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Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Days 334 & 335

Dec1

A NEW Month!

SUNDAY and MONDAY studies are posted together on Mondays

Day 334 – Reading – 1 Corinthians 5 – 8

Day 335 – Reading – 1 Corinthians 9 – 11

Read and believe in Jesus!

SUNDAY – Day 334 –

I Corinthians 5 – 8.

Paul reviews more nitty-gritty problems in the Corinthian church stemming from reports from Chloe’s people or from letters some of the members had written. You would NOT think such problems as these would be found in a church, but we have to remember, these new believers have come out of heavy idolatry with its pagan worship practices.

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Immorality in the Church

Paul is shocked at the level of immorality that these believers were allowing to go unheeded in the church. 

A man was living immorally with his father’s wife (step-mom), and no one said a thing. The deed would have been punished by death under the Old Testament Jewish law, and in fact, was illegal under Roman law.  Paul said such “extreme wickedness” should result in the man being “removed” from the church. It was both a cancer to the body, but a horrible witness to outsiders.

Paul judged the man, and now the congregation needed to act too.  As long as the man remained unrepentant, they were to “turn him over to Satan” for the destruction of the flesh, so his redeemed spirit might be saved. 

  • “Do not associate with anyone in the world, and now especially anyone who bears the name of a Christian who is sexually immoral, an idolater, reviler, drunkard, swindler, or greedy.  Do not even eat with such a person.  Purge this evil person from among you.”

Paul tells them ALL to flee sexual immorality. 

  • “Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?”  

He admits that some of them were in deep sin before they trusted in Christ. 

  • “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

And reminds them,

  • “Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ?  And do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” So, glorify God in your body.”

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Lawsuits

Another “worldly” thing they were doing was taking a fellow believer to court for minor and major grievances.  

  • “Don’t you know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters about THIS life.”

He told them they should settle matters between themselves and not do anything that could make the outside world ridicule them, for the sake of Christ.  Or…. if need be, they were to simply suffer the wrong done to them.

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Marriage (or Not)

Paul was not married. His entire life was taken up by the mission God gave to him to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. He admitted that a wife to him would be a hindrance, for part of him would want to serve his wife. Now he could wholeheartedly live for Christ, especially as persecution of Christians was escalating.

But it was not wrong to want to be married, and if both parties wanted that, they should go ahead, neither withholding their bodies from the other (except for a brief time for mutual prayer). 

But to the unmarried and widows, Paul says it is good for them to remain single.  As long as her husband is alive, the wife is bound to her husband. But if he dies, she is free to live alone or remarry.  “In my judgment, she is happier if she remains single.”

To the new believer who is married to an unbeliever, don’t be separated, for the spouse and the children are made “holy” by the believer.  However, if the unbeliever wants to leave, that is okay, but the parties should not divorce. 

  • “Let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to Him, and to which God has called him.”

In fact, Paul continues, “it’s best for anyone to remain in the position or condition in which you were called by God.”  Circumcised? Don’t be… er… uncircumcised.  Uncircumcised? Don’t be circumcised.  A slave, don’t be concerned about it, unless you are offered freedom.  A freedman?  Well, you are now a slave/servant of Christ. 

  • “So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God. 

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Food Offered to Idols

This seems like no big deal to us today. Because what difference is it if the steaks in the deli have been “waved” before an idol or not?  Meat is meat. An idol is nothing.

But for the Corinthians, this was an “iffy” problem.  All their lives, if most of them wanted to eat meat, they would go to the temple and buy it there, knowing these animals had been killed ritually in worship of a false god. And that the ritual worship involved prostitution of both young women and men.  It was all very sordid.  And wild. And fleshly.

Paul knew meat was meat.  But to these new Christians, meat – if they knew it came from the temple – stirred horrid memories of their old life.  When they cut into a steak, perhaps a female prostitute would come to mind… or other things.    If they went ahead and ate it, they would feel contaminated and wretched.

So, Paul says if eating (and serving) that food offered to idols would cause a Christian brother to stumble, THEY WERE NOT TO EAT MEAT.  Hey, veggies and quinoa are healthier anyway!   Of course, if it were possible to NOT KNOW where the meat came from (say they were eating with a shepherd or herdsman), then believers could eat freely.  It was not the MEAT.  It was the CONSCIENCE.

Even if your newbie guest does not partake, YOU might be hurting their conscience if you go ahead and eat the meat. For they couldn’t help but judge you.  So… best not to serve to or eat in front of them. 

  • “Sinning against your brother in this case and wounding their conscience when it is weak, means you are SINNING AGAINST CHRIST.  ‘Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never eat meat, lest I MAKE HIM stumble.'”

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MONDAY – Day 335

1 Corinthians 9 – 11.

Paul goes on instructing the Corinthian Church in nitty-gritty matters we may not have to face today. But the principles remain the same.  We are Christ’s, and our lives should glorify Him in everything. 

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Paul Surrenders His Rights.

All for Christ and His kingdom is Paul’s motto.  As a verified apostle, he would be free to claim some “rights.” One was to take a wife along with him, as Peter did. Another was the right to be financially supported by the church congregations or by those who originally sent him out. 

We have that today.  We pay pastors and visiting evangelists.  We support the missionaries we send to foreign countries.  We want these workers to focus solely on the ministry.  Nothing wrong with that.  

