Scriptural Gynmastics

Life

For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. – 2 Tim 4:3

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 20-21; 2 Timothy 4

Have you ever read the Bible and found some random scripture that seems like a get out of jail free card?

Searching for Straight Answers

Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. – 2 Timothy 2:3-7

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 15-17; 2 Timothy 2

Have you ever sought out advice on something and received an answer that didn’t seem like an answer? Maybe the person answered your question with another question. Maybe they answered your question with a riddle or metaphor like Paul did above.

This may seem frustrating. You may have felt this frustration when you read Jesus parables for the first time. Why not just give me the instructions simple and plain instead of making me figure it out?

I know I have been in that place many times but there is a reason for the riddle. Truth cannot be reached through words alone. The best we can do is try to get as close as we can to the universal by tucking it away in a story that everyone can relate to.

Rarely is there ever a thing that we should do 100% of the time in every single situation. Sure, life by be simple but it is never without its nuance. It is up to each and every one of us to examine our lives and ourselves to determine the right course of action.

Only you, with the help of God, can chart out your path.

It seem easier to just follow the direction of someone that you admire but if you did so then you really wouldn’t be walking your path. You’d be walking the path that they have determined for you. 

For The Love of Money

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But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. – 1 Timothy 6:6-10

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 9-11; 1 Timothy 6

I remember hearing when I was growing up that money was the root of all evil. You hear it in movies and music and all kinds of media. It’s one of those catch phrases that has latched itself onto certain elements of our culture.

But if you read carefully, the origin of it is slightly, but significantly, different.

Why Are You Praying For Me?

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 65-66; 1 Timothy 2

Have you ever had someone pray for you? If you weren’t Christian at the time then I bet it felt really weird. This person puts their hand on you and then starts talking to some God that you think is probably a figment of their imagination. Then depending on the person they might have been extra reverent and solemn or they may have erupt into some extra sanctified version of hyphy behavior. You feel trapped! You’re looking for an exit. How do I get out of here?

A People Divided

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. Such things promote controversial speculations rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. 1 Timothy 1:3-6

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 62-64; 1 Timothy 1

It really is sad how divided we are. We tend to look at ourselves as belonging to specific affiliations. We are black or white, male or female, republican or democrat, liberal or conservative. Some of us are for gay marriage and others against, some will tolerate abortion others will not. Some of us feel a duty to help the poor while still others want to find ways for the poor to help themselves.