2 Timothy 4

2 Timothy 4:4

and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

There are plenty of myths to choose from today.  From atheism to agnosticism to other religions old or new, there are untold other options one can choose to follow instead of Christ.  And even within what would appear to be Christianity, there are many variants or cults or false teachers one might fall under the sway of.

I sometimes wonder if I am making one of these turns, as I struggle with whether to remain in my current church or not.  I feel I have valid reasons to leave, but worry that I'm going off in pursuit of what's good for me, when I'm actually being called to sacrifice and lay down my desires instead.  I expect I'll continue to struggle with this until I make a decision, and probably after that as well; may verses like this keep me checking my motives and seeking God's direction.

2 Timothy 3

2 Timothy 3:5

holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

Much of the list preceding this verse gets repeated over and over, but this is one that we don't get reminded of much.  Our culture is so saturated with pieces of Christianity, that anyone can learn the language and customs if they want to.  Many are raised this way, but never truly come to know Christ themselves.

These people live their lives going through the motions, but never really believing it.  They may believe God can, but aren't so sure that He does, at least not as often as some claim.  I know this, because I worry frequently that I may be one of these, because I see how different my expression of faith is from those around me, and I know full well how badly I've messed my life up and have nowhere to turn.

2 Timothy 2

2 Timothy 2:16

But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,

I think that this is a reference to things like gossip and rumor-mongering.  I'm not sure if he came up with it, but Dave Ramsey defines gossip any any talk about a problem to someone who can't fix it.  I worry I've done some of this lately, as I discussed my concerns with the church I attend with one of my closest friends; but is there a difference between gossip and seeking another's opinion?

I'll admit, I'd like to take this as a reinforcement of my introversion, and file small talk under "empty chatter."  It would be nice to be able to point to another verse that says my being quiet and not talking about every useless thing to kill time is biblical.  However, honesty compels me to say that this is probably not the intent.

2 Timothy 1

2 Timothy 1:7

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.

Like last time, you hear the first part of that verse a lot, but not the second.  We know about the spirit giving power, but what of love?  We are to love one another as Christ loves us, and it is the Spirit that makes that possible.

We really don't like to think about the Spirit disciplining us.  We like to think about the good things it brings, not how it tries to turn us from the bad.  But the truth is that we all have issues that need to be corrected, myself not nearly the least, and those corrections are often uncomfortable and awkward.

I worry that the lack of love or discipline I feel is a sign of how much I have blocked myself off from the Spirit.

1 Timothy 6

1 Timothy 6:10

For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

Most of the focus goes on the first half of the verse, but I want to focus on the second half.  It doesn't say that people have wandered away from faith because they have money, but because they long for it.  Longing for anything other than God generally leads nowhere good.

In my own case, my longing has probably been for a wife, or at least some friends who I feel really care about me.  I know it means I've been putting my focus in the wrong place, and I certainly have many self-inflicted wounds.  The trouble is I don't know how to turn those desires into a desire for God, and unsure where to look for it.

1 Timothy 5

1 Timothy 5:20

Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.

At first blush, this verse bothers me.  Christianity has spent far too much of its history leading by fear and shame.  It still infects many parts of the faith, and many people.

However, there comes a time when faith and understanding Christ's love haven't been effective, and all that leaves is fear and shame.  Also, I have to remember that it's not directed at the one who sins; he's already in trouble.  The target of the fear is those who have not yet done so, that they may be steered to the correct path before they significantly stray.  Even so, it leaves me uneasy.

1 Timothy 4

1 Timothy 4:6

In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.

To be a good teacher, you must first study.  Very few people are able to speak about things which they know off the cuff, without preparation before every lesson; that domain lies to the circuit speakers who just give the same speech every time.  When trying to help people change, you can't do that; you have to be learning more so you can teach more.

I remember the first few times I led my lifegroup; I studied constantly for the week before.  I spent most every evening digging into the passage and related works, trying to dig out something new to bring before them.  It was in that phase that I realized I'm not really much of a teacher, because I didn't enjoy the study beforehand.  But even if I stop being a teacher, I still need to study.

1 Timothy 3

1 Timothy 3:10

These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

It's interesting timing; my church is in the middle of a prayer campaign, and this week's prayer focus is for the leadership.  Today's specifically is about deacons, and yesterday was elders.  So I've been thinking about these positions quite a bit over the last few days.

This verse jumped out at me, because I can't recall it ever getting much attention in the qualification list.  I wonder if there was some sort of specific test the deacons were put through, or just that they had been tested by life?  Either way, I'm glad that I've kept myself out of consideration, because I know I would not fare well at the moment.

1 Timothy 2

1 Timothy 2:15

But women will be preserved through the bearing of children if they continue in faith and love and sanctity with self-restraint.

I'll be honest, I have no idea what this verse is saying.  At face value, it seems to suggest that a woman's spiritual worth is limited solely to her ability to have children.  Because of Eve's having committed the original sin, all women bear that mark and are tainted.