But Paul wanted to remain above reproach.  Yes, he agreed, as the Law of Moses said, an ox that ground the grain was not to be muzzled (he could munch a bit as he worked).  Also, both the plowman and the thresher should work in hopes of a portion of the crop. 

 And who plants a vineyard without eating any of its fruit? Who tends a flock without getting some milk?  What soldier serves at his own expense.  Nothing is wrong with all this.

He then asks, “Missionaries “sow” spiritual things among the people; would it be too much to “reap” material things from them?” The answer is it would NOT be too much to ask. 

But Paul has a higher thing.  He will not be obligated to anyone to support him. (When he does collect an offering from these Corinthians, it is for the needy in Jerusalem.)  Wherever Paul goes to preach and “reason” in synagogues, he works at his livelihood; tent-making.

Why?

Because he would rather die than preach the Gospel for reward (or even the semblance of reward).  He wants to present the gospel “free of charge.” He is entrusted with this “stewardship,” and he will be rewarded … later.

And he is free from any obligation to anyone, so that he might win more of them. Jews and Gentiles, the weak and strong.”

  • “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.  And …. I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be ‘disqualified’ as in a  running race.”

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Warnings Against Idolatry

Paul then turns to the history of Israel and their “love affair” not with God, but with idols.  He says that 1.) all the rescued Israelites went through the Red Sea on dry ground, 2.) all were under the “cloud” of God’s protection day and night in the wilderness, and 3.) all ate Manna and drank water from the Rock.  But God was not pleased with most of them, and overthrew them in the wilderness. 

  • Do not be idolaters, as some of them were, and 23,000 were killed in one day.
  • Do not indulge in sexual immorality.
  • Do not put Christ to the test as some did and were killed by serpents. 
  • Do not grumble as some did and were destroyed by the Destroyer.
  • All these things were written to them for our example, our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come.
  • “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation, H will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
  • THEREFORE, flee from idolatry. 

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Do All to the Glory of God.

The Paul reminds them that “all things are lawful (legal), but not all things are helpful.  All things are lawful, but not all things build up. 

“Eat whatever is sold in the meat market without ASKING any questions.

“If you are invited to dinner and you go, eat whatever is put before you ASKING no questions.

  • “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the GLORY OF GOD.”

“Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God.”

“Don’t seek your own advantage.”

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Head Coverings (or Not)?

Should ladies wear hats? Wear their hair down? Cut their hair?  Put ribbons and jewels in it?  Should men cut their hair? Cut off their beards or sideburns? 

SHEESH, these Corinthians were sure bothered by “much ado about nothing.”

At least to us.

But hair stuff was important culture to the Corinthians.  Certain things MEANT certain things to them.  There were ways to honor and dishonor one another with head covering or head uncovering.

Every man who prayed with his head covered dishonored Christ.  (Yikes, what about yarmulkes or “beanies” today?)

Every wife who prayed with her head UNCOVERED, dishonored her husband. (Same, if her head was shaved.)

Short hair on women was disgraceful. Long hair on women is their “glory.”

If a man wears long hair, it is a disgrace.

Okay, is all that settled?

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The Lord’s Supper.

Then Paul turns from hair to a sacred practice in our churches today, to The LORD’s Supper, or as we oldies say, “Communion.”

Paul first warns them about practices that dishonor the sacred memorial.  Greed, discrimination, and divisions among them. They were coming to the “Table” in order to eat, not to remember the Lord. “Straighten up and fly right!”

Then he goes over the order of service.

  • Taking the bread, the Lord gave thanks, broke it, and shared it, saying, “This is my body which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
  • Then He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.  For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.

Then Paul’s warnings.

  • ‘Whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord.  Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup.  For….. anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks JUDGMENT on himself.”

That is why many of you are weak and ill, and some have DIED.

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Then before going on to Spiritual Gifts, Paul says… “About the other things, I will give directions when I come.

Journaling through the Bible Chronologically in 2025, Day 324

Nov20

Day 324 – Reading – Acts 11 – 12

Read and believe in Jesus!

Acts 11.

Chapter 10 tells of Peter going to the home of a Roman Centurion whose heart God had prepared to receive the Gospel. Cornelius and his whole household believed the Good News that Peter preached, and – just as had happened “at the beginning” with Peter and the other 120 disciples, the Holy Spirit came on this house.  They also spoke in other tongues as evidence, and Peter realized that if God gave them the same gift, who was he to object?

Well, that incident had spread throughout Judea, and the Jewish believers began to question what had happened.  How could they believe in the Jewish Messiah if they were uncircumcised Gentiles? Shouldn’t they convert to Judaism first? 

So Peter carefully explained – in detail – what had happened, from that first appearance of a sheet filled with unclean animals, and God’s order to “Kill and eat” to the extraordinary act of the Holy Spirit in coming upon these “uncircumcised” Romans and giving them the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

“Who was I to stand in God’s way?” asked Peter.

Silence.

Then, “Praise God!” and then, “Hallelujah!” And many other words to praise and glory to God, who had “given to the Gentiles also repentance that leads to life.”

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Now, after Stephen’s death and Paul’s persecution, many believers spread beyond Judea, Samaria, and Galilee.  They returned to their homes in Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch.  As they went, they spread the Good News, but ONLY to Jews.  BUT … SOME who went to Antioch spoke to the Hellenist Jews (Gentiles converted to Judaism).  And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great many believed and turned to the Lord.

