Commuter Bible NT

In our last episode, Peter spoke to the church about suffering, pointing to Christ who suffered during his life that he might gain a heavenly reward. Rather than living according to fleshly desires, Christ lived for God’s will; likewise, we are instructed to put aside fleshly desires and be done with sin. Instead, we are to live in such a way that we are wholly dependent on the Lord for each action. As we live for Christ, Peter warns that we should not be alarmed when persecution comes, for even Christ was persecuted during his lifetime, and we should expect no less. During such suffering, we are instructed to entrust ourselves to a faithful Creator while doing what is good.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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When enter chapter 3 of 1 Peter in the middle of a section concerning humility and right order in structures of authority and submission. So far he has given the example of citizens under the authority of those in public office, slaves under their masters, and today he will begin to speak towards wives and husbands as they relate to one another. In similar fashion, he transitions to speak to the church as whole that they might humbly love one another. Even when the Christian might have to endure suffering for the sake of righteousness, he should always be ready to share the good news of Christ with gentleness and respect.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Peter calls the church a spiritual house that is made from living stones, with Jesus Christ himself as the cornerstone. Other stumble over this cornerstone because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. The church, however, is a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession. As such is the case, the church should be distinct from the rest of the world as strangers and exiles, and because of our conduct the world will glorify God on the day he visits. Our reading ends with a section encouraging slaves to submit to their masters even when they must endure suffering for the sake of their witness, for Christ Himself also suffered in a similar manner, though without sin, for our sake.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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The apostle whom Jesus named “Peter,” the rock upon whom Jesus would build his church, is now writing to encourage the churches who are scattered across northern Asia Minor. The churches were suffering under persecution from those who lived around them, and Peter reminds them of the Savior whom they are called to follow, for he suffered for our sins once and for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us God. In this first chapter Peter brings to mind the future hope that is being kept safely for the church in heaven, for no matter what may occur in this life, the treasure of Christ will never be lost. Until that time comes, the church is called to be holy just as the Lord is holy.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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In our last episode, Paul gave Titus an outline of qualifications for a faithful elder and an overview of how faithful Christians should live. With this in mind as we pick up our reading today, we see that we are to live in a manner that denies godlessness and worldly lusts and live in a sensible and godly way in this age as we wait for the appearance of Christ in glory. Our testimony of faithfulness bears witness to those who are outside the church body, including those who are in authority over us. Having received mercy, we should also be known for mercy. If one is argumentative and divisive, that person ought not be associated with church body as a fellow Christian; Paul instructs Titus to reject such a person after a first and second warning.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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The pastoral epistles continue as we begin a new letter, and this one is written to Titus, a man on the island of Crete who has been given the charge to establish elders in every town for the good of the church. Like the letter we call 1 Timothy, Paul includes the qualifications for elders as Titus goes about the task of finding faithful men who can handle the tasks of shepherding and teaching. Part of their job is to defend the truth and refute those who contradict sound teaching. These unfaithful men claim to know God but deny Him by their works. He continues by giving an overview of what it looks like to be a faithful Christian in different ages, stages, and positions in one’s life.

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Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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As Paul begins to bring his letter to Timothy to a close, he gives Timothy the charge to preach the Word, to always be ready to do so, and to use the Word of God to rebuke, correct, and encourage with great patience and teaching. He makes this charge knowing that his final days are upon him, as he says that he is being poured out like a drink offering and that he has finished the race. He asks that Timothy bring his cloak so that he can keep warm while confined to prison, and asks that he also brings the scrolls, which likely contained Scripture. Toward the end, Paul names those who have done him harm as well as those who have helped him along the way.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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During the last days people love what is evil and hate what is good. This was true in Paul’s day and it is true in ours. As you hear this list of how people act, it can be tempting to think condescending thoughts toward those love such things, but the truth is that we, too, once loved what was evil, and we should praise the Lord that we have been redeemed to love what is true, good, and beautiful instead. Those who have followed the teaching of God’s Word should endure persecution, for all who want to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. Paul encourages Timothy to faithfully continue in what he has learned and firmly believed by trusting in the sacred Scriptures he has known infancy.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Paul encourages Timothy to be strong in his faith, which on the face of it may like a very plain thing to say. The intent of his message becomes clearer when you consider that Paul is encouraging Timothy from jail with the challenge to endure suffering for the gospel. Coach Paul is on the sidelines, telling Timothy to be like a soldier who is focused on battle or an athlete who is focused on winning according to the rules, or a farmer who works hard until the harvest. In the second half of our reading, Paul warns Timothy against irreverent and empty speech, which spreads like gangrene. He should reject youthful passions and foolish disputes that breed quarrels. And if you’ve ever been on Twitter or Facebook, you know well what good advice this is for a young pastor.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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The epistles we call 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, have all been referred to as the “pastoral epistles,” as they contain direction from Paul to pastors who are seeking to order and operate a local church. Like a father speaking to his son, Paul directs this letter to Timothy, giving him encouragement to remain steadfast. He uses rousing words of divine cheer like, “rekindle the gift of God,” “share in suffering,” and “guard the good deposit,” to bolster his young protégé, not mention that he prays for him night and day. It’s likely that Timothy would’ve felt solitary and alone, especially with Paul in prison, but words like these from a mentor and father in the faith would’ve been of great benefit.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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