Category: Good Life Journal

Journal Philemon (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture:   “To Philemon our beloved fellow worker and Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier and the church in your house:  Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

 

I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints AND I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

 

For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.” Philemon 1-7

 

Observation:   These short notes from Paul are interesting—but I wonder why the Holy Spirit has included them in the Canon?  My bet is that this is here to engage our wonder…

 

The key for me today is the phrase “…because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.”

 

Application:   It seems that the Holy Spirit’s objective through the Scriptures is not only supplying us with godly data but also giving us application to change our thinking…”Do not be conformed to this world but be transformed (changed) by the renewal of your mind…” (Rom 12:2)

 

When I read books like Philemon I try to insert myself in the letter (pulling on my English Lit experience from High School) and evaluate/analyze from there.

 

Two things I see: “…the church in your house…” and Philemon’s love—commended by Paul—because of his refreshing the hearts of the saints.  Presumably Paul is referencing the home church as being the focus of hearts being refreshed.

 

It is a stretch perhaps but I am reminded of Peter’s letter:  “The End of all things is at hand…” and verse 9: “Show hospitality without grumbling.”  (1 Pet 4:7-9)

 

If I put these two thoughts together I find a wonderful commendation for the importance of small groups.

 

If this is really tilting true, then the gathering of saints in small groups has an important function:  “refreshing the hearts of the saints.”

 

But not only that my mind starts to think about “How do I refresh the heart of any Believer I come across?”—like for instance (and specifically) my Wife and Children?

 

My eyes and heart are in training to “count others more significant than yourselves” (Phil 2:4-5) and “…how to stir up one another to love and good works.” (Heb 10:24)  Training myself in this way is hard.  Why?  Because that Old Man wants to take first place over anybody else up to and including suffering wrong for the sake of Christ.

Philemon is a figure that I should really consider imitating more.  He cared passionately for the men and women that he was appointed by God to serve in His Name—even if he didn’t recognize it himself.  Paul recognized this in just hearing about the “church in his house” and not only commended him for it but also bringing it up to the Most High when remembered in his prayers.

 

• Prayer:   One day, O Lord, make my aspirations become reality.  Until then or That Day I will be content (and ask You to make me content) to serve in the manner of Philemon where I am—right here, right now and rest in You.   PS: I know I struggle in this and that You see me.  Help me to repent.  AMEN.

Scripture:   “In my distress I called to the Lord and He answered me. Deliver me, O Lord, from lying lips; from a deceitful tongue.”  Psalm 120:1-2

“I lift up my eyes to the hills.  From where does my help come?  My help comes from the Lord who made heaven and earth.”  Psalm 121:1-2

Observation:    To whom is the Psalmist declaring these two Psalms?  It looks obvious on one side, not so obvious on another.

Application:  These two Psalms have all the flavor of a journal or diary entry—at least that is what they appear.

If I put myself in the Psalmist’s seat, what am I seeing?  What am I thinking?  Why am I speaking what the Psalmist is speaking?  I think I see a few things:I am speaking to my heart; to the face in the mirror.

1. I am reminding myself of His faithfulness.  Why?
2. Because these are possibly words of personal distress.

I can see me saying these things with gritted teeth, forcing the words in confession and intention.  I am telling my heart these truths because somehow these truths need to overcome the reality crushing in on me.

I remember a previous Psalm: “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God for I shall again praise Him…” (Ps 42:5)  These Psalms feel the same way, especially the words “Deliver me O Lord from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue”—I could be talking about my own mouth here.

I should remember to look at scriptures like these and put myself in them first way before I assign them to something or someone else.  Remembering what God says His objective with me is “…For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son…” (Ro 8:29a).  If this is so, and the Scripture indicates it is, then much of the distress I am involved with is for a personal and holy purpose and not the “fault” of any exterior circumstance.

Heady stuff.  And I am only scratching the surface of understanding…I certainly have not arrived.

Pursuing God is not always easy.  Whom am I kidding?  Mortifying sin is easy?  Not at all.  But whatever burden it is the burden is light.  Stay yoked.

Prayer:   Thanks, Lord God.  Journaling makes thinking about the Scriptures something that I cannot avoid.  I have to say that all of these have been valuable to me.  Thank You for your specific and faithful care all my days.  AMEN.

