1 Timothy 5: Meeting Needs

Last updated on: September 30, 2011 at 6:28 am By Dillon Burroughs

“Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.” -1 Timothy 5:3 The church has served those in need since its beginning. Yet it didn’t take long for the needs to overwhelm the ability of early Christians to provide. As a result, tough choices had to be made. When it came to caring for widows, Paul was especially sensitive to care without compromise. His principles still offer much relevance today. First, Paul made his primary focus one of... Read more

1 Timothy 4: Set an Example

Last updated on: September 29, 2011 at 6:57 am By Dillon Burroughs

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” -1 Timothy 4:12 Young leaders need encouragement. They face an uphill battle, both for respect and for integrity. Paul addresses both in a single verse: 1 Timothy 4:12. He gives two commands. First, he taught Timothy to not let anyone look down on him because he was young. Timothy was in... Read more

1 Timothy 3: A Noble Task

Last updated on: September 28, 2011 at 2:37 pm By Dillon Burroughs

“Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.” -1 Timothy 3:1 Pastors get bad PR today. Due to the detestable actions of a small circle of men who call themselves ministers, church leaders have become seen as “freaks and geeks” more than any other time in American history. Fortunately, the apostle Paul holds a much more positive view of this spiritual position. In 1 Timothy 3, Paul provides a list of the character... Read more

1 Timothy 2: Pray for Your Leaders

Last updated on: September 27, 2011 at 11:16 am By Dillon Burroughs

“1 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior…” -1 Timothy 2:1-3 We live in an age of political spite. Even seemingly devout Christians have decided it’s okay to bash our nation’s leaders with reckless abandon. “I know I’m supposed to... Read more

1 Timothy 1: Christ’s Patience

Last updated on: September 26, 2011 at 4:45 pm By Dillon Burroughs

“15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever... Read more

2 Thessalonians 3: Keep Praying

Last updated on: September 23, 2011 at 11:44 am By Dillon Burroughs

“1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith.” -2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Paul constantly reminded his readers of their need for prayer. Whether for him, for themselves, for leaders, or against evil, prayer was Paul’s first resort. In 2 Thessalonians 3, he... Read more

2 Thessalonians 2: The Coming

Last updated on: September 22, 2011 at 11:58 am By Dillon Burroughs

“1 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to him, we ask you, brothers and sisters, 2 not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter—asserting that the day of the Lord has already come.” -2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 Christ’s return is often viewed with fear. People wonder if some new form of technology is the mark of the beast or... Read more

2 Thessalonians 1: God Makes You Worthy

Last updated on: September 21, 2011 at 6:04 am By Dillon Burroughs

“We constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith. We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” -2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Every feel like you can’t keep up? I... Read more

1 Thessalonians 5: Knowing God’s Will

Last updated on: September 20, 2011 at 10:56 am By Dillon Burroughs

“16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 One of the biggest questions in the Christian life is, “How can I know God’s will?” We desire to do what God wants; we just don’t know how to figure it out. The Bible is great, but we really would like a text to tell us where to work, who to marry, what to major... Read more

1 Thessalonians 4: Live to Please God

Last updated on: September 19, 2011 at 6:52 am By Dillon Burroughs

1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. 2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3 It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should... Read more