1 Timothy 3-6.15.22

Scripture

1 Timothy 3:11

16 Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

He appeared in the flesh,

    was vindicated by the Spirit,[d]

was seen by angels,

    was preached among the nations,

was believed on in the world,

    was taken up in glory.

Observation-What does it say?

“Paul’s purpose for writing was to give Timothy, as a leader, practical information on how to run things in the Ephesian church.” (enduringword.com)

In the beginning of this chapter, Paul gives instructions to Timothy on the qualifications of an overseer and deacon in the church. (In some translations, instead of overseer, it says elder.) Then, Paul gives the reasons why he wrote those instructions to him. At the end, he says Who true godliness springs from.

Understanding-What does it mean?

True godliness springs from Jesus. It all starts with Him.

Life Application

When the Lord Jesus is at the throne and we are fully submitted to Him, everything falls into place.

As an elder’s wife and ministry leader, it’s easy for me to get caught up with the qualifications of an elder/deacon/wife of a deacon and thinking it is from my husband’s power or my power that those traits occur. However, true heart change and godliness always starts with Jesus. Our desire and will to be above reproach, take care of our marriage, home, children, to be temperate, trustworthy, not a lover of money, gentle, not to be a malicious talker, etc. always begins at the heart level first. Trying to manufacture these traits is not sustainable.

Dear Lord, I pray over all the overseers of our church, from my Husband, to our Pastors, to our DSC Board, DSC Staff and even ministry leaders like myself, including the spouses. I pray that we would continue to put You first as our true Source of godliness and that everything in our homes, marriages and churches would fall into place according to Your will as a result. Amen.

-Michelle Gaddi