Teaching and Training, Day 17 What to pursue? As Paul has just finished telling Timothy all the things he should be avoiding. Now we see all the things that Timothy should be pursuing. Read 1 Timothy 6:11-16. We cannot simply avoid sin in our lives. Instead, we must replace the sinful thoughts, desires, and actions with thoughts and actions of righteousness and godliness. Otherwise, it’s way too difficult to completely avoid if we have not put something back in its place. What are we actively pursuing? How can we make a greater priority for these characteristics in our life? As we are seeking after God, we will pursue righteousness and…

Teaching and Training, Day 16 Stuff. We all seem so amazingly preoccupied with teying to attain as much of it as possible. Read 1 Timothy 6:7-10. As Paul continues to teach Timothy, we see him moving into some of the more practical pieces of advice. I’m sure Timothy, just like many other Christians in that day and time, were not immune to the desire to accumulate stuff. We see that even now, especially in the Western culture. We desire to have as much as we can for various reasons. Sometimes it’s a symbol of status or power. Sometimes it’s just for our own personal pleasure. However, Paul reminds Timothy that…

Teaching and Training, Day 15 What does it mean to have gain? Paul gives Timothy an interesting definition as we read through the first part of chapter 6. Read 1 Timothy 6:1-6. So much of what is said in these verses deals with the issue of slavery, which in this day and time often meant financial indebtedness. Most people were slaves either because they had been conquered by another country or because they were financially in debt. Paul recognizes this as a situation that people are in and gives some direction on how slaves who have become believers in Christ should handle their situation. But then he goes on to…

Teaching and Training, Day 14 The good that you do. So often it can feel like the good things that we do get lost. They disappear and escape the notice of others. Read 1 Timothy 5:9-25. God sees. No one else in this entire world may see the good things that we do, but God sees them. They are not lost forever. We did not act in vain. God sees; God knows. The motivation behind why we are doing good things becomes important. If we are only doing good things in order to get noticed or to receive our reward here on earth, then that is the extent of our…

Teaching and Training, Day 13 Actions. The Christian life it’s not about words. The Christian life is about what we do. Read 1 Timothy 5:1-8. As Paul continues to give instructions to Timothy, we find that his instructions take on a much more applicable focus. Timothy cannot just know the things that Paul is sharing. Timothy must actually do these things. So must everyone else. If we are going to say that we are followers of Jesus Christ, our actions must indicate and demonstrate what we talk about. Otherwise, we are simply lying to ourselves and everyone else. Knowing something, but not doing it, is the height of hypocrisy. Is…

Teaching and Training, Day 12 What you do matters. When we think about all yhat goes on throughout the day, sometimes much of what I do seems so trivial. Yet, there is still purpose. Read 1 Timothy 4:11-16. Paul gives Timothy some very wise advice in these verses. He helps Timothy to understand that his ability to lead and influence others has nothing to do with his age. Timothy is to continue being an example and a leader to people even though he was young. For us, we are to continue being an example to people as well, regardless of age. We must understand that our actions and what we…

Teaching and Training, Day 11 Workouts. It’s interesting to see just how many people are focused on getting and staying physically fit. Paul mentions something similar here. Read 1 Timothy 4:6-10. Instead of only focusing on our physical health and well being, we should be focused on our spiritual health and well being. As Paul mentions, there’s definitely benefit to physical workouts and physical training, but those benefits are limited to this life and this life only. When we take the time to spiritually train ourselves, workout, and exercise our understanding of who God is and and how we can have more faith in him, we are improving ourselves not…

Teaching and Training, Day 10 Commitment. When we think about all that God has done for us, it can be hard to imagine turning our back on him. Yet that is exactly what some will do. They are not committed. Read 1 Timothy 4:1-5. Following Christ is not easy. We are not promised a simple and pain-free life. Jesus certainly didn’t have things easy. God is still worthy of being followed, no matter whether things are easy or not. Yet many people end up not being committed to Christ. They are only following based on what they think they can get from Christ. There will be people who fall away.…

Teaching and Training, Day 9 Why was Paul writing this letter? As we come to the end of this 3rd chapter of 1st Timothy, Paul gives us a glimpse into the reason behind his writing of this letter. Read 1 Timothy 3:14-16. Paul indicates that he wanted to come to Timothy in person. He wanted to have that face-to-face conversation. However, some things were more important than being able to share them face-to-face. Paul wanted Timothy to know the importance and the purpose of the group of believers that met together as the church. He even writes, if I am delayed in coming to you, I want you to know…

Teaching and Training, Day 8 Why do we serve? As we look at all we do every day, it’s important to understand why we serve. Read 1 Timothy 3:8-13. As we read these criteria of what it takes to serve, and serve well, we see the standard of expectations that we should have for ourselves and for those around us. Additionally, It’s important to understand what happens as a result of our service. We serve God because he’s God. So the reason behind our serving has nothing to do with the people that we serve. It has everything to do with God we serve. The people will disappoint us and…