Devotionals for November 7, 2023
It's not too early to talk about Christmas at TNLC! It will be on Dec 23 at 5:30pm & Dec 24 at 10:00am, 4:00pm, & 5:30pm.
READ
1 TIMOTHY 6:3-5
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between people of corrupt minds, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and godly teaching, they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions, and constant friction between people of corrupt minds, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
REFLECT
Paul is giving wisdom to his protege, Timothy, who’s a younger leader tasked with caring for a church. Though this passage may sound harsh, rereading Paul’s warning makes a lot of sense. By not teaching or believing the truth of Jesus, leads people to conceitedness, fighting, envy, and friction. In other words, things tend to blow up when we’re left to our desires. The scariest part of Paul’s warning is about those “who have been robbed of the truth” and how they use their spirituality to rob others for “financial gain.” Unfortunately, we’ve seen spiritual leaders crumble and forsake the truth of Jesus. We’ve seen churches robbed and ministries misled. Thankfully, God has shown us what true riches look like in advance so we can lead wisely.
APPLY
Q: Why do you think this topic was important to Paul?
Q: Though you may not be a church leader, you are a follower of the Good Shepherd. How can you reflect His character in how you steward what you have to His honor?
Q: Why is it important for us to project the Gospel by the way we live and treat others?
Q: Though you may not be a church leader, you are a follower of the Good Shepherd. How can you reflect His character in how you steward what you have to His honor?
Q: Why is it important for us to project the Gospel by the way we live and treat others?
SING
PRAY
"May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
Lord, your will is righteousness, purity, and selflessness. Help me to live like Jesus and to lead others wisely and with love. I want to uphold your will and protect the integrity of Gospel. Show me how I can walk in obedience today. I love you, Father! Amen..
Lord, your will is righteousness, purity, and selflessness. Help me to live like Jesus and to lead others wisely and with love. I want to uphold your will and protect the integrity of Gospel. Show me how I can walk in obedience today. I love you, Father! Amen..