August 1
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1 TIMOTHY 2
8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. – 1 Timothy 2:8-15
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1 TIMOTHY 2 INSTRUCTIONS FOR MEN & WOMEN DURING ASSEMBLY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Since God isn’t a God of chaos, we are all instructed to have order in worship
Men are to pray fervently without distractions, resentments, quarreling or anger
They are to lift their hands including their minds and hearts to their Lord and Master
They are to take seriously their positions of authority over their families
They are to lead their families in proper decorum during assembly
Men are responsible to lead their family members to truth of the gospel.
Women must wear respectable clothing as they come to worship the Lord
The ladies must dress modestly and must not look like those from the world
They are to submit to the leadership of their husbands and not be overbearing
The women must not engage in much talking for it can lead to gossiping
She is to be silent and listen to the gospel that is being presented
She must also support her husband in all that he leads her to do.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think God gave men and women instructions to follow during public worship?
• Why do you think there are more instructions for women than for men in this letter of Paul to Timothy?
• How should we address someone who do not follow these guidelines?
Monthly Archives: July 2023
1 TIMOTHY 2 HOW TO LEAD A PEACEFUL, GODLY AND QUIET LIFE
July 31
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1 TIMOTHY 2
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
– 1 Timothy 2:1-7
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1 TIMOTHY 2 HOW TO LEAD A PEACEFUL, GODLY AND QUIET LIFE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
At the time you committed your life to Christ, he gave you his Spirit
Because of the Holy Spirit’s presence, you are able to follow Jesus
When he chose you to be one of his children, he gave you abilities
With gifts given to you by his Spirit, you have responsibilities
To lead a peaceful life, we need to pray at all times fervently
It is our duty to pray for others especially those who are in authority
Pursue peace and follow those in positions of authority
Pray for them to serve God who gave them such positions
Pray that you will seek the Lord and serve him with trembling
Live the word of God so you’ll stay holy and have blessings
Ask everything in prayer and in line with the truth
You will have a peaceful and quiet life if you do.
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REFLECTION
• Why are we called to pray for all people according to these verses?
• What is the importance of praying for leaders and rulers?
• How is peace a product of prayer?
1 TIMOTHY 1 HOLD ON TO FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE
July 30
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1 TIMOTHY 1
18 This charge I entrust to you, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies previously made about you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting this, some have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. – 1 Timothy 1:18-20
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1 TIMOTHY 1 HOLD ON TO FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As we live on this earth, spiritual battles are certain to happen
Though we don’t see them, we will encounter them often
As we hold on fast to our faith, let us be mindful of such battles
We need to wear God’s armor at all times and be ready to face hurdles.
Because we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we are protected
He will vindicate those who are faithful and they will be strengthened
Do not fail to grow your faith but always be steadfast instead
Hold on to a good conscience and depend on the Holy Spirit.
When the saints fail to cling to the gospel they already heard
They will be easily misled by heresies and their minds will be twisted
Because they allow themselves to be deceived with wrong teachings
They will bear no fruits from the Spirit and will fail in all their doings.
Put on all of God’s armor to stand firm against the wiles of the devil
Fasten the belt of truth so you won’t be deceived by wickedness and evil
Wear the breastplate of righteousness and the shoes of peace from the gospel
Have the shield of faith ready and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.
Love one another so that you won’t be corrupted by the enemy
Depend on the strength that comes only from Jesus Christ
Constantly examine your hearts and follow God’s precepts
Resist the urge that comes from your flesh and the devil will flee.
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REFLECTION
• Why do we need to hold on fast to our faith and a good conscience?
1 TIMOTHY 1 WHO THE LAW IS MADE FOR
July 28
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1 TIMOTHY 1
8 Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.
– 1 Timothy 1:8-11
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1 TIMOTHY 1 WHO THE LAW IS MADE FOR
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
God loved us all so he gave us precepts to follow
These laws were given to protect his own people
The law is good if only we use it properly
It is not made so we can abuse its authority.
The commandments of the Lord reflect his order
Following it will bring peace instead of chaos and disorder
Ignoring the directive that God gave us reflect lawlessness
It shows that we do not honor our God who is righteous.
The Lord made those laws to separate the godly from the ungodly
It exposes the sins that is so prevalent in the wicked and unbelieving
The faithful ones follow these commandments and keep them pure
The rebels do not heed these guidelines for they love their idols.
Let us never take for granted these commandments that God gave us
They are boundaries against all the tactics and ploys of the enemy
When we honor these precepts, we manifest our love for the Lord
When we disobey them, we show that we love the systems of this world.
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REFLECTION
• What were the sins that were emphasized on these verses by Paul as he instructs Timothy about who the law was made for?
• When does the law work for us and when does it not work? Why is this so?
1 TIMOTHY 1 WATCH OUT FOR MYTHS AND FALSE TEACHINGS
July 27
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1 TIMOTHY 1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.3 As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine, 4 nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote speculations rather than the stewardship from God that is by faith. 5 The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 6 Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.
– 1 Timothy 1:1-6
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1 TIMOTHY 1 WATCH OUT FOR MYTHS AND FALSE TEACHINGS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As we serve our Lord Jesus Christ, we are all called to be watchful
Because we live in a corrupt world, let us all be mindful
The purpose of God’s commandments is to walk in love
It is a love that comes from a pure heart and a sincere faith.
Let us therefore keep ourselves strong by following God’s laws
It protects us from deceptions and tactics of the evil one
When we meditate on his words, we discern what is untrue
Let us all be faithful to renew our minds so we can stay pure.
Spread the gospel so that all the wickedness will be exposed
Do not tolerate or partake of any wicked act, but let it out in the open
When deception is hidden, it generates more and spread
Be courageous to confront and declare all that is right and true.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Paul asks Timothy to stay in Ephesus and stand firm to watch for false teachers and doctrines who inches their way to the church?
