327. "Who am I?" August 18, 2011
1 Timothy 2-Part 5
Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. 1 Timothy 2:7
LET IT GLOW
Who am I? Various people know me as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, friend, teacher, and a pastor's wife. Most importantly, I want to be known as a Christian, representing my Savior Jesus Christ.
Who are you known as?
Paul is a messenger of God, called and ordained to take the gospel to lost sinners.
He identifies himself as:
* a preacher- The Greek word derives from the verb that means, "to herald," "to proclaim," or "to speak
publicly." Paul was a public herald proclaiming the gospel of Christ.
*an apostle-It is one sent with a special commission.
*a teacher-He was a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth (verity). He was encouraging the Ephesians to
pray for the Gentiles to be saved.
[Resource: MacArthur Blble Commentary]
Am I sharing the good news of Jesus with others as I should? Am I teaching the truth?
LET IT GROW
In this verse, Paul said, I speak the truth and lie not.
We know Paul's message was true-Jesus died on a cross for our sins and rose from the dead, and is interceeding for us at the right hand of God.
"Through Paul, God reached out to the pagan world which his fellow Jews had excluded from the covenant
community," states Shepherd's Notes.
LET IT GO
Teach and share the truth about Jesus.
Be obedient to His will for my life.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
No Down Payment
1 Timothy 2-Part 4
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Timothy 2:6
LET IT GLOW
Sometimes when a person is buying a house or land, they give money ahead of time as a down payment. This shows that they are serious in making the purchase and will continue to make the payments on the loan. When I think about Jesus' death on the cross as a ransom for me, He didn't make a down payment, nor a partial payment; it was paid in full.
"He paid for man's sins in full, not just a down payment," states Liberty Bible Commentary. It wasn't up to a certain day that my sins were washed away, the slate wiped clean. When I ask, He forgives all my sins.
It isn't for only certain sins that Jesus died nor for only a certain number of sins and after that I'm on my own. No, He paid for ALL of my sins.
Yesterday, we discussed verse 5, which tells us there is only one God and one Mediator, the man Christ Jesus. Keep in mind Paul is talking about prayer in chapter 2. Jesus has made the provisions for us so our prayers are heard by the heavenly Father. He interceeds for us.
LET IT GROW
Calvary was no accident nor was it a failure because Christ died on the cross. Jesus said in John 10:17-18 says, Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Friends, He didn't have to endure the cross. It was because of His love for us that He did. He did it voluntarily, too. His Father didn't make Him do it. Such love!
Paul tells us in verse 6 that Jesus gave Himself a ransom for all. What does that mean?
This word is made up of two words, one of which has the primary meaning of freeing slaves and prisoners. The second word means "on behalf of" or "instead of." It suggests substitution. In the world of slaves and prisoners, money is paid and a slave is freed. The owner of the slave is satisfied with the payment.
Well then, a ransom was the price paid to free a slave. Jesus said that He came "to give His life a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28). The death of Christ was sufficient for the sins of the whole world and for those who trust Him as Savior. Not all will be ransomed, though they have been provided for.
"Because His substitionary death was sufficient in meeting God's requirements and to cover the guilt of all the sins that will ever be committed, God can clearly offer it to all. Yet, only the elect will respond and be saved, according to His eternal purpose (John 17:12)" according to MacArthur Bible Commentary.
Christ was obedient in testifying the gospel to others. It was in due time (Gal. 4:4-6). He did His part and its our responsibility to share the good news, which is our part. Am I obedient, also? Do I pray for the lost that I know?
LET IT GO
Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin hath left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.
Pray for the lost.
Give my life to Him.
Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Timothy 2:6
LET IT GLOW
Sometimes when a person is buying a house or land, they give money ahead of time as a down payment. This shows that they are serious in making the purchase and will continue to make the payments on the loan. When I think about Jesus' death on the cross as a ransom for me, He didn't make a down payment, nor a partial payment; it was paid in full.
"He paid for man's sins in full, not just a down payment," states Liberty Bible Commentary. It wasn't up to a certain day that my sins were washed away, the slate wiped clean. When I ask, He forgives all my sins.
It isn't for only certain sins that Jesus died nor for only a certain number of sins and after that I'm on my own. No, He paid for ALL of my sins.
Yesterday, we discussed verse 5, which tells us there is only one God and one Mediator, the man Christ Jesus. Keep in mind Paul is talking about prayer in chapter 2. Jesus has made the provisions for us so our prayers are heard by the heavenly Father. He interceeds for us.