When this news came to the church in Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas to Antioch.  When he arrived, he saw the “grace of God” and was glad.  He exhorted them to remain faithful to the Lord.

More and more came to the Lord, and Barnabas needed help.  He went to nearby Tarsus and grabbed Saul.  He brought the now seasoned Gentile preacher to Antioch.  For a whole year, they met as a church and taught a great many people.

(It was here in Antioch that the disciples were first called “Christians.”)

And then, a group of prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. One man, Agabus, prophesied a worldwide famine.  So the disciples in Antioch determined to send relief to the brothers living in Judea.

And they did, sending their offering with Barnabas and Saul. (The famine did happen in the days of the Roman Emperor Claudius.)

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Acts 12.

Back to Jerusalem and the apostles.  About the time of the huge evangelism in Antioch, Herod Agrippa, the king of northern Samaria and Galilee, laid “violent hands on some who belonged to the church.”  He thought that doing this would win his favor with the Jewish leaders. 

He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword (beheaded him). (This was the first of the initial disciples of Jesus to be martyred.)   

When Herod saw that it pleased the Jews, he arrested Peter as well. He put Peter in prison with four squads of soldiers to guard him, thinking that after Passover, he would kill him.  

(Did that threat of death make Peter think of that Passover when Jesus had been crucified?)

But Herod did not account for the power of prayer.  While Peter was in prison, the church made EARNEST PRAYER for him to God.

The night before Herod was to bring out and execute Peter, the apostle had a visitor in prison.  As he slept between two soldiers, bound with chains, with two more soldiers standing guard at the door … an angel of the Lord came to him and struck Peter on his side. (Was he sleeping so soundly??)

“Get up quickly,” the heavenly being said. Instantly, the chains fell off Peter, but without waking the soldiers.

“Dress yourself and put on your sandals.”  Peter obeyed.

“Wrap your cloak around you and follow me.” Peter obeyed, thinking he was dreaming it all.

When they came to the city gate, it opened for them of its own accord (think grocery store doors!), and they went out and walked along the street.  Then the angel disappeared, and Peter “came to himself.”

“Now I am sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod, and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.”

Peter then went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were meeting and praying through the night for Peter’s release.

Peter knocked on the door, wanting to get out of public view.

The maid, Rhoda, came to answer.  Hearing Peter’s voice, she was so thrilled that she left him there, waiting outside, while she ran to tell the others.  (Okay, we’ve all been as excited and done something so dumb!)

“You are out of your mind, Rhoda,” they told her when she came running into the prayer meeting.

But Peter kept knocking!  They finally came, opened the door…. and were AMAZED!

“Tell James and the others that I’ve been set free by God’s angel,” Peter told them, then went out to another place. 

The next morning, the guards discovered that Peter was missing.  Herod was furious, and after examining all the (innocent) soldiers, he had them all put to death for “dereliction of duty.”

Then Herod left Jerusalem and went down to the Roman city of Caesarea. 

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The discontented king had a quarrel with the people of Tyre and Sidon to the north.  They came to Herod asking for peace, for during this time, they depended on the king for food. 

Herod put on his robes and came out to them. He gave a pompous speech as he sat on his throne. 

The sycophant people, wanting to massage his ego, said, “Oh…the voice of a god, and not of a man.”

Herod gloried in the praise, thinking it very appropriate, but…. an angel of the Lord struck him down, because he did not give GOD glory.

And…. immediately he was eaten by worms and breathed his last!  Yikes!!

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But the Word of God increased and multiplied.  And Barnabas and Saul returned to Antioch from Jerusalem after delivering the relief offering. 

And… they brought back John Mark with them.

 

 

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 365 – the last day!

Dec31

   Day 365—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying THE REVELATION to John.

Day 365 – Revelation 19 – 22 (Rejoicing in Heaven, 1,000 years, Satan defeated, new Heaven/Earth, new Jerusalem, River & Tree of Life, Jesus is coming)

Revelation 19.

“Hallelujah! Salvation, and glory, and power belong to our God, for His judgments are true and just.”

“Praise our God, all you His servants, you who fear Him, small and great.”

“Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready: it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.”  Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.”

Then John saw a white horse ridden by One called “Faithful and True.” His eyes are like a flame of fire and on His head are many diadems. He has “a name written that no one knows but Himself.”

He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is “The Word of God.”  This One will defeat the nations and rule them. He will “tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.”  On his robe and on his thigh, He has a name written, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”

And the “armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white a pure” (the saints) were following Him on white horses.

“I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against Him who was sitting on the horse and against His army. The beast was captured, and the false prophet, who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the Mark of the Beast and those who worshipped its image.  THESE TWO WERE THROWN ALIVE INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE THAT BURNS WITH SULFER.”

Revelation 20.

Then John saw an angel holding the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. “And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years, and threw him into the pit, and shut it, and sealed it over him, so that he might not deceive the nations any longer.” (Until the thousand years have ended, and he is released for a LITTLE while.)

Then John saw the thousand-year reign of Christ on earth. (It’s when Israel’s promised King will reign on the actual earth from Jerusalem.  (A promise fulfilled to the Jews.)

After that, Satan will be released to try to deceive men again, and there will be a great war until fire from Heaven comes down and consumes them. THEN THE DEVIL WILL BE THROWN INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE AND SULFUR AND WILL BE TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOREVER AND EVER!”

