April 15
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ON PURSUIT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND GODLINESS
11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I direct you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without fault or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. – 1 Timothy 6:11-16
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he emphasizes to run from worldly cravings but to pursue righteousness and godliness. Anyone who chases temporal things will not have God’s righteousness in them. God and the world are opposites. James 4:4 says that those who love the world are enemies of God. Those who claim to follow God must live righteous lives. According to Ancient Hebrew researchers, The Hebrew words tsadiyq, translated as yashar, translated as upright, are paralleled many times in the Bible indicating that in the Hebrew mind they were similar in meaning. Upright is another abstract word but it is used in a concrete manner, such as in Jeremiah 31:9, where it means “straight” as in a straight path. A righteous person is not one who lives a religiously pious life, the common interpretation of this word, he is one who follows the correct path, the path (way) of God. So, a follower of God, is someone who doesn’t detour and veers away from the narrow path to righteousness. In verse 12, Paul challenges all believers to fight the good fight. This fight is not a physical argument, but is a pressing on to the confession that God is our Lord and Master and that we will not serve the world, but God alone. In verse 15, Paul declares that Christ is the only Lord of lords and King of kings. In other words, no earthly king or lord will ever be greater than Christ. So, what is the point of serving human lords and kings when their kingdom is only temporary. Why not serve an eternal King and Lord?
The word righteousness and godliness have been corrupted by religion but it only means to make your path straight into the truth that sets you free and gives you eternal life.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think the word righteous is a favorite word of Satan to twist?
Tag Archives: Christian devotional
THE ROOT OF DISCONTENT ILMA’S VLOG
April 14
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THE ROOT OF DISCONTENT
7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. – 1 Timothy 6:7-10
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he emphasizes the root of discontent. In verse 7, he reminds the believers that when they came into this world, they had nothing. Just think of a newborn baby, naked and without anything on him or her. That’s the best illustration of our entry into this world: “naked and has nothing.” How is it that many of us end up hoarding and not letting go of material things? As that little baby grows, he or she is provided for by her caregivers and little by little, begin to crave for something, to be comfortable and secure. As they grow into adolescence and adulthood, they begin to want more as the world system dictates. If their needs haven’t been met, there is a graver danger that they would want clamor for that thing. Once they gain it, they would want more and the cycle never ends.
Paul says in verse 8, that we can be content just as we have food and covering for ourselves. In verse 9, he exposes the root of discontent: the desire to get rich, which can bring destruction to one’s life. And in verse 10, the love of money become the source of all wickedness and longings which lead to lost faith and grief in life.
It is so true what Paul says in this letter. Once we become discontented, there is a craving underlying beneath that surface. James 1:14-15 clearly explains this concept of dissatisfaction that leads to sin. James says that each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then his desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
Paul identifies another root of discontent in this letter: the love of money. Money in itself is not bad, but the longing for it is the one that leads to discontent. How many of us focus on being thankful for whatever God has provided us with? Often, we still clamor for something more because the world dictates to us these cravings and longings for possession. It ties and binds us to focus on the world and less on spiritual riches.
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REFLECTION
• How is discontent a manifestation of a heart that doesn’t seek God?
GODLINESS AND CONTENTMENT RESULT IN GREAT GAIN ILMA’S VLOG
April 13
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GODLINESS AND CONTENTMENT RESULT IN GREAT GAIN
3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a sick craving for controversial questions and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction between people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. – 1 Timothy 6:3-6
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In this letter, Paul clearly commands the believers never to entertain doctrines that do not conform with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. In verse 3, he uses “sound words that comes only from God’s word”. When people twist or use their own words or interpretation about something that God said in His word, they are dangerous. The devil is very clever and cunning in subtly injecting half truths that they almost appear like true. This is why believers need to abide in Christ and meditate on His word day and night. If we do not know the character of our Lord and His promises, we will easily be manipulated to believe these very cleverly seemingly true teachings, whey they are actually false. In verse 4, Paul explains that the source of these desire to present a different gospel or doctrine has to do with pride and conceit. It has nothing to do with godliness, but a desire of the flesh to be satisfied or gratified with disputes and questions about words. In verse 5, he points out the depraved mind and the person deprived of truth. These kinds of unbelievers, are out to drag others into their darkness and confusion. By this, evil will be propagated and there will be no one saved. In Joh 10:10, we clearly know that the devil’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy the Kingdom. It is interesting how Paul brings so much clarity when he gave us a picture of how the depraved mind and the deceived of truth bicker at each other. This is the work of the enemy, to keep each person in a cycle of going around in futile exchanged of words or ideas, to feed their egos. In verse 6, we are given the reason why godliness only works when it is coupled with contentment. When we strive for a pure life for the sake of our own desire to be saved, it does us no good. It is only a means of gaining a reward for what is done. Contentment only happens when we know our place in relation to our Creator. Let’s remember that if we love our Lord, we will never even attempt to add to his pre-destined plan in our lives.