 

 

Scripture

Vs 1 Remind them to … be ready for every good work, ² to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.

Vs 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures …

Vs 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, ⁵ he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness …

Vs 8 …I want you to insist on these things … be careful to devote themselves to good works.

Vs 14 … let our people learn to devote themselves to good works …

 

Observation

Paul is giving final thoughts and instructions to Titus on how to lead the new Christians.

He reminds them of who they once were … “foolish, disobedient, led astray …”

He reminds them of why they are like that no longer … “God saved us, not because of works done by us …”

He reminds them of who they are to be … “be ready for every good work …”

 

Interestingly, Paul states it to Titus twice more in the final paragraphs:

“I insist on these things … Be careful to devote themselves to doo works.”

And

“Let our people learn to devote themselves to good works”.

 

Application

Fascinating to me that the guy known most for his theology of grace is so repeatedly adamant about “good works”.

Of course, right in the middle of his repeated demands for good works, Paul makes clear our good works are not what makes us good with God … but grace.

It is the “goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior” that “saves us”.

And I can’t allow this “saved” status to lead to even a hint of self-righteousness.

Paul is incredibly self-aware and fully acknowledges how foolish and disobedient he was.

 

But living now entails an incredible amount of not just self-awareness, but circumstantial awareness.

And to live this way will require also a consistent intentionality.

I’m stunned at the all-encompassing language of Paul …

“be ready for EVERY good work” … “speak evil of NO ONE” … “show PERFECT courtesy to ALL people”

This requires actually seeing the works around me that are necessary to do!

This requires acknowledging the people around me to show courtesy to!

 

I can’t live out my Christianity in my own little bubble or aloofness to the world and people around me!

I must have my eyes and ears and mind alert to the circumstances and situations God places me in.

 

And this does not happen by accident!

Paul uses some distinct language of how I can get to this place of doing the “good works”.

Paul tells us to both:

“Be careful to devote themselves” and “learn to devote themselves” to good works.

 

I must “be careful” and I must “learn”.

This is distinctly intentional, not accidental.

And Paul says he “insists” on it. He does not take this lightly at all.

 

What can help me live so intentionally?

Remembering who I used to be … “foolish and led astray”.

And gratitude for who I am now … “saved”.

 

Prayer

Thank you, God, for your goodness and loving kindness

Help me to now live out that character

Open me eyes to see those you put around me

Open my mind to know what good works you have for me

Show me how to be careful and teach me to learn to be devoted to good works

In Jesus name

Amen

Scripture:

[11] For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, [12] training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, [13] waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, [14] who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.

Observation:

Through God’s grace we receive salvation. We cannot earn it.  We cannot “go get it”.  God chose to give it to us.

Salvation for all people – Salvation is available for all.  It doesn’t matter your circumstance in this world.  Salvation is not just for those who think they are cleaned up or good enough for God.

Training us.. It doesn’t happen over night.  It takes training, it takes effort on our part.  He gives us salvation by grace through faith alone, but with that we have an obligation.  An obligation to work toward something.  An obligation to let Him be our trainer, and for us to exercise in training.   Train for what, and to exercise for what?  To be more like Him.  He will help us, train us, in the process of sanctification.

Application:

God already chose us and we accepted His grace.  We are justified by Christ’s work on the cross.  Now must come our action.

We have a role to play in sanctification, in being more like Him.  We have an obligation to live godly lives in spite of what goes on around us in this world, in the age in which we live.

As true believers we have the Holy Spirit living within us.  We will hear the Lord speaking to us through various means and guiding us.  Guiding us away from where our sinful nature leads.  Separating us from those desires and leading us to holiness with Him

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for my salvation.  Guide me now in being more like You.  Help me ignore the distractions of this world; to ignore anything of this world pulling me away from You.  In Jesus mighty name I pray, Amen.

Scripture:    “This is why I left you in Crete so that you might put what remained into order and appoint elders in every town as I directed you…(there are qualifications): if anyone is above reproach; the husband of one wife; …children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.

For an overseer, as God’s steward, (he) must be above reproach.  He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.  He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine AND also to rebuke those who contradict it.”  Titus 1:5-9

Observation:   Are these impossible qualifications?  Because the Word of God is true and accurate, presumably not.  But these qualifications (and others in Paul’s letters) get questioned more than a bit.  What are the principles behind these two lists?

