Archive for the ‘Pauline epistles--BibleTrekToday’ Category

Scripture reading for October 29th: Philemon 1:1-25

Paul won a run-away slave, Onesimus, to faith in the Lord Jesus.  He also knew this slave’s master, Philemon, who was a brother in the Lord and possibly been also won to the Lord under Paul’s ministry.  (Philemon 1:19) Paul was in prison during this time.  It is possible that they were in jail together and God used Paul to present the Gospel and then to disciple him.  Now this slave was a brother in the Lord and serving Paul.  Paul instructed him to return to Philemon and ask for mercy for running away.  This short letter to Philemon was penned by Paul to accompany this new brother Onesimus, as he returned in repentance!

” I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.  I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ.” (Philemon 1:4-7)   Paul affectionately addressed Philemon as a “dear friend and fellow worker.”   He cared about Philemon and prayed for him with a thankful heart.  Paul’s pastoral heart shines through in this prayer for his ministry of sharing his faith.  Paul prayed that he might be active in sharing his faith in order to have a full understanding of all good things we have in Christ!  Perhaps failure to share faith is why many today lack a true understanding of their inheritance!

Paul could have simply commanded Philemon to take Onesimus back and forgive him for running away, but he appealed to him on the basis of love.  (Philemon 1:8-10)  God had shown mercy to Onesimus while he was away by saving him.  Now Onesimus was a brother in the faith and useful to Paul and to Philemon in a different way.  God had also shown this mercy to Philemon and to Paul.  Since God’s love was shown to us while we were sinners, we must also show this love by forgiveness and restoration.

This story reminds us of God’s love and restoration of us.  We were run-away slaves as well.  When we heard the Gospel,  we returned to our Master.  He forgave us and restored us to ’sonship’, not slavery, and gave us the ministry of reconciliation!  (2nd Corinthians 5:21) His great love is amazing!

Scripture reading for October 28th: Titus 3:1-15

Paul concluded his short letter to Titus with an encouragement to preach and live out the word of God.  Jesus Christ, our blessed Hope, would suddenly appear for those who were working and watching.  ” These, then, are the things you should teach.  Encourage and rebuke with all authority.  Do not let anyone despise you.  Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and to show true humility to all men.” (Titus 2:15-3:2)

Jesus was Paul’s example of true humility.  Jesus left the glories of heaven to take human form, even being born as a baby!  He lived a normal human life as God in the flesh in order to serve all mankind by revealing the Father.  He humbled Himself by completely obeying His Father and offering His body and blood as a sacrifice for the sins of the world.  God exhalted Him back to the highest place, giving Him the Name above all names!  (Philippians 2:3-11)

Paul exhorted Titus to teach Jesus’ followers to show true humility to all men as Jesus did.  As Jesus gave up the glories of heaven, Jesus’ followers were to give up the glories of man ruling his own life on earth.  They were to submit to all rulers and authorities and be completely obedient.  They were to be ready to give aide to those in need and do good deeds with their talents and possessions.  They were to live in peace, being considerate of the needs of others.  This demonstration of true humility was to be a way of life marking true followers of Christ!  The reward of true humility is sharing in Christ’s glory for eternity!

Paul instructed Titus to avoid foolish controversies and arguments about the law.  “Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time.  After that, have nothing to do with him.  You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful, he is self-condemned.” (Titus 3:10-11)  Those not living in true humility and claiming to be part of the church needed to be dealt with.  Pastoral ministry must humbly confront those dividing the body.  Christ Jesus is coming to reward those living in the grace of true humility!

Scripture reading for October 27th: Titus 2:1-15

We remember that Paul told Titus that the Gospel was built on a hope of eternal life.  (Titus 1:2-3)  Paul knew that Jesus Christ would return an appointed time in the future.  No one knew the day or the hour of His coming, not even Jesus when He was on earth!  (Matthew 24:38)  For this reason, it was important for each person to prepare for that coming and be personally ready should it happen today!

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope–the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” (Titus 2:11-14)

Paul told Titus what to teach the various groups in the church and why they needed to learn the message.  Older men must be examples of sound faith and godly living with love and patience.  Older women must set a good example when teaching the younger women to love their husbands and children.  Failure in godly living would harm the next generation.  Young men should set an example of good works and self-control.

Paul told Titus that the grace of God coming through faith should result in a heart change.  Each person must now say “No” to their flesh and ask God for help in obedience.  The motivation was to be ready for Christ’s return.    If  we have died and our bodies are in a grave, we will be raise up in a glorified body.  If we are alive and waiting, we will be instantly transformed to be like Jesus!  We will see Him in His glory with the holy angels.  This hope should motivate us to do good works and live in readiness for His return!

As you examine your own life today, are you able to say “No” to ungodliness?  Are you doing good works that God has prepared for you and waiting for Christ’s return?  Our blessed Hope could come today!  We will be blessed to be working for Him and living a godly life.

