Thoughts on 1 Timothy 6

I don’t highlight verses much, but I’ve highlighted almost all of 1 Timothy 6..

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭3-5‬ ESV)

As I’ve started teaching, I have been really blessed with the lessons I am learning as I prepare. The teacher does learn more than the student. But this is my fear – that I might make a mistake and teach “a different doctrine [that] does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ.” That I might be a worker who does not “correctly handles the word of truth.”

I should keep my motives – my heart – in check.

• Godliness should not be a means to gain. 
• The leader is essentially a servant.
• All knowledge comes from God, especially insight regarding His will. 
• People are more important than the Presentation (or PowerPoint).
• To teach is a great blessing, a great privilege, and a great responsibility.

But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭9-10‬ ESV)

I sometimes find myself struggling with this: the desire to be rich. It creeps up on me. Traps and snares are not meant to be obvious.

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. (‭1 Timothy‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬ ESV)

Flee from the bad, Purse the good. Cannot be one without the other. Has to be both.

Thoughts on Numbers 36

Wow, it’s been a while..

We close the Book of Numbers today. It’s been a long study, but was pleasantly surprised with all the learnings from a book that seems boring because of the title. Do not judge a book by it’s cover. Especially if God is the author 🙂

God gives commands. But sometimes, circumstances raise questions not specifically covered by God’s commands? What do we do?

We ask God. (Of course!)

The funny thing about us is that many times that’s not our first instinct. We like to discuss and debate amongst ourselves. We ask God too late.

Would a father withhold giving clear instructions to his children when they ask? Of course not. How much more our Heavenly Father will give us guidance when we ask Him how we can better obey Him.

Thoughts on Joel 3

O-oh, you’re gonna get it.

“What are you to me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you paying me back for something? If you are paying me back, I will return your payment on your own head swiftly and speedily. (‭Joel‬ ‭3‬:‭4‬ ESV)

It’s like when my 4 year old son tries to ‘fight’ me and I’m like, “Really son?” As humans, we often forget our place – and size – compared to the All-mighty powerful God. I am very grateful that God’s patience is great towards me. As a father, I understand my son’s frustration and I know that he just needs to learn more about me – and how much I love him. God, as my heavenly Father, probably thinks the same way about me.

Proclaim this among the nations: Consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. (‭Joel‬ ‭3‬:‭9‬ ESV)

As someone who avoids conflict as much as I can, I don’t understand what it means to prepare and go to war. It must take a lot of preparation – mentally and physically.

The Lord roars from Zion, and utters his voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth quake. But the Lord is a refuge to his people, a stronghold to the people of Israel. (‭Joel‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ESV)

Love this image! Roar!!!

Thoughts on Numbers 35

Now in our present time, after the finished work of Jesus, are there still Levites? I think Yes and No.
No, in the sense that once we are made clean through Jesus, we are able to approach God directly. We don’t need human mediators because we have Jesus as our Mediator.

Yes, in the sense that there are people who have given up “regular” lives to be of service to God’s people. As members of the Church, we should support our elders.

The second part talks about Cities of Refuge – places where people can run to and live in, in case they have killed someone unintentionally. We can look at these verses from different angles… but for me, I remember how I myself am guilty of murder – that my sin is the reason for Jesus’ death on the cross. And that God has prepared a “city of refuge” for me.

Thoughts on Psalm 149

“That escalated quickly…”

Warm fuzzy feels in verses 1 to 5 – singing to the Lord, praise, gladness, rejoicing, music..

Then suddenly verses 6 to 9 – double-edged swords, vengeance, punishment, bindings, fetters and executions..

I was unnerved when I first read through it. But as I write this now.. I see the reminder. 

Such is the Christian life here on earth – instruments of praise in one hand, weapons of war on the other. Cannot have only one and not the other. 

And these weapons, they are not against man.. we are against spiritual forces, the struggle is real.

Arm yourself, put on the full armor of God. As you praise the Lord, don’t let your guard down. Don’t give the enemy a foothold. And remember that Jesus is already victorious, do not fear, be strong and courageous. The battle is the Lord’s.