Open the Bible UK Daily
3 minute daily Bible reflections from Open the Bible UK, authored by Colin Smith, read by Sue McLeish.
Episodes
Wisdom for Work
The sluggard buries his hand in the dish and will not even bring it back to his mouth.Proverbs 19:24We are looking today at the theme of work, or more precisely, its opposite.The book of Proverbs introduces us to a tragic character whose life ends in ruin. The name of this character is the sluggard. He is referred to 14 times.The sluggard is presented in comic terms, like when you see a caricature
How You Can Bless Others with Your Words
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.Psalm 19:14Your words will be a blessing when you have:An open earLet every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (Jas. 1:19). Having an open ear means listening to the words of others. It also means listening to the Word of God. “Incline your ear, and hear the word
Four Prayers for Wise Words
“What comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart.”Matthew 15:18The Proverbs encourage us to speak in certain ways, and to avoid speaking in other ways. Let’s frame four prayers from the book of Proverbs, asking for God’s help with our words.Lord, help me to speak with restraintThe heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things (15:28).Words pour
Two Very Surprising Effects of Our Words
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.Proverbs 18:21What you say comes out of you, but it also goes down inside you. It goes to the stomach (18:20). Your own cursing will go deep down into your own soul. They are bitter fruits, and they will make your soul sick. You will eat your own words.The tongue is the means by which we bring great help or ha
Why Your Words Matter
Death and life are in the power of the tongue.Proverbs 18:21We have looked at the way of wisdom in relation to friends and family, and today we come to wisdom in our words. There are more proverbs on what we say than on any other subject. The tongue is the means by which we bring the greatest help or harm to others.There is death in the power of the tongueThere is one whose rash words are like swo
The Power of Example
My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you; keep my commandments and live.Proverbs 7:1-2The only commands that are life-giving are the words and commands of God. But here is a father who has made God’s words his own: “My teaching. My words. My commandments.” What he commends to his son is what he pursues himself. That is the power of example.If you are a parent, a great motivat
Wisdom for Parents
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.Proverbs 22:6Remember that the Proverbs are not promises. Still, this is a stunning statement: Your influence in the lives of your children goes deeper than you may think. It will still be with them, even when they are old!The thief on the cross lived his life in rebellion against God, yet he said to the thief
Wisdom for Children
A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is a sorrow to his mother.Proverbs 10:1You might be surprised to hear that the largest number of proverbs relating to family life are addressed to parents and to children. Let’s begin with God’s wisdom for children.Always seek to bring joy to your parentsHonour your father and your mother (Ex. 20:12). The word honour means “give weight to” or “rega
Wisdom for Husbands and Wives
He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord.Proverbs 18:22Your spouse is a gift from the Lord. These are the words of Solomon to his son Rehoboam, and this wise father commends marriage to his son as a good thing. Marriage is a good gift from the Lord.We live in a culture that flaunts freedom. “Who wants to be tied down?” The Bible has a very different view of marriage.
Wisdom for Brothers and Sisters
A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city, and quarreling is like the bars of a castle.Proverbs 18:19If you have a good relationship with your brother or sister, cherish it and guard it, because Proverbs reminds us that close relationships are vulnerable to deep wounds that don’t heal easily. “A brother offended is more unyielding than a strong city.” You see this in the Old Testam
How to Find a Best Friend
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.Proverbs 18:24The Lord Jesus Christ is the best friend you can ever have.1. Jesus will always be with youHe says, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Heb. 13:4). No one else can say this to you. In every adversity, in life and in death, Jesus is the friend who will always be with you.2. The word
How to Be a True Friend
Do not forsake your friend and your father’s friend, and do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity. Better is a neighbour who is near than a brother who is far away.Proverbs 27:10What are the qualities of a true friend? How can you be a better friend? Proverbs gives us a profile of a true friend.1. A true friend is presentDo not go to your brother’s house in the day of your cal
Guard Your Friendships Carefully
Let your foot be seldom in your neighbour’s house, lest he have his fill of you and hate you.Proverbs 25:17Proverbs gives us two ways to guard our friendships:First, by being considerateThe easiest way to kill a good friendship is to become demanding. Here is a person who becomes friends with his neighbour, but then he overdoes it! Eventually the neighbour has had enough.Be considerate not only of
Choose Your Friends Wisely
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.Proverbs 13:20The people with whom you are closest will have the greatest influence in your life. The character of the friends you choose will rub off on you. And the deeper a friendship becomes, the more like your friend you will become. Friendship can bring you great good or do you great harm, depending on the
Be Intentional with Your Friendships
Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgement.Proverbs 18:1In Proverbs we are looking at what it means to follow the way of wisdom in five areas: friends, family, words, work, and wealth. Today, we begin by looking at friendship.“Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire” (18:1). That is, he is concerned about himself. And if you are only concerned ab
“The Fear of the Lord” Is Not Fear of Punishment
With you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.Psalm 130:4To “fear the Lord” means to love Him so much that His frown would be your greatest dread and His smile would be your greatest delight.There is a fear that love removes, and there is a fear that love brings.The fear that love removes is the fear of punishment. There is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1).The
What Is Your First Reaction to “the Fear of the Lord”?
