Open the Bible UK Daily

“The kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”Mark 1:15Some Christians hear the word repentance and immediately think: Been there, done that! It’s easy to see why.Imagine you were brought up under teaching that emphasised repentance at the beginning of the Christian life. Sermons ended by calling sinners to repent and believe, inviting them to come to the front of the church or raise their hands if they wanted to receive Christ.You grew up on the ABC’s of the gospel: Admit that you are a sinner. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Commit to following Him. But you’ve already done these things. And over the years you’ve seen many others do the same, so when you hear the word repent, it’s natural for you to say, “Oh, I’ve already done that.”But when you say, “I made a commitment to Christ,” how long does that commitment last? A lifetime—it’s a continuing thing. When you say, “I believe in Christ,” how long does the believing last? It lasts a lifetime—it’s ongoing. And when you say, “I repented,” how long does the repenting last? It lasts a lifetime—it’s a continuing thing.Martin Luther (and others) rediscovered this great truth in the Bible back in the sixteenth century. Luther wrote, “When our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, said ‘Repent,’ he called for the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”Now at this point all the beating yourself up Christians will be saying, “A lifetime of beating myself up? You cannot be serious!” Not a lifetime of beating yourself up, a lifetime of continual growth into the likeness of Jesus Christ.Does repentance sound more like the ABC’s of the Christian life, or do you see it as part of the lifestyle of a mature believer too?

“The younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.”Luke 15:13Jesus told a wonderful story about repentance: A son takes his inheritance, goes into a distant country, and wastes everything he has on riotous living. But eventually the bottom falls out of his life, and he ends up scratching out a living on a pig farm. Then he comes to his senses, and says, “I will arise and go to my father” (15:18).So he begins the long journey home. When he sees the house on the horizon, he notices someone running toward him. It is his father, who has been watching every day, longing for the boy’s return. The father hugs and kisses him, and he places a robe on his back and a ring on his finger. He calls his servants to kill the fattened calf and orders a celebration. Why? Because of his joy.If there’s joy in it for the father, there must be joy in it for the son. He may feel unworthy. He may feel embarrassed, but think about the change in his life. A short time ago he was eating with the pigs, now he is feasting on a calf! Repentance is the hidden path to a transformed life.That’s good news! Jesus went into Galilee proclaiming the good news of God. What is the good news? “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Mat. 3:2). Repentance is good news! Real, lasting change is possible because God has come near to you in Jesus Christ.When was the last time you experienced joy and repentance together?

“There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”Luke 15:10What is your reaction to the word repentance? We come from many different backgrounds, and your reaction will tell you a great deal about what you think repentance is.For some of us repentance sounds heavy! If that’s your reaction, it probably means that you think of repentance as beating yourself up. A lot of people have that idea.If that’s what you think about repentance, a month of devotions on this theme is probably not very inspiring: I feel bad enough about myself already! But, if you continue to think of repentance as beating yourself up, you won’t be able to hear what Christ says to you about the change He wants to bring in your life.You have to get rid of that baggage, and the place to start is with a question: If repentance is beating yourself up, then why did Jesus say that there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents? If repentance is beating yourself up, how could the angels have joy in it? If the angels found joy in human misery, they would not be angels, but devils.So, when Jesus tells us that there is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, He makes it clear that whatever repentance is, it is not beating yourself up. It is not a journey of sustained misery. It is not an odyssey into self condemnation or regret. There is joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, and if there is joy in it for heaven, there is joy in it for you.Do you think it is possible that God intends joy for you in repentance?

Keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ...1 Timothy 6:14One day we are going to see Jesus Christ. The day will come when your faith will be turned to sight. This is an amazing promise.A few verses later, Paul reminds us that God “dwells in unapproachable light” (6:16). God is not hidden in unapproachable darkness, but in unapproachable light. Our problem is not that we can’t find God. It is that we couldn’t come near Him if we did!All through the Bible, we find that people at their best are unable to stand in God’s presence. When Isaiah saw God’s glory, he said, “Woe is me! For I am lost” (Is. 6:5). And when the apostle John saw the glory of Christ, he “fell at His feet as though dead” (Rev. 1:17).If the best of humanity in the Old and New Testaments are on their faces in the presence of God, how do you think it will be for us when the Son of God comes in His glory and all His holy angels with Him?Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Mat. 5:8). And John, who fell at Christ’s feet as if he were dead, said, “When he appears… we shall see him as he is” (1 Jn. 3:2). How is this possible?It is possible because the Son of God loved us and gave Himself for us. He bore our sins in His body on the tree. It is possible because the Holy Spirit unites us with Christ through the bond of faith. And it is possible because the risen Christ advocates for us in the presence of the Father.You were bought by the precious blood of Christ and called to the blessing of life under the rule of the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal, who lives in unapproachable light, to whom be glory and dominion forever, Amen (6:16).Whatever you are facing today, reflect on the hope you have in the coming of Jesus Christ.Whatever you are facing today, reflect on the hope you have in the coming of Jesus Christ.

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus… to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach.1 Timothy 6:13-14The command mentioned here seems to be what Paul says in the preceding verses. There is a character to pursue, a battle to fight, and a life to gain.A character to pursue“As for you, O man of God... pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (6:11). John Stott says that steadfastness, or endurance, is patience in difficult circumstances. Gentleness is patience with difficult people.A battle to fight“Fight the good fight of the faith” (6:12). The world will always reject Christ, and those who proclaim that Jesus is Lord will always be in conflict with the unbelieving world.A life to gain“Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses” (6:12). Notice the language: “Pursue… Fight… Take hold of…” The Christian life will be a struggle. Calvin says that self-indulgence springs from the Christian’s desire to serve Christ as if it were a leisure activity, but Jesus calls His servants to warfare.Where do you find the energy for this struggle? Sometimes it is hard to keep going. Too many disappointments, too many unanswered prayers, too many failures. You feel run down and you get weary. How do you find the strength to endure the demands of this Christian life?When Paul gives Timothy this charge, he says, “In the presence of God, who gives life to all things…” (6:13). He is saying, God will give you the energy you need for this. He sustains your life. He will give you strength for each day.In what battle do you most need God’s strength today?

