1 Timothy 5-7.19.21

SCRIPTURE

1 Timothy 5:25

In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

OBSERVATION - What does it say?

Paul continues giving practical instructions in this letter to Timothy, including how to deal with widows, elders and sin in the church. Paul says that some sins and good deeds are obvious and others not as much. But, even if no one notices the less obvious deeds now, they won’t remain hidden forever.

UNDERSTANDING - What does it mean?

God sees and will eventually uncover every deed.

I’m reminded of 1 Corinthians 15:58, “Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

No good deed done for the Lord is a waste of time. Even if no one sees. As a matter of fact, Jesus said that the ones done in secret that we tell no one about are the ones the Father rewards. We don’t have to draw attention or boast of the good things we do  – praying, giving, fasting, etc.  Actually, when we do Jesus says we’ve received our reward in full and will get no reward from the Father.  

LIFE APPLICATION

Do good deeds for an audience of One, trusting that nothing I do escapes his eye. 

This is incredibly difficult because praise from others feels so good. But if I have to choose between praise from God and praise from men… I'll just say I believe God’s reward is probably much better than a pat on the back from anyone I know. Knowing that God sees and will reward me gives me peace and joy in doing good, even when no one else sees.

God, thank you that you see everything. May we live in constant awareness of your eyes upon us, knowing that every deed done in secret, whether good or bad, will eventually be uncovered. Help us to store up treasure in heaven, living in light of eternity. Amen.

- Pastor Levi Thompson