1 Timothy 1-Part 9
Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.
1 Timothy 1:16 KJV
And yet for this reason I found mercy, in order that in me as the foremost Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience, as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. (NAS)
LET IT GLOW
Did you catch the phrase Paul used, "yet I found mercy?" Yes, I too have found God's mercy. Have you?
According to Thayer's Lexicon, mercy means to succor (help) the afflicted, to bring help to the wretched; to experience mercy, specifically of God granting even to the unworthy favor, benefits, opportunities, and particularly salvation by Christ.
I understand mercy is not getting what we deserve. Of course, as a sinner, I deserve punishment for my sins and eternal Hell. Yet it is God's mercy that I found. I praise Him for it! He gives me unworthy favors, life and breath, food; He gives me benefits as His child, blessings, answered prayers, and His unfailing love; He gives me opportunities to try again after failure, and to serve Him; He picks me up when I fall down; He especially gave me salvation. Now that's MERCY.
God demonstrated His perfect patience toward me, too. The first time He spoke to my heart offering salvation, I rejected Him. I was in junior high, attending VBS with my friends and was too proud to admit my need. I didn't know what my friends would think of me. (Of course they would have rejoiced, but I didn't know that at the time.) A couple of years later, I found His mercy.
So much we take for granted, huh?
LET IT GROW
Throughout the years, I have sewn my own clothes, mostly dresses. In order to do that, I found a pattern made the way I wanted my dress to look. Then I placed it on top of the material I chose, and cut out around the pattern. Following the directions, I sewed the pieces together. Doesn't God do that in our life, putting the pieces together?
"Why does God save sinners like Paul and like us? One great reason is so the longsuffering God shows to us would be a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him. So that others can see what God can do with us!" David Guzik said.
Is my life a pattern for others to follow? Paul's life was changed when he met Jesus. Is mine?
LET IT GO
Always seek God's mercy and thank Him for it.
Make my life a pattern for others to follow as I keep Christ first.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
Why am I Here?
1 Timothy 1-Part 8
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15
LET IT GLOW
Doesn't it ususally happen during the teenage years, questioning "Why am I here?" I think I was an adult, though, whenever I began contemplating the answer. There were other questions: What do I want to be? What are my goals, my ambitions, my dreams for my future?
Have you ever read Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life ? He says, "The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose. Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life's purpose. Job 12:10 (TEV) says, 'It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone's life is in his power.'
It is only in God that we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance, and our destiny. Every other path leads to a dead end. (Romans 8:6) You were made by God and for God-and until you understand that, life will never make sense."
I encourage you to get this book and read further on the subject.
What was the main purpose for Christ's coming? It wasn't to teach, heal, be an example, but to save sinners.
(Liberty Bible Commentary)
"Jesus came to save sinners, not those living under the illusion of their own righteousness; it is the 'sick' who need a 'physican' (Mark 2:17)," stated David Guzik.
Such good news. I was a sinner in need of a salvation. Now I'm still a sinner, but in need of grace and mercy from my Savior.
Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
Yes, the good news is Jesus came to save you and me. Do you know HIm today as your Savior?
LET IT GROW
In verse 15, Paul is saying that he is the chief of all sinners. He isn't expressing super-pious humility. He genuinely felt his sins made him more accountable before God than others. (David Guzik)
The word sinners means not free from sin. (Thayer's Lexicon) That includes me.
Aren't we all equally sinners? No; "All men are truly sinners, but all men are not equally sinners. They are all in the mire; but they have not all sunk to an equal depth in it, " clarified Charles Spurgeon.
Paul felt-rightly so-his sins were worse because he was responsible for the death, imprisonment, and suffering of Christians, whom he persecuted before his life was changed by Jesus. (Acts 8:3, 9:1-2; 1 Cor.15:9)
(Guzik)
There are worse kinds of sin; sins that harm God's people are especially grievous in God's eyes. Are you guilty, now or in the past, of harming God's people?
"God remembers jests and scoffs leveled at his little ones, and he bids those who indulge in them to take heed. You had better offend a king than one of the Lord's little ones," stated Spurgeon.
For some people, it is not easy to admit that they are a sinner in need of a Savior. That's when they need our prayers and witnessing.
LET IT GO
Find my purpose in life through God and His Word.
Daily admit that I'm a sinner.
