Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
Summary: Paul’s claim of being a herald, apostle, and teacher requires that we decide whether or not to believe him.
How do we know what Paul is saying is true? He says he is telling the truth! He even tells us, “I am not lying…” Are you convinced?
Continue reading “1 Timothy 2:7 – Wild Claims”
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: Teaching others is a wonderful calling and profession, if we are teaching God’s truth. For those who teach otherwise, there are consequences.
Now that we have discussed what evil actually is and have a better understanding of what the law is, let’s look at what it means to be a “teacher of the law.”
Continue reading “1 Timothy 1:7 – Part III: Teachers of the Law”
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”
… and he began to teach them.
Summary: The weird truth about Jesus is that he also happens to be God.
There are many “teachers” out there, but not all teachings are true. So, who is Jesus, and why should we listen to his teachings?
Continue reading “Matthew 5: 2 — Who is Jesus? Part I”As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!
Summary: Repetition is a teaching tool, and Paul is a teacher. He wants us to understand a very important truth. The essence of Christ’s gospel is not up for discussion.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:9 – Repetition”From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
Summary: Paul continues with his description of the body of Christ, and with it, we continue our exploration of what that means.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:16 – What if God Sneezed?”… apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers …
Summary: Understanding who these people are requires us to understand our relationship with Jesus, the body of Christ, and those who do not yet know our Lord.
Continue reading “Ephesians 4:11b – Circles of Faith”
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.
Peter tells us that Jesus was an example for us. We should follow in his steps. This is good advice if we apply it correctly. The problem is that it is easy to misapply.
When you look at Jesus, what do you see?
Continue reading “1 Peter 2:21 — Jesus’ Footprints”