Application:   Unpacking Scripture (or not) can get us into all kinds of disturbance.

Let me be clear: I am NOT inferring either by explicit or implicit statements that Scripture can be twisted into something more palatable to my selfish, self-centered mind.  Paul wrote about that in 2 Tim 3 and I should be warned—“having a form of godliness…”  May it never be!!

I am saying that, if a scripture is NOT clear, there is a responsibility to engage trying to understand the Scripture there may be a question about.  At the end, there is always Deut 29:29 to fall back on: “The secret things belong to God…”  Be aware: the Holy Spirit may put understanding out a bit in the future while other things are learned first.  Patience, patience.

From my perspective, there is a single overriding principle alluded to in this section of Titus.  It is the public display of “Walking worthy of the Gospel; Walk worthy of the calling in which you have been called; Pursue these things, be immersed in them”; and etc.

In my Jesus Festival days it was described as being “Sold out for Jesus.”  That was 46 years ago.

During these 46 years I can testify that I did well, then didn’t do well; I ebbed and flowed with the tide of life and those circumstances.  All the time I tried to keep my feet moving ever so consistently (even if the movement was microscopic) towards the Kingdom.

I write the above as an encouragement—to me as a reminder to keep going, to anybody else for the same.  The references above are not only for leadership in the local church, it is for any of us who are looking for and chasing the Pearl of Great Price.

Taking a page from the XX philosopher: Keep walking worthy of the Gospel, my friends.

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, thank you for being patient with me over all the years; thank you for Your faithfulness in the light of my unfaithfulness manifested daily.  How can I ever thank you enough?   AMEN.

Scripture

2 Timothy 4:2 – 4 – preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke and exhort with complete patience and teaching.  For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

Observation

Paul is exhorting Timothy to a call for bold gospel endurance.  Verse 2 of 2 Timothy 4 begins with “preach the word”.  That is all Paul tells Timothy to preach and teach.  Timothy must be prepared to confront false teaching as people will want to have teaching molded into their own passions and away from the truth of the gospel.

Application

Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16 that “All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness”.  God’s word is divinely inspired and inerrant.  There is nothing else that can be added to or taken away from God’s word.  Once we edit the word, we are shaping it to be something we want and diminishing the saving power of the gospel.  In order to have a level of discernment regarding false teaching, in need to be in the word. The word is the truth and when we stray from the word, we are turning our back on God to fulfill/satisfy our own sinful desires.  We don’t have to look or think very hard to see that we are in the time that Paul is warning Timothy about.  If something is not in scripture, we are called to reprove it rather than go along or just say this is another interpretation.

Prayer

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word.  Let me be grounded in scripture to encourage others in the clear gospel of Jesus Christ.  May I live life according to your word and have the boldness to patiently and lovingly share the gospel.

Journal 2 Tim 3 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture:  “But understand this that in the last days there will come times of difficulty.

 

For people will be: Lovers of self; Lovers of money; Proud; Arrogant; Abusive; Disobedient to their parents; Ungrateful; Unholy; Heartless; Unappeasable; Slanderous; Without Self Control; Brutal; Not loving good; Treacherous; Reckless; Swollen with conceit; Lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having the appearance of godliness but denying its power.

 

But as for you: Continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed—knowing from whom you have learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

 

(Remember:) All Scripture is breathed out by God and (is) profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness…” 2 Tim 3:1-5, vs. 14-16

 

Observation:   Even Timothy needed to be reminded of what happens in our day.  Everybody struggles or is succumbed by the List above.  Should Timmy be surprised?  Paul says: “Don’t be surprised, Timmy my boy.  For this condition is why Jesus is Savior…”

 

Application:   I admit that it is hard to be slapped in the chops by the things of the world when I begin to think there is some progress in my sight.  Unfortunately the most common chops slap happens to the man in the mirror.

 

I can easily project the Fault List given by Paul to Timothy to folks around me, people I either see every day or in the grocery store, at the pharmacy, on the road, etc.  It is a more difficult evaluation (and revelation) to pick these “things” up in my own life.  I hate it when that happens; and I appreciate it as well when I get off my high horse and see it for what it is.

 

This is the part of the Gospel where I get to understand how prevalent the Sin of Adam is in all the Seed of Adam.  These descriptions are what started blooming in Adam’s heart and was replicated and cultivated throughout the generations.

