John 4:19-24
I. “In spirit”
II. “In truth”
Day 165/260: Read 1 Timothy 2
Are you ever amazed by the restraint of the inspired writers when they speak of government? Christians were heavily persecuted in the first century, many even dying for the faith. Yet inspiration teaches that Christians should respect those in positions of authority and even submit to them, as long as they are not demanding disobedience to God.
Paul urged Timothy to pray for all men, including “kings and all who are in authority.” Rome’s opposition to Christianity was no secret; Caesar was not a friend of first century disciples. Despite the animosity, the apostle said that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for all kings and all who are in authority.” When is the last time you prayed for a politician that you did not like?
As followers of Jesus, we are to be peaceful and submissive to those that do not interfere with our religion, and pray for those who do oppose us. Pray “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” Does your social media usage show quietness, peace, godliness, and reverence?
Let’s pray the way God wants us to pray, and live the way God wants us to live, looking toward our eternal citizenship and striving to bring our neighbors “to the knowledge of the truth.”
Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)
1 Timothy 1:15. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
Pray
Pray for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
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.
Day 163/260: Read Philemon
Broken homes, poverty, racism…all around, we see and experience difficulties and heartaches. How can we make the world a better place? Start by making the world better for one person. Then encourage them to make it better for someone else. One by one, we can change the world.
At times, some criticize the New Testament for its lack of condemnation of slavery. Yet, we see the deconstruction of the institution in the teachings of how people should treat people—regardless of color or class.
Paul writes to Philemon, a slave owner, on behalf of Onesimus, a slave. But Onesimus was more than just a slave. He had become Philemon’s brother in Christ. Paul appealed to the highest Christian principle of love, urging Philemon to receive this man back as “a beloved brother.”
Inspired writers generally did not get involved in political matters. In fact, it is written, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. Therefore whoever resists the authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist will bring judgment on themselves” (Rom. 13:1-2).
Rather than trying to change policy, the gospel seeks to change people. One by one. Love each other. Treat your fellow man with respect. Be like Jesus. That’s how we make the world a better place.
Memory (Fill in the blanks)
1 Timothy 1:15. This is a _______________ saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to _______________ sinners, of whom I am chief.
Pray
Pray for the opportunity to make the world better for someone today.
Day 162/260: Read Jude
Some religious people teach that once a person is saved, it is impossible for him to fall away. This is sometimes called “the impossibility of apostasy.” This is a false doctrine refuted many times in the New Testament, including in the short epistle written by Jude.
The inspired writer talks about the salvation of Israel from Egypt, yet reminds the reader that God “afterward destroyed those who did not believe.” He mentions “the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode.”
He then shifts his attention to the residents of Sodom and Gomorrah, who had “given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh.” Time and time again, we see God’s perfect creation—both humankind and angelkind—leaving the safety of God.
Why did they leave? Several reasons: pride, greed, a rebellious spirit, sensuousness. A lack of trust in the promises and provisions of God. Selfishness. It didn’t have to be that way.
Jude writes, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” You have a choice to remain in the grace of God through faithful obedience, or to walk away. Choose Jesus.
Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)
1 Timothy 1:15. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
Pray
Pray for forgiveness for your shortcomings and commit yourself to following God’s instructions selflessly.
Day 161/260: Read 2 Peter 3
How important is Bible study? The apostle Paul reminds us, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Seems pretty important, right?
James wrote, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James 1:21). The Word is profitable, and it is soul-saving. That’s more than important. That’s essential.
Peter says that we must “be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior,” but warns that the Scriptures can be misused if we are not careful. He says that within the writings of inspired men are “some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction.”
Consult trustworthy sources by sound men, such as Guy N. Woods, Gus Nichols, Robert Taylor Jr., and Wayne Jackson, understanding that even the most sound can be wrong. Study them, then search the Scriptures for verification of what they teach.
Memory (Read aloud 5-10 times)
1 Timothy 1:15. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
Pray
Pray for wisdom as you study God’s inspired Word.
