Scripture Union Daily Guide 30 August 2020
Topic: False Teachers And The Law
Opening Prayer: As I read through this passage dear Lord, let your word bring transformation to my life.
Introduction to 1 TIMOTHY
Paul took the preparation of the next generation of church leaders seriously. He needed to do that if the many churches he founded are not to die off but make good progress. He therefore equipped young people like Timothy and Titus and delegated leadership of some key churches to them. He placed Timothy in Ephesus, a church that was battling with a mixed–up heresy combining Gnosticism, corrupt Judaism and false self–denial (Asceticism).
It was quite a tall order for young Timothy, but Paul did not only give him on–the–job training during his missionary journeys, he gave clear job description and instructions to help Timothy make a success of his ministry. The instructions and encouragements are in the two letters of 1 and 2 Timothy. 1 Timothy 1: 1 ─ 11
Reflection:
• Is there any command for me to obey?
• Is there any warning for me to heed?
• What is God revealing to me in this passage?
Today’s Message: Scripture Union Daily Guide 30th August 2020
This letter is addressed to Timothy, who is described as a “true son of the faith”. Timothy’s task in Ephesus was to “command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies” (v.3–4). Reading between the lines, how were these false teachers misusing the law (vv.7–10; see also Galatians 2:15–16)?
The main scope and drift of the law are to engage us to the love of God and one another; and whatever tends to weaken either our love for God or love for the brethren tends to defeat the purpose of the commandment. Read vv.8–11 again. For what audience and what purpose is the law intended? The law is good for several reasons:
a) it shows the ungodly and the sinful that they have fallen short of God’s perfection,
b) the law is given so that the impure and immoral persons will turn away from being perverts,
c) the law is given to anything else that is contrary to the sound teaching of God’s Word etc.
The Jews used it dishonestly, as an engine to divide the church, a cover to their malicious opposition to the gospel of Christ. We must not therefore think to set it aside, but use it properly, for the restraint of sin.
⁂ Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Practice/Word Application:
• Reflection: “Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law.” (Romans 7:7).
Abundant Life
Abundant Life refers to the life of God in Man which is wholeness. This life includes vibrancy in every domain spirit, mind, body, emotions, relationships, etc. This happens only when, through faith we tap into the power of God. It also points to a abroad– based spirituality, balanced through participating in all of God’s blessings, resources and wisdom made available in Christ.
Today’s Prayer:
• Lord, help us to maintain sound doctrine and discipline in our Churches and fellowships.
• Pray for the activities of interdenominational Christian fellowships – OFNC, ACF etc. ─ in their ministry to foreigners.
• Offer a prayer of faith in line with John 17:17
Read the Bible in one Year
Psalms 132-134; 2 Cor. 10
Scripture Union Daily Guide 30 August 2020 – Scripture Union is an international, inter-denominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.