WIWO: 1 Timothy Day 5 – 3:1–16 — Qualified

Day 5: 1 Timothy 3:1–16 — Qualifications for Church Leadership Reading: Requirements for overseers and deacons, plus the church’s purpose Study Questions: 1. Observation: What character qualities are emphasised for church leaders? Blameless, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, gentle, diligent, dignified, full of integrity. 2. Interpretation: Why does Paul focus more on character than on skills […]

JJ25 #03 – Work It, Keep It – Diligence and Vigilance

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man … (Genesis 2:15-16a ESVUK) Making the most out of something is the art and technique of good management. It took me a long time to understand and appreciate this truth. In that length of […]

OTKC 22: Beware False Prophets

Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognise them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?… Thus you will recognise them by their fruits. Matthew 7:15-20 (ESVUK) What Did Jesus Mean? It’s intriguing that, as far as Jesus and […]

OTKC 21: Enter the Narrow Gate

Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. Matthew 7:13-14 (ESVUK) What Did Jesus Mean? […]

OTKC 20: Do Unto Others

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 (ESVUK) What Did Jesus Mean? This is widely known as the Golden Rule. Unlike similar ethical teachings found in other traditions, which often state the principle negatively (“Do not do to […]

OTKC 18: Judge Not Hypocritically

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgement you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how […]

OTKC 14: Pray in Secret

When you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and […]

OTKC 11: Love Your Enemy

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:43-45 (ESVUK) People relate to the word love as a matter of feelings that work themselves […]

OTKC 10: Go The Extra Mile

Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give […]

OTKC 09: Keep Your Word

Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil. Matthew 5:37 (ESVUK) I Can’t Take Your Word Talk is cheap. That’s easy for you to say. They over-promise and under-deliver. Each of these sentiments reflects a stance that people adopt when they hear someone make a claim. Each […]