Here’s how the study works: Read the chapter mentioned in the heading several times during the week and share any words, thoughts, verses that stood out to you. Having a week for a chapter creates the opportunity to reread it several times and make additional comments as you feel inclined as well as make comments on other people’s insights.
v.1-2 Years ago people used verses like these to justify slavery. Yet what God is actually telling us is, whatever circumstance we find ourselves in, have a good attitude.
v.1-2 Years ago people used verses like these to justify slavery. Yet what God is actually telling us is, whatever circumstance we find ourselves in, have a good attitude.
v.4 "They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions…"
Since people like this will always be around, it is up to us to have the right attitude and not get into pointless discussions.
v.4 "They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions…"
Since people like this will always be around, it is up to us to have the right attitude and not get into pointless discussions.
v.16 reminds of the hymn:
"Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes".
v.16 reminds of the hymn:
"Immortal, invisible, God only wise, in light inaccessible hid from our eyes".
v.1 in the Message:
Whoever is a slave must make the best of it…
I think this applies even if you are not a slave.
v.1 in the Message:
Whoever is a slave must make the best of it…
I think this applies even if you are not a slave.
v.1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.
All our actions, even if we are not slaves, should give God a good name.
v.1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.
All our actions, even if we are not slaves, should give God a good name.
v.4-5 They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
When people of a corrupt mind are confronted with the truth they look for objections and when they are confronted with differences to the truth they look for reasons to accept it.
(From Constable’s commentary) "It is little wonder, then, that missionaries of the cults are so resistant to the gospel and so easily angered in theological discussions. Corrupt minds and argumentative dispositions go hand in hand with opposition to the gospel.
v.4-5 They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.
When people of a corrupt mind are confronted with the truth they look for objections and when they are confronted with differences to the truth they look for reasons to accept it.
(From Constable’s commentary) "It is little wonder, then, that missionaries of the cults are so resistant to the gospel and so easily angered in theological discussions. Corrupt minds and argumentative dispositions go hand in hand with opposition to the gospel.
v.11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
A man/woman of God will display these characteristics.
v.11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.
A man/woman of God will display these characteristics.
v.17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
(From Constable’s commentary) "The reason everything may be enjoyed lies in the recognition that everything, including one's wealth, is a gift, the expression of God's gracious generosity."
v.17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
(From Constable’s commentary) "The reason everything may be enjoyed lies in the recognition that everything, including one's wealth, is a gift, the expression of God's gracious generosity."
v.18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
The rich don’t have to become un-wealthy but rather they develop an attitude of being “willing to share”.
v.18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.
The rich don’t have to become un-wealthy but rather they develop an attitude of being “willing to share”.