BibleTrekToday.com

Year: 2019

  • Passing on sound doctrine!

    Scripture reading for October 9th:  Titus 2, Psalm 52, Proverbs 17

    Key Scriptures:  Titus 2:1-5 “But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.  Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.  Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine.  They are to teach what is good and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be reviled.”

    Sound doctrine and sound living are always linked together in Scripture.  We who teach God’s Word must model the sound doctrine and do so steadfastly and faithfully.  Older men are to teach younger men and older women are to teach younger women how to apply the Word of God in every area of life from marriage to workplace and raising of children.  God’s Word is to be exalted by faithful practice of basic respect, kindness, and love.

    Faith Confession:  I teach and live out the sound doctrine of Holy Scripture and as an older man seek to train my children and grandchildren and younger men how to apply Scripture to life.  I encourage older women to do the same with their children and younger women that God’s Word may be glorified.

    Proverbs 17:6 “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.”  

  • Hold firm to the Word!

    Scripture reading for October 8th:  Titus 1, Psalm 51, Proverbs 16

    Key Scriptures:  Titus 1:5-9  “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you–if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination.  For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.  He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.  He must hold firm to the trustworthy Word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”  

    Paul wrote another letter to Titus, another one of his spiritual sons who was an elder that Paul had left in the church on the Island of Crete.  He charged Titus to set the church in order by wisely appointing overseers who met the qualifications of character and faith in God’s Word.  They must be able to teach and correct those under their charge.  Their character would first be reflected in their own children and home life as well as their reputation in the community and church.

    Faith Confession:  I thank God for the opportunity to serve in His Church and be an overseer.  I hold fast to His unchanging and trustworthy Word which enables me to give instruction and make correction of those who contradict it.

    Psalm 51:12-13 “Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.  Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners will return to You.”  

  • Rescued and safe in the heavenly kingdom!

    Scripture reading for October 7th:  2nd Timothy 4, Psalm 50, Proverbs 15

    Key Scriptures:  2nd Timothy 4:16-18  “At my first defense no one came to stand by me, but all deserted me.  May it not be charged against them!  But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it.  So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.  The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom.  To Him be the glory forever and ever.  Amen.”  

    Paul knew his time on earth had come to an end.  He lamented the desertion of all his friends at his trial but was encouraged by the Lord’s real presence to strengthen him and enable him to fully proclaim the Gospel of God’s grace.  He prayed for his friends for their forgiveness.  He also proclaimed his faith in God’s ability to rescue him now and eternally.  This moved Paul to worship as he ended his letter to Timothy.

    Faith Confession:  I believe that God will stand by me even if all earthly friends may not be able to or willing.  He will strengthen me to fully preach the Gospel, and will take me safely into His heavenly kingdom when my time on earth is up!  I say along with Paul:  “To Him be glory forever and ever!  Amen!”

    Proverbs 15:3  “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”

  • Wisdom for salvation and holy living

    Scripture reading for October 4th: 2nd Timothy 3, Psalm 49, Proverbs 14

    Key Scriptures:  2nd Timothy 3:12-17 “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.  All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  

    The last days before Christ’s return would be marked by evil people, impostors and deception.  Godly people would suffer persecution for following Jesus and His Word.  This truth should encourage all believers to follow the truth taught by Holy Scripture and reinforced by those of faith who taught them.  God wants His people complete and equipped for every good work.  It is clear that we are now living in the last days!

    Faith confession:  I receive God’s Holy Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, as wisdom for salvation and holy living, equipping me for every good work.  I am thankful for those God has sent into my life to teach and model His Word for me.

    Psalm 49:15 “But God will ransom my soul from the power of Sheol, for He will receive me.”  Selah

     

  • A Vessel of Honor in God’s House

    Scripture reading for October 3rd: 2nd Timothy 2, Psalm 48, Proverbs 13

    Key Scriptures:  2nd Timothy 2:19-21 “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the Name of the Lord depart from iniquity.”  Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.  Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work.”  

    Paul encouraged Timothy to stand firm in his faith and good works.  God knows those who are His and those who belong to Him must depart from iniquity (ingrained patterns of sin).  Those belonging to Jesus will always strive to be holy and set apart for God’s good work.

    Faith Confession:  I desire to be a vessel of honor in God’s house.  Because of my calling and faith, I seek to live a holy life of faith and stand ready for fulfilling the good works Christ has prepared for me here on earth.

    Proverbs 13:22 “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous.”   

     

     

  • A Holy Calling!

