Scripture Union Daily Guide 8 July 2024 (Monday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Warn Them
OPENING PRAYER: Grant me depth of insight, revelation and knowledge as I meditate on this passage, O Lord.
SCRIPTURE READING FOR TODAY: 1 TIMOTHY 1:1-11
INTRODUCTION TO 1 TIMOTHY
We see an example of good discipleship and mentoring in the relationship between Paul and Timothy. Timothy’s Jewish mother and grandmother had done a great job of introducing him to the faith. His father being Greek, Paul circumcised him and adopted him as one of his assistants (Acts 16:1-4). He served alongside Paul for a while and was later sent to take care of the church in Ephesus.
Paul, knowing that he may not be able to visit Timothy, wrote 1&2 Timothy to give him necessary directives for effective ministry. Ephesian church was faced with heresies (Gnosticism, corrupt Judaism and false self-denial (Asceticism)) hence Paul’s emphasis on expounding the Word of God faithfully and resisting the urge to engage in distractive and fruitless arguments.
Question(s) for Reflection
* Q3: Is there any command for me to obey?
* Q7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 8 July 2024 – TODAY’S MESSAGE
Notice Paul’s endearing words to Timothy in v.2. Are you called upon to be a mentor or spiritual father to some young Christians?
Before throwing him into the deep end (v.3), Paul had trained and fully mentored Timothy. He had set the right example in ministry for him. And now Paul can trust him to stand for and teach the truth of God’s word. He gave him guidelines to ensure he is not derailed by anyone, by wrong philosophy or unprofitable arguments.
One of the main challenges of Timothy’s time, a challenge he would face in Ephesus is that posed by those who promote adherence to the Law of Moses as essential for full salvation. This is a major false doctrine that Paul fought against from place to place, a task Paul now hands over to Timothy. It is not that the Law is evil. See what it is useful for in vs.9-10.
The Lord has however made us righteous through His sacrifice and freed us from the requirements of the Law. This is true freedom and the sound doctrine that is entrusted to us and which we are to proclaim everywhere.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Thank you, dear Lord, for making us righteous through your death.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with Deuteronomy 10:18
“He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.”
One-Year Bible Reading Plan
Daily Bible Reading Plan: Day 190 – Isaiah 1-4