1Timothy 1:1-20
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, 2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia-remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust. 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.
In chapter 1 of 1Timothy the Apostle Paul starts out with a greeting to Timothy (vs. 1-2) and then gives the purpose for Timothy being left in Ephesus (vs.3). Next, Paul explains what the false apostles taught in opposition to the truth (vs. 4-7) and gives the true use of the law (vs. 8-11). He goes on to give thanks to God for his conversion, and describes his former state (vs. 12-17).
The verse that stands out to me today is 1Timothy 1:5 "Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith," We see in this verse that the purpose of Paul's command to Timothy is the promotion of God's love in the church. This love includes love to God, to one's fellow believers, and to the world in general. It must spring out of a pure heart. If one's inner life is unclean, then true Christian love can scarcely flow from it. This love must also be the by-product of a good conscience, that is, a conscience void of offense toward God and man. Finally, this love must be the outcome of sincere (literally, "unhypocritical") faith, that is, faith that does not wear a mask. False teachings could never produce these things which Paul lists, and certainly they are never the outcome of fables and endless genealogies! It is the teaching of the grace of God that produces a pure heart, a good conscience, a sincere faith, and that therefore results in love.
I pray that you would never stray from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith.
Love in Christ,
Alan J. Schrader
1Timothy 2:1-15
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle-I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying- a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.
In chapter 2 of 1Timothy the Apostle Paul gives direction to the church on how to conduct themselves in public worship. He begins by giving instruction on prayer (vs. 1-8). Then he speaks on women's apparel (vs.9-10) and their attitude in worship (vs. 11-14). The chapter concludes with a promise given for their encouragement in child-bearing (vs. 15).
The verse that stands out to me today is 1Timothy 2:4 "who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." This verse gives us a clear picture of the divine and the human aspects of salvation. The first half of the verse indicates that man must be saved. The verb here is passive; man cannot save himself but must be saved by God. This is the divine side of salvation. In order to be saved, man must come to the knowledge of the truth. God does not save men against their will. He does not populate heaven with rebellious subjects. Man must come to Him who said: "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." This is the human side. Both Peter and Paul said that God wants all to be saved (see 2 Peter 3:9). This does not mean that all will be saved, because the Bible makes it clear that many reject Christ (Matthew 25:31-46; John 12:44-50; Hebrews 10:26-29). The gospel message has a universal scope; it is not directed only to people of one race, one sex, or one national background. God loves the whole world and sent his Son to save sinners. Never assume that anyone is outside God's mercy or beyond the reach of his offer of salvation.
I pray that you would walk in the knowledge of the truth so that you would experience freedom and joy.
Blessings,
Alan J. Schrader
2 Timothy 3:1-16
This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); 6 not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 But let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons, being found blameless. 11 Likewise, their wives must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a good standing and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 14 These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly; 15 but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory.
In chapter 3 of 1Timothy the Apostle Paul discusses the qualifications of officers of churches. First we read of the qualifications of a person to be admitted to the office of a bishop (vs. 1-7). Next we have the qualifications of deacons (vs. 8-10), and of their wives (vs. 11), again of the deacons (vs. 12-13). The chapter concludes with Paul's reasons for writing to Timothy, and a greater understanding to what godliness means (vs. 14-16).
The verse that stands out to me today is 1Timothy 3:16 "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory." This verse is known to be an early hymn of the church. It reveals the mystery of godliness or the secret of how to become godly. Manifested in the flesh refers to Christ's incarnation, the fact that Jesus became man (see John. 1:14). Justified in the Spirit refers to the Holy Spirit's work in Jesus ministry and resurrection (see Matt. 3:15; John 16:7, 10; Rom. 1:4). Seen by angels refers to the angelic witness of Christ's ministry and resurrection. Preached among the Gentiles refers to the proclamation of Christ to the nations (see Col. 1:23). Believed on in the world refers to the response of individuals to God's plan of salvation (see 1 Cor. 1:18). Received up in glory refers to the Ascension; Christ is seated in God's presence in heaven (see Acts 1:9; Heb. 1:3, 4). Here is the simple truth: We can't please God on our own; we must depend on Christ. As a man, Jesus lived a perfect life, and so he is a perfect example of how to live. As God, Jesus gives us the power to do what is right. It is possible to live a godly life?through following Christ.
