Scripture Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17, 1 Timothy 4:7-10, 1 Chronicles 29:10-19, Proverbs 28:13, Luke 14:7-11, 1 Peter 5:5-7
This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we’ll continue reading the Pauline Epistles.
The Book of 1 Timothy: The book of 1 Timothy is Paul’s letter to his co-laborer and son in the faith, Timothy. In it, he gave instructions for order and structure in the church and warned Timothy to replace false teaching with sound doctrine. Paul also offered practical advice on humble leadership for the young pastor and the church he led.
How 1 Timothy Fits into the Story: First Timothy offers rich theological and ethical wisdom. Here, Paul drew a direct connection between belief and behavior. While 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus were not intended to provide a detailed account of church government, they do provide significant insights on the topic, such as a list of characteristics for overseers and deacons. In describing the character and nature of a Christlike leader, the letter also gives a model for all believers.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does a humble disposition equip you for the ministry and work you have been called to?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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58 thoughts on "1 Timothy"
If we can’t see God as he truly is, it is impossible for us to see ourselves as we should. This means we will think either too highly of ourselves (pride) or too lowly of ourselves (shame).
Quote from “The Hidden Peace” by Joel Muddamalle. Really good book on finding strength in humility.
God does not like people who are proud He opposes those who are proud, when we humble ourselves before God we will be exalted and we will find mercy. God calls us to be transformed and be set apart from this world to be differnt to be the people God intended for us to be. Being in humility is very important for being in minstry because we have to desire more to serving others and less than ourselves. Being in minstry is not about doing what is easy or what is less work, it’s truly about leadding other people to Christ and see how He transforms them. It’s not us being glorified it is about Jesus Christ being glorified in all that we do with His name being lifed high, honnered and praised.
Amen
Please pray for my husband. He will be going into a meeting shortly with the chief of staff of a company , to see if he is a fit, please pray he finds favor with her and that she sees him as a perfect fit for the position. We are going on five months with him being out of a job, have been trusting and praying all along, for His will to be done. Let’s see! Thanks for all the prayers through this journey, dear sisters.
Done!
Late to see your request. Praying for employment soon if this was not the one for him. Praying for the Lord’s provision.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does a humble disposition equip you for the ministry and work you have been called to? I love that the word “humble” was repeated several times in today’s reading. What a gentle and powerful reminder of a character trait that requires daily cultivation. Yesterday I was reading how angels are ministering spirits (serving spirits) to those who are heirs of salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Angels serve us ( isn’t that so beautiful, and also overlooked?). We also have an earthly example from our precious Lord, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). As Jesus demonstrated in John 13:14–15 when He washed His disciples’ feet, true service requires us to bend down. We cannot wash someone’s feet if you are unwilling to stoop. “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” John 13:14–15. Humility isn’t just a passive feeling, it requires action too. Real ministry is often messy and, quite honestly can be like stinky feet. It involves entering into people’s brokenness, grief, and failures. Pride shrinks from that kind of mess, but humility (motivated by love) will step right into it with grace. I used to wonder why pride will keep one from serving, or causing one to be afraid of messiness.
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The psychological view: pride wants perfectionism as a shield (there’s a difference between healthy striving and prideful perfectionism). Messiness requires vulnerability. When life, work, or relationships get messy, pride fears exposure. The Bible shows us that pride is the foundational sin in heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15 and Ezekiel 28:12-17)because it attempts to displace God with the self. Pride seeks self-salvation through clean and orderly legalism (“good works” and “ethics”), meanwhile grace operates in our brokenness.
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Why did Peter resist Jesus washing his feet? (John 13:6-8). Feet in the 1st century were probably filthier due to walking on dirt road in Mediterranean coastal climate with high humidity (you can imagine). Washing them was the lowest task reserved for servants. Peter’s refusal wasn’t just humility, it was pride in disguise (watch out because we might have this too). Pride recoils from receiving help because receiving requires acknowledging weakness. Pride won’t receive grace, because pride says “I am enough” (self-sufficiency) yet God says, “my grace is enough in your weakness”. To a proud mind, mess is a failure. To a healthy mind, mess is simply a reality of human, the very raw material out of which we can develop empathy with one another, grow connection and lean together on God for redemption/restoration.
.2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption? I guess this question was answered in the sentence above.
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Okay i need to go on to the 3rd question :)
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What are some psychological techniques to let go of perfectionism and embrace messiness?
