October 17, 2024
“I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Timothy 2:1-2 ESV). Paul called believers to pray for “all people,” especially for those in authority. His
October 21, 2023
“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows” (1 Timothy 6:10 NLT). Money is a means of exchange, a morally neutral thing that is useful when rightly used. Yet, the love of money
October 20, 2023
“Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader” (1 Timothy 5:22 NLT). Paul gave young Timothy good leadership advice on how to raise up leaders in the church at Ephesus. Literally, his advice was, “Don’t be hasty in the laying on of hands.” In other words, “Timothy, take your time before promoting someone.”
October 19, 2023
“Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them” (1 Timothy 4:13 NLT). Paul told the young pastor Timothy to avoid focusing on silly distractions and people who might despise his leadership. Instead, he was to give his attention to the ministry of the Word–– its
October 17, 2023
“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (1 Timothy 2:3-4 NLT). God desires that all humanity would be saved. Yet, we know from the Scriptures that only those who believe will receive God’s salvation. The tension between what God “wants” and what we
October 16, 2023
“The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” (1 Timothy 1:5 NLT). Paul’s teaching did not have a goal of increased knowledge, but of increased love. Knowledge is good, but without love, it is nothing (1 Cor.
October 21, 2022
TRUST GOD, USE MONEY Those who are rich in worldly wealth are tempted to trust their money, rather than God. They end up reversing the biblical admonition by trusting money and using God. As a result, many of them will “wander from the true faith and pierce themselves with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:10). Money
October 19, 2022
THE VALUE OF SPIRITUAL TRAINING We are born with a body, yet physical training is necessary to build it up. Similarly, when we are born again, we are made alive spiritually, yet we are called to “work out” what God is “working in” us (see Phil. 2:12-13). Both the physical life and this new spiritual
October 16, 2022
PAUL’S PURPOSE FOR INSTRUCTING BELIEVERS: LOVE Paul’s teaching did not have a goal of increased knowledge, but of increased love. Knowledge is good, but without love, it is nothing (1 Cor. 13:2). The believers in Ephesus loved knowledge so much that their discussions often dissolved into meaningless and endless debates over disputable matters. Paul encouraged
October 21, 2021
LOVE GOD. USE MONEY. Money is a means of exchange, a morally neutral thing that is useful when rightly used. Yet, the love of money is idolatry. It puts money in the place of God. Rather than saying “in God we trust,” it puts its trust in money. The one who loves money sees serving