 

As Paul suggests: “Understand, Timothy–don’t be surprised when you see these things.  And don’t be discouraged—for this is why the Son became the Atonement.”

 

But what should Timothy do?  “Continue in what you have learned so that you will be wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”  And Paul caps that by reminding Timothy: “All Scripture is breathed out by God…” and it is profitable, has value, is appropriate for all forms of communication, thinking, wisdom, and so much more.

 

When the question comes (and it will) “Why are people like that?” we have the answer in 2 Tim 3.  It may not be a welcome or satisfying answer, but it is the Truth.

 

This is a facet of the Jewel that is the Gospel.  This is why I proclaim Him.  This is why I bow daily that I may increase in godliness and (forbid it Lord) not just look good while I pray or sing or in doing anything churchy.

 

Prayer:   Father, Having the appearance of Godliness is like that guy Simon the magician in Acts.  I don’t know how many people there are in this world today that are just like Simon (or any of the people described in Matt 7:20ish).  I am thinking of Isaiah in 6 where he fell on his face moaning and groaning about his unclean lips.  I think about that for myself at times.  Keep my eye singly on You, O my God and Savior.  AMEN.

 

 

Scripture:   “…what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

 

Remind them of these things and charge them before God not to quarrel about words—which does no good but only ruins the hearers.  Do you best to present yourself to God as one approved: a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.  But avoid irreverent babble for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness…and their talk will spread like gangrene.

 

…the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness.  (Note) God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth and they may come to their senses…” excerpts from 2 Tim 2:1-26

 

Observation:  “What we have heard, remind and entrust to faithful men.”  This is a weighty and sobering statement, but while it is that, there is so much more to rejoice in.

 

Application:    Everyone has an opinion.  If I am not sure about this all I have to do is ask and I know I will receive one just about immediately from anybody I ask.

 

It is certainly what I experience today, especially about Christianity: everyone has an opinion.  Sometimes it is based on thin air, sound waves echoing between the ears…sometimes it is based on the Bible complete with references only cherry picked and disjoined from other, perhaps competing biblical references.

 

There is my favorite hobby horse: Interpretation vs. Analysis—where “what does it mean?” is embraced ahead of “what does it say?”

 

I tend to lean this way: What it says is what it means.  And if I am not sure about a particular verse, I read two to ten paragraphs before so I can get a running start into the trend of thought.

 

No charge: The most honorable statement a Disciple or amateur Theologian (like me) can make is:

“I don’t know.”  I usually follow that with “it is a mystery” because for the moment it is—if I stifle the urge to plop out an opinion.  I have found that taking my time and not being in a hurry to make up an answer will get me to good doctrine eventually.  Getting all lathered up to “get an answer fast” has been a good way to a slippery slope.

 

There are two extremely significant statements in the references above:

 

1. Entrusting faithful men, and;
2. Rightly handling the Word of Truth.

 

Both of these statements are wound up in being faithful in Sound Doctrine and practice.  Not enough to “know” something about the Bible if I am not walking faithfully and worthy of the Gospel.

 

Prayer:   Lord Jesus, this stuff was written for me.  You see my quarrelsome heart buried deep in my chest.  I am working on that “patiently enduring evil” thing—difficult.  I am also working on “handling the Word of Truth”—especially in the scene of “correcting others with gentleness.”  How I appreciate Your Sovereignty and care in my life.  I surrender.  Change me O God.  AMEN.

 

Journal 2 Tim 1 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture:  “…which is why I suffer as I do.  But I am not ashamed for I know who I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard until That Day what has been entrusted to me.

 

Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.  By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”  2 Tim 1:12-14

 

Observation:   Obscure reference?  Yes, but vitally important when up against suffering of all sorts and of all the spectrum of intensity.

 

Application:     Today I am writing under the weather both physically and emotionally.

 

It is important for me to remember that being a Christian isn’t always happy and goodness flowing from all corners of the compass.  I suffer, just like thousands of people do, from disappointments, frustrations, conflict, etc.  I also suffer from physical ailments not the least for me is depression.  Combine these and so much more and for sure the day is stinky and I don’t want to be around anyone.