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 1 Timothy 1:15
LET IT GLOW
Doesn't it ususally happen during the teenage years, questioning "Why am I here?" I think I was an adult, though, whenever I began contemplating the answer. There were other questions: What do I want to be? What are my goals, my ambitions, my dreams for my future?
Have you ever read Rick Warren's book, The Purpose Driven Life ? He says, "The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose. Focusing on ourselves will never reveal our life's purpose. Job 12:10 (TEV) says, 'It is God who directs the lives of his creatures; everyone's life is in his power.'
It is only in God that we discover our origin, our identity, our meaning, our purpose, our significance, and our destiny. Every other path leads to a dead end. (Romans 8:6) You were made by God and for God-and until you understand that, life will never make sense."
I encourage you to get this book and read further on the subject.
What was the main purpose for Christ's coming? It wasn't to teach, heal, be an example, but to save sinners.
(Liberty Bible Commentary)
"Jesus came to save sinners, not those living under the illusion of their own righteousness; it is the 'sick' who need a 'physican' (Mark 2:17)," stated David Guzik.
Such good news. I was a sinner in need of a salvation. Now I'm still a sinner, but in need of grace and mercy from my Savior.
Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
Yes, the good news is Jesus came to save you and me. Do you know HIm today as your Savior?
LET IT GROW
In verse 15, Paul is saying that he is the chief of all sinners. He isn't expressing super-pious humility. He genuinely felt his sins made him more accountable before God than others. (David Guzik)
The word sinners means not free from sin. (Thayer's Lexicon) That includes me.
Aren't we all equally sinners? No; "All men are truly sinners, but all men are not equally sinners. They are all in the mire; but they have not all sunk to an equal depth in it, " clarified Charles Spurgeon.
Paul felt-rightly so-his sins were worse because he was responsible for the death, imprisonment, and suffering of Christians, whom he persecuted before his life was changed by Jesus. (Acts 8:3, 9:1-2; 1 Cor.15:9)
(Guzik)
There are worse kinds of sin; sins that harm God's people are especially grievous in God's eyes. Are you guilty, now or in the past, of harming God's people?
"God remembers jests and scoffs leveled at his little ones, and he bids those who indulge in them to take heed. You had better offend a king than one of the Lord's little ones," stated Spurgeon.
For some people, it is not easy to admit that they are a sinner in need of a Savior. That's when they need our prayers and witnessing.
LET IT GO
Find my purpose in life through God and His Word.
Daily admit that I'm a sinner.
Friday, August 5, 2011
Swimming in God's Grace
1 Timothy 1-Part 7
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy1:14
LET IT GLOW
A few weeks ago I turned the radio on just in time to catch an interview with a teen called Bethany Hamilton.
Who's that? Like me, you probably would recognize her story instead of her name. She is the girl who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds, through determination and faith, to become a champion again. There is now a movie, Soul Surfer, a book, and even a kit with Bible study guides using her story. The Lord has blessed Bethany through this tragedy, making her a witness for Him. Such grace! You might say she's swimming in Go's grace. Our God is so good! I'm wanting to see the movie. It's for all ages, but will especially have an impact on teens, I think. As Paul experienced God's grace, so many others have also. I certainly have. Let's swim a little deeper into this verse.
What are the gifts of God's grace? Faith and love are God's gifts to us who have received His gracious gift of salvation.
First, this amazing grace was abundant, yet not just abundant, but exceeding abundant.
"Regardless of what a man was before he was saved, 'where sin abounded, grace did much more abound,' says Romans 5:20. Paul appreciated the grace which became the main theme of his ministry," states Liberty Bible Commentary.
Grace (charis in Greek and pronounced khar'-ece), refers to graceousness. It is pre-eminently of that kindness by which God bestows favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offences, and bids them accept of eternal salvation through Christ. (Thayer's Lexicon)
The two words exceeding and abundant had the same reference and meaning, "to be exceedingly abundant." In the Greek Dictionary of the New Testament, the Greek word was huperpleonazo, which means to superabound.
Paul used the Greek prefix huper- (meaning an exceeding abundant amount) often in his letters: superincrease of faith (2 Thess. 1:3), super-abounding power (Eph. 1:19), superconqueror (Rom. 8:37). We speak of" hyperactive" children and "hypersensitive" people. (Wiersbe's Be Faithful)
Where would I be without God's grace, which is exceeding abundant? I hate to think. Isn't it super? (Remember when that expression was a popular as saying cool, awesome?)