Scripture reading for October 26th: Titus 1:1-16

Titus was a Greek convert of Paul’s who was called by God to be a leader in the church.  Paul recognized God’s call on this young man and worked with him to help him mature and learn how to lead and organize an effective church in a pagan culture.  He left him in Crete to continue the work that Paul had started there.  Paul considered Titus a ‘true son’ in the faith that they shared in Jesus Christ.

Leaders in the church must meet certain character qualifications in order to be effective.  The goal of good leadership is to see people won to faith in Jesus Christ through the Gospel and then to see people live godly lives as they expectantly work and wait for the soon return of Jesus.  Paul listed these qualification again for Titus as he did for Timothy, his other son in the faith.  Good elders must be blameless and have their families under control.  They must be free from moral vices and love what is good, according to Scripture.  They must be hospitable and able to teach others what they know and live out from God’s word.  They must be able to refute those who oppose the truth as well as encourage those who are open and growing.  (Titus 1:5-9)

Being a pastor involves working with people of all backgrounds and maturity levels.  Pastoral ministry requires patience and persistence in doing good.  A pastor must always realize that they are representing God and His word to the people in how they teach as well as how they live.

Paul cautioned Titus to beware of some rebellious people who were of the circumcision party.  These people really did not  believe but were using their religion for gain.  Paul told Titus to rebuke them sharply that they might be delivered from the Jewish myths that they were pedaling.  (Titus 1:10-13)  These people were really not believers in Jesus Christ or the Gospel.  Their minds and consciences had been corrupted with the false teaching of legalism.  “They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny Him.  They are detestable, disobedient, and unfit for doing anything good.”

The Gospel of Christ produces faith which leads to obedience to the truth and godly living.  False teaching leads to strife and division.  Pastors must be strong to teach and live the truth by faith.

Scripture reading for October 25th: 2nd Timothy 4:1-22

Paul’s  closing instructions to Timothy encouraged this young pastor to use a simple strategy of ministry.  “Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage– with great patience and careful instruction.  For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine.  Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.  They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn to myths.” (2nd Timothy 4:2-4)  There is never a season when the Word of God will not be appropriate.  The Word is the complete prescription for correcting and encouraging the people of God.  It is full of sound doctrine and if patiently taught is able to save and equip people for works of service and prepare them for the coming of the Lord.

However, in the last days, many will not receive sound doctrine.  They want to design their own god and make their own spiritual program.  People will find teachers that will tickle their ears with things that sound good to them, but are really false doctrines of demons.  This teaching will only lead to bondage and death.  Timothy was to keep his eyes on the Lord and the Word and fully preach the Word.

Paul, knew that his departure was near.  He was ready to meet the Lord.  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day–and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” (2nd Timothy 4:7-8)  Paul was soon to face the guillotine.  He spoke of being poured out like a drink offering!  Yet he also knew by faith that his head would wear a crown in glory!   His journey through life was a fight of faith.   He had finished well and was expecting a reward from his Lord!

Paul’s attitude and final instructions to Timothy model for those who are still in the fight the way to victory.  Death brings reward, and is nothing for the Christian to fear.  We must continue to preach the Word and live by faith!  The best is yet to come!

Scripture reading for October 24th: 2nd Timothy 2:22-3:17

The last days would be full of trouble and terrible times for Christians.  Idolatry and godlessness would abound and selfishness would bring great violence and sin to the earth.  People would become lovers of pleasure and reject God as the supreme lover.  Even the church would be affected by those with just a form of godliness but no real power to live a holy life.  (2nd Timothy 3:1-5)  False teachers would also arise and oppose the truth of the Gospel and those who were faithfully preaching it.  Those living godly in Christ Jesus would suffer persecution. (2nd Timothy 3:12)

“Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.  . . And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.  Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” (2nd Timothy 2:22, 24-26)  Pastor Timothy must actively pursue God through prayer and the word.  The character of Christ will then enable him to effectively reach out to those who are opposing him.  All men are important to God and God wants them all saved.  (1st Timothy 2:4-5)  Satan is the one who is blinding them and has taken them captive to do his will.  The Gospel message, when presented with a loving spirit, will effectively break the bondage of the devil’s trap!

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you have learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2nd Timothy 14-17)  Timothy lacked nothing that he needed.   He had good teachers, the Holy Scriptures, and the Holy Spirit.  The word of God thoroughly equipped him for every good work!  Have you become convinced of that too?

Scripture reading for October 23rd: 2nd Timothy 2:1-21

The world has ways of intimidating the Christian.  Christians have been made fun of, ridiculed, marginalized, and even physically threatened and tortured, even martyred!  Paul, himself, knew the dangers, had the tee shirt, and was in jail as he wrote to Timothy about the calling to preach the Gospel.

“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.  And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.  Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2nd Timothy 2:1-3)  Timothy was to set his heart to the task at hand.  After winning people to Christ, the task of discipleship meant finding those who would reliably follow Christ and equipping them to take the Gospel to others.  Through multiplication the world would be reached.  This work would require enduring hardship because of the spiritual opposition.

