March 31
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HOW TO LIVE A PEACEFUL AND QUIET LIFE
First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed as a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. – 1 Timothy 2:1-7
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In this letter to Timothy, Paul urges believers to come together and be united in bringing to the Lord the following:
1. Requests or supplications – these are things that the believers wish or wants
2. Prayers – are conversations or communicating or relating with the Lord
3. Intercessions – are requests made for others
4. Thanksgiving -is showing gratitude to God for all gifts and blessings received
Then in verse 2, he gives them the key to a peaceful and quiet life. Paul asks the believers to pray for all those who are in positions such as political leaders, spiritual leaders and everyone else in authority. The result of praying for authorities whether they are in our civilian or spiritual lives may bring about a quiet life for all people in the land. In verse 3, Paul reminds them the importance of corporate worship because this is acceptable to God. In verse 4, he mentions how important it is for God because He wants everyone to be saved and come to know Him. What Paul is emphasizing in this letter is the importance of prayers. The word of God is needed to be preached to all the ends of the earth so everyone will be saved. He also reminds them that Jesus Christ died on the cross and that he was appointed as a preacher and apostle assigned to the Gentiles to bring about truth and grow their faith.
Many people do not realize the importance of prayers. It helps us live in unity, peace and joy. It also pays to be able to think of others when we pray and not just of ourselves. When we bring to God other people’s requests, we become skilled in relations and we think less of ourselves and teaches us to be more selfless. Praying is essential in growing our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is how we stay in relationship with our Maker.
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REFLECTION
• How is prayer essential in a believer’s life?
Tag Archives: Christian devotional
PAUL’S FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE OF THE GOSPEL ILMA’S VLOG
March 29
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PAUL’S FIRSTHAND EXPERIENCE OF THE GOSPEL
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, 13 even though I was previously a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; 14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. 15 It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost. 16 Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost sinner Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. – 1 Timothy 1:12-17
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Paul shifts in this letter from his instructions to Timothy and exhibits his gratefulness to what God has done in his life. We get a glimpse of Paul’s humility in these passages. In verse 12, he acknowledges how humbling it is to have been given such honor to be chosen as one of Jesus’ anointed apostle assigned to the Gentiles. In verse 13, he openly confesses in this letter how sinful he was before the Lord called him and converted him and made him experience the gospel first hand. What a heart-warming letter to his protegee Timothy! A teacher who can actually admit his weaknesses and acknowledge and point to the Lord as the one who did it all. He was a blasphemer, a persecutor and violent aggressor before he was ca
lled to serve the Lord. It didn’t stop the Lord from appointing him to this ministry. He is amazed by God’s mercy and grace to have been forgiven of his atrocious sins and turned around to be a servant of God’s righteousness. In verse 16, he tells Timothy that with his sinfulness, he witnessed God’s demonstration of perfect patience so that all believers could emulate that kindness and gentleness. Paul gives hope to both believers and unbelievers when he witnessed to them about his conversion from the worst sinner to a minister of the gospel.
In verse 17, he points to the Lord for everything that he has been anointed with just like John the Baptist said that the Lord must increase and he must decrease in John 3:30. How many ministers of the gospel still do this in our world today? Many preachers, bible teachers and other ministers have forgotten how they first were called to ministry. The focus of their service has shifted from serving God to serving their own selfish interests.
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REFLECTION
• Why must we always remember how we were given the gift of salvation?
WHO THE LAW IS MADE FOR ILMA’S VLOG
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March 28
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WHO THE LAW IS MADE FOR
8 But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and worldly, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, 10 for the sexually immoral, homosexuals, slave traders, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.
– 1 Timothy 1:8-11
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In this letter, Paul tells Timothy what the law is and who it is made for. In verse 8, he tells him that the law is good if one uses it lawfully. In Paul’s earlier letter to the Galatians (which his first letters to the Gentile believers), he talks about the law in Chapter 3:11. He says that no one can be made right with God by trying to keep the law, for Scriptures say that it is through faith that a righteous person has life. Paul is referring to those religious leaders who uses the law to enslave others. In other words, he is referring to “legalism.” He clearly explains that not any rules can make anyone right with God, but only faith in Jesus can.
In verse 9-10, Paul enumerates those people whom the law was made for. He clearly says that it wasn’t made for the righteous person but for the following people:
• Lawless and rebellious
• Ungodly and sinners,
• Unholy and worldly
• Killers and murderers
• Sexually immoral and homosexuals
• Slave traders
• Liars and Perjurers
• Whoever is opposed to sound teaching
Wow! What an exhaustive list Paul mentions in this letter. If you examine Galatians 3:11, it says that it is through faith that a righteous person has life. Let’s examine this list closely. What do they have in common? They are all in bondage to sin and not free. They aren’t serving God but their own selves. They have turned their back on the righteousness of God which means that they do not have life and are living in darkness.