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.Proverbs 9:10What is your first reaction to “the fear of the LORD”? If you have endured a religion based on fear, you may say, “I had enough of that when I was young; I don’t want anything to do with it now.”If that is what you feel, look at the good that is promised here, and see if you may discover some
Three Benefits of Wisdom
Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.Proverbs 3:16–17Here are three things that wisdom brings to us:1. Long lifeLong life is in her right hand (3:16). If you eat a proper diet, you will enjoy better health than if you live on junk food. That doesn’t guarantee you will never have cancer, but the genera
What’s in It (Wisdom) for Me?
The gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.Matthew 7:14Proverbs describes what it looks like to follow Jesus Christ. It lays out the life to which wisdom calls us, the life of a disciple of Jesus.We are going to look at what it means to follow Jesus, what it means to follow the way of wisdom in regard to your friendships, your family, your words, your
The Point of the Proverbs
Does not wisdom call? Does not understanding raise her voice?Proverbs 8:1In Proverbs 8, wisdom speaks, but whose voice is this? The answer is found in the New Testament.Jesus is described as the wisdom of God: “You are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God” (1 Cor. 1:30). “Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:2-3).So, when we read in Proverbs th
How to Read the Book of Proverbs
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom.Proverbs 3:13Wisdom is the skill you need for putting together a successful life—or to put it another way—wisdom is “life skills.” Over these next days, we’re going to look together at what the Bible has to say on practical issues like friends, family, words, work, and wealth.We will be talking here about the skills of building friendships, raising children, and
The Kind of Sorrow God Wants You to Experience
Godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.2 Corinthians 7:10There are two kinds of grief (or sorrow). Worldly sorrow brings death. You can be full of regret and never change; you can be sorry without repenting. Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret. Godly sorrow leads to real and lasting chan
Where You Will Find the Courage to Repent
‘He arose and came to his father.’Luke 15:20The prodigal son was absolutely miserable. But it takes courage to go back home. How do you find the courage to begin the long journey home? You find the courage when you believe that there will be a welcome. And this is the promise of the gospel.The father in Jesus’ story is more generous than the son would ever have dared to imagine. The father, filled
Where the Prodigal Son’s Repentance Came From
“The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’”Luke 15:12In Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son, the younger son gets his money and goes to live as far away from his father as he can. But he squanders his money, and then Jesus says, “A severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need” (15:14).So, he got a job feeding pigs, and t
This Shows What You Truly Think of Jesus
And he answered, “I will not.”Matthew 21:29What an obnoxious son! His father asked him to go work in his vineyard, and he said to his face, “I will not.” There’s hostility, rebellion, and defiance! “You’re not going to tell me what to do.”The grandmothers would be saying, “Oh, what a shame! What a pity he isn’t like his brother.” Then Jesus tells us about a remarkable change: “But afterward he cha
The Danger of an Empty Profession
“A man had two sons.”Matthew 21:28Jesus told a parable about a father who asked his two sons to go work in his vineyard. One son said, “I will not,” but later he changed his mind (repented) and went. The other son said, “I will, sir,” but he didn’t.The second son’s response was immediate, positive, and polite! Grandmothers who saw this clean-cut lad would be very impressed, “He’s such a good boy!
