A Living Hope

Mike Sullivan
1 Peter 1:1-9

Because our hope is a living hope based in the risen Jesus, we can live as sojourners in this fallen world. This world is not our true home. Heaven is. Eternity in heaven will give us perspective on our current trials we can't fully comprehend right now. Because of this hope, even our pain can be productive.

Six Ways to Serve Under Adverse Circumstances

Conrad Hilario
1 Timothy 4:1-16

God is calling you to a life filled with true meaning and purpose. It is not a mistake that God has put you where you are. If God calls you to serve in challenging circumstances, focus on the things you do have control over. Don't be surprised when some people abandon the faith. Keep the central message at the center of what you do. Lead by example. Stand on the authority and power of God's written Word. Remember that God has called, equipped, and commissioned you to carry out your task. People should not only observe what we are, but also what we are becoming.

Six Ways to Lead a Tough Church

James Rochford
1 Timothy 4:1-16

Paul gives Timothy six ways to lead a tough church undergoing attack by false teachers who promote doctrines of demons. Timothy is directed: to stay well-fed by the Word, to work hard, to become what he wants to see, to lead with his Bible, to exploit the spiritual gift in him, and to trust that God will use him. God is not a harsh task-master. He will work on one area needing improvement at a time. What is one area you need to grow in?

Breaking the Tide of Falsehood

Dennis McCallum
1 Timothy 4:1-10

In the fourth chapter of 1 Timothy, Paul warns Timothy to be on guard against the spreading of false doctrines taught by female pagan religious leaders. Most Bible translation do a poor job translating "But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women." These female religious leaders were known as "old women" in Timothy's day. These 'old women' taught Ascetism which focused on forbidding things God does not forbid, like marriage, and certain foods. They were known for storytelling where they put the gods in an outrageous light.

Leadership in the Organic Paradigm Part 2

Dennis McCallum
1 Timothy 3:2-13

The qualities required of a spiritual leader in the church are good character and spiritual maturity. These are qualities all Christians should be growing in. The Body of Christ is always in need of believers who are willing to serve the Body in leadership whether as an official deacon or elder or as a servant looking for needs to meet.

Teachers of "The Law"

Dennis McCallum
1 Timothy 1:5-16

Paul calls out people who want to be teachers of the Law yet they miss the whole point of the Law. It is for the lawless, not for the righteous. Once one becomes a believer in Jesus, they are no longer under the Law. The Law is to teach us of our sinfulness and need for God's forgiveness. It is not rules to live under. The Law is neither focused on love, nor is it life-giving.

Cultivating a Reflective Heart

Chris Hearty
1 Timothy 1:12-19

As Paul encourages Timothy in how to lead the church at Ephesus, he reflects back on his former life as a persecutor of the church before Jesus apprehended him on the road to Damascus. He breaks out in praise as he remembers how merciful God was to forgive him, the worst of sinners, and put him into His service. In light of God's incredible mercy and patience, Paul charges Timothy to fight the good fight by holding firmly to faith and a good conscience.

The Glorious Gospel

Chris Hearty
1 Timothy 1:1-11

Paul open his letter to Timothy by asserting his authority as an Apostle commissioned by Jesus Himself, perhaps to not only to encourage Timothy but to confer some of his authority to a young Timothy. It may also have been to affirm to the church in Ephesus that Timothy has Paul's full confidence. He urges Timothy to remain in Ephesus to teach the church to stop spreading false doctrine and wasting time occupying themselves with myths and endless genealogies. Instead, he is to focus on the goal of their instruction, that is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

The Goal of Our Instruction

Dennis McCallum
1 Timothy 1:1-7

As Paul commits the leadership of the church at Ephesus to his young disciple, Timothy, he encourages him to guide the discourse away from meaningless myths and unimportant issues. He reminds him that the marks of good teachings are love, a good conscience and sincere faith.