Some Personal Applications from 1 and 2 Timothy

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1. Devote yourself to prayer for the lost (1 timothy 2).


I need to pray for the salvation of my unbelieving family, friends, leaders, and officials.

2. Be aware that every deed, whether good or bad, will be expose (1 timothy 5:24-25)

God sees all my secret sins. I cannot hide from him and everything will be found out. I should confess my sins to God, repent, and walk in the light. I must be rich in good deeds in secret, not doing evil deeds in secret. I must learn to pray, give, fast, and hunger for righteousness in secret.

3. The Goal of Paul's teaching was love (1 timothy 1:5)

It comes from a pure heart, clear conscience, and sincere faith. What is bothering my conscience right now and how can I cleanse myself from the defilement of my flesh?

4. God uses honorable vessels ( 2 timothy 2:21)

Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the house, ready for every good work. How do you become a honorable vessel? (v.22) Flee youth lusts (sex, pride, greed, power) and pursue righteousness (purity, service, compassion), faith (reading God's word and prayer), (service to my neighbor and sincere obedience to God) love, and peace (reconciliation with my neighbors, asking forgiveness, confession of sins, and repentance of sin).

Christ abolishes Death

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"[He] saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" 2 Timothy 1:9-10


The Lord saved us by sheer grace. And this calling is a holy calling. Christ appeared to destroy death and open the floodgates of heaven and eternal life. This is why we must suffer for the gospel, because heaven has been given freely to us through the shed blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit will guide us to our Glorious Risen Savior as we walk the narrow path that will one day end in glory when we see our Lord face to face!

Devotions in Ezekial

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God promises to send judgement to Jerusalem because they have acted faithlessly. The prophets and the priests carry idols in their hearts and they prophesy peace when destruction is over the horizon. Ezekial is sent to the false prophets to rebuke them. Israel is called a rebellious house because even though they have ears, they do not hear. My take away from the passage is that I must speak God's Word and not my own opinions. I must not be led by my own deceptive heart, but by the Spirit God that inspired the Word of God.

Insights from Minister as Shepherd by Charles Jefferson

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A shepherd watches, guards, feeds, leads, and feeds the sheep.


"Lovers delight in repeating the words of the one they love." (218)

"The ideal preacher never goes into the pulpit without carrying all the people on his heart." (218)

"Character is the greatest of all treasures, and character is built by action." (219)

"The minister who watches and guards and guides men, heals and rescues and feeds them, develops by his work the virtues and graces of the Savior himself." (220)

"The work of a shepherd is full of interruptions, vexations, and disappointments, but these try his soul and refine it...in working with human nature a man gets something fo the patience of a mother. He is not daunted by a score of failures. He does not surrender to apparent defeat." (221)

"To a shepherd's work there is no limit. After he has done a thousand things, he can think of a thousand other things still to do. After he has done his best, he feels like confessing himself an unprofitable servant. The shepherd's work is never done." (223)

"To every man who shepherds Christ's sheep is the privilege granted of growing into the likeness of the perfect shepherd." (226)


Fail Proof Ministry

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John MacArthur preached this morning in Chapel from 1 Thessalonians 2:1-14. Very simple, yet profound and powerful message that made me want to live a life of integrity.


(1) Boldness in Gospel Preaching (v.2)

We do not water down the gospel message to make it more relevant to an unbelieving and sinful culture. If you want to be successful in ministry, you must make a commitment to preach the gospel even in the midst of opposition, hostility, and rejection.

(2) Integrity in Motive (v. 3)

There was no error or deceit or impurity in Paul's ministry. He was examined by God (2 Cor. 4:2, 5:11). We do not water down the content of what we preach and we must examine our motives in how we live.

(3) Purity in Behavior and Heart (v. 4)

The Gospel is a sacred trust that has been confirmed by the Seminary, Church, and God's Word. God examines our hearts and He is our Witness. God is witness to everything I do even when no one else sees.

(4) Gentleness in Ministry (v. 6-7)

Paul did not abuse his authority. How gentle was he? Like a nursing mother. An intimate picture of his love for the church.

(5) Gentleness in Affection (v. 8)

The theassalonians became very dear to him in heart. People need to know that you sacrificially love them. Success is determined by how low you can go and what can meet their needs and how willing you are to lay down your life for them.

(6) Diligence in Labor (v. 9)

Paul worked not to be a burden to the church. Sunday Message is not enough. You must toil night and day to serve the people of God.

(7) Holiness in Behavior (v.10)

Our lives must be open books. We must be transparent. There is no compromise in our ministry and our selves.

(8) Faithfulness in Care (v. 11-12)

A Fatherly care that exhorts, encourages, and commands.

(9) Humility in Attitude (v. 12-13)

Everything Paul did was for the glory of God. Paul was effectually called by God to give glory to God.

This results in a fruitful ministry (v. 13-14). Lord, please cleanse me from the defilements of my flesh and make me useful for your glory by your grace. In Christ name, amen.