But as for you, O man of God, flee these things.Pursue righteousness…1 Timothy 6:11The tenth distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel hope.Timothy had been given overwhelming responsibilities. He was a young man, and he was leading the church in Ephesus. This was a massive responsibility.We know that by temperament, Timothy was timid (2 Tim. 1:7). He was not confident by nature. He must often have felt that he was in over his head, out of his depth, and at the end of his rope. Maybe you know what that feels like too.How do you sustain what God has called you to do year after year? Where do you find the energy to live a godly life when everything is pressing in on you? How do you keep going when you feel overwhelmed, with discouragements on every side?Paul ends this letter with some much-needed encouragement for Timothy. Paul was writing under the direct inspiration of the Holy Spirit of God. God knows what His people need. He knew what Timothy needed then, and He knows what you need right now.Paul speaks to Timothy by name earlier (6:20), but he doesn’t do that here. He says: “As for you, man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness” (6:11). Paul says, “Timothy, remember who you are. You are ‘God’s man.’ I want you to think and speak and act and live as God’s man because that is who you are!”What about you? Every man who is in Christ is “God’s man.” Every woman who is in Christ is “God’s woman.” When God speaks to believers, He speaks to us not as we are by nature, but as we are in Christ. You are God’s man, God’s woman. Be who you are.How does it encourage you to know that God speaks to you not as you are by nature but as you are in Christ?

As for the rich… charge them not to… set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.1 Timothy 6:17Paul speaks of two kinds of hope here. Some people set their hope on “the uncertainty of riches,” others “on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy.” These are very different kinds of hope.When God gives you more, you need to develop a holy discontent with the things of this world. And the more God gives you, the more important this practice becomes.Jeremiah Burroughs says, “One who is contented in a Christian way… is the most contented man in the world, and yet the most unsatisfied… Though he is contented with God in a little, yet those things that would content other men will not content him.”This is the opposite of what you would expect. The world is discontent with less and says you will find contentment with more. God says learn to be content with less and to be discontent with more.Paul says that people who are rich in good deeds, generous, and willing to share are “storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life” (6:18-19).When you have less, cultivate the art of contentment. When you have more, cultivate the art of discontent. Set your heart on enjoying what God gives you and using what God gives you in the light of eternity.Are you learning the art of contentment when you have less? Are you learning to have holy discontent when you have more?

Godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.1 Timothy 6:6-7Notice, Paul says that godliness with contentment is not just gain, but great gain. If you have godliness with contentment, it will be of huge advantage to you. Why? Paul gives four reasons.He says, “If getting rich is your goal…”1. You cannot keep what you gain“We brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out” (6:7). You may get rich, but you cannot stay rich. You cannot keep what you gain in this world.2. You will encounter powerful temptations“Those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils” (6:9-10). If you set your heart on money, you expose yourself to powerful temptations that ruin many people.3. You may wander from the faith“It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith” (6:10). In the Parable of the Sower, our Lord spoke about seed choked by thorns. The seed is God’s Word. The thorns are “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things” (Mk. 4:19). Money chokes the fruit of God’s Word in the lives of some people.4. You will experience great sorrow“It is through this craving that some have… pierced themselves with many pangs” (6:10). Learn the art of contentment. This rare jewel is not found when you have more but when you have less. Bring your desires down to the level of your possessions. Learn to enjoy what God has given more than you grieve what He has taken away.When have you experienced one of thesefour dangers in your own life?

Godliness with contentment is great gain.1 Timothy 6:6The ninth distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel lifestyle.Paul speaks to “the rich” (6:17) and to “those who desire to be rich” (6:9). So there’s something for those who have less and something for those who have more here.Paul says, “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (6:6). Contentment is finding joy in what God has given to you. The opposite of contentment is greed. Luther makes the point that greed destroys your capacity to enjoy what God has given.Contentment grows over time. It does not come quickly, easily, or naturally. Paul says, “I have learnt… to be content” (Phil. 4:11). How did he learn it? He tells us: “I have learnt the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need” (4:12).He is saying, “There were times when I had plenty. But then God brought me to situations where I was in need. And through that, I learnt something: I discovered the secret of being content.” God used the experience of loss to produce the good fruit of contentment in Paul’s life.Jeremiah Burroughs described contentment as “a rare jewel.” How can you find joy in what God gives you, especially when that is less than you had before?Burroughs says, “A Christian comes to contentment, not so much by way of addition as by way of subtraction.” Contentment does not come by adding to what you have, but by subtracting from what you desire.The world says that you will find contentment when your possessions rise to meet the level of your desires. Burroughs says, “The Christian has another way to contentment, that is, he can bring his desires down to his possessions.”Have you discovered the secret of being content?

The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgement, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.1 Timothy 5:24–25All of us serve in the light of the coming judgement. God sees all things. Nothing is hidden from Him. But people are not always what they appear to be, and that is why we should exercise caution in appointing leaders.Paul says, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands” (5:22). Don’t be hasty in appointing people to positions of leadership. Get to know them over time. Here are a few reasons why…“The sins of some people are conspicuous.” Some people are obvious sinners—you can see the pattern of destruction in their lives.“The sins of others appear later.” Others are secret sinners—behind what you see is a life filled with all kinds of evil.“So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden” (5:25). Some good works are immediately recognised and praised. Others are known only to God. But just as God sees and will judge secret evil, He also sees and will reward the hidden good.William Barclay’s comments on these verses are helpful, “There are some whose good deeds are plain for all to see, and who have already won the praise… of men. There are others whose good deeds have never been noticed… never thanked, never praised, never valued as they ought to have been. They have always been taken for granted.”If that’s you, remember, God sees what others have missed. Jesus said that even a cup of cold water given in His name will receive its reward. The judgement of God that should bring fear to those whose sin is secret should also bring comfort to those whose good deeds are hidden from view.Are you feeling unappreciated today? Take heart. God sees and rewards what others have missed.

Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.1 Timothy 5:19–20There are two important points here: Good leaders need to be protected from bad people. Good people need to be protected from bad leaders.Protection for good leadersGodly leaders will always be under attack from the enemy. Calvin says, “None are more exposed to slanders and insults than godly teachers. They may perform their duties correctly and conscientiously, yet they never avoid a thousand criticisms.”The pattern is always the same. Some story goes around. Then people say, “There’s no smoke without fire.” Martin Luther said that there are two evils here: promoting rumours and untruths, and being willing to believe the evil and not the good. Satan works havoc in the church through these things, so elders must restrain them.Accountability for bad leadersLeaders who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that others may take warning (5:20). Paul is talking about a leader who harms the church by his sin, and he says that the elders have a responsibility to hold leaders accountable. Pastors are called to lead, and the church board holds them accountable for their leadership.A fellow elder or church warden might say, “We’re looking for a pastor, but we don’t want anyone telling us what to do.” Sometimes it is because elders or wardens want to run things themselves. Sometimes it is because they have been hurt by an authoritarian pastor. If you were bitten by a rottweiler, it’s not surprising that you might be drawn to a poodle.We don’t want poodle pastors, and we don’t want rottweilers either! We want leadership and accountability, trust and submission. These are good gifts from the Lord, and we should be thankful for them.What role might you play in protecting good leaders from bad people or protecting good people from bad leaders?

