Titus 1: We Need Strong Leaders

We Need Strong Leaders

Paul begins this letter to Titus (another church leader and supposed mentee) with instruction, similar like what he told Timothy. In Titus 1:7-8 Paul says "For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined." In other words the church leaders (deacons, pastors, priests, etc) need to not be like "everyone else" so to speak. They need to have a higher sense of morale and hold themselves to a higher standard than many others would. They need to have self control and not be drunkards nor be quick to get angry. When the leaders hold themselves to a higher standard, they set the example for other believers.

PLEASE SEE THE LOGOS AND LINKS BELOW TO SHARE VIA EMAIL, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST AND GOOGLE PLUS. THANKS!

2 Timothy 2: With Gentleness

With Gentleness

2 Timothy 2:24 gives us a great example of how servant's of the Lord should be with everyone, not just those we choose, but everyone. In it Paul writes, "And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness." Whether they are believers or non-believers, we are to correct people with gentleness. This verse may be specifically in reference to teaching the Word, but does that mean that the only way it applies is in church. It applies all the time. There is no excuse for disrespecting and insulting others that disagree. Correct the opponents with gentleness.

PLEASE SEE THE LOGOS AND LINKS BELOW TO SHARE VIA EMAIL, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST AND GOOGLE PLUS. THANKS!

1 Timothy 6: Fight the Good Fight

Fight the Good Fight

I know that 1 Timothy 6 is known for its verse on the love of money being the root of all evil. Many think it is money that is evil, but the Word clearly states that it is the love of money that is evil, not the money itself. The Word also clearly states to Timothy (from Paul in verses 11-12) to "pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." Doing this shows our love for God. We can learn from Paul's letter to Timothy to stay strong in the faith and not fall for worldliness. 
 

PLEASE SEE THE LOGOS AND LINKS BELOW TO SHARE VIA EMAIL, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST AND GOOGLE PLUS. THANKS!

1 Timothy 4: Paul's Guidance of Timothy

Paul's Guidance of Timothy

Paul tells Timothy in Chapter 4 some guiding words or advice, if you will. In verses 1-5, Paul tells Timothy about those that will depart from the faith and start believing and teaching things that are not of the faith and kind of making up their own rules, so to speak. Paul said people will forbid marriage and tell you that you cannot eat certain foods, but if you have asked God to bless it, then there is no issue with what you eat.

In verses 6-10 Paul tells Timothy to train himself up in godliness. He says that yes physical training is important, but godliness training far exceeds physical training in importance. Also, in verses 11-16, Paul basically challenges Timothy to stand up for himself as people will tell him he is too young to lead, teach and preach. He tells him to conduct himself in love and purity (godliness). He tells Timothy to practice these things and watch himself. Timothy is going to be a leader and teacher, so if he is not already doing these things, then how will others that he leads follow his example.

PLEASE SEE THE LOGOS AND LINKS BELOW TO SHARE VIA EMAIL, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST AND GOOGLE PLUS. THANKS!

1 Timothy 3: Being an Overseer

Being an Overseer

When it comes to leadership that is respectable, not everyone is qualified. Some may say that seems or sounds judgemental, but isn't it true? Have you ever had a boss that wasn't a very good leader or a supervisor that was not a very good leader. There are certain qualities and character traits that a leader would need to have to be a good leader for you. In the church, the same type of rules apply. In 1 Timothy 3:1-7 we see that a good overseer must be above reproach, in other words the hold themselves to a high standard that keeps them from trouble. Also a good overseer will only have one wife, not multiple. This could be related to polygamy or numerous marriages or marital fidelity or all three. An overseer is also even temperate, self controlled, etc. If these are the kind of people that we are looking for to lead us at church, then these are also examples of the type of people that we should seek to be around us in our private lives.

PLEASE SEE THE LOGOS AND LINKS BELOW TO SHARE VIA EMAIL, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST AND GOOGLE PLUS. THANKS!

