Paul warned Timothy that the enemy sets traps for us to fall into, such as the love of money. But as God’s children, we must aim for and pursue righteousness. If you have had children, sometimes they push the envelope without getting into trouble but coming close. If we push the envelope too close to …
As Paul wrote Timothy, he gave several nuggets of advice, and one is staying true to the faith. We need to be continually alert for spiritual erosion that can occur in our lives. 1 Timothy 4:16 Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the …
Paul wrote to Timothy about training for Godliness. 1 Timothy 4: 8 “Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.” 9 This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. 10 This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in …
Church leaders need spiritual depth to withstand the spiritual battle that goes with such leadership. I grew up in an area where the lakes freeze in the wintertime. When it first begins to get cold, the ice is not very thick, and you could fall through if you tried walking on it. Leaders who don’t …
The importance of character is seen throughout the Bible and in our society. Character is who we are, not what we pretend to be or what people may think we are. While we may desire others to see us in a certain way, we will never fool the Lord. 1 Samuel 16:7 The Lord doesn’t …
Are women to be in leadership in the church? Many have used 1 Timothy 2:9-3:13 to say a resounding no. These verses have been interpreted to say that women should not teach men, should dress frumpily, and be saved through childbearing. Moreover, Eve was responsible for the fall into sin. Only men should be elders …
Who was Timothy in the Bible? He was born in the first century in Lystra, a small town in what is now central Turkey. His father was Greek, and his mother was Jewish. Eunice, his mother, and Lois, his grandmother, had taught the Jewish scriptures to him (2 Tim 1:5; 3:15). Paul probably taught him …
Paul gives guiding words to the Thessalonians and us: stand firm in the faith. In the days Paul lived, the enemy would overcome a soldier who could not stand firm in battle. Ephesians 6:10 A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you …
Interceding for others in prayer is a privilege the Lord gives every believer. Sometimes, we may not have thought of someone for a long time, but then the Lord reminds us to pray for them. A few months ago, my wife and I were on a trip, and a friend called us after we returned …
Paul speaks of the justice of God to persecuted people in his second letter to the Thessalonians. 2 Thessalonians 1: 7 And God will provide rest for you who are being persecuted and also for us when the Lord Jesus appears from heaven. He will come with his mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those …