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in preaching and teaching.1 Timothy 5:17-18The eighth distinctive of a gospel-centred church is gospel leadership. Gifted and godly leaders are a sign of God’s blessing on a church. A local church depends in large measure on the character and competence of its leaders. Notice what is being said here about leadership in the church:“Let the elders who rule...” It is the special calling of pastors and elders to give direction to the church. Notice that direction does not come from one individual. (That would be coercion.) Nor does it come from everybody in the congregation. (That would be confusion.) Direction for the church comes from those who have been tested and then trusted to serve as leaders. (That brings cohesion.)“Especially those who labour in preaching and teaching.” A gospel church is always a church under the Word of God. The ministry of the Word and the direction of the church belong together. We must be serious about living out what God calls us to do and about letting God shape our lives and our church through His Word.“Worthy of double honour.” This means, first, that we are to respect those who have been trusted with leadership. And Paul says that those who serve well are worthy of double honour.Some churches have given such emphasis to the priesthood of all believers that they have lost sight of God’s particular call to pastoral ministry. So is it right to hire a pastor? AbsolutelyMinistry advances through God’s people under the leadership of those who are called by God and recognised by the church to devote themselves to this work.How could you help ensure that the leaders of your church are treated with the honour due their God-given role?

Let a widow be enrolled if she… [has] a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.1 Timothy 5:10Paul speaks about widows who are to be recognised, honoured, and supported (5:3). But he also speaks about widows who are to be enrolled or registered on a list (5:9). The qualifications for being on this list are different from the qualifications mentioned earlier: • Age: over sixty (5:9) • Fidelity: “the wife of one husband” (5:9) • Ministry: “a reputation for good works” (5:10)It seems that this list is not a register of people receiving support but of people offering service. Here were a group of older people who offered dedicated service to the Lord through the church.If you have brought up children, opened your home, helped folks in trouble, and devoted yourself to good deeds, your experience is a gift you can give in ministry to others in your golden years.As one elderly saint put it, “Who said that the dream is to make enough money so that you can go off somewhere with no responsibilities and spend your golden years on yourself? That’s not my dream.”Now here is a fresh new definition of retirement: getting a new set of tires to keep rolling in the service of Christ! If you are over sixty, here’s a word of encouragement: Get a new vision of your golden years as the most useful years you can offer to Christ.What do you hope to do with your last yearsbefore you see your Lord?

Care for those who are truly widows.1 Timothy 5:16There will be genuine need in the church. Paul emphasises this three times. “Honour widows who are truly widows” (5:3).“She who is truly a widow…” (5:5). “Care for those who are truly widows” (5:16).How do we know who to help and who to support? The Bible is a wonderfully practical book, and Paul shows us the path of wisdom through two principles:1. God’s first provision is through the family“If a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household” (5:4; see also 5:8, 16).Three times in this passage, Paul makes it clear that God’s first provision for a person in need is through the family. Caring for ageing parents and grandparents isn’t easy, but it brings joy to the heart of God. God said “Even to your old age… I will carry you” (Isa. 46:4). And when you care for an ageing loved one, you reflect the heart and the promise of God.2. God’s first priority is a godly life“She who is truly a widow… has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives” (5:5-6).Paul describes two kinds of widows, one who puts her hope in God, and the other who lives for pleasure. The church should not give in a way that supports or enables an ungodly lifestyle.So here are two practical questions to consider: What provision has God made for this person? What commitment has this person made to God?There will be times when God provides through the kindness of His own people. Responding to the promptings of the Spirit so that a person in need experiences God’s provision is a wonderful ministry that glorifies Him.Who will experience the help of God through your kindness this week?

If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.1 Timothy 5:8The seventh distinctive of a gospel-centred church is gospel compassion. Paul is urging the church to cultivate a culture of caring and serving.The Bible is full of God’s compassion for His children, especially those who do not have others in this world who care for them.Listen to the testimony of Moses: “He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing” (Deut. 10:18). An entire book of the Bible is given to the story of three widows, Ruth, Orpah, and Naomi, and how God provided hope and a future for them.One day Jesus saw a crowd gathered around a widow whose only son had died: “When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her” (Lk. 7:13). Literally, “He was moved to the core of his being.” By His divine power, He raised the young man to life and gave him back to his mother.The Gospels are full of the affection of Jesus for those who have the least in this world. From the earliest days, this ministry of compassion has been a distinguishing mark of faithful churches.In Acts 6, we read about a daily distribution of food to widows in the church, and here in 1 Timothy, we have half a chapter devoted to this marvellous ministry.If you are a widow or are struggling with the unique pressures that come to a single mother, know that you have a special place in the heart of God.Ask God to give you His heart of compassion for those in need around you.

For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially of those who believe.1 Timothy 4:10Many people are confused about how to live the Christian life. Two misunderstandings have caused much of this confusion.1. The “hard labour” version says: “We toil and strive.” This version says that the Christian life is one great effort to try and live a godly life. Many people live here. There is no power or energy working in them. There is very little joy. These folks have an air of defeat. They secretly feel that it is impossible to live a godly life.2. The “no labour” version says: “We have our hope set on the living God.” This version says, “There is nothing we Christians can do. We have to let go and let God.” Many people live here. They become passive. They do not fight against sin. They say, “It’s all up to God.” And they sound spiritual but they do not make progress.3. The “gospel life” version says: “We toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God.” Gospel life is the active pursuit of godliness through the power and presence of Jesus Christ in you. “I engage in this struggle. I press on toward the prize with hope because Jesus Christ lives in me.”You believe in Christ. You know He has mighty power. But perhaps He seems like a friend far away. You feel defeated. You feel that you are fighting alone. You lose hope.You need to hear the gospel. Jesus Christ is not saying to you, “I will be your powerful friend, but you need to fight your own battles.” He is saying, “I will engage in this fight with you. I will be your Saviour!”Are you more likely to follow the “hard labour” or “no labour” or “gospel life” version of the Christian life?

