LifeWalk THROUGH THE BIBLE EVERY YEAR Walking with Jesus 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, Jude, and Revelation WWW.LIFEWAY.COM DECEMBER 2012 U.S.A. $3.95
If you continue in My word, you really are My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. Cover Photo: istockphoto JOHN 8:31 32 (HCSB ) God wants His children to be truly free, but that freedom can come only by knowing the truth found in His Word. Each issue of LifeWalk guides the reader with these features: Introduction to the specific Bible book offers you firm footing for step-by-step study using unique tools such as book divisions, timelines, locations, and topics discussed Overview sets the scene for what you will study each day Your Daily Walk helps you apply the stepby-step reading in practical, thoughtful ways Insight offers priceless nuggets about something in the day s passage to broaden your understanding LifeWalk is adaptable, making it easy for you to make it work for your schedule. The daily Scripture can be read in one sitting or divided, to start and end the day with God s Word. On days when you re pressed for time, you can read the Key Passage to catch the main theme. The approach is so positive that people will actually enjoy the journey, and many will discover the power of God s Word for the first time! With LifeWalk, you ll read God s Word the way it was written one book at a time! LifeWalk provides a systematic, daily devotional plan for adults to read through the Bible in a year and grow stronger as disciples. LifeWalk Volume 5, Number 12 December 2012 PRODUCTION TEAM Chandra Bennett Editorial Project Leader Tammy Drolsum Editor Donna E. Pennell Editorial Manager Paula A. Kirk Editorial Director Julie Sims Graphic Designer Julie Tozer Aldrich Operations Manager for Publishing LifeWalk: Through the Bible Every Year (ISSN 1939-0831; Item 005107653) is a Christian devotional magazine published monthly by LifeWay Press. One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234 Thom S. Rainer, President 2012 LifeWay Press. Send questions/comments to: Editor, LifeWalk One LifeWay Plaza Nashville, TN 37234-0175 Join our Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/LifeWalkmagazine
P a u l s P a s t o r a l Epistles aul multiplied his ministry by sending representatives to shepherd P various churches. The pastoral epistles are letters of counsel and encouragement to two of these young pastors: Timothy in Ephesus and Titus in Crete. Problems common to both were the appointment of qualified leaders, a growing spiritual coldness, and religious apostasy. Paul challenges the young men to stand firm in the faith, to hold fast to the truth of God, and to faithfully fulfill their God-given duties. 2 3 6 1 2 3 4 1 Practicing Sound Doctrine Promoting Sound Doctrine TITUS Preach the Word Church Leaders DIVISIONS 1 2 TIMOTHY Guard the Word 1 TIMOTHY Church Life FOCUS 2 3 Leadership Manual Combat Manual Conduct Manual Officers Opposition Order PLACE Written in Macedonia Written in Roman Prison Perhaps Written in Corinth TIME About A.D. 62 63 About A.D. 67 About A.D. 63 TOPICS 8
1 Timothy 1 3 December 4 Life in the Body of Christ K ey Pa ssa g e: 1 T i mot hy 3 C H A P T E R 1 C H A P T E R 2 C H A P T E R 3 Maintaining Pure Doctrine Safeguarding Public Worship Selecting Proven Officers Church Life Church Leadership O V E R V I E W Paul writes to Pastor Timothy, who is facing a heavy burden of responsibility in the church at Ephesus. The task is challenging: False doctrine must be removed, disorder in public worship corrected, and mature leadership developed. The first three chapters of Paul s leadership manual to his young understudy encourage Timothy to teach the faith by precept and practice. In doing so, he shows the people how they ought to behave in the household of God (3:15). YO U R DA I LY WA L K Conscience, someone once said, is a three-pointed prong in my heart that turns around when I do something wrong, and the points hurt a lot. But if I keep doing bad, the points eventually wear off, and then it doesn t hurt anymore. Paul had much to say to young Timothy on the subject of the conscience. The goal of his exhortation was that Timothy might have a good conscience (1:5; 3:9) and thereby avoid the shipwreck of his faith (1:19). In fact, Timothy s greatest battles would come with those whose consciences had become seared and senseless (4:2). What is on your conscience right now? What inner proddings of God are you feeling to right an old wrong, forgive an old grievance, complete an overdue promise? Take it from Timothy there s no greater feeling of freedom than to face each day with a clear conscience. I N S I G H T P o r t r a i t o f a P a s t o r Twelve books of the New Testament mention Timothy by name. Look up the following verses to put together a composite picture of this young servant of God. It will enhance your reading of 1 and 2 Timothy. Timothy was: young (1 Timothy 4:12); timid (1 Corinthians 16:10); faithful (1 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 2:19-23); spiritually strong (1 Timothy 6:11-12); frequently ill (1 Timothy 5:23). Trust a man in nothing who has not a good conscience in everything. 9