LET IT GROW
Calvary was no accident nor was it a failure because Christ died on the cross. Jesus said in John 10:17-18 says, Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.
Friends, He didn't have to endure the cross. It was because of His love for us that He did. He did it voluntarily, too. His Father didn't make Him do it. Such love!
Paul tells us in verse 6 that Jesus gave Himself a ransom for all. What does that mean?
Shepherd's Notes states this about the meaning of ransom:
Well then, a ransom was the price paid to free a slave. Jesus said that He came "to give His life a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28). The death of Christ was sufficient for the sins of the whole world and for those who trust Him as Savior. Not all will be ransomed, though they have been provided for.
"Because His substitionary death was sufficient in meeting God's requirements and to cover the guilt of all the sins that will ever be committed, God can clearly offer it to all. Yet, only the elect will respond and be saved, according to His eternal purpose (John 17:12)" according to MacArthur Bible Commentary.
Christ was obedient in testifying the gospel to others. It was in due time (Gal. 4:4-6). He did His part and its our responsibility to share the good news, which is our part. Am I obedient, also? Do I pray for the lost that I know?
LET IT GO
Jesus paid it all. All to Him I owe. Sin hath left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.
Pray for the lost.
Give my life to Him.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Only One
1 Timothy 2-Part 3
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5
LET IT GLOW
There's only one Roger and I got him. This is what I have said about my husband of 38 years. Oh, it's a good thing, not a put down. In his younger years, he would play jokes and pranks on our family. Rarely did an April Fools Day pass without him pulling something on one of us. I guess you could say, "He's the spice of my life."
One time he called up my mother and said in a disguised voice,"Your horse is in my garden." She answered, "I don't have a horse." He said, "I don't have a garden." Other men are named "Roger" but none are like the one I have. Truly, there's only one Roger like him. We can say the same thing about us. Even though we may have look-alikes in the world, or even a twin, personality wise, there is only one of us.
The same is true about our God. There is only one God. This is a foundational truth that Paul states.
YAHWEH-LORD (Jehovah, Self-Existent One)
ELOHIM-God (Mighty, Strong, Prominent, One)
ADONAI-LORD (Master)
ADONAI YAHWEH-Sovereign LORD
RISHON VA-ACHARON-The First and The Last
To Moses, He revealed Himself as "I AM that I AM;" (YHWH SHR YHWH) which means to exist, to be, was, is, will be.
Thayer's Lexican defines God as an object of worship; a deity; the supreme Divinity.
There are several verses in which He says that He is the only God:
Is. 43:10; Is.44:6-8, 21-22; Is. 46:9-10; Deut 4:35,39; Deut.6:4; 1 Cor. 8:6
Do I believe in the only one God? Yes, definitely. How about you?
LET IT GROW
Our verse says that there is only one mediator between God and men. Who is it? The man Christ Jesus is our mediator. What's a mediator?
A mediator is one who intervenes between two, either in order to make or restore peace and friendship, or to form a compact, or for ratifying a covenant; Christ is called a mediator since He imposed by His death and restored the harmony tetween God and man which human sin had broken. (Thayer's Lexicon)
My sins seperated me from God. (My righteousness is as filthy rags. Is. 64:6) No works could I have done to make peace with Him nor meet His standards. Sin must be paid for with a blood sacrifice. Jesus Christ paid that price so I did not have to die paying for my sins. He met the standards which God required-perfect without sin.
Jesus Christ is the only mediator who can restore peace between God and sinners. See Hebrews 9:15 and 12:24. The Old Testament sacrifices could only cover sin, not take it away. Christ's sacrifice takes away our sins, the shedding of His blood, is the New Testament Covenant.
Jesus was God in the form of a man. That is the simplest way I can explain it. He is seperate, yet one with God. Like a yoke and egg white are seperat parts of an egg, so are Jesus and God.
"Only the perfect God-Man could bring God and man together," says John MacArthur.
I needed a mediator, a go-between, if you will, so my Savior serves as one for me. Praise to Jesus!
In Paul's day the Gnostics had a vast system of mediators made up of angels but God declares, not so. The Virgin Mary, Joseph Smith, nor anyone else is such a mediator. He (Jesus) is the Mediator for prayer as well. See Hebrews 10:19-23. Jesus is my high priest who interceeds to God when I pray.
Is Jesus Christ your mediator as He is mine? It is through His name, and only His name, that we can pray
to God and He hears us.
