctrines” (1 Tim 1:3) and those whose lives reflect a “sincere faith” (1 Tim 1:5).
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:6 – Our Struggle”
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”
[As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people] … not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.
Summary: The question of who Timothy is supposed to “command” comes into better focus as we examine what he is up against.
Timothy is staying in Ephesus to help strengthen and guide the church there. It also seems clear from Paul’s opening words to Timothy that he is also there to protect and defend the church from anything that would distract or confuse the Gospel.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:3-4a – Stick to the Truth”
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus …
Summary: Sometimes it is helpful to “connect the dots” when we read Scripture, as long as we remember that the lines connecting the dots are just guesses and not facts.
What is going on?
When did Paul leave Timothy in Ephesus while he went on to Macedonia? This timing is not a critically important point to understand, but it does provide some context for Paul’s letter.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:3a – Connecting Dots”
… from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Summary: Warning: This meditation delves into dangerous waters.
Have you ever wondered why Paul didn’t write, “Grace, mercy and peace from God,” and leave it at that?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:2e – The Curious Cat”
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Summary: Paul is only on verse two, and already he is using words that we need to think about before we move on.
As mentioned earlier,* it is always helpful to define terms, especially when we are discussing something important like legal matters or things such as our relationship with the Creator of All Things.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:2b – The Itch”
…an apostle of Christ Jesus …
Summary: As we begin our study of Paul’s letter to Timothy, we are immediately confronted by a word that people argue over, even today. Clarifying what we mean by the word we choose helps resolve conflict and restore unity.
It is always helpful, when embarking on a discussion of any serious nature, to define terms.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:1b – Apostle”
For no word from God will ever fail.
Summary: In this meditation, we look back on why Jesus had to become a man and what it means for us.
The Gospel accounts of Matthew, Mark, and John are all written from the perspective of a first or second-hand account of Jesus’ life on earth by people who knew him. Luke’s Gospel is different.
Continue reading “Luke 1:37 – Merry Christmas, Part 1”
I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent.
Summary: Once again, we find ourselves stepping into the role of Word Detective as we work to make sure we have a clear understanding of Paul’s meaning.
Maybe it is just me, but it seems weird that in the prior verse Paul says that he doesn’t desire gifts from the Philippians and then in this verse he starts talking about having received “full payment.”
Continue reading “Philippians 4:18a – Word Detective”
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)
Summary: This passage provides a wonderful opportunity to explore how God’s Word is like a measuring line for our soul.
As you may have noticed, our passage today is from the New King James Version of the Bible. The reason is that the NIV translation chose to translate the passage this way:
Continue reading “Philippians 4:13 – Now or Forever?”