August 6
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 4
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. – 1 Timothy 4:6-9
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 4 TRAIN YOURSELF FOR GODLINESS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
To be a good servant of the Lord Jesus, let us train in the truth
Meditate on his words day and night that it will harvest fruits
Because we are in this corrupt and fallen world, let’s equip ourselves
Let us be ready for the battlefield wearing God’s armour.
Do not engage with human philosophies and traditions
These worldly beliefs do not conform with God’s kingdom
Do not waste your time with false doctrines and myths
Instead, equip yourselves with the knowledge of God.
While physical training is good, godliness is much more vital
What good is it if you have good bodies but souls that are lost?
Bodily training is only good while you are on earth
Spiritual workout is better for it lasts long and is forever.
Train yourself for godliness as a soldier ready himself for war
If you take your faith seriously, you will seek first his word
The law of the Lord is true and is your spirit’s sword
The truth that comes from God’s word is your best weapon.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think some Christians do not train for godliness?
• How is suffering and endurance a good training ground for godliness?
Category Archives: Poem devotionals
1 TIMOTHY 4 WHEN SOMEONE DEPART FROM THEIR FAITH
August 5
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 4
Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. – 1 Timothy 4
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 4 WHEN SOMEONE DEPART FROM THEIR FAITH
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
At the last days there will be people who will depart from their faith
They will have deceitful spirits for they have neglected God’s word
Instead, they dwell on worldly things and teachings of demons
Thus, they open up the door for the enemy to overcome them
When someone depart from the truth they already heard
They will reject the truth and believe in false doctrines and myths
Because they rely on their own understanding, they’ll be deceived
They will make up their self-made philosophies because they don’t believe.
Let all the people of God grow in the knowledge of God and his truth
The only way we can be protected is to allow Scriptures to take root
We’ll have a strong foundation of faith only if we seek God first
There is no assurance in self-made principles, it will eventually die
When someone who have heard the gospel choose to reject it
They are also rejecting Christ and they will reap their own lies
Let us give thanks to the Lord who gave us everything
Lean on him alone and don’t believe in false teachings.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• What awaits Christians when they lead back in faith their sisters and brothers in Christ who begin to believe in myths and false teachings and wanders from the truth according to James 5:19?
• What is our responsibility to the communion of saints in terms of our faith?
1 TIMOTHY 3 THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD
August 3
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 3
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. – 1 Timothy 3:8-13
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 3 REQUIREMENTS & PROMISE FOR DEACON
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
If a man aspires to be a deacon in the church, he needs to be dignified
He cannot be someone who is of bad morals or dishonest
A deacon is expected to have integrity and be blameless
It is important that he is responsible and genuinely love others.
Since the deacon’s role is to distribute to the needs of the poor
He must be honest and have a sober-mind and be faithful
Their devotion to one wife is important as it shows his dedication
He must be able to discipline and manage his household and children.
Deacons must have self-control and not be addicted to anything
Addictions and bondage can hinder their task for helping and distributing
Their wives must also have the same blamelessness and faithfulness
Their wives must also serve the Lord or their house will be divided.
To all the deacons who serve well, they will gain a good standing
The assurance and confidence of their faith will keep on shining
If they do their tasks as they are serving the Lord Jesus Christ
They will grow in their faith and will gain eternal life.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• How did the roles of deacons come about as stated in Acts 6:1-7?
• Why is the role of deacons an essential part in the communion of saints?
–
1 TIMOTHY 3 AN OVERSEER’S REQUIREMENTS
August 2
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 3
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
– 1 Timothy 3:1-7
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 3 AN OVERSEER’S REQUIREMENTS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When one aspires for the office of the overseer
He must have been led by the Holy Spirit
It is not an earthly position that you can apply for
It is God’s anointing that makes you a candidate.
An overseer’s position is one that is of great privilege
It is an honor to be selected to be one of God’s leaders
He must be self-controlled, respectable and blameless
He cannot be a drunkard, violent or a lover of money.
He must not be a new believer or he may not be well-grounded
Others must think highly of him so he can be one who can be emulated
He must be a one-woman man and be kind and loving to his wife
He must be hospitable and able to teach so he can exude God’s light.
He must be able to manage his household well so order is maintained
If he is a good manager at home, it will be so also in the communion of saints
He must be able to discipline his children and teach them to love the word
The preaching and teaching of the gospel must be his motive first and foremost.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think new converts cannot be an overseer according to these verses?
1 TIMOTHY 2 INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEN & WOMEN DURING ASSEMBLY
August 1
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 2
8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. – 1 Timothy 2:8-15
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 2 INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEN & WOMEN DURING ASSEMBLY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Since God isn’t a God of chaos, we are all instructed to have order in worship
Men are to pray fervently without distractions, resentments, quarreling or anger
They are to lift their hands including their minds and hearts to their Lord and Master
They are to take seriously their positions of authority over their families
They are to lead their families in proper decorum during assembly
Men are responsible to lead their family members to truth of the gospel.
