WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:00.030 --> 00:00:02.870 Henry: Welcome To Immerse: The Daily Bible Reading Experience. 00:00:02.988 --> 00:00:03.738 Day 38. 00:00:04.398 --> 00:00:06.198 immersed in first Timothy. 00:00:08.778 --> 00:00:12.678 Timothy was the young associate Paul had counted on for years. 00:00:13.248 --> 00:00:17.688 It was Timothy's visit and report that prompted Paul's first letter to 00:00:17.688 --> 00:00:19.338 the church, Hirsch and Thessalonica. 00:00:20.148 --> 00:00:23.538 And when Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, he sent Timothy 00:00:23.538 --> 00:00:28.218 to deliver the letter affirming that Timothy was doing the Lord's work. 00:00:28.278 --> 00:00:29.328 Just as I am. 00:00:30.378 --> 00:00:33.618 Timothy had traveled with Paul, stayed with him during his 00:00:33.618 --> 00:00:37.638 imprisonment and continued to fulfill assignments for the apostle, like 00:00:37.638 --> 00:00:39.468 visiting the believers in Philippi. 00:00:40.338 --> 00:00:43.938 He was such a close and trusted colleague that five of Paul's 00:00:43.938 --> 00:00:47.298 letters in our New Testament are written in Timothy's name as well. 00:00:48.048 --> 00:00:51.978 But now Paul was writing to Timothy himself with instructions and 00:00:51.978 --> 00:00:56.928 encouragement for his most difficult assignment yet as a missionary 00:00:56.928 --> 00:00:58.128 leader in the early church. 00:00:58.548 --> 00:01:02.178 Paul would travel, preach the good news, start churches, and 00:01:02.178 --> 00:01:03.888 then move on to new places. 00:01:04.608 --> 00:01:08.988 Unfortunately, others often came in behind him disrupting the churches He 00:01:08.988 --> 00:01:12.168 had started while Paul was in prison. 00:01:12.408 --> 00:01:16.938 The church he had started in the strategic city of Ephesus was infiltrated 00:01:16.938 --> 00:01:21.378 by certain self-appointed teachers, like the false teachers in Corinth. 00:01:21.708 --> 00:01:24.288 They were discouraging believers from getting married and 00:01:24.293 --> 00:01:25.308 from eating certain foods. 00:01:26.148 --> 00:01:30.078 And like the false teachers in Colossi, they were encouraging 00:01:30.078 --> 00:01:33.768 speculation about myths and other so-called spiritual practices. 00:01:34.398 --> 00:01:39.288 Furthermore, these teachers were also causing disruption in a number of other 00:01:39.288 --> 00:01:41.808 areas, including leadership in the church. 00:01:42.858 --> 00:01:46.638 Once Paul was released from prison, he investigated the situation in 00:01:46.638 --> 00:01:50.328 Ephesus, but he wasn't able to stay long because there were matters to 00:01:50.328 --> 00:01:52.278 attend to in other places as well. 00:01:52.848 --> 00:01:57.888 So he continued on into Macedonia, but left Timothy in Ephesus with a clear 00:01:57.888 --> 00:02:02.778 and simple mandate, stop those whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 00:02:03.918 --> 00:02:07.668 Shortly afterward, Paul sent Timothy a letter with more details, 00:02:07.848 --> 00:02:09.708 now known as First Timothy. 00:02:10.638 --> 00:02:14.208 This letter alternates between giving instructions on how to address 00:02:14.208 --> 00:02:19.488 specific situations in Ephesus and giving charges words of personal 00:02:19.488 --> 00:02:21.678 challenge to Timothy himself. 00:02:22.563 --> 00:02:26.283 It's likely that Paul means for Timothy to read the instructions out loud to the 00:02:26.283 --> 00:02:31.053 church, but intends the personal charges for Timothy's own private encouragement. 00:02:31.623 --> 00:02:34.143 Timothy was probably no older than his mid thirties. 00:02:34.833 --> 00:02:39.273 Someone this young would not ordinarily be promoted to a position of leadership, 00:02:40.083 --> 00:02:44.463 but Paul tells him, don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. 00:02:45.423 --> 00:02:48.453 Paul clearly believes that Timothy could help restore peace and 00:02:48.453 --> 00:02:50.163 order to that troubled community. 