Next comes “the Great White Throne Judgment,” when all the dead will stand before God’s throne. Books will be opened and the dead will be judged by WHAT THEY HAVE DONE, as written in the books.  “If anyone’s name was not written in the Lamb’s Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.“. 

Revelation 21.

John then saw a NEW heaven and a NEW earth.  He saw “the Holy City” descending out of heaven from God, like a bride adorned for her husband.  GOD IS GOING TO DWELL WITH MEN, AND THEY WILL BE HIS PEOPLE, AND HE THEIR GOD. 

All tears will be wiped away. There won’t be death, no mourning, no crying, and no more pain.  All things will be made new. 

Then, an angel showed John the Holy City, Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God. It was radiant like the most rare jewel, crystal clear like a diamond.  It had a high wall with twelve gates. Inscribed on each gate was the name of one of the twelve sons of Israel.  The wall had twelve foundations made of twelve precious jewels, with each of the twelve apostles’ names on them. 

The angel with John measured the city. It was a perfect 1,500-mile cube (about 2 million square miles in volume). It mirrored the configuration of the Most Holy Place in the temple.  It was made of pure gold, transparent as glass. 

There was NO TEMPLE because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb were the temple.

There was NO SUN OR MOON because the glory of God and the lamp of the Lamb gave it light.

There was NOTHING UNCLEAN, ONLY those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life are allowed to enter the city.

Revelation 22.

The angel then showed John the pure, crystal-clear river of the Water of Life flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.  It flowed through the middle of the street of the city. Growing on either side was the Tree of Life with twelve kinds of fruits, one for each month.

The servants of God and the Lamb will worship  Him.  And they will SEE HIS FACE. (see 1 John 3:2)

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John then signs his name. “I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things.”   

The angel told John, “Do NOT seal up the words of the prophecy of this book (like the prophet Daniel was told to do in Daniel 8:26, 12:4-10), “for the time is near.”

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 

“I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”

The Spirit and the Bride say, COME!

Let the one who hears (reads) say, COME!

He who testifies to these things (Jesus) says, SURELY I AM COMING SOON.

John says, AMEN. COME, LORD JESUS!

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We did it. What a glorious trip through the Word of Almighty God, from pure beginning to purity restored.  Glory, hallelujah!

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 361

Dec27

   Day 361—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 361 – 2 John 1, 3 John 1 (Do’s and do not’s of Christian hospitality)

This is the second of three letters John wrote to churches in Asia-Minor under his oversight. John calls himself “the elder,” which signifies his age and position in leadership.

There are warnings about false teachers trying to influence them and encouragements to hold fast to the truth and to Christ-like love for each other.

2 John.

John is encouraged that in this church (the elect “lady”) some make it a habit to walk in the truth of God’s word.  He encourages them all to keep loving one another. “And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments.”

John cautions them about “many deceivers” who do NOT confess Jesus Christ in the flesh.  They are to watch out for them.  These deceivers are anti-Christ.  “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching of Christ, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works.” 

John closes, saying he wishes to come and talk to them face to face to complete his joy.

3 John.

In this letter, John addresses the “beloved Gaius,” a member in good standing of the church. “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health as it goes well with your soul.”

(What a great New Year’s prayer!!)

John also tells Gaius that it brings joy to his heart that he is “walking in the truth.”  He says Gaius is doing well in supporting true believing brothers in Christ, even if they are strangers, in a manner worthy of God. This way, supporters and missionaries can be “fellow workers for the truth.”

John then calls out two men – Diotrephes and Demetrius. The first man is selfish, does not acknowledge authority, talks wicked nonsense, and refuses hospitality. (I will deal with him when I come.) The second man has received good testimony from everyone, including from us. “Beloved Gaius, don’t imitate evil, but imitate good.”

In closing, John repeats that he hopes to see them soon and talk to them face to face. Meanwhile, “peace be to you.”

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Tomorrow, we begin John’s last writing – The Revelation.

 

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 359

Dec25

   Day 359—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 359 – 2 Peter 1-3 (Salvation, Scriptures, Prophecies) 

This is the second letter that Peter wrote to the persecuted churches. He is even more concerned with the false teachers infiltrating them. He warns and encourages the believers to stand firm in the faith.

It’s possible that Peter wrote THIS letter from prison in Rome and soon faced execution by Emperor Nero.

2 Peter 1.

Peter affirms that his recipients “have obtained a faith of equal standing…by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.” By God’s grace alone.  God has done it all by His divine power: life and godliness through the knowledge of Him. 

Peter challenges them to add to their faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. “For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Whoever lacks these qualities is so nearsighted that he is blind.” 

“If you practice these qualities, you will never fall.” 

“Therefore, I intend to always remind you of these qualities…..to stir you up by way of reminder.”   

Peter knows he will be martyred soon and says, “I will make every effort so that after my departure, you may be able at any time to recall these things.”  (Review NOW the qualities Peter emphasized so strongly in the above paragraph.)

Peter then tells them he knows what he’s talking about because he was one of the three eyewitnesses of Jesus’ transfiguration on the Mount.  And…. not only THAT, he has a “more sure word of testimony…. the word of the prophets.  “...knowing first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

2 Peter 2.

Peter warns, “False prophets and teachers are among you!  They blaspheme the truth and will exploit you. Their destruction is sure. God didn’t spare the world in Noah’s time. God destroyed Sodom & Gomorrah (except Lot).  “God knows how to rescue the godly from trials while keeping the UNRIGHTEOUS under punishment until the day of judgment.”  

