CHIEF SINNER
Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 1-2
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
The Odeon (Bouleuterion) in Ephesus. This building has the shape of a small theatre. It had a double function in use. First, it was used as a Bouleuterion for the meetings of the Boulea or Senate. The second fuction was the Odeum – a concert hall for performances. It was constructed in the 2nd century A.D by the order of Publius Vedius Antonius and his wife Flavia Paiana, two wealthy citizens in Ephesus. Paul assigned Timothy to remain and minister in Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3-4).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verse: 1 Timothy 1:15
This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.
The first and second letters to Timothy and Titus are the last letters Paul wrote. He was in the dungeon now, not the rented house where he served time earlier under house arrest. No doubt he expected his execution any day. These are the only letters addressed specifically to individuals. History proves that all human development for good or evil can be traced to the decisions of one person.
Our key verse is the most concise statement of the mission of Jesus on earth! Yes, He did come to earth to teach and to set the highest moral example as to how we should live our lives, but first and foremost His number one reason for becoming human was to save sinners! Until we trust Jesus for our salvation, we can’t even begin to follow in His steps. If Jesus had only come to show us how to live, we would have been frustrated and doomed, wallowing in our own constant failure! In spite of Paul’s great success as the Apostle to the Gentiles, and having won many to Christ, he never lost sight of his desperate need for the Saviour.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
O Holy God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I confess with Paul that I am the chiefest of sinners, and that You, Lord Jesus, came into the world to save me and all sinners who will believe on and in You (not just about You). As Paul wrote, Lord God, “For this reason I obtained mercy…” (1:16a). “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honour and glory forever and ever! Amen!!!” (1:17).
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I can’t let this reading go by without reference to Paul’s words concerning women in ministry. I’ve mentioned before about Mrs. Willows from Winnipeg, whose ministry had a profound impact on my life. She was a powerful preacher/teacher. In the light of this fact, how do I understand Paul writing that women are “to be in silence” (2:12)? The golden rule of Bible interpretation is “Let the Bible interpret the Bible.” Because of Paul’s experience in Corinth with the husband and wife team of Priscilla and Aquilla, both of whom were teachers of God’s Word, we must draw the conclusion that Paul was dealing through Timothy with a circumstance culturally specific to Ephesus. In the worship of Diana, in her great temple in Ephesus, the leadership was provided by women priestesses. Also, there is the Orthodox Jewish approach to women in the Temple and in the synagogues that we should consider. In traditional Judaism women were forbidden from public ministry. Timothy had to balance these factors. Therefore, I conclude that these were not instructions for the whole Church, but specifically for the one person to whom Paul was writing, Timothy, and just for this specific congregation. In Acts 21:8-9 we find the four daughters of Philip were prophetesses.
Yours for ministry, public and private, by all God’s children,
David
Another view of the Odeon described in the photo above.
One of the main roads of ancient Ephesus that is just in front of the Odeon.
My ‘adopted sister’ served the pulpit for about 18 years in their church in PEI as a lay pastor while her late husband was an ordained minister.Our church has had her fill in for our pastor as well as other churches in this area.I agree with David fully on this issue.May God bless
Inspired by Psalm 73:24-25
With wise counsel Thou will guide me
‘Til in glory Thou make me free,
For Who in heaven have I but Thee
And with no mortal I choose but with Thee to be,
For earthly strength may up and flee;
But Thou be my portion for eternity.
(G.W.)Bill Marshall/Oct 09, 2015
Thanks for the thoughts, William. Paul sure became committed to God’s calling. From persecuting Christians to leading them on the commands of God. An amazing conversion. Blessings all.
You’re so right, Doreen. Paul is an amazing example for all this world. May God help us all.
Yes God help us all.
Praying for all my bloggers.
I’m here every day or evening with you all.
Pray for my family. My niece son age 1 went home to be with the Lord
last month.
God Bless You All.
Praying for your family Teresa. A great loss they have had to face. May God’s comfort overtake them and strengthen them. Blessings.
I hope you get to see this,Teressa.I was led (almost drug) to Grieving Mothers about a dozen years ago (I didn’t know such sites existed then.)When I finally relented and posted some poems,Barbara made me a member of her site.This came immediately to mind when I saw your note.Make no mistake,I am/was just His pen.The poems came as quick as I could type them.May God bless
Writes For Me (4 Grieving Mothers)
My dear Mommy my friend writes for me,
He knows my thoughts and what I see,
And answers questions on earth’s misery,
But as a child I can’t know what is to be.
I am so very happy here with lots to do,
So many friends and some you knew,
We play and laugh and we worship too,
And through the Bible,every word is true.
So Mommy dear I do not know of grief,
But He tells me soon you will know relief,
For in your dreams you may not yet know,
That’s it’s me with him but at dawn we go.
I hug you close then your hand I seek,
And shake it too but I dare not speak,
For I want for you to have that peek,
At the man with me as I kiss your cheek.
He smiles and hugs each time we greet
And tells me a story of the Devil’s deceit,
But then I see that on his hands and feet,
Are scars he says prove Satan’s defeat.
G W (Bill) Marshall / Aug 22,2012
Amen to the prayers for Teresa and her family as they face this loss. May there be comfort knowing he is with his heavenly father and thst the Lord will provide peace.
Continuing in prayer for Doreen and her move and the many changes it will bring
Asking for continuing prayer for my son, that he makes the right choices and that his family have peace as can only come from the Lord
Praying for your son, HJR, times are difficult. May God bless, guide, and provide for him, in Jesus Name. Amen