00:02:51.408 --> 00:02:55.458 As we prepare to read First Timothy, we should remind ourselves that the 00:02:55.458 --> 00:03:00.258 letters of the New Testament were written to specific churches and situations. 00:03:00.918 --> 00:03:03.648 They are meant first and foremost to address the needs 00:03:03.648 --> 00:03:05.178 of their original audiences. 00:03:06.108 --> 00:03:10.518 Our responsibility as good readers is to discover what these writings meant in 00:03:10.518 --> 00:03:15.108 their original context, and then consider their enduring message for us today. 00:03:16.008 --> 00:03:18.618 The church in Ephesus was troubled by disorder. 00:03:19.158 --> 00:03:22.848 In addition to the leadership challenges caused by the false teachers, they 00:03:22.848 --> 00:03:27.558 struggled with disruptive worship, how to care for widows and divisions 00:03:27.558 --> 00:03:29.418 between wealthy and poor members. 00:03:30.078 --> 00:03:34.398 Paul refers to the church as the household of God and gives Timothy 00:03:34.398 --> 00:03:38.178 clearance instructions on how to appoint and organized leaders in the 00:03:38.178 --> 00:03:41.928 community, which would have a positive impact on other issues as well. 00:03:42.873 --> 00:03:46.323 All of Paul's instructions are closely tied to the nature of the 00:03:46.323 --> 00:03:48.693 good news and its saving message. 00:03:49.263 --> 00:03:52.383 Paul is confident that the wayward believers can be restored 00:03:53.073 --> 00:03:55.953 indeed as he summarizes Christ. 00:03:55.953 --> 00:04:01.173 Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them all. 00:04:02.073 --> 00:04:07.383 In closing, he reminds Timothy of his own responsibility as a teacher of the truth. 00:04:08.238 --> 00:04:12.168 Paul urges Timothy to make sure the believers are constantly immersed 00:04:12.168 --> 00:04:15.018 in the scriptures until I get there. 00:04:15.438 --> 00:04:19.038 Focus on reading the scriptures to the church, encouraging the 00:04:19.038 --> 00:04:20.748 believers and teaching them. 00:04:21.528 --> 00:04:26.568 The more the believers find their lives taken up into the great story of God and 00:04:26.568 --> 00:04:31.728 the salvation found in Jesus, the better they will pursue their own roles in 00:04:31.733 --> 00:04:34.128 that narrative of restoration and life. 00:04:39.318 --> 00:04:40.758 The first letter to Timothy. 00:04:43.293 --> 00:04:47.463 This letter is from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, appointed by the 00:04:47.463 --> 00:04:51.423 command of God our savior, and Christ Jesus who gives us hope. 00:04:53.253 --> 00:04:58.893 I am writing to Timothy, my true son, in the faith may God the 00:04:58.893 --> 00:05:03.393 Father, and Christ Jesus our Lord, give you grace, mercy, and peace. 00:05:06.018 --> 00:05:10.668 When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to stay there in Ephesus and stop those 00:05:10.668 --> 00:05:12.498 whose teaching is contrary to the truth. 00:05:13.308 --> 00:05:14.778 Don't let them waste their time. 00:05:14.778 --> 00:05:18.558 An endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. 00:05:19.248 --> 00:05:22.818 These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don't help 00:05:22.818 --> 00:05:24.708 people live a life of faith in God. 00:05:25.518 --> 00:05:29.298 The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with 00:05:29.298 --> 00:05:31.308 love that comes from a pure heart. 00:05:32.148 --> 00:05:37.518 A clear conscience and genuine faith, but some people have missed this whole point. 00:05:38.298 --> 00:05:41.118 They have turned away from these things and spend their time 00:05:41.118 --> 00:05:42.498 in meaningless discussions. 00:05:43.398 --> 00:05:46.878 They want to be known as teachers of the law of Moses, but they don't 00:05:46.878 --> 00:05:48.138 know what they're talking about. 00:05:48.408 --> 00:05:50.268 Even though they speak so confidently. 00:05:51.078 --> 00:05:56.418 We know that the law is good when used correctly for the law, was not intended 00:05:56.418 --> 00:05:57.888 for people who do what is right. 