Thursday 30 January, 2014

2 Comments/in /by

I Timothy 1:8-11

8 We know that the law is good if it is used properly. 9 We also know that the law isn’t made for godly people. It is made for those who break the law. It is for those who refuse to obey. It is for ungodly and sinful people. It is for those who aren’t holy and who don’t believe. It is for those who kill their fathers or mothers. It is for murderers. 10 It is for those who commit adultery. It is for those who have a twisted view of sex. It is for people who buy and sell slaves. It is for liars. It is for those who give witness to things that aren’t true. And it is for anything else that is the opposite of true teaching. 11 True teaching agrees with the glorious good news of the blessed God. He trusted me with that good news.

Paul’s instructions to Timothy the young pastor of the church at Ephesus gives us insight into some of the people and situations which he would have to confront as the leader of the church. Paul points out that our life is to be according to ‘sound doctrine or teaching’, which of course means that the foundation of our lives is to conform to the Gospel of the Jesus Christ.

What is to be our response? How do Paul’s words relate to us in 2014? They remind us that we have been called to live righteous lives, which means we obey the laws of our country. His words also remind us that we have clear guidelines to live by. These guidelines were clearly taught and practiced by Jesus and are now clearly enshrined in the Gospel message.

My prayer is both praise to God that He has set the standard for righteous living, and a request that the Holy Spirit continue to form Christlikeness in my life.         

Written by Keith Bennett

2 replies
  1. David Newton says:

    As a member of a church that hosts many events each year it is to easy to say “I will attend the events and activities but will leave the understanding of ‘sound doctrine’ to the pastors”.
    .
    The problem is, if for some reasons the church activities in your life cease, what principles will you use to conduct your life?

  2. David Newton says:

    Keith, I always appreciate being reminded that as a Christian I have a responsibility to obey Australian laws!

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