This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. 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.
What Is 1 Timothy? The book of 1 Timothy is Paul’s letter to his co-laborer and son in the faith, Timothy. In it, he gives instructions for order and structure in the church and warns Timothy to replace false teaching with sound doctrine. Paul also offers practical advice on humble leadership for the young pastor and the church he leads.
How 1 Timothy Fits Into the Story: First Timothy offers rich theological and ethical wisdom. Here, Paul draws 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.
Leave a Reply
72 thoughts on "1 Timothy"
7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. – 1 Peter 5:7 A great relationship of trust…we are not alone :)
GRAMIESUE – I am so sorry. I will be praying for you and your family.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
I needed to hear this today! For God to reign over my anxieties, I need to humble myself and allow Him the space to work in my life. Praise God.
Praying GramsieSue. Peace and strength to your sister and the whole family.
Hi SRT sisters – asking for prayers as I consider moving halfway across the country back home. I’m waiting to hear from my employer if I can work remotely. I am blessed with the perfect job for me and don’t want to give it up, but am feeling called to be closer to family after being away for many years. I also need to sell my house, so asking for prayers that it sells quickly and for a fair price and I can move before the weather gets cold and the days get short this fall. I’m at peace with the decision to move home, but there’s a lot of uncertainty about my job, selling my house and where to live after the move. The biggest question is what will I do if my employee declines my request to work remotely. I’m trusting God will work out all of the details. Exodus 14:14 comes to mind. “The Lord will fight for you. You won’t have to lift a finger.”
Humility means a teachable spirit. In every area of my life: home, work and friendship – I am a learner. If I can stay in the mode of learner, I can continue to adapt my parenting as our girls grow. As a learner and humble worker, I can take direction from those who are in charge/have more experience/have more authority. In friendships with humility I can listen to hear and understand, not listen to fix or respond.
Oh God, give me a humble spirit!!
God’s redemption is offered to all sinners, even me! However, we must humbly receive the gift. We must confess and believe.
Truth Reader i’m getting ready to go to bed and I saw this. I am praying for you right now. Praying that you’ll find a community to connect with.
Be humble and the Lord will be glad. Repent and confess your sins!
Truthreader, praying for you now. Hugs to your heart.
ERB Appreciate it, so good your perspective and words. Isn’t our God gracious. All my girls come tomorrow. How blessed I will be. Thankful that you are feeling stronger and that you get kitties this weekend. So fun. May God bless you brother and SIL in this time together. Will be praying for you dear friend!
Hello Ladies,
I am requesting some prayer if anyone is out there who may be able to pray for me. I am a military wife about to move again. It would mean a lot if you could pray for me and my family to find community in the next spot wherever we are sent. <3
When we have a humble disposition, I believe it’s easier for God to shape us into the people he wants us to be and now task seems too low for us to accomplish. Have a great weekend ladies!❤️
Kristen thank you for sharing the Tim Keller sermon it was incredible! So eye opening
Oh GrammieSue. This is the saddest news. Praying for you and your sister, her son and daughter in law and babies. I’m so sorry precious.
First Timothy 4:7-10 really spoke to me today. I needed to hear about how training in God’s word and ways should be the most important thing in my life.
Be blessed and have a great weekend sisters.
MAURA, dear friend… I did see your post from yesterday, but got a very late start to my day today! Our neighbors are having trees removed/cut so LOTS of noise!! My parents and I are also kitty-sitting for my brother and sister-in-law who are away for an extended weekend (they are celebrating their 2yr wedding anniversary) …they are both so happy and grateful for this time away together!! They are both doing well, and are learning and coping together as well as encouraging and building each other up!! It’s been a joy to see!!! Especially with everything that they’ve been through with their health and school and work.. LOTS of answered prayers there!!
Thank You Jesus!!!! You asked how I was… I am doing a bit better! Definitely noticing a difference with my seizures (not having as many, PRAISE God!!!) and my body seems to be slowly adjusting to things…I am still tired a LOT and have to rest in bed most of the time, but I can feel my body getting stronger and balancing out, which is super encouraging and also another answer to prayer!!! God is SOOO Good!!!!