LET IT GO
I believe that there is only one God.
Rejoice that Jesus Christ's blood covers my sins and that He is my mediator so God hears my prayers.
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
1 Timothy 2:5
LET IT GLOW
There's only one Roger and I got him. This is what I have said about my husband of 38 years. Oh, it's a good thing, not a put down. In his younger years, he would play jokes and pranks on our family. Rarely did an April Fools Day pass without him pulling something on one of us. I guess you could say, "He's the spice of my life."
One time he called up my mother and said in a disguised voice,"Your horse is in my garden." She answered, "I don't have a horse." He said, "I don't have a garden." Other men are named "Roger" but none are like the one I have. Truly, there's only one Roger like him. We can say the same thing about us. Even though we may have look-alikes in the world, or even a twin, personality wise, there is only one of us.
The same is true about our God. There is only one God. This is a foundational truth that Paul states.
In Mary Kassian's book, Knowing God By Name, she says this:Names are identifying marks that distinguish one thing from another. God's names reveal His identity. They define His character, His relationships, and His purpose. Here are a few:
YAHWEH-LORD (Jehovah, Self-Existent One)
ELOHIM-God (Mighty, Strong, Prominent, One)
ADONAI-LORD (Master)
ADONAI YAHWEH-Sovereign LORD
RISHON VA-ACHARON-The First and The Last
To Moses, He revealed Himself as "I AM that I AM;" (YHWH SHR YHWH) which means to exist, to be, was, is, will be.
Thayer's Lexican defines God as an object of worship; a deity; the supreme Divinity.
There are several verses in which He says that He is the only God:
Is. 43:10; Is.44:6-8, 21-22; Is. 46:9-10; Deut 4:35,39; Deut.6:4; 1 Cor. 8:6
Do I believe in the only one God? Yes, definitely. How about you?
LET IT GROW
Our verse says that there is only one mediator between God and men. Who is it? The man Christ Jesus is our mediator. What's a mediator?
A mediator is one who intervenes between two, either in order to make or restore peace and friendship, or to form a compact, or for ratifying a covenant; Christ is called a mediator since He imposed by His death and restored the harmony tetween God and man which human sin had broken. (Thayer's Lexicon)
My sins seperated me from God. (My righteousness is as filthy rags. Is. 64:6) No works could I have done to make peace with Him nor meet His standards. Sin must be paid for with a blood sacrifice. Jesus Christ paid that price so I did not have to die paying for my sins. He met the standards which God required-perfect without sin.
Jesus Christ is the only mediator who can restore peace between God and sinners. See Hebrews 9:15 and 12:24. The Old Testament sacrifices could only cover sin, not take it away. Christ's sacrifice takes away our sins, the shedding of His blood, is the New Testament Covenant.
Jesus was God in the form of a man. That is the simplest way I can explain it. He is seperate, yet one with God. Like a yoke and egg white are seperat parts of an egg, so are Jesus and God.
"Only the perfect God-Man could bring God and man together," says John MacArthur.
I needed a mediator, a go-between, if you will, so my Savior serves as one for me. Praise to Jesus!
Liberty Bible Commentary says:
Is Jesus Christ your mediator as He is mine? It is through His name, and only His name, that we can pray
to God and He hears us.
LET IT GO
I believe that there is only one God.
Rejoice that Jesus Christ's blood covers my sins and that He is my mediator so God hears my prayers.
Monday, August 15, 2011
What is Acceptable?
1 Timothy 2-Part 2
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:3
LET IT GLOW
Girls don't spit, even if daddy does; don't talk with your mouth full; use your fork; don't throw things in the house; close the door, don't let it slam; it's bedtime; do your homework; low-cut tops, high-riding shorts and skirts will not be worn in this family; go change your clothes; don't use that tone of voice with me; respect your elders. Need I go on? There's a neverending list, isn't there? It's our job as parents and grandparents to teach our offspring what is acceptable and unacceptable. "Anything goes" has been the philosophy of the world for quite some time. Therefore, as Christians, we have to teach our children and grandchildren what is acceptable and not acceptable in all areas of life. If we neglect this responsibility, they will go the way of the world and not live for Jesus.
What is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior? Paul tells us in the previous verses, 1-2 of this chapter.
He mentions here:
*Live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
*Pray for all sorts of men (people) and their salvation-Jews, Gentiles, Heathens, rich and poor, young and
old, male and female, religious and pagans.
