1 Ti 6 GODLINESS: CONTENTMENT OR PROFIT
Monday, February 7, 2022.
1 Ti 6:6
But godliness with contentment is great gain: Paul had just stated that some believed that godliness was a means to financial gain 1 Ti 6:5. Many evangelists in today’s world believe this—prosperity gospel. He now taught the truth, which was godliness with contentment is great gain. Contentment should express itself with joy, not something that we are enduring. Alongside contentment is always found gratitude and a thankful heart.
Application: the true riches in this life have nothing to do with financial wealth but with peace and contentment which are gained by living a godly lifestyle. Preachers peddling the prosperity gospel are charlatans who love money 1 Ti 6:10, not God Mt 6:24. They will receive their just rewards on Judgment Day Rev 20:11,15.
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1 Ti 5 ELECT ANGELS
Sunday, February 6, 2022.
1 Ti 5:21
I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism: Paul mentioned that believers should treat others without partiality—not showing favoritism. He related that this matter was being observed by God and elect angels.
Application: who are the elect angels? The Bible states that the angels were created by Jesus Col 1:16 before the creation of man Job 38:4,7. It also differentiates between holy angels Mk 8:38; Lk 9:26 and the fallen angels Jude 1:6; who make up one-third of all the angels Rev 12:4,9, of which there are many Heb 12:22. Therefore, the elect angels are the ones who were known by God to remain faithful to Him.
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1 Ti 4 INVESTING ETERNALLY
Saturday, February 5, 2022.
1 Ti 4:8
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come: Paul taught that it was good to exercise, as it would help maintain our physical bodies and allow us to complete the tasks that God has assigned us. However, spiritual training has value not only in this life but in eternity.
Application: from this passage we learn that whatever we have gained spiritually in this life will remain with us and continue forever. There is no better motive than this, to daily work to be conformed into the image of Christ 2 Co 3:18. This life is like a dot compared to the never-ending line of the hereafter, so why not prepare by growing spiritually. We prepare for our retirement savings in this life for maybe a benefit of twenty years, how much more to prepare godliness for eternity?
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1 Ti 3 THE MYSTERY
Friday, February 4, 2022.
1 Ti 3:16
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory. True godliness finds its’ source in Jesus Christ. The mystery proclaimed by Paul was that God the Son would become the savior of the world, and deliver believers from death into eternal life. Paul then described the process.
(appeared in the flesh) Jesus’ incarnation- the Son of God took on human form in order to become our savior Heb 2:17.
(was vindicated by the Spirit) Jesus’ resurrection- by living a sinless life, He was worthy to pay the penalty of our sins 2 Co 5:21 and therefore death could not have dominion over Him Ro 8:11.
(was seen by angels) Jesus’ ministry- the angels viewed and ministered to Jesus during His ministry, beginning at his birth Lk 2:13,14; then in the wilderness after Satan’s temptations Mt 4:11; in the garden of Gethsemane Lk 22:43; at His resurrection Mt 28:2,5,6; and finally at His ascension Ac 1:10.
(was preached among the nations) Jesus’ gospel- which saves lost humanity 1 Co 15:2,3,4 was preached by his followers Mk 16:19,20.
(was believed on in the world) Jesus’ followers- who believed and trusted in Him Jn 1:12.
(was taken up in glory) Jesus’ ascension- His reward after completing the Father’s assignment Heb 1:3.
Application: after we have believed the Gospel, our task is to share this unbelievable good news with all who cross our paths.
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1 Ti 2 PRAYER
Thursday, February 3, 2022.
1 Ti 2:8
Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing: Paul stressed the importance of prayer. It was to be on behalf of all people 1 Ti 2:1 by everyone, so we could live peaceful and quiet lives. Prayer pleases God 1 Ti 2:3 because He desires all people to be saved 1 Ti 2:4.
Application: We are to lift up holy hands which means there should be no bitterness, selfishness or ulterior motives in our prayers. We should not use prayer as a method to dispute others who disagree with us, or use it in anger for prayer should be our intercession for the good of others.
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1 Ti 1 THE LOVE GOAL
Wednesday, February 2, 2022.
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1 Ti 1:5 The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith: certain men were teaching false doctrines in which Paul commanded Timothy to confront. Controversy did not advance God’s work but love would. Paul’s advice to Timothy was to demonstrate God’s love to the congregation, which came from pure motives, a sincere faith and obeying one’s conscience. Application: Christians do not battle like the world does. Our most powerful weapon is love—the kind Christ demonstrated at the Cross. It doesn’t register with our flesh, but it always wins 1 Co 13:8. |
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