If You Have Doubts About Your Heart
Present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life.Romans 6:13Dietrich Bonhoeffer was one of the German Christian leaders who stood against the Nazi regime. Bonhoeffer was an inspiration to many. But when he looked into his own heart he wasn’t so sure. He expressed this conflict in a poem called “Who Am I?”, written from his prison cell shortly before he was martyred.“Who
How to Offer Yourself to God
Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.1 Corinthians 10:31Suppose you spent 8 hours a day sleeping, 8 hours working, 3 hours eating, and 2 hours travelling to and from work. You would have 3 hours leftover. Now, if you gave 2 of those to your family, then you would have just 1 hour left!Many people think “offering yourself to God” means doing some ministry. That’s a great thing to do. But if
Offer Yourself to God in Your Present Circumstances
Present yourselves to God...Romans 6:13God showed Joseph in a vision the great purposes that He had for him. But his brothers sold him to slave traders who took him to Egypt, and he ended up in prison.Put yourself in Joseph’s shoes: Why am I here? What use can a man be to God in a prison? But Joseph exercised faith, pursued integrity, and ministered to the men God placed next to him. Then God step
Repentance Involves Giving Yourself to God
Present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life.Romans 6:13Notice what the apostle Paul says just before this: “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness” (6:13). Paul is talking here about the possibility of offering yourself to sin—your capacities, what you can do with the skill of your hands, the creativity of your mind, and so on.This is
Repentance Cannot Be Confined to Certain Things You No Longer Do
You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.1 Thessalonians 1:9This is a great description of repentance! Notice the negative and the positive: “You turned… from idols”—that’s the negative. These people stopped doing certain things that were displeasing to God. More than that, they started doing other things that are pleasing to God. “You turned to God… to serve the living and tr
Learn How to Kill Your Sin
If you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.Romans 8:13John Owen says that putting your sin to death involves the following:1. A habitual weakening of sinEvery time you say “no” to the flesh you weaken its power.2. Constant fighting and contending against sinSin’s root remains in us, so don’t expect an end to your stru
Sin Is Like a Wild Animal
“Sin is crouching at the door.”Genesis 4:7Sin is a power. It has life and vigour in it. That means you have to track it down and deal with it, or it will destroy you.In the story of Cain and Abel, Abel brought God an acceptable sacrifice, but Cain did not. So Cain became angry. God said, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not d
Learn How to Stalk Your Sin
My sin is ever before me.Psalm 51:3Once you have identified an area of sin that you need to deal with, start watching for its movements in your life. Suppose you are stalking pride, lust, laziness, or unbelief. Ask yourself, “When am I most vulnerable to this? In what ways do I see it being expressed?” John Owen wrote extensively on this subject in the 17th century, and his most famous book is cal
Use the Bible as a Tool for Self-Examination
Examine yourselves.2 Corinthians 13:5Using the Bible as a tool for self-examination is good to do on a regular basis. It is also good to set aside some particular times for self-examination.On a regular basisWhen you read the Bible ask yourself, Is there a promise to believe, a command to obey, or a sin to avoid? Try to see if what you are reading points to a sin that could be lurking in your life
How God Reveals Our Hidden Sins
Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin.James 1:15James is using a picture here—desire conceives. The point about conception is that it is a hidden thing. Nobody knows when it actually happens, and it only becomes evident later on.When the impulse to sin remains hidden, undetected, and unchallenged, sin will grow. James speaks about sin, “when it is fully grown” (1:15). Sin grows, and
Why the Christian Life Is Always a Struggle
Each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.James 1:14It is clear that we will all be tempted. There is no if here: “Each person is tempted when…” Every Christian will be tempted throughout the entire course of his or her life.James is talking to Christian believers, and he is reminding us that sin is not out there in the world, it is in here in each of our lives.When you
How to Read the Bible, Worship, and Pray
“Please show me your glory.”Exodus 33:18This is how people pray when they see that lasting change begins with knowing God.Think about the difference between Job and Esau: Esau wanted to change, but he couldn’t because he was far from God. Job changed because in all his pain he just kept on seeking after God.The way you see the glory of God is in the face of Jesus Christ: God “has shone in our hear
The Relationship Between Your Comfort and Your Repentance
Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.Genesis 24:67The word comforted is the same word Job used when he said, “I repent.” There is a wonderful comfort in repentance. You could translate Job 42:6: “I repent and comfort myself in dust.”What comfort could there possibly be for Job in the dust? He has finally resolved his conflict with God. Being out of sorts with God is a terrible thing for a
What Is Your Prevailing Attitude Toward God?