*Pray for those in government offices.
*Make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for everyone
These are good and acceptable to God. Now, the question is, "Am I doing it?" Do I pray for our national leaders, my state leaders, and local leaders as they make decisions concerning what is acceptable and unaceptable in our society? I admit that I lack in this area.
Am I teaching that the Word and prayer is an important part of the Christian life? Do I have a grateful heart and joyful lifestyle? Am I loving my neighbors?
LET IT GROW
Verse 4 reads: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
That God desires (wants) the salvation of all people does not guarantee that all will be saved. God will not override the reluctance or opposition of individuals bent upon pursuing their own way in defiance of God.
(Shepherd's Notes)
God does not want people to sin. He hates sin with all His being (Ps. 5:4; 45:7); thus, He hates its consequences-eternal wickedness in hell. He chose only the elect out of the world (John 17:6) and passed over the rest, leaving them to the consequences of their sin, unbelief, and rejection of Christ (Rom.1:18-32). Ultimatelly, God's choices are determined by His sovereign, eternal purpose, not His desires.
(MacArthur Bible Commentary)
God certainly doesn't want anyone in hell (2 Peter 3:9). But no one will ever go to hell who ought not be there! He doesn't say He "wishes to save all men" for men could then say, "Why doesn't He save all of them?" What truth they have known, the unsaved have rejected (Rom.1:19-23) or God would have given them more truth (John 7:17).
Because we don't know who will be saved, we need to continue to pray for them and to witness to them.
Am I helping the lost find the Truth?
LET IT GO
Pray more.
Let go of my sinful ways and live for Jesus.
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2:3
LET IT GLOW
Girls don't spit, even if daddy does; don't talk with your mouth full; use your fork; don't throw things in the house; close the door, don't let it slam; it's bedtime; do your homework; low-cut tops, high-riding shorts and skirts will not be worn in this family; go change your clothes; don't use that tone of voice with me; respect your elders. Need I go on? There's a neverending list, isn't there? It's our job as parents and grandparents to teach our offspring what is acceptable and unacceptable. "Anything goes" has been the philosophy of the world for quite some time. Therefore, as Christians, we have to teach our children and grandchildren what is acceptable and not acceptable in all areas of life. If we neglect this responsibility, they will go the way of the world and not live for Jesus.
What is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior? Paul tells us in the previous verses, 1-2 of this chapter.
He mentions here:
*Live a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
*Pray for all sorts of men (people) and their salvation-Jews, Gentiles, Heathens, rich and poor, young and
old, male and female, religious and pagans.
*Pray for those in government offices.
*Make supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks for everyone
These are good and acceptable to God. Now, the question is, "Am I doing it?" Do I pray for our national leaders, my state leaders, and local leaders as they make decisions concerning what is acceptable and unaceptable in our society? I admit that I lack in this area.
Am I teaching that the Word and prayer is an important part of the Christian life? Do I have a grateful heart and joyful lifestyle? Am I loving my neighbors?
LET IT GROW
Verse 4 reads: Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
That God desires (wants) the salvation of all people does not guarantee that all will be saved. God will not override the reluctance or opposition of individuals bent upon pursuing their own way in defiance of God.
(Shepherd's Notes)
God does not want people to sin. He hates sin with all His being (Ps. 5:4; 45:7); thus, He hates its consequences-eternal wickedness in hell. He chose only the elect out of the world (John 17:6) and passed over the rest, leaving them to the consequences of their sin, unbelief, and rejection of Christ (Rom.1:18-32). Ultimatelly, God's choices are determined by His sovereign, eternal purpose, not His desires.
(MacArthur Bible Commentary)
Liberty Bible Commentary has this to say:
Because we don't know who will be saved, we need to continue to pray for them and to witness to them.
Am I helping the lost find the Truth?
LET IT GO
Pray more.
Let go of my sinful ways and live for Jesus.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Hurry-Up Prayers
1 Timothy 2-Part 1
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
LET IT GLOW
We live in a fast-paced era with drive-throughs, cell phones, internet, microwaves; you name it. We have all kinds of gagets to speed up processes so we may get onto what we enjoy doing most. Have we become a hurry up and wait society or what? I rush through a meal, using a microwave or a drive-through, in order to make an appointment on time. I want to find out information instantly so I use the internet. (However, my slow dial-up internet conection on this county road tries my patience and I do something else while waiting for the connections.) When I want to talk to someone, it is "now." If they're not available, I use facebook, email, or text a message. Hurry, hurry, hurry. Then these questions come to me, after reading these verses: Do I hurry through a prayer so I can get onto something else? Do I try to hurry up God into answering my prayers? Where is most of my time spent? Is it prayer and Bible study or tv? Ouch! What are we teaching our children and grandchildren? Do I take time to listen to god speak His will to me, or do I drop off my requests and go on my way? Guilty, Lord.