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed onin the world, taken up in glory.1 Timothy 3:16Godliness—a God-centered life—is not a system or a programme. It is a person. The mystery of a fully God-centered life lies in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ. The mysteryof godliness is Jesus Christ.Jesus Christ is godliness in the flesh. He has lived the God-centered life. And our hope of living a godly life is in Him. Jesus Christ is the object of our faith and the sourceof our life.Most of us get the first part of that. But let’s focus on the second. Being a Christian is more than believing in Jesus. It is the life of Jesus Christ in you by the Holy Spirit.Paul speaks about “the word of God fully known”—that is, everything God has for you—“the mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints… Christ inyou, the hope of glory” (Col. 1:25-27).Christ in you! Faith is more than believing Christ. Faith unites us with Christ so that we are in Him and His life is in us. Faith possesses Christ. Faith receives Christ (Jn. 1:12).Faith feeds on Christ (Jn. 6:54). Christ is your life, and “your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:3-4).Jesus gave us a wonderful illustration of this: “I am the vine; you are the branches” (Jn. 15:5). Godliness is in Him and godliness flows from Him. It grows in us as we grow in Him.Jesus Christ is the mystery of godliness. That means your hope of godliness is found in Jesus Christ.How would you explain in your own words that Jesus Christ is the source of your godliness?

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness...1 Timothy 3:16The sixth distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel life. How are we to make progress in character and competence? How are we to become the kind of people who will be effective in getting God’s global mission done?Godliness (a God-centred life) is the central theme of 1 Timothy 4. “Godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (4:8). How can we live a godly life?First, we must beware of false paths to godliness. Paul says, “Some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons” (4:1). How do these demons lead people away? “Through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared” (4:2). The work of demons is advanced through false teaching in the church!Paul gives a specific example: They “forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods” (4:3). The early world was saturated with sex and food. Life was about the body. Not much has changed.You can see how some people would say, “Since there is so much sin bound up with sex and food, we are against that. Deny yourself and you will become more godly.” But Paul says, “That’s completely wrong! It’s a false path to godliness. You can’t love God more by enjoying life less.”Paul reminds us that “everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving” (4:4).Ask God to give you discernment about false teachings that might lead you away from a godly life.

“An overseer must be… able to teach… He must manage his own household well… He must not be a recent convert… He must be well thought of by outsiders.”1 Timothy 3:2–7Paul outlines three areas of core competence for church leaders: doctrinal, personal, and spiritual.Doctrinal: able to teach“An overseer must be… able to teach” (3:2). “[Deacons] must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience” (3:9). Not all elders will be preachers. But they must grasp the truth and be able to apply it to their own lives and the lives of others. They must be able to refute false doctrine (1:3). It is the special calling of elders and pastors to make sure that the Word of Christ is central in the church.Personal: able to manage“He must manage his own household well” (3:4). Every home has pressures and problems. The key is a man’s ability to manage his own life and to give leadership to his own family. An effective leader begins by learning to manage his own family well. Are his finances well managed? Is his home well ordered? Do his children respect him?Spiritual: able to stand“He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up… He must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil” (3:6–7). Paul identifies two primary pressures in spiritual warfare: First, pride is the enemy within. Do you know the grace of God enough to handle success with humility? Second, disgrace is the enemy outside. Satan wants leaders to fall into public disgrace so that he can use it to harm the church.You may be wondering, “Who is sufficient for these things?” Christ may never call you to be an elder or deacon. But He can form the character and competence of an elder or deacon in you.Ask God to help you pursue the character and competence that will be most useful to Him.

An overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.1 Timothy 3:2-3What kind of people should we trust and follow as leaders? Here are three traits to look for, cultivate, and thank God for.Wise judgment“Sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable… not a drunkard.”Look at the decisions in a person’s life. Do they bear the marks of wisdom? Look at what a person has said or done and the positions they have taken in times of difficulty. Do you see wise judgment? Usefulness in serving others flows from effectiveness in controlling yourself. Healthy relationships“Not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome.” An elder cannot be weak. He must be able to confront, but he must have compassion and sympathy that reflects the spirit of Jesus. Some people carry conflict within them. They stir up trouble. So look at a person’s relationships. Do you see gentleness? Or do trouble and conflict follow them? Moral integrity“The husband of one wife… not a lover of money.” This does not mean that a person has to be married to lead. A person must be celibate if single and faithful if married. Aleader must also be faithful with finances. The most obvious evidence of this is that he is a generous giver. The effective Christian leader is marked by sexual and financial integrity. It is sometimes said that character is what you are in private.That’s only half the story. The character of a Christian leader is both private and public. It includes being “above reproach” (3:2) and being “well thought of by outsiders” (3:7). Thisis more than a private holiness of the heart. It’s the way our lives are seen by others. How do you see these traits reflected in your leaders?How can you cultivate them in yourself?

If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.1 Timothy 3:1The fifth distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel character, that is, the character and competence of a Christian leader.Most of us are not called to be an elder or a deacon, so you may wonder, What does this have to do with me? Here are three answers:1. Discernment: What to look forThe biblical pattern is not to make people leaders and then hope that they will rise to it. It is to look for people who show the character and competence of effective leaders. What should we look for in the leaders we elect, the pastors we call, and the missionaries we send?2. Direction: What to aim forEvery Christian should cultivate a desire for maximum usefulness to Jesus Christ. Should you do theological training? Should you be in full-time ministry? Should you serve overseas? The first things to pursue are right here in 1 Timothy. They will make you a better parent, business leader, teacher, or volunteer. These are the qualities God seeks in the life of every Christian.Maybe you have not been able to do what you wanted to do. You would like a second chance. Jesus came to restore what was lost, and to recreate what was destroyed. What we learn here can be your future even if it has not been your past. Perhaps God will ignite a desire in you to maximise your usefulness for Christ and a passion to move in that direction.3. Gratitude: What to give thanks forIf your church leaders follow the principles of 1 Timothy, do not take this for granted. Ask God to increase your thanksgiving for His abundant goodness in the gift of godly leaders.How might God be prompting you to maximise your usefulness for Him?

