November 1, 2023 - 1 Timothy 2-4

Our God desires kings and people in all sorts of positions in life, rich and poor, high and low, to be saved. And we are to pray toward this end. We are to live quiet and modest lives, rightly acknowledging authority. We are to set up our churches properly and place the right people in positions of leadership. We are to do good works. In short, we are to reflect Jesus in our personal lives, families, and in our churches.

There’s a passage here that seems particularly consequential: “Train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe” (4:7-10). Paul takes the eternal view here. He desires for himself, and encourages Timothy, not to focus on earthly, physical things, but on the life to come. The two are not at all separated. In fact, this life is preparation for the next, but the ultimate goal is our life to come. “Get ready for that!” Paul writes. The wise will hear and obey.

How happy are all they who hear

true Wisdom’s guiding voice;

and who her understanding make

their early, only choice.

For she has treasures greater far

than east or west unfold;

and her rewards more precious are

than all their stores of gold. -- Michael Bruce (1795)