2 Different Worlds & Beings

1 Timothy 6


Inspired thots

A comparison between God and self - how God is and how I am.
So different; such a vast contrast.

God's word - gives SOUND instruction & GODLY teaching.

2 Tim. 6:6 - Godliness with Contentment is Great Gain!

The world is really a TEMPORARY place for me - 'having brought NOTHING INTO the world, I can Take NOTHING Out' v7

Be Content with the Basic things of life - Food and Clothing (v8)

Wanting to get rich - v9 - falls into Temptation & a Trap & foolish and harmful desires (sin) that cause destruction and ruin

v10 for the LOVE of MONEY is A Root of ALL kinds of evil.

Watch out! Eager for $$$ - possibility of wandering from the faith
^ (NO MORE TIME for GOD)
^ - pierce self with griefs
^ (Emotional Sorrows inflicted - worry, anxiety, stress, fear)

Inversely - Flee from Pursuing $$$ which brings on much sorrows.

Pursue Godly attributes - Righteousness, Godliness, Faith, Love, Endurance, Gentleness

v12 FIGHT the GOOD Fight of Faith

v17 Do not put hope in Wealth (so uncertain - here today, gone tomorrow)

Put my hope in God alone WHO richly provides ME with EVERYTHING for my Enjoyment.

Be RICH only in good deeds - generosity & sharing.

That is the TRUE ESSENCE of Life.

All in God's Family

1 Timothy 5

Inspired thots

Every child of God is part of God's family. Hence, every Christian is family in God's kingdom.
There are all kinds of status in God's family - father, mother, sister, brother, widow, children, etc.

Proper respect and behavior are to be given to each in God's family for unity and harmony.
There is a place for every position in God's family.

Do not exercise favoritism amongst God's people. (5:21)

Guidance from the Spirit & Word

1 Timothy 4

Inspired thots

The chapter begins with 'the Spirit clearly says...'
1) it is important to HEAR what the Spirit says; for He says it clearly. I should be able to hear Him.

~ the Spirit tells of things in the future; things to come - 'in later times...'
I need to take heed; take alert.
~ Deception;
~ Extremism; not to marry; not to eat certain foods

2) the POWER of God's word and Prayer
~ consecration of everything God created so that I can enjoy
~ PRAY according to God's word and will, and it shall be done

3) TRAIN up to Godliness
~ nothing comes automatically; salvation has to be worked out after receiving it freely
~ deception can be thwarted if trained to recognise it
~ consecration can be achieved when trained to embrace it through the word of God

4) HOPE in GOD
~ if that is lost, one is deceived easily
~ if that is focused, one continues on the right path

5) PROGRESS in my life
~ as a testimony
~ effort must be put in: alertness, study the Scriptures

The SIMPLE Life

1 Timothy 2

Inspired thots

Nothing more; nothing less.

Just a simple life that is pleasing to God.
Surprisingly, starting off with PRAYERS!
~ be it Request, Intercession, Thanksgiving
ALL types of PRAYER for ALL people ~ kings, authoritative figures, everyone
~ for a peaceful and quiet life in all godliness and holiness ~ God's characteristics!

God's desire ~ that all men should be saved by knowing the truth about Jesus.

Self Check for Preseverance

1 Timothy 1

Inspired thots

Guard self against:

1) False doctrines
2) Myths
3) endless genealogies

These promote Controversies... do not be engaged into these.
Bottom line should be L O V E
~ out of pure heart, good conscience, sincere faith

All these are Meaningless talk.
Guard against:
not knowing what is taught so passionately. v7

v12 ~ God considers me faithful, appointing me to his service.
~ all due to mercy and grace.

Purpose:
Fight the GOOD fight ~ v18 (2 Tim. 4:7)
Hold on to Faith & Good Conscience

All Kinds of People

2 Timothy 3:10-4

Inspired thots

There are many kinds of people in the world; it is important to uphold each one in prayer.

1) the faithful and righteous like Paul who did the Lord's work fervently. v10
~ pray for continuing perseverance to serve the Lord despite being persecuted.
~ may the Lord rescue His faithful and righteous.

