October 17
Jeremiah 30:1-31:26; 1 Timothy 2:1-15; Psalm 87:1-7; Proverbs 25:18-19
It is very easy to apply the Bible at times. When we are called to not envy, steal, be quick to anger, or various other commands there is a direct, immediate, one-for-one application. Other times it is a little trickier to know how to live out what we read. 1 Timothy 2 is probably one of the places that we struggle to know how to apply what we are reading.
We may wonder, what does it look like for people to live "peaceful and quiet lives" when the government is opposed to God? What does it mean to "dress modestly"? Does this passage mean women should never have braided hair or wear gold earrings or a pearl necklace? Are women allowed to teach or to have authority over a man at all or only in certain areas?
It is easy to shrug our shoulders when we come to passages like this and quickly move on to other parts of the Bible, but a helpful practice is to explore what the Bible says elsewhere about these topics. One verse may tell us all that we need to know about an issue but normally there are other passages that help us to gain a fuller perspective. We need the rest of the Bible to help us understand how to interact with the government, how to dress, and the role of women in ministry.
As we study these topics we may land in slightly different places with our brothers and sisters, but what is clear in 1 Timothy 2 is God's heart for unity. God's desire is that the whole universe would be experiencing his shalom (peace/wholeness) and working together for God's glory. This passage specifically mentions the government, men and women. God desires the government and God's people to be interacting in a way that is good for all people. Men should be using their words to honor God and not tear into others. Women (and men) should draw attention away from themselves and onto God’s glory. We should put the spotlight on God, his glory and on others. Working together to be a part of God’s work in the world.
Father God, thank you for who you have made me. I am not an accident but was made by you and for your glory. Help me to live in a way that glorifies you and pursues unity with others. Amen.
Question of the day: How can you more effectively pursue unity?
It is very easy to apply the Bible at times. When we are called to not envy, steal, be quick to anger, or various other commands there is a direct, immediate, one-for-one application. Other times it is a little trickier to know how to live out what we read. 1 Timothy 2 is probably one of the places that we struggle to know how to apply what we are reading.
We may wonder, what does it look like for people to live "peaceful and quiet lives" when the government is opposed to God? What does it mean to "dress modestly"? Does this passage mean women should never have braided hair or wear gold earrings or a pearl necklace? Are women allowed to teach or to have authority over a man at all or only in certain areas?
It is easy to shrug our shoulders when we come to passages like this and quickly move on to other parts of the Bible, but a helpful practice is to explore what the Bible says elsewhere about these topics. One verse may tell us all that we need to know about an issue but normally there are other passages that help us to gain a fuller perspective. We need the rest of the Bible to help us understand how to interact with the government, how to dress, and the role of women in ministry.
As we study these topics we may land in slightly different places with our brothers and sisters, but what is clear in 1 Timothy 2 is God's heart for unity. God's desire is that the whole universe would be experiencing his shalom (peace/wholeness) and working together for God's glory. This passage specifically mentions the government, men and women. God desires the government and God's people to be interacting in a way that is good for all people. Men should be using their words to honor God and not tear into others. Women (and men) should draw attention away from themselves and onto God’s glory. We should put the spotlight on God, his glory and on others. Working together to be a part of God’s work in the world.
Father God, thank you for who you have made me. I am not an accident but was made by you and for your glory. Help me to live in a way that glorifies you and pursues unity with others. Amen.
Question of the day: How can you more effectively pursue unity?
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