Peter then writes about the horrible things (verses 10-22) the “unrighteous” are and do that will bring God’s final judgment on them. For them, the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved.

2 Peter 3.

You can hear Peter’s desperation as he writes, “I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets, and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days, following their own sinful desires.

They will taunt, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? Since the fathers fell asleep, ALL THINGS continue as they were from creation.”  (Like today, too!)

Regardless of what these “scoffers” say, “the Day of the Lord WILL come like a thief” with cataclysmic horrors in the heavens and on earth.  “The heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn!”  (WOW)

But true believers are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (As God promised.)  “Since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish and at peace. 

Count the patience of the Lord as salvation (SEE verse 9), JUST AS OUR BROTHER PAUL ALSO WROTE TO YOU ACCORDING TO THE WISDOM GIVEN HIM.”

“Take care not carried away by the error of lawless people and so lose your own stability.  But GROW in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.“

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(Peter, probably in his seventies, was martyred soon after writing this letter, being crucified (as tradition says) upside down, refusing to be crucified like his Lord.)  (Read John 21:18-19 where Jesus tells Peter how he will die.)

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Day 359 – Jude 1 (True apostles & apostates, doxology)

Jude (Judah in Hebrew/Judas in Greek) was one of Jesus’ four half-brothers, listed in Matthew 13:55. He calls himself “the brother of James,” who was the leader of the Jerusalem church. Although he and his brother initially rejected Jesus as Messiah, they were converted after Jesus’ resurrection, and so Jude was an eyewitness.

The content of Jude’s letter is very similar to 2 Peter and powerfully confronts apostasy/false doctrine in the church. Peter says it is coming; Jude says it has come. (Christianity was thought to be very vulnerable at this time. Only John and Jude, the eyewitnesses to Jesus’ life, death & resurrection, were now alive .)

(Jude uses many OT illustrations and even quotes Peter. And… he quotes from books NOT in the Canon of the Bible but were accurate and true.  See how Paul did this in Acts 17:28, 1 Corinthians 15:33, and Titus 1:12)

Jude 1.

Jude wanted to write to these believers about their “common salvation” (a wonderful topic to write on), BUT, instead, he felt the necessity to urge them to “contend for the faith that was ONCE FOR ALL delivered to the saints.”   Why? Because certain people “have crept in unnoticed,” ungodly people who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.”

Then, like Peter, Jude reminds them of OT instances where God brought judgment on those who indulged in unbelief (Israelites), immorality (Sodom & Gomorrah), and blasphemy (fallen angels). 

“WOE TO THEM, for they walk in the way of “Cain’s greed,” “Balaam’s error,” and “Korah’s rebellion.”

He calls these false prophets and teachers “shepherds feeding themselves, waterless clouds, fruitless trees, wild waves of the sea, and wandering stars,” always leading believers astray.

Jude further calls them, “grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires, loud-mouthed boasters, and ones who show favoritism for gain” (in case you missed them before!).

REMEMBER, beloved, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the predictions of (Peter).  “In the last time, there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions, who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit!”  (WATCH OUT!!)

But you, beloved…

  • build yourselves up in the most holy faith
  • pray in the Holy Spirit
  • keep yourselves in the love of God
  • wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life
  • and have mercy on those who doubt
  • save others by snatching them out of the fire,
  • to others, show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.

And then Jude’s doxology.

“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of His glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, BE GLORY, MAJESTY, DOMINION, AND AUTHORITY, before all time and now and forever. Amen”

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 358

Dec24

   Day 358—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 358 -2 Timothy 1 – 4 (perseverance, illustrations of a man of God, farewells, requests)

This is Paul’s last letter (that we have), and it’s to his “beloved child,” Timothy. It’s written during his second imprisonment in Rome – deep in the Mamertine Prison – and this time, it’s just before his execution.

2 Timothy 1.

Paul constantly remembers Timothy in prayer, remembering his faith, that began first in his mother and grandmother and now dwells in him.  Paul encourages Timothy to be brave and strong and “fan into flame” the gift he’s been given (evangelism?), and he’s not to be ashamed of Paul in prison.

“I AM NOT ASHAMED, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day, what has been entrusted to me.”

2 Timothy 2.

Paul challenges Timothy, his child, to be strengthened by the grace that is Christ Jesus. Everything that the young man heard from Paul, he was to entrust to faithful men who would, in turn, teach others.  “Be a good soldier of Christ Jesus and not be entangled in civilian pursuits.”  “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead.”

Paul urges Timothy to “do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the Word of truth.”   “So flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace.”  I can picture Paul on his knees, praying for and encouraging his protege to be a strong and holy man of God. He knows Timothy’s weaknesses and physical problems and intercedes for him.

2 Timothy 3.

Paul warns him about false teachers and doctrines that will surely come and indeed have already. “Follow MY teaching, my conduct, my aim in life, my faith, love, steadfastness and sufferings. ”  (Indeed, all who live godly WILL be persecuted. “CONTINUE in what you have learned and believed, knowing from whom you learned it, and how from a child you have been acquainted with the sacred writings.”

“All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 4.