Why does Paul charge Timothy to lead his church in public prayers? Why pray for kings, public leaders, government authorities, and all men? The false teachers have caused the Ephesians to stray from Paul's teachings. They are leaning toward the ways of the Pharisees, pleasing men and not God. So believers should lead a quiet and peaceable life, which is with all godliness and honesty. What does that mean nowadays? How?
Quiet refers to the absence of external disturbances; peaceable refers to the absence of internal disturbances. (MacArthur Bible Commentary)
Godliness is reverence, respect, piety towards God. (Thayer's Lexicon)
Other versions of the Bible use the words "dignity, serious, noble" in place of honesty.
Jesus gave us a model, example of how we should pray found in Matthew 6:5-13. Please read it now.
If there's one thing I've learned in the last year, it's been that prayer is NOT a hurry-up thing. So find your quiet closet, shut the door, and invite Jesus to join you in conversation. There is nothing like it, dear one. When we come to the garden alone, He's there waiting on us.
Do I desire a quiet and peaceable life? Sure, and you probably do also. Do I pray for godliness and honesty? I hadn't thought about it before now. But I do pray for each of you, my friend.
LET IT GROW
Look back at verse 1: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.
Prayers should include more than asking for needs, right? Let's keep in mind that Paul explains how to behave in the house of God, in public worship. First, there is prayer in the church. How many times do we pray during a worship service, whether out loud or privately?
Prayers (proseuche in Greek) is the common word for talking to God, and should include worship and praise. Intercessions has the idea of coming to God in boldness and confidence (Heb.10:19), not in behalf of others, like the English word means. Giving of thanks is not a phrase to be tacked on the end of our prayer, but it should be for specific things (1 Thess. 5:18). ( Liberty Bible Commentary)
For whom are we to pray? Paul tells us to pray for all men (people) and their salvation in verse 4. Pray for kings, those in authority. It's the Christian's duty. (I think this includes our government leaders from the national to local levels.) How often do I pray for God's guidance in their decisions?
This was the era of terrible persecution by the Roman emperors such as Nero. And we think we have it rough in our time.
LET IT GO
What do I need to let go of so I will spend more time praying?
Make an allotment of time in my daily schedule for prayer, making it a top priority.
Enter the throne room wearing the robe of righteousness, which is bloodstained that Jesus provides.
Pray for our government leaders, for the lost, for revival in our churches and nation. Pray for each other.
Lord Jesus, You are holy and our precious Redeemer.
Please bless each person who is walking with me through 1 Timothy.
You know their needs, so may Your Will be done in every circumstance of their life.
Will you shower them with Your love and blessings overflowing each day.
May this study be encouraging to them as they continue their Christian walk. May it not just be words on a blog, but may it be led by Your Holy Spirit.
May others find Truth and the love of Jesus here.
Thank You for Your Words.
How wonderful You are to us, sweet Savior.
In Your Name I pray.
Amen
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 1 Timothy 2:1-2
LET IT GLOW
We live in a fast-paced era with drive-throughs, cell phones, internet, microwaves; you name it. We have all kinds of gagets to speed up processes so we may get onto what we enjoy doing most. Have we become a hurry up and wait society or what? I rush through a meal, using a microwave or a drive-through, in order to make an appointment on time. I want to find out information instantly so I use the internet. (However, my slow dial-up internet conection on this county road tries my patience and I do something else while waiting for the connections.) When I want to talk to someone, it is "now." If they're not available, I use facebook, email, or text a message. Hurry, hurry, hurry. Then these questions come to me, after reading these verses: Do I hurry through a prayer so I can get onto something else? Do I try to hurry up God into answering my prayers? Where is most of my time spent? Is it prayer and Bible study or tv? Ouch! What are we teaching our children and grandchildren? Do I take time to listen to god speak His will to me, or do I drop off my requests and go on my way? Guilty, Lord.