• How can we easily detect myths and false teachings?
2 PETER 3 WHILE WAITING FOR NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH
July 26
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2 PETER 3
11 Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, 12 waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be set on fire and dissolved, and the heavenly bodies will melt as they burn! 13 But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace. 15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. 17 You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. 18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. – 2 Peter 3:11-18
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2 PETER 3 WHILE WAITING FOR NEW HEAVENS AND NEW EARTH
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Let us all live our lives in preparation for the coming of the Lord
We cannot be reckless and mindless, let us not follow the world
While waiting for the new heavens and new earth, let us stay holy
It is in keeping ourselves pure that we will share in God’s glory
Feed on the word of God and you will gain wisdom and understanding
Do not associate with lawless people or you will lose your stability
Grow in your faith you can live in the hope of what’s coming
The Lord promised to all who stay faithful the crown of life
We cannot be passive while we wait for these promises
Let us dwell on these hopeful events that will soon happen
Honor and praise the Lord who gives everlasting life
Do not dwell on what this world offers or you will die.
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REFLECTION
• What do we ought to do according to these verses while waiting for new heavens and new earth?
2 PETER 3 THE DAY OF THE LORD COMES LIKE A THIEF
July 25
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2 PETER 3
8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.
– 2 Peter 3:8-10
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2 PETER 3 THE DAY OF THE LORD COMES LIKE A THIEF
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
Be ready for the coming of the Lord, be watchful
He will come like a thief in the night without warning
Always examine your heart so that you are alert
Seek and meditate on his word always day and night.
Do not conform with the systems of this world
Be transformed instead by following his word
Always wear God’s armor so you can triumph over sin
Seek the Lord’s kingdom first and always run only on him.
Guard your heart and repent right away when you sin
Rely only on God and never on your own strength
Follow his precepts so that you can stay faithful
Do not give in to temptation or be resentful.
Give grace to others as you have received grace yourself
Genuinely love others as you would your own self
Serve the Lord your God with fear and trembling
Never avenge yourself for God is your vindicator.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think it is important to us to think of the coming of the Lord as a thief in the night?
• What is the best way we can do to prepare for his coming?
2 PETER 3 BE WARNED AND LIVE IN THE LAST DAYS
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July 24
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2 PETER 3
This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, 2 that you should remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior through your apostles, 3 knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. 4 They will say, “Where is the promise of his coming? For ever since the fathers fell asleep, all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.” 5 For they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God, 6 and that by means of these the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished. 7 But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.
– 2 Peter 3:1-7
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2 PETER 3 BE WARNED AND LIVE IN THE LAST DAYS
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
As you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, be warned of the last days
We are already living in a time where scoffers are all over the place
Remember the prophecies given by God through the prophets
They have spoken of the scoffers who will come to follow their desires
They do not care about what the Lord has done in the past
On purpose, they take for granted what God has done
They do not fear the consequences of their sinful ways
They do not account for anything they do or say
Be warned of these mockers who will twist the word of God
They have no understanding of the true nature of the Lord
Remember to stand on the promises that God gave the prophets
They are to give you hope so you can live in them until his coming
Live for the Lord as if it were the last days, so you can be prepared
Never take for granted the word of God; it leads us to the right path,
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to live our lives as if we are in the last days?
2 PETER 2 WHEN YOU ARE ENSLAVED
July 23
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2 PETER 2
17 These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. 18 For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. 19 They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved. 20 For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world through the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. 21 For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 What the true proverb says has happened to them: “The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.”
-2 Peter 2:17-22
________________________________________2 PETER 2 WHEN YOU ARE ENSLAVED
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
What are the things that overpowers or enslaves you?
Are they things that you cannot stop pursuing?
Do you wake up each morning driven to chase that thing?
Or do you lie awake at night figuring out how to have it?
When you are enslaved by something, that is your master
Is the Lord the One you are obsessing about or is it something else?
When you are in bondage of something, you are helpless
You feel trapped and immobilized by that craving or desire.
When you are enslaved, you are corrupted and impure
You do not have loyalty towards anyone but to your master
It is an idol that you serve when you are enslaved
It consumes you when you are obsessed with having it.
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REFLECTION
• Do you think that addiction is a form of enslavement?
• What are the symptoms of enslavements according to these following verses?
2 PETER 2 CONSEQUENCE OF FORSAKING THE RIGHT WAY
July 22
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2 PETER 2
Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones, 11 whereas angels, though greater in might and power, do not pronounce a blasphemous judgment against them before the Lord. 12 But these, like irrational animals, creatures of instinct, born to be caught and destroyed, blaspheming about matters of which they are ignorant, will also be destroyed in their destruction, 13 suffering wrong as the wage for their wrongdoing. They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. 14 They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! 15 Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, 16 but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet’s madness. – 2 Peter 2:10-16
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2 PETER 2 CONSEQUENCE OF FORSAKING THE RIGHT WAY
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When someone chooses the wrong way instead of what is right
They do not fear the Lord but follow their wrong insight
They have no qualms blaspheming God and defying him
All they care about is to satisfy their desires and continue to sin.
When they forsake the right way, they become foolish
Their wicked ways make them blind and thoughtless
They cannot see past beyond their passions and desires
They cannot think of others but only of their own wishes.
When one leaves the path to righteousness, they become lost
The systems of the world easily sway them to follow their lusts
They are not accountable to anyone for they don’t follow authority
They do not have fruits from the Lord since they are oblivious.________________________________________
REFLECTION
• Why do you think Peter paints a very clear picture of those who are unfaithful and forsaking the right way in the following verses?
• What are the manifestations of someone who is walking the wrong way?