It's by grace that we are saved (Eph. 2:8-9) because God is rich in mercy (Eph. 2:4) and grace (Eph. 2:7).
I remember the song that says, "Grace, grace, God's grace. Grace that that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, grace, God's grace. Grace that is greater than all our sin."
The grace of God turned the persecutor into a preacher, and the murderer into a minister and missionary!
(Wiersbe)
The second thing Paul mentioned is faith. Who gives us faith to believe in our Lord Jesus? God does it.
The third word Paul used was love. I think God's grace, faith, and love are all exceedingly abundant. Don't you?
LET IT GROW
Shall we jump back to verse 13? I can't skip over it. Paul describes how he used to be.
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (v.13)
In the light of the law, Paul saw who he really was:
God not only entrusted the gospel to Paul, but He also enabled Paul to minister it. Not only did Paul become a minister, but he was also an example (1Tim. 1:16). Yet, he said in referring to himself, that he was the chief of sinners. Isn't Paul proof that the grace of God can change any sinner? Even me and you?
Have you become a new creature in Christ?
LET IT GO
Be thankful for God's exceeding abundant grace.
Remember who I was, and from where that grace brought me.
It's God's grace.
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy1:14
LET IT GLOW
A few weeks ago I turned the radio on just in time to catch an interview with a teen called Bethany Hamilton.
Who's that? Like me, you probably would recognize her story instead of her name. She is the girl who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds, through determination and faith, to become a champion again. There is now a movie, Soul Surfer, a book, and even a kit with Bible study guides using her story. The Lord has blessed Bethany through this tragedy, making her a witness for Him. Such grace! You might say she's swimming in Go's grace. Our God is so good! I'm wanting to see the movie. It's for all ages, but will especially have an impact on teens, I think. As Paul experienced God's grace, so many others have also. I certainly have. Let's swim a little deeper into this verse.
What are the gifts of God's grace? Faith and love are God's gifts to us who have received His gracious gift of salvation.
First, this amazing grace was abundant, yet not just abundant, but exceeding abundant.
"Regardless of what a man was before he was saved, 'where sin abounded, grace did much more abound,' says Romans 5:20. Paul appreciated the grace which became the main theme of his ministry," states Liberty Bible Commentary.
Grace (charis in Greek and pronounced khar'-ece), refers to graceousness. It is pre-eminently of that kindness by which God bestows favors even upon the ill-deserving, and grants to sinners the pardon of their offences, and bids them accept of eternal salvation through Christ. (Thayer's Lexicon)
The two words exceeding and abundant had the same reference and meaning, "to be exceedingly abundant." In the Greek Dictionary of the New Testament, the Greek word was huperpleonazo, which means to superabound.
Paul used the Greek prefix huper- (meaning an exceeding abundant amount) often in his letters: superincrease of faith (2 Thess. 1:3), super-abounding power (Eph. 1:19), superconqueror (Rom. 8:37). We speak of" hyperactive" children and "hypersensitive" people. (Wiersbe's Be Faithful)
Where would I be without God's grace, which is exceeding abundant? I hate to think. Isn't it super? (Remember when that expression was a popular as saying cool, awesome?)
It's by grace that we are saved (Eph. 2:8-9) because God is rich in mercy (Eph. 2:4) and grace (Eph. 2:7).
I remember the song that says, "Grace, grace, God's grace. Grace that that will pardon and cleanse within. Grace, grace, God's grace. Grace that is greater than all our sin."
The grace of God turned the persecutor into a preacher, and the murderer into a minister and missionary!
(Wiersbe)
The second thing Paul mentioned is faith. Who gives us faith to believe in our Lord Jesus? God does it.
The third word Paul used was love. I think God's grace, faith, and love are all exceedingly abundant. Don't you?
LET IT GROW
Shall we jump back to verse 13? I can't skip over it. Paul describes how he used to be.
Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. (v.13)
In the light of the law, Paul saw who he really was:
- a blasphemer-speaks evil of and slanders God (overt attacks against Christ); denied the diety of Jesus Christ and forced others to deny it,
- a persecutor-used physical power to try to destroy the church (1 Cor.15:9),
- injurious-violent aggressor, who mad murderous threat, consented to Stephen's stoning (Acts 8:1-4).
