1 Timothy 1: Is God Your Saviour?
Verse of the Day: (V1) “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope;”
1. Saviour (V1-11)
V2 “Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Apostle Paul wrote this letter to encourage as well as warn Timothy, his spiritual son and successor to his ministry to stay faithful to God and His Word. In fact, Paul told Timothy that his appointment as an apostle of Jesus Christ was not an option, but it was God’s command. Paul also emphasised that God was his Saviour, and he was deeply thankful and grateful for God’s grace, mercy and peace towards him as well as all who believed and received Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. Paul commanded Timothy to warn all the Christians as well as the churches to be careful of false preachers and teachers who were leading people to condemnation in fiery hell because of their false and evil teaching.
V3 “As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightiest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,”
2. Sinner (V12-16)
V13 “Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.”
Paul confessed that he was the worst sinner because he blasphemed God’s name, persecuted and killed many Christians, and destroy many churches out of unbelief and ignorance. However one day when he came near Damascus, God spoke to him, and he realised that he was a sinner, and repented his sins, and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ!
V15 “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
3. Satan (V17-20)
V19 “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:”
Paul prayed for God to allow Satan to destroy the false teachers, namely, Hymenaeus and Alexander, because they not only blasphemed God’s name, but did evil against him and his fellow preachers, and led many people to fiery hell as a result of their false teachings.
V20 “Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, thank You that You are my Saviour who saves me from my awful sins!
2 Thessalonians 3: Are You Faithful?
Verse of the Day: (V3) “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.”
1. Free (V1-2)
V1 “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:”
Apostle Paul encouraged the Thessalonians Christians to pray for him and his fellow preachers who were sharing the gospel of Christ because they faced much evil and persecution from the Roman authority and society at large. Today, the Christians are also facing much evil and persecution as the world continues in their rejection of the gospel. Let us pray that the gospel shall continue to be freely preached that Christ died for our sins, and on the third day, He rose again conquering death, and whosoever believes in Him shall never perish, but have everlasting life with Him in heaven. Prayer is power from God, and let us pray for our pastors, missionaries and all who shares the gospel!
V2 “And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.”
2. Faithful (V3-5)
V3 “But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.”
Thank God that He is such a faithful God in the world of unfaithfulness and uncertainty. Let us continue to be faithful to our spouse, family, friends, ministry and God, knowing that we are serving a faithful God who shall never waver but keep all His words and promises, especially His glorious return one day to bring us to His home in pearly heaven.
V5 “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”
3. Follow (V6-18)
V6 “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”
Finally, Paul commanded them to avoid the troublemakers, the gossipers and those who were unfaithful to God and His church, and to follow his example of walking close to God. Indeed, Christianity is not a religion, but it is an intimate and close relationship with Jesus Christ, and all who believes in Him must truly reflect His holiness in their lives.
V7 “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be faithful to You because You are a faithful God.
2 Thessalonians 2: Will You Stand Fast In The Lord?
Verse of the Day: (V15) “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”
1. Satan (V1-10)
V1 “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,”
Apostle Paul pleaded with the Thessalonians Christians to stand fast in the Lord, and endure the intense suffering and persecution from the Roman authority, as well as Satan’s and his demons’ lies and deceits, and patiently wait for the Lord’s imminent and glorious return when He shall gather all His saints to be with them forever! Today, we are still waiting for the Lord’s return, and let us continue to stand fast, and serve Him to the end.
V9 “Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,”
2. Salvation (V11-14)
V13 “But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:”
In spite of Satan’s lies and deceits, the Almighty God is able to save and sanctify many people from fiery hell to glorious heaven by His everlasting love and amazing grace, if only we truly believe and receive Jesus Christ, His Son, as our personal Saviour and Lord.
V14 “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
3. Stand (V15-17)
V15 “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”
Today, Satan is going all out to deceive and lead man to fiery hell because he knows that his time is running out. However, let us take comfort that our God shall ultimately cast Satan into fiery hell because of his sins and pride. This was why Paul encouraged the Christians to stand fast and cleave to God and His Word, because we already have great victory through His death, resurrection and return. Indeed, let us stand fast in the Lord as He is our everlasting love, grace and consolation, and greatest hope now and forever!
V16 “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to stand fast in You, and wait patiently for Your return.
2 Thessalonians 1: Are You In God’s Presence?
Verse of the Day: (V9) “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”
1. Patience (V1-6)
V3 “We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;”
Apostle Paul shared with all the churches of God of the abounding patience, endurance, faith and love of the Thessalonians Christians in spite of being persecuted by the Romans authority. He was very thankful for their great faith and their love for one another. Indeed, let us be patient in our suffering for Christ’s sake, and be loving towards one another that Christ shall be magnified and glorified in us through our glowing and godly testimony.