Urgency strikes Paul as his letter comes to an end. “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus: PREACH the Word, BE READY in season and out of season. REPROVE, REBUKE, EXHORT with complete patience.  For the time is coming when people will NOT ENDURE sound teaching.”

As for Paul, he says,  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  And now he’s looking forward to the reward – the crown of righteousness – waiting for him in heaven.

Almost with tears in his eyes (I imagine), Paul urges Timothy, “Do your best to come to me soon. And bring Mark with you. When you come, bring the cloak I left at Troas…. and the books…. and above all the parchments.”

He sends a few greetings, then again urges Timothy to “Do your best to come before winter.”  

And his final words, “The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you.”

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Paul was martyred by beheading in A.D. 67 for the glory and everlasting praise of the LORD.  We don’t know if Timothy made it to Rome before then.  We do know that for Paul, “to die was GAIN.”

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, days 356-357

Dec23

   Day 356-357—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.  NOTE: Sunday’s and Monday’s studies will be posted on MONDAY,

Day 356 – Hebrews 7 – 10 (Melchizedek, Better Covenant, Redemption, Sacrifice, Faith)

Read a quick review of Melchizedek and Abraham in Genesis 14:18-20.

Hebrews 7.

The author discusses Melchizedek, king of Salem (peace), king of righteousness (zedek) and a priest of the Most High God. He tells how Abraham, coming home from rescuing his nephew Lot from an invading army, gave this priestly/kingly man a tithe (10th) of the loot. And Melchizedek blessed Abraham.

This was WAY before Israel’s priesthood was set up on Mt. Sinai, with Aaron, the Levite, as High Priest.  In a way (the author of Hebrews says), Aaron, the High Priest, paid tribute to Melchizedek, “being still in Abraham’s loins.” (He had no children at that point.)

Melchizedek is also said to have had “no beginning of days nor end of life” as a priest forever. He was a priest not based on the law (like Aaron) but on the power of an “indestructible” life. The author compares Jesus to this mysterious man, without beginning or end of days, but HIS ministry is much more excellent.  

The first covenant of law could make nothing perfect, so a new one was needed, allowing us to draw near to God. “Consequently, Jesus can save to the uttermost, those who draw near to God through HIM since He always lives to make intercession for them. 

Jesus is a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.  HE HAS NO NEED TO OFFER SACRIFICES DAILY like other priests, first for their own sins, then the people.  Jesus did this ONCE FOR ALL when he offered up HIMSELF.

Hebrews 8.

Jesus, as High Priest, is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a more excellent ministry than the old one.  He can mediate better because the new covenant has better promises and is faultless. In this new covenant, God says He will put His Law on their hearts and minds, not stone tablets, and His people will know Him.

He will be merciful toward their iniquities and will remember their sins no more!

Hebrews 9.

The author then reminds readers how the old covenant worked, with the Holy and Most Holy places in the “tent of worship.”  Behind the second curtain was the ark of the covenant and God’s presence.  No one could go into this place except for the High Priest, and that only once per year… carrying the blood of the sacrifice. 

But Christ, as high priest, entered ONCE FOR ALL into the most holy place through HIS OWN BLOOD. Doing this, he obtained ETERNAL REDEMPTION.  He appeared ONCE FOR ALL to put away sin by sacrificing himself. 

Hebrews 10.

Under the old covenant, the sacrifices were a reminder of sins every year. “For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.”  Now, we have been sanctified (made clean, holy) through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE FOR ALL.

When Christ had offered FOR ALL TIME A SINGLE SACRIFICE FOR SINS, He sat down at the right hand of God. “For by A SINGLE OFFERING, He has perfected FOR ALL TIME, those who are being sanctified.”

Jesus. the perfect, sinless High Priest, offered Himself a spotless sacrifice and opened the new and living way for us through the curtain so that we can now “draw near (to God) with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” 

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Day 357 – Hebrews 11 – 13 (the FAITH chapter & heroes of the faith, witnesses for us to endure too, discipline as sons, acceptable worship, final instructions)

Hebrews 11.

Hebrews 11 is called the “Faith Chapter” or the “Saint’s Hall of Fame.” In it, the author defines faith and how it’s to be used. He lists heroes of faith from the Old Testament, sixteen by name (including women), and many others by deeds or means of death. These all have served and glorified God.

DEFINITION: “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (verse 1)

WHAT IT INVOLVES: “Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who seek Him.” (verse 6)

From righteous Abel to the prophet Samuel, men and women have lived and died for God, loved and obeyed Him, trusted and spoke for Him without shame or fear, and many paid for it with their lives. 

These heroes “conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong through weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to fight, and some women received back their dead by resurrection!! 

(I can think of some names that come to mind here, can you?”

Others were tortured for their faith, suffered mocking and flogging, even chains and imprisonments, stoning, beheading (killed by the sword), and even being sawn in two!  They were destitute, afflicted, mistreated, and lived in deserts, mountains, dens, and caves.  OF WHOM THE WORLD WAS NOT WORTHY!

And YET, they did not “see” the promised Messiah they spoke about and waited for like WE HAVE!  (How totally blessed we are!)

Hebrews 12.

“Therefore, SINCE we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (those heroes listed above), let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith.  He, for the JOY that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated now at the right hand of the throne of God.”

Jesus, as God’s Son, endured much hostility against Him. And so we, as God’s children, must endure “discipline” too.  God disciplines us (through suffering/persecution) for OUR GOOD, so we may share His holiness.  It doesn’t seem pleasant at the moment, but later, it “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness” to those trained by it. 