My modern understanding says this is ridiculous, and makes me question the entire passage.  Where does that leave good, faithful women who are unable to bear children, either due to medical reasons or lack of a husband?  Is this inability some kind of stain permitted by God, where they are predestined to never be saved?  I just can't believe that would be the case.

1 Timothy 1

1 Timothy 1:12

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,

I often consider myself unworthy of serving, or of being an example for Christ, because of my actions.  I know know that this is incorrect, driven by shame, but that doesn't stop me from feeling that way.  I feel since I know what I should be doing, but too often haven't (and don't), that I am a terrible example for others to be looking to.

It sometimes helps to remember verses like this, and how God will use people who have failed.  Saul was one of the worst persecutors of his day, yet once he saw the truth, he changed completely, and God then used him.  However, at the same time, I know that it was because of his faithfulness after being saved; all my failures have come since I was saved, so am I usable?  If I ever move past these failures, will I even be usable then?

2 Thessalonians 3

2 Thessalonians 3:8

nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you;

Paul's focus was to not be dependent on others in his ministry.  He worked, and paid his own way, rather than rely on the charity of those he was trying to bring close to Christ.  He didn't want to seem like he was doing this for personal gain or to pay his way.

Paul's actions were concerned on those who might be looking in from outside, as well.  He gave them no ammunition from which to attack his motives.  Also, he showed to those within the church how they should live, not being a burden to others when it could be avoided.

2 Thessalonians 2

2 Thessalonians 2:15

So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

In my opinion, this doesn't seem to be talking about traditions like we think of them.  It's not about a style of worship, or a certain way to chant the benediction, or something.  It's not about the style or rituals they go through.

Instead, it's about the doctrine, the traditions of why they do what they do.  It's about how Christ came, and how He died, and why.  It's about the reasons for having faith, and living that faith out, not the particular details of movement or colors or locations.

2 Thessalonians 1

2 Thessalonians 1:6

For after all it is only just for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you,

It would be very easy to mis-read this verse, and think that God is in the process of, or about to, punish those tho were persecuting the church.  However, Paul makes it clear later in the chapter that he's referring to the final judgment, not necessarily to any temporal repayment.  Karma is not a biblical concept, except in the eternal sense for non-believers.

However, the statement Paul makes here is completely correct, regardless of the time involved.  God can justly punish anyone, at any time, for our sins.  That doesn't mean that He does so when we want to, or that those who do us wrong will fail to prosper in this life.  Many evildoers live comfortable, even bountiful, lives, ubt will be held to account in the end.

1 Thessalonians 5

1 Thessalonians 5:18

in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

I'll admit, I have a lot of trouble with this.  In the phase of life where I am, it seems I don't have a lot to be thankful for when I stop and take assessment.  A job with lots of routine, few if any friends, and a church I'm looking toward the door on don't feel like things to be thankful about.

But I have to remember to keep looking for things to be thankful about anyhow, because that's what we are commanded to do.  My job is boring, but it is a paycheck and it is useful to the company.  I may be lonely, but I've built what many would consider a pretty nice life for myself nonetheless.  And while I may be preparing to leave my church, there are so many there who love it, and the people there, and are growing in faith when I'm not.

1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4:11

and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands, just as we commanded you,

I never really adopted a life verse, formally; I thought I had one as a kid, but it turned I was taking it badly out of context so I abandoned it.  But if I had a life verse today, this would probably be it.  It sums up my life patterns pretty well.

However, I sometimes worry that I've taken it a little too far.  My efforts to live a quiet life have made my life virtually silent, with little-to-no impact on the outside world.  And my desire to mind my own business has turned into being a relational hermit, where I never venture outside myself because I don't feel I'm welcome in anyone else's life.  Unfortunately, I now find myself in the position of having no clue how to change the areas I've gone overboard, without compromising who I am; I feel like I've painted myself into a corner.

1 Thessalonians 3

1 Thessalonians 3:5

For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.

Even Paul worried about his ministry.  He was afraid that he'd not had enough time to ground their faith before being run out of town.  He knew that his success was not guaranteed, and that his work might have been without lasting effect.

I said "without lasting effect" intentionally, because whatever happened, the work would not truly have been in vain.  Maybe no one there would have been saved, but Paul was still doing what he was supposed to do:  preaching salvation through Christ.  I've long said that you can only control how you react to a situation, and not anyone else's reaction; Paul struggled with this as well, and wanted to know if his work was successful.  But whatever the outcome had been, Paul would have been blameless, if he was doing what God had instructed him to do.

1 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 2:13

For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

People hear the word of men all the time, and usually dismiss it just as quickly.  Occasionally some of it sticks, like a good self-help speaker or a scientist or other authority figure who reveals something new.  In those cases, we may integrate it into our lives, and perhaps even use it to change us, but it's a top-down change.