God not only entrusted the gospel to Paul, but He also enabled Paul to minister it. Not only did Paul become a minister, but he was also an example (1Tim. 1:16). Yet, he said in referring to himself, that he was the chief of sinners. Isn't Paul proof that the grace of God can change any sinner? Even me and you?
Have you become a new creature in Christ?
LET IT GO
Be thankful for God's exceeding abundant grace.
Remember who I was, and from where that grace brought me.
It's God's grace.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Floating on Cloud Nine
1 Timothy 1-Part 6
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 1 Timothy 1:12
LET IT GLOW
Yesterday, on the drive home from the doctor's office, in crawling, terrible traffic, I was singing praises and giving thanks to Christ Jesus my Lord, floating on cloud nine. You may ask why. For a year and a half I was in pain in my gut. The doctors I used didn't find the problem and treat it, so I went to a new one, a gastroenterologist. During this process, I found out that I have Crohn's disease. (My calculations tell me its been with me for 40 years.) It effects the digestive system, causing many complications, and can result in cancer. (My mother inlaw died of colon cancer, so I was scared.)
Meanwhile, my new doctor ran tests and gave me medicine. I got on the internet and researched diets. It was a whole new world. My diarrhea stopped when I elimated milk products in my diet (lactose intolerant). The pain stopped after using three new medicines (enduring terrible side effects). Overall, I began feeling better, stronger. Then I had to stop taking two of the medicines. I admit that I was apprehensive, wondering how long before the process was repeated and eventually I had to give myself a weekly shot. Friend, it hasn't happened.
My specialist was amazed. He said that what my x-rays and scope test, I should be in pain, with bloody diarrhea. It isn't happening. Hallelujah!!! Praise to the Lamb of God!!! Now you can understand my singing His praises in the car as I drove home. ( I even let a few cars get in front of me in line.) I give thanks to my Lord daily for my life He has given me. Thank you Lord for answering my prayer of finding what was wrong with my body.
How about you? Has God blessed you lately? Are you giving Him thanks and praise? Will you share your story with us?
LET IT GROW
In verse 12, Paul begins by thanking his Lord for:
thank means to be thankful to one; thanks for benefits, services, favors;
enabled means to make strong, endue with strength, strengthen;
counted is to consider, deem, account, think;
faithful is of persons who show themselfes faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands,
or the discharge of official duties;
putting is to appoint one's use, to make one one's service;
ministry refers to those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men; of the
apostles and its administration.
Paul wasn't arrogant, was he? He didn't take his privilege for granted. He was always thanking the Lord for something. What an example for me. How often do I thank God for giving me strength to do ordinary things around the house and extraordinary things in His work? Do I thankHim for my eys to see, my ears to hear, my tongue to taste, my hands to work, and my feet to move? Or do I grumble because of a task needing to be done? Guilty.
Paul knew his "strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 19:9). Being faithful is requiere of stewards with a trust (1 Cor. 4:1-2). No man takes this honor of ministry for Jesus to himself (Heb.4:5). Paul didn't "handle the Word of God deceitfully" (2 Cor. 4:2), as he did the legalizers. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
Paul expresses three attitudes that are characteristic of his view of ministry:
LET IT GO
Surrender to the Lord's will daily.
Thank Him for His strength and enabling me to serve Him.
Seek His help.
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 1 Timothy 1:12
LET IT GLOW
Yesterday, on the drive home from the doctor's office, in crawling, terrible traffic, I was singing praises and giving thanks to Christ Jesus my Lord, floating on cloud nine. You may ask why. For a year and a half I was in pain in my gut. The doctors I used didn't find the problem and treat it, so I went to a new one, a gastroenterologist. During this process, I found out that I have Crohn's disease. (My calculations tell me its been with me for 40 years.) It effects the digestive system, causing many complications, and can result in cancer. (My mother inlaw died of colon cancer, so I was scared.)
Meanwhile, my new doctor ran tests and gave me medicine. I got on the internet and researched diets. It was a whole new world. My diarrhea stopped when I elimated milk products in my diet (lactose intolerant). The pain stopped after using three new medicines (enduring terrible side effects). Overall, I began feeling better, stronger. Then I had to stop taking two of the medicines. I admit that I was apprehensive, wondering how long before the process was repeated and eventually I had to give myself a weekly shot. Friend, it hasn't happened.