God our Saviour... desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all.1 Timothy 2:3–6This is a marvellous statement of God’s redeeming purpose in Jesus Christ. Does “all” mean “every single person”? Or “all kinds of people”? It seems clear that “all” means “all kinds of people.” Here are three reasons:That’s what all means in verse 1. God does not expect us to pray for every single person in the world but for all kinds of people.The Bible never suggests that every person will be saved. Some will enter everlasting life and others everlasting destruction.The word ransom (2:6) means the payment of a price. If Christ paid for the sins of every single person, hell would be filled with people whose sins had already been paid for.Christ gave His life to ransom “all kinds of people.” There will be people like you in heaven. So why not you? There will be people of your personality type, so why not you? There will be people from your race and language group, so why not you? There will be people who were once caught up in every kind of vice but who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. So why not you?“There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (2:5). That means that Christ is the mediator for you.God wants people like you to be saved. Christ gave His life as a ransom for people like you.If you have not yet trusted Christ as your Redeemer, why not do so today? If you come to Christ, He will never turn you away (John 6:37).

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.1 Timothy 2:1-2Paul is speaking about the place of prayer in public worship. This is increasingly out of fashion. But God has given this ministry to the church. If Christians do not pray for the world, who will?A gospel-centered church is not about us, it is about the gospel. God our Saviour wants “all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (2:4). Our worship must reflect God’s heart for the world.Pray for all people (2:1)When churches give up on intercessory prayer in public worship, it is usually for one of two reasons. One is that the pastors give up. The other is that the people don’t care. Effective public prayer involves your faith, your compassion, and your heart reflecting the heart of God for the world.Pray for kings and all in high positions (2:2)All the rulers in Paul’s time were pagans. Yet Paul says that Christians should pray for our rulers, and that we should do it with thanksgiving! Notice what we are to pray for those in government: “that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (2:2). Our objective is not that politicians will change society. It is that we should live in peace so that the gospel will change society.John Chrysostom said, “No one can feel hatred towards those for whom he prays.” If we pray for our leaders in the nation or in the church, it will affect the way we speak about them. You can disagree with them, but you will not be cynical or unkind about them. You will pray for God’s blessing on them. You will rejoice in any success that God gives them.This kind of praying is good and pleases our God and Saviour.How important has intercessory prayer been in your own life?

I urge that supplications... be made for all people.1 Timothy 2:1The fourth distinctive of a gospel-centred church is gospel ministry. We share Christ’s passion for the world.The gospel did not come to us so that it could end with us. Christ trusted it to us so that we could bring it to others. A gospel-centred church is a missional church with a passion to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to all people. This is the theme of 1 Timothy 2. Paul speaks about: A ministry of prayer for all people: “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people” (2:1). A ministry of the Word to all people: “I was appointed a preacher and an apostle… a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth” (2:7).So we have the ministry of the Word and prayer. Why do we do these things? What are we preaching and why are we praying? The atoning death of Christ for all people: “There is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all” (2:5-6).Then you have a strange jump. Paul speaks about men arguing. But notice that it is in relation to the prayer ministry. “The men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarrelling” (2:8).We are called to a ministry of gospel praying and gospel proclaiming to all people. This mission flows from the atoning death of Jesus. It is our sacred trust, and it must not be hindered by arguing or disputing.We are called to gospel ministry: We share Christ’s passion for all people.Where do you sense God urging you to grow? In the ministry of prayer? Or in the ministry of the Word?

The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.1 Timothy 1:14Sometimes all we can see is our sins and our failures. But we also need to affirm what God is doing in us. You are not yet what you will be. But you are not what you used to be either. God has poured grace, faith, and love into your life.The grace of God is being poured into your life“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1:15). Paul does not say, “I was the foremost.” He says, “I am the foremost.” We do not live on grace (past tense). We stand in grace today. Not one of us lives a single day in a way that merits access to heaven. Our righteousness is found in Him! Right now, the grace of God is being poured out on you abundantly in Christ.The gift of faith is being poured into your life“By grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Eph. 2:8). Paul says earlier that he acted “in unbelief” (1:13). He resisted Christ. Where did His faith come from? It was the gift of God.The love of Jesus is being poured into your life“The grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” (1 Tim. 1:14). Love is found “in Christ Jesus.” Paul says, “I was an angry man. I was hurting others, and the love of Christ was poured into my life!”How did you come to love and trust Jesus when the natural condition of your heart is to resist Him? God’s grace has overflowed on you along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.Faith affirms that with thanksgiving: His grace has reached me. I live in this grace. It has been poured out abundantly on me!Affirm God’s grace by thanking Him for His overflowing grace, faith, and love in your life.

I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief.1 Timothy 1:13You may know someone who is bored with their Christian life. There isn’t any joy in it. They will agree that Christ came to save sinners. But if you were to ask, “Oh, which sins of yours has Jesus forgiven?” they would be stuck for an answer.If you can’t think of anything that needs to be forgiven, you won’t have much love for Christ, you won’t feel much need of the cross, and you will quickly become bored with your faith.Remembering your sins is important. But use discretion in sharing your past sins with others. Some people may be helped by knowing how Christ redeemed you. Others would be better helped by not knowing. Consider the degree of trust, the depth of the relationship, and the maturity of the other person in discerning how much to share.Paul’s sins were public. Everyone knew what he had done. And he uses that for the glory of God. Paul is not afraid to face his past sins. He is not in denial. He makes no excuses. He knows that he is a sinner. The gospel produces this kind of honesty.Satan will be happy for you to forget your sins. Because if you do, you won’t love Christ much, and you won’t grow much either. But when you remember your sins, he will try to tell you what a failure you are. But there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Rom. 8:1)!Let the memory of your sins be a means of magnifying God’s mercy. Paul says: “Look at what I was! If God’s mercy can save me, you can be confident in His ability to change your life, and the lives of others, no matter how broken or resistant they may be.”Have you become bored with the Christian life? Let the memory of your sins magnify God’s mercy.

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.1 Timothy 1:15The third distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel salvation. We are sinners, saved by grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. Grasping this will help us to grow in humility, gratitude, and joy.Here we have one of the great New Testament statements of the gospel: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1:15). “The saying is trustworthy.” So, you can stake your life on it. It is also “deserving of full acceptance.” That means we need to buy into this fully, without reservation or qualification. This is the gospel, and Paul says keep this front and centre in the church.Jesus came: That’s the incarnation. God entered this world as a man in Jesus Christ. He came to save sinners. That’s the atonement. He did not come to tell us how to live or to change society. He came to give His life as an atoning sacrifice. Christ did not come to tell us what we have to do to be saved. He came to save us. That is the good news.Paul gives testimony to his own experience. He tells us about his sins and God’s grace in his life. And then Paul explodes with praise! “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Tim. 1:17).Every Christian has a story of God’s grace. Your story may not be as dramatic as others, but if God has saved you from hell and made you His child and now inhabits your life by His Holy Spirit, then you have an amazing story to tell. Your testimony can be glorifying to God, strengthening to you, and useful to others.Who could you encourage with your testimony?

The whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.”Galatians 5:14Christ calls us to live a life of love (Eph. 5:2). The Old Testament law spells out what that means. It means honouring your father and mother, not committing adultery, and telling the truth. We all need this instruction. We are not so wise that we know what a life of love is.Read the New Testament backwardUse the law to spell out what a life of love actually means. For example, Jesus calls you to be generous (1 Tim. 6:18). What does that mean? Look at the Old Testament, where God’s people gave a tenth of their income back to the Lord. Use the law to inform your pursuit of generosity.Read the Old Testament forwardThe law is a sign that points forward. You see this in the pattern of the Sermon on the Mount, where Christ quotes the law and then takes it further. “You have heard that it was said… but I say to you…” (see Mat. 5:21-43). In every case, Jesus goes further than the law.The law says, “Do not murder.” Jesus says, “I’m taking you further. I want you to forgive your brother in the power of the Holy Spirit.” The law says, “Do not commit adultery.” Jesus says, “I’m taking you further. I want you to pursue purity of heart in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Jesus is telling us how to use the law properly.Are you making a proper use of God’s law? Do you know what it is for? To restrain you from evil. To lead you to Christ. To point you to a new life, lived in the power of the Spirit, and compelled by the love of Christ.Try your hand at reading the New Testament backward and the Old Testament forward.

The law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient.1 Timothy 1:9What is the proper use of the law for a Christian believer? The way you answer this question will shape the character of your life, your home, and your church. Here are two proper ways to use the law.1. The law restrains rebels from evil“Lawless and disobedient” (1:9) is what we are by nature. The law restrains rebels by threatening punishment. Good laws act as a deterrent.If you are a parent, think about your home. When your daughter is born, she brings joy and delight. She is also a little rebel bent on crowning herself as lord. You need rules with punishments to restrain her from evil.That’s why we need some laws in the church. Why can’t we say, “The only rule here is that we love one another”? There’s too much sin in all of us for that to work.2. The law leads sinners to Christ“The law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. But now… we are no longer under a guardian” (Gal. 3:24-25). Our instinct is to think we deserve heaven. But God uses the law to wake us up to reality: “God owes me nothing. What I deserve is hell.”The law was “our guardian” (3:24), a teacher to get you to Christ. This is God’s purpose. You need to know that, because when the law convicts you of sin, Satan sees an opportunity. “You see that you are a sinner,” he says. “You’re right. And there is no hope for you.”The proper use of the law is to lead you to Christ. Do you see the mercy and grace of God to you in Christ? Let the law lead you to Christ.Have you come to Christ? Let the law lead you to Christ.

We know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully.1 Timothy 1:8The second distinctive of a gospel-centred church is gospel freedom. In other words, we are drawn by grace, not driven by law.It’s clear that there were difficulties in the church at Ephesus. Some were confused about the role of the Old Testament law in the life of a Christian believer. That’s not surprising. This is a difficult issue.Paul says two things: (1) The law is good, and (2) you have to use it properly. Here are two examples of the improper use of the law.1. Using the law for self-justificationThat’s what the rich young ruler did. He recited the Ten Commandments, and he said, “All these I have kept from my youth” (Mk. 10:20). He took a superficial look at God’s law and said, “I live a really moral life, so I must be good with God.” That is a terrible use of the law!2. Using the law for self-sanctificationSome folks have the idea that Christ forgives your past sins and opens heaven for your future joy, and that in the middle it’s up to you to live a good life. So find out what the law says and do it.Here’s the problem: The law can tell you what to do. It cannot give you the power to do it. The law is powerless because it was weakened by the sinful nature (Rom. 8:3). That’s the problem with all legalism and moralism. It is so limited, so calculating, so self-righteous.The gospel does not bring forgiveness, heaven, and the law. It brings forgiveness, heaven, and the Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit who sanctifies, not the law.Of these two improper uses of the law, which is easiest for you to fall into?

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.1 Timothy 1:5“Love that issues from…” Where does love come from? How does love grow? How can you become a loving person, and not a divisive one, at work, in your home, and in the church?Love comes from a pure heartThe word pure means “undivided.” James says the “double-minded” man is “unstable in all his ways” (Jas. 1:8). Set your heart on things above (Col. 3:1). Ask God to give you a stronger faith in Christ, a deeper love for Christ, and a firmer hope in Christ. Then you will be able to love.Love comes from a good conscienceThis means a conscience that is at rest with God. Is there a known sin in your life that you have allowed to remain? Your conscience is not at rest. It’s making you an angry, divisive person. It’s the root of your complaining spirit. Come clean with Christ. Be washed and receive a clean conscience. Then you will be able to love!Love comes from a sincere faithA sincere faith means that you really trust Christ. You don’t just talk about it. You trust Him whatever is happening—when you lose a job or get a new job, at the wedding and at the funeral. Peter says your trials prove that your faith is genuine (1 Pet. 1:6-7).If you receive these gifts today, you will be able to love! You will be able to love your wife, your children, and people who are difficult. You will love the church. Most of all you will love the Lord Jesus Christ who loved you and gave Himself for you.Which of these three areas might be holding you back from truly being able to love?

The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.1 Timothy 1:5The first distinguishing mark of a gospel-centred church is gospel faith. We want to be about God our Saviour and Jesus Christ our hope—rooted in His truth, growing in His love. Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else.But some people will be distracted. “Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion” (1:6). It’s rare that anyone decides to abandon the truth. It happens gradually.There are four warning signs that a person is in danger of wandering away from the truth. Let’s look at them in the form of questions.1. Am I always looking for something new?Certain persons “devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies” (1:4). People who are deeply rooted in Christ are satisfied in Him, but if you’re always looking for something new, you could wander from the truth.2. Do I like to talk while avoiding action?Certain persons “have wandered away into vain discussion” (1:6). These folks are full of pious talk that masks an unholy life. If you see the Bible as ideas to be discussed rather than truth to be obeyed, you could easily wander from the truth.3. Do I want to teach more than I want to learn?Certain persons “desiring to be teachers” (1:7). These folks want to teach others but don’t really want to learn themselves. If you love to teach but do not love to learn, you are in danger of wandering.4. Does my confidence exceed my knowledge?Certain persons “desiring to be teachers… without understanding” (1:7). These people are supremely confident, forceful, high-handed. But Paul says they do not know what they are talking about.If you find yourself answering “yes” to any of these four warnings, ask God to help you get back on the path to truth.