So…. lift your drooping hands….strengthen your weak knees….and make straight paths for your feet.   And “let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken (by persecution or death), and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

Hebrews 13.

The author encourages readers to continue in brotherly love, hospitality to strangers, and prayer and support for those imprisoned for their faith.  They are to be faithful in marriage, not love money but be content with what they have.

They are to “remember their leaders (in prayer and financially), the ones who first spoke the Word of God to them.”  They are to consider the fruit of those men’s ministry and imitate their faith.  They are to pray and support their leaders and also to submit to and obey them (for THOSE MEN will have to give an account one day).

He ends with a doxology. ‘Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant….equip you with everything good, that you may do His will.

To Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen”

 

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 355

Dec21

   Day 355—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 355 – Hebrews 1 – 6 (Preeminence of Jesus, don’t neglect salvation, high priest forever)

The author of this weighty book is unknown (well, the Holy Spirit wrote it through a person; we just don’t know who), and the recipients are also unknown (i.e., the city – perhaps it was circulated among many groups). Still, it seems to be written to Jewish believers.

Since referrals to Temple worship are mentioned throughout, it was probably written BEFORE 70 AD when the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. HINT: to understand the book of Hebrews more clearly, perhaps first read the OT book of Leviticus.

Hebrews 1.

Although the book opens almost like a Star Wars movie (Long ago, at many times and in many ways…), the truths contained in it are in no way fanciful. 

It portrays Jesus in glorious splendor as the “Son of God,” the “Heir of all things,” the “One who created all things, upholding the universe by the word of His power,” the “radiance of the glory of God,” and the “exact imprint of His (God’s) nature.”   After “making purification for sins,” He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (to be worshiped forever). 

Jesus IS God, hands down.

He is far superior to ANY of the angels, who are only ministering spirits sent to “serve” believers. 

Hebrews 2.

“Therefore,” the writer says, it is even MORE important that we pay attention to what we have heard about Him and His ministry on earth and in heaven.  Jesus was the founder of our great salvation, and we are warned not to neglect it!

Jesus suffered and died “to bring many sons to glory” because, as part of the triune Godhead, it was determined that it should happen in that manner. As God, Jesus became “flesh” like us and through His death, He made powerless the devil who, with God’s permission, had held the power of death. Being in the flesh and overcoming death, Jesus can now help us when we are tempted.  

Hebrews 3.

Jesus, now the apostle and faithful high priest of our confession, is FAR SUPERIOR and worthy of more glory than Moses, who also was faithful in all God’s house.

Moses oversaw the building of the Tabernacle of God. Jesus oversees the building of the “living” Temple of God, which is made up of all believers.

The writer warns us not to be like those Jews in the wilderness who “hardened their hearts” and “put God to the test.” He writes, “Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God. But exhort one another every day, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Hebrews 4.

The Good News came to us just as to them (those in the wilderness during Moses’ time), but the message they heard did not benefit them because they were not united BY FAITH with those who listened. The writer urges us with Psalm 95:7-8, “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” 

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”

“Let us HOLD FAST our confession, for we have a High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, One who has in every respect been tempted as we are, and yet without sin. Let us then, with CONFIDENCE, draw near to the throne of Grace that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 5.

The writer then describes human high priests chosen and appointed to act on behalf of men concerning God and to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.  They can deal gently with the “ignorant and wayward” since they are also beset with weaknesses. But God appointed Christ as High Priest forever “after the order of Melchizedek” (and not Aaron).  (Genesis 14:18-20)

The writer now seems frustrated, wanting to teach them things harder to explain, but they are not ready to hear them.  Instead, they still need to be taught the basic principles of God. They need “milk” instead of the “solid food” of the mature believer, who has had his powers of discernment trained through practice. 

Hebrews 6.

The writer wants to go on from the elementary doctrine of Christ (repentance from dead works and faith in God as taught in the OT). These outward things don’t ensure salvation. They are aspects visible to people, but God sees the TRUE thoughts and intentions of the hearts. He knows if a person’s confession is genuine and based on faith through Christ’s atoning death.  He wants them to have the “full assurance of hope” until the end.

Those who have “fled for refuge” in Christ alone have a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul. Christ, a sinless high priest like Melchizedek, has entered “behind the curtain into the inner place” (God’s presence) on our behalf.

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 354

Dec20

   Day 354—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 354 -1 Peter 1 – 5 (salvation, example to others, the Lord’s return)

Peter wrote his first letter “by the hand of Silas” (a Roman citizen and fellow servant of Paul) while living in Rome, possibly just after Emperor Nero burned the city and blamed it on Christians.

Paul also sent Silas to deliver the letter to the churches in Asia Minor (modern Turkey). He used “Babylon” as a “code name” for Rome to keep Christians living there from even more persecution. 

1 Peter 1.

Peter writes the gospel in his salutation to these churches. “Blessed by the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for US, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for salvation (which is) ready to be revealed in the last time. In THIS, we are to rejoice…”

He then reminds them that the trials they are experiencing “test” the genuineness of their faith, so rejoice in them!

Some exhortations follow: “Set your hope fully on the GRACE that brought you to salvation. Don’t be conformed to your former passions, but be HOLY, as He who called you is holy, knowing you were ransomed from the past futile ways.  Love one another earnestly from a pure heart.”