My specialist was amazed. He said that what my x-rays and scope test, I should be in pain, with bloody diarrhea. It isn't happening. Hallelujah!!! Praise to the Lamb of God!!! Now you can understand my singing His praises in the car as I drove home. ( I even let a few cars get in front of me in line.) I give thanks to my Lord daily for my life He has given me. Thank you Lord for answering my prayer of finding what was wrong with my body.
How about you? Has God blessed you lately? Are you giving Him thanks and praise? Will you share your story with us?
LET IT GROW
In verse 12, Paul begins by thanking his Lord for:
- enabling him,
- counting him faithful, and
- putting him into the ministry.
thank means to be thankful to one; thanks for benefits, services, favors;
enabled means to make strong, endue with strength, strengthen;
counted is to consider, deem, account, think;
faithful is of persons who show themselfes faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands,
or the discharge of official duties;
putting is to appoint one's use, to make one one's service;
ministry refers to those who by the command of God proclaim and promote religion among men; of the
apostles and its administration.
Paul wasn't arrogant, was he? He didn't take his privilege for granted. He was always thanking the Lord for something. What an example for me. How often do I thank God for giving me strength to do ordinary things around the house and extraordinary things in His work? Do I thankHim for my eys to see, my ears to hear, my tongue to taste, my hands to work, and my feet to move? Or do I grumble because of a task needing to be done? Guilty.
Paul knew his "strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 19:9). Being faithful is requiere of stewards with a trust (1 Cor. 4:1-2). No man takes this honor of ministry for Jesus to himself (Heb.4:5). Paul didn't "handle the Word of God deceitfully" (2 Cor. 4:2), as he did the legalizers. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
Shepherd's Notes says:
- Christ Himself is the source of Paul's strength. Paul doesn't take credit for any of his accomplishments
- Being a servant of Jesus Christ is a privilege beyond comprehension. He considers it a blessing he did not deserv
- When Christ calls a person into His service, this implies trust. Paul felt great responsibility for living up to that trust.
LET IT GO
Surrender to the Lord's will daily.
Thank Him for His strength and enabling me to serve Him.
Seek His help.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Breaking the Law
1 Timothy 1-Part 5
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
1 Timothy 1:8
LET IT GLOW
I am glad that our nation has laws, aren't you? They protect us and others, as well as give us guidelines by which to live. I must admit, there have been times in my life that I have broken the speed limit laws. Mostly it happened whenever I was in a hurry or late for work, an appointment, or such. Are you with me? Laws should keep us doing what is right for our society. (However, some I don't agree with-abortion and homosexual marriages are legal in our states/nation.) In verse 8, Paul is talking about the laws that God set up for people to follow. When He established laws, God knew that mankind would break them and not be able to keep them all, so He provided a remedy for us-a Savior.
"The law is good and meant to be used even today, but it must be used for its intended purpose, 'that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God,' (Romans 3:19), so that man turns toward Christ for righteousness (Romans 10:1-4)," states Liberty Bible Commentary.
We are all sinners in need of a Savior, Jesus Christ. He has provided all that we need in order to to be right before God. The purpose of the law is to show us that we sin and fall short of obeying God's laws. The only perfect one is Christ.
Paul wrote to the church in Galatians 2:16a says, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ; Galatians 3:24-26 says, Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
So the law of God is a good thing. Not only does it show us our sinfulness, but the Ten Commandments given to Moses is a good standard by which we can strive to live.
What are my standards based upon?
LET IT GROW
Verses 9-11 say this: Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there abe any other thing that is contrary to sould doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
Paul listed 14 kinds of people who were condemned by the law in these verses. Who are they?
I'm glad that we have the Holy Spirit and the grace of God because I can't keep all ten of those commands daily, much less until I die.
Grace, grace, God's grace. How wonderful and matchless!
LET IT GO
Live by faith and under grace.
Keep the Ten Commandments for a guide for me to live by.
Point others to Jesus.
But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;
1 Timothy 1:8
LET IT GLOW
I am glad that our nation has laws, aren't you? They protect us and others, as well as give us guidelines by which to live. I must admit, there have been times in my life that I have broken the speed limit laws. Mostly it happened whenever I was in a hurry or late for work, an appointment, or such. Are you with me? Laws should keep us doing what is right for our society. (However, some I don't agree with-abortion and homosexual marriages are legal in our states/nation.) In verse 8, Paul is talking about the laws that God set up for people to follow. When He established laws, God knew that mankind would break them and not be able to keep them all, so He provided a remedy for us-a Savior.
