Christina – Page 2774 – I'm Following Jesus

KJB Daily Devotion – Following Jesus Through Every Chapter
Date: Sunday, December 18, 2016
Chapters: The Book of I Timothy
Message: Genuine Church Of Christ

Hello My Friend,

The Book of I Timothy was written by Paul to Timothy, whom he called his adopted son in faith. The date in which he wrote it is unconfirmed and says about 63 AD, but is newer than other letters so that may not be accurate. The purpose of the letter was to address some of the problems and needs which existed in the church. What we are to learn from the book is that not every church is a genuine church of Christ and we should live our lives by an example as a genuine believer of Christ. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” – I Timothy 4:12.

With each year that passes by in my faith I find myself drawn more to the Word of God for the right answers (especially when I hear strange sermons) rather than the ones doing preaching or teaching. Now, we all need godly ministers and it is important to be in a Gospel preaching, Bible believing church, but we should never put our complete trust in the men and women of the church, rather the Christ of the church. As the churches of Christ increased in number, questions of church order, soundness in faith, and of discipline became important. At first the apostles regulated these things directly, but as they were dying off it became necessary that a clear understanding should be made for the guidance of the churches. Paul sent Timothy this letter to use as a guide, reminding them that while they are not under the law of Moses, it should never be discredited.

“As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers,” – I Timothy 1:3-9.

“that the law is not made for a righteous man,” No law has never been given that had not been an issue to begin with. How many people run red lights, get tickets in the mail, and try to dispute it only because they got caught? Now, we are all guilty of disobeying some law, which is why God’s grace abounds so much more than we deserve, but to knowingly allow sinful practices in the church is going to cause more harm then good. People come to church because they are broken, they want to be healed, they do not need things sugar coated for them, they need to hear the truth, although being compassionate about it. Paul continues.

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” – I Timothy 2:1-6.

“For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” There is only one doctrine to follow, and that is Christ. You may not realize this, but churches have bylaws to follow and if you want to join the church you must agree to the bylaws. While everyone ought be welcome to come to church and grow in Christ, every member ought to be likeminded, and likewise every church ought be under the same authority, Christ. Paul warns of the false doctrines that will take over the church, and this was before Catholics and Mormons.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” – I Timothy 4:1-6,10,16.

“Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats,” Did you ever hear of a Christian Wiccan? Yes, there are people who practice witchcraft saying they are Christian. Catholics forbid anyone serving in their church to be married, and yet allow gay priests (go figure). Mormons and Muslims are not allowed to eat pork or shellfish, Islam teaches they must kill anyone who is not a believer, some Baptist and Jehovah’s Witness forbid observing holidays. These are all religions that have departed from the faith, coming up with their own doctrine, and all they do is lead to hell, not salvation by grace alone through Jesus Christ.

“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” – I Timothy 6:3-9.

“which drown men in destruction and perdition.” The root to all false religion is money, churches make a fortune teaching doctrine that either appeals to the lost who seek God in their lives or are so strict that it puts them in bondage to it. Not every church or even person in the church who professes Christ knows Christ, only God knows who are His, and while we certainly have our own faults, only we can show the true Christ in us by our godly works. “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” – I Timothy 6:12.

Jesus Christ Magnified: “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.” – I Timothy 1:15-16.

Today’s Prayer: God, It is still amazing to get up every morning knowing that it is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me. He has turned my life completely around as I learn the truth from Your Word and live in obedience to it. Lord, I know I am going to mess up, but I am trusting You to lead me and guide me in whatever will that You have for me. Show me the way, help me understand, and never let me cease from developing that personal relationship with Christ that shows me I can do all things through Him. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

God Bless You, I am praying for you,

Christina

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