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Unlearn perfectionism (pride in disguise) can be so helpful for us in serving, in opening up our imperfect homes, in giving our imperfect baked goods, or home made dishes. The recognition that imperfection, failure, and suffering are part of the shared human experience, not individual flaws. There is a psychology book that suggests we should replace self-criticism with self-compassion when things fall short. Why? Perfectionism acts as a defense mechanism (hoping it will protect us, a shield that prevents us from being seen as failure or being judged). Beware of this false shield. Social media also conditions us for perfectionism. It reinforces this constantly (always shows the highlights of people’s lives and rarely the struggle behind them). Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram surrounds us with an endless stream of “ideal Pinterest worthy” homes, kitchens, food, and vacations (quietly setting a standard that was never real to begin with).
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Also, we should watch for perfectionism hiding as procrastination (“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap” Ecclesiastes 11:4). If we are not starting things (ministry or other related things God calls), it might not be laziness, it’s that starting means producing something imperfect. This can hinder us from our purpose. Recognizing this pattern for what it is can defuse a lot of self-judgment. It is okay to do things imperfectly. God knows we are dust, He knows we are clay (prone to breaking, fragility). We need to know we are clay too lol.
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RHONDA- I was so busy with work this week. I was posting the other day and my post disappeared to my surprise and I had to run to the doctor office lol, so that’s that.
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Prayer request: My workplace is pushing to implement AI automation across most of our data processing, and the pace has been aggressive. Between long meetings, my kids’ summer camp, and a backyard renovation, I’m struggling to keep up, and I’m exhausted. These changes are being pushed to happen by year’s end, and changes that move too fast tend to become chaotic. I would appreciate your prayers for grace and peace through this work transition, and everything else, for it to go smoothly without a rushed, exhausting scramble, for fewer long meetings spent on trial and error, and for no major disappointments along the way. I’m running on empty and could really use some help.
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Be blessed dear sisters.
Wow! Mercy! Thank you for your words today. Perfectionism is my biggest hurdle to cross. It is coupled with organization. Mine stems moreso from programming by my very abusive, alcoholic parents, and everything had to be “just right.” ALWAYS. As I got older, into grade school, it became the only way to cope, to protect myself, and feel approved and accepted. As an adult, I am the one who always gets called upon if you need an area organized, especially church! Ha-ha. But I’m working at being humble, through God’s grace, and reading His teachings everyday. Healing is a long process- but well worth the work. <3
Amen sister ❤️
Such good information and warnings, sister. Praying, Mercy, for your work situation, for this transition to happen in an organized manner and at a realistic pace, for meetings to have meaning without wasted time, for checks and balances as the process moves forward. Praying, sister, for an abundance of energy & patience through this time.❤️
Thank you so much ❤️
Those who humble themselves will be exalted. They will find mercy. It holds promise for the life to come.
We are called to look different to non-believers. My actions speak volumes.
I have been where you were Rhonda. I don’t say that with pride. Worst yet is that I saw the arrogance in me and fed it. Such a sneaky deception of truth. Praise God that season of life is in the past. Pride of self creeps back in once in a while but Gods trained me to be alert to its presence so that I can quickly reorient my heart. I’ll be adding Stacey to my prayer list.
Godliness is beneficial in every way. And… He gives grace to the humble.
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I try to be godly, but humility (the lack of) gets me in trouble a lot!
1. He is the Potter, I am the clay.
Everything erased AGAIN!..
Happy Friday sweet She’s!
:/
oh no! boo. It’s your favorite day and He IS “MY Jesus” that you can’t live without! Amen!!
Bringing a humble disposition honors God and the gifts he has given us to glorify him.
Having a humble disposition removes my ‘self’ and inputs God into what I’m doing.
Beautifully said!
Amen
Thank you Lord Jesus!!
Paul so understands God’s is great mercy. When I think of my past sins all pride falls away, I only have humble thankfulness and gratitude. when we focus on what Jesus did for us, our since he forgave, it makes it much easier to forgive others. Like the song goes.the only reason I can stand here unashamed, is not because I’m worthy, it’s all because of mercy.” ❤️
Amen, Monie!
From You Are God Alone, Phillips, Craig & Dean, written by Billy James Foote, Cindy Foote –
You’re the only God
Whose power none can contend
You’re the only God
Whose name and praise will never end
You’re the only God
Who’s worthy of everything we can give
You are God
And that’s just the way it is.