“I lay my hand on my mouth.”Job 40:4In a nutshell, this is how Job responded to his encounter with Almighty God. It is very different than his attitude toward God beforehand!What is your prevailing attitude toward God right now? Is it one of complaining? Is it questioning? Or is it resenting?What would your prevailing attitude be if you saw God’s glory? You would have complete confidence in Him fo
How to Live with the Pain of Your Unanswered Questions
“I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”Job 42:3The breakthrough in Job’s life came through a fresh glimpse of the greatness and glory of God. The encounter was devastating. God asked Job nearly 40 questions:“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?” (38:4)“Who determined its measurements?” (38:5)“Who laid its cornerstone” while
If You Have a Complaint against God, You’re Not Alone
“I loathe my life; I will give free utterance to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.”Job 10:1Job was a man of faith, a strong believer. But his faith had been stretched to the limits. He believed in God, but he struggled with God, so he poured out his questions and complaints.Job wasn’t the only believer to complain like this. Some of the Psalms express similar questions and c
A Curious Story of Repentance
“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”Job 42:5-6Job got what he asked for – a clear, direct, audible encounter with God. But afterwards Job said, “I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” What did Job repent of?God doesn’t accuse Job of any sins. Instead, He vindicates Job and is angry with his frie
What Is the Real Cause of Our Suffering?
When Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come upon him, they came each from his own place… to show him sympathy and comfort him.Job 2:11Job had some friends who were worried about his spiritual condition, and so they came to comfort him in his loss. They should be commended for that.These friends felt quite sure that Job’s suffering must be a direct consequence of some sin in his l
Meet a Man Who Endured Great Suffering
“There is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil.”Job 1:8Job was one of the finest men who ever lived. Listen to what God said about him: “There is none like him on the earth.” Imagine having God say that about you!The story of Job is about how he became the target for a focused attack from Satan, and God allowed it. One day, the bottom fell
Where All Repentance Begins
God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.Acts 5:31God says that He “gives” repentance. You say, “Isn’t repentance our responsibility?” Yes, but it is God’s grace that makes it possible.That’s why David says, “Search me, O God, and know my heart!… See if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psa. 1
Don’t Miss the Grace of God
When he [Esau] desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.Hebrews 12:17Why was Esau unable to repent? Hebrews gives us two answers:1. Esau was godlessSee to it that… no one is… unholy like Esau (12:15-16).Esau believed in God and wanted the blessing of God. He burst out with a bitter cry when the blessing he wanted was given t
Meet the Man Who Could Not Repent
For you know that afterward, when he [Esau] desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to repent, though he sought it with tears.Hebrews 12:17Maybe you’ve been a Christian for some time. You’ve tried to get free from certain sins, but you haven’t been able to, so you’re convinced that real, lasting change is no longer possible for you. When you hear the word repentanc
Start with a Good Definition of Repentance
“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.”Matthew 3:8Here is a good definition of repentance from J. I. Packer: “Repentance is turning from as much as you know of your sin, to give as much as you know of yourself, to as much as you know of your God.” Once you’ve grasped this definition, you won’t be thinking: Been there, done that when you hear the word repentance.1. Repentance is turning from as mu
Repentance Is Much More Than the ABC’s of the Gospel
“The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”Mark 1:15Some Christians hear the word repentance and immediately think: Been there, done that! It’s easy to see why.Imagine you were brought up under teaching that emphasised repentance at the beginning of the Christian life. Sermons ended by calling sinners to repent and believe, inviting them to come to the front of the church or
Repentance Is the Hidden Path to a Transformed Life
“The younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.”Luke 15:13Jesus told a wonderful story about repentance: A son takes his inheritance, goes into a distant country, and wastes everything he has on riotous living. But eventually the bottom falls out of his life, and he ends up scratching out a living on a pig farm. T
What Is Your Reaction to the Word Repentance?
