Daily Reading Week 25
Sunday
1 Timothy 6
Discover:
How does the love of money hinder a man's ability to be godly?
How can men encourage and hold each other accountable in their pursuit of godliness?
What role does contentment play in being a godly man?
Why is it important for men to flee from the love of money and instead pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness?
How can men balance their pursuit of success and wealth with their pursuit of godliness?
How can men avoid the pitfalls of pride and self-sufficiency in their pursuit of godliness?
Respond:
Unfortunately as Paul approached the end of his career, the Ephesian church was experiencing troubles so severe that Paul had to put his friend and protege in the faith, Timothy, in charge there. Not only did he send Timothy, he also felt the need to send along with him a letter with direction on how to address false teachers and the general unrest the church was facing. Having just celebrated Father’s Day today, this week we are looking at how the Bible instructs men in godly living. While Paul’s letters to Timothy were directed to Timothy and were meant to address the issues he would face in Ephesus, all believers can learn from Paul’s instruction on the dangers of greed, quarrels, and ungodliness. The qualities listed in verse 11 are also listed in Galatians 5:22-23 and 2 Peter 1:3-8 among other passages and we must take these lists together in order to develop a fully developed picture of a godly man. Dr. John MacArthur writes in his commentary on 1 Timothy 6 that “the man of God is known by what he:
Flees from (v. 11)
Follows after (v. 11)
Fights for (v. 12)
Is faithful to (vv. 13, 14)”
These things exemplify the man of God but he is ill equipped to pursue them well on his own. None of us are so far along in our sanctification that we do not need the encouragement of the local church as we pursue a life of following after Christ. Our commitment to godly living can only be fully accomplished as it is connected to the fellowship, teaching, and encouragement found in a faithful church. Make sure involvement in the church is part of your life.
Monday
1 Peter 5
Discover:
How does Satan try to attack men in particular, according to 1 Peter 5:8?
In what ways can men resist the devil and stand firm in their faith?
How can men guard themselves against the temptation to sin and the attacks of the devil?
What role does prayer play in resisting the devil and staying alert to his schemes?
How can men encourage one another in their spiritual battles against the devil?
What are some specific areas in a man's life where the devil may try to attack, and how can men be prepared to resist?
How can men use their experiences of spiritual warfare to help and encourage others who may be struggling?
How can men cultivate a deeper understanding of the spiritual realm and the reality of the devil's attacks?
How can men use their position of leadership and influence to help others resist the devil and stand firm in their faith?
How can men learn to discern the devil's lies and resist his temptations in their daily lives?
Respond:
Over the centuries the church has tended to make one of two errors in the understanding of Satan: either making too little of him to the point of dismissing him as myth, or making too much of him and putting him on par with God and an evil and equal opposite. Neither of these is accurate. Scripture describes a very real and powerful being. In today's passage he is described as a roaring lion that seeks to devour. Scripture describes Satan as our adversary and the chief enemy of God’s people. Satan is crafty and subtle and tends to attack by emphasizing what God has forbidden, tempting us to question the truth of God’s word. Jesus told Peter that Satan would “have him and sift him like wheat” but that Christ had prayed for him to be preserved. Despite his power and our relative weakness, Satan is a created being subject to the sovereignty of God. In Christ we have all we need to resist the Devil’s assaults. He will flee if we resist him by relying on the truths of God’s word and the power of his Spirit.
Tuesday
Genesis 39
Discover:
What qualities did Joseph demonstrate in his role as a servant in Potiphar's house?
How did Joseph handle temptation when Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him?
What does Joseph's response to Potiphar's wife reveal about his character and his relationship with God?
How can we apply Joseph's example to our own lives when faced with temptation?
What are some practical steps we can take to avoid situations that might lead us into temptation?
How can we help others who may be struggling with temptation, especially in the context of our families and communities?
What role does accountability play in resisting temptation, and how can we find trustworthy accountability partners?
How can we use our experiences of overcoming temptation to encourage and serve others?
Respond:
Those who obey God and resist transgression are promised blessings (Deut. 28:1–14; Matt. 5:10). However, Joseph's story shows that faithful obedience may not always lead to immediate rewards. In fact, persecution can often follow. After Joseph's sudden departure, Potiphar's wife acts quickly to avoid any blame by appealing to the other servants' basest instincts and emphasizing Joseph's foreign heritage to cast him as an outsider and a threat to the household (Gen. 39:14). She lies outright, accusing Joseph of disrobing willingly instead of struggling to escape her (vv. 15–18). This demonstrates how sinners try to corrupt others' perception of us when they fail to entice us to follow their schemes.
Matthew Henry comments “It is better to lose a good coat than a good conscience.” Joseph chose to lose his possessions and even his reputation than violate God’s commands. Pleasing God was his compass and it should be ours as well when we are faced with temptation.
Wednesday
2 Timothy 4
Discover:
What does it mean to be a sober-minded leader in your personal and professional life?
How can you cultivate a steadfast commitment to proclaiming the gospel, even in the face of suffering and opposition?
In what ways have you experienced suffering for your faith, and how has that deepened your commitment to Christ?