Why does Paul charge Timothy to lead his church in public prayers? Why pray for kings, public leaders, government authorities, and all men? The false teachers have caused the Ephesians to stray from Paul's teachings. They are leaning toward the ways of the Pharisees, pleasing men and not God. So believers should lead a quiet and peaceable life, which is with all godliness and honesty. What does that mean nowadays? How?
Quiet refers to the absence of external disturbances; peaceable refers to the absence of internal disturbances. (MacArthur Bible Commentary)
Godliness is reverence, respect, piety towards God. (Thayer's Lexicon)
Other versions of the Bible use the words "dignity, serious, noble" in place of honesty.
Jesus gave us a model, example of how we should pray found in Matthew 6:5-13. Please read it now.
In Kay Arthur's workbook, Lord Teach Me to Pray, she gives us topics to use while praying:
- worship
- allegiance
- submission
- petition & provision
- confession & forgiveness
- watchfulness & deliverance
- worship
If there's one thing I've learned in the last year, it's been that prayer is NOT a hurry-up thing. So find your quiet closet, shut the door, and invite Jesus to join you in conversation. There is nothing like it, dear one. When we come to the garden alone, He's there waiting on us.
Do I desire a quiet and peaceable life? Sure, and you probably do also. Do I pray for godliness and honesty? I hadn't thought about it before now. But I do pray for each of you, my friend.
LET IT GROW
Look back at verse 1: I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.
Prayers should include more than asking for needs, right? Let's keep in mind that Paul explains how to behave in the house of God, in public worship. First, there is prayer in the church. How many times do we pray during a worship service, whether out loud or privately?
Prayers (proseuche in Greek) is the common word for talking to God, and should include worship and praise. Intercessions has the idea of coming to God in boldness and confidence (Heb.10:19), not in behalf of others, like the English word means. Giving of thanks is not a phrase to be tacked on the end of our prayer, but it should be for specific things (1 Thess. 5:18). ( Liberty Bible Commentary)
For whom are we to pray? Paul tells us to pray for all men (people) and their salvation in verse 4. Pray for kings, those in authority. It's the Christian's duty. (I think this includes our government leaders from the national to local levels.) How often do I pray for God's guidance in their decisions?
This was the era of terrible persecution by the Roman emperors such as Nero. And we think we have it rough in our time.
LET IT GO
What do I need to let go of so I will spend more time praying?
Make an allotment of time in my daily schedule for prayer, making it a top priority.
Enter the throne room wearing the robe of righteousness, which is bloodstained that Jesus provides.
Pray for our government leaders, for the lost, for revival in our churches and nation. Pray for each other.
Lord Jesus, You are holy and our precious Redeemer.
Please bless each person who is walking with me through 1 Timothy.
You know their needs, so may Your Will be done in every circumstance of their life.
Will you shower them with Your love and blessings overflowing each day.
May this study be encouraging to them as they continue their Christian walk. May it not just be words on a blog, but may it be led by Your Holy Spirit.
May others find Truth and the love of Jesus here.
Thank You for Your Words.
How wonderful You are to us, sweet Savior.
In Your Name I pray.
Amen
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Shipwrecked Faith
Timothy 1-Part 11 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck. 1 Timothy 1:19
LET IT GLOW
Paul is about to instruct Timothy regarding the situation in Ephesus. He prefaces his instruction with three reminders-two positive and one negative.
1. Timothy will find strength for fighting the good fight by remembering the prophecies made at the time he
was set apart for Christian ministry.
2. Two characteristics that will contribute to Timothy's strength as God's man in Ephesus are faith and a good
conscience.
3. Paul reminds Timothy of what happens when Christians jettison faith and a good conscience. Hymenaeus
and Alexander were "wreckers of faith" in Ephesus. As a result, Paul delivered them to Satan to teach
them not to blaspheme.
Timothy was at the church at Ephesis by divine appointment; God had chosen and sent him. It was this fact that could give him assurance in difficult day. If you are God's servant, called by the Spirit, obeying His will, then you can "stay with it" and finish the work. These assurances enabled Timothy to war the good warfare.
(Wiersbe)
What was the only way Timothy was going to succeed? It was by holding fast to "faith and a good conscience." It's not enough to say we have faith, but we must daily practice faith in our lives.
The magazine editor H.L.Mencken defined conscience as "the inner voice which warns us that somebody may be looking." A person with a good conscience will do the will of God in spite of who is watching or what people may say, don't you think?
David Guzik said, "Faith and a good conscience are essential when battling for the Lord; they protect against the spiritual attacks of doubt and condemnation. If we don't battle with these two tools, it's like going unarmed against the enemy!"