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REFLECTION
• Why is legalism a lethal weapon of the enemy to bring down people?
ENGAGE IN GOOD DEEDS TO MEET PRESSING NEEDS ILMA’S VLOG
March 26
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ENGAGE IN GOOD DEEDS TO MEET PRESSING NEEDS
12 When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. 13 Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them. 14 Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unproductive.15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith.
– Titus 3:12-15
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Paul concludes this letter asking Titus to greet the following fellow believers. He also tells Titus to help Zenas and Apollos who had delivered the message and to ensure that he does his best to visit him at Nicopolis, as he is spending winter there. These were the people mentioned in the closing remarks of this letter of Paul to Titus:
1. Artemas- According to Smith’s bible dictionary, he is a faithful minister, cooperating with Paul, Ti 3:12, who thought him worthy to take the place of Titus at Crete, while the latter spent the winter with the apostle at Nicopolis. According to ISB encyclopedia, he is one of the seventy disciples and bishop of Lystra, according to Dorotheus
2. Tychicus – was one of Paul’s most trusted messengers. He was the bearer of the letters to the Colossian and the Ephesian Churches (Colossians 4:7; Ephesians 6:21).
3. Apollos was the well-known teacher (Acts 18:24).
4. Zenas- According to ISB encyclopedia the name in full would probably be Zenodorus, literally, meaning “the gift of Zeus”. Paul calls Zenas “the lawyer.” The meaning of this is, that, previous to his becoming a Christian, he had been a Jewish lawyer. The lawyers were that class of Jewish teachers who were specially learned in the Mosaic Law, and who interpreted that Law, and taught it to the people.
Paul always has a recurring closing message in most of his letters to the believers. He always reminds them to engage in good deeds. In verse 14, he instructs them that if they continue to attend to the pressing needs of others, they will always be productive. Like a father to all these believers, Paul wants them to bear fruits as they follow the gospel of Jesus Christ. He knows that if they become complacent and not serving others, they may be unproductive. As he mentions in his letter to Galatians the fruit of the Spirit is a result of their faithful service to God and to others, especially those who are in need.
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REFLECTION
• How is meeting other people’s needs a clear manifestation of a true believer?
ON FOOLISH DISPUTES, STRIFE AND DIVISIVE PEOPLE ILMA’S VLOG
March 25
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ON FOOLISH DISPUTES, STRIFE AND DIVISIVE PEOPLE
8 This statement is trustworthy; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and beneficial for people. 9 But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are useless and worthless. 10 Reject a divisive person after a first and second warning, 11 knowing that such a person has deviated from what is right and is sinning, being self-condemned.
– Titus 3:8-11
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Paul, once again gives additional instructions to Titus to ensure that those who have believed in God will follow godly living. In these passages, he warns the believers to always engage in doing good for it is beneficial for people. As believers, we can gain more insight from this letter of Paul to Titus as to how to live holy lives that edifies the body of Christ and glorify God.
What does a Christian life look like? It is a life that is not self-centered but God-centered. It is a life that isn’t trying to only think of one’s needs, but it is a selfless life, focused on serving God and others. What are good deeds? They are deeds that doesn’t bring a good image to oneself, but they are acts of genuine care and love for others. They are not transactions where one gives for the sake of gaining something back.
Paul further warns the believer to stay away from foolish controversies, disputes and arguments about the Law, because they are futile and a waste of time. Human reasoning and debates and arguments on anything are only an exercise of boasting. When people want to exchange about their opinions and assumptions, it doesn’t lead to anything. They are just perceptions and not true. Instead of these foolish and useless talk, why not meditate on the word of God and His laws?
In verses 10-11, Paul expounds on watching out for people who create division, animosity and conflict. They are people who want to tear down unity in the church and challenge the peace in the body. He tells the believers to confront a divisive person a first and a second warning because each believer is responsible to rebuke and correct someone who is sinning. He further explains that when someone wants to divide the body of Christ, they are purposefully doing evil. It is sad to watch so many churches now that do not confront or rebuke other believers who outrightly create division.
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REFLECTION
• How can we safeguard the body of Christ from divisive and quarrelsome people?
