1 & 2 Timothy – Page 2

1 Timothy 4:6-16 – A Mentor’s Advice

What a great mentor Paul is to Timothy. We can glean wisdom from his letter to apply to our own life of faith. We, too, are called to share with others about what Jesus has done. It’s our job to help others find their way back into God’s loving arms. We certainly cherish what it is like being secure in our relationship with God. That’s certainly good news to share with others.

What does it mean to you to be faithful? While Paul sets a marvelous example himself, he wants to help us (and Timothy) succeed as well. These golden nuggets of truth nearly jumped off the page as I read today. Not only will these make us better followers of Jesus but better human beings in and out of a church setting:

1 Timothy 3:16-4:5 – Love a Good Mystery?

Read 1 Timothy 3:16-4:5

An open book on a table with a lamp light burning

The truth about Jesus is the best mystery of all. When you think of God visiting earth as a human, that’s quite an amazing feat. Of course, for God all things are possible, but we still puzzle about how it all happened and why. Believing in this truth is the basis for our faith. I love this part of the prose style “hymn” portion. “Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit.” God was also human in that moment as Jesus in the flesh, and the Holy Spirit proved it so. The trinity is so magnificently intertwined here.

Our last two readings have focused on how leaders and deacons were to conduct themselves in building up the body of Christ. These verses tie it all together and involve everyone. Paul wanted Timothy to be prepared to lead all people and help them discern the truth while staying faithful.

1 Timothy 3:8-15 – How’s Your Servant Heart?

Read 1 Timothy 3:8-15

3 blue people figures with words SERVE Each Other and a diagram picture of words like love, serve, attend, hold, care for

If you thought that the “rules” for church leaders were strict, now we address the do’s and don’ts for deacons. Did you find it interesting that the expectation for deacons extends to their wives (spouses) as well?

You may be asking, “what is a deacon?” If your church didn’t recognize a hierarchy of church leaders or give titles to the helpers, that word may not be familiar. In Paul’s day, a deacon would be a servant, anyone who serves the body of Christ. I think of this passage from Matthew 20:26, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” I’m not sure I seek to be “great,” but I do seek to please God in all I say and do.

1 Timothy 3:1-7 – Help Wanted!

Read 1 Timothy 3:1-7

cartoon man holding yellow sign with red letters saying HIRING

Have you ever recruited a team of volunteers at church or in your neighborhood? When there’s a lot of enthusiasm, it’s easy to fill positions. But can you relate to those desperate times when you settled for “warm bodies” to fill the job/task roster?

Paul knew that Timothy was going to need to sort out some issues with leadership in the church. Any time people start to gather, some will seek order. We start to see how rules were put in place to avoid certain improper behaviors that would hurt the church as a whole.

1 Timothy 2:8-15 – What Worship Looks Like

Read 1 Timothy 2:8-15

man standing in field with his arms reaching out and looking heavenward

What was happening in Timothy’s church? Paul’s counsel about worship practices boldly addresses some specific issues. It sounds like people were not keeping their places of worship holy. In church, there is no room for anger, controversy, or flamboyancy. There are plenty of churches in existence today who need to hear Paul’s words.

Paul lays out what a place of worship should look like. He starts with the reverent attitude we need when we pray. With a pure heart, our prayers should be sincere and directed to God. Many people think that we pray our hands should be folded and heads bowed. That these hands are lifted to God means you are proclaiming before God that you have nothing to hide. Men are to be praying in church, not caught up in fighting or anger. Such behaviors distract from the goodness of God and allow Satan’s grasp within the sacred walls.