1 Timothy 4 - 1.8.25
Scripture
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Tim 4:7-8, NIV)
Observation
This is a letter written by Paul to Timothy, a young Pastor whom he personally mentored. He reminds Timothy that in the last days, there will be false teachers who will try to bring false doctrines (1 Tim 4:1). He advises Timothy to stay clear of the myths and stories, but rather train to be godly.
Paul compares cultivating godliness to physical training. Behind every physically fit man or woman with toned arms and legs, there is a consistent exercise and physical training regimen. To develop specific muscles, there are exercises specific to those muscles. For example, the exercises to develop your biceps are very different from the exercises to develop your triceps, though both are muscles in your upper arm. Consistency is key when you train.
Paul exhorts us to “train” our spiritual muscles to develop “godliness”. We will leave our physical bodies behind to rot, when we die. But we will carry our spiritual muscles we develop through intentional spiritual training and exercise, into eternity (1 Tim 4:8).
Application
What are some spiritual exercises that we can incorporate into our daily life to make sure that we develop spiritual muscles?
The Bible talks about many spiritual disciplines. Let us look at three, taught by Jesus Himself - prayer, fasting and giving to the poor. The most important and fundamental spiritual exercise that we must train ourselves on is daily prayer combined with Bible reading. Jesus taught us that when we pray, we should go into our room, close the door and pray to the Father (Matthew 6:6). Prayer is talking to God, and reading the Bible is how we hear from God, as the Bible is God’s word. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3: 16). When we incorporate prayer and Bible reading into our daily life everyday, we start to learn how to stay connected with Jesus and abide in Him, as we can do nothing without Him. (John 15:4,5).
Jesus teaches about giving to the needy and fasting in the same chapter he teaches about praying (Matthew 6). Jesus taught us that when we give to the poor, we should give secretly that one hand does not know what the other hand is giving (Matthew 6:3). Similarly when we fast, we are to go about looking as we usually do, not trying to look religious for the people’s admiration. (Matthew 6:16).
It is interesting that Jesus used the adverb “when”, to talk about praying, fasting and giving. He did not say “if you pray” or “if you give to the poor” or “if you fast”. Jesus said “when you pray”, “when you fast” and “when you give to the poor”. This makes it clear that Jesus expects these spiritual exercises to be a regular part of our life, and not an optional activity.
Let us flex some spiritual muscles.
Prayer
Dear Father, thank you for loving me. Thank you for your plan for my life. Help me to be obedient to the call you have placed on my life. Help me to train to be godly as you desire. Please show me how to do that. Help me to pray, fast and give in a way that pleases you. As I join the church in fasting in this season, let my fasting be pleasing in your sight. Help me to draw close to you, knowing that you will draw close to me when I do so (James 4:8). Help me to live a life that pleases you. May my life be a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to you (Romans 12:1). In Jesus’s name. Amen.
- Asha Chacko George
2 Samuel 9 - 1.7.25
SCRIPTURE: 2 Samuel 9:1 “David asked, “Is there anyone left of the household of Saul to whom I can show kindness for Jonathon’s sake?”
OBSERVATION: David and Jonathon had become very good friends, so much so that David had agreed to make a vow to Jonathon that he would show unfailing kindness, like the Lord’s kindness, as long as Jonathon lived. He also vowed that he would never cut off his kindness from his family.
Years later David fulfilled his promise by inviting Jonathon’s son, Mephibosheth who had become crippled in both feet into his palace to live.
UNDERSTANDING: David showed extreme kindness to Mephibosheth even though his grandfather had been King Saul, who had shown extreme jealousy towards David, and wanted him dead!
David was a man of integrity, and he demonstrated it by keeping his vow, and showing such kindness to a descendant of one of his past rivals. Mephibosheth feared for his life, and felt very unworthy to approach King David when he was summoned to appear before him.
Even though King Saul had gone against him, David had still pledged his loyalty to him as God’s anointed king while he was still alive.
David treated Mephibosheth with great kindness by giving him everything that had belonged to his grandfather and his family, and he was also given the great privilege of always being able to eat at David’s table like one of the king’s sons.
PRAYER: Lord, As I look at the integrity and the kindness that David showed to someone that didn’t deserve it, I am reminded of the way You lavished me with Your kindness when I didn’t deserve it!
I want the kind of love in my heart for the ones You love, who the world sees as less deserving. It’s Your unmerited love and grace that continually draws me close to You. I pray my heart will reflect that kind of love toward others as You work through me, and help me to show kindness and be gracious to even the ones who don’t deserve it!
- Robin Orefice
1 Timothy 2 - 1.6.25
Scripture
1 Timothy 2:1-4 NLT
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”
Observation
In this passage, Paul is writing Timothy to give him instructions about worship. In these particular verses that I chose, Paul highlights the importance of praying for ALL people.-(This includes especially people in authority over us). We need to intercede on the behalf of ALL people. God’s desire is that ALL will come to know Him through His Son Jesus Christ.
Application
Imagine a world where everyone knew and followed Jesus. 🤔
It would be a world who loved each other the way God loves us (unconditionally). It would be a world who fought for justice for one another. It would be a world without racism and prejudices towards one another. It would be a world who gave each other a helping hand whenever and wherever needed. But mostly it would be a world where people could live “peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”-(see verse 2).
That is why Paul stresses the importance for the Church to pray for ALL people. We need to pray not only for our family and friends, but even for our leaders and enemies. We need to pray and intercede on their behalf. Pray for them to know and love God, by putting their faith and trust in Jesus. Pray for our leaders to be surrounded by godly people, giving them godly counsel. Pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ to stand strong in their faith, so we can ALL do our part by sharing the Good News of Jesus to ALL. I believe by doing that we can begin to see real change in this world. A change that is good, and that would please God our Savior.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for a world where ALL can come to know You the way I know You. May You reveal Yourself to them in tangible and miraculous ways. I pray for wisdom for our leaders. May You surround them with godly people that can give them godly counsel. I even pray for my enemies. May they know that there is a God who loves them so much that He died for them. May they know they have a God who forgives them if they are willing to put their faith in His Son Jesus, and turn from their sins. Finally, I pray for my brothers and sisters in Christ. May we ALL be bold and courageous to share our faith and pray for others the way You have called us to. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽
-Moses Gaddi