December 5 1 Timothy 4 6 Leaders in the Body of Christ K ey Pa ssa g e: 1 T i mot hy 5 C H A P T E R 4 C H A P T E R 5 C H A P T E R 6 Prophetic Warning Pastoral Oversight Personal Charge Some Will Depart Rule Well Fight the Good Fight O V E R V I E W In addition to the conduct of the church, Paul speaks pointedly to Timothy about the conduct of the church pastor. Timothy must be on guard lest his youthfulness become a liability rather than an asset to his ministry. He must be careful to avoid false teachers and greedy motives, pursuing instead righteousness and godliness. Paul s forecast for the future is sobering: Things will go from bad to worse, but for the man of God, there is strength to fight the good fight for the faith (6:12) and emerge victorious, despite the ever-present inner adversaries of pride, greed, and indifference. When problems get Christians praying, those problems do more good than harm. YO U R DA I LY WA L K Read the following quotation from a commentator slowly and thoughtfully twice: One of the values of Scripture is that it has an answer to every human problem, of whatever kind, era, dimension, or significance. Do you agree? It is true that not all the church problems of the first century are identical to the problems of the church in the 21st century. But even though the problems change, God s principles stand sure timeless statements of biblical truth that are just as applicable today as they were in Timothy s day nearly 2,000 years ago. Prove that to yourself. What biblical insight have you gained from today s reading about...... the church s obligation to needy members?... how to call a pastor?... how to respond as a Christian employee?... how to care for widows?... the attitude you should have toward money? I N S I G H T A n A n t i d o t e f o r Fa l s e Te a c h i n g In your opinion, what is the most effective way to counteract and destroy false teaching? Pick one: (a) ignore it; (b) attack it; (c) displace it by consistent, sound teaching. Now check 4:6, 13, and 16 to discover Paul s prescription for destroying false doctrine in Pastor Timothy s congregation. 10
2 Timothy 1 4 December 6 Paul s Combat Manual K ey Pa ssa g e: 2 T i mot hy 2 C H A P T E R 1 C H A P T E R 2 C H A P T E R 3 C H A P T E R 4 Power of the Truth Practice of the Truth Persecution of the Truth Preaching of the Truth Foundation Faithfulness Foes Fearlessness O V E R V I E W Chronologically, 2 Timothy is Paul s final epistle. Written from a Roman prison cell, it contains words of wisdom and encouragement for Timothy, who is laboring in the midst of hardship and opposition in Ephesus. Paul stresses the importance of godly living; consistent, biblical preaching; and adequate preparation for difficult days yet to come. Underlying all that Paul says is the importance of God s Word the only foundation strong enough to stand upon in perilous times. YO U R DA I LY WA L K Football season; holiday season; planting season; harvesting season there s a time and season for everything (Ecclesiastes 3:1). Everything, that is, except sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, for that important task is always in season. Paul exhorts Timothy: Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not (4:2). There will be occasions when you have virtually all the time you need to prepare what you want to say about Jesus Christ. A Sunday School lesson, sermon manuscript, magazine article, study group devotional each represents an opportunity to proclaim the message. But what about those times when you are suddenly called upon to speak for your Lord and there isn t a Bible in sight? Paul s counsel to you is the same: Proclaim the message; persist in it whether convenient or not. In short, be prepared to share the good news whenever and wherever the occasion might arise. Get a head start on that assignment by writing out your personal testimony as you would want to share it. I N S I G H T A W a r m C o a t f o r a C o l d A p o s t l e ( 4 : 1 3 ) While in prison, Paul was naturally concerned about staying warm during the coming winter. His unheated, underground cell, believed to be in the Mamertine Prison, probably measured only 19 feet long by 10 feet wide by 6 feet high, and was accessible through a hole in the ceiling. Now reread 4:9-13, with feeling. You do not choose to be in the business of bringing others to Christ; you choose Christ and you are at once in the business. 11