Isaiah 63… verse 13 summed up this chapter for me “Who led them through the depths?” It was God alone!!! And it is only through Him and His Son Jesus that we can be saved!! Where is our focus? Are we turning to our selves and our selfish natures or are we acknowledging the power and the depth of WHO God actually is and what He does!! All throughout this chapter I saw a loving, just and faithful Father!! I saw that He came in victory (verse 1) and that when He looked around (verse 5) He didn’t find anyone willing to give support… so there is a definite tone of grief in this chapter, grief of having to live with decisions that were made.. (verse 10) …but there is also a tone of great faithfulness and hearts calling out and returning to God!!! (verses 11-14) …I see what you’re saying about blame in verse 17…but for me, what I see is a people who were used to being shielded and blessed by God, who CHOSE to come OUT from that shield & blessing, complaining about the consequences of not being IN that shield & blessing.. we all have to make choices. Live IN the shield & blessing of God, or not!! We can’t have it both ways!! Hopefully that makes sense? …This chapter doesn’t tie up neatly..but instead it ends with a crying out!! Bring us back Lord, bring us back to You!!! ….and I think that’s what God heart is.. to bring us back into FULL & COMPLETE fellowship with Him!! …and I pray for this daily… bring us ALL back to You Father God!! Amen!!
GramsieSue I’m adding my prayers to my sister’s here for you and your family.
Sharon I’m praying your insurance company comes through, but in the meantime, I pray healing over your concussion.
I have a small prayer request. I feel kinda funny asking in light of these huge needs…we are taking a beach day and it means a 3 1/2 hour drive through Bay Area (San Francisco East Bay) traffic from our orchard community north of Sacramento. Besides the traffic I’m concerned about the stress of all that sitting on my painful hips for 7 hours…if you would add us to your list for safe & relatively light pain travels I would appreciate it.
Also, for the fire fighters, people involved in this awful Dixie fire. It’s only about an hour north…another entire town lost, another threatened…
GrammieSue, I know what it’s like to loose a child and young family member, such as nephew or
niece, (not in such a violent way) so my heart goes out to you and your family. I’ll be praying for you and your family. Please feel free to reach out to me if you want to. God is watching over all of you.
Sharon, Jersey Girl, please, please get the CT you may have to be your own advocate with your insurance company but do what the doctor says. I’ll be praying for you.
Gramsiesue, praying with our sisters for you all as you navigate the days ahead. ♥️
GramsieSue I am so sorry to hear of this tragedy. I am praying right now for you and your entire family. I pray for God to make His comfort and presence known powerfully to you and everyone in your family.
@Gramsiesue — I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and the family. Lifting you all in prayer.
GRAMMIESUE… such an unimaginable tragedy! My heart breaks for you and your family…my heart, thoughts and prayers are with you dear sister ❤️❤️❤️
Praying
@ GRAMSIESUE
I echo each and every single prayer in this chat, and every groaning of the heart. Holy One, hold them.
GRAMSIESUE, you have me on my knees alongside all our Sisters. When you have a moment, read each prayer…so many bits of love and protection and healing are being prayed over each of you. Lord Jesus, PLEASE…hear us. Bring beauty from ashes.
SHARON JERSEY GIRL, absolutely praying you can advocate for a scan. Even if it is “only” a concussion, this is a crucial time to take care of yourself and follow orders ;)…God bless you.
Sharon, praying for you that there is no serious injury beyond a concussion.
Grammie Sue, I am standing with you in prayer for you and your family. I am so sorry this happened. God we know you draw near when tradgedy strikes. Let Grammie Sue and those involved feel your nearness today. Be with her as they drive, keep them safe.
Grammiesue, as I was praying for you this morning I saw a vision of Jesus parting back the waters of destruction and replacing them with peace, faith and hope. Praying that you will be the light for your family during this dark time ❤️
Dear GramieSue,
I will be praying for your family. Suicide has touched my family in the past and it is very difficult to put to rest. May God grant you and your family peace beyond all understanding as you walk through this difficult time.