On the other hand, when the gospel is accepted, it begins a bottom-up (or inside-out) transformation, not just a change of attitude or action.  God is changing us from within, as much as we allow Him to.  I worry that I've blocked that process much more than I had thought, and now am wondering how to open myself to it again.

1 Thessalonians 1

1 Thessalonians 1:6

You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

The Thessalonians appear not to have had the simplest time of things.  There was apparently persecution from the start.  Paul was driven out of town due to the hostility of the local population, but the church endured.

Not only did it endure, but it learned from Paul and those he was able to leave behind.  It understood what was needed, and practiced the teachings they were given.  And even through the persecution they received, the church was joyful, and strove to continue what God was guiding them to do.

Colossians 4

Colossians 4:3

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;

I've always had trouble with prayer.  I've put it down to my ADD, but I have trouble concentrating on talking to God for any length of time.  My thoughts drift off, and the next thing I know I'm thinking about something completely random.

I've tried, to some extent, several different "techniques" for prayer over time, but have yet to find one that helps me focus well.  Even speaking out loud I run out of words quickly.  Maybe this verse gives me a new direction to point, that I should be alert and speak to Him whenever something comes up, rather than waiting for fixed opportunities.

Colossians 3

Colossians 3:5

Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.

This is one I still struggle with.  There are things I feel are lacking in my life, and due to my choices and/or others are denied me.  But they are things I want, that people should have, and I don't.

So I constantly struggle with the desire to get those things my way, and it easily crosses into the list here.  My very desire for them may constitute idolatry, but it doesn't change the fact that I desire them, and that at their core they are good things.  So the wrestling with this list continues daily, while I try to turn myself to seek in another direction.

Colossians 2

Colossians 2:16

Therefore no one is to act as your judge in regard to food or drink or in respect to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day--

As in many of the early churches, there was disagreement about whether Jewish (or pagan) practices were part of the requirements for Christian living.  Here Paul makes it clear that none of them are required, and that one is only responsible to one's own conscience and to God.  No person can hold one's own values in judgment over another in such matters.

I draw my lines somewhat stricter than many, so I have at times struggled with this from both sides.  I try not to use my personal preferences or convictions as a sign of superiority over another, though I have failed at times and done so.  Likewise, I've received pushback occasionally from others who feel I draw my lines too tightly, which I try not to hold against them.  In both cases, it's important to remember the difference between commandments from God and personal convictions.

Colossians 1

Colossians 1:7

Just as you learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow bond-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,

I hadn't realized that Paul didn't start this church.  I forget where Colossi is, but apparently it wasn't along Paul's route to this point.  Instead, Epaphras started this church, and now Paul is coming alongside to help strengthen it.

It's interesting how Epaphras is described here.  He's first said to be a fellow bond-servant, then said to be operating on Paul's behalf.  So did Paul send him to Colossi, or simply that he was acting when Paul (for whatever reason) couldn't?

Philippians 4

Philippians 4:9

The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

I didn't even remember that this verse existed.  All the attention gets given to the previous verse, talking about the things we should think on.  But thinking without action is easy, and ultimately futile.

Thoughts have to generate action, or they are wasted energy.  Maybe that action isn't something direct, but merely that the thoughts directed you to change how you do something in a subtle way.  I'm personally very good at thinking a lot and acting little.  But whatever that change may be, it has to occur for there to be growth.

Philippians 3

Philippians 3:12

Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.

It's important that we understand we are not yet perfect.  We will be perfect one day, but not in this life.  If we begin to think we're already perfect, we fall into sin and the gift Christ gave us becomes cheap.

Even though we'll never get there, it's important that we strive towards perfection.  We need to be moving forward to become more like Christ, because in that work is our transformation.  We will never in this life become just like Christ, but the more like Him we become, the less our imperfections interfere with His work and message.

Philippians 2

Philippians 2:3

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;

This is a verse that has come to mind recently, as I've been considering leaving my church.  I feel ignored and maybe used by them, with no one there who cares about me as long as I fulfill my duties.  So at what point do I need to pay attention to my own needs and look for a more supportive body?

When these thoughts go through my head, this is one of the verses that comes back at me.  I worry that my focus has turned from others to myself, and that leaving would be an act of selfishness.  But someone who always puts others first in that manner will neglect himself in important areas and destroy himself, and then be of no use to anyone; where is the line of healthy balance?

Philippians 1

Philippians 1:18

What then?  Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice.

There was a potential problem at the time.  Paul had been imprisoned, and therefore was unable to preach the Gospel to the masses.  While some who stepped into the gap did it for the right reasons, others did it to spite him, or to enhance themselves.

Many see this today, for example in modern televangelists or prosperity gospel preachers.  While some may lead people astray with incorrect messages, we should be grateful for those who preach correctly, even if they do it for selfish reasons.  Because of these imperfect people, more come to know Christ, and that is the most important thing.