 

But here I am.  Being a Christian isn’t like being a member of a club where I can choose not to participate on any given weekend just “because.”  Even if I am not participating in an event of any kind, large or small and no one is around to see, I still have a God in Heaven who sees.  I am surrendered to Him in sickness and in health, in riches or in poverty, etc. until That Day when sight replaces faith.

 

It has been said by someone somewhere that true character is proven when displayed where no one is watching.  It is true for being a Christian as well.  I am proving my discipleship when I conduct myself and pursue Him in secret.

 

How do I do that?  It is the basis of the reference above: “Follow the pattern of the sound words…guard the deposit entrusted to you…”

 

When I am down, I must seek Him more.  When I am down, I need to REMEMBER the Gospel and Sound Doctrine even more thoroughly.   To do that I MUST remember to pack the “good deposit” in my memory and heart in the better, less complicated, more focusable times—to establish the “pattern of sound words” in my life.

 

Not easy.  When things are good I am usually like the grasshopper, not storing up food for winter.  I should be like the ant, always toiling to prepare for the day when the snow comes and temperatures drop.  To have an “Ant” attitude takes putting on an intentional attitude.

 

Today, I am struggling to remember the “pattern of sound words.”  It isn’t easy because my flesh, the Old Man within me is screaming for attention.  I rest and am assured that the Holy Spirit isn’t easily thwarted.  He wants to see me pursue Him and the godliness that comes with it.

 

Prayer:    Father, I come to you decrepit and defenseless.   I cannot defend my conduct before Your Majesty.  Help me to confess and repent.  It is so difficult right now.  I am weak; strengthen me O God, my Savior.  I want to walk worthy of the Gospel today.  I can’t think of tomorrow when today is such a battlefield.  I surrender to You, help me to surrender.  AMEN.

 

 

Scripture

Vs 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness…

Vs 4 … He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels …

Vs 8 But godliness with contentment is great gain

Vs 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith …

Vs 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of the faith

Vs 20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” ²¹ for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.

 

Observation

Paul is warning Timothy (and me) of some significant dangers to the faith.

Both these dangers are rooted in wrong desires … or what Paul twice calls “craving”.

An “unhealthy craving for controversy” is rooted in “what is falsely called ‘knowledge’.”

And “all kinds of evil” are rooted in “the love of money”.

What are the consequences of these two wrong desires or craving?

It’s the tragedy that Paul separately calls “wandering from the faith” and “swerving from the faith”.

The risk is the loss of faith.

Paul’s great emphasis then to Timothy (and me) is then simple … “Fight the good fight of faith”.

 

Application

How do I “fight the good fight of faith”?

It seems Paul gives some offensive postures and some defensive postures.

 

In the defensive mode, I must “flee” and “avoid” and “guard” certain things.

Flee the love of money. … Do I sense any lack in my life? … Am I content with God?

Avoid irreverent babble. … Do I engage in unhealthy controversy? … Am I content with God?

Guard the deposit of faith. … Do I seek some special “knowledge”? … Am I content with God?

 

In the offensive mode, I must “pursue” certain things.

I must pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.

If my days are filled with truly doing this, then I wouldn’t have TIME to engage in “irreverent babble” and “love of money”!

 

Something else stands out about living life from the postures of fighting for faith and the consequences of not fighting for faith:

Intentional vs. Unintentional

The INTENTIONAL life of fighting for the faith is one of “fleeing” and “guarding” and “pursuing”.

The UNIINTENTIONAL life of losing your faith in one of “swerving” and “wandering”.

 

So, where am I living with Intention? Am I pursuing what’s “Godly” and guarding what’s “entrusted to me”?

Where am I living without Intention? Am I swerving and wandering into what’s “unhealthy” and “irreverent”?

Scripture:

[3] Honor widows who are truly widows. [4] But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. [5] She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, [6] but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives.

Observation:

Here, after Paul directed young Timothy on how a church would properly treat all sorts of people – men and women, young and old.  Paul instructs him on how to treat widows, as examples of ones who would be in need of support.  First, make sure a person is categorized properly.  Is she truly in need with no family able to help?  Does she revere God?  Then, the church should provide her help and honor her.

Application:

As guidance for the Ephesian church on how to treat widows in need, this is relevant for how the church should handle all sorts of people in need.

As a church we should always be ready to deal with individual brokenness and living life together.  We should also be ready to honor and help people financially where possible but as well, we must be faithful stewards of God’s money.  We must discern whether offering God’s money as help  is appropriate.  We should first answer a few questions.