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REFLECTION
• Why is “contentment” a novelty in our world today?
KEEP FREE FROM SIN ILMA’S VLOG
1 April 11
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KEEP FREE FROM SIN
21 I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. 22 Do not lay hands upon anyone too quickly and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.23 Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.24 The sins of some people are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. 25 Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed. – 1 Timothy 5:21-25
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In this letter, Paul encourages and insists that Timothy continue to follow and maintain all the teachings to others without discrimination or bias. Paul is reiterating his letter to the Romans chapter 2 verse 11 that God shows no favoritism. Paul is merely reminding Timothy that if God doesn’t show biases, then His own people shouldn’t as well. Guzik comments on this chapter that “Prejudice and partiality are grave sins before God. In the New Testament, the emphasis is on partiality according to class (James 2:1-9); but partiality according to race and gender is also included (Galatians 3:26-29) and regarded as sin.” In verse 22, Paul instructs Timothy not to give easily the approval for anyone who wants to serv in the ministry unless they have proven themselves mature spiritually or he may be partaking in their hidden agendas that may be a result of being immature. This is important because one can be corrupted by sin if they participate in the sins of others. How can we participate in someone else’s sin? We can be accessory to someone sins if we don’t rebuke a sin that we know they are doing. We can also be participants in evil if we don’t speak the truth and expose the “lies” they are believing, which is opposite the truth. Another way we can be part of someone else’s sin is by ignoring or tolerating them and not addressing the sins. We don’t love them if we don’t let them know that we recognize the sin and it is not honoring God if they don’t stop.
In verse 23, Paul was referring to Timothy’s ailment. Some commentaries mention that he was trying to let Timothy know that if wine will be good for him, there is no reason to abstain from it just because he wants to set a model for them to follow when his health was also at stake. In other words, he didn’t want Timothy to fall into legalism or the law.
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REFLECTION
• Why do true believers need to keep away from sin at all times? What happens if they become accessory to other people’s sin? What will that do to the body?
ON CARING FOR WIDOWS ILMA’S VLOG
April 9
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ON CARING FOR WIDOWS
9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married, 12 thereby incurring condemnation, because they have ignored their previous pledge. 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also, they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. 14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, have children, manage their households, and give the enemy no opportunity for reproach; 15 for some have already turned away to follow Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually widows. – 1 Timothy 5:9-16
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Paul was very specific in his letter to Timothy about caring for the widows. He couldn’t be any clear about the widows that deserved to be cared for. He has the following guidelines on qualifications of widows worth caring for in verses 9-10. These widows must not be less than sixty years old; wife of only one man; have a reputation for good works; has brought up children; shown hospitality to strangers; has washed the saints’ feet; assisted those who are in distress; and devoted herself to every good work.
On the other hand, Paul has disqualified widows also and here are the reasons why they do not have to be taken cared of: those who are younger than 60 years old because they still feel physical desires that veers them away from serving Christ because of these longings; those who are idle; those who gossip and busybodies.
Paul actually encourages younger widows to get married and have children and manage their household as a weapon against the enemy’s ploy to tempt them into sin.