What steps can you take to ensure that you remain faithful to God's calling throughout your life, regardless of the cost?
How can you balance the demands of your work, family, and other responsibilities with your commitment to following Christ wholeheartedly?
Respond:
The focus on consistency is evident in today's passage as Paul urges Timothy and all Christians to maintain a sober mindset (v. 5). Intoxication can lead to inconsistency in thoughts, words, and actions, making it difficult to stay on task. Paul's metaphor is not a warning against alcohol, but rather a call for leaders to avoid becoming mentally foggy, similar to the effects of being drunk. A sober person is aware of the dangers posed by the world, the flesh, and the Devil and is not easily sidetracked by issues that can disrupt their ministry (1 Thess. 5:6; 1 Peter 5:8).
In addition to promoting sobriety, Paul again encourages Timothy to endure suffering (2 Tim. 4:5; also 2:3). This reminds us that the gospel does not promise a painless life and that following Christ faithfully may result in suffering, despite the claims of prosperity preachers. It is only by persevering through the pain and proclaiming the gospel steadfastly, regardless of the cost, that servants of the Lord can look back on their lives without regret. Those who follow Paul's exhortation to Timothy to "fulfill" their ministry, even though it may bring pain, will ultimately acknowledge that they have kept the faith (4:6-7).
Thursday
Hebrews 11
Discover:
What does it mean to be a man of faith?
How can I cultivate a deeper faith in God?
How have I seen God work in my life through faith?
In what areas of my life do I struggle with doubt or unbelief?
How can I learn from the examples of faith in Hebrews 11 to live a more godly life?
How can I use my life and gifts to bring glory to God and further His kingdom?
How can I encourage and support other men in their faith journeys?
What steps can I take to grow in my relationship with God and become a better man of faith?
How can I apply the principles of Hebrews 11 to my daily life as a man seeking to follow God?
Respond:
The key element of genuine faith is its ability to persevere through the most challenging and impossible situations while continuing to trust in God. The author of Hebrews highlights the examples of old covenant saints, such as Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and Rahab, to demonstrate this point (Heb. 11:1–31).
In this passage, the author concludes his discussion on these models of faith by speaking more broadly, since his point has been made and individual examples are no longer necessary. What stands out in verses 32–34 is not the impressive deeds of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and others, but rather the fact that none of them had perfect faith throughout their lives. Many of these men had significant flaws.
True persevering faith does not mean that we are sinless or that our faith is flawless. Rather, it means that we repent when we sin and continue to hold fast to God's promises. As Calvin notes, "Even though all saints have faults, their faith, though imperfect, is still acceptable to God. Therefore, we should not be discouraged or disheartened by our own shortcomings as long as we continue to run the race of our calling with faith."
Friday
Hebrews 12
Discover:
In what ways can you better discipline yourself to pursue godliness and holiness in your daily life?
How does the example of Jesus' endurance on the cross inspire you to persevere through trials and hardships?
How can you better prioritize your relationship with God and make time for consistent prayer and Bible study?
Are there any relationships in your life that may be hindering your walk with God, and how can you address them in a loving and Christ-like manner?
In what ways can you better cultivate a heart of gratitude and thankfulness, even in the midst of difficult circumstances?
How can you better encourage and uplift other men in your life to pursue godliness and spiritual growth?
Respond:
Hebrews 11 reminds us that the old covenant saints never received what was promised in their lifetimes, but died in faith, trusting that God would fulfill His promises. Jesus brings all of God's promises to final fulfillment through the new covenant and will perfect God's people. Although we live in a better era after Christ, we still must wait for His return to bring His kingdom to completion, and must persevere in faith until then. This is illustrated in the metaphor of a race that must be run with endurance to cross the finish line. The old covenant saints are our encouragement to run with endurance and hold onto Christ. We must throw off all hindrances, including sins that cling closely, and look to Jesus to finish the race with freedom and endurance.
Saturday
Galatians 5
Discover:
Are there any legalistic tendencies in your faith that may be hindering your relationship with God and others, and how can you surrender them to Christ's grace?
In what ways can you use your freedom in Christ to serve and bless others, rather than indulging in selfish desires?
How can you better guard against temptation and sin, and hold yourself accountable to other godly men in your life?
Are there any relationships in your life that may be hindering your walk with God, and how can you address them in a loving and Christ-like manner?
How can you better prioritize your relationship with God and make time for consistent prayer and Bible study, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and direct your life?
In what ways can you better live out your faith in your daily interactions with others, such as in the workplace, with your family, and in your community?
Respond:
Paul begins his discussion of Christian freedom in Galatians 5-6 by revisiting the topic of circumcision, which was a threat to the Galatians' liberty in Jesus. Although we may not be tempted to add old covenant ceremonies to our faith, there are many voices around us that suggest Jesus is not enough. However, believing that we need anything more than faith in Christ leads us into new bondage and false guilt. Sanctification is a marathon, not a sprint, and our progress may seem slow, but if we daily look to Christ and trust in His sufficiency, we are running well. Those who tempt us to doubt Jesus' sufficiency must be rejected, for such doubts only lead to more errors.