1 Peter 2.

Peter encourages these believers to “put away all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.  Instead, like newborn babies, LONG FOR the pure spiritual milk, “that you may grow by it.” 

He reminds them that their Lord Jesus is a chosen and precious stone, rejected by some but loved by them.  They, too, are “spiritual stones” being built up as a spiritual dwelling place of God.  They are a “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession.” (This is spoken about the Gentiles!!)

(Even in that horrible time of Emperor Nero’s wrath), they are to “be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether the emperor as supreme, or to governors sent to punish evil.”    “Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor. 

“For this is the will of God, that by doing good, you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people.”  For if they do GOOD and suffer for it and endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. (This is just what Christ did, as an example, to follow in His steps. No matter the suffering, HE entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly.)  However, they were to make sure that they weren’t suffering for doing evil.

1 Peter 3.

Like in Paul’s letters, Peter writes about the practical order in the church.

WIVES are to be subject to their own husbands, so if they are unbelievers, they will have their wife’s witness.  These women are not to be “outwardly” adorned but beautiful in their hearts.

HUSBANDS are to be understanding towards their wives and honor them, like you would care for a fine, porcelain tea cup since they, too, are heirs of the grace of life.

ALL CHURCH MEMBERS are to have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind, not repaying evil for evil but blessings.

“Even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled. In your hearts, honor Christ the Lord as holy, and always be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you the reason for the HOPE in you.”

1 Peter 4.

“Since Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking.”  So that in everything you do, speak, and think, God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.

But “don’t be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you…as though something strange was happening to you. But REJOICE, insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, and when His glory is revealed, you will be glad.  If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and God rests upon you!”  Entrust your souls to a faithful Creator!

1 Peter 5.

Paul then exhorts the church elders to shepherd the flock of God and be an example to them. They will receive a crown of glory when the “Chief Shepherd” appears.  

As far as the congregation, they are to be subject to the elders with humility. In fact, they all are to “humble themselves under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time HE may exalt them because He cares for them.

Paul warns the churches about “their adversary, the devil.” He “prowls around like a roaring, hungry lion, seeking someone to devour. RESIST HIM, firm in the faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by their brotherhood throughout the world.”

“After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will, Himself, restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.”

To Him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

In closing, Paul says, “She who is in Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings.” (i.e. the church in Rome)  Then he mentions Mark and refers to him as “my son,” much like Paul refers to Timothy. 

“Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”

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(NOTE: It’s believed that Mark wrote his gospel while with Peter and after hearing all the apostle’s memories of Jesus while on earth.)

2024GOAL – Reading Through The Bible Chronologically, day 352

Dec18

   Day 352—We are in the LAST month of Bible reading for the year, studying the LETTERS of the Apostles.

Day 352 – 1 Timothy 1 – 6 (Paul’s letter to Timothy, warnings, the gospel, gifts, overseers/deacons, church instructions/warnings, the good fight.)

This is one of two letters Paul wrote to his “beloved son in the faith.”  After being released from house arrest in Rome, Paul & Timothy (and others) traveled to Ephesus. When Paul went on to Macedonia, he left Timothy in Ephesus to oversee the church. Now, Paul writes encouragement & instructions to him.

1 Timothy 1.

Paul reminds Timothy that he left the young missionary in Ephesus to clear out any false teachings that had begun there, especially by legalists who emphasized keeping the law of Moses. “The law is good if one uses it lawfully, for the ungodly and sinners.”

1 Timothy 2.

Paul urges Timothy to pray (in supplications, intercessions, and thanksgivings) for all people, kings, and those in high positions so that they may lead peaceful and quiet lives.  He reminds Timothy that Christ Jesus Himself is the ONE mediator between God and men. “I desire that in every place that men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling.”

1 Timothy 3.

Paul then lays out the qualifications for overseers and deacons who lead in the church. “They must be “above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, NOT a drunkard, NOT violent, but gentle, NOT quarrelsome, and NOT a lover of money.  He must be able to manage his own household well, keeping his children submissive. He must NOT be a new convert. He must be well thought of by outsiders.” 

WOW!!

Paul assures Timothy that he hopes to come there soon, but in case of delay, he might know how they ought to behave in the household of God, the church of the Living God.

1 Timothy 4.

He warns Timothy that some will depart from the faith, devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teaching of demons.  If he warns the brothers to beware of these things, he will be “a good servant of Christ Jesus.”

He urges Timothy to train himself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and the life to come.  

“Command and teach these things. Let no one despise your youth. Set the believers an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity.  Until I come, devote yourself to public reading of Scripture, exhortation, and teaching.  Don’t neglect the gift you have by prophecy and the laying on of hands.” 

1 Timothy 5.

Paul instructs him further. “In the church, do not rebuke an older man, but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters in all purity. And honor true widows.” 

“As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all so that the rest may stand in fear. Keep yourself pure.”

1 Timothy 6.

Paul reminds them, “There is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and cannot take anything out of it.  If we have food and clothing, we will be content with these. But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For, the LOVE OF MONEY is a root of all kinds of evil.”

“But you (Timothy), O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness. Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called.” 

Then Paul bursts into doxology!  “He, who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who ALONE has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom NO ONE has ever seen or can see. TO HIM, be honor and eternal dominion!  Amen.”

Paul ends his letter by urging his son, “O, Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Grace be with you!