    Scripture reading for October 2nd: 2nd Timothy 1, Psalm 47, Proverbs 12

    Key Scriptures: 2nd Timothy 1:6-9  “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self control.  Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me, His prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, Who saved us and called us into a holy calling, not because of our works but because of His own purposes and grace, which He gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, . . .”

    This was Paul’s last recorded letter written to his son in the faith, Timothy.  Paul was alone and faced certain execution at the hands of Rome.  He encouraged Timothy to fan into flame the gift of God, and to never be ashamed of Jesus Christ and the sacred Gospel testimony.  He also restated the holy calling that rested on his life and Timothy’s (as well as all believers) to share the Gospel and to suffer if needed as a result of the sharing.  Jesus saved us to fulfill His own purposes, established before recorded time.

    Faith Confession:  I am saved by Jesus Christ and set apart by Him with a holy calling to preach the Gospel and to suffer, if necessary, for the cause of Christ.  I am not ashamed of the Gospel and identify with Christ and His followers.

    Psalm 47:8-9 “God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.  The princes of the peoples gather as the people of the God of Abraham.  For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted!”

  • Learning to be content!

    Scripture reading for October 1st: 1 Timothy 6, Psalm 46, Proverbs 11

    Key Scriptures:  1st Timothy 6:6-10  “But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.  But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.  For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.  It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”  

    Paul encouraged his son in the faith to continue to be godly and learn contentment.  The pull of our world toward riches and fame is strong.  When the desire to become rich in this world replaces the desire to be rich in our relationship with God, nothing but ruin and destruction can follow.  We will take no riches of this world into the next.  If we lose our soul for earthly gain, we have lost everything.

    Faith Confession:  I choose to be a godly man and live in contentment with God’s provision for me in this world.  I am thankful for daily food and clothing and a place to stay.  Lord, deliver me from the trap of seeking earthly riches and fame.

    Proverbs 11:4-5 “Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.  The righteousness of the blameless keeps his way straight, but the wicked falls by his own wickedness.”  

     

  • No partiality!

    Scripture reading for September 30th:  1 Timothy 5, Psalm 45, Proverbs 10

    Key Scriptures: 1st Timothy 5:17-21 “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching.  For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”  Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses.  As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.  In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.”  

    Paul gave practical and scriptural advice to Timothy concerning church discipline.  Elders must be properly taken care of and if accused of wrong, it must be established by two or three witnesses.  Persistent sin in the life of an elder must be dealt with publicly to teach holy fear.  God is impartial and church leaders must be also.

    Faith Confession:  I will not be partial and will seek to conduct myself in the fear of God and honor of His Holy Name.  Let God be known and exalted among the nations!

    Psalm 45:17  “I will cause Your Name to be remembered in all generations; therefore nations will praise you forever and ever.”  

     

  • Preach with your life!

    Scripture reading for September 27th: 1 Timothy 4, Psalm 44, Proverbs 9

    Key Scriptures: 1st Timothy 4:11-14 “Command and teach these things.  Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.  Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.  Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you.  Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress.  Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching.  Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.”  

    Paul went over with Timothy how to live out Christ’s life in the power of the Holy Spirit.  He was to apply the Word of God in faith and practice in his own life and to publicly read Scripture and preach it.  He was to use the gifts granted him at his ordination by the elders.  Persistence would insure his salvation and those who would listen.  A good example preaches a powerful message!

    Faith Confession:  I seek to apply the Word of God to my own life and to live an example to those around me, either in the church or on the outside.  Lord, help me to persevere until You come or I go to be with you.  I desire those who “hear” my life to be saved!

    Proverbs 9:10-11  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One  is insight.  For by Me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”  

  • The mystery of godliness!

    Scripture reading for September 26th:  1 Timothy 3, Psalm 43, Proverbs 8

    Key Scriptures:  1st Timothy 3:14-16 “I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.  Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:  He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.”

    Paul hoped to see his son in the faith, Timothy, soon.  But in case that didn’t happen, he wrote down some instructions for his conduct and those of other elders in the church.  The church was God’s family (household), and a “pillar and buttress” of truth.  Jesus Christ is the “truth” and the ultimate revelation of the mystery of true godliness.  His birth, death and resurrection from the dead, appearance on earth and in heaven is proclaimed among the nations prompting faith and salvation.  He alone is worthy of worship and eternal praise!

    Faith Confession:  I want to live a godly life.  The mystery of godliness is great and is found in the greatest Man, the Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God.  Through faith in Him, God has granted me the desires of my heart.

    Psalm 43:3-4 “Send out Your light and Your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling!  Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise You with the lyre, O God, my God.”