1 Thessalonians 3: As We Do for You

As We Do for You

"As we do for you" are words that Paul wrote to the church in conjunction with Timothy's report about the church. Timothy was mentored by Paul and Timothy had good things to say after visiting the church of Thessalonia. Paul makes several references to being connected to the church spiritually. In verse 6 he says that Timothy reports that they remember kindly Paul and the others he is with and that they long to see Paul and the others as he longs to see them. There is a connection there. In verse 7 Paul says that he and the others are comforted about the church because of the faith of the church. Paul didn't have to be concerned with them because they kept the faith according to Timothy's report. And in verses 11-12, Paul shows us once again the connection he has to the church (which to me is very encouraging). He sought for the church to get their proper direction led by God and Jesus. He also wanted them to "abound in love for one another and for all" as Paul and the others did for them. It was bigger than just leading a church and helping build it but as he said before like a nurturing mother or an encouraging father. Paul cared about what he was doing and why.

PLEASE SEE THE LOGOS AND LINKS BELOW TO SHARE VIA EMAIL, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST AND GOOGLE PLUS. THANKS!

Acts 16: Timothy, Imprisoned, Conversion

Timothy, Imprisoned, Conversion

Timothy was already a disciple (we will learn more about him in other books and chapters) and met up with Paul and Silas. Knowing the issues Jews in the area had with uncircumcised men (Law of Moses), Paul, after having taken Timothy under his wing, had Timothy circumcised. The previous discussions in Jerusalem about being saved by faith was delivered to the churches in Derbe and Lystra. Through the delivery of that message, the churches were strengthened in the faith and the numbers were growing (Acts 16:1-5).

While preaching the gospel to various people they felt that the Spirit of Jesus keeping them from Mysia and the Holy Spirit keeping them from Asia. On they traveled and one night Paul had a vision (possibly a dream) of a man from Macedonia saying "Come over to Macedonia and help us." And on they went to Macedonia to preach the gospel to them. (Acts 16:6-10). From there they were traveling to a place of prayer and were followed for many days by a woman who had the spirit of divinity, which sounds good but is not godly. This woman was a fortune teller and was also a slave girl who was being utilized by her owners to gain wealth and fortune. Paul having been greatly annoyed by being followed by this woman and having her say, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to you the way of salvation.” Paul cast the spirit out of her and that upset the fortune teller/slave girl's owners and they had Paul and Silas beaten and then imprisoned (Acts 16:16-24).

While Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns a great earthquake occurred and the foundations of the prison were open and the prison doors were opened. The jailer saw that the doors had been opened and knowing the custom that the jailer would be executed if his prisoner escaped, the jailer was about to kill himself. Paul let the jailer know not to harm himself as he and Silas were still there. The jailer got lights and saw them still in the jail. He then asked them what he needed to do to be saved. They told him nothing of Mosaic Law, but to believe in Jesus in order to be saved. After telling the word to him and his family, they were all baptized (Acts 16:25-34).

PLEASE SEE THE LOGOS AND LINKS BELOW TO SHARE VIA EMAIL, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST AND GOOGLE PLUS. THANKS!

Wednesday Wake Up #2

Proverbs 27:17 serves as more than just a cool little illustration, but a reminder that if you want to be strong you will need to be kept in check by someone who is also strong. the idea behind iron sharpens iron is that in order for the metal iron to be sharpened, it must be done so by another iron.

In your Christian walk, who is walking with you that is strong or even stronger in their walk than you? Do you have a mentor? Do you have someone who keeps you accountable? I can't grow as strong in my walk with Christ if I am never held accountable by someone who also follows Christ. we are not made to just exist on our own. Paul was a mentor to Timothy. The disciples walked with each other while following Christ. People have mentors in business, and coaches and partners. We are not made to exist on our own.

PLEASE SEE THE LOGOS AND LINKS BELOW TO SHARE THIS VIA EMAIL, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, ETC. THANKS.