V4 “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:”
2. Presence (V7-10)
V8 “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:”
Though the righteous seems to suffer and the wicked seems to enjoy life, yet one day God shall come as a Judge to all men. God shall punish the wicked with flaming fire and cast them out of His presence and into fiery hell, however, He shall bless and reward the righteous with crowns and draw them to His presence in His home in glorious heaven.
V9 “Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;”
3. Pleasure (V11-12)
V11 “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:”
Paul always prayed for them that their faith and love be worthy of God’s calling and be a great pleasure of His goodness in spite of much persecution and suffering. Indeed, it is not easy to live a victorious Christian life in the midst of persecution and suffering, but let us remember that God shall richly bless and reward us in due time and for His glory.
V12 “That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to always be in Your presence, and be patient in life.
1 Thessalonians 5: Are You Patient With All Men?
Verse of the Day: (V14) “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
1. Be Sober (V1-11)
V6 “Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”
Apostle Paul reminded the Thessalonians Christians as well as Christians today to watch and be sober and be ready to meet God who shall come anytime to bring us to His glorious home in heaven. Until then, let us put on the whole armour of God, especially the breastplate of faith and love to protect our heart, as it is the vital organ of our body, without which we shall die. Next, we must put on the helmet of salvation to protect our head, another vital organ, without which we shall never function effectively, as the head controls our thinking and movement, and it is the hope of our salvation in Christ Jesus.
V8 “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.”
2. Be At Peace (V12-13)
V12 “And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;”
Respect and honour your pastors and leaders even though they may not be perfect as God has appointed them over you. Let us fervently pray for our leaders that they will humble themselves and keep improving on their effectiveness as God’s leaders. Above all, let us be at peace with one another as unity in Christ is our greatest strength and testimony!
V13 “And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.”
3. Be Patient (V14-28)
V14 “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
The world says, Render evil for evil, but God says, Render good for evil as two wrongs do not make a right. We may seem to be at the losing end when we render good for evil, but God knows the heart of man, and He shall vindicate all who truly love and trust Him. Therefore, let us warn those who deeply hurt or harm us, and avoid them, but at the same time, be patient and forgiving towards them, and commit everything to God in prayer!
V15 “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to be sober, and be at peace and be patient with all men.
1 Thessalonians 4: Are You Walking Honestly Before God?
Verse of the Day: (V12) “That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.”
1. Honour (V1-5)
V1 “Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.”
Apostle Paul pleaded with the Thessalonians Christians to flee from immorality and vices that had not only caused God’s displeasure, but had ruined their reputation, and worse, they had become stumbling blocks to the world! God’s richest blessings shall be upon us only when we honour our bodies and are examples of honour and holiness to the world.
V4 “That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;”
2. Holiness (V6-9)
V7 “For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.”
Holiness is the trademark of God, and this is why the Spirit of God is also known as the Holy Spirit. For the Christian to be holy, he must strive to have the fruit of the Holy Spirit of love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance. Indeed, the holy God has called us unto holiness and to be His representatives of holiness!
V8 “He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”
3. Honesty (V10-18)
V12 “That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.”
Paul encouraged the believers to walk honestly before God so that the world could see God in all honour and holiness. The world’s motto is - We can do anything as long as we are not caught! However the world fails to realise that even though the law of the land may not catch and prosecute them, yet God is watching over them. One day the holy God shall judge the world, and only those who truly believe in Christ shall have everlasting life with Him in heaven. Those who reject Christ shall be condemned forever in fiery hell. Let us therefore as God’s saints walk in all honour, holiness and honesty before the Lord.
V17 “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to walk in all honour, holiness and honesty before You.
1 Thessalonians 3: Are You Always Abounding In Love?
Verse of the Day: (V12) “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:”
1. Alone (V1-3)
V1 “Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;”
Though Apostle Paul desired to stay with the Thessalonians Christians to continue to love, encourage, minister and ground them in God’s Word and work, yet he had to depart to Athens alone, because Satan persistently hindered him. However, God’s Word and work never cease as Paul sent another preacher, his spiritual son, Timotheus, to continue the preaching and teaching ministry to strengthen the faith of the Thessalonians Christians.
V2 “And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:”
2. Affliction (V4-8)
V6 “But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:”
Paul and his fellow preachers were greatly comforted and encouraged when they heard from Timotheus that though the Thessalonians Christians were afflicted and persecuted because of their faith in Christ, yet they still rejoiced greatly in suffering for Christ’s sake. Indeed, our faith is tested to the fullest when we can still rejoice and trust God even though we are in the midst of great suffering and even impending death for Christ’s sake.
