NT Fire Starters – Day 292: 1 Timothy 2:1-15
READ: 1 Timothy 2:1-15
THINK: Have you noticed how many things today are aimed at giving people opportunity to draw attention to themselves? It would seem that it’s all about “you.” But today’s passage gives instructions regarding true worship, which is all about God. In fact, anything that draws attention to self is completely out of place in authentic Christian worship. This is true not only in church services, but in all of life. God’s people must exercise humility, discretion and purity in how they present themselves. That way, Christ’s character can shine through and people’s attention is drawn to God, and not us.
RESPOND: Why are our prayers so vital to everyone in our lives, including family, friends, leaders, etc.? (See 2:1 note.) According to verse 4, what is God’s desire, and how can our prayers help fulfill it? (See 2:4 note.) If God wants all people to be saved and come to know Him, why is it that most still don’t? What does it mean that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and people, and why is He the only one who could ever fill this role? According to verse 8, what are some character issues that are vital for sincere worship and effective prayer? (See 2:8 note.) What does it mean “to dress modestly, and with decency,” and why is this important for both women and men? (See 2:9 note.) What issues and influences in society today make it a challenge to follow God’s standards of modesty? While humility and submission are appropriate for all Christians–women and men–what do His comments in verses 11-14 indicate about the general, God-given roles of men and women? (See 2:13 note. Also, keep in mind that some of these instructions involve cultural issues of the time, and do not nullify the role of women in spiritual leadership and church ministry.) What are the possible implications of Paul’s comment that “women will be saved through child-bearing”? (See 2:15 note.)
PRAY: Pray by name for your individual family members, best friends and spiritual leaders. Thank Jesus for being the ultimate Mediator–for making the way for you to have a personal relationship with God. Ask God to help you exercise discretion in the way you present yourself as an example of God’s priorities and purity.
ACT: Whether you’re a guy or a girl, practice modesty and discretion today in the way you act, dress and talk, as a way of reflecting spiritual purity in every aspect of your life. Also, be sure to view others with modesty and purity.