00:05:58.428 --> 00:06:03.378 It is for people who are lawless and rebellious, who are ungodly and sinful, 00:06:03.708 --> 00:06:07.968 who consider nothing sacred and defile what is holy who kill their father 00:06:07.968 --> 00:06:10.008 or mother, or commit other murders. 00:06:10.788 --> 00:06:15.228 The law is for people who are sexually immoral or who practice homosexuality 00:06:15.708 --> 00:06:20.118 or are slave traders, liars, promise breakers, or who do anything else that 00:06:20.118 --> 00:06:24.078 contradicts the wholesome teaching that comes from the glorious good news 00:06:24.078 --> 00:06:26.298 entrusted to me by our blessed God. 00:06:27.603 --> 00:06:32.223 I thank Christ Jesus, our Lord, who has given me strength to do his work. 00:06:32.883 --> 00:06:36.543 He considered me trustworthy and appointed me to serve him, even 00:06:36.543 --> 00:06:40.473 though I used to blaspheme the name of Christ in my insolence. 00:06:40.593 --> 00:06:44.703 I persecuted his people, but God had mercy on me because I did 00:06:44.703 --> 00:06:46.683 it in ignorance and unbelief. 00:06:47.313 --> 00:06:50.133 Oh, how generous and gracious our Lord was. 00:06:50.493 --> 00:06:53.853 He filled me with the faith and love that come from Christ Jesus. 00:06:54.768 --> 00:06:57.858 This is a trustworthy saying and everyone should accept it. 00:06:58.488 --> 00:07:03.108 Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst 00:07:03.108 --> 00:07:07.578 of them all, but God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use 00:07:07.578 --> 00:07:11.748 me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. 00:07:12.483 --> 00:07:16.323 Then others will realize that they too can believe in him and 00:07:16.323 --> 00:07:21.513 receive eternal life, all honor and glory to God forever and ever. 00:07:21.993 --> 00:07:25.863 He is the eternal king, the unseen one who never dies. 00:07:26.073 --> 00:07:27.573 He alone is God. 00:07:28.293 --> 00:07:28.893 Amen. 00:07:30.633 --> 00:07:33.573 Timothy, my son, here are my instructions for you. 00:07:33.843 --> 00:07:37.593 Based on the prophetic words spoken about you earlier, may they help you 00:07:37.593 --> 00:07:39.303 fight well in the Lord's battles. 00:07:39.843 --> 00:07:43.293 Clinging to your faith in Christ and keep your conscience clear. 00:07:43.833 --> 00:07:46.683 For some people have deliberately violated their consciences. 00:07:47.283 --> 00:07:49.713 As a result, their faith has been shipwrecked. 00:07:50.613 --> 00:07:53.523 Hamans and Alexander are two examples. 00:07:54.093 --> 00:07:57.273 I threw them out and handed them over to Satan so they 00:07:57.273 --> 00:07:58.683 might learn not to blaspheme. 00:07:58.683 --> 00:07:59.223 God, 00:08:01.413 --> 00:08:04.443 I urge you, first of all to pray for all people. 00:08:04.893 --> 00:08:08.973 Ask God to help them intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. 00:08:09.783 --> 00:08:13.893 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we 00:08:13.893 --> 00:08:18.423 can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 00:08:19.053 --> 00:08:23.763 This is good and pleases God, our Savior, who wants everyone to be 00:08:23.763 --> 00:08:25.863 saved and to understand the truth. 00:08:26.403 --> 00:08:32.193 For there is one God and one mediator who can reconcile God and humanity. 00:08:32.673 --> 00:08:37.923 The man Christ Jesus, he gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. 00:08:38.973 --> 00:08:42.243 This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 00:08:42.753 --> 00:08:46.683 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles 00:08:46.683 --> 00:08:48.393 this message about faith and truth. 00:08:49.113 --> 00:08:53.643 I'm not exaggerating just telling the truth in every place of worship. 00:08:54.033 --> 00:08:59.163 I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God free from anger 00:08:59.163 --> 00:09:03.243 and controversy, and I want women to be modest in their appearance. 