December 7 Titus 1 3 Paul s Conduct Manual K ey Pa ssa g e: T it u s 2 C H A P T E R 1 C H A P T E R 2 C H A P T E R 3 The Person God Chooses The Manner God Uses The Marvels God Performs Servants Service Salvation O V E R V I E W Titus, a young minister, is left on the island of Crete by Paul to begin the challenging task of organizing new converts into local congregations. Paul s brief epistle is thus a practical guide for those involved in church administration and organization. Leaders must be chosen on the basis of proven character and conduct; false teachers must be quickly detected and removed; church members of all ages must be encouraged to live lives worthy of the gospel they claim to believe. Paul shares guidelines for young and old, men and women, pastor and people. All should demonstrate the reality of their faith by being careful to devote themselves to good works (3:8). Love is more than an emotion; it is a commitment. YO U R DA I LY WA L K P.S. I love you. Have you ever added those words on the bottom of a letter? Perhaps the previous pages of your correspondence were so filled with current events or weighty matters that you hadn t had a chance to share the deep feelings you held for the reader. But now the substance of your letter is complete; the urgent news has been shared. Now you can concentrate on the little expressions of affection that make a letter something more than an office memo. Paul had a habit of adding postscripts to his epistles that show the deep feeling he held for his spiritual children. The last four verses of the letter to Titus are like that. And notice how many personal names and practical steps of action Paul includes. Love is like that. It demands an object and an outlet. Follow Paul s lead by writing a short epistle of your own today a newsy note to a loved one or friend that is perhaps long overdue. Oh, yes don t forget the P.S. It could be the most important part of the letter. I N S I G H T T i t u s s C h a l l e n g e o n t h e I s l a n d o f C r e t e Paul s commentary on the Cretans in 1:12 is taken from one of the Cretans own prophets. In the culture of Paul s day, if one was said to act the Cretan, it was understood that he was a liar. 12
Philemon December 8/9 Forgiveness in the Church K ey Pa ssa g e: Phile mon 10 12, 15 18 V E R S E S 1 3 V E R S E S 4 7 V E R S E S 8 2 1 V E R S E S 2 2 2 5 Paul s Courtesy Paul s Compliment Paul s Counsel Paul s Conclusion Salutation Commendation Intercession Anticipation O V E R V I E W Philemon is the shortest and one of the most personal of Paul s letters. Paul has befriended Onesimus, a runaway slave and new convert to Christianity. Now Onesimus must deal with his obligations to his former master, Philemon, who is also a Christian. Paul sends Onesimus back with a brief note in which Paul appeals for leniency based on love: Philemon s love for Paul and God s love for Philemon. Knowing the reality of Philemon s faith, Paul is confident that brotherly love will carry the day. YO U R DA I LY WA L K Place a check ( ) next to each item for which you have received an overdue notice in the past year: library book; loan repayment; credit card; utility bill; debt of restitution. Were you puzzled by the last item? Allow the life of Onesimus to demonstrate what restitution is and why it is so important. When the runaway slave was confronted with the claims of Christ and responded in believing faith, many things changed. His sins were forgiven by God; he became a part of the family of God (with many new brothers and sisters in Christ, including Paul and Philemon); he received a new motivation for living. But some things did not change. He was still Philemon s servant and a runaway at that. There were accounts to settle involving restitution, repentance, and a return to Philemon s authority. Is there an overdue account from your B.C. days (before Christ)? The results of beginning the process of restitution may not be as spectacular as they were in Onesimus s case. (You certainly won t get your name included in the Bible.) However, you can honor the Savior who settled your heavenly debt by settling an earthly one today. I N S I G H T T h e M a n W h o L i v e d U p t o H i s N a m e Onesimus literally means useful or profitable, which explains Paul s play on words in verse 11. What was formerly useless to Philemon is now useful to both Philemon and Paul. Those who profess repentance must practice it. 13