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?
Tag Archives: Christian devotional
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?
HOW TO LIVE A PEACEFUL AND QUIET LIFE ILMA’S VLOG
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?
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?