Sharon JG – praying God’s provision and healing. If you feel you need the CT and are having any serious symptoms, know He provides and will provide and Go to the ER if needed. Hugs and love to you.
My prayers r with u Grammiesue. I have had significant tragedy in my life and I know how devastating that phone call is to receive. I pray for your entire family and that God with look after your nephews wife and her children. Go look after and give her your strength, comfort and love. My heart is with u all. ❤️❤️❤️
Gods patience reveals his great love for us. Today’s reading asks me to abide in that love and to trust it, to trust in his provision and desire for my good.
Good Morning ERB, I left you a comment late yesterday, just fyi in case you didn’t see it. I have to say Isaiah 63 had me going to a commentary yesterday. And perhaps I was up too late trying to understand. Much in here, but in a different tone of the last two chapters in Isaiah. Isaiah 63:15-19 the questioning of God, I feel the sorrow in these words and the crying out for God to remember them, but I don’t know if it is the translation, but it feels also as a blaming of God. The beginning where it is about the vengeance and the salvation of God makes me think of the sacrifices needed in this time for the sin of the people, and that without Jesus how they were bound to try to obey every single law, to try to be good enough, but of course this is futile as we are unable save the blood of the Lamb to be holy at all. So much depth. In these first verses I almost feel this morning like it is God pouring out that there is no other way than this sacrifice to save Israel, us from ourselves. I love the prayer in the middle and verses 7-14 the history of it. Want to know what you think dear ERB, looking forward to your insight. Blessings to your day, this day that He has given us. Hugs to all of you Sisters as we grieve with GramieSue, I know our prayers together will be felt as our God is faithful.
GramieSue. Praying for you and your family. God will strengthen you.
GramsieSue joining the prayers here for your family. May you feel His arms holding you all in the depth of this sorrow and pain. We will keep you, your sister, her daughter in law and these precious babies in our prayers. Praying an outpouring of His love, mercy and comfort on you all.
GRAMIESUE, praying along with our beautiful sisters for God’s, grace, and mercy; that Your Presence will be undeniable in your midst, that this family will stand together – they are not to blame and hopefully will not fall prey to that emotion. Praying God gives you the words of comfort and hope that each one needs to hear. Safe travels for all. So sorry.
HUMBLE DISPOSITION – David pretty much summed that up in his prayer. Like David, we must remember that nothing we have to offer is ‘of us’ – it is ONLY through God’s grace and blessing that we are equipped to do any work for the kingdom. If we lose that humility we are no longer working for the Kingdom, but for our own gain and that is outside the will of the Father.
Have a blessed weekend Shes!
@Grammiesue, I am so sorry. I will pray for you and all that are touched by this loss. Again, I’m so sorry.
I was hesitant to even write anything today after reading the comments and the news from Grammiesue. I hope that maybe what I share may help someone . When I think about pride, I think about how God resists the proud. Yikes!!! I listened to a sermon by Tim Keller called Haughty Eyes. There are things that may be prideful that we don’t even realize. Here is a link if anyone wants to listen.
https://podcast.gospelinlife.com/e/haughty-eyes/
I shared this before on another devotional group. One woman that had listened said she passed this on too. Dear God, please let me be humble remembering g that all I have or anything worthwhile I do is from You. May I give You the glory. Amen!
Also, I have thought of you ladies as I pray. God bless you all.
Prayers for all of you .
GramieSue praying for you and your husband for safe travels. Also praying for your sister, her daughter in law and babies.
Good Morning Sisters,
It is hard to fathom the humility it took God the Son to become man, yet alone die for us, to bring us redemption and the hope of being with Him in glory. The story of the guest at the wedding banquet in Luke and taking the lowest place at the table, to me seems to be saying so that the host will elevate you to a higher place. I do believe humility and a serving and a spirit of serving gives us much. But Jesus humility, his sacrifice, made himself low in obedience to the Father to bring us to forgiveness, so that we could be lifted up, saved from our sin. Lord God, please help my motives be about loving you and others that they would see you in my words and actions. All I have, I know you have given to me. Guide me in the gift of giving, serving, multiply it as only you can. Thankful Lord for the gift of this time in your Word, please be with us all, give us faith that moves mountains, let us come boldly to you in prayer. Help us to see your miracles, your answers to our prayers. Heal us Jesus our bodies, souls, and minds. Release us from addictions, bitterness, unforgiveness, prejudice, abuse, judgement, confusion, lust, hatred. Restore our strength, hope and peace. Redeem and heal our loved ones that they would find themselves wrapped in salvation and crush the chains that bind them. Show us your faithfulness, your miracles give us eyes to see, ears to hear and mouths that praise you Almighty God. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
@GramsieSue – I am Sooooo very sorry. So many prayers for each of you.