Day 160/260: Read 2 Peter 2
In stark contrast to the precious promises of God, Peter warns against false prophets and false teachers “who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.”
We can see the grace and mercy of God throughout the New Testament, but there are unscrupulous men and women who will blaspheme God and His revealed gospel. “By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words.”
In this age of instant news through the avenues of television and the internet, and the especially rapid spread of false information via social media, it is no surprise that more are being deceived by false teachers.
Promoters of “health and wealth” prosperity gospel messages are exceedingly popular, but in truth “they speak great swelling words of emptiness.” They line their own pockets but fail to make followers of Jesus. Sure, the people who listen to these false teachers believe they are following Christ, but they have been duped by the false teachers, and in the end will hear the words, “I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” (Matthew 7:23).
Friends, I urge you to investigate what you are being taught, and “search[] the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things [are] so” (Acts 17:11).
Memory (Recite to a friend without looking)
1 Peter 3:15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
Pray
Pray for those who believe falsehoods, that they may turn from the lies and seek the truth.
Day 159/260: Read 2 Peter 1
It is an interesting study to examine those things that Peter held as “precious.” The word appears several times in his two epistles, including twice in the first chapter of Second Peter.
First, notice that faith is precious to Peter (1 Peter 1:7; 2 Peter 1:1). How precious? “Much more precious than gold that perishes.”
In his discussion of modesty, Peter says that “a gentle and quiet spirit” in a woman is preferred over an outward show of beauty. One’s physical appearance may diminish over time, but a woman’s “hidden person of the heart” is “precious in the sight of God” (1 Peter 3:1-4).
There is “the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19). We remember this blood that was shed every first day of the week as we observe the Lord’s Supper.
Christ Himself is precious as “a living stone,” “a chief cornerstone,” even though He is rejected by the disobedient (1 Peter 2:4-7). Our acceptance of Christ makes Him no less precious to those who are faithful.
Finally, the promises of God are precious (2 Peter 1:4). No one can stop God from accomplishing what He has promised to His elect.
Memory (Fill in the blanks)
1 Peter 3:15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be _______________ to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with _______________ and fear.
Pray
Pray for a better outlook on the precious things of God.
Day 158/260: Read 1 Peter 5
Humility is a hallmark of the fifth chapter of Peter’s first epistle. Even in the first four verses, as Peter encourages the elders, humility shines through. Yes, our shepherds are our leaders, but not in the sense of being lords over the flock. Rather, they gently lead as examples of how we should live.
Peter then urges, “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for ‘God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.’”
Humility is highlighted by an attitude of selflessness and consideration of the opinions and desires of another. When we are wise enough to know that we don’t know everything, we are more likely to hear what other people are saying. Their experiences can help us understand different perspectives if we are only willing to listen.
We must also be humble when we consider our position relative to God. “Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” If we submit to Him and serve Him, He will take care of us and lift us up when we need it most.
Memory (Fill in the blanks)
1 Peter 3:15. But _______________ the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a _______________ to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
Pray
Pray for humility in your dealings with other men and with God.
Day 157/260: Read 1 Peter 4
Suffering is a part of this life, but it does not have to be a part of the next. Peter writes, “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people’s matters. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter.”
When this life is over, we will give an account for how we lived it. If we wasted it “in lewdness, lusts, drunkenness, revelries, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries,” how will we be judged? We may be “the life of the party.” But when we decline those activities, we are called “no fun,” “goody two shoes,” or “party poopers.” But the people of this life will not judge us for eternity.
Peter says those who walk according to worldly values “will give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” They will be found wanting. Paul says of those who follow after sinful activities and lifestyles, “the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).
Don’t let the world influence your day-to-day decisions in such a way that you are drawn away from the Lord. Do what is right, regardless of their attitude toward you. “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”
Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)
1 Peter 3:15. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.
Pray
Pray for wisdom in making decisions and choosing friends.
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