Beyond Reproach?

 

This morning it seemed a good plan to simply summarize 1 Timothy and see what God wants me to think about and pray about today.

Oppose false teachers, including those who devote themselves to endless genealogies that promote speculations.

Use the law to evaluate those who do not believe, it is not Christians.

Remember all that God has done for me and glorify Him, as Paul did:

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 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. 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. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:12–17)

Hold fast to what God shows me without falling back into sin.

Pray for everyone that we may live in peace and remembering what Christ has done. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1–4)

Hold high standards for leaders and their wives, including myself. Learn quietly remembering that Eve was so easily deceived.

Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. For Adam was formed first, then Eve; and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. (1 Timothy 2:11–14)

Know how to behave in the church practicing godliness and maintaining truth with great focus on what Christ has done.

Remember that some will depart from the faith and fall into sin, that includes not being thankful but giving in to demonic lies.

Teach these things to others, not myths but focus on godliness and hope in Christ.

Let not one despise my example, devoting myself to what God has given me to do. Use His gifts to do it and persist, keeping a close watch on myself and what I am doing. God will use it to save others.

Treat others as family members. Honor widows, particularly those who live out their faith rather than straying from God.

Honor elders and all in authority over me. Rebuke those who sin in obvious ways. 

Understand the false and sinful motivation of false teachers. Godliness with contentment is my goal.
Beware of the love of money as it leads to all kind of evil.

Vigorously pursue godliness. Jesus is coming — honor Him.

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. (1 Timothy 3:16)

Charge those with wealth to be humble, generous, and good — storing up a more valuable treasure. 

Avoid false teachers who steer others away from faith.

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. (1 Timothy 6:3–5)

PRAY: Lord, You know my heart and You know which of these teachings is most vital for me. I pray for discernment that I will not be deceived like Eve. Also, I pray for a deeper desire to pray, to share these truths to others, and to honor those over me and all others in Your family. Most of all, give me great desire to honor You and many opportunities to do that.