@Gramiesue — This tragedy is unimaginable! I am so sorry for your loss. News such as this is something we all hope and pray we will never have to hear…Father God, the God of all comfort, the God who sees, the God who knows all things – please extend your almighty, exceedingly abundant grace on this family as they go through these very deep waters. You promise to be with us when we pass through the waters and when we walk through the fires. The waters will not overflow us and we will not be burned. Thank you for your ever presence. Please Father minister to the hearts of all who are hurting and grieving. To the mom & dad who have lost a son, to the wife who has lost a husband, to the children who will never know their dad, to Gramiesue who lost her nephew. You are our peace, please let your peace flow through them. Uphold them, strengthen them, help them – our God of refuge and strength, in Jesus name, Amen. ❤️
Also, I have a prayer request – it seems like such a small thing compared to what Grammiesue is going through…on Monday morning I had a bike accident which involved me slamming my head into a brick foundation. I had a couple of other scraps and bruises but the worst was the head. It’s been 4 days since I went to the Dr. and I am still waiting for insurance to authorize a CT scan. Please pray with me that I will hear back today – before the weekend – and be able to get it done. The Dr. said I have a concussion but doesn’t think anything else is going on, this would be as a precaution. But also for my & my husbands peace of mind, to know there are no further injuries…thank you my sisters.
Gramsiesue, I’m so sorry to hear of this tragedy in your family. May you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as you seek to comfort your family members. Praying for all of you as you experience the shock of this sad situation.
Gramsiesue,
So sorry for you and your family. May God strengthen and comfort you all at this difficult time.
I confess, I chuckled a bit while reading 1Tim 1:16 – Paul writing about Jesus’ “immense patience” in Paul’s redemption… same here Paul. I believe the Lord has spent the better part of this year showing me what humbling myself REALLY looks like and not my self-deceiving notion of what I thought it was. Because we cannot “cast all our anxiety on Him” without humbling out hearts in His loving presence.
God be with this family. Holy Spirit let your presence be tangibly felt by all.
Praying for your family.
I’m so very sorry. Prayers for you and your family!
I am praying for you and your family. This is so heartbreaking
Echoing the powerful prayers here for Gramsiesue & her family at this desperate time of need. May all feel your presence Lord.
I am so sorry to hear that, Gramsiesue. May the Lord of healing, peace and comfort be with your family.
Gramsie Sue, I am praying for you and your family. My heart is breaking for all of you.
GramsieSue, I am praying for your safety as you travel, for everyone’s schedules to work out for this. Praying for strength for you as you minister to your sister’s family. I pray the young man will pull through with no permanent after affects. . I pray everyone feels the love of God, his mercy and grace.
ANGIE – you are always so well spoken in your comments and your prayers shared here, inspiring! Thank you for sharing your heart and giving us the opportunity to pray for you and your girls.
Yesterday you said “Interestingly, the ones who have stood the strongest have stayed away from situations that would put them into temptation.”.
I wish I had applied this wisdom in my younger days but have used this as a guideline/decision maker for the past 20-30 years. I work in a male-dominated field (not so much any more, but almost totally male when I started 40+ years ago) and doing my best staying out of situations that could lead to temptation or even just awkwardness saves a lot of problems – not meeting alone out of the office, or behind a closed door in office, driving myself and meeting coworkers at client location, not working late if it was just me and a man, etc.
