Author Archive for: meiling

Hi GAMErs!

Today we begin the book of 2 Timothy, a letter written by Paul to his disciple and fellow pastor Timothy.  2 Timothy is very likely the last letter that Paul wrote before he was executed (beheaded by Caesar Nero).  When you read 2 Timothy, you’ll notice clues that Paul himself knew that his days on earth were coming to a close.  As such, this letter is very tender and heartfelt, like a last letter from a father to his son.

2 Timothy 1:1 (NIV) 
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

On verse 1:  Paul would often begin his letters by identifying himself as “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God”.  But this time he adds an extra phrase: “according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus”.   It’s because Paul knows that his days on earth are nearing an end.  Rather than complaining or feeling sorry for himself, he focuses on the promise of eternal life that is in Christ Jesus.

Hi GAMErs!

Today’s passage is 1 Timothy 6:11-21. Let’s go!

1 Timothy 6:11 (NIV) 
11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.

On verse 11:  Paul had just finished telling Timothy to beware being swept up by false teaching (v3-5) and a love of money (v9-10).  He tells Timothy to flee from all that and instead to chase righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness (v11).  What can we learn from this?  The quality of your life and the legacy you leave will be determined by what you chase.  Chase money and false teaching; come up empty.  Chase Jesus; come up full.

Hi GAMErs!

Today’s passage is 1 Timothy 6:1-10.  Let’s go!

1 Timothy 6:1-2 (NIV) 
1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 
2 Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them.

On verses 1-2:  These verses apply to working relationships, how employees should treat their employers.  Earlier in 1 Timothy we learned that how you treat your own family is a measure of your spiritual maturity.  In these verses we learn that how you treat people at work is also a measure of your spiritual maturity.

When you as a Christian treat your unbelieving boss/co-worker/client, as flawed and imperfect as he/she may be, with “full respect” (v1), you make the Gospel attractive.  On the other hand, if you’re a Christian and you treat your unbelieving boss/co-worker/client disrespectfully, you only give them one more reason to slander Christians and to not believe (v1).

Hi GAMErs!

Today’s passage is 1 Timothy 5:17-25.  Let’s go!

1 Timothy 5:17-18 (NIV) 
17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 
18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 

On verses 17-18:  Here Paul gives instructions on how the senior leaders of the church (also sometimes called “overseers” and “elders” elsewhere in the New Testament) should be treated.  He says that those who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honour, especially those who preach and teach the congregation.  What kind of “double honour” did Paul expect the church to give their most senior leaders?  Of course part of that “double honour” includes speaking to them with love and respect and treating them well.  From verse 18 we learn it also includes making sure that they are adequately compensated financially for their ministry.