00:09:03.858 --> 00:09:06.918 They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw 00:09:06.918 --> 00:09:10.668 attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing 00:09:10.668 --> 00:09:13.098 gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 00:09:13.788 --> 00:09:17.208 For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves 00:09:17.208 --> 00:09:19.368 attractive by the good things they do. 00:09:20.388 --> 00:09:22.968 Women should learn quietly and submissively. 00:09:23.808 --> 00:09:26.598 I do not let women teach men nor have authority over them. 00:09:26.988 --> 00:09:28.518 Let them listen quietly. 00:09:29.268 --> 00:09:32.268 For God made Adam first and afterward he made Eve. 00:09:33.288 --> 00:09:35.478 And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. 00:09:36.048 --> 00:09:39.018 The woman was deceived and sin was the result. 00:09:39.828 --> 00:09:42.948 But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they 00:09:42.948 --> 00:09:47.658 continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty. 00:09:49.758 --> 00:09:51.588 This is a trustworthy saying. 00:09:52.278 --> 00:09:56.598 If someone aspires to be a church leader, he desires an honorable position. 00:09:57.168 --> 00:10:00.978 So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. 00:10:01.488 --> 00:10:03.468 He must be faithful to his wife. 00:10:04.038 --> 00:10:09.108 He must exercise self-control, live wisely and have a good reputation. 00:10:09.738 --> 00:10:13.698 He must enjoy having guests in his home and he must be able to teach. 00:10:14.238 --> 00:10:16.848 He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. 00:10:17.628 --> 00:10:21.198 He must be gentle, not quarrelsome and not love money. 00:10:21.858 --> 00:10:25.938 He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 00:10:26.568 --> 00:10:29.358 For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can 00:10:29.358 --> 00:10:30.948 he take care of God's church? 00:10:31.878 --> 00:10:36.048 A church leader must not be a new believer because he might become proud 00:10:36.378 --> 00:10:38.088 and the devil would cause him to fall. 00:10:38.898 --> 00:10:42.858 Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be 00:10:42.858 --> 00:10:45.708 disgraced and fall into the devil's trap. 00:10:46.578 --> 00:10:50.568 In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity, 00:10:51.228 --> 00:10:54.018 and they must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. 00:10:54.708 --> 00:10:58.488 They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed and must 00:10:58.488 --> 00:11:02.628 live with a clear conscience before they are appointed as deacons. 00:11:02.958 --> 00:11:04.488 Let them be closely examined. 00:11:05.118 --> 00:11:10.068 If they pass the test, then let them serve as deacons in the same way. 00:11:10.368 --> 00:11:13.788 Their wives must be respected and must not slander others. 00:11:14.478 --> 00:11:18.348 They must exercise self-control and be faithful in everything they do. 00:11:19.368 --> 00:11:22.668 A deacon must be faithful to his wife and he must manage his 00:11:22.668 --> 00:11:24.048 children and household well. 00:11:24.768 --> 00:11:29.088 Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others 00:11:29.448 --> 00:11:32.688 and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. 00:11:34.758 --> 00:11:38.118 I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you 00:11:38.123 --> 00:11:42.198 soon, so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct 00:11:42.198 --> 00:11:43.798 themselves in the household of God. 00:11:44.588 --> 00:11:48.358 This is the Church of the Living God, which is the pillar 00:11:48.418 --> 00:11:49.718 and foundation of the truth. 00:11:50.733 --> 00:11:51.573 Without question. 00:11:51.963 --> 00:11:54.093 This is the great mystery of our faith. 00:11:55.083 --> 00:11:59.073 Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the spirit. 00:11:59.613 --> 00:12:05.013 He was seen by angels and announced to the nations he was believed in throughout 00:12:05.013 --> 00:12:07.953 the world and taken to heaven in glory. 00:12:09.513 --> 00:12:13.263 Now, the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some 00:12:13.263 --> 00:12:14.973 will turn away from the true faith. 