Daily Devotions: September 25, 2014

Today’s Bible reading is 1 Timothy chapter 1

(Read the entire New Testament in 2014 by reading only one chapter each day)

Paul wrote what is called the “pastoral epistles” which includes 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and the book of Titus. In these three books we learn a lot about church, church leaders, and the ministry. The first lesson is about being faithful in our calling. Faithfulness in our calling requires, first of all, that we be sure of our calling. Paul was sure of his call. He knew his call was special, and that it came from God. My advice to those who have an interest of serving in the ministry is, if you can do anything else besides preach the Gospel then do it. Because if you can do anything else besides preach the Gospel, God hasn’t called you! Paul explained how that at one time he was a wicked sinner, but God saved him by His grace. He said, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15b) Paul knew that it was God that saved him, and that it was God who called him into the ministry. He said, “And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.” (1 Timothy 1:12) The world doesn’t need any more self- appointed, mamma- called preachers. We need men whose service to God flows from their full surrender and obedience to the clear and undeniable call of God upon their life! Second of all, faithfulness requires that we be steadfast in our calling. Paul instructed Timothy to remain at Ephesus and to faithfully expound the doctrine of God. Timothy’s success depended on him clinging to his faith in Christ, and keeping a clear conscience. Carefully following the instructions of God’s Word helps God’s servant to fight well in the Lord’s battles! And being faithful to serve in the place where God has appointed, is a mark of steadfastness.

Prayer: “Dear Father, we humbly submit to Your will, it is a privilege to serve You in any capacity. Put a fire in our bones to serve where You have called us and to use our service to tell others about our loving Savior! In Jesus name. Amen.”

Randy J. McPheron