“There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”Luke 15:10What is your reaction to the word repentance? We come from many different backgrounds, and your reaction will tell you a great deal about what you think repentance is.For some of us repentance sounds heavy! If that’s your reaction, it probably means that you think of repentance as beating yourself up. A lot of people hav
Anticipate Christ’s Coming
Keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ...1 Timothy 6:14One day we are going to see Jesus Christ. The day will come when your faith will be turned to sight. This is an amazing promise.A few verses later, Paul reminds us that God “dwells in unapproachable light” (6:16). God is not hidden in unapproachable darkness, but in unapproachable lig
Christianity Is a Battle, Not a Hobby
I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus… to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach.1 Timothy 6:13-14The command mentioned here seems to be what Paul says in the preceding verses. There is a character to pursue, a battle to fight, and a life to gain.A character to pursue“As for you, O man of God... pursue righteousness, godliness, faith,
Distinctive #10: Gospel Hope
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.Pursue righteousness…1 Timothy 6:11The tenth distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel hope.Timothy had been given overwhelming responsibilities. He was a young man, and he was leading the church in Ephesus. This was a massive responsibility.We know that by temperament, Timothy was timid (2 Tim. 1:7). He was not confident by nature. He
When God Gives You More
As for the rich… charge them not to… set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.1 Timothy 6:17Paul speaks of two kinds of hope here. Some people set their hope on “the uncertainty of riches,” others “on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” These are very different kinds of hope.When God gives you more, you need to dev
If Getting Rich Is Your Goal
Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.1 Timothy 6:6-7Notice, Paul says that godliness with contentment is not just gain, but great gain. If you have godliness with contentment, it will be of huge advantage to you. Why? Paul gives four reasons.He says, “If getting rich is your goal…”1. You cannot keep what you g
Distinctive #9: Gospel Lifestyle
Godliness with contentment is great gain.1 Timothy 6:6The ninth distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel lifestyle.Paul speaks to “the rich” (6:17) and to “those who desire to be rich” (6:9). So there’s something for those who have less and something for those who have more here.Paul says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (6:6). Contentment is finding joy in what God has
Leaders Are Not Always What They Appear to Be
The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgement, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.1 Timothy 5:24–25All of us serve in the light of the coming judgement. God sees all things. Nothing is hidden from Him. But people are not always what they appear to be, and that is why we should exercise
Why Leaders Must Be Protected AND Accountable
Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.1 Timothy 5:19–20There are two important points here: Good leaders need to be protected from bad people. Good people need to be protected from bad leaders.Protection for good leadersGodly leaders will always
Distinctive #8: Gospel Leadership
Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching.1 Timothy 5:17-18The eighth distinctive of a gospel-centred church is gospel leadership. Gifted and godly leaders are a sign of God’s blessing on a church. A local church depends in large measure on the character and competence of its leaders. Notice what is being said here abo
Redefining Your Retirement Dreams
Let a widow be enrolled if she… [has] a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.1 Timothy 5:10Paul speaks about widows who are to be recognised, honoured, and supported (5:3). But he also speaks about widows who are to be enrolled or registered on a l
Discerning Who to Help
Care for those who are truly widows.1 Timothy 5:16There will be genuine need in the church. Paul emphasises this three times. “Honour widows who are truly widows” (5:3).“She who is truly a widow…” (5:5). “Care for those who are truly widows” (5:16).How do we know who to help and who to support? The Bible is a wonderfully practical book, and Paul shows us the path of wisdom through two principles:1
Distinctive #7: Gospel Compassion
If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.1 Timothy 5:8The seventh distinctive of a gospel-centred church is gospel compassion. Paul is urging the church to cultivate a culture of caring and serving.The Bible is full of God’s compassion for His children, especially those who do not have others
How to Live the Christian Life
For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe.1 Timothy 4:10Many people are confused about how to live the Christian life. Two misunderstandings have caused much of this confusion.1. The “hard labour” version says: “We toil and strive.” This version says that the Christian life is one great effo
Why Godliness Is a Mystery to Many
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed onin the world, taken up in glory.1 Timothy 3:16Godliness—a God-centered life—is not a system or a programme. It is a person. The mystery of a fully God-centered life lies in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. The mysteryof godlin