00:12:15.663 --> 00:12:19.443 They will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. 00:12:20.208 --> 00:12:24.738 These people are hypocrites and liars and their consciences are dead. 00:12:25.608 --> 00:12:28.908 They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain 00:12:28.908 --> 00:12:33.048 foods, but God created those foods to be eaten with thanks by 00:12:33.048 --> 00:12:35.088 faithful people who know the truth. 00:12:35.898 --> 00:12:40.758 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it, but receive 00:12:40.758 --> 00:12:46.068 it with thanks for we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer. 00:12:47.598 --> 00:12:51.138 If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters Timothy, you will 00:12:51.138 --> 00:12:53.568 be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus. 00:12:54.018 --> 00:12:56.958 One who is nourished by the message of faith and the good 00:12:56.958 --> 00:12:58.218 teaching you have followed. 00:12:58.878 --> 00:13:04.038 Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives tales. 00:13:04.458 --> 00:13:07.038 Instead, train yourself to be godly. 00:13:07.968 --> 00:13:11.808 Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much 00:13:11.808 --> 00:13:15.528 better promising benefits in this life and in the life to come. 00:13:16.548 --> 00:13:20.178 This is a trustworthy saying and everyone should accept it. 00:13:20.838 --> 00:13:25.158 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in 00:13:25.158 --> 00:13:29.838 the living God who is the savior of all people, and particularly of all 00:13:29.843 --> 00:13:34.698 believers, teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. 00:13:35.268 --> 00:13:37.728 Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. 00:13:38.538 --> 00:13:43.098 Be an example to all believers in what you say and the way you live in your 00:13:43.098 --> 00:13:45.678 love, your faith, and your purity. 00:13:46.518 --> 00:13:50.838 Until I get there, focus on reading the scriptures to the church, encouraging 00:13:50.838 --> 00:13:52.638 the believers and teaching them. 00:13:53.418 --> 00:13:57.258 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy 00:13:57.288 --> 00:14:00.378 spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. 00:14:01.248 --> 00:14:03.588 Give your complete attention to these matters. 00:14:04.188 --> 00:14:08.478 Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. 00:14:09.378 --> 00:14:12.198 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. 00:14:12.828 --> 00:14:16.638 Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation, and the 00:14:16.638 --> 00:14:18.528 salvation of those who hear you. 00:14:20.688 --> 00:14:24.858 Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully, 00:14:25.188 --> 00:14:26.658 as you would to your own father. 00:14:27.468 --> 00:14:29.988 Talk to younger men as you would to your own brothers. 00:14:30.648 --> 00:14:32.868 Treat older women as you would your mother. 00:14:33.363 --> 00:14:35.463 And treat younger women with all purity. 00:14:35.763 --> 00:14:40.623 As you would your own sisters take care of any widow who has 00:14:40.623 --> 00:14:42.093 no one else to care for her. 00:14:42.933 --> 00:14:47.403 But if she has children or grandchildren, their first responsibility is to 00:14:47.403 --> 00:14:51.363 show godliness at home and repay their parents by taking care of them. 00:14:51.903 --> 00:14:54.093 This is something that pleases God. 00:14:55.173 --> 00:14:58.473 Now, a true widow, a woman who is truly alone in this world, 00:14:58.653 --> 00:15:00.153 has placed her hope in God. 00:15:00.693 --> 00:15:05.913 She prays night and day asking God for his help, but the widow who lives 00:15:05.913 --> 00:15:10.263 only for pleasure is spiritually dead, even while she lives. 00:15:10.953 --> 00:15:15.363 Give these instructions to the church so that no one will be open to criticism, 00:15:16.173 --> 00:15:19.623 but those who won't care for their relatives, especially those in their own 00:15:19.623 --> 00:15:22.233 household have denied the true faith. 