Even a woman who has a dependent widow is also encouraged to ensure that they are supported so that it won’t be a burden for the church so they can actually continue to help those who are actually widows without any other resources. This is how we manifest the love of God. We ought to care for our widows who need us.
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REFLECTION
• Why does our current world does not encourage many to care for widows?
ON REBUKING AND PROVIDING FOR FAMILY ILMA’S VLOG
April 8
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ON REBUKING AND PROVIDING FOR FAMILY
Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, and to the younger men as brothers, 2 to the older women as mothers, and to the younger women as sisters, in all purity.3 Honor widows who are actually widows; 4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show proper respect for their own family and to give back compensation to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she who is actually a widow and has been left alone has set her hope on God, and she continues in requests and prayers night and day. 6 But she who indulges herself in luxury is dead, even while she lives. 7 Give these instructions as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
– 1 Timothy 5:1-8
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he gives the believers guidelines how to rebuke in love. The word rebuke in Hebrew has three different words: ga’ar- to chide, reprimand; ge’arah- chiding, rebuke; and cherpah- contumely, disgrace. As a member of the body of Christ, each believer is expected to care for one another. When one loves one another, they do not want their brothers or sisters in Christ to fall away from the faith. It is important to correct or rebuke if one of the members of the body is sinning. Paul gives them a guideline how to rebuke. To an older man, it must be in the form of a plea or a petition. To rebuke a younger man, it must be done like you would to a brother. To an older woman, it must be like you would to your own mother, respectful. And to the younger woman, as if they were your sister, in purity.
According to Susan E. Hylen, a professor of New Testament comments on widows and said that the notion that widows needed someone to take care of them rests on ideas about the legal and social status of women. A wife was dependent on her husband, and when he died, she went to live with her father’s household if he was alive, or to an adult son if she had one. Having a father or son was fortunate, because otherwise widows were entirely without resources. Widows were also legally subordinate to these male relatives.
Paul instructs Timothy to make sure that widows are taken cared of especially by her family members. In verse 8 Paul says that if one doesn’t provide for his own household, he has turned back on his faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
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REFLECTION
• Why is rebuking another believer really important for the body of Christ?
THE PRIZE OF GODLY TRAINING ILMA’S VLOG
April 6
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THE PRIZE OF GODLY TRAINING
6 In pointing out these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have been following. 7 But stay away from worthless stories that are typical of old women. Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers. – 1 Timothy 4:6-10
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In this letter Paul is reminding Timothy to tell the leaders in the church to ensure that they are always feeding on God’s words and ingesting good doctrine. He commends them of their progress with their faith but in verse 7, Paul warns them to stay away from useless tales usually spread by women.
Paul advises them to focus on their training for godliness. Since the Greeks were so focused on physical training for competitions, Paul reminds them that it is only useful for their lives here on earth while training in godliness will benefit them even in their eternal lives. While physical training may be good for their bodies, spiritual workout is far more beneficial because it prepares the mind, body, soul, spirit for the reward of heaven and the forever life.
Paul also instructs Timothy to let the believers do their best to continue to hope for the living God who has promised them eternal life. As they press on to continue to serve the Lord, they will reap the promises of Jesus to all those who would seek and abide in Him.
This may have been written a long time ago, it still holds true to all of us believers in Jesus. This is a great reminder for all believers that we should not get tired of doing good and keeping pure and holy for the Lord. There is a room reserved for all the saints who keep on fixing their eyes on Jesus.
Sadly, so many believers have taken away their eyes on their Master and have allowed worldly concerns to distract them from the bigger prize of being with Jesus in eternity.
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REFLECTION
• Why do so many people give more emphasis on bodily training rather than on their spiritual building up?
CHURCH AS PILLAR AND SUPPORT OF THE TRUTH
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April 4
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CHURCH AS PILLAR AND SUPPORT OF THE TRUTH
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16 Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. – 1 Timothy 3:13-16
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, his purpose is to ensure that there isn’t time wasted in giving of the instructions to the Gentile believers as to how one should act in the household of God. Paul calls the family of believers as the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
What a clear picture he paints in this letter of the body of believers who are the support or the ground that the truth of God’s word rest. What a big responsibility we have as Christians towards seeking and bringing truth into the world! How can a believer bring the gospel if he has no hunger for the law and the word of God? How can Christians preach the Good News if their lives do not manifest the life that comes only from the living word of God?
