Day 164/260: Read 1 Timothy 1

What types of things are “contrary to sound doctrine”? Paul gives us quite a list in the first chapter of 1 Timothy, and it is not even all-inclusive. Lawless, insubordinate, ungodly, sinners, unholy, profane, murderers of parents, manslayers, fornicators, sodomites, kidnappers, liars, perjurers. Have you watched the news lately?

These acts of unrighteousness are usually the headlines on cable news, and many do not even flinch when they hear them. Many modern-day network programs are filled with profanity and fornication. Politicians are often criticized for their half-truths and flat-out lies. And more and more, kidnapping has been getting attention on social media as trafficking has been exposed.

Can we get away from these things? Sadly, as long as we live in a sinful world, we cannot. Jesus does not want us to leave this world, but He wants us to make it better in any way that we can. When He prayed to God, He said, “I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one” (John 17:15).

Protect yourself by being aware of the sins of the world and guarding yourself against them. We should, like Timothy, “wage the good warfare, having faith and a good conscience.”

Memory (Fill in the blanks)

1 Timothy 1:15. This is a faithful saying and _______________ of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am _______________.

Pray

Pray with thanksgiving that you have been taught the grace and mercy of God.