This week we will read and study a letter from one of the most influential Christian leaders to ever live, Paul of Tarsus. Paul’s letter was written to his “loyal child in the faith,” a man he thoroughly mentored, taught, and trained as a follower of Jesus and church leader, named Timothy (1 Timothy 1:2 NRSV). The letter is known as The First Letter of Paul to Timothy. Some scholars believe that Paul may have written this letter after his release from house arrest in Rome, which was after the final chapter in the book of Acts. The letter reveals that Paul had sent Timothy to Ephesus, so he is instructing his mentee to, “remain in Ephesus so that you may instruct certain people…the aim of such instruction is love that comes from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:3-5 NRSV). In the letter Paul addresses false teachings among Christians in Ephesus and a need for faith in Christ Jesus to be lived in the households of believers, with life within a household as a model of life within the church. As a leader of leaders within the Christian movement, trained and mentored by the apostle, Timothy is given lists of qualifications for those who aspire to leadership within the church so that he and the Ephesians can seek out and appoint more leaders as needed (1 Timothy 3:1-13).

 

Today leadership remains vitally important in households, the local church, denominations, and throughout society just as it was during the time Paul wrote the letter to Timothy. Expect God to give messages to you as you read it. In addition to what is revealed by God through Paul in what was written, this letter reminds us that we all need mentors who provide guidance and instructions for us on the journey of life and faith, as well as people from younger generations we invest in for their benefit, as well as for the betterment of their family, the church, and the world.

 

Below are some suggestions and questions to help you as you read scripture this week:

1. Approach scripture with humility. Seek to receive what the Bible reveals without trying to make it say what you want it to say.

2. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak a message to you through the verses you read.

3. What do these verses reveal about God?

4. What do these verses reveal about humanity?

5. What do these verses teach me about myself?

6. How do you see yourself in the story when reading biblical narratives?

Which of these characters would I be?

In what ways is their story similar to my story?

7. Read, study, and discuss scripture with a small group or another person.

8. Use a Study Bible. A Study Bible is a very helpful tool that includes information shared by scholars about historical and cultural realities during the time depicted or the era of the document, the author, when the book might have been written, the intended audience of the document, themes and messages within a book or letter, and more. The NIV, NRSV, ESV, and NLT Study Bibles are worth considering if you do not own one. There are a few available from the AUMC Library in the back of the Chapel. You can also purchase a Study Bible from ChristianBook.com, Cokesbury.com, or Amazon.com.

*If you do not have a Bible, consider downloading the YouVersion Bible App for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play for your smartphone or tablet. You can also use www.BibleGateway.com to look up and read various translations of Bible verses online for free.

 

Sunday (11/19)

READ part of Psalm 123:1-2 to set your focus on our God:

“I raise my eyes to fix my gaze on You,

for Your throne resides in the heavens.

Just as the eyes of servants

closely watch the hand of their masters…

In the same way we look to You, Eternal One,

waiting for our God to pour out His mercy upon us.” – Psalm 123:1-2 The Voice

 

LISTEN to a hymn or worship song that helps you remember our hope is in the Lord.

 

READ Matthew 6:24, a message from Jesus during his Sermon on the Mount. What does this message from our Savior reveal about money/wealth? What does this message reveal about God? Which of the two are you serving, God or money/wealth?

 

SERVICE – As you attend a worship service in the church building look for an opportunity to serve God by serving others in a practical way, such as holding the door open, helping someone carry something, greeting new attendees, welcoming the new members during the 9:30 service, or staying after the service to clean up. If you are unable to attend in person, look for opportunities to serve others at home as an expression of serving God.

 

PRAY offering God thanks for today and the people in your life, including family members, friends, our church, neighbors, etc. Ask the Lord to guide you in regards to how much he wants you or your household to give of your income and how He wants you to serve as part of Avon UMC next year.

 

Monday (11/20)

READ Psalm 123:1-2 to begin your devotional time:

“I raise my eyes to fix my gaze on You,

for Your throne resides in the heavens.

Just as the eyes of servants

closely watch the hand of their masters…

In the same way we look to You, Eternal One,

waiting for our God to pour out His mercy upon us.” – Psalm 123:1-2 The Voice

 

You are invited to WATCH the Bible Project videos that summarize 1 Timothy before reading and studying Paul’s letter this week. Below is the link for the summary video available on YouTube:

Book of 1 Timothy Summary by the Bible Project:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RoqnGcEjcs

 

READ 1 Timothy 1. If you are using a Study Bible you may find it helpful to read the introduction to this letter as well as the study notes.

 

SERVICE – In the membership vows of the United Methodist Church we vow to faithfully participate in the life and ministries of our local congregation through our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. This week we are focusing on “service.”

Today, place the needs of another person ahead of your own by doing something for them before you do what you need to do for yourself.

