1 Timothy 2 (HCSB)
Instructions on Prayer
1 First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, 2 for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good, and it pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and humanity, Christ Jesus, Himself human, 6 who gave Himself—a ransom for all, a testimony at the proper time.
7 For this I was appointed a herald, an apostle (I am telling the truth; I am not lying), and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
Instructions to Men and Women
8 Therefore, I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. 9 Also, the women are to dress themselves in modest clothing, with decency and good sense, not with elaborate hairstyles, gold, pearls, or expensive apparel, 10 but with good works, as is proper for women who affirm that they worship God. 11 A woman should learn in silence with full submission. 12 I do not allow a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; instead, she is to be silent. 13 For Adam was created first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and transgressed. 15 But she will be saved through childbearing, if she continues in faith, love, and holiness, with good judgment.
1 Timothy 3 (HCSB)
Qualifications of Church Leaders
1 This saying is trustworthy: “If anyone aspires to be an overseer, he desires a noble work.” 2 An overseer, therefore, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, an able teacher, 3 not addicted to wine, not a bully but gentle, not quarrelsome, not greedy— 4 one who manages his own household competently, having his children under control with all dignity. 5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of God’s church?) 6 He must not be a new convert, or he might become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the Devil. 7 Furthermore, he must have a good reputation among outsiders, so that he does not fall into disgrace and the Devil’s trap.
8 Deacons, likewise, should be worthy of respect, not hypocritical, not drinking a lot of wine, not greedy for money, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And they must also be tested first; if they prove blameless, then they can serve as deacons. 11 Wives, too, must be worthy of respect, not slanderers, self-controlled, faithful in everything. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, managing their children and their own households competently. 13 For those who have served well as deacons acquire a good standing for themselves, and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
The Mystery of Godliness
14 I write these things to you, hoping to come to you soon. 15 But if I should be delayed, I have written so that you will know how people ought to act in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 And most certainly, the mystery of godliness is great:
He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
PERSONAL JOURNAL:
SIN (verse 2:8): Lord, please forgive me for constantly having a default emotion of anger and argument. Help me to prevent these emotions and bad habits from manifesting as my defaults.
PROMISE (verses 2:5-6): You made a promise to us that You would send a savior, Jesus, who is our mediator between mankind and God and that He is the ransom for all.
ATTITUDE (verses 2:1-2): Lord, please help me with my attitude towards others, especially those appointed over me, so that I may lead a tranquil and quiet life in godliness and dignity.
COMMAND (verses 2:1-2 & 8): You command us to pray and give thanks for everyone, including our leaders, without anger or argument.
EXAMPLE (verses 3:1-13): Although I cannot be a pastor or deacon because I have had more than one wife, help me to still follow the rest of this example You provide for these positions so that I may be holy and glorify You always.
*DAILY NOTE: 1 Timothy 2 and 3 are both fairly short, so I decided to read through both for my quiet time today. I have felt like my calling could be a Pastor or Deacon, but because of my prior marriage I cannot do so. As a result, I've been determined to at least help out as much as my time permits in my home church. We must remember that not all of us are called to whatever we feel like doing in the moment. Sometimes God has plans for us that may require a similar toolset and devotion, but down a different path as a result of our experiences. I'm still learning, Lord. Please shine the way down the path for me.
*GENERAL NOTE: I always "sandwich" my quiet time with God in prayer and do it in a location that I will not have any distractions so that I can be focused on my quiet time with God. Do not worry about how short or long your journal entries are for that day's quiet time. Just focus on the actual quiet time and relational conversation with God through the Holy Spirit and His Word. The journaling is an enhancement to your quiet time conversation with God, but also to allow you to reflect on things later as you can look back on your journal entries later when you do the chapters again in the future to see how you have grown. See the FAQ for more detail on how I do my quiet time.
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