Daily Reading March 2 2010 from 1 Timothy 4:1-16 NIV

Day 51

1 Timothy 4:1-16 NIV
1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance
10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things.12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Committed to Truth
Today although not specifically titled this way Paul deals with the duties and requirements on those who preach and teach God's Word. We should not look at this passage as pertaining on to pastor's or teachers but all believers as it speaks of the truth and the study of the truth. While it is true that those who teach and preach will be held to a high standard all believers need to know the truth of God's Word so none of us are deceived. Paul begins this passage talking about such deception "in the latter times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" Paul goes on to warn about such teachers and their false teachings. These false teachers will, according to Paul, forbid marriage and revert back to teaching about the intake of certain foods. These individuals will apparently do this teaching in a cunning way and deceive some who are in the faith. Obviously from reading this we have to realize that these teachings will be linked to 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." they will teach just close enough to the truth and pervert the word to where some will be convinced of their lies. Paul says not to be afraid to eat anything once you have given thanks for it and prayed over it the meal is consecrated by the word of God. He goes on to say those who preach the truth and combat the lies will be considered a good minister of Christ Jesus.

Wives Tales
Paul goes on to discuss myths and wives tales and tells us to be godly and not superstitious. To put our hope in the living God not in any other place or thing. We are blessed by God and not just lucky. God's goodness isn't just mere coincidence He blesses those who serve Him and are called according to His name. So we are to put our complete hope in Christ our Savior and the Savior of the entire world.

Youth
Next Paul addresses Timothy's age. Most likely since Timothy was being used in leadership at a young age and shortly after coming to serve under the Apostle Paul some had used his age against him. Paul reminds Timothy that he was called of God, he rmeinds him of his calling and gift that came through a prophetic word when the elders laid hands upon him. Paul gives a word of advice that we should all heed whether teachers or not live out an example before men that leaves no question as to whom your God is. Paul says it this way "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. This word is good for us today. Are you devoting your life to being an example? Are you staying away from evil and even the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV)? That's right even the appearance of evil!

Character
People need an example of what it is to be godly. There have been so many false teachers and believers exposes that the world has become cynical of Christianity. We need to be a people of character that live what we believe both privately and publicly. This was Paul's command to his young apprentice and to us today.

Blessings,

Pastor Larry

Daily Reading January 26 2010 from Philippians 1:1-11

Day 16

Today we move on to the book of Philippians another letter from the Apostle Paul.

Philippians 1:1-11 NIV

Greeting

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thankfulness and Prayer

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 

Paul begins with an introduction and a greeting. As always Paul speaks a word of encouragement to begin  his letter. He begins by being thankful and letting them know that he is praying for them. Then Paul speaks a word of confidence in God "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ", in other words God isn't finished with you yet but He will complete His work. This should encourage us because this promise wasn't just for those who received this letter but for all who believe on Jesus Christ. This is another scripture that can be prayed! Insert your name and proclaim the good work that God has begun in me He will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. 


In verse 7 Paul declares that these individuals both Jew and Gentile alike are equal partakers with him in the grace of God. Paul has completely left the old formalities of the way he was taught. Paul had been trained by the best of the best. His pedigree was true and he could have had a long and prosperous career as a Rabbi but when Jesus spoke to him he left all the religious ways behind and followed after God. Paul had to be taught again according to the truth and he had to learn to accept and give the grace of God. This was a definite departure from his Pharisee training. The Apostle Paul was so impassioned about telling others of Jesus that he, the most unlikely to do so, became the Apostle to the Gentile people. A people before he would have had no communication with. God's love and grace transform us in miraculous ways when we submit to Him! 


Then in verse 9 Paul prays for their discernment. Discernment is a Gift of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12), this gift helps us to discern spiritual things. Discernment between excellent (things of God) and counterfeits (things of the devil). Discernment is needed today just as it was in those days. Jesus warned of false teachers that would come and deviate from the truth. The devil lies and deceives but he closely mimics the things of God. Therefore, we need discernment and understanding in order to follow God. How do we get discernment? Ask! The answer with God is always simple ask and obey. Paul ends this section in verse 11 stating a prayer that the letter's readers would be pleasing to God as they live lives that glorify and praise Him. 


Blessings,


Pastor Larry