Distinctive #6: Gospel Life
Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness...1 Timothy 3:16The sixth distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel life. How are we to make progress in character and competence? How are we to become the kind of people who will be effective in getting God’s global mission done?Godliness (a God-centred life) is the central theme of 1 Timothy 4. “Godliness is of value in every w
The Competence of an Effective Christian Leader
“An overseer must be… able to teach… He must manage his own household well… He must not be a recent convert… He must be well thought of by outsiders.”1 Timothy 3:2–7Paul outlines three areas of core competence for church leaders: doctrinal, personal, and spiritual.Doctrinal: able to teach“An overseer must be… able to teach” (3:2). “[Deacons] must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscien
The Character of an Effective Christian Leader
An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.1 Timothy 3:2-3What kind of people should we trust and follow as leaders? Here are three traits to look for, cultivate, and thank God for.Wise judgment“Sober-minded, self-controlled, respect
Distinctive #5: Gospel Character
If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.1 Timothy 3:1The fifth distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel character, that is, the character and competence of a Christian leader.Most of us are not called to be an elder or a deacon, so you may wonder, What does this have to do with me? Here are three answers:1. Discernment: What to look forThe biblical patt
Is Jesus for People Like You?
God our Saviour... desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.1 Timothy 2:3–6This is a marvellous statement of God’s redeeming purpose in Jesus Christ. Does “all” mean “every single person”? Or “all kinds of people”? It seems clear that “all
The Place of Prayer in Public Worship
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.1 Timothy 2:1-2Paul is speaking about the place of prayer in public worship. This is increasingly out of fashion. But God has given this ministry to the church. If C
Distinctive #4: Gospel Ministry
I urge that supplications... be made for all people.1 Timothy 2:1The fourth distinctive of a gospel-centred church is gospel ministry. We share Christ’s passion for the world.The gospel did not come to us so that it could end with us. Christ trusted it to us so that we could bring it to others. A gospel-centred church is a missional church with a passion to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to a
Affirm God’s Work in You
The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.1 Timothy 1:14Sometimes all we can see is our sins and our failures. But we also need to affirm what God is doing in us. You are not yet what you will be. But you are not what you used to be either. God has poured grace, faith, and love into your life.The grace of God is being poured into your life“Christ Jesu
Remember Your Sins Redemptively
I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief.1 Timothy 1:13You may know someone who is bored with their Christian life. There isn’t any joy in it. They will agree that Christ came to save sinners. But if you were to ask, “Oh, which sins of yours has Jesus forgiven?” they would be stuck for an answer.If you can’t think of any
Distinctive #3: Gospel Salvation
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.1 Timothy 1:15The third distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel salvation. We are sinners, saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Grasping this will help us to grow in humility, gratitude, and joy.Here we have one of the great New Testament statements of the go
How the Law Can Help You Love
The whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”Galatians 5:14Christ calls us to live a life of love (Eph. 5:2). The Old Testament law spells out what that means. It means honouring your father and mother, not committing adultery, and telling the truth. We all need this instruction. We are not so wise that we know what a life of love is.Read the New Testament b
How to Properly Use God’s Law Today
The law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient.1 Timothy 1:9What is the proper use of the law for a Christian believer? The way you answer this question will shape the character of your life, your home, and your church. Here are two proper ways to use the law.1. The law restrains rebels from evil“Lawless and disobedient” (1:9) is what we are by nature. The law restrains
Distinctive #2: Gospel Freedom
We know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully.1 Timothy 1:8The second distinctive of a gospel-centred church is gospel freedom. In other words, we are drawn by grace, not driven by law.It’s clear that there were difficulties in the church at Ephesus. Some were confused about the role of the Old Testament law in the life of a Christian believer. That’s not surprising. This is a difficult is
3 Things That Can Hold You Back from Loving Others
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.1 Timothy 1:5“Love that issues from…” Where does love come from? How does love grow? How can you become a loving person, and not a divisive one, at work, in your home, and in the church?Love comes from a pure heartThe word pure means “undivided.” James says the “double-minded” man is “unstable in
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