00:15:22.833 --> 00:15:24.963 Such people are worse than unbelievers. 00:15:25.983 --> 00:15:30.243 A widow who was put on the list for support must be a woman who is at least 60 00:15:30.243 --> 00:15:32.853 years old and was faithful to her husband. 00:15:33.933 --> 00:15:37.323 She must be well respected by everyone because of the good she has done. 00:15:37.923 --> 00:15:39.453 Has she brought up her children well? 00:15:39.873 --> 00:15:43.563 Has she been kind to strangers and served other believers humbly? 00:15:44.313 --> 00:15:46.023 Has she helped those who are in trouble? 00:15:46.413 --> 00:15:48.363 Has she always been ready to do good? 00:15:49.593 --> 00:15:51.963 The younger widows should not be on the list. 00:15:52.473 --> 00:15:55.893 Because their physical desires will overpower their devotion 00:15:55.893 --> 00:16:00.243 to Christ and they will want to remarry, then they would be guilty 00:16:00.243 --> 00:16:01.863 of breaking their previous pledge. 00:16:02.643 --> 00:16:06.303 And if they are on the list, they will learn to be lazy and will spend their 00:16:06.303 --> 00:16:10.473 time gossiping from house to house meddling and other people's business 00:16:10.478 --> 00:16:12.033 and talking about things they shouldn't. 00:16:12.753 --> 00:16:16.563 So I advise these younger widows to marry again, have children 00:16:16.893 --> 00:16:18.483 and take care of their own homes. 00:16:19.353 --> 00:16:23.193 Then the enemy will not be able to say anything against them for, I am 00:16:23.193 --> 00:16:27.753 afraid that some of them have already gone astray and now follow Satan. 00:16:28.893 --> 00:16:32.973 If a woman who is a believer has relatives who are widows, she must take care of 00:16:32.973 --> 00:16:37.323 them and not put the responsibility on the church, then the church can care 00:16:37.323 --> 00:16:39.213 for the widows who are truly alone. 00:16:40.743 --> 00:16:44.493 Elders who do their work well should be respected and paid well, 00:16:44.763 --> 00:16:47.583 especially those who work hard at both preaching and teaching. 00:16:48.318 --> 00:16:52.938 For the scripture says, you must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it 00:16:52.938 --> 00:16:55.638 treads out the grain and in another place. 00:16:55.938 --> 00:16:58.008 Those who work deserve their pay. 00:16:59.028 --> 00:17:02.298 Do not listen to an accusation against an elder unless it is 00:17:02.298 --> 00:17:04.458 confirmed by two or three witnesses. 00:17:05.088 --> 00:17:08.178 Those who sin should be reprimanded in front of the whole church. 00:17:08.838 --> 00:17:11.568 This will serve as a strong warning to others. 00:17:13.863 --> 00:17:17.793 I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, 00:17:18.033 --> 00:17:22.623 and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides 00:17:22.743 --> 00:17:24.543 or showing favoritism to anyone. 00:17:25.443 --> 00:17:28.473 Never be in a hurry about appointing a church leader. 00:17:29.073 --> 00:17:31.083 Do not share in this sins of others. 00:17:31.323 --> 00:17:32.703 Keep yourself pure. 00:17:33.723 --> 00:17:34.983 Don't drink only water. 00:17:35.403 --> 00:17:37.803 You ought to drink a little wine for the sake of your stomach 00:17:37.953 --> 00:17:39.273 because you are sick so often. 00:17:40.368 --> 00:17:44.628 Remember the sins of some people are obvious leading them to certain judgment, 00:17:45.318 --> 00:17:49.308 but there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later in the 00:17:49.308 --> 00:17:53.958 same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious and the good deeds done 00:17:53.958 --> 00:17:56.118 in secret will someday come to light. 00:17:58.248 --> 00:18:02.478 All slaves should show full respect for their masters, so they will not bring 00:18:02.478 --> 00:18:04.668 shame on the name of God and his teaching. 00:18:05.328 --> 00:18:09.708 If the masters are believers, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. 00:18:10.278 --> 00:18:13.668 Those slaves should work all the harder because their efforts are helping 00:18:13.668 --> 00:18:15.498 other believers who are well loved, 00:18:17.568 --> 00:18:21.318 teach these things Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. 