I am writing these things to you so that… you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.1 Timothy 3:14-15Here, Paul tells us what his letter is about. It has been given by God to tell us what He is looking for in the church—what we are to pursue, how we are to behave, and what we are to be about.People talk about what they are looking for in a church. But what is God looking for? It’s not for us to decide what’s important and then look for Bible texts to support our passion. We start from the Bible, where God tells us what is important to Him, so that we can follow after His passion.Sometimes, a few people have a particular passion. They want the whole church to be about what they are about. That always leads to division. If Jesus Christ is not the centre of your affection, you will become a divisive person in the church.Paul says, “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). We are not here to advance our own cause. We are here for Christ! For the gospel!Why is this so important? “The aim of our charge is love” (1 Tim. 1:5). The only way to have real unity is by keeping Jesus Christ and His gospel at the centre. We are to put down deep roots into God’s Word. We are to grow in our life in Christ. We are to bear fruit around the world.The book of 1 Timothy spells out for us ten distinctives of a church that stays focused on Jesus and the gospel.Are you more interested in talking about what you want in a church, or in hearing what God wants in a church?

You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.1 Corinthians 6:19-20Knowing that you will one day be raised and given a resurrection body, how should you live in your present body?Recognise that you are wholly owned by Jesus Christ. Christ has the right to determine where you live and what you do. He bought you with His own blood, and over every area of your life Jesus Christ says, “Mine.” You are not your own. Your life is His to spend, and the great calling of your life is to glorify Him.Be done with everything that defiles your body or soul. “Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God” (2 Cor. 7:1). Paul could have appealed to laws, but instead he appeals to promises. He is going for a higher motivation.Use your mind in a way that glorifies God. Don’t pollute your mind. Fill your mind with what is pleasing to God. It’s the same with your body. Don’t use your body as a vehicle for sin (Rom. 6:13). Use your eyes, ears, hands, and feet in ways that honour Christ. Let your tongue speak words of kindness and your hands be a means of helping, not hurting others.Are you living in your body as if it belonged to you, or as if it wholly belongs to Christ?

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.Romans 6:5The resurrection body will be imperishable and glorious. How else will it be different from our present bodies?Your body will be powerful: “It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power” (1 Cor. 15:43).Donald Macleod says that the resurrection body is going to have more energy, more stamina, more athleticism, more speed, more coordination, and more durability than it ever had—because we’re not going to need the body less, we’re going to need it and use it more.Think about what this will mean for all of our friends who have physical challenges that have restricted their lives in this world. What will it mean when finally and fully Jesus’ words will come true in all of their fullness? The blind will see, the deaf will hear, and the lame will walk.Your body will be godly: “It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body” (15:44).We are using the word “godly” here, because the word “spiritual” is often misunderstood. The resurrection body is a physical “flesh and bones” body. When Paul speaks about a “spiritual body,” he is talking about a body that is fully responsive to the Holy Spirit. In the resurrection body, you will never feel or think or say, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Your resurrected body will be as eager to do the will of God as your redeemed spirit.Here is what you have to look forward to in the new heaven and new earth—a glorious and powerful body that is adapted to life forever, and that is fully responsive to the Holy Spirit.Do you feel the limitations and weaknesses of your body? Take heart that your resurrected body will be fully and powerfully responsive to the Holy Spirit.

We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.1 Corinthians 15:51-52The transformation of the body you have now into the body you will have will be instantaneous. What do we know about this new resurrection body? There will be continuity, but also changes.Your body will be imperishable: “So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable; what is raised is imperishable” (15:42).Lazarus was raised from the dead (John 11), but the body he came back in was the same body, not a resurrection body, which meant that at some point he would have to go through the whole miserable business of dying again. But Jesus rose in the power of an endless life (Heb. 7:16), and He’s never going to go through death again, and neither will you in the resurrection. Your resurrection body, like His, will be a body that will never die.Your body will be glorious: “It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory” (1 Cor. 15:43).Think about the face of Moses, when he came down the mountain after he had been in the presence of God. His face was shining (Ex. 34:35). Why? Because he had been in the presence of the Lord of glory. Now think about the transfiguration of Jesus (Mark 9:2-8). He went up the mountain with Peter, James, and John, and their faith was strengthened with a preview of the future glory of Jesus. There will be a brightness, a radiance, and a glory, not only around you, but in you in the resurrection body.Meditate on the glory of the resurrected Jesus and how you will share in His resurrection.

Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.Philippians 3:20-21The human body is lowly. The human body, at its strongest, is still fragile. Even if you are really fit, and you get hit by a car, you will be in trouble. C. S. Lewis said, “When you are learning to ride they give you unimpressive horses. Only when you are ready for it are you allowed an animal that will gallop and jump.” Wait until you see your upgraded physical body!Your body will be transformed. The resurrection of the body is a truth that cannot be grasped apart from the work and the power of Christ. The credibility of this great truth is that Christ demonstrated His power to raise His people by rising Himself! Every Christian says, “Yes, the Saviour has given me a new heart.” But He will also give you a new body. It will be the completion of His redeeming work in your life.Your resurrection body will be like Christ’s glorious body. This means it will be a physical body. You will not be a disembodied ghost or spirit in the new creation. The reason you won’t spend eternity floating on the clouds is that bodies don’t float. Jesus said, “A spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see that I have” (Luke 24:39). The resurrection body has “flesh and bones” because it is a physical body.What are you most looking forward toabout your resurrection body?

We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved.Romans 8:22-24All religions have some belief in life after death. But the resurrection of the body is unique to Christianity. Only Christians have a risen Saviour. At the heart of our faith is the great truth that the tomb was empty, that the corpse of Jesus was raised to life, and that all who belong to Him will share in His resurrection.The resurrection of the body is the crown jewel of the Christian faith. It is a truth to be treasured and put on display for all to see. We should be proud of this and commend it to the world. It is a promise to excite our interest, a hope to anticipate with joy. The resurrection is the purpose for which you were created by God and redeemed in Christ. It is a tragedy that many Christians do not have a firm grasp on this wonderful truth.The redemption of the body is the hope in which you were saved. The great purpose of God is not to save a part of you (your soul), but the whole of you (your body/soul unity). Christ made you—body and soul, and He will redeem you—body and soul. He will do it in this order: soul now, body later. All that God has made is good, and all that God has made He will redeem.On a scale of 1 (weak) to 10 (strong), how firm is your grasp of the resurrection of the body?

