December 8 - I Timothy 1-6
Reading the entire letter of I Timothy is a lot to digest in one sitting, but it does serve a good purpose. Most people read a letter completely when they receive it, and then, they go back and look at the details. By reading the whole thing, they get the general feel of what the author was saying. This is a good thing, because it helps to keep the details in context. I believe that Paul's letters are the same way, even though some of them are longer than normal letters. What do you think Paul was trying to say to Timothy? Of course, it was God's inspired message, but he sent it through Paul to his son in the ministry.
I feel that the theme of I Timothy is godliness and being an example to the other believers. There were many things that Paul mentioned, and he gave some very specific counsel to the young pastor of the church at Ephesus. However, he kept coming back to Timothy's walk with the Lord and how his life was to be a pattern for others to follow. I believe we can all profit from seeing this, even if we are not all in the ministry ourselves. After all, what is important in church life? Are the activities the most important thing or is it the quality of each person's walk with the Lord? Believe me, if the relationship with Christ is not kept a priority, the activities will not be effective. Look at I Timothy 1:5. It points to the fact that love from a pure heart is the key, not just keeping the commandment. Look at the emphasis on prayer in chapter 2. Most Christians today are too busy to pray. Is that what God wants? The elders and deacons are outlined in chapter 3, but the emphasis is on their character, not on their ability. Chapter 4 speaks to Timothy's need to be an example of growth. Look at verse 15. Keep yourself pure. (5:22) Godliness with contentment is great gain. (6:6) All of these admonitions are clear.
Do we get the big picture or not? How often do we skip the time with God or our prayer time, because we have other things to do? How often do we engage in activity, but the inner man is malnourished, so we are too weak spiritually to carry out God's intended ministry in the power of the Spirit? It is evident to me that Paul knew the importance of godliness, and he was making sure that Timothy saw that in connection with everything else he needed to do. I pray that we will see that, too.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Timothy 1-4.
I feel that the theme of I Timothy is godliness and being an example to the other believers. There were many things that Paul mentioned, and he gave some very specific counsel to the young pastor of the church at Ephesus. However, he kept coming back to Timothy's walk with the Lord and how his life was to be a pattern for others to follow. I believe we can all profit from seeing this, even if we are not all in the ministry ourselves. After all, what is important in church life? Are the activities the most important thing or is it the quality of each person's walk with the Lord? Believe me, if the relationship with Christ is not kept a priority, the activities will not be effective. Look at I Timothy 1:5. It points to the fact that love from a pure heart is the key, not just keeping the commandment. Look at the emphasis on prayer in chapter 2. Most Christians today are too busy to pray. Is that what God wants? The elders and deacons are outlined in chapter 3, but the emphasis is on their character, not on their ability. Chapter 4 speaks to Timothy's need to be an example of growth. Look at verse 15. Keep yourself pure. (5:22) Godliness with contentment is great gain. (6:6) All of these admonitions are clear.
Do we get the big picture or not? How often do we skip the time with God or our prayer time, because we have other things to do? How often do we engage in activity, but the inner man is malnourished, so we are too weak spiritually to carry out God's intended ministry in the power of the Spirit? It is evident to me that Paul knew the importance of godliness, and he was making sure that Timothy saw that in connection with everything else he needed to do. I pray that we will see that, too.
Tomorrow, I intend to read II Timothy 1-4.