Commuter Bible NT

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.

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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 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.

:::

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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Under the rule and reign of Christ, even the work of a slave for his master should be motivated by love, especially those who have masters that also believe the gospel of Christ. Touching again upon the theme of false teaching, Paul warns against those whose doctrine opposes such commands to love and honor those in authority over us. Those who teach to the contrary have an unhealthy interest in disputes and arguments over words. Timothy is warned to flee such foolishness and use his strength to fight the good fight of faith and guard the gospel which has been entrusted to him. This reading completes the book of 1 Timothy. In our next reading, we’ll begin the book of 2 Timothy.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

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Practical problems in ministry call for practical answers based on good theology. In today’s reading, Paul helps Timothy and his church navigate the practical matter of supporting widows. In summary, his conclusion is that widows with family members should be supported by their family but widows who are devoted to the Lord and are truly in need should receive help from the church. He goes on to consider what it looks like to support good leaders. The phrase “the elders who are good leaders” can also be translated “those who rule well” pointing us beyond those who are simply older than everyone else. Our reading ends with an admonishment to live a pure and holy life.

:::

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 warns that some people will depart from the faith and begin teaching things that are contrary to Scripture. In order to be equipped and ready to fend off such falsehood, Timothy, as well as the church he shepherds, should train themselves in godliness. This comes from being nourished by the words of the faith and the good teaching of the church. Is training in physical fitness beneficial? Sure, but only in limited ways; spiritual fitness, on the other hand, is beneficial in every way and worthy of our efforts. Paul encourages Timothy to command and teach these things and set an example for others, even if they despise his youth. By persevering in the faith, Timothy will save both himself, and his hearers.

:::

Christian Standard Bible translation.

All music written and produced by John Burgess Ross.

Co-produced by the Christian Standard Bible

facebook.com/commuterbible

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twitter.com/CommuterPod

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[email protected]