SAVED BY GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE ILMA’S VLOG
March 24
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SAVED BY GOD’S MERCY AND GRACE
Remind them to be subject to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good deed, 2 to slander no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing every consideration for all people. 3 For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various lusts and pleasures, spending our life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. 4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5 He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we did in righteousness, but in accordance with His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He richly poured out upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. – Titus 3:1-7
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In this letter, Paul instructs the believers to submit to authorities and be obedient to them. Paul wants the believers to learn to follow and obey the people whom God has positioned as their leaders. It will show that they honor the Lord when they respect those whom God has assigned to be their head. If one cannot submit to human leaders who are visible to them. how can they submit to God whom they do not see? Following authority is a manifestation that one is teachable and open to grow. The believers are expected to be always prepared for all occasions to do good and never to assassinate any person’s character by slandering the. This is a form of murder in the spirit, almost just like killing someone physically in person. The person’s character is maligned with malicious intentions.
Paul emphasizes to Titus, that believers should not be quarrelsome and must be kind and considerate to all people. Paul’s reason for giving kindness and grace is that we too, were given such by God when we were once unwise, rebellious, lost, in bondage to the flesh and cravings and engaging in hatred, jealousy and hating one another. It is humbling how Paul admits his sinfulness as well in verse 3. In verse 4, we find more reasons why we need to give grace and kindness to others: because Christ’s kindness and His love for all humanity, is enough purpose for us to give others the same mercy we were given. Christ saved us, not on the basis of our works and performance, but by his mercy and love, He poured his love for all of us by giving his only Son to make us heirs of eternal life.
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REFLECTION
• Why are there so many people who have a hard time understanding grace and mercy?
DENY UNGODLINESS AND WORLDLY DESIRES ILMA’S VLOG
March 23
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DENY UNGODLINESS AND WORLDLY DESIRES
11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, 12instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and in a godly manner in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, eager for good deeds.15 These things speak and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. No one is to disregard you. – Titus 2: 11-15
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This part of the letter of Paul to Titus ties up the reason why the believers need to walk in faith. He mentions in verse 11 that the grace of God has arrived to bring salvation to all people. This letter may have been written in the times after the death of Christ, but they still all apply to all believers now.
Before the cross, we were all under God’s wrath. God hates sin and evil and because we inherited our sins from Adam and Eve, God made a way so that those consequences may be cleansed. So, He gave us the perfect sacrifice in His Son’s death on the cross. What was the aftermath of Jesus’ death? Grace was one of the results of Jesus’ sacrifice. He saved mankind from God’s wrath. So, he gave the invitation to all men that they can be saved. Although many Christians do not actually realize the magnitude and power of the cross, they have to be able to say “yes” to that invitation to the reconciliation through repentance and commitment to make Jesus your Lord and Savior. Paul stresses the importance of accepting this gift of salvation through Jesus’ death and also following the conditions that go with the commitment to Christ.
For all believers, we are instructed to turn our backs on evil and all cravings and worldly desires, to live wisely, always pursuing the righteousness of Christ. Sadly, many Christians haven’t counted the cost of what it takes to be a follower of Jesus. No one can truly be his disciple if one hasn’t given up everything and turn to follow the narrow path to Him. This is why Jesus died for us, so that it is possible to live holy and blameless lives. We cannot do it on our own. In verse 15, he instructs Titus not to be intimidated by anyone. Even though he was a young leader, he was given the authority to speak truth, exhort and rebuke with authority. So many people do not have the confidence and authority because many have not lived in God’s grace, but in their works of the flesh and own efforts.
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REFLECTION
• How is denying ungodliness and worldly desires keys to living holy lives?
FOR THE YOUNG MEN AND SLAVES ILMA’S VLOG
March 22
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FOR THE YOUNG MEN AND SLAVES
Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; 7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.9 Urge slaves to be subject to their own masters in everything, to be pleasing, not argumentative, 10 not stealing, but showing all good faith so that they will adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. – Titus 2:6-10
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Paul instructs the young men and the slaves in the following passages from his letter to Titus. For the young men, he wants them to be sensible. Sensible is defined as someone who is aware or conscious of his surroundings or sensations and thoughts, or responsive to physical stimuli. In other words, they are not clueless or insensitive to their surroundings and others. It would be such a shame to have a believer who is oblivious to his thoughts, God’s laws, to his surroundings and others. That would be foolish and selfish. They are also admonished to be role models of righteousness and know principles
of the laws of God in a pure and dignified manner. They are required to speak truth in love and beyond reproach, so that whoever opposes them will have no reason to say anything badly about them. The young men are easily prone to passions and impulses. Paul sees the possible problems that may arise if the youth follow their nature. It was something that Paul needed to emphasize because when you are young and free, one can easily be mindless and reckless which is unattractive to those who do not know Christ. It does not manifest the mind and heart of the Lord.
