[Originally posted in a WhatsApp group (DG) as a daily reading update (reflection) from each chapter of the Bible]
𝕀 𝕋𝕀𝕄𝕆𝕋ℍ𝕐 𝟙:𝟙𝟠-𝟙𝟡
"This
command I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies
previously made concerning you, that by them you may fight the good fight,
keeping faith and a good conscience, which some, having rejected, suffered
shipwreck in regard to their faith."
The Christian life is a
battle, it's a war because Satan is roaming around like a roaring lion to
devour. It's imperative that we live a life of alertness. We must fight every
temptation, battle every sinful inclination. That's a spiritual discipline. Fighting
the good fight that we may not fall!
We are to be excellent in
whatever is good. We can't be complacent people!
𝕀 𝕋𝕀𝕄𝕆𝕋ℍ𝕐 𝟚:𝟛-𝟞
"This
is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to
be saved and to come to the full knowledge of the truth. For there is one God,
and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave
Himself as a ransom for all, the witness for this proper time."
God wants all to be saved.
And He gave Jesus, who is the means of Salvation. Do we want all to be saved?
It's to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ!
What are the reasons and
challenges for my hesitation to share the news of Salvation with people? Let's
reflect upon this question!
𝕀 𝕋𝕀𝕄𝕆𝕋ℍ𝕐 𝟛:𝟙𝟜-𝟙𝟝
"I
am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you soon but in case I am
delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the
household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support
of the truth."
The church is a sacred
place, a sacred community, a sacred atmosphere, a sacred service, a sacred
gathering, a sacred attendance, a sacred meeting; let's not take it lightly.
Therefore, leadership must be of the highest standard.
Let's pray for the sanctity
of the church, that we will sanctify our hearts in matters of church, and that
our leaders will be approved and pleasing to God in carrying out their duties! 🙏
𝕀 𝕋𝕀𝕄𝕆𝕋ℍ𝕐 𝟜:𝟙𝟚
"Let
no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech,
in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
One of my favorite verses
for more than 2 decades of my life.
“ᴛᴏ ʙᴇ ᴀɴ ᴇxᴀᴍᴘʟᴇ”
By God's Grace, many have
said that I have been an example for their kids, for my friends, for my
juniors, for even my fellow leaders. Praise be to God.
However, this verse is real
to me as always. I have to be an example in all things and at all times.
There's no holiday. There's no success until we reach heaven's shore.
1. Watch how you speak:
profanity, lying, insult, swearing,
2. Watch how you behave:
integrity, friendship, fellowship, principles, discipline,
3. Watch what and how you
love.
4. Watch your profession:
your doctrine, church, Bible,
5. Watch your life: purity
and godliness; sin and evil company
𝕀 𝕋𝕀𝕄𝕆𝕋ℍ𝕐 𝟝:𝟚𝟘
"Those
who continue in sin, reprove in the presence of all, so that the rest also will
be fearful."
Sin is dangerous. It's
contagious. Therefore, it must be dealt with effectively.
Sin affects the person and
infects others too. While coronavirus is infected through direct contact or
even if it could be airborne, sin is infected even by sight, hearing, and thinking.
It's far, far pandemic.
Therefore, public sin must
be dealt with publicly. That it might not infect others, that it might instil
the fear of sin. Fear restrains people from sinning.
BTW, Church discipline has
not been practiced biblically by many churches. It is a must!
𝕀 𝕋𝕀𝕄𝕆𝕋ℍ𝕐 𝟞:𝟙𝟟-𝟙𝟡
"Command
those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty or to set their hope
on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all
things to enjoy. Command them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous
and ready to share, storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation
for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed."
It's okay to be rich.
It's good to be rich.
It's not ok to boast of
richness. It's not right to look down on the poor. It's not right to run after
money.
The rich must be generous
because it's God who allows them to be rich. The rich must be rich in good
works also.
And now, the question is how
much is rich?
Let's realize that if we
have food and clothing, it's enough (v8). Therefore, let's also remember that
we are richer than many people on earth. And therefore, applies to us too.