Month: April 2020

April 30, 2020

1Tim3- 2020-04-30

Journal

Bible Text:

1 Timothy 3:8-16

8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.          13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.

14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh,

    vindicated by the Spirit,

        seen by angels,

proclaimed among the nations,

    believed on in the world,

        taken up in glory.

Reflection & Application

1 Timothy 3:8-10

  • A deacon means “one who serves.” Why would it be important for a deacon to “hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience”? What would happen to a deacon who does not?  How can I keep hold of the gospel with a clear conscience?
  • Why should character come before service?  In what ways do modern day Christians ignore this?  What character issues do I need to work on in order to be a person that is “dignified” and “blameless”?

1 Timothy 3:4, 12

  • Why is it important that an overseer or a deacon manage his own family well?  How am I managing my personal affairs? 

1 Timothy 3:14-15

  • How does Apostle Paul describe the church?  For each description, what is the implication for how I ought to live?

Prayer 

By gracepoint
April 29, 2020

1Tim3- 2020-04-29

Journal

Bible Text: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

Reflection & Application

1 Timothy 3:1-4

  • What is involved in being an overseer?  What aspects of life does the list cover?  
  • In what ways am I seeking status over responsibility?

1 Timothy 3:6-7

  • An overseer is equivalent to a pastor or an elder.   What are some reasons a recent convert might become conceited if he were appointed an overseer?
  • How does this passage warn against compartmentalization of one’s faith?  List examples of compartmentalization of faith that result in “falling into the condemnation of the devil.”

Prayer 

By carmenhsu
April 28, 2020

1Tim2- 2020-04-28

Journal

Bible Text: 1 Timothy 2:8-15

8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.

Reflection & Application

1 Timothy 2:8

  • How is anger and disputing contrary to prayer?  In what ways can my attitude towards others prevent me from having proper reverence and submission to God in prayer?  

1 Timothy 2:9-10

  • What personal choices (other than clothing), which the world regards as matters of personal taste and freedom, should similarly come under the authority of the teachings of Scripture? What practical applications do I need to make in order to live in a way “proper” for those who “profess godliness”? 

1 Timothy 2:11-12

  • Apostle Paul wisely advised the women to be silent in the church because of the cultural context in which they lived.  What are some ways that I need to curb or limit my freedom in order to be a good witness to others?  

Prayer 

By carmenhsu
April 27, 2020

1Tim2- 2020-04-27

Journal

Bible Text:

1 Timothy 2:1-7

1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.    7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Reflection & Application

1 Timothy 2:1-4 

  • How does v. 4 address common doubts and misconceptions about God’s “fairness”?  
  • What implication does v. 4 have on the way that I view my role and calling in life?  How does this challenge the way that I view people that I encounter?  

1 Timothy 2:6

  • A ransom is the price given to free a slave.  What are the implications of the fact that Christ has given himself as a ransom for me, and what is it that he has freed me from?  In what ways can I live out the freedom he died to win for me?

1 Timothy 2:7 

  • What hinders me from fully affirming the same life purpose as Apostle Paul?

Prayer 

By carmenhsu
April 24, 2020

1Tim1- 2020-04-24

Journal

Bible Text:

1 Timothy 1:11-20

[…] 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

12 I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. 16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. 17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Reflection & Application

1 Timothy 1:11, 18 

  • How did Apostle Paul view the Gospel?  What are some things that have been entrusted to me and how should I view those things?  Am I stewarding well the things entrusted to me?

1 Timothy 1:12-14

  • Whom does Apostle Paul with helping him be able to faithfully serve God? For what purposes do I seek God’s strength?  When have I experienced being strengthened by him?
  • Fill in the following for yourself, and reflect on your testimony of how God has saved you: 

       “Though formerly I was a _________________________, I received mercy […]”

1 Timothy 1:15-20

  • What does Apostle Paul’s life illustrate according to v. 16?  Why is this an important lesson for me to learn?  
  • Why did Apostle Paul give Timothy the instructions that he did?  What was the consequence for those who had rejected Paul’s instructions?  What can we infer about the word of God and our steadfastness in faith?