– Is she trying to take care of herself and for some reason is not able?

– Does he have family able to help him in his need?

– Does she love God and serve Him or spend her time out carousing?

As we love enough to share the Good News and to share life, we should glorify the Lord with our resources.  We should share as much as possible of our resources with individuals truly in need but we need to do it in a discerning and responsible manner.

Prayer:

Lord thank You for all you have done for us as individuals and as a church family.  Help us to be faithful with the resources You provide us as a church.  As we love others and share life with them, help us use Your Word as the guide to discerning who and when to help, and in what way we should help.  In Jesus’ mighty name we pray, Amen.

Scripture:   “Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths.  Rather train yourself 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 for the life to come…Command and teach these things.

 

…(S)et the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, (and) in purity…Devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, (and) to teaching.  Do not neglect the gift you have…

 

Practice these things.  Immerse yourself in them so that all may see your progress.  Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.  Persist in this…”  (Excerpts from 1 Tim 4:7-16)

 

Observation:   The Holy Spirit through Scripture can cut to the chase, can’t He?  Doesn’t mince words to Timothy.  While instructing a young pastor in training, Paul’s words also have specific and meaningful implications to Believers at large.

 

Application:   Being a Believer isn’t only a noun.  There are verbs attached, implicit or explicit.

 

Scripture doesn’t give a confessing believer a pass allowing for lack of progress; there is an expectation of pursuing Godliness.  I see in the above reference:

 

• Train yourself for godliness;
• Set an example in (and the list…)
• Devote yourself (oww!)
• Do not neglect the gift you have (been given)…
• Practice these things
• Immerse yourself in them
• Persist in this…

 

There is nothing implied in the above list.  No gray area.  These are overt directives from the Holy Spirit.

 

I am reminded of the Fruit of the Spirit list (Gal 5).  I have seen a lot of posters, hangings, decorative items produced with the words of that List.  The list I have above contains the operational actions to produce that Fruit—it is how the Fruit comes to being in my life.

 

There are two actions involved: the first one is the activity of God in my life; nothing can happen if He doesn’t empower me to do so.  This is God’s Sovereignty and His promise is to empower.  The second is the blood, sweat, and tears of my effort in pursuing Godliness.  This is Human Responsibility.

 

His Sovereignty is found in the declarations and promises found in the Word of God.  My Responsibility to grow and learn is also found in His Word.  I need to rest in the first, gird myself for action in the second.  This is not Justification by works—it is obedience to Him through Progressive Sanctification.

 

What is explicit in this section of Scripture is that successful growth is publically evident (…so that all may see your progress).  Not something that gets talked about a lot but when I examine myself and I keep a close watch on myself and my teaching I should make that a check off on my personal discipline/growth  plan.  If my eyes are blind and I can’t tell then I should engage a second (or third plus) set of eyes.

 

What can I say?  These are hard.  Success in these doesn’t come easy because the Old Man fights hard against being driven out to be replaced by godliness.  But the success to be aspired of is to put one foot in front of the other every day in pursuit of Him.

 

Prayer:   Lord God, keep my eye singly on You.  Help me to always take the long view and not be discouraged on daily failures.  Continue to empower me to confess and repent frequently.  AMEN.

Scripture

1 Timothy 3:15-16 – if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.  Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:

He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

Observation

In these last verses of 1 Timothy 3, Paul continues to emphasize the importance of godly conduct not only for elders and deacons but for the church family as a whole.  The church is the household of God, where Jesus is the head.  The church is to be a firm support for the truth which is Christ.  Our godliness can only come from Christ and his living Spirit within us.

Application

My individual behavior as a believer is important.  Our behavior as a corporate body is equally important. Both individually and collectively our behavior on Sunday and throughout the week should be a reflection of Jesus that points people to Christ.  As members of the church, we are called to stand firm in the truth of Jesus.  We need to focus on Jesus and let the power of the Spirit guide our conversations and relationships to point others toward Jesus not away from Him.  I certainly have no ability to do this on my own apart from the love and saving grace of the gospel.  In a time where things are becoming increasingly polarized and contentious we have the truth in the gospel.  We are always better when we are proclaiming the truth of the gospel rather than what we oppose.

