“Long ago God spoke many times in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, He has spoken to us through His Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son He created the universe. The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character God, and He sustains everything by the mighty power of His command. When He had cleansed us from our sins, He sat down in the place of honor at the right side of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave Him is greater than their names.” (Hebrews 1: vv. 1-4, NLT))
Category: Scripture
Do What is Good
“Remind the believers to submit to the government and its officers. They should be obedient, always ready to do what is good. They must not slander anyone and must avoid quarreling. Instead, they should be gentlly show true humility to everyone.
Once we, too, were foolish and disobedient. We were misled and became slaves to0 many lusts and pleasures. Our lives were full of evil and envy, and we hated each other.
But- ‘When God, our Savior revealed His kindness and love, He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of His grace He declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life.'” (Titus 3: vv. 1-7, NLT)
Promote Right Teaching
“For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us His very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.” (Titus 2: vv. 11-14, NLT)
Paul’s Charge to Timothy
“You must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given youth wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. I corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work.”
(2 Timothy 3: vv. 14-17, NLT)
The Dangers of the Last Days
“You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there were be very difficult times. For people will only love themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!” (2 Timothy 3: vv. 1-5, NLT)
An Approved Worker
Again, I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start up fights. A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach and be patient with difficult people. Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will changes their hearts, and they will learn the truth. Then they will come so their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants.”
(2 Timothy 2: vv. 23-26, NLT)
False Teachings and True Riches
“Teach these things, Timothy, and and encourage everyone to obey them. Some people may contradict our teaching, but these are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Anyone who teaches something different is arrogant and lacks understanding. Such a person has an unhealthy desire to quibble over the meaning of the words. This stirs up arguments ending in jealousy, division, slander, and evil suspicions. These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs to the truth. To them, a show of holiness is just a way to become wealthy.
Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into this world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.
But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.”
(1 Timothy 6, vv. 2B-10, NLT)
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
“Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Instead, train yourself to be godly. ‘Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.’ This is a trustworthy saying, and everyone should accept it. This is why we are hard at work and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly all believers.
Teach these things and insist that everyone lean them. Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, focus on the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.
Do not neglect the spiritual gift you receive through the prophecy spoken over your when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” (1 Timothy 4: vv. 7-16, NLT)
Warnings about False Teachers
“Now the Holy Spirit tells us clearly that in the last times some will turn away from the true faith; they will follow deceptive spirits and teachings that come from demons. These people are hypocrites and liars, and their consciences are dead.
They will say it is wrong to be married and wrong to eat certain foods. But God created these foods to be eaten with thanks by faithful people who know the truth. Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God in prayer.” (1 Timothy 4: vv. 1-5, NLT)
Instructions about Worship
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity – the man Christ Jesus. He gave His life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating – just telling the truth.
In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.” (1 Timothy 3: vv. 1-8, NLT)