“… and to make some return to their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.” (1 Timothy 5:4)

There is a responsibility that children and grandchildren have to their aging parents and grandparents.  It is impossible to fully repay the sacrifices which the older generation has made to bless the younger, but it is possible to make “some return”.

In a society that turns its nose up at the elderly and often excludes them, a simple way to practice piety and godliness is to care for the aged and infirm.  Do not forget the generations which have paved the way for yours.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 5:1-16

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. 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?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. 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

“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:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. 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?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. 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

“…in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15)

When our children go to the library, we expect their conduct to be appropriate.  Shouting, pushing, crying, and other wild behavior is not acceptable in a library environment.  Paul made it clear to Timothy that there is a proper type of conduct as the church and a proper way that individuals should behave within the church.

It is nonsense to accept the current cultural belief that how a church should act ought to be entirely dictated by the culture and the whims of the people.   Modern churches have placed total emphasis upon becoming what the people want and have stopped asking what God wants.  This is wrong and illogical.  After all, who is the church trying to worship – God or themselves?

There is a right way for a church to behave, and there is a wrong way, too.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. 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?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. 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

“It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.” (1 Timothy 3:1)

            Overseers, also referred to as elders, shepherds, and pastors, in the Bible help watch over and lead a local congregation.  In the New Testament, they always exist in a plurality; there is no such thing as a single pastor leading a church in the Bible, and it is a position deserving of great respect – if for no other reason than the fact that meeting the qualifications to be an overseer requires a lifetime of commitment to the Lord.  One does not just wake up and find himself an elder – it is an office one must aspire to.

            But Paul also reminds any man with eldership aspirations that it is a “fine work” he should be desiring.  It is not the title that a man should seek; it is the opportunity to serve and work for the Lord and His people.  In a world obsessed with titles, honors, and accolades, a man seeking to be elder-qualified should not aspire to be esteemed but aspire to be qualified to work and serve.

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-13

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. 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?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. 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

“…that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.” (1 Timothy 2:2)

As we read through the Bible, we often read of the epic tales of faithful people who sacrificed all to serve the Lord.  Elijah’s lonely travels, David’s relentless battles, Paul’s imprisonment, and Stephen’s martyrdom can paint a picture for us that the only way to live faithfully is to die for the cause of Christ on some foreign field… yet, that is exactly the opposite of what we are to pray for!

We are told to pray that we might live quiet, unassuming lives of dignified godliness.  God wishes for us to live as plumbers, IT technicians, friendly waiters, and firemen.  He desires for the world to be full of quiet examples of godly fathers and mothers holding tiny, chubby hands or mild-mannered students asking honest and insightful questions in the halls of learning.

Whatever your life is – live it for Him, and let your quiet life be a silent sermon.  Serve and rejoice in the day the Lord has given you to dwell in.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-15

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. 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?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. 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

“I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor.  Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief.” (1 Timothy 1:13)

God will not forever overlook ignorance, but He does recognize it as a legitimate barrier to righteousness.  Paul did many horrible, sinful things, but he did them because he believed they were good things.  As Paul himself said, he was ignorant, and even his bad behavior was done in good conscience (see Acts 23:1).

God’s grace is that He gives us time to overcome our ignorance.  Eventually, repentance is required (see Acts 17:30), but God in His mercy allows us time to learn and grow through the Scriptures, so we might approve of what is good and act accordingly.

It is quite likely that right now there are things you are doing that five years from now, you will cease to do (and be horrified that you once practiced!)… this is normal.  Pursue maturity and with it the ability to discern between good and evil (see Hebrews 5:14).

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-20

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. 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?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. 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

“For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions.” (1 Timothy 1:6-7)

            One of the great causes of division in religion is when opinions are treated like facts.  Don’t make confident assertions unless you have the verses to back them up.  One of Satan’s religious traps is to get people stuck fruitlessly arguing about matters which have no Scripture behind them instead of forging forward in unity with the Scriptures confidently guiding them.

            Beware the fruitless religious talker who spends more time philosophizing or delving into difficult texts than they do purifying their hearts, living in good conscience, and practicing a sincere faith. On matters of faith, stand firm.  In matters of opinion, tread lightly.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 1:1-11

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. 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?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. 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

“Nevertheless, you have done well to share with me in my affliction.” (Philippians 4:14)

            It is a good thing when we share in suffering together.  Paul knew that God would take care of him no matter what, but when the church at Philippi sought to help him, it brought him joy because they were doing God’s work.

            God can deliver His people however He wants, but isn’t it wonderful when we have opportunity to be the means of deliverance and support?  If you can help, do it.  Share in other’s afflictions.  It is a blessing to them and to you.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 4:10-23

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. 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?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. 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

“I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to live in harmony in the Lord.” (Philippians 4:2)

            Can you imagine being called out for your grudge like these two women were?  Their problems with each other must have been bad enough that the whole church knew about their frustration with one another!  Paul praises them both as fellow workers, for they had both helped him and made great sacrifices for the gospel.  They both loved Jesus, but they didn’t really like each other much.

            Paul told them to live in harmony.  You can’t have harmony unless you have different notes.  The church is full of good people who love Jesus and work hard to serve Him, but we are all different from each other, and that can be a struggle or a blessing. We get to decide.  Harmony doesn’t mean we are all the same – it means that we find a way to enjoy how the different notes weave together as a single chord.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 4:1-9

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. 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?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. 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

“Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet, but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:13)

            Reaching forward and forgetting what is behind are one thing.  They are the same.  Looking ahead involves not staring into the rearview mirror.  It’s hard to forget past sins.  It is hard to forget the bad decisions and not wallow in guilt and shame.  It can also be hard to forget about a past life of temptation and addiction.  Past habits, past guilts, and past lifestyles have a way of haunting us.

            But you can’t move forward with your eyes on the old road.  New habits require new direction.  If you want to reach forward, you are going to have to do some forgetting.

Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites

Today’s Reading: Philippians 3:12-21

Questions to ask:

1. How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
2. 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?
3. How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
4. What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
5. 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