I was offered a really cool opportunity (related to a hobby of mine) last year to travel with someone and turned it down because of this. Pretty sure it was genuinely/strictly hobby focused, innocent and on the up & up as I am old enough to be his mother – but … If I don’t put myself in a situation that could possibly go in a wrong direction, then I won’t get myself in trouble (of that type anyway).
Praying!
Gramsiesue, I am praying for you and you family, my God give you the strength, wisdom and words to comfort this young woman and the entire family during this tragic time of need.
GRAMSIESUE… I am so so very sorry to hear this. Absolutely praying and holding your family up in prayer…
My Lord and my Savior. I lay into your hands Gramsiesue, her sister, the daughter-in-law, and both the young child and baby growing within her. Tragic doesn’t seem a big enough word to describe the situation for this family. I ask for mercy upon the man who died soul, Lord. Only You know our heart. But God, You are God. Our hope and trust, faith and peace are in You alone. You know all the yesterday’s, today’s, and tomorrows. You know circumstances, You know hearts. It is my prayer that the hearts of these women and men; Gramsiesue’s family, know You as Lord and Savior. May they dwell in the shelter of the Most High while finding rest in the shadow of the Almighty. May they know You as their refuge and fortress and find protection under your wings, shielded by your faithfulness O God. Terror and darkness surround at this moment, shine the Light of your Love and eternal Life upon them, we pray. I thank you for the protection the young age of the child and unborn provides them from presently understanding the situation. I pray that You, Eternal and Almighty God, will go before them in the days to come, the children and adults, and heal the scars from this situation. I ask, in Jesus name, that there would be no lasting wounds but that the suave of Your Holy Spirit would be upon the children, this wife, this mother and father, and extended family. Our earthly minds see the magnitude of this tragedy in the today and it is heartbreaking. Hold them in this time Lord, and do what only You can do as Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent Father God. Thank you Lord, our hope is in You. Amen.
GramsieSue – what a tragedy! Praying for safe travels and that God will bring His peace to you and your family.
1. I work for a company that publishes Sunday school and homeschool Bible curricula. Being humble is a must when handling God’s Word. Having a lot of Bible “knowledge” can quickly be used by the enemy as a source of pride. Reliance on my own abilities and wisdom takes God out of the process and turns His Word into a commodity instead of the source of life it should be.
2. Today’s passage reminded me that I have to cooperate with God in my redemption. Yes, He has provided everything but I need to “train [my]self in godliness… [because] godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
Praying for you ladies ❤
GRAMSIESUE – I am so sorry, I will be praying for your family for safety on the drive today, for comfort and strength for you, your sister, her DIL, baby & the one on the way. Hugs to all and remember you are loved!
Gramsisue, there are no words. Just know you and your family are in so many of our prayers right now. I pray for Jesus to just envelop you all in His arms and comfort.
Gramsiesue, I am so sorry. Prayers for you and your family. I pray for each of you, especially your sister and DIL, that they will find comfort in the arms of Jesus and that He will give them strength in the coming days, weeks and even years.
Praying!
GRAMSIESUE-OH MY!!!! I am so so sorry to hear this, I will be praying for your family. I just have no other words :(
It is 2:30am here in Missouri. I received a call a couple of hours ago that my sister’s 27 yr old son had shot himself tonight after an argument with his wife. She is 20, they have a 7 month old baby and just found out she is pregnant again. It is shocking and feels like our worst nightmare. Please pray for our family. My husband will take off work tomorrow to drive me the 2-1/2 hrs to be with her as I haven’t been released to drive yet…
Hugs to all you sisters ❤️
Praying for you and your family
Lifting you and your loved ones up in prayer.
There aren’t any words I can say to ease the pain of this terrible tragedy. God is there for all of you. Only He understands and has the power to help you through this very dark time. We pray that He comforts you and sends the people you need right now to administer to your families immediate needs.
My sincere condolences.
GramieSue!!! I am so sorry to hear this horrible thing that happened to your family. My heart aches for your family. I am praying. We are all praying.
Prayers for you. My sister killed herself 7 years ago over an argument with her husband. It’s never fair for the people left behind. May he and all of you be at peace soon.
My deepest condolences and prayers for the unimaginable pain your sister and your family is suffering.