Henry: Welcome To Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience.
Day 38.
immersed in first Timothy.
Timothy was the young associate Paul had counted on for years.
It was Timothy's visit and report that prompted Paul's first letter to
the church, Hirsch and Thessalonica.
And when Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, he sent Timothy
to deliver the letter affirming that Timothy was doing the Lord's work.
Just as I am.
Timothy had traveled with Paul, stayed with him during his
imprisonment and continued to fulfill assignments for the apostle, like
visiting the believers in Philippi.
He was such a close and trusted colleague that five of Paul's
letters in our New Testament are written in Timothy's name as well.
But now Paul was writing to Timothy himself with instructions and
encouragement for his most difficult assignment yet as a missionary
leader in the early church.
Paul would travel, preach the good news, start churches, and
then move on to new places.
Unfortunately, others often came in behind him disrupting the churches He
had started while Paul was in prison.
The church he had started in the strategic city of Ephesus was infiltrated
by certain self-appointed teachers, like the false teachers in Corinth.
They were discouraging believers from getting married and
from eating certain foods.
And like the false teachers in Colossi, they were encouraging
speculation about myths and other so-called spiritual practices.
Furthermore, these teachers were also causing disruption in a number of other
areas, including leadership in the church.
Once Paul was released from prison, he investigated the situation in
Ephesus, but he wasn't able to stay long because there were matters to
attend to in other places as well.
So he continued on into Macedonia, but left Timothy in Ephesus with a clear
and simple mandate, stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth.
Shortly afterward, Paul sent Timothy a letter with more details,
now known as First Timothy.
This letter alternates between giving instructions on how to address
specific situations in Ephesus and giving charges words of personal
challenge to Timothy himself.
It's likely that Paul means for Timothy to read the instructions out loud to the
church, but intends the personal charges for Timothy's own private encouragement.
Timothy was probably no older than his mid thirties.
Someone this young would not ordinarily be promoted to a position of leadership,
but Paul tells him, don't let anyone think less of you because you are young.
Paul clearly believes that Timothy could help restore peace and
order to that troubled community.
As we prepare to read First Timothy, we should remind ourselves that the
letters of the New Testament were written to specific churches and situations.
They are meant first and foremost to address the needs
of their original audiences.
Our responsibility as good readers is to discover what these writings meant in
their original context, and then consider their enduring message for us today.
The church in Ephesus was troubled by disorder.
In addition to the leadership challenges caused by the false teachers, they
struggled with disruptive worship, how to care for widows and divisions
between wealthy and poor members.
Paul refers to the church as the household of God and gives Timothy
clearance instructions on how to appoint and organized leaders in the
community, which would have a positive impact on other issues as well.
All of Paul's instructions are closely tied to the nature of the
good news and its saving message.
Paul is confident that the wayward believers can be restored
indeed as he summarizes Christ.
Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them all.
In closing, he reminds Timothy of his own responsibility as a teacher of the truth.
Paul urges Timothy to make sure the believers are constantly immersed
in the scriptures until I get there.
Focus on reading the scriptures to the church, encouraging the
believers and teaching them.
The more the believers find their lives taken up into the great story of God and
the salvation found in Jesus, the better they will pursue their own roles in
that narrative of restoration and life.
The first letter to Timothy.
This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the
command of God our savior, and Christ Jesus who gives us hope.
I am writing to Timothy, my true son, in the faith may God the
Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord, give you grace, mercy, and peace.
When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those
whose teaching is contrary to the truth.
Don't let them waste their time.
An endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees.
These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don't help
people live a life of faith in God.
The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with
love that comes from a pure heart.
A clear conscience and genuine faith, but some people have missed this whole point.
They have turned away from these things and spend their time
in meaningless discussions.
They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don't
know what they're talking about.
Even though they speak so confidently.
We know that the law is good when used correctly for the law, was not intended
for people who do what is right.
It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful,
who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy who kill their father
or mother, or commit other murders.
The law is for people who are sexually immoral or who practice homosexuality
or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that
contradicts the wholesome teaching that comes from the glorious good news
entrusted to me by our blessed God.
I thank Christ Jesus, our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work.
He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even
though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ in my insolence.
I persecuted his people, but God had mercy on me because I did
it in ignorance and unbelief.
Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was.
He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus.
This is a trustworthy saying and everyone should accept it.
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst
of them all, but God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use
me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners.
Then others will realize that they too can believe in him and
receive eternal life, all honor and glory to God forever and ever.
He is the eternal king, the unseen one who never dies.
He alone is God.
Amen.
Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you.
Based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier, may they help you
fight well in the Lord's battles.
Clinging to your faith in Christ and keep your conscience clear.
For some people have deliberately violated their consciences.
As a result, their faith has been shipwrecked.
Hamans and Alexander are two examples.
I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they
might learn not to blaspheme.
God,
I urge you, first of all to pray for all people.
Ask God to help them intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them.
Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we
can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.
This is good and pleases God, our Savior, who wants everyone to be
saved and to understand the truth.
For there is one God and one mediator who can reconcile God and humanity.
The man Christ Jesus, he gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.
This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles
this message about faith and truth.
I'm not exaggerating just telling the truth in every place of worship.
I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God free from anger
and controversy, and I want women to be modest in their appearance.
They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw
attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing
gold or pearls or expensive clothes.
For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves
attractive by the good things they do.