2) evil men and impostors v13
~ pray for protection against these and their deception
~ pray that they will receive your grace and be set free from their deception

3) the young ones in Christ v15
~ pray for maturity in Christ through understanding Scriptures
~ pray for their faith to be strengthened and firmness in their stand on the truth of Jesus
~ pray that they are not easily swayed by deception
~ pray that they will grow in Christ to be equipped for every good work

4) those who are in the ministry 4:3,11
~ pray for faithfulness to remain in God's calling
~ pray for continued passion to minister

5) believers who choose to hear what they want to hear
~ pray for enlightenment, correcting and repentance
~ pray that the truth of Scripture will set them free from erroneous understanding of their faith

6) those who are in love with the world 4:9
~ pray for God's grace to change their hearts back to God, and turn from the world

7) those who oppose God 4:14
~ pray for God's mercy and grace to change their heart
~ pray for protection against such spiritual attack on the gospel

8) the weak 4:16
~ pray for those who fall easily from the faith when persecution comes
~ pray for strength in the Lord to arise within and build up the spirit man in faith & truth

9) those who have not heard the gospel (the Gentiles) v17
~ pray for salvation to come upon them, with opportunities to hear your word and feel your love

10) the church of God
~ pray for strength and unity to live their lives worthy of their calling

This is a new insight for me. Thank you Lord for your revelation. My heart must learn to care for others like Jesus cares for me.

The HURDLES of Life

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Inspired thots

It is an IMPORTANT section of Scripture as I am cautioned over what is to come soon; perhaps it is already here...

v1 ~ These are the Last Days; and the bible says 'there will be terrible times..'
but all seems good and well today.. so serene; perhaps it is the 'calm before the storm'
I must remember that, to avoid deception of the real happenings!

v2 ~ Next, the obvious (if I were to be focused) characteristics of humans (which can befall me too) are:
1) lovers of themselves - yes, that is more prevalent today. People busy with their own activities to enjoy life. The highest priority in life now is to 'enjoy life' and 'make money'.

2) lovers of money - yes, the bible is true on this too... the love of money is the root of all evil. And that is where the list continues...
a) boasting - can be controlled; get rid by staying humble.
b) proud - stay humble to get out of pride's way.
c) abusive - violence in words or actions? both are not healthy. Respect others and emulate Christ is key to avoid abuse.
d) disobedient to parents - when one thinks he knows better, that will happen. But praise God, with age, wisdom and tolerance set in more. Empathy rises to care for parents more to avoid this trait. Need to pray for the younger generation.
e) ungrateful - this stems from a selfish attitude that one thinks he is owed or he deserves the best.
f) unholy - in thots or action? one must guard the mind and heart from the eyes and ears gates.
g) without love - when one loves himself, he is already preoccupied; there will be no room to love others.
h) unforgiving - caused by pettiness.
i) slanderous - words. Sharp words can cut through soul and marrow as kind words can build and heal. In the heat of the moment (frustration, anger, annoyance). No wonder it is followed by..
j) without self-control - it is so easy to get out of control through indulgence.
k) brutal - violence sets in; hurting others physically with a 'you-deserve-it' attitude; punishing others because they are different
l) not lovers of the good - there is no room for good when the evil has occupied the self - heart, mind and soul
m) treacherous - which is treason; treason is betrayal.
n) rash - impulsive; not taking time to ponder and wait on God
o) conceited - this is really self-centredness; the 'its all about ME' attitude - very myopic. Doing only what one wants without considering others. 'My way only'
p) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - the finale! this is the BOTTOMLINE. This is the underpinning factor of all the above. Loving pleasure is to satisfy the self; loving God is to satisfy HIM!
q) having a form of godliness but denying its power - I may think I am 'godly' but it is my standard of godliness. Thus, there is no power because it is not the real thing. A replica is a facade.

This is a very difficult passage. I cannot take on further.
'Search me O God, and know my heart today. (it is ME who needs to know)
See if there be (certainly have) any wicked ways in me.
Try me and cleanse me (revelation and repentance)
To set me free... ' Rom. 8:1

P S A L M 1 3 9

Either Life in Christ or Life at the Devil's pleasure

2 Timothy 2:14-25

Inspired thots

Once Salvation is attained, a child of God has been set free to move on with God.
Hence, v12 encourages me to 'DO MY BEST to present myself to GOD as one APPROVED; a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who CORRECTLY Handles the word of truth.'

1) Do my best ~ Its an EFFORT I need to put in; it is not an autopilot outcome. Effort comes from desire or passion.

2) Present myself to GOD ~ it is TO GOD that I will be presenting myself; the most important Authority

3) as one approved ~ Praise God! He's never judgmental once He has forgiven; this is something I need to pick up. Everyone needs assurance and acceptance. No one wants to be condemned.

4) a workman who does not need to be ashamed ~ must be performing right. When I behave rightly, there is nothing false to hide. Work right- God's ways.