"The law is good and meant to be used even today, but it must be used for its intended purpose, 'that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God,' (Romans 3:19), so that man turns toward Christ for righteousness (Romans 10:1-4)," states Liberty Bible Commentary.
We are all sinners in need of a Savior, Jesus Christ. He has provided all that we need in order to to be right before God. The purpose of the law is to show us that we sin and fall short of obeying God's laws. The only perfect one is Christ.
Paul wrote to the church in Galatians 2:16a says, Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ; Galatians 3:24-26 says, Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
So the law of God is a good thing. Not only does it show us our sinfulness, but the Ten Commandments given to Moses is a good standard by which we can strive to live.
What are my standards based upon?
LET IT GROW
Verses 9-11 say this: Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there abe any other thing that is contrary to sould doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
Paul listed 14 kinds of people who were condemned by the law in these verses. Who are they?
- lawless
- disobedient (rebellious)
- ungodly
- sinners
- unholy
- profane
- murderers of fathers
- murderers of mothers
- manslayers
- whoremongers (immoral)
- defilers with mankind (homosexuals)
- menstealers (kidnappers)
- liars
- perjured persons
Warren W. Wiersbe, in his book Be Faithful, a study on 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, said this:The lawful use of the law is to expose, restrain, and convict the lawless. The law cannot save lost sinners; it can only reveal their need for a Savior. When a sinner believes on Jesus Christ, he is freed from the curse of the law (Gal.3:10-14), and the righteous demands of the law are met by the indwelling Holy Spirit as a believer yields to God (Rom. 8:1-4). Paul centered particularly on fiev of the Ten commandments in Exodus 20-umbers 5-9. It is the "glorious gospel" that saves lost sinners. Law and gospel go together, for the law without the gospel is diagnosis without remedy, abut the gospel without law is only the good news of salvation for people who don't believe they need it because they have never heard the bad news of judgment. The law is not gospel, but the gospel is not lawless (Rom.3:20-31).
I'm glad that we have the Holy Spirit and the grace of God because I can't keep all ten of those commands daily, much less until I die.
Grace, grace, God's grace. How wonderful and matchless!
LET IT GO
Live by faith and under grace.
Keep the Ten Commandments for a guide for me to live by.
Point others to Jesus.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
A Popped Knuckle
1 Timothy 1-Part 4
From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 1 Timothy 1:6-7
LET IT GLOW
It's been over a year now since it happened. One Wednesday night I was decorating the tables for our next women's luncheon. My husband set up the tables for me, then he helped me put the tablecloths on the tables. Now, these were the thin plastic kind, so they didn't spread out very easily, sticking to itself. Well it happened-as I made the wave with the tablecloth, trying to get it down to the other end of the table, my knuckle hit the table with a hard wham. It resulted in swelling and put it out of joint. Thankfully it only hurt when touched, but it took a long time before I could pop my finger back into place.
This incident came to my mind when I read verse 6 in Liberty Bible Commentary, "Having swerved (ektrepo in Greek) is a medical term which means 'to twist out of joint' like an arm out of socket. This causes great pain to the whole body."
Paul is talking about these false teachers who are perverting the doctrine of Jesus Christ and the law.
Jangle means to make a harsh, metalic sound. (Webster's Dictionary)
[Sounds like coins rattled in a pocket, to me]
According to Thayer's Lexicon, the jangling means vain talking, empty talk.
Other translations use the phrase: fruitless discussion (NAS), meaningless talk (NIV), silly talk (Beck), meaningless babble (Guzik Bible Commentary).
Anyway, the teachings of these false teachers didn't mean anything because they weren't teaching Truth.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
Their speech was aimless and had no logical end. I was irrelevant and didn't accomplish anything spiritual not did it edify believers. False doctrine leads nowhere, but to the deadening end of human speculation and demonic deception (6:3-5). (MacArthur Bible Commentary)
So I see how important my speech is. Is it spiritual and encouraging to believers or just empty talk? Especially at church, I need to watch my words. Also, I should always beware of false teachers.
LET IT GROW
Looking at verse 7, these false teachers must have wanted the kind of prestige enjoyed by Jewish rabbis, however, they didn't want to learn the law. Instead, they imposed on believers in Ephesus a legalistic heresy that offered salvation by works. (MacArthur)
As a teacher of God's Word, I am always striving to learn more. In fact, I am learning more and more as I dig into It and commentaries. My aim is to teach the Truth and help encourage others while using practical application. If I stray from it, please let me know.
