From 1 Timothy 3:8-13

Yesterday’s devotion talked about the office of overseer, and I remarked that I haven’t been to a church with that title.  The title of deacon, the subject of today’s verses, and this is a title that is used in many churches today with a variety of definitions.  Probably the best way to understand the role as Timothy would have understood it is simply as someone to assist the pastors in the congregation especially in caring for those in need and taking care of the place of worship.

The standards for behavior are similar for the deacons, even if they do have a more limited role.  This makes sense, because anyone in a position of authority or leadership within the church will potentially be looked at as an example.  For people outside the church, it is natural to look at leaders in the church to get a sense of what it means to be a Christian.  For people inside the church, it is natural to look at leaders in the church as role models.  It’s very similar to how we might evaluate any other organization, you don’t look at the intern, you look at the CEO.  This means that, if you want to be a leader in your church, you should live up to that title. And if you aren’t currently living up to the way that Christ has called you to live, that’s okay – you can (and should) always continue to grow; however, until you can be a faithful role model for others, you maybe shouldn’t step into positions of leadership.

Focus on God

We are reminded in these verses that God graciously sets expectations for the quality of those who lead His people.

Function in Our Lives

We are encouraged to live as examples of the faith as much as we possibly can.

Topics to Pray About                                                               

• Thank God for the wisdom in His Word.
• Confess to God the times where you don’t live according to what you believe.
• Ask God to bless the people He has given authority in this world with wisdom and righteousness.

In His Service,

J. LeBorious

From 1 Timothy 3:1-7

In the all the churches I’ve been to, I’ve never met someone with the title of overseer.  In fact, when I picture an overseer, I picture someone on a construction site, overseeing the work being done.  Obviously, that isn’t what Paul is talking about here.  The role that Paul is setting out guidelines for is probably best understood as the role pastors fill in most Christian congregations today.

The task of pastoral ministry is not one to be taken lightly, something to be kept in mind for anyone in your life who aspires to this vocation.  The standards for behavior and thoughts are high, just look back at 1 Timothy 3:2-7.  And the reason for this is that the pastor in many ways sets the standard, sets the example. If a pastor does not live up to the way that God has called Christians to live, it communicates to anyone watching that it’s really okay to do that.  That isn’t to say that pastors are perfect, but they are called to do their best to set an example.

Now you may be reading this devotion and thinking to yourself, “I’m not a pastor, nor do I have any intention of becoming one.” That’s fine, but the thought I would impart to you is this. Even if you aren’t a pastor leading a congregation, are their people in your life who look to you for an example? Maybe it’s your siblings or your kids, maybe it’s other people at your job, or maybe it’s your friends. Regardless, if you are being looked to as an example, these verses give you an idea of what kind of example you should be.

Focus on God

We are reminded in these verses that God graciously sets a perfect example for us in the earthly ministry of Jesus.

Function in Our Lives

We are encouraged to live as examples of the faith as much as we possibly can.

Topics to Pray About                                                               

• Thank God for the wisdom in His Word.
• Confess to God the times where you don’t live according to what you believe.
• Ask God to bless the people He has given authority in this world with wisdom and righteousness.

In His Service,

J. LeBorious

From 1 Timothy 2:8-15

These verses contain a message that has been dismissed by some and misused by others.  It also might be difficult to adequately address in a single devotion, but we’re going through Timothy and I don’t want to skip it, so we’ll give it a try.

These verses speak to how Christians should engage in worship.  It begins by saying that men should pray in a peaceful and sanctified man – which doesn’t inspire much disagreement.  It then says that women should dress respectably and modestly in church – again, I don’t think there is much disagreement there, both men and women should dress modestly and respectfully in general.  Then Paul writes the verses that are more controversial for some.  He writes that women should learn quietly and gives the role of spiritual leadership to men.  The following verse points back to the order of creation and the fact that Adam came first.

Part of the reason people sometimes get upset by this comes from the idea that men and women are the same. That’s not true though, whether from a scientific or biblical or experiential point of view.  Men and women are different and God has given them different, complementary roles.  This isn’t a burden or a tragedy, but a blessing! Men are called to spiritual leadership, and women have other callings in their lives.  This is part of the reason that the LCMS (our church body) does not ordain women into pastoral ministry, because we trust in God’s design for the relationships between men and women, we trust that He knows what He’s doing when He puts men in this role.  That isn’t to say anything negative about men or women, just an acknowledgement that we are different and that God has given us different roles in His community.

Focus on God

We are reminded in these verses that God graciously blesses us with different people to fill different roles.

Function in Our Lives

We are encouraged to live with modesty and respect for one another.

Topics to Pray About                                                               

• Thank God for the wisdom in His Word.
• Confess to God the times where you don’t live with modesty or respect.
• Ask God to bless the people He has given authority in this world with wisdom and righteousness.

In His Service,

J. LeBorious

From 1 Timothy 2:1-7

Paul challenges Christians to pray for all people in these verses.  Specifically, he mentions kings and people who are in high positions.  It is helpful to keep in mind that, at the time, most of the rulers and authorities did not treat Christians with kindness or mercy – they were much more likely to choose violence.  We should include in our prayers people in authority over us – whether that be council members, mayors, governors, presidents, members of congress, bosses, HOA presidents, or judges.  We should pray for them even if, maybe especially if, we disagree with them.  We pray for peace and the ability to lead a quiet, godly life.

Another thing to note in these verses is the rationale that Paul gives for praying for all people.  He says that it is good and pleasing in the sight of God because He “desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” We pray for all people because God cares for all people, we pray for all people because God wants them all to be saved, and we pray for all people because they are all a part of His plan for creation – whether they acknowledge it or not.

Focus on God

We are reminded in these verses that Jesus graciously hears our prayers.

Function in Our Lives

We are encouraged to pray for others, especially people in positions of authority.

Topics to Pray About                                                               

• Thank God for the freedom to go to Him in prayer.
• Confess to God the times where you don’t pray for others like you should.
• Ask God to bless the people He has given authority in this world with wisdom and righteousness.

In His Service,

J. LeBorious

From 1 Timothy 1:12-20

Paul’s point in these verses is simple.  Christ came to save sinners and shows His “perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” We are all sinners and Christ came for us – so it seems appropriate for us to be a little more patient and gracious with one another and to help each other cling to the faith.

That’s all folks.

Focus on God

We are reminded in these verses that Jesus graciously came to save us sinners.

Function in Our Lives

We are encouraged to be gracious to one another and supportive of one another’s faith.

Topics to Pray About                                                               

• Thank God for His Son.
• Confess to God the times where you don’t reflect the grace and patience He showed you.
• Ask God to bless His church with good, faithful leaders.

In His Service,

J. LeBorious