5) correctly handles the word of truth ~ learn from God His word. Revelation, Lord! Inspire!

'The Lord knows who are His' ~ all wise and omniscient God; it is up to me to decide to be on God's side or not.

'Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.'
~ It is a natural desire to draw near to the One who has saved me, and away from the one who meant evil for me. One must get this and stay focused. How easily deceived man can be!

v20,21 ~ It is up to ME to decide what type of instrument or vessel I want to be
~ A cleansed container to hold good things or otherwise.
~ There is always some use for everything; junk has its own use too. No wonder the devil wants man. This is a revelation.

Building Up My Faith

2 Timothy 2:1-2:13

Inspired thots

Building the SELF to be strong in the faith requires Diligence;
1) fan into flame - the gift of God v6 > practice and practice what God has blest

2) being reminded that salvation is by grace v9 (Eph. 2:8,9)

3) being SURE of Whom I have believed IN v12

4) Guard the good deposit of Gospel v14


Metaphors
1) the GOOD Soldier > Submission, Obedience, Action

2) the RULE Abiding Athlete > Understanding, Acceptance, Application

3) the HARDWORKING Farmer > Wise (work according to season), Patient, Consistent

Life with Christ is usually a life of Contrast with the world. v11-13

Doing All That is GOOD

Titus

Inspired thots

The Body of Christ is the Church of God.
~ there are all kinds of people in God's church but all are in THE family - God's family.
~ there are older men, older women, young men, slaves, children. Each of these categories has a role to play.
~~older men and women are to be 'spiritual parents'
~~young men are to mature
~~slaves are to be good examples
~~children are to be believers in Christ

~ every church of God has to have elders who are worthy of this calling through his lifestyle and character.

It is for the child of God to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions; and to live self-controlled, upright and godly life in this PRESENT AGE (now). 2:12

In EVERYTHING do GOOD, remembering what Christ has already done for me by God's grace.
God's people must DEVOTE themselves to doing what is good to provide for daily necessities and live productive lives.

Things I Can Do as Part of Christ's Body

Philemon

Inspired thots

1) Always remember others in Prayer (v4)
~ think of others; uphold them in prayer
~ loved ones; family of God

2) Be Active in sharing my faith (v6)
~ there has to be someone in my daily life who need Christ; must stay alert.
~ tuition group

3) Action motivated by Love (v9)
~ love can stir one to forgive;
~ those who fall away; those who wronged me

4) Willingness to be Charged for others expense (v18)
~ exercise generosity

5) Faith (v22)
~ believing what has been prayed for

Unity in the body of Christ through Love, Prayer, Generosity, Faith in one another.
that is the heartbeat of God.

Allow Jesus to Work in My Life

Hebrews 13

Inspired thots

v13 'Let us then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore'

I see the 'camp' as the world; I must remember to COME OUT of the world in order to GO to Jesus.
Why is the world so against Christ? Disgrace is heaped upon Him, and me as I join Him; but there is eternity to consider and motivate.

1) Keep PRAISING God
2) Be STRENGTHENED by God's grace
3) Keep PRAYING for those in the ministry
4) Keep God's COMMANDMENTS

My Great & Awesome GOD

Hebrews 12:14-29

Inspired thots

My God is an AWESOME God!

~ He is HOLY
~ He is full of GRACE
~ He SPEAKS to His people
~ He can be APPROACHED
~ He JUDGES all men
~ He has a Heavenly KINGDOM
~ He deserves all WORSHIP
~ He is a CONSUMING FIRE

It's all about Him!

Keep Focused on Being a Child of God

Hebrews 12:1-13

Inspired thots

This is an inspiring and motivating passage to continue in my faith faithfully. Yes, it is so easy to grow weary in doing good and keep trusting the Lord in Everything. The people and circumstances around me can be such distraction and discouragements but I forgot about the patriachs of faith as listed in the previous chapter. If these could hold on to their faith, WHY NOT I?

Why look at the 'negative' than the 'positive'? Such is the human nature.
Awareness and Reminders are the keys to faithfully walking with the Lord.
Hence, I will keep focused on Jesus. v2

I should not be complaining about this and that, for all that pales in comparison to being killed.
I have not even reach the stage, which I should be very thankful for.
Hardship is just God's discipline and molding of me to be holy like Him (v10)
The end result is Peace and Righteousness after the discipline. It is a time of training; training is a process.

v12,13 these verses bring new insight for me.
'Strengthen the feeble arms and weak knees' ~ spiritual exercise to stay 'in shape'
'Make level paths for your feet' ~ choose the right way to go about your life
so that 'the lame may not be disabled but rather healed' ~ healing is a possibility or a surety.
I choose to be lame or able; I can be healed even if I am lame. My God is powerful and I am His child to enjoy all the privileges! hallelujah!

