February 8, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – 1 Timothy Chapter 3

¹ This is a true saying, if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

² A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

³ Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

⁴ One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

⁵ (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

⁶ Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

⁷ Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

⁸ Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

⁹ Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

¹⁰ And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

¹¹ Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

¹² Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

¹³ For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

¹⁴ These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

¹⁵ But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

¹⁶ And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Introduction:

1 Timothy 3 provides clear instructions for leadership in the church and emphasizes the high responsibility of those holding spiritual offices. Paul outlines the qualifications for bishops and deacons, highlighting that these individuals must be exemplary in their character, family life, and faith. The church is described as the house of God and the pillar of truth—therefore, its leaders must be of integrity and strong in their faith. Finally, Paul speaks of the great mystery of faith: the revelation of Christ, His work, and His exaltation.

Commentary:

This chapter shows that spiritual leadership is not merely a position, but a calling that comes with character and responsibility. Paul places particular emphasis on personal integrity, self-control, and spiritual maturity. It is not enough to possess abilities— a leader must also bear witness to the faith through his life. Notably, it is not only the leaders but also their families that are considered as evidence of their suitability. This demonstrates that the Christian faith is not just an external practice, but a deeply rooted way of life. The chapter concludes with a wonderful summary of the Gospel: Christ, who is revealed, glorified, and believed.

Summary:

1 Timothy 3 provides instructions for selecting leaders within the church, setting high moral and spiritual standards. Bishops and deacons are expected to have exemplary character traits, manage their families well, and maintain a good reputation. The church itself is portrayed as the house of God—a supporting pillar of truth. Paul wraps up with a magnificent confession regarding the mystery of faith: Jesus Christ, who was revealed, justified, preached, and glorified in the world. This chapter reminds us that true spiritual leadership is evident not only in words but in a lived-out faith.

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 3—Repentance
Read online here

Commentary

Introduction

Repentance is the first step toward true conversion and reconciliation with God. But what does genuine repentance mean? Is it merely a fear of the consequences of sin, or is it a profound turning away from it? The Bible shows us that true repentance is not only the acknowledgment of our faults but also an inner transformation that leads us to Christ. Many wonder how they can come into alignment with God. The answer is: through sincere repentance and the acceptance of God’s grace. In this chapter, we recognize that genuine repentance does not come from ourselves, but is the work of the Holy Spirit who convicts our hearts and draws us to Christ.

Commentary

The Bible distinguishes between genuine and false repentance. False repentance is often evident in people who fear the consequences of their sin but do not hate the sin itself. Examples of this are Esau, Balaam, Judas, and Pharaoh – each of them repented of their actions, but not from a change of heart, rather out of fear of punishment.

True repentance, on the other hand, is a deep recognition of the sinfulness of one’s own life and a sincere desire for change. King David is an example of true repentance: he recognized his guilt, sought God’s forgiveness, and asked not only for cleansing but for a new heart and a renewed spirit (Psalm 51).

This true repentance cannot be achieved by human effort alone. It is Christ who leads us to repentance. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin and shows us the righteousness of Christ. Those who become aware of the love and suffering of Jesus are moved to conversion. Only through Christ’s work on the cross can we recognize our sinful nature and develop a sincere desire for change.

Many people mistakenly believe that they must first repent before they can come to Christ. Yet the Bible teaches that Christ himself grants us repentance. Without him, we are not capable of truly regretting our sin or turning away from it. Therefore, Jesus calls, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Another obstacle to true repentance is self-righteousness. Many believe that they are not as sinful as others and therefore do not need a profound conversion. But it is precisely pride and self-deception that separate us from God. The Bible shows that even small sins can have serious consequences – even the disobedience of Adam and Eve led to suffering and death in the world.

The chapter concludes with an urgent warning: whoever repeatedly rejects God’s invitation to convert hardens their heart. The best time for repentance is now – for every delay can cause the heart to become increasingly unresponsive to God’s voice.

Summary

1.False and True Repentance – Genuine repentance does not mean fearing the consequences of sin, but hating the sin itself.

2.The Work of the Holy Spirit – Repentance is not a human achievement but the work of God. The Holy Spirit convicts us and draws us to Christ.

3.The Cross as the Key to Repentance – Whoever recognizes the suffering and love of Christ will be moved to conversion. God’s goodness leads us to repentance.

4.The Danger of Procrastination – Those who delay their conversion harden their hearts and risk missing out on God’s grace.

This chapter urgently calls us to true repentance—not out of fear of punishment, but out of love for God. Whoever recognizes and repents of their sin has the door wide open to forgiveness and renewal.

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