1 Timothy 3:8-13 (HCSB)8 Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11 Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. 12 D...  Read More

1 Timothy 3:1-7 (HCSB)Qualifications of Church Leaders3 This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” 2 An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, 3 not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy — 4 one who manages his own hous...  Read More

A Battle for TruthIn the Pastoral Epistles (1 & 2 Timothy, Titus), Paul gave foundational truth and instructions for church planters and their young congregations. In this section he addressed false teaching.Study the Word: Key Truth: Believers reject false teachers and false doctrine and grow in godly love (1 Timothy 1:12-20). Being grounded in the faith is the best way to defend it. False teachi...  Read More

Questions for the WeekEven the most trustworthy person has blind spots. 1 Timothy 1:3-11 talks about something more dangerous – a person that would intentionally lead you away from Christ. The easiest way to combat this is to personally know the Word. How are your quiet times? Where do you need to make adjustments? Paul, before coming to Christ, witnessed and perpetrated some bad acts against beli...  Read More

1 Timothy 2:9-15 (HCSB)9 Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who affirm that they worship God. 11 A woman should learn in silence with full submission. 12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she ...  Read More

1 Timothy 2:1-8 (HCSB)Instructions on PrayerFirst of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 ...  Read More

1 Timothy 1:18-20 (HCSB)Engage in Battle18 Timothy, my son, I am giving you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies previously made about you, so that by them you may strongly engage in battle, 19 having faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and have suffered the shipwreck of their faith. 20 Hymenaeus and Alexander are among them, and I have delivered them to Satan, so that...  Read More

1 Timothy 1:11-17 (HCSB)11 based on the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was entrusted to me.Paul’s Testimony12 I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry— 13 one who was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief. 14 And th...  Read More

1 Timothy 1:1-10 (HCSB)Greeting 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope: 2 To Timothy, my true son in the faith. Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. False Doctrine and Misuse of the Law 3 As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people not to teach differen...  Read More

Reasons to RejoiceGod's peace and provisions are available to every believer. This is the reason we can be joyful.Study the Word: Key Truth: Believers rejoice and pray instead of worrying (Philippians 4:4-9). We can't always choose our circumstances, but we can choose our focus and response to them. We can discipline our minds to focus on what is good. We can choose joy and peace.Key Truth: Believ...  Read More

QUESTONS FOR THE WEEKPaul says to rejoice often – in the context of not worrying about anything! That which you dwell ON you will find yourself dwelling IN. It is much easier to rejoice when you focus on the good stuff.  Where do you find yourself dwelling on negative things?  How does that affect your attitude and outlook? What needs to change? I’m confident I am NOT, like Paul, content in any ci...  Read More

Philippians 4:15-23 (HCSB)15 And you Philippians know that in the early days of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you alone. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent gifts for my need several times. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that is increasing to your account. 18 But I have received everything in full, and ...  Read More