Monday, March 7, 2016

1 Timothy, Day 1 Readings

Godly Teaching & Decent, Modest Citizenship   

Today's first reading is the beginning of the first letter to Timothy, which offers a description of the proper ordering of a congregation.  It begins with the person entrusted offering religious teaching, the minister; in this letter, Timothy, himself.

Sound Godly teaching comes from training, both through experience with God in forgiveness and with other faithful teachers.  Timothy needs to rely on these things, not speculations as unfaithful teachers do.

Read 1 Timothy 1:1-20  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

The second reading provides instructions on prayers, but it basically presents the worldview of this letter.  Prayers are to include political leaders and they are to be offered by people behaving (and dressed) appropriately.  In essence, to be a good Christian, you must have learned to be a good citizen, respecting the leaders and the social ordering of the community, including the appropriate roles for men and women.

Read 1 Timothy 2:1-15  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)
[links to Bible Gateway open in a new window]

Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Timothy 1-2 today.