Prayer 

By gracepoint
April 23, 2020

1Tim1- 2020-04-23

Journal

Bible Text:

1 Timothy 1:1-11

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

Reflection & Application

1 Timothy 1:3-4

  • What do you think made the “different doctrine,” “myths,” and talk of “endless genealogies” more attractive than the gospel?  What peripheral Christian issues do I get attracted to?
  • The consequence of devotion to false teachings, myths and genealogies was controversy.  To what things do I devote my time, thoughts, and energy, which end up promoting controversy?

1 Timothy 1:5 

  • How can I concretely work on having a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith in order to love?

Prayer 

By gracepoint
April 22, 2020

1Thess5- 2020-04-22

Journal

Bible Text:

1 Thessalonians 5:12-28

12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

25 Brothers, pray for us.

26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.

27 I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Reflection & Application

1 Thessalonians 5:12-25

“The first section deals with the attitude of the church generally to its leaders. No specific title is used for them (later, words like elders, bishops and deacons became more common), and they are described in terms of the things that they did. They were involved in what was hard work (a term used for Christian work generally by Paul himself) … They were over the congregation…  and they warned people who needed direction. They thus exercised authority in the church, and it was necessary to remind those subject to their authority to recognize the leaders’ position and to show them proper esteem coupled with love. Live in peace may suggest some danger of division between the leaders and the other believers.” [1]

  • Reflect on the role of spiritual mentors as described in this text.  Do I have such people over my life?
  • What is the significance of the words, “because of their work”?

1 Thessalonians 5:14-15

  • What picture of the church emerges from Apostle Paul’s exhortations for the believers to “warn … encourage … help … be patient … be kind”?
  • Which exhortation in this passage do I particularly need to heed?

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Paul has in mind ‘a stable and deep-rooted joy which enables him’ — but even more so a congregation — ‘to cope with disappointments and see them in their true perspective.’ And that true perspective is rooted in the conviction that in any and all circumstances, God is at work on behalf of his people — reason enough to give thanks and rejoice and thereby fulfill God’s will for us.” [2] 

  • What are the three commands given as God’s will for me in Christ Jesus?
  • What is it about the Christian faith that can draw such qualities out of those who believe? 

1 Thessalonians 5:23-24

  • Who is the one that will help me remain “blameless”?  
  • How does this encourage me and give me hope in my struggle with my sins and in my pursuit of holiness?

[1] Carson, D. A. (1994). New Bible commentary : 21st century edition. Rev. ed. of: The new Bible commentary. 3rd ed. / edited by D. Guthrie, J.A. Motyer. 1970. (4th ed.) (1 Th 5:25). Leicester, England; Downers Grove, Ill., USA: Inter-Varsity Press.

[2]  Holmes, Michael W. “, NIV Application Commentary, New Testament: 1 and 2 Thessalonians. By Michael W. Holmes, 46-54. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, © 1998.

 

Prayer 

By gracepoint
April 21, 2020

1Thess5- 2020-04-21

Journal

Bible Text:

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to have anything written to you. 2 For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. 4 But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. 5 For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6 So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation. 9 For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

Reflection & Application

1 Thessalonians 5:3

“While the phrase “peace and safety” (or “security”) has partial Old Testament antecedents, its more likely context is a political one, inasmuch as pax et securitas was a popular slogan of the imperial Roman propaganda machine. The promise of peace and security was what Rome offered to those peoples who submitted (willingly or unwillingly) to Roman rule and military power; it was seen as Rome’s gift to those it conquered, virtually equivalent to an offer of deliverance or “salvation” from turmoil and danger.” [1]

  • What in this world promises “peace and security”?
  • What effect do these things have on a person’s attitude toward the “day of the Lord”?
  • Are there some ways in which I take a false sense of comfort in things that are ultimately insecure, causing me to lose sight of spiritual realities?

1 Thessalonians 5:4-8

  • What affirmative stance does Apostle Paul call the Thessalonians to in contrast to a focus on dates and times, and in contrast to the surrounding culture?
  • Why is to “keep awake and be sober” the appropriate stance for those who are already “children of the light”?