 

PRAY thanking God for the ways He has blessed you that you wrote on your list last week. If you did not create a list last week, write a list of blessings that includes people, talents, abilities, opportunities, resources, etc. You can write the list of your blessings in a journal, notebook, or on the Notes App on your cell phone, then look at the list each day throughout the week as a reminder of how grateful you are for what God has given you.

 

Tuesday (11/21)

READ Psalm 123:1-2 to help you to center yourself in God.

 

LISTEN to and/or SING a hymn or worship song that helps you to worship the Lord.

 

READ 1 Timothy 2. You may find it helpful to use questions or suggestions from the Overview portion of this devotional as you reflect upon what you read.

 

SERVICE – Do something kind and helpful for at least one person without them asking you to do it as a way of serving God by serving others today.

 

PRAY using 1 Timothy 2:1-2 as a guide for your prayer, then conclude using your list of blessings to thank God.

 

 

Wednesday (11/22)

READ Psalm 123:1-2 to begin your devotional time.

 

SOLITUDE and SILENCE. You are encouraged to spend a few minutes alone with God sitting, kneeling, laying down, or walking. Spend these minutes seeking to simply be with the Lord.

 

READ 1 Timothy 3. Paul lists qualifications for church leaders in verses 2 through 13. Which, if any, of the qualifications describe you? Paul’s list is not an exhaustive list. What things might be missing from his list? Why? What words and virtues would others use to describe you?

 

SERVICE – Today, place the needs of another person ahead of your own by doing something for them before you do what you need to do for yourself.

 

PRAY through your day, including offering thanks for the presence of the Spirit of Christ with us, as well as praying for the people you will be with or have been with, and conclude by using your list of blessings from Monday or last week to thank the Lord.

 

Thursday (Thanksgiving Day 11/23)

READ Psalm 123:1-2 to focus your heart and mind on the Lord.

 

LISTEN to and/or SING a hymn or worship song that helps you to thank God and show the Lord your gratitude.

 

READ 1 Timothy 4:1-6:10. If you are using a Study Bible you may find it helpful to read the study notes.

 

SERVICE – Offer to help others throughout the day by simply saying, “How can I help?” Do whatever they say they need if you are able.

 

PRAY using the ACTS acronym as a guide:

Adoration (praise the Lord)

Confession

Thanksgiving (you may find it helpful to use your list from Monday or last week)

Supplication (offer God your requests or concerns, as well as those of others)

 

Friday (11/24)

READ Psalm 123:1-2 to begin your time with God.

 

SOLITUDE and SILENCE. You are encouraged to spend a few minutes alone with God sitting, kneeling, laying down, or walking. Spend these minutes letting the message of the psalm roll around in your heart and mind. Let it fill your thoughts.

 

READ 1 Timothy 6:11-21, the conclusion of the letter. Who are the people God has used to guide and teach you as a person of faith? Who is the person, or who are the people, God has placed in your life for you to teach, encourage, support, and guide on their faith journey?

 

SERVICE – Do something kind and helpful for at least one person without them asking you to do it as a way of serving God by serving others today.

 

PRAY for those who have been mentors for you, as well as for those who you serve informally or formally as their mentor in living faith in Christ. Conclude by using your list of blessings from Monday or last week to express your gratitude to God.

 

Saturday (11/25)

How are you going to remember and observe the Sabbath this weekend? The Sabbath is a day each week that is set apart from the others to stop, rest, worship, and delight in the Lord and what he has given us.

 

LIGHT a candle and LISTEN to a worship song or hymn before reading the verses for today as a way to prepare your heart, mind, body, and soul for observing the Sabbath.

 

READ Psalm 37:3-4 during the morning. Our Sabbath theme for today is “DELIGHT.”

You are encouraged to either spend some time using the following questions to guide you through a time of journaling, thinking through your responses, or use them for a discussion with a family member or friend:

– What is a way you can express your trust in the Lord today?

 

– What opportunities will you have to do good for others today either with your words or actions? Go enjoy being a blessing to others!

 

– What security and safety are you able to enjoy because of the Lord and where you live?

 

– Enjoy being with Jesus through the presence of the Holy Spirit, while being mindful about delighting in the life and blessings the Lord has given us.

 

PRAY allowing the verses you read to guide your prayer.

 

 

READ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 during the afternoon or evening. Look at your list of blessings from Monday, or the week before, as a reminder of your reasons to rejoice and be thankful. Do you need to add anything to the list?

 

SOLITUDE and SILENCE. You are encouraged to spend ten, twenty, or thirty minutes alone with God as you focus on the reasons you listed to rejoice and be thankful. You may find it helpful to sit on a comfortable chair, couch, or swing, lay down, or go for a walk.

 

PRAY offering praise and thanks to the God revealed through Christ Jesus, the source of life, salvation, forgiveness, grace, love, and all of our blessings.