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…

Teaching and Training, Day 7 What does it take to be a good leader? As Paul moves on through his book to Timothy, we see him tackle this extremely important topic in 1 Timothy 3:1-7. Paul lists a number of characteristics and qualities that should make up a leader. When we think about the people that we choose to follow, how do they measure up? As we are leading others, how do we measure up? Such an interesting topic of conversation, perception, and self reflection. So often, people want positions of leadership and they are not qualified for them. We have to understand that true leadership can only be seen…

Teaching and Training, Day 6 Act appropriately. These verses in Timothy are often a cause for questions, especially with women. Read 1 Timothy 2:8-15. Paul does address men as well, but here in these verses we see a number of directions given to women. This verse here, verse 10, really encompasses the heart and soul of what Paul is saying. We have to undersyand the culture and the times that these directions are being given. Also, we see that Paul is very specific about the fact that these are his opinions. Still, the words in verse 10 apply. Act appropriately. No matter what the culture is or the time frame…