Here's some spiritual inventory: how's my conscience? Is it a good conscience? Is it a clear conscience? Is it a bad conscience? Is it cluttered with sin?
LET IT GROW
What is shipwrecked faith? I have never been shipwrecked, per say. Have you? The closest I've been was the time my family went on a camp-out. We went fishing on a river below the dam. By the end of the day, the water was down. That was due to the gates on the dam being closed and no water entered our stream. We had to get out of the boat and pull it back to our campsite. If we hadn't, we would have been stranded, which is the definiton Webster's Dictionary gave for shipwreck.
So what is stranded faith?
"Those who reject what Jesus and the apostles taught are headed for ruin (shipwreck)," stated David Guzik.
Professed Christians who "make shipwreck" of their faith do so by sinning against their consciences. Bad doctrine usually starts with bad conduct, and ususally with secret sin.
A good conscience serves as the rudder that steers the believer through the rocks and reefs of sin and error. The false teachers ignored their consciences and the truth, and as a result, suffered shipwreck of the Christian faith, which implies severe spiritual catastrophe. This does not imply loss of salvation of a true believer, but likely indicateds the tragic loss that comes to the apostate.
These two men that Paul named, deliberately rejected their good consciences in order to defend their ungoldly lives. We don't know exactly what they did, but Paul considered it blasphemy.
Many times a shipwreck begins with unconfessed small sins, as we call them.
LET IT GO
Fight the good fight of faith with a good conscience.
Prevent my faith from being shipwrecked by confessing my sins and staying in the Truth.
LET IT GLOW
Shepherd's Notes, I, II Timothy, Titus has some good comments concerning verses 18-20:
1. Timothy will find strength for fighting the good fight by remembering the prophecies made at the time he
was set apart for Christian ministry.
2. Two characteristics that will contribute to Timothy's strength as God's man in Ephesus are faith and a good
conscience.
3. Paul reminds Timothy of what happens when Christians jettison faith and a good conscience. Hymenaeus
and Alexander were "wreckers of faith" in Ephesus. As a result, Paul delivered them to Satan to teach
them not to blaspheme.
Timothy was at the church at Ephesis by divine appointment; God had chosen and sent him. It was this fact that could give him assurance in difficult day. If you are God's servant, called by the Spirit, obeying His will, then you can "stay with it" and finish the work. These assurances enabled Timothy to war the good warfare.
(Wiersbe)
What was the only way Timothy was going to succeed? It was by holding fast to "faith and a good conscience." It's not enough to say we have faith, but we must daily practice faith in our lives.
The magazine editor H.L.Mencken defined conscience as "the inner voice which warns us that somebody may be looking." A person with a good conscience will do the will of God in spite of who is watching or what people may say, don't you think?
David Guzik said, "Faith and a good conscience are essential when battling for the Lord; they protect against the spiritual attacks of doubt and condemnation. If we don't battle with these two tools, it's like going unarmed against the enemy!"
Here's some spiritual inventory: how's my conscience? Is it a good conscience? Is it a clear conscience? Is it a bad conscience? Is it cluttered with sin?
LET IT GROW
What is shipwrecked faith? I have never been shipwrecked, per say. Have you? The closest I've been was the time my family went on a camp-out. We went fishing on a river below the dam. By the end of the day, the water was down. That was due to the gates on the dam being closed and no water entered our stream. We had to get out of the boat and pull it back to our campsite. If we hadn't, we would have been stranded, which is the definiton Webster's Dictionary gave for shipwreck.
So what is stranded faith?
"Those who reject what Jesus and the apostles taught are headed for ruin (shipwreck)," stated David Guzik.
Professed Christians who "make shipwreck" of their faith do so by sinning against their consciences. Bad doctrine usually starts with bad conduct, and ususally with secret sin.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary tells us more:
These two men that Paul named, deliberately rejected their good consciences in order to defend their ungoldly lives. We don't know exactly what they did, but Paul considered it blasphemy.
Many times a shipwreck begins with unconfessed small sins, as we call them.
LET IT GO
Fight the good fight of faith with a good conscience.
Prevent my faith from being shipwrecked by confessing my sins and staying in the Truth.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Will I?
1 Timothy 1-Part 10 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen
1 Timothy 1:17
LET IT GLOW
After finishing this lesson, I did some soul searching. I need to from time to time. How about you? Only God is listening.