Women should learn quietly and submissively.
I do not let women teach men nor have authority over them.
Let them listen quietly.
For God made Adam first and afterward he made Eve.
And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan.
The woman was deceived and sin was the result.
But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they
continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty.
This is a trustworthy saying.
If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position.
So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach.
He must be faithful to his wife.
He must exercise self-control, live wisely and have a good reputation.
He must enjoy having guests in his home and he must be able to teach.
He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent.
He must be gentle, not quarrelsome and not love money.
He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him.
For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can
he take care of God's church?
A church leader must not be a new believer because he might become proud
and the devil would cause him to fall.
Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be
disgraced and fall into the devil's trap.
In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity,
and they must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money.
They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must
live with a clear conscience before they are appointed as deacons.
Let them be closely examined.
If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons in the same way.
Their wives must be respected and must not slander others.
They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do.
A deacon must be faithful to his wife and he must manage his
children and household well.
Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others
and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus.
I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you
soon, so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct
themselves in the household of God.
This is the Church of the Living God, which is the pillar
and foundation of the truth.
Without question.
This is the great mystery of our faith.
Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the spirit.
He was seen by angels and announced to the nations he was believed in throughout
the world and taken to heaven in glory.
Now, the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some
will turn away from the true faith.
They will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons.
These people are hypocrites and liars and their consciences are dead.
They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain
foods, but God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by
faithful people who know the truth.
Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it, but receive
it with thanks for we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters Timothy, you will
be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus.
One who is nourished by the message of faith and the good
teaching you have followed.
Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives tales.
Instead, train yourself to be godly.
Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much
better promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.
This is a trustworthy saying and everyone should accept it.
This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in
the living God who is the savior of all people, and particularly of all
believers, teach these things and insist that everyone learn them.
Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young.
Be an example to all believers in what you say and the way you live in your
love, your faith, and your purity.
Until I get there, focus on reading the scriptures to the church, encouraging
the believers and teaching them.
Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy
spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.
Give your complete attention to these matters.
Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.
Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching.
Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation, and the
salvation of those who hear you.
Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully,
as you would to your own father.
Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers.
Treat older women as you would your mother.
And treat younger women with all purity.
As you would your own sisters take care of any widow who has
no one else to care for her.
But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to
show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them.
This is something that pleases God.
Now, a true widow, a woman who is truly alone in this world,
has placed her hope in God.
She prays night and day asking God for his help, but the widow who lives
only for pleasure is spiritually dead, even while she lives.
Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism,
but those who won't care for their relatives, especially those in their own
household have denied the true faith.
Such people are worse than unbelievers.
A widow who was put on the list for support must be a woman who is at least 60
years old and was faithful to her husband.
She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done.
Has she brought up her children well?
Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly?
Has she helped those who are in trouble?
Has she always been ready to do good?
The younger widows should not be on the list.
Because their physical desires will overpower their devotion
to Christ and they will want to remarry, then they would be guilty
of breaking their previous pledge.
And if they are on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will spend their
time gossiping from house to house meddling and other people's business
and talking about things they shouldn't.
So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children
and take care of their own homes.
Then the enemy will not be able to say anything against them for, I am
afraid that some of them have already gone astray and now follow Satan.
If a woman who is a believer has relatives who are widows, she must take care of
them and not put the responsibility on the church, then the church can care
for the widows who are truly alone.
Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well,
especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching.
For the scripture says, you must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it
treads out the grain and in another place.
Those who work deserve their pay.
Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is
confirmed by two or three witnesses.
Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church.
This will serve as a strong warning to others.
I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus,
and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides
or showing favoritism to anyone.
Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader.
Do not share in this sins of others.
Keep yourself pure.
Don't drink only water.
You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach
because you are sick so often.
Remember the sins of some people are obvious leading them to certain judgment,
but there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later in the
same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious and the good deeds done
in secret will someday come to light.
All slaves should show full respect for their masters, so they will not bring
shame on the name of God and his teaching.
If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful.
Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping
other believers who are well loved,
teach these things Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them.
Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome
teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.
These teachings promote a godly life.
Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding.
Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words.
This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division,
slander and evil suspicions.
These people always cause trouble.
Their minds are corrupt and they have turned their backs on the truth.
To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy.
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth.
After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't
take anything with us when we leave it.
So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by
many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction.
For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, and some people craving
money have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.
But you, Timothy, are a man of God, so run from all these evil things, pursue
righteousness and a godly life along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
Fight the good fight for the true faith.
Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you
have declared so well before many witnesses, and I charge you before
God, who gives life to all and before Christ Jesus who gave a good testimony
before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering, then no
one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
For at just the right time, Christ will be revealed from heaven.
By the blessed and only Almighty God, the king of all kings, and Lord of all lords.
He alone can never die, and he lives in light.
So brilliant that no human can approach him.
No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will all honor and power to him forever.
Amen.
Teach those who are rich in this world, not to be proud and not to trust in
their money, which is so unreliable.
Their trust should be in God who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment.
Tell them to use their money to do good.
They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need.
Always being ready to share with others.
By doing this, they will be storing up their treasure as a
good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.
Timothy Guard what God has entrusted to you.
Avoid godless foolish discussions with those who oppose you with
their so-called knowledge.
Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness.
May God's grace be with you all.
This concludes today's Immer Reading experience.
Thank you for joining us.