1 Timothy 3
August 17, 2022
“Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: ‘He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.’” (v16)
Paul quotes an early church hymn to explain the “mystery” (literally the “secret”) of how one grows in godliness. It’s not by straining or striving to be moral, or by promising to “do better.” It’s by Jesus. Specifically, it’s through the saving work of Jesus in the gospel - as testified to in this early church hymn:
His incarnation (appearing in the flesh)
His ministry (Spirit empowered miracles)
His resurrection (as seen by angels)
His ascension (taken up in glory)
It is gospel truth that leads to godly lives.
Lord Jesus, I praise You for the power of the gospel to both save and sanctify. You know my tendency to slip back into believing the lie that it’s up to me to be better and do better. Remind me that the power to live a truly godly life is found in rehearsing the good news of the gospel, so that it takes deep root in my heart, and so that I live out of the overflow of what You’ve done to save me.
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
-
Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
-
Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
-
➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