Can I ever praise God too much? Can I have too much of a gratetful heart? Do I go overboard singing His praises? Do I give thanks to Jesus throughout the day? Does my life please Him? Am I honoring my Savior in all I do? Do I give Him the glory when I do anything? Do I listen to the Holy Spirit? Do I obey His commands and leading? Maybe these questions should begin with will I...
Will I praise God today? Will I let my heart be full of gratitude? Will I sing songs of praise to my Savior all day long? Will I say thank You for each of His provisions? Will I give Him honor, first place in my thoughts, words, actions, and deeds? Will I give the glory to Jesus?
Will I ?
Paul couldn't think of how bad he was, how great the salvation of God was, and how great the love of God was, without simply breaking into spontaneous praise. (Can I do any less?) This outburst of praise shows that Paul both knew God and that he loved God.
What are the characteristics of God that Paul mentions?
Notes]
I tell you one think, it is amazing that this eternal, immortal, invisible, and all wise God would love me, save me, never leave me, converse with me, and give me an eternal home with Him. Now that's amazing love!
Amazing love, how can it be, that You my King should die for me?
LET IT GROW
Knowing all this about God, Paul couldn't stop praising Him. Paul gives honor and glory to his King. How often is He to be praised? For ever and ever.
Is it my joy to honor my God in all I do?
David wrote may pslams of praise to his Lord. I encourage you to read Psalm 136 because His mercy endures forever. I wonder if we could write our own, praising Him for all He has done throughout our life.
I certainly could.
LET IT GO
Praise my God for who He is and thank Him for all He has done for me and my family. Rejoice in what He is going to do. Let's sing praises to our King Jesus today, friends, throughout our nation and world.
Glory and honor to God forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:17
LET IT GLOW
After finishing this lesson, I did some soul searching. I need to from time to time. How about you? Only God is listening.
Can I ever praise God too much? Can I have too much of a gratetful heart? Do I go overboard singing His praises? Do I give thanks to Jesus throughout the day? Does my life please Him? Am I honoring my Savior in all I do? Do I give Him the glory when I do anything? Do I listen to the Holy Spirit? Do I obey His commands and leading? Maybe these questions should begin with will I...
Will I praise God today? Will I let my heart be full of gratitude? Will I sing songs of praise to my Savior all day long? Will I say thank You for each of His provisions? Will I give Him honor, first place in my thoughts, words, actions, and deeds? Will I give the glory to Jesus?
Will I ?
Paul couldn't think of how bad he was, how great the salvation of God was, and how great the love of God was, without simply breaking into spontaneous praise. (Can I do any less?) This outburst of praise shows that Paul both knew God and that he loved God.
What are the characteristics of God that Paul mentions?
- God is the King eternal. He rules and reigns with complete power and glory. He is ruler of the universe and eternity. He is without days, or end of life, or change of time. Daniel 7:9 calls Him "the Ancient of days." Deuteronomy 33:27a states, "The eternal God is thy refuge and underneath are the everlasting arms."
- God is immortal. He existed before anything else existed. Only He has immortality, for He cannot die. He is the Creator of all things. He is immuned from decay and corruption. Isaiah 40:28 says, "Hast thou not known? Has thou not heard, that the everlasting God the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding."
- God is invisible. Our mortal eyes can't behold Him, but our soul can. He dwells in the light to which no man can apporach, whom no man has seen nor can see. Believers can view the splendid glory of God residing in the person of Jesus (2 Cor. 4:6, John 1:14).
- God alone is wise. He is God and we are not. We think our plans and insights are so important, but only God really knows and understands all things. We can't completely figure out God, nor know all His secrets.
Notes]
I tell you one think, it is amazing that this eternal, immortal, invisible, and all wise God would love me, save me, never leave me, converse with me, and give me an eternal home with Him. Now that's amazing love!
Amazing love, how can it be, that You my King should die for me?
LET IT GROW
Knowing all this about God, Paul couldn't stop praising Him. Paul gives honor and glory to his King. How often is He to be praised? For ever and ever.
Is it my joy to honor my God in all I do?
David wrote may pslams of praise to his Lord. I encourage you to read Psalm 136 because His mercy endures forever. I wonder if we could write our own, praising Him for all He has done throughout our life.
I certainly could.
LET IT GO
Praise my God for who He is and thank Him for all He has done for me and my family. Rejoice in what He is going to do. Let's sing praises to our King Jesus today, friends, throughout our nation and world.
Glory and honor to God forever and ever. Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)