I pray that you would walk in the power of the gospel today.
Blessings,
Alan J. Schrader
1Timothy 4:1-16
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed. 7 But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 These things command and teach. 12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership. 15 Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
In chapter 4 of 1Timothy the Apostle Paul speaks of a horrible apostasy or departure from the faith that will take place in the last days (vs. 1-3). Next he explains some of the Christian's liberties (vs. 4-5). The chapter concludes with instructions to Timothy in regards to himself, his doctrine, and the people under his care (vs. 6-16).
The verse that stands out to me today is 1Timothy 4:16 "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." Notice the order here. Timothy is first to take heed to himself and then to the doctrine. This emphasizes the importance of the personal walk in the life of the believer. By continuing in the things Paul has been writing about, that is, reading, exhortation, and instruction, Timothy would save both himself and those who heard him. The word save here has nothing to do with the salvation of the soul. The chapter opened with a description of the false teachers who were causing havoc among the people of God. Paul is telling Timothy that by faithful devotion to a godly life and to the word of God, he will save himself from these false teachings and he will also rescue his hearers from them as well.
I pray that you would be a great example in how you live and in what you believe.
Blessings,
Alan J. Schrader
1Timothy 5:1-25
Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity. 3 Honor widows who are really widows. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 And these things command, that they may be blameless. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man, 10 well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 11 But refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any believing man or woman has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be burdened, that it may relieve those who are really widows. 17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses. 20 Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear. 21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people's sins; keep yourself pure. 23 No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities. 24 Some men's sins are clearly evident, preceding them to judgment, but those of some men follow later. 25 Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden.
In chapter 5 of 1Timothy the Apostle Paul directs Timothy on how to reprove or rebuke believers of all ages (vs.1-2). Next he gives instruction on how to support widows and who are to be taken into the number of widows (vs.3-16). Paul then gives instruction about the Elders of the church (vs. 17-20). Next Paul gives a solemn charge concerning ordination (vs. 21-22). The chapter concludes with Paul speaking of Timothy's health and states men's sins to be very different in their effects (vs. 23-25).
The verse that stands out to me today is 1Timothy 5:8 "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." Almost everyone has relatives, family of some kind. A believer is to provide for his own (his near relatives) and his household (his immediate family). Family relationships are so important in God's eyes, Paul says, that a person who neglects his or her family responsibilities has denied the faith (see Ex. 20:12; Mark 7:9; Eph. 6:2). If a Christian cannot even care for his or her own family, how can that person sincerely love and care for others? The Christian faith consistently maintains that those who are true believers should care for one another. When a Christian fails to do this, he denies the very truths which Christianity teaches. Such a person is worse than an unbeliever for the simple reason that many unbelievers show loving care for their own relatives. Also, a Christian can bring reproach on the name of the Lord in a way that an unbeliever cannot do.
I pray that you would keep the faith alive by allowing His love and compassion to flow in and through you.
Love in Christ,
Alan J. Schrader
1Timothy 6:1-21
Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. 2 And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. 6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, 15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. 17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge- 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
In chapter 6 of 1Timothy the Apostle Paul starts out by instructing servants on their duties (vs.1-2). Next he deals with false teachers (vs. 3-5). Paul then instructs on godliness and covetousness (vs. 6-10). Next he advices Timothy on what he is to flee, and what he is to follow (vs.11-12). In verses 13-16 Paul gives a solemn charge to keep the commandments and then a charge to the rich (vs. 17-19). The chapter concludes with a charge to Timothy (vs. 20-21).
The verse that stands out to me today is 1Timothy 6:6 "Now godliness with contentment is great gain." In this verse Paul is say that the combination of godliness with contentment is great gain. Godliness without contentment would give a one-sided testimony. Contentment without godliness would not be distinctively Christian at all. But to have real godliness and at the same time to be satisfied with one's personal circumstances is more than money can buy. This statement is the key to spiritual growth and personal fulfillment. We should honor God and center our desires on Him and we should be content with what God is doing in our lives (see Phil. 4:11-13).
I pray that you would know the great gain of godliness and contentment today.
Love in Christ,
Alan J. Schrader