In verse 16, Paul discusses the mystery of godliness. Believers do not have a clue what godliness is until the Lord Jesus Christ became flesh and showed us what it is to be godly.
The previous guidelines stated in the earlier verses before this passage was laid down in detail so that there will be no confusion or chaos in the body of Christ. Paul clearly stated how Christians must live their lives blameless and pure, especially those in leadership position, as it may encourage or hinder the spiritual growth of other believers in that church.
How many churches are keeping this important role that all the body of believers must safeguard against corruption and the false teachings and doctrines that may have infiltrated the assembly of God’s people? It is a sad fate to watch many so-called Christians who do not even follow God’s order, law and discipline or submit to authorities that God has given them to follow. When we are mixed up with world systems, we are compromising the sanctification given to us through the Holy Spirit to live holy and pure lives.
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REFLECTION
• How can the church fail in being the pillar and support of truth?
GODLY LEADERSHIP IN THE BODY OF CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
April 3
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GODLY LEADERSHIP IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. – 1 Timothy 3:8-13
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Paul once again is very detailed about his instructions to the body of believers in Christ. Earlier, he gave a guideline to the overseer, now, he talks about deacons. It is imperative in the body of Christ to have leaders who are pure and following the Lord’s ways.
Gerard Cowen, in his article about deacons says that their ministry was intended to aid the apostles by taking care of some of the physical needs of the congregation. The deacons were to assist the elders (who replaced the apostles as the spiritual leaders of the church) with the physical needs of the church.
In this letter, Paul specifically lays down to Timothy what the requirements are in selecting deacons:
• Men of integrity and not insincere
• Not a drunk or greedy for money
• Has a clear conscience and a blameless life
• Faithful to only one wife
• Good managers of their children and family
• Faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ
In verse 11, the women are to be dignified as well, not gossips but moderate and faithful in all things.
In churches today, we can re-examine if the leadership follows the criteria for ministering to the body of Christ that Paul stipulated in this letter. Sadly, many leaders have failed to meet the qualifications of godly stewards of God’s people. The world system has somehow infiltrated churches with ungodly ways to use the church for personal agendas.
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REFLECTION
• Why do we need to follow Paul’s stipulation for godly leadership in church?
APPROPRIATE CONDUCT IN CHURCH ILMA’S VLOG
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April 1
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APPROPRIATE CONDUCT IN CHURCH
8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and dispute. 9 Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive apparel, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a wrongdoer. 15 But women will be preserved through childbirth—if they continue in faith, love, and sanctity, with moderation. – 1 Timothy 2:8-15
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In this verse, Paul addresses both men and women’s demeanor in church or corporate worship. In verse 8, he instructs men to pray lifting up their holy hands without anger and dispute. The call for men is to lead the body of Christ in prayer. Why are men expected to lead in the church and not women? If we go back in the creation story in Genesis 2:21-22, we see the order of creation. Man came first and the woman was created later after the man. This is God’s order in creation. That is why women are supposed to submit to men.
Paul specifically pointed out how they should lead the church in prayer: without wrath and doubting. In the Lord’s prayer we are to ensure that when we pray, we have forgiven those who have offended us or our prayers will be hindered. Clarke comments that “Having no vindictive feeling against any person; harboring no unforgiving spirit, while they are imploring pardon for their own offences.”
Verses 9-15 are clear instructions for women to follow with regards to their conduct in the church. Paul wants these women to ensure that they put on proper attire in church modestly and discreetly. By modestly, Paul meant that they need to wear clothes that aren’t revealing or call attention to distract anyone. He talks about what is more important which is the proper clothing, which is godliness. In verses 11-15, Paul further talks about the importance of women submitting to their husbands and authority in leadership in church. Women are not to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet and follow God’s order of men being their head. They need to continue in their faith, love and purity and moderation.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to follow God’s order in terms of leadership and authority?