Prayer

Father,

Thank you for the truth in the gospel of Jesus.  Let me to share your love and truth in a clear way to point others to you.  Help me to be an ambassador for your Kingdom by my actions.

Scripture:   “As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine (or) to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies (which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God which is by faith).

 

The aim of our charge is: love that (which) issues from a pure heart, and; a good conscience, and; a sincere faith.

 

Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law—without understanding either what they are saying or (understanding) the things about which they make confident assertions.

 

Now we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully—understanding this: that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient…” (1 Tim 1:3-9a)

 

Observation:   What is “sound doctrine?”  It is not an answer for the Jeopardy Daily Double.

 

Application:    Ever get asked a question where you know the answer was pulled out of thin air…and the answer had as much substance as thin air?  I have.  And after I turned away after I confidently answered the question with an answer that bordered on the bogus, I put my face in my hands in shame while in parallel wondering “Did I just get away with that?”

 

It looks like Timmy had an issue at Ephesus with yackkers pulling “assertions” out of thin air.  These “yackkers” really liked stories (myths), tracking who begat who, and taking this stuff and speculating to no end.  Why this and not promoting Godliness by faith?

 

Why did I do it is a fair place to start.  Peripheral information is cool but doesn’t quite challenge us in obedience to the Gospel.  It’s clever.  It makes wonder and curiosity blossom.  It also puffs up the chest because “I know something you don’t know.  Want me to tell you?”  And it is so empty…

 

Then what is promoting the “stewardship from God” and “love from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith…”?  These are components and executions of Sound Doctrine.

 

What is sound doctrine then?  Where do I go, to whom do I need to go, who do I need to read to get Sound Doctrine?

 

I wish I had a simple answer, a 10-step program, a handy dandy reference guide besides the Bible.  But I don’t.  There are a bunch of points to hammer on daily and continue to hammer for years that I can offer, but like engaging in discipleship, this learning side is a long term project.  Here are some suggestions:

 

• Do this Reading Plan; read the offered Journal entries, and; try to write yourself;
• See something, say something.  What I mean by that is if something pops out and grabs your attention then find someone to talk to.  Converse about your reading.  Cultivate wonder.
• Do extra reading from a good author.  Sproul, Piper, MacArthur, Packer, Whitney, and  CS Lewis are just a few.
• Find a good Systematic Theology.  I like Bible Doctrine (Grudem).  Packer and Sproul have an easy to read Systematic Theology as well.  At least be familiar with the basics of the Faith.
• Talk to the pastor and/or the elders and deacons.  Ask for conversation over a cup of coffee or something.

 

Did this answer about the basics of Sound Doctrine?  Of course not and that was on purpose.  Learning about the Gospel and the sound doctrine that is the supporting data for the Gospel is the responsibility of the intentional Disciple.

 

Prayer:  Father.  You are good and do good.  Every time and everywhere.  I am grateful for the Grace and Mercy You show me every day, moment by moment.  Keep me from filling my mouth with stupid and foolishness.  Increase the depth of Sound Doctrine within me.  AMEN.

 

Scripture:

[6] Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, [7] rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

[8] See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

Observation:

This is a word of warning to Christians who were rooted in Christ Jesus, to be cautious of being deceived by false teaching leading away from the Truth of Him.  While they were well grounded and built up in Him, they were nonetheless susceptible to false teaching.

Application:

If we were to be taken physically captive by someone, we would be held against our will.  It may be very hard to escape,  We would no longer have freedom.  We would be taken away from the things we have, from the things we have been given, and from those we love.

If we were to be taken mentally captive by false teaching, lies deviating from the Truth of the Word,  according to the goings on of this world, we would be leaving behind the Truth given to us with Christ Jesus.  We would be wrecking the foundation we have in Him, established in faith.  We would be taken captive from the One who matters the most.

As Christians we need to be well rooted in the Truth of Jesus.  So much so that we discern when others are trying to get us to sway from that Truth.  We need to stay firm in our faith, using Jesus as our compass, knowing that  everything should lead back to Him.

Prayer:

Lord thank You for Your Truth.  Truth that guides me to You in my thoughts and my actions.  Lord continue to build me up and help me sink stronger and stronger roots in the Truth of Your Word.  Jesus help me be more like You and give me discernment when outside forces attempt to deceive me away from You.  Amen.