Faith Check! Do not Miss the Target.

Hebrews 11

Inspired thots

The most renowned chapter on F A I T H.

It mentions all the wonderful OT characters who exercised great faith in God to the good news of Jesus.

v1 ~ Faith is BEING SURE of what we HOPE for, CERTAIN of what we DO NOT SEE.

v6 ~ And WITHOUT Faith, it is IMPOSSIBLE to PLEASE God, because anyone who comes to Him must BELIEVE that He EXISTS and that He REWARDS those who SEEK Him.

This is a Reminder to me not to fall in love with this world, much less be comfortable in it, for I am a stranger and an alien here, looking and longing for my Heavenly abode which God has prepared. (v13,16) ~ John 14:2

While on earth, waiting to reach the Heavenly destination, it is necessary to endure mistreatment, disgrace for Christ's sake and perseverance.

Enter through Jesus' OPEN Door

Hebrews 10:19-39

Inspired thots

At first, there was nothing for me... than I realised that I was just skimming through the verses - even just the first 3 verses! No wonder I couldnt get God's revelation!
When I go slow on each word prayerfully, wow! the revelation is great!

1) As a child of God, I HAVE the CONFIDENCE to enter the Holy of Holies.

2) The DOOR is OPEN. It is a Welcome sign - an opened door.

3) Jesus is waiting there for me.

Question is: DO I WANT TO ENTER?


The invitation is so encouraging:
1) LETs DRAW NEAR to GOD. v22

• with a sincere heart (wanting)
• with full assurance (confidence as God's child)
• cleansed by the blood of the Lamb
• with a clean conscience and body

2) LETs HOLD STEADFASTEDLY to the HOPE v23

• I can HOPE because I TRUST

3) LETs CONSIDER MOTIVATING one another to LOVE and GOOD Works

4) LETs NOT GIVE UP MEETING Together

• Dont be lazy to come together for fellowship; it can become a HABIT
• Dont give excuses not to fellowship
• Dont be discouraged to fellowship

5) LETs ENCOURAGE one another

• People need encouragement; a kind word; a praise or compliment to motivate

All the above needs to be practised today because Jesus is at the door.

Sinning deliberately will make us God's enemies.

ANSWER to QUESTION: WHY NOT ENTER?

v31 ~ a most interesting note.

A child of God will be most happy to be chastised by God for He will be merciful (as King David experienced)

but, those who defy God will dread His judgment for there will be no more mercy given to them.

So, be WISE in choosing WHOSE side to be on.

v35 ~ Confidence again! Do not throw again my confidence. It will be richly rewarded. An encouragement to remain steady and hopeful in Christ alone. Earthly things may be taken from me but eternal and lasting treasures are in store.

v39 ~ Believe and be Saved

1) Salvation ~ Romans 10:9

2) Steadfast to the End

Only ONE Acceptable Offering

Hebrews 9:11-10:18

Inspired thots

Jesus paid for us all! His sacrificial death on the cross is the only offering that is acceptable to God for the sins of the world. (v28)

Only Jesus' offering of Himself can cleanse me from eternal condemnation, if I believe and accept.
v22 Jesus' blood shed in his death makes Him the perfect offering for man's (my) sin. It is a life for a life.

The Law can never make perfect those who want to draw near to worship God, (10:1) for God is holy (1 Peter 1:15)
Sacrifices are just a constant reminder of my constant sinfulness. (10:3)
Only Jesus' blood can cleanse me of all iniquity. (10:10)
Amazing revelation!
If I were to sacrifice material things, I would not be able to cleanse myself or get any credit.
I need to emulate Jesus - self sacrifice; no wonder we are called to be 'living sacrifice' (Romans 12:1)
Only then can I worship God! That will be my spiritual act of worship. Now I see the Scriptures tying in. Praise the Lord!

Once I accept Jesus' self sacrifice for me, I am cleansed and set free from sin.
The only sacrifice God wants of me now is not for sin but to worship Him. (10:18)
There is no longer any sacrifice for sin; now is the time for worship God!
I should not let sin beleagued me daily but set my mind, heart and spirit to worship God.

Old versus New

Hebrews 9:1-10

Inspired thots

v1-10 talk about the old covenant, the old style of worship, the old place of worship.