LET IT GO
Let my words be fruitful and the Truth.
Stay a humble.
From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 1 Timothy 1:6-7
LET IT GLOW
It's been over a year now since it happened. One Wednesday night I was decorating the tables for our next women's luncheon. My husband set up the tables for me, then he helped me put the tablecloths on the tables. Now, these were the thin plastic kind, so they didn't spread out very easily, sticking to itself. Well it happened-as I made the wave with the tablecloth, trying to get it down to the other end of the table, my knuckle hit the table with a hard wham. It resulted in swelling and put it out of joint. Thankfully it only hurt when touched, but it took a long time before I could pop my finger back into place.
This incident came to my mind when I read verse 6 in Liberty Bible Commentary, "Having swerved (ektrepo in Greek) is a medical term which means 'to twist out of joint' like an arm out of socket. This causes great pain to the whole body."
Paul is talking about these false teachers who are perverting the doctrine of Jesus Christ and the law.
Jangle means to make a harsh, metalic sound. (Webster's Dictionary)
[Sounds like coins rattled in a pocket, to me]
According to Thayer's Lexicon, the jangling means vain talking, empty talk.
Other translations use the phrase: fruitless discussion (NAS), meaningless talk (NIV), silly talk (Beck), meaningless babble (Guzik Bible Commentary).
Anyway, the teachings of these false teachers didn't mean anything because they weren't teaching Truth.
Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6)
Their speech was aimless and had no logical end. I was irrelevant and didn't accomplish anything spiritual not did it edify believers. False doctrine leads nowhere, but to the deadening end of human speculation and demonic deception (6:3-5). (MacArthur Bible Commentary)
So I see how important my speech is. Is it spiritual and encouraging to believers or just empty talk? Especially at church, I need to watch my words. Also, I should always beware of false teachers.
LET IT GROW
Looking at verse 7, these false teachers must have wanted the kind of prestige enjoyed by Jewish rabbis, however, they didn't want to learn the law. Instead, they imposed on believers in Ephesus a legalistic heresy that offered salvation by works. (MacArthur)
As a teacher of God's Word, I am always striving to learn more. In fact, I am learning more and more as I dig into It and commentaries. My aim is to teach the Truth and help encourage others while using practical application. If I stray from it, please let me know.
LET IT GO
Let my words be fruitful and the Truth.
Stay a humble.
Monday, August 1, 2011
A Filthy Truck
1 Timothy 1-Part 3
But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5 NAS
LET IT GLOW
It's been 3-4 weeks now since the last time it rained here. That means everything is dusty. As I walk through the grass with flipflops on, my feet end up dirty. Dust and dirt are on the porch and inside my house because we live right on a dirt road. (Neighbors drive by a dozen times a day.) Yesterday, my granddaughter and I cleaned out the cab of our pickup truck. It was so filthy that it took half a container of wet wipes to remove the dust and dirt. It was nice to have it clean once again. However, I didn't wash the outside, knowing dust accumulates on it with every trip to town. I know that the outside could look clean, but the inside could be dirty or the outside could look dirty while the inside is clean. Isn't that the way it is with our life? We can clean and spruce up our body while neglecting our soul filthy with sin?
Paul has charged Timothy to teach the doctrine of salvation of Jesus Christ. What else does this verse say?
The goal of preaching the truth and warning of error is to call people to true salvation in Christ, which produces a love for God from a purified heart (2 Tim.2:22, 1Peter 1:22), a cleansed conscience (Heb.9:22, 10:14), and genuine faith (Heb. 10:22). This is the love of choice and the will, characterized by self-denial and self-sacrifice for the benefit of others, and it is the mark of a true Christian (John 13:35). In contrast, false doctrine produces only conflict and resultant disputes (verse 4). God created man with a conscience, knowing right from wrong. When he violates that standard, his conscience produces guilt, which acts as the mind's security system warning the soul. On the other hand, when a believer does God's will, he enjoys the affirmation.
Mature love flows from the hearts that are being purified, consciences which are cleansed, and faith that is without pretense. (Shepherd's Notes)
David Guzik said, "If spending time in God's word isn't producing love from a pure heart, a good conscience, or sincere faith in us, something is wrong. Legalism may make us twist God's Word, so instead of showing love we are harsh and judgmental; instead of a good conscience we always feel condemned knowing we don't measure up; and instead of sincere faith we pretty much trust in our own ability to please God."
