Devotions with Jonathan

1 Timothy 4:1-8

I'm overwhelmed. In about 22 hours, I have an assignment due, that I haven't really started yet, other than reading the necessary case law. In about 39 hours I have another essay due that's worth approximately 20-30% of my mark, which I haven't even STARTED yet (research or ANYTHING). In about 59 hours, I have a midterm for my intermediate economics course. I caught myself standing in the kitchen staring at the sink, unbearably depressed not knowing where to start.

So I decided to start with a devotion. As Martin Luther once said, "I have so much to do today, that I will start with hours of prayer." I don't know if I have the faith to start with HOURS of prayer... but I will take this time to look at Chapter 4 of 1 Timothy... a real gem I must add. One would do well to memorize it; as a matter of fact, that is what I'm going to try and do.

1 Timothy 4:1-8 (ESV) 1 Timothy 4:1-8 (NIV) 1 Timothy 4 (KJV)

1 Timothy 4:1-5:
I fully identify with those who have fallen away from the faith because of deceiving spirits (and Paul's particularly harsh condemnation by calling them teachings of the devil). Paul condemns these teachings that come from "hypocritical liars," with seared consciences, forbidding people to marry and telling them to abstain from certain foods. (v.3) Paul goes on to say that "everything God created is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer." (v. 4-5) This hit me particularly strongly, seeing that I'm something of a legalist (and thus why I identify with this particular group of people... even though I probably shouldn't). I find it so easy to get caught up in the do's and dont's of Christianity, and forget the redemptive message behind the Gospel. I so easily forget that redemption comes first and works follow from that (which reminds me of that discussion currently taking place in Andrew McKenzie's blog).

To make sure that I wasn't alone in this particular reading, I looked at my trusty commentary. It waxes long, so I'll be brief, but basically it points out to the particular historical connotations surrounding exactly what Paul was saying. The commentary mentions that early forms of Gnosticism (dualism where matter = evil and spirt = good leading to these false teachers teaching that one should reject all physical desires cravings, including the desire for food and sex) were beginning at this time, and says that such teachings were not from spiritual error, which could be easily fixed but were "more often due to the conscious strategies of God's spiritual ememies (cf. Eph. 6:12). The teachings of demons are false doctrines taught by errorists whose views are instigated by demons." It continues along this line by saying that Paul rebuts this view of all material things being evil by responding with the statement that everything God created is good (v 4). The commentary acknowledges that, although what God created can be twisted into something evil (i.e. sex into adultery, food into gluttony), when consecrated by God by his word and prayer all things are good.

I caught myself thinking along similar lines of the Gnostics, and for much less apparent "noble" reasons. I don't know if any of you have seen the T-shirt that goes "I'll try to be nicer if you try to be smarter." That T-shirt epitomizes much of the way that I think of people when I am not filled with the Spirit. Twice, I caught myself thinking in such ways on the bus ride home. Thankfully, God reminded me of the verse that I heard preached on this Sunday (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.) I also decided to get off the bus and walk home while praying. It was amazing... I found myself nearing home and taking a detour to keep on praying.

These verses further reinforce my weaknesses without God. They reveal the "desires of the sinful nature" (Romans 8:5a) that rest within me. It is only by the Spirit that I may "put to death the misdeeds of the body." (Romans 8:13bish). Praise the LORD that he gives us a "Spirit of sonship... by him [which] we cry, "Abba, Father." (Romans 8:15b, [which] added)

1 Timothy 4:6-8:
Verse 8 reminds me of my pastor's sermon (of which I've posted a reflection on here) where he said that it is impossible to achieve happiness apart from godliness. And Paul only reinforces that statement here when he says "...godliness has value for all things, holding promisse for both the present life and the life to come." By being godly and training in godliness (and implicit in that command in verse 7 I read the ability to also discern what is not godly - i.e. being able to know what the godless myths and old wives tales are) I gain stock and strength to allow myself to become an instrument of God's will here in the present while I am alive on earth (your will be done on EARTH) and after I die and after the resurrection of the saints (as it is in HEAVEN). [Parenthetical references to the Lord's Prayer. A special thanks to Brad Stewart for the insight into the power of that particular prayer.] I am truly glad for the "truths of the faith" (v 6) that I have been brought up on and the "good teaching" (v 6) that I have had the immense blessing to be able to follow these past two years.

Prayer: LORD, thank you for the blessings of good teaching and godly direction that you have placed in my life - through my parents, mentors, and friends - by which you make my paths straight. Thank you for firm reminders to always think of others with love, patience, and compassion; essentially to replace my sinful way of thinking with your Spiritual way of thinking. Remind me of this lesson daily as I continue on in life and in ministry. In Jesus name I pray,
AMEN.

Then will I ever sing praise to your name and fulfill my vows day after day.
Psalm 61:8

posted by Jonathan P @ 9:46 PM