Read 1 Timothy 3:1–7 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. 1 Timothy 3:1 If a man’s own children cannot obey and respect him, then his church is not likely to respect and obey his leadership. For Christians,...
Read Ecclesiastes 7:1–8 A good name is better than fine perfume, and the day of death better than the day of birth. Ecclesiastes 7:1 Solomon was not contrasting birth and death. He was contrasting two significant days in human experience: the day a person is given a name and the...
Read Hebrews 11:1–5 Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1 True biblical faith is confident obedience to God’s Word in spite of circumstances and consequences. This faith operates quite simply. God speaks, and we hear His Word. We...
Read 2 Timothy 2:14–18 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 Each of us as God’s workman will be either approved or ashamed. The word approved...
Read Job 19:21–29 I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. Job 19:25 It is significant that Job would go from the depths of despair to the heights of faith and then back into the depths again. This is often the...
Read Hebrews 5:7–8 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Hebrews 5:7 Every Old Testament high priest had to minister...
Read Galatians 1:11–12 I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. Galatians 1:11 “Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist,” wrote Emerson. Many others agree with him. The English art critic John Ruskin said, “I fear uniformity. You...
Read Philippians 2:19–21 I have no one else like [Timothy], who takes a genuine interest in your welfare. For everyone looks out for his own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. Philippians 2:20–21 A reporter in San Bernardino, California, arranged for a man to lie in the gutter on a...
Read 2 Corinthians 7 Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1 Because of God’s gracious promises, we have some spiritual responsibilities. We must cleanse ourselves once and for all...
Read 1 Corinthians 12 If one part [of the body] suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 1 Corinthians 12:26 Diversity in the church body is an evidence of the wisdom of God. Each member needs the other members, and no...