Summary retelling of 1 Timothy 3:14-16
Paul
explains to Timothy that he hopes to be able to come to him soon. However, if that is not possible Paul still
wants Timothy to know how to lead Christians.
Paul then reminds Timothy that the body of believers (the church) is a
living buttress of truth. Then Paul
gives some inspirational words. Remember
that Christ was alive in the flesh. The
Holy Spirit demonstrated Christ’s righteousness. Angels have seen Him. Nations have been told about Him. People from all over the world have believed
in Him. He was taken into the glory of
the presence of God.
Thoughts for Today
First Thought:
We
are the church. The building is not the
church. The hymnal and its liturgical
practices are not the church. The space
where we keep all of our religious artifacts is not the church. The church is God’s people who are “purposed”
for the proclamation of His Gospel in the world. We are the buttress of truth. We are the church. When Christ loves the church, He loves
us. He doesn’t love our spaces; He loves
us.
Why
is this an important thought? What does
it mean to you to know that Jesus loves you specifically? What does it mean to you that you are a part
of Christ’s living buttress of truth?
Second Thought:
Paul
wants to come and see Timothy. However,
this is not always possible. Sometimes
the things we want to do are not where God really needs us to be. Sometimes like Paul we have to trust that God
can equip others. So Paul wants to do
his part to make sure that regardless of whether or not he can come that Timothy
can lead and God’s will can be done.
How
hard is it to trust that others can get the job done? What can make it easier to put that trust in
others?
Third Thought:
Look
at the inspirational thoughts that Paul gives to Timothy.
- Jesus lived.
- The Holy Spirit has come to witness to His righteousness. That means that we have the Holy Spirit! God is in us!
- His Gospel is being taken throughout the world.
- People are believing in Jesus.
- Jesus was taken into glory into the presence of God. This means that those who are in Jesus can also have the hope that we shall be taken into the glory of the presence of God as well.
Do
you feel the Holy Spirit within you? If
so, how do you know? How does having the
Holy Spirit within you change who you are?
Does it inspire you to know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is being
proclaimed throughout the world? Why is
this inspiring? What does it mean to you
to know that a day will come when you will dwell with Christ in the presence of
God and His glory?
Passage for
Tomorrow: 1 Timothy 4:1-5
4 comments:
You totally were correct I do enjoy the first and the third thought. On the basis of the first one, I gave you my rant about "Religious Preferences" on surveys that I had to take at the beginning of the year? (sarcasm is about to begin) I loved that it said on there choose Lutheran, Methodist, Baptist, etc. There was not one single option to just pick "Christian." Now, I probably let this frustrate me more that it should but it is insane to think that we are not one unified Christian body, but instead we are divided denominations which obviously equals different religions? (Sorry for the rant) Anyways, I really do like the comments and agree with them.
I guess I never thought about the surveys like that, but I definitely see your point. Unfortunately we have allowed practice to define theology instead of allowing theology to remain supreme.
So much of those questions are for statistical reports. Or maybe if you are struggling they might be able to call in a particular pastor of a particular denomination. But really ... should not one Christian be able to support and speak meaningfully to another?
It is so true when you say -- the traditions, hymnals, liturgy, building, etc... aren't the church. WE ARE! It reminds me of the children's song "I am the Church". And while we should always remember that, it is so very easy to get caught up in the nitty gritty of the other.
I'm reading your blog daily now - thanks for the inspiration each day!
Mary, I've actually never sung that song. So many liturgical Christians talk about that song out of their heritage. I don't know if my parents just didn't know that song or what ... but I'm not sure I ever sang it! LOL. But thankfully, I've heard the references enough to know what's being said. I completely agree.
Unfortunately I think that you are also correct when you say that it is so easy to get caught up in the other stuff. I don't know if it is our love for control, our desire to focus on ourselves, or what. It's probably different for everyone. But we do get caught up in the nitty gritty more often than we should.
I'm glad you are able to be inspired. Comments are always welcome. I love the dialogue and the various perspectives that come form dialogue.
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