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TAKE UP THE CHALLENGE

Jesus taught that all scripture testifies about him so that in him we might have life (John 5v39-40). King David taught that it is only by living according to God's word that we're kept on the right path (Psalm 119v9). What then could be better than reading the entire Bible? Click the menu to read about the program, choose a month or Bible book - or just work through the blog posts day by day.

(476) 22 April: Proverbs 22v16 / 1 Timothy 1:1-3:13 / Psalm 103v13-18

BEGIN WITH PRAYER
"Lord open my eyes and my heart."

Read slowly so that you take in. And as you do, turn your heart to God, thanking him for the good you discover and praying his will home for you, your family, your church and the world.

Wisdom to chew on
Understanding to grow in
Paul writes to his understudy, Timothy, in the early 60s AD. He urges him to deal with those in the Ephesian church who are teaching falsehood and making much over speculations based on the Old Testament, rather than what is taught clearly. Indeed, although Old Testament law is good, Paul stresses that its major focus is on restraining and convicting sinners, whereas the focus for those in Christ is his mercy. Paul then moves to instructions for church life. He highlights the need of united prayer from the men - perhaps implying the men were those teaching error and arguing over the speculations (see also 2 Tim 3v8). It seems the struggle for the women was with immodesty, and so Paul emphasizes the need for appropriate conduct in them, including an acceptance that the role of authoritative teaching and leadership in the church is reserved for men despite the problems with some of the men in the church. This is a controversial point in our day that we don't have space to discuss. But it is with this in mind, that Paul moves to outlining the qualifications for the church's overseers - who are the ones to exercise the authoritative teaching and leadership, and deacons - who serve by assisting them. As you read note the concerns Paul has and why.
1 Timothy 1:1-3:13

Finish this reading by pausing to ask yourself:
1) What’s the main thing it teaches me about God or his purposes in Christ? Then praise him for this.
2) What’s the main thing it teaches me about his will for me or the world? Then pray that home.

Devotion to offer up
You could read this aloud and perhaps as a springboard to further prayer.