End of 1 Timothy

I finished the sermon series on 1 Timothy today. That was a great book. Gosh, I have notes written all over my Bible, reminding me that I will need to go back numerous times to refresh my memory and pray through this book again and again. I don't think I've actually critically read this book all the way through before, so it kind of feels good. Like I accomplished something. But then I realize I got to put this stuff into practice and wrestle with it my whole life! I like it, though. I love to read the Truth and have God point out what new areas of my life I can put my energies into changing. Well, letting Him into change that is. The Bible should never bore a person. It should always fascinate and awe them. It's written in such a way that we (if we're honest) are just laid bare before Him and we have a decision to make. Will we agree with God and change our minds (renew them, Paul would say) about things, about life, about the world, about ourselves? Or will we harden up because we don't want to admit that He's got some pretty serious and heavy things to talk to us about?

I was reminded of some things in this last chapter of 1 Timothy
- Theology and doctrine actually DO MATTER. They form, after all, the framework in which a Christian's life operates. Paul wants Timothy to pay close attention to false doctrines, to be careful of this and cling to the Truth of Jesus Christ above all else. There are dangerous effects of teaching false doctrines. He uses the word sound, or "healthy" instruction to describe the teaching he is to provide at the church of Ephesus. I think that is one thing I will always admire about Christ's church at Mars Hill. They deeply value the way one thinks, perceives, understands and talks about God. They care about theology. Because they know it may begin in the mind, but it unavoidably leaks out into all of life.
- God desires worshipers more than innovators. As humble servants, we should delight in thinking God's thoughts after Him rather than busy ourselves coming up with our own unique angles or perspectives. We are called to think in God's way, rather than the way of the world. Let us pray He would open our minds to understand just what that even means.
- $ is the loudspeaker that plays the tune of your heart. You will either use money or use God and people. Let us be the kind of people who use money to demonstrate our love for God and people rather than use people to obtain more money.
- We run away from something (sin) but more than that we run to something else (righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness).
- For Timothy it was: don't be lazy, don't be a heretic, be content, don't be greedy (v.1-10) What is it for you and me?
- Who do we honor when we make decisions? Is it God? Is it some person or ourselves?
- God is a good Father who gives us commands for our own good. Like "be willing to share" and "guard what has been entrusted to you"
- He also gives us the means by which to do this: GRACE be with you.

http://www.marshillchurch.org/media/1-timothy