1 Thessalonians 5:9-11

“For believers, the Day of the Lord is a cause of anticipation, not apprehension. At least some of the Thessalonians appear to have felt a degree of apprehension about the return of Jesus. There may be those today who share this sense of apprehension regarding the Parousia, perhaps because they associate it primarily with wrath, destruction, and judgment. Paul goes out of his way, however, to emphasize that it really ought to be a cause of anticipation. … It means that as believers we will be with the Lord forever. That is, the coming of Jesus will mean a transition to an even higher level of fellowship and life together with our risen Lord.” [2] 

  • What did Jesus accomplish through his death?  
  • How does this knowledge enable us to “encourage one another and build one another up” in the present? 

 

[1] Holmes, Michael W. “, NIV Application Commentary, New Testament: 1 and 2 Thessalonians. By Michael W. Holmes, 47. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, © 1998

[2] Holmes, Michael W. “, NIV Application Commentary, New Testament: 1 and 2 Thessalonians. By Michael W. Holmes, 51. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, © 1998

Prayer 

By gracepoint
April 20, 2020

1Thess4- 2020-04-20

Journal

Bible Text:

1 Thessalonians 4:9-18

9 Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another, 10 for that indeed is what you are doing to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do this more and more, 11 and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, 12 so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

13 But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. 14 For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. 15 For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Reflection & Application

1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

  • What can I learn about the nature of love from the fact that Apostle Paul gives this exhortation while acknowledging that they already do love their brothers?
  • Are there situations in which I try to limit the call to love more and more?  

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

“The apostle had two particular reasons for this threefold appeal to the Thessalonians to be quiet, non-interfering and hard-working.  The first was that their daily life might win the respect of outsiders (12a), and the second that they might not be dependent on anybody (12b; cf. 2:9), but rather enjoy ‘an honourable independence’ (JBP). In this way Paul brings together the two communities to which all Christians belong – the world and the church, ‘outsiders’ and the Christian brotherhood.” [1] 

  • What is the relationship between leading a disciplined and diligent life and being able to love those around me?  

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

  • Why are we able to have hope even in the face of death?
  • In light of the fact that death is not the final word, and that “we will always be with the Lord,” how should this affect the way I approach fears and risks in life?  How does this affect my view of the call to love more and more?  

[1] Stott, John R.W. (ed.), The Message of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, (Leicester, England: Inter-Varsity Press, 1991), p. 90.

Prayer 

By gracepoint
April 17, 2020

1Thess4- 2020-04-17

Journal

Bible Text:

1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

1 Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, 5 not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. 7 For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.      8 Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

Reflection & Application

1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

  • What about Christian life can be learned from Apostle Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians to do “more and more” of what they were already doing?
  • What are some things about which I need to heed the urging to do “more and more”?

1 Thessalonians 4:2-8

“The self-control Paul commends is to be exercised “in a way that is holy and honorable” (4:4b), two terms that stand as the antithesis of the “passionate lust” and ignorance mentioned in 4:5. …. Similarly “honor,” a matter both of respect for the opinion and concern for the well-being of others, is primarily other-centered (cf. Rom. 12:10, “honor one another above yourselves”), and thus stands in contrast to “covetous passion” (1 Thess. 4:5a; NIV “passionate lust”), which involves a self-centered concern for one’s own needs or drives. 

“For Paul, sexual activity is not just an inconsequential private activity involving one or more consenting adults; on the contrary, it has an impact on both one’s relationship with God (cf. 1 Cor. 6:12 – 20) and with other people (cf. 1 Thess. 4:6); therefore, it ought to be exercised in a way that is respectful of both.” [1] 

  • What is God’s will for my life? 
  • What does “sanctification” mean according to this text?
  • Why is sexual ethics so important in the life of a Christian?
  • Why is knowing God incompatible with living in the “passion of lust”? 
  • Are there areas of my life that I have neglected or avoided sanctifying before God?  If so, what can I commit to today to begin living a holy and honorable life before God?

[1] Holmes, Michael W. “, NIV Application Commentary, New Testament: 1 and 2 Thessalonians. By Michael W. Holmes, 46-54. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, © 1998.

Prayer 

By gracepoint
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