The central message was the Gospel of Christ Jesus.  Jesus was the Son of God, died for our sins, was raised from the dead and is coming again.  If we chose to live for Him here, we will reign with Him when He comes.  If we disown Him, He will disown us.  Timothy was to entrust this message to the reliable workers.

“Keep reminding them of these things.  Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.  Do your best to present yourself to God as on approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” (2nd Timothy 2:14-15)  Timothy would need to stick with God’s word and faithfully preach it.  Wrangling about words and petty doctrines instead of the Gospel message and godly living was useless.  False teachers always tried to get the people off the proper track.  Timothy must correctly handle the word of truth in order to be approved of God.

“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.” (2nd Timothy 2:19)  The unashamed workman will confess Jesus Christ as Lord and back it up with a holy life.   God is faithful to keep His own!

Scripture reading for October 22nd: 2nd Timothy 1:1-18

Paul’s second letter to Timothy turned out to be his last letter before he was martyred for serving Christ.  He knew that his time on this earth is short and wanted to pass on important pastoral encouragement to his young friend and co-w0rker.  Timothy was the pastor of the church that Paul had founded in Ephesus and also faced increasing persecution.  His youth and somewhat timid spirit may have hindered his ministry.

“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.  So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me His prisoner.  But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, who has saved us and called us to a holy life–not because of anything we have done, but because of His own purpose and grace. (2nd Timothy 1:7-9)  The Holy Spirit brings us power to live a life of love and self-discipline.  God’s purpose is to use us as a witness of this love through our godly living and through our witness.  He chose us Himself and through grace saved us.

This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” (2nd Timothy 1:9b-10)   God’s plans were put in place before the beginning of time.  God lives in the realm of eternity and sees all of time.  He and His Son determined the proper time to reveal His grace by Jesus Christ, the Son, coming to earth as a man.  Through Christ’s life and atoning death, the way for all men to receive God’s grace was made available.  Now through preaching this Gospel, the gift of eternal life and the path to immortality with God has been opened to all who will believe!

“And of this Gospel I was appointed  a herald, an apostle and a teacher.  That is why I am suffering as I am.  Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.” (2nd Timothy 1:11-12)  Paul assured Timothy that God would be faithful to keep them both!

Scripture reading for October 21st: 1st Timothy 6:1-21

The false teachers of Paul’s day often used their religion to make money.  The idols of Ephesus supported a large trade union of silversmiths who made a living off of selling idols.  The keepers of the idol temples made money from prostitution that was used to worship.  Some of the so-called ‘Christian’ teachers also taught that God wanted people to be rich.

“If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing.  He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.” (1st Timothy 6:3-5)  These teachers used words, controversial doctrines, and promoted envy and strife in the body of Christ.  Paul warned Timothy to beware of their tactics and steadfastly teach and model the truth.

“Godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  If we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.  People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1st Timothy 6:6-10a)  Paul told Timothy that godliness is great gain for those who are content in Jesus Christ.  A focus on obtaining lots of money can be a trap of Satan.  The love of money is a strong force driving people into idolatry and away from God.

Timothy, as a young minister, must flee from this love of money and the trap of the devil by pursuing righteousness and godliness through faith and love.  “Fight the good fight of faith.  Take hold of eternal life to which you were called,” (1st Timothy 6:12a)   Paul wanted Timothy to have a great reward from Jesus Christ when He appeared!

We must keep pressing on to conform our lives to that of Christ.  Godliness is great gain when Christ appears in His glory!  We must use our money, possessions, gifts and faith to produce good works that will bring eternal riches!

Scripture reading for October 20th: 1st Timothy 5:1-25

Pastoral ministry involves working with people.  A young pastor has to be taught how to properly work with all the different age groups in the church as well as the maturity levels of the believers.  When a preacher  is young, older people have a tendency to look down on them.  Proper manners would bring order and godliness to the church family.

“Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father.  Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” (1st Timothy 5:1-2)  A rebuke is a correction of behavior given verbally.  Paul taught Timothy to treat the older men as if they were his father.  This would mean to be very respectful.  He still was required to correct them, but the manner was important to unity.  Younger men were to be treated as brothers, and this respect would bring about cooperative behavior.  The same applied to the women with older ones being treated like a mother and younger like sisters.  There must be absolute sexual purity, however.  Paul understood the temptations that would come naturally to a young man and young women interacting together!  This is needed today as well!

Widows were also to be cared for properly.  The church has a responsibility to help these women, especially if they have been godly women and are left alone through the death of a husband.  Family members were to be taught to take care of their widows in their own immediate family if possible.  “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1st Timothy 5:8, 16)  Widows over sixty who had been faithful to their husbands and known for good deeds were to be cared for.

Elders who directed the affairs of the church were also to be financially compensated.  Paul taught Timothy that he could expect to be compensated for preaching and teaching God’s word.  (1st Timothy 5:17-18)  But elders must also be held accountable for their actions.  If they needed to be corrected, accusations must be brought by two or three witnesses.  If true, the elder was to be rebuked publically so all would be warned.  (1st Timothy 5:19-20)  Good pastors would keep these instructions without partiality!  What a privilege to lead God’s people!