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If we take a hard, honest look at ourselves each day – who we really are inside – won’t we feel compelled to fall on our knees as we ask for the Lord’s forgiveness and help to overcome our sin and walk closer with Him? Paul says he sinned ignorantly in unbelief … let’s keep studying God’s word as we learn to honor Him in faith and obedience. If we do that, there won’t be room for thinking we are all that and then some, especially if we find ourselves looking down on nonbelievers, yikes.
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David’s prayer asks the Lord to fix the hearts of His people towards Him. Yes, please.
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MERCY ❤️ “Christ’s story is not just an inspiring story. It is my insurance policy and the foundation of my Hope. He paid it all.” Amen!
SUSAN BONNER ❤️ Praising the Lord with you and our SRT sisters over the Lord’s grace and healing of Tom. What a powerful recounting of this past week and what a compelling testimony Tom has going forward.
.ADRIENNE ❤️ so thankful things went well for your mom’s appt Wednesday
INES HODZIC ❤️
B ❤️
DW ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
MICHELLE P ❤️
MOLLIE ❤️
WENDY B ❤️
ASHLI ❤️ praying for the Lord’s guidance and provision in the job search
DANIELLE B ❤️ praying for healing and the Lord’s wisdom for your medical team
Thank you. ❤️
❤️❤️❤️ thank you!
Yes Paul, like most unbelievers, was literally ‘blind to the truth’. Even Christians can sin and not realize it. I ask God to reveal any unconfessed sins that I commit along with the listed confessions. Good word as always, sister! Joining in those prayers and praises. ❤
❤️❤️❤️ I was about to post this song the other day, though my post disappeared. Thank you sister for sharing the song!
Two be things today…
I was the worst of these- Yes, I was the worst, calling myself a Christian, yet living in the world. Not just the world, but living in a lifestyle that totally was wrong. It’s one thing knowing we will not be perfect, and so when we do sin we can know God gives mercy and grace and forgives us instantly. But when you are convicted, yet make excuses and continue, well then it is dangerous. As we normalize what we are doing we grieve the Spirit. We deliberately put self above God. We rationalize, we explain, and we shift our sin. And it is not good for unbelievers to see that I am no different than them. We are called to look different, act different and be a light to the dark. Yet I was right there in the dark with them. We can’t be both. We are yes, to go to sinners, but not roll around the pig mud with them. We can say we are all on our own path, and not to judge, yet we ARE called to call out our sisters in brothers in Christ when they are doing wrong. We are to go to them and tell them. When I have been called out, even though at the time it doesn’t feel good, it was for their love and concern for me, and it did help change my trajectory!
The other is humbleness. We should be humble. It is so easy to exalt ourselves and become proud. Thinking we are better. Thinking we are doing more because we “get it!” It is an easy trap. I loved serving at church, but the more I “moved up” the more proud I got. When I was looked over, it hurts our feelings. We get mad. We want to leave. I am glad I was convicted to continue going even though I felt jilted. We are all replaceable in the church world. Stay humble.
When we are humble we realize it is not us, but the Lord. When we think it is OUR greatness, we don’t need or rely on the Lord. When I feel weak, he is strong. When I feel inadequate He is enough. I love feeling nervous and ill-equipped because I pray and let him lead!! “Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus…” (great song!)
When we are uncomfortable it is where we grow!! God stretches us to trust him, and humble you!!
Thank you Lord for how you test us and grow us. You want our yeses, you want our surrender, you want our all. You sanctify us when we look to you in the trials and difficulties and the Spiritual challenges to build our character, our faith and patience. Let us surrender Lord. Let us lay down our pride. Let us lay down our life. Heaven is our eternal home with you, and you require obedience. Help me. Amen.
Tonight I get to be with a butterfly (Stacey), going to a Chandler Moore concert. We are very excited, it is her first Christian concert! She is doing so good. She has a new place to call her own with 1 roommate/friend. She has moved up to a manager at the subway place she works. She gets to see her son tomorrow and spend the day with her sister and her son at a theme park. I am so proud of her. But addiction is hard and always lurking and waiting. I pray she has been delivered from the grip completely in the Name of Jesus!
So true, Rhonda. I’ve seen people leave the church for reasons that are puzzling to me … one couple left the church because he felt wasn’t called on to pray (opening or closing the service) often enough.
And praying for Stacey, that she is encouraged through the lyrics at the concert, and for her ongoing sobriety.