Women must wear respectable clothing as they come to worship the Lord
The ladies must dress modestly and must not look like those from the world
They are to submit to the leadership of their husbands and not be overbearing
The women must not engage in much talking for it can lead to gossiping
She is to be silent and listen to the gospel that is being presented
She must also support her husband in all that he leads her to do.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think God gave men and women instructions to follow during public worship?
• Why do you think there are more instructions for women than for men in this letter of Paul to Timothy?
• How should we address someone who do not follow these guidelines?
1 TIMOTHY 2 HOW TO LEAD A PEACEFUL, GODLY AND QUIET LIFE
July 31
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 2
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
– 1 Timothy 2:1-7
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 2 HOW TO LEAD A PEACEFUL, GODLY AND QUIET LIFE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
At the time you committed your life to Christ, he gave you his Spirit
Because of the Holy Spirit’s presence, you are able to follow Jesus
When he chose you to be one of his children, he gave you abilities
With gifts given to you by his Spirit, you have responsibilities
To lead a peaceful life, we need to pray at all times fervently
It is our duty to pray for others especially those who are in authority
Pursue peace and follow those in positions of authority
Pray for them to serve God who gave them such positions
Pray that you will seek the Lord and serve him with trembling
Live the word of God so you’ll stay holy and have blessings
Ask everything in prayer and in line with the truth
You will have a peaceful and quiet life if you do.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why are we called to pray for all people according to these verses?
• What is the importance of praying for leaders and rulers?
• How is peace a product of prayer?
1 TIMOTHY 1 HOLD ON TO FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE
July 30
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 1
18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. – 1 Timothy 1:18-20
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 1 HOLD ON TO FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As we live on this earth, spiritual battles are certain to happen
Though we don’t see them, we will encounter them often
As we hold on fast to our faith, let us be mindful of such battles
We need to wear God’s armor at all times and be ready to face hurdles.
Because we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are protected
He will vindicate those who are faithful and they will be strengthened
Do not fail to grow your faith but always be steadfast instead
Hold on to a good conscience and depend on the Holy Spirit.
When the saints fail to cling to the gospel they already heard
They will be easily misled by heresies and their minds will be twisted
Because they allow themselves to be deceived with wrong teachings
They will bear no fruits from the Spirit and will fail in all their doings.
Put on all of God’s armor to stand firm against the wiles of the devil
Fasten the belt of truth so you won’t be deceived by wickedness and evil
Wear the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of peace from the gospel
Have the shield of faith ready and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.
Love one another so that you won’t be corrupted by the enemy
Depend on the strength that comes only from Jesus Christ
Constantly examine your hearts and follow God’s precepts
Resist the urge that comes from your flesh and the devil will flee.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do we need to hold on fast to our faith and a good conscience?
1 TIMOTHY 1 WHO THE LAW IS MADE FOR
July 28
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 1
8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
– 1 Timothy 1:8-11
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 1 WHO THE LAW IS MADE FOR
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
God loved us all so he gave us precepts to follow
These laws were given to protect his own people
The law is good if only we use it properly
It is not made so we can abuse its authority.
The commandments of the Lord reflect his order
Following it will bring peace instead of chaos and disorder
Ignoring the directive that God gave us reflect lawlessness
It shows that we do not honor our God who is righteous.
The Lord made those laws to separate the godly from the ungodly
It exposes the sins that is so prevalent in the wicked and unbelieving
The faithful ones follow these commandments and keep them pure
The rebels do not heed these guidelines for they love their idols.
Let us never take for granted these commandments that God gave us
They are boundaries against all the tactics and ploys of the enemy
When we honor these precepts, we manifest our love for the Lord
When we disobey them, we show that we love the systems of this world.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• What were the sins that were emphasized on these verses by Paul as he instructs Timothy about who the law was made for?
• When does the law work for us and when does it not work? Why is this so?
1 TIMOTHY 1 WATCH OUT FOR MYTHS AND FALSE TEACHINGS
July 27
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
– 1 Timothy 1:1-6
________________________________________
1 TIMOTHY 1 WATCH OUT FOR MYTHS AND FALSE TEACHINGS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As we serve our Lord Jesus Christ, we are all called to be watchful
Because we live in a corrupt world, let us all be mindful
The purpose of God’s commandments is to walk in love
It is a love that comes from a pure heart and a sincere faith.
Let us therefore keep ourselves strong by following God’s laws
It protects us from deceptions and tactics of the evil one
When we meditate on his words, we discern what is untrue
Let us all be faithful to renew our minds so we can stay pure.
Spread the gospel so that all the wickedness will be exposed
Do not tolerate or partake of any wicked act, but let it out in the open
When deception is hidden, it generates more and spread
Be courageous to confront and declare all that is right and true.
________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think Paul asks Timothy to stay in Ephesus and stand firm to watch for false teachers and doctrines who inches their way to the church?
• How can we easily detect myths and false teachings?