The King James Bible uses the phrase faith unfeigned instead of sincere faith (NAS). In the Greek, the word for unfeigned is anypokritos, which is the word from which we get "hypocrite." It was a term used of actors, one who pretends to be what he is not! (Liberty Bible Commentary)
How's the thermometer of my love for God? Am I hot for God, or luke-warm? Is my love temperature set with a pure heart, a cleansed conscience, and a genuine faith? Do I daily confess my sins? Am I denying self for others to benefit? Is my conscience seared over or is it aleart to temptations and my sins? Is my faith real or a pretense? Do I sincerely pray and read God's Word daily? I certainly don't want to be known as a hypocrite.
God told Samuel that He looks upon the heart and man looks upon the outward appearance
(1Sam. 16:7). Does He see my heart clean and cleansed by the blood of Jesus or is it filthy with sin?
LET IT GROW
The purpose of Paul's charge to Timothy was so he would deliver this charge to the church. What was the charge? A military command; it demands a subordinate to obey an order from a superior (2 Tim.4:1). There was no option. (MacArthur)
Timothy was to stay away from, don't pay any attention to myths, fables, genealogies; beware of teachings/teachers causing doubts and questions instead of godliness and faith. These would change the focus of sharing the gospel with the lost to debates, keeping the law, etc.
Where is my focus?
LET IT GO
Have a pure heart, cleansed conscience, and genuine faith.
Teach the doctrines of Jesus Christ, salvation by faith.
But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5 NAS
LET IT GLOW
It's been 3-4 weeks now since the last time it rained here. That means everything is dusty. As I walk through the grass with flipflops on, my feet end up dirty. Dust and dirt are on the porch and inside my house because we live right on a dirt road. (Neighbors drive by a dozen times a day.) Yesterday, my granddaughter and I cleaned out the cab of our pickup truck. It was so filthy that it took half a container of wet wipes to remove the dust and dirt. It was nice to have it clean once again. However, I didn't wash the outside, knowing dust accumulates on it with every trip to town. I know that the outside could look clean, but the inside could be dirty or the outside could look dirty while the inside is clean. Isn't that the way it is with our life? We can clean and spruce up our body while neglecting our soul filthy with sin?
Paul has charged Timothy to teach the doctrine of salvation of Jesus Christ. What else does this verse say?
The MacArthur Bible Commentary states this:
Mature love flows from the hearts that are being purified, consciences which are cleansed, and faith that is without pretense. (Shepherd's Notes)
David Guzik said, "If spending time in God's word isn't producing love from a pure heart, a good conscience, or sincere faith in us, something is wrong. Legalism may make us twist God's Word, so instead of showing love we are harsh and judgmental; instead of a good conscience we always feel condemned knowing we don't measure up; and instead of sincere faith we pretty much trust in our own ability to please God."
The King James Bible uses the phrase faith unfeigned instead of sincere faith (NAS). In the Greek, the word for unfeigned is anypokritos, which is the word from which we get "hypocrite." It was a term used of actors, one who pretends to be what he is not! (Liberty Bible Commentary)
How's the thermometer of my love for God? Am I hot for God, or luke-warm? Is my love temperature set with a pure heart, a cleansed conscience, and a genuine faith? Do I daily confess my sins? Am I denying self for others to benefit? Is my conscience seared over or is it aleart to temptations and my sins? Is my faith real or a pretense? Do I sincerely pray and read God's Word daily? I certainly don't want to be known as a hypocrite.
God told Samuel that He looks upon the heart and man looks upon the outward appearance
(1Sam. 16:7). Does He see my heart clean and cleansed by the blood of Jesus or is it filthy with sin?
LET IT GROW
The purpose of Paul's charge to Timothy was so he would deliver this charge to the church. What was the charge? A military command; it demands a subordinate to obey an order from a superior (2 Tim.4:1). There was no option. (MacArthur)
Timothy was to stay away from, don't pay any attention to myths, fables, genealogies; beware of teachings/teachers causing doubts and questions instead of godliness and faith. These would change the focus of sharing the gospel with the lost to debates, keeping the law, etc.
Where is my focus?
LET IT GO
Have a pure heart, cleansed conscience, and genuine faith.
Teach the doctrines of Jesus Christ, salvation by faith.
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