Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
[He] was vindicated by the Spirit…
Summary: Vindication is an interesting word. In this passage, it means something a little different from how we might use the word today.
The word “vindicated” in this passage is key to understanding the meaning.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 3:16c – Vindication”
I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man…
Summary: Paul’s instruction here seems both pointed and insensitive. However, viewed through the larger lens of the whole of Scripture, the problem may be more with how Paul says what he says than why he says it.
This is a difficult passage.
To put this into context, Paul’s letter to Timothy is essentially a “How To” manual for managing a church. In the verses that follow, Paul outlines his reasoning for giving this instruction, making it difficult to tackle this passage without considering the larger context.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:12a – An Abstract View”
[I urge, then, first of all, that]… petitions, prayers, intercession …
Summary: In this passage, Paul points us to three ways of praying.
As we continue our examination of this verse, it might be helpful to take a closer look at the first three things Paul encourages us to do: make petitions, prayers, and intercession. What do these words mean, and what is the difference between them?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:1c – Three Kinds of Prayer “
… I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
Summary: Paul’s confession of his actions before meeting Jesus Christ is a helpful reference point for us.
When God brought the Israelites out of Egypt, he chose Moses to lead them. In the story, Moses is not some superhero who comes out of nowhere. He has what is called a “back story.” He was born in Egypt during a time of persecution (Exodus 1:8-14). He survives a royal edict to kill all male children (Exodus 1:22). He has an older sister, Miriam, and an older brother, Aaron (Numbers 26:59).
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:13b – Man’s Plan, God’s Mercy”
They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.
Summary: When we talk about being a teacher of the law, it is important to consider the source of the laws we are teaching. They are not all the same.
Before we move on, we need to spend a few minutes talking about the difference between God’s laws and man’s laws.
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:7 – Part IV: Whose Law?”
Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety.
Summary: This verse provides an excellent example of how the original Greek can help clear up questions about seeming contradictions in the Bible.
This verse provides the opportunity to clarify something that could be important to some.
The word Paul used when writing his letter was “alypos.” The NIV translation uses the English word “anxiety” here, but that is not a direct translation. Most English translations use a different word.
Continue reading “Philippians 2:28 – Paul’s Relief”
“children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky…
Summary: Paul’s words point us to one of the most important questions facing Christians: How do we know we are saved?
What does he mean by suggesting that we can become “blameless and pure” (Philippians 1:15a) and “children of God without fault?” Is he suggesting that we can attain some level of perfection as believers in Christ?
Continue reading “Philippians 2:15b – Star Light”
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
Summary: Speaking of children, how did God deal with his kids?
It is interesting that Paul would include this statement in his section on family values, but not surprising.
Paul is sharing information revealed to him by God (Galatians 1:12). As usual, God’s message is completely consistent over the centuries. It is also a message close to God’s heart.
Continue reading “Colossians 3:20 – God’s Children”
…[clothe yourselves with] … humility …
Summary: In the grand scheme of things, understanding a word like “humility” requires us to have an understanding of how we measure our own self-importance.
When I think of humility, I always think of Moses. The Bible says that Moses was “a very humble man.” It goes on to say that he was “more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth” (Number 12:3).
At first glance, that statement sounds oxymoronic.
We assume the first five books of the Bible are written by Moses, so how could he claim to be “more humble than anyone else” and still be humble?
Continue reading “Colossians 3:12e – Something to Remember”… and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven,
Summary: God is the master of communication. He leaves nothing to chance. Paul makes an astounding statement about God’s ability to communicate and leaves it to us to ponder how he does it.
Continue reading “Colossians 1:23f – The Eternal Billboard”