Tag: in the Bible
Please consider supporting this ministry:
-

Redemption From Religious Burdens: Considering the Gospel of Freedom Against Strange Doctrine in 1 Timothy
We have seen the character qualities we should all strive for in life and ministry. If we are to summarize all the qualifications into one word, I think it should be selflessness. We don’t want to be the types of people who gain for ourselves, whether that be monetarily, positionally, or emotionally. That’s why we…
-

The Congregation in View: Reflecting on 1 Timothy 3 for Transitional Churches
We tend to stop after we read the qualifications for pastors and deacons. We stop directly after reading the qualifications because we are reading with the intent to judge others. Doubtless we want pastors and deacons whose character is reflected in 1 Timothy 3. We want pastors and deacons who sincerely love the congregation, are…
-

Deacons, Likewise: Considerations for Transitional Churches in 1 Timothy 3
After stating the character qualifications for pastoral candidates, Paul inserts qualifications for deacons. Not all ministry involves pastoral work, strictly speaking. There are also deacons. In some way, the deacon office is like that of an overseer or pastor—but not the same. Paul exhorts the church through Timothy, Deacons likewise must be men of dignity,…
-

God’s Covenant Faithfulness According to The Law: The Psalmist’s Reflection in Psalm 119
The psalmist continues to look for encouragement in Psalm 119. He is surrounded by enemies. He feels dead. He wants to feel alive again and has dedicated himself to God’s ways rather than his own. God’s ways bring happiness, life, peace, and justice. They are good for him and all of society. As a repentant…
-

Personal Revival in Psalm 119: Thinking About What It Means to Feel Alive Again
The worship of our lives is seeking after God’s ways rather than our own. We learn that God’s ways are better because our ways typically cause great hardship and tribulation. God forgives us for living by our own ways and bringing such destruction on ourselves and his earth. He shows his lovingkindness to thousands of…
-

Understanding the Providence of God in Our Lives: Psalm 119
How many of us have planned out our lives according to our desires? In Psalm 119, the psalmist has been talking about how his plans and ways did not really work out for his own happiness or the good of others. God’s ways are better. He consistently asks God to teach him the divine way…
-

Considering the Qualifications for Pastors and What We Strive for as Mature Christians: 1 Timothy 3
In the seasons of appointing pastors, Paul has already reminded the church through Timothy that humility and patience are key. No one should be seeking self promotion. We should not neglect considering the needs of one another. We should continue caring more about others than ourselves. Be quiet. Be humble. Love one another. Only after…
-

Why Does God Permit Bad Things?: The Psalmist’s Confession in Psalm 119
The psalmist in Psalm 119 has come to a significant point in his life, recognizing God’s ways as better than his own. He thought his own ways were good, but discovered they brought unhappiness for his own life and facilitated injustice in the world. The psalmist has asked God’s forgiveness according to His lovingkindness as…
-

To the Men of the Church in Transition: Reflecting on 1 Timothy 2
In 1 Timothy, Paul is giving explicit instructions to Timothy—whom he left in Ephesus to instruct and appoint pastors for the churches there. Paul hasn’t really gotten to what to look for in pastors or how to promote them yet. He has emphasized the importance of humility, patience, and love. We can easily get caught…











