“Prescribe and teach these things.” (1 Timothy 4:11)
Prescriptions are written by doctors. To ‘prescribe’ something is to write down (hence the word ‘scribe’) a course of treatment that will alleviate an ailment. Paul reminds Timothy the Bible is the prescription for life.
God has written down a course of treatment to alleviate the effects of sin, hopelessness, guilt, shame, fear, anxiety, and countless other human ailments. The Bible is the prescription for what ails us.
Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 4:6-16
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision