2 Timothy 2 - 4.13.26

SCRIPTURE: 2 Timothy 2:8 - 10

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”

OBSERVATION:

Paul, while in prison, wrongfully charged, is writing to Timothy to encourage him in two areas: Christ’s diety by being raised from the dead, and Christ’s humanity being a “descended from David.”

Paul contrasts his time in prison saying he’s “chained like a criminal” but makes a powerful point that “but God’s word is not chained.” He might be in prison but God’s word is still being proclaimed.

Paul encourages Timothy by his example to endure everything so others can come to know Christ as their savior, and then rest in eternal glory in heaven.

APPLICATION

Paul has such a powerful testimony! He is encouraging Timothy to remember the facts of Christ, and that no matter your circumstances, God’s word is not restricted, chained, or silenced. Whether you’re in a hospital bed, sent to jail, suffering anything in your life, lost a loved one, betrayed by anyone, no matter the circumstances, God’s word holds the truth everyone needs in their life: to become saved by the power of Jesus Christ.

Part of the reason Paul’s testimony is so powerful is that he brings everything back to Jesus. He is proclaiming Christ’s message of salvation while in prison. He uses a negative situation of being in jail, suffering in chains, and endures it all - without fighting it - just so others can see his testimony in action. He lives out his faith each day and endures what comes before him. He’s not complaining in his situation but enduring everything for God’s message of hope and salvation.

PRAYER

Lord, thank you for Paul’s testimony. He suffered so much yet always brought it back to your salvation message. Help me to live out your message, your word, and to never restrict spreading the Gospel message. Give me your Holy Spirit’s power to endure what’s before me in life, and to always bring it back to Christ’s salvation message. Lord, forgive me for the times I fall short, for not speaking up, for not enduring like Paul did in prison. Let my life be a living example so others come to know Christ as their savior. In Jesus name - amen!

- Mary Oberg

1 Timothy 5 - 4.10.26

SCRIPTURE: 1 Timothy 5:17

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”

Observation

The Elders is referencing the leaders of the church such as pastor or other leaders that are full time in preaching and teaching. Double honor refers to financial support of full-time leaders who preach and teach.

This verse is interesting since we are asked to give from our heart to those of double honor. Jesus however gave us so much more. Last week we had Good Friday, the day Jesus gave all of him for us. The day Jesus was crucified, He gave His life in place of ours. In Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23 and John 19 we see he was betrayed, tried, flogged with a whip that ripped the skin off, A crown of thorns was placed on his head, spit on, the soldiers struck him with a staff again and again. They took a cross and then hammered nails in his hand and feet. After Jesus died, they pierced his side and he was placed in a tomb. Jesus gave his life on that cross and took on my sin. Only Jesus can forgive me of my sins. Jesus can forgive all sins for all those that believe in Him.

Last Sunday was Resurrection Day (Easter). Jesus arose from the grave and is alive and victorious over death. Now his gift to us is eternal life. John 3:16 - “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Application

Our Pastors deserve our gratitude for their hard work. They deserve our financial support. Our tithe and offerings support our Pastors, Staff, Facilities management, mission field etc. Let us support the church and the pastors out of love for their work.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7-9 it states: “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”

Malachi 3:10 - “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.”

We can’t out-give Jesus but when we give, it should be generous and with a grateful heart.

Prayer

Jesus, you have shown me great mercy and grace. All I have is because of you Jesus. I have been blessed more than I deserve. Thank you for our Church family, and those that shepherd us, Pastor Levi and Katie Thompson. God, you gave your Son for us. May we give back generously with a grateful heart of our resources, time and talents. Jesus, may I give you my best for You are worthy O’ Lord. In Jesus name Amen.

- Robert Oberg

1 Timothy 4 - 4.9.26

SCRIPTURE

I Timothy 4: 8 - 10: “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. This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.  That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

OBSERVATION

Godliness IS:

-- profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is: Paul explains the value of godliness, both in the present sense and its eternal sense. Godliness makes the life that now is better, and we should not hesitate to believe it and to tell people this.  Only godliness is the path to eternal life and happiness.

-- the only guarantee of a profitable life which is to come. There are many pleasures or achievements in this world that do not even pretend to offer anything for the life which is to come.

-- the path to eternal life and happiness. 

-- living in a way that reflects God's character and values, demonstrating holiness and righteousness. 

Our Hope is in the living God. 

Jesus’ work is adequate to save all, but only effective in saving those who come to Him by faith.

APPLICATION 

The foundation of our love and faith in Jesus is rooted in His biblical teachings, emphasizing obedience to God's Word and commandments. 

TO live a life of godliness requires discipline on our part. And we are to: 

-- Practice a deeper relationship with God, such as prayer, fasting, and meditation. 

-- Live in a way that reflects God's character and values, demonstrating holiness and righteousness. 

ALL for the purpose of spiritual growth, maturity, and becoming more Christ-like in thoughts and actions.

PRAYER 

Lord Jesus, on bended knee I come before You to ALWAYS remember all you did for us to have eternal life with You.  My Faith and my Hope is in you Lord Jesus Christ, our living GOD.  I come to you to give me your strength to live a life that reflects who you are and give me your words to draw others to know you. YOU ARE MY HOPE!  YOU ARE THE HOPE OF ALL NATIONS.  AMEN!

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Isaiah 40:31 But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

- Charleen Zakarian