Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
… 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”
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”