V7 “Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:”
3. Abound (V9-13)
V12 “And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:”
The main reason why Paul and his fellow Christians could endure intense suffering, persecution and even death was because God had richly blessed them with abounding and abundant love for others even their persecutors and enemies. Indeed, we shall be blameless and holy when God richly bless us with His abounding and abundant love!
V13 “To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to always be abounding in love for You and others.
1 Thessalonians 2: Are You Preaching The Gospel?
Verse of the Day: (V8) “So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.”
1. The Gospel Of God (V1-11)
V8 “So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.”
Apostle Paul and his fellow preachers preached and lived by the gospel of God, and were willing not only to suffer but to lay down their lives for the gospel. This was how much they truly loved the people, and how much impact the gospel of God had upon the people.
V9 “For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.”
2. The Word Of God (V12-13)
V12 “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”
If there was one church that Paul and his fellow preachers were thankful for it must be the Thessalonian church. The Thessalonian Christians were not only greatly receptive to the word of God, but they truly walked worthy of God who saved and sanctified them.
V13 “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”
3. The Churches of God (V14-20)
V14 “For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:”
Paul encouraged all the churches of God to continue in their faith in Christ in spite of Satan’s hindrance. Satan is God’s enemy, and he knows his time is short before he is condemned to hell. Whatever time left, Satan will do his utmost to hinder God’s work. However, let us be assured that ultimately God shall have the final victory over Satan.
V18 “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to preach Your gospel by walking worthy of You.
1 Thessalonians 1: Are You Praying For Others?
Verse of the Day: (V2) “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;”
1. Prayers (V1-2)
V1 “Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Apostle Paul together with his fellow preachers, Silvanus and Timotheus, wrote to the Thessalonians Christians that they were always praying for them, and thankful to God for their love and service to Him. The life of Paul and his preachers were men of prayers as they kept praying for others, either for their salvation, or for God’s protection upon them. Indeed, let us pray for others as it is a demonstration of our love for God and His people.
V2 “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;”
2. Patience (V3-4)
V3 “Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;”
The Thessalonian Christians were model Christians as they not only had the work of faith, and the labour of love, but they also had the patience of hope in God. During those days, and even today, there are many Christians who believe in God, but when trials and testing come their way, they lack the patience of hope in God, and stray away from Him. Though we know God has elected and saved us, let us continue to love and serve Him to the end.
V4 “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.”
3. Power (V5-10)
V5 “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.”
Paul encouraged the Thessalonians Christians to continue in their faith and preach the gospel of Christ as it was God’s power to save souls from condemnation and be reconciled to Him. Paul always mentioned to others the testimony of the Thessalonians Christians of how they turned from idol worship to believe and serve the true God.
V9 “For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to pray for others that they know You are the true God.
Colossians 4: Will You Continue In Prayer?
Verse of the Day: (V2) “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”
1. Continue (V1-6)
V2 “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;”
Apostle Paul encouraged the Colossians Christians to continue in prayer and watch with thanksgiving, though they might not get immediate results and things seemed impossible. Though Paul requested prayers from them that he might be delivered out of his prison because of his faith in Christ, yet he knew that it was God’s will for him to be imprisoned. While in prison, Paul had many opportunities sharing the gospel of Christ to his fellow unbelieving prisoners, and even to the prison guards. Indeed, many times our prayers seem unanswered, not because God does not hear us, but He is testing our patience and faith in Him, and at the same time, He desires to draw us closer to Him and His Word.
V3 “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:”
2. Comfort (V7-11)
V7 “All my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother, and a faithful minister and fellowservant in the Lord:”
The ministry of Paul was not only to share the gospel to all around him, but to love and comfort those who were hurting and suffering. Let us not only share the gospel of Christ, but to love and comfort everyone around us, so that they can truly experience the love of God in and through us, and believe and receive the Lord Jesus as their personal Saviour.
V8 “Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that he might know your estate, and comfort your hearts;”
3. Complete (V12-18)
V12 “Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.”
Paul commended Epaphras that he had great zeal and love for the Colossians Christians, and had been fervently and unceasingly praying for them that they would be perfect and complete in their testimony for Christ. Let us therefore continue in prayers and watch with thanksgiving for one another that we be perfect and complete in doing God’s will.
V13 “For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them that are in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.”
Prayer of the Day:
Dearest God, please help me to continue in prayer and watch with thanksgiving.