00:18:21.858 --> 00:18:25.518 Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome 00:18:25.518 --> 00:18:27.498 teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:18:28.458 --> 00:18:30.618 These teachings promote a godly life. 00:18:31.188 --> 00:18:35.478 Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. 00:18:36.288 --> 00:18:40.248 Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of words. 00:18:40.728 --> 00:18:44.538 This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, 00:18:44.778 --> 00:18:46.848 slander and evil suspicions. 00:18:47.448 --> 00:18:49.458 These people always cause trouble. 00:18:50.058 --> 00:18:53.718 Their minds are corrupt and they have turned their backs on the truth. 00:18:54.228 --> 00:18:58.368 To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy. 00:18:59.418 --> 00:19:03.618 Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. 00:19:04.338 --> 00:19:09.078 After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't 00:19:09.083 --> 00:19:10.698 take anything with us when we leave it. 00:19:11.418 --> 00:19:15.198 So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. 00:19:15.508 --> 00:19:20.688 But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by 00:19:20.688 --> 00:19:25.248 many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. 00:19:26.028 --> 00:19:31.398 For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, and some people craving 00:19:31.398 --> 00:19:36.348 money have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows. 00:19:37.668 --> 00:19:44.328 But you, Timothy, are a man of God, so run from all these evil things, pursue 00:19:44.328 --> 00:19:50.388 righteousness and a godly life along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 00:19:50.958 --> 00:19:53.208 Fight the good fight for the true faith. 00:19:53.553 --> 00:19:57.903 Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you, which you 00:19:57.903 --> 00:20:02.313 have declared so well before many witnesses, and I charge you before 00:20:02.313 --> 00:20:07.773 God, who gives life to all and before Christ Jesus who gave a good testimony 00:20:07.773 --> 00:20:13.093 before Pontius Pilate, that you obey this command without wavering, then no 00:20:13.093 --> 00:20:17.433 one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 00:20:18.333 --> 00:20:22.833 For at just the right time, Christ will be revealed from heaven. 00:20:22.833 --> 00:20:28.203 By the blessed and only Almighty God, the king of all kings, and Lord of all lords. 00:20:28.653 --> 00:20:31.473 He alone can never die, and he lives in light. 00:20:31.473 --> 00:20:34.203 So brilliant that no human can approach him. 00:20:34.713 --> 00:20:41.103 No human eye has ever seen him, nor ever will all honor and power to him forever. 00:20:41.853 --> 00:20:42.123 Amen. 00:20:44.523 --> 00:20:48.813 Teach those who are rich in this world, not to be proud and not to trust in 00:20:48.813 --> 00:20:50.943 their money, which is so unreliable. 00:20:51.543 --> 00:20:55.863 Their trust should be in God who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. 00:20:56.523 --> 00:20:58.563 Tell them to use their money to do good. 00:20:59.133 --> 00:21:02.643 They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need. 00:21:02.853 --> 00:21:04.693 Always being ready to share with others. 00:21:05.748 --> 00:21:08.898 By doing this, they will be storing up their treasure as a 00:21:08.898 --> 00:21:13.398 good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. 00:21:15.168 --> 00:21:18.228 Timothy Guard what God has entrusted to you. 00:21:18.648 --> 00:21:22.038 Avoid godless foolish discussions with those who oppose you with 00:21:22.038 --> 00:21:23.418 their so-called knowledge. 00:21:24.108 --> 00:21:27.828 Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. 00:21:28.968 --> 00:21:31.548 May God's grace be with you all. 00:21:33.108 --> 00:21:35.988 This concludes today's Immer Reading experience. 00:21:36.108 --> 00:21:37.338 Thank you for joining us.