Amen to all! Enjoy the evening with Stacey, and I agree and pray that she be completely delivered from addiction. My Dad was a recovered alcoholic. I saw his many struggles, through the years..
Good stuff, Rhonda! Prayers for a faith-edifying experience tonight! ❤
Praise God. I hope you and Stacey have an amazing time at the concert. Always love your courage and sunshine enthusiasm going into the mess and brokenness of people, feeding the homeless at the park and bible teaching/ praise in jail ministry and many more that are to come! ❤️ (including administrating SRT Shes group on FB).
A humble disposition is essential in ministry because we have to desire to serve others more than ourselves. Ministry is not about what we want or whats easy, rather its doing what is needed and about being a part of pointing others to Jesus and for Him to lifted high, honored and glorified. Often times whats needed is not very attractive, it may seem like harder work,boring or really stretch us beyond our comfortable places but if our end goal is to point others to Jesus then serving with a humble heart is where we need to be so the He csn lead us through. Jesus is the greatest example of a humble, servant heart.It is He who redeems our shortcomings, our selfish nature, our pride. We can’t serve well without acknowledging our need for Him and allowing His redemptive work in our lives.
Praying for the many requests shared. It seems I can’t always respond/reply as the site bumps me out after 1. Blessings on your day my friends. Appreciate this community so much❤️
So true Wendy B!
Thank you for your comment and prayers for me.
Yes, you said it so well Wendy! I remember you clean the church? An overlooked position for sure!! Especially if you are not feeling well?!, how are you doing with that? Continued prayers for you! We thank you for your wisdom and insights each and every day!
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1 Peter 5:5-7 NLT
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
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David’s prayer exudes humility! How many kings/world leaders reflect that trait today?!
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We exercise humility when we, like David, recognize God’s sovereignty. We can grow in humility through study of the Word, private and public praise, serving others -particularly those who can do nothing in return, etc.
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SONG SHARE:
Shane & Shane: Holy, Holy, Holy (We Bow Before Thee)
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
David’s prayer exudes humility!- so good.
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A humble disposition allows you to be led by the Holy Spirit.
A humble disposition keeps you kneeling at the Cross and allows us to realize we don’t have all the answers.
I have to go back to the be attitudes. ” Blessed are the humble for they will inherit the earth,” Matthew 5:5
Please pray for my friend Rita,who suffered a massive stroke. She is in a coma. She worked three jobs before her stroke.
Oh no..prayers for Rita!
Praying, Tanya, for Rita and her medical team.
Praying for Rita
Praying, indeed. ❤️
Prayers for healing for Rita and for diligence and wisdom for those in charge of her care. ❤
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Ministry is very humbling, and if you don’t keep a humble disposition, you will be humbled. Its hard to serve and keep yourself exalted at the same time..Jesus stooped low for us, we must do the same to pull others from the pit.as He did for us!
Amen to that! I recently experience this last year. I felt so undervalued as I wasn’t even acknowledged or even known for all the work I had put in for a certain area. (Church Baptisms). Even in another area of Guest Experience, my husband and I had been in the planning of many key areas, but then quickly pushed aside when new people came in! It makes you mad and hurts your feelings when these things happen…But I had to rebuke myself asking..who was I doing it for?! Yes, it was a little unfair, but it was my pride more than anything else.
I like that new people are brought in quickly. It is a big help for them to have more intimate contact with members more quickly. I have a great desire to sing in a group, but that isn’t likely where we go to church so I just try to encourage the praise team as much as possible in word and by reflecting sincerity and being all-in with the singing. I do understand the overlooked thanks quandary. Doing all as unto the Lord is a regular conviction for me, too! Thanks for sharing your heart in that today.❤
A humble disposition reminds me that I am not doing this for my own personal gain, but for the glory of God our Father! It is a blessing to be used for the advancement of the Kingdom.
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A humble disposition equips me for the ministry and work I have been called to by orienting me to rely on God for wisdom and strength instead of my own knowledge and talents.
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Today’s reading emphasizes that my redemption story shows God’s “extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life.”
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It’s always about exalting Jesus!
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Praying for your requests.
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How’s your work situation going, Kelly?
Verse 10, chapter 4 jumped out at me this morning Ladies. Do I labor and strive (work and struggle) towards godliness or am I much more interested in being acknowledged by the world??
Father, help me to remember my only hope for this life and the next is in You and Your gracious gift of salvation. Help me let my light so shine that You are glorified and others will see You in me!
You nailed it, Sally. I struggle too.
Amen!
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