The slaves were also given instruction that they submit to their own masters in all things, to give their masters joy and satisfaction in how they serve them and not going against their authority and demands. They should not take anything that doesn’t belong to them and show them all the respect that they will also show God himself. In other words, they need to do to their masters, what they would do to God as well. As believers, Paul expects them to follow how humbly Jesus served mankind by dying for humanity to free them from sin.
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REFLECTION
• What is the relevance of these instructions to our youth and workers today?
INSTRUCTION TO OLDER MEN AND OLDER WOMEN ILMA’S VLOG
March 21
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INSTRUCTION TO OLDER MEN AND OLDER WOMEN
But as for you, proclaim the things which are fitting for sound doctrine. 2 Older men are to be temperate, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in perseverance.3 Older women likewise are to be reverent in their behavior, not malicious gossips nor enslaved to much wine, teaching what is good, 4 so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.
– Titus 2:1-5
________________________________________Paul instructs Titus to ensure that sound doctrine is clearly given to the believers. He specifically gives how the older male believers need to live a life of purity for the Lord. To walk in the faith, they are required to conduct themselves worthy of their Lord.
1. Temperate – someone who can restrain themselves and shows moderation
2. Dignified – calm and distinguished and respectable
3. Self-controlled- self-disciplined, knows how to govern oneself
4. Sound in faith- someone who can manifest their faith in his life
5. Sound in love- someone who can exercise the love that is sampled by the Lord
6. Sound in perseverance- someone who is diligent in pressing on no matter how hard circumstances or situations are.
For the older women, Paul has a longer list for them to follow.
1. Reverent in their behavior -someone who acts prudent and decent and respectable
2. No gossips- someone who doesn’t slander others or spread rumors
3. Not enslaved to drinking wine- someone who do not over indulge in drinking wine
4. To teach what is good- someone who is a teacher of righteousness
5. Train younger women to love their husband and children
6. To be sensible – someone who is practical and functional rather than decorative
7. To be pure – someone who is not contaminated easily by the world
8. To be workers at home- in other words, domesticated or a home maker
9. To be kind- gentle, generous, caring, thoughtful and helpful
10. To be subject to their own husbands – to submit to their husbands in everything or to honor their husband’s authority and not rebel or try to control them.
Surely, Paul spelled out to them how to live pure and holy lives for Christ.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important for the elder believer to continue to follow these instructions?
BEWARE OF EVIL RELIGIOUS PEOPLE
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March 19
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BEWARE OF EVIL RELIGIOUS PEOPLE
10 For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain. 12 One of them, a prophet of their own, said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true. For this reason, reprimand them severely so that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not paying attention to Jewish myths and commandments of men who turn away from the truth. – Titus 1:10-14
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In these passages in his letter to Titus, Paul warns the believers of those who are Jewish, who believe that the circumcision is a law that needs to be followed in order to be saved. He wants to correct these legalistic Jews that salvation is a gift of grace by God through faith in Christ alone.
Paul describes these circumcised Jews in verse 10 as rebels, empty talkers and deceivers. Why did Paul call them out as having these vicious traits and cautioned believers to be mindful of these Judaizers? What do rebels (disobedient) empty talkers (or boasters) and deceivers (manipulators) have in common? They are self-seeking and liars. They want to look good and lie to others so they can manipulate them into looking up to their accolades and achievements. In verse 11, Paul instructs Titus to ensure that these legalists are silenced for they have been victimizing whole families and teaching them false things for their own gains. Paul quotes one of these prophets who actually say that Cretans are liars, evil beasts and lazy gluttons.
Barclay comments “That does not imply that they are to be silenced by violence or persecution… it became the normal word for to silence a person by reason.” Matthew Henry says that “Faithful ministers must oppose such in good time, that their folly being made manifest, they may go no further. They had a base end in what they did; serving a worldly interest under pretence of religion: for the love of money is the root of all evil.” He further says that “Christian meekness is as far from cowardly passing over sin and error, as from anger and impatience, but the sharpest reproofs must aim at the good of the reproved; and soundness in the faith is most desirable and necessary.”
Clearly, Paul cares for his flock ensured that believers are not misled and taken advantage of by these corrupt and evil people who are only after selfish gains.
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REFLECTION
• How can we put a stop to religious manipulators who take advantage of others?