It is surprising to read, or is it a fresh reminder, that the priests of old enter the Holy of Holies only ONCE a year? and with a sacrifice of blood or a blood offering.

Wow! coming to God only ONCE a year... perhaps the time is now that people only come to God once a year too.. Christmas. How sad! My God is so loving and personal; why should I meet up with Him once a year? well, busyness and own agenda usually keep us away from God. Yes, just like when I go back north once a year, giving a lot of excuses not to go. I empathise.

Next, the priest goes in with a blood offering; serious, man. Bringing the best is important when meeting up with God, even if it is a sacrifice. Give till it hurts, as the saying goes. Yes, Lord, this Christmas I must reconcile with the north. You know what I mean, Lord; You put that thot into me.

v7 - the priest offered a sacrifice for himself and the people - this is the amazing part - for sins committed in IGNORANCE. It is not for sins that are purposedly acted on with full knowledge. It is a time to seek forgiveness of sins that were done without the conscience being pricked.

That is really purity (holiness) before God. Before He can accept His people, they must be cleansed of every sin, even if done in ignorance. 1 Peter 1:15 Be holy for I am holy.

v8 - the Holy Spirit
He is my teacher; He reminds me and reveals the things of God to me as to God's people.
John 14:26 and Romans 8:26 records the working of the Holy Spirit.

External regulations and practices cannot clear the conscience before a worshipper of God draws near to Him. The Holy Spirit must reveal and prompt. Yes, Maranatha, Holy Spirit!

It's All about Jesus

Hebrews 7 & 8

Inspired thots

How GREAT is my Saviour! Two chapters dedicated to Him - exalting Him as the Great High Priest of God. Hallelujah!

Indeed it is not an easy passage to understand, and that is the way it should be because it is all about God and Jesus. Yes, I am not God, like God but praise Him, I am His child. Jesus is the Great High priest, and I am part of His royal priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9)

Thank God for His grace and the new covenant!

Time to Grow Up

Hebrews 6

Inspired thots

No one should stay young forever. It is really not God's intention. He wants His people to grow into MATURITY.
~ no more elementary teachings
~ no more rebuilding foundation

For if God's people do not grow into maturity, they will fall backwards; once fallen, it is hard to get back up.
God intends my life to be PROGRESSIVE; not stagnant and certainly NOT Degressive.
I receive God's blessings to Grow in Him (v7) and not be self-indulgent.

Diligence is crucial to ensure my hope is secure. There are many good examples of whom I can emulate. I am not alone; whether in spirit (I have the Holy Spirit) or in the flesh (I have Christian brethren)

And God has swore it Himself with Jesus as witness that those who follow Him till the end will receive what they have been promised by God. Hallelujah!

The Price of Honor

Hebrews 5

Inspired thots

Success and Honour ~ to be bestowed upon; not by one's ability or desire.
~ comes from faithfulness and obedience, reverent submission

Lessons ~ hard to teach when student is slow to learn
~ not acquainted with teaching because not practiced
~ constant usage to train self leads to maturity

Jesus is the perfect example of honor bestowed because he was constantly submissive to God's will which led Him to perfection.

Passage is so simple with such a powerful lesson.

Every Day is TODAY!

Hebrews 4

Inspired thots

'Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts' v7

This is a repeat from Chapter 3:8 ~ hence, it is an IMPORTANT verse

Everyday is TODAY! Every day God speaks to His people through His word and Spirit.
When God convicts, one must pay careful attention and note the given word. (v12)

v13 ~ 'Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight'
As God sees all and Knows all, better to obey what is heard; otherwise, I am only fooling myself.
Hence, make EVERY effort to hold FIRM my faith. If I am weak, call on Jesus who has walked my path.

Hallelujah!

Faithfulness vs. Deceit

Hebrews 3

Inspired thots

F A I T H F U L N E S S

~ key in keeping the Faith.
How? Praise God that He always gives the solution and leads by example.
Answers and examples for His people to consider His ways.

~~ v1 FIX your thoughts on Jesus
Jesus ~ the excellent example of Faithfulness; faithful as a SON over God's house (people)

No wonder this chapter calls to ENCOURAGE others DAILY v13
else, people's heart can grow hard and unbelieving

A sinful heart is hardened by sin's deceitfulness, and a lot of that is happening today.

And the way to counter sin's deceitfulness is to hear God's voice instead - read His word daily and know what God is saying. Yes, fix thoughts on Jesus all the time. Do not let sin's deceitfulness push in. Push in out ~ sorry! no room.