The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.John 1:14God became a man in Christ Jesus. The body of Jesus was like ours. He grew in strength—from a baby, to a child, to a man—and He knew what it was like to be hungry, thirsty, and weary.The first heresy, the first false teaching that the early church had to contend with, was not the denial that Jesus was God, but the denial that He was man. In that culture, people got to thinking, How could God, who is pure spirit, possibly get mixed up with something as base as the human body? There was a nervousness about the Son of God taking on human flesh, but that is precisely what the Bible teaches. That’s why you find in 2 John 7: “Many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh.”If the Bible said, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word remained spirit,” we would have to limit God’s interest in our lives to the things of the spirit like prayer, meditation, and Bible study. It would mean that God was concerned with your heart but not with your home, with your spirit but not with your schedule, with your character but not with your activity.But the Bible doesn’t say, “the Word remained spirit,” it says, “the Word became flesh”! God entered the world of noisy kids and pushy parents, the world of overcrowded schedules and unscrupulous traders, the world of relentless pressures and unending demands. When Jesus went to the cross, He died, not only to save your soul, but also to redeem your life—every part of it!What are some areas of your life that you wonder if God is interested in? Why?

The LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.Genesis 2:7God made the body of Adam from the dust of the ground, and then He breathed the breath of life into this body. So, Adam was the union of a body and a soul. This is the reason that the Bible sometimes speaks about death as an “enemy,” because death is the undoing of our nature. It is the tearing apart of what God has joined together.If a mobile phone is not connected to a network, it cannot fulfil the function for which it was made. The same can be said for the network. The fact that there is a cellular network is of no value to you if you do not have a phone. It is the joining of the two together that makes this wonderful gift of telecommunication possible.Our bodies, as we experience them now, are very different from the bodies that Adam and Eve experienced as they were created by God in the garden. Their original bodies did not age, and they were not subject to disease, pain, or death. All of that came with the entrance of sin into the world. Sin has affected every area of our lives.God created your body as much as He created your soul. And sin has ruined us in body and soul. But what God has made, He will redeem, and that means your body as well as your soul.Think about the effects of sin, personally, on your body and soul. Can you imagine what it would mean for God to redeem them?

“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.”Revelation 21:6In the light of what we have been learning about heaven, here are two things to reconsider:First, if you are holding back from full commitment to Jesus: However hard it is for you to come to Christ in repentance, however hard it is for you to look to Him in faith, however costly it may be for you to confess Jesus as Lord of your life, you cannot ultimately lose.No one in the presence of Jesus regrets following Him, not even those for whom it cost their lives! What are you holding onto now that is so good it would be worth missing out on all that the people of God will share with Christ in the new heaven and new earth?Second, if God is calling you to walk on a difficult path: John Newton tells the story: “Imagine a man on his way to New York. He is in a carriage drawn by a horse, and he is on his way to receive a million-dollar inheritance. A mile outside New York, the wheel on his carriage breaks, so he has to walk the last mile to get his million-dollar inheritance. And all the way to New York he grumbles because his carriage is broken. What would you think of such a man?”In Christ, you are on the last mile of your journey to inherit the new heaven and new earth, and you will find strength for the journey as you anticipate the joy that lies ahead.Do you need strength for your journey? Anticipate the joy that lies ahead for you, Christian.

I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.Revelation 21:2There will be no marriage in heaven (Matt. 22:30), but we will still be male and female, because that is how God created us and it was good. The gift of marriage was given to point to something greater that God has in store for all who love Him.Marriage, at its best, is a pointer to the joy that we will find in Jesus Christ and that Christ will find in His people in the new heaven and new earth. Even if you have an unhappy marriage, you have some sense of what marriage should be.Christ is the bridegroom, and He brings His people into union with Himself. This shared life will be with God Himself, and the joy will go on increasing. The joys you experience in life remain in your memory so that you continue to derive happiness from them.Jonathan Edwards says that it will be the same in eternity. Think about what that will be like when you have been in heaven for a million, million ages…. “Your knowledge will increase to eternity; and if your knowledge, your holiness; for as you increase in the knowledge of God, you will see more of his excellency (beauty), and the more you see of his excellency, the more you will love him, and the more you love God, the more delight and happiness you will have in him.”All your experiences of joy in this life point to the ever-increasing joy that will be yours in Christ for all eternity. This is an “Amen!” moment.

But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulphur, which is the second death.Revelation 21:8Precisely when God is telling us about the new heaven and new earth, He also tells us that He will separate all that is evil from His people and from His creation—the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars.All these are descriptions of character. This does not mean that all who have been guilty of these sins will be excluded from heaven. But there are men and women who do not turn to God in repentance. They do not look to Jesus Christ for forgiveness and cleansing. They do not see a need for a Saviour, and so they die in their sins.Bishop Ryle says, “Most men hope to go to heaven when they die; but few, it may be feared, take the trouble to consider whether they would enjoy heaven if they got there.”Here is the tragedy of sin: The sinner could not be happy in heaven and, at the same time, cannot be happy in hell. Sin is a complete dead end. It leaves you with no place to go. Sinners will want to be out of hell, but they will not want to be in heaven.The new heaven and the new earth will be the home of righteousness: “Nothing unclean will ever enter it” (21:27). If it is the home of righteousness, and nothing unclean will ever enter, how could we be there? Only through the cleansing that comes from Jesus Christ.Do you see your need for a Saviour?

“Neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”Revelation 21:4If these things are passing away, then your eternity in the new heaven and new earth will not be spent doing any of the following three things.1. You will not spend eternity grieving over your past sins and missed opportunities. We will never forget that we were sinners because we will always be finding joy in the Lamb who was slain, the Son of God who redeemed us by the shedding of His blood. We will know ourselves to be redeemed sinners—not in a way that will bring pain or regret, but in a way that will cause us to magnify and glorify Christ for all that He is and for all that He has done.2. You will not spend eternity carrying baggage from difficult relationships. Even at our best, Christians are so far from what we will be that it is sometimes hard for us to imagine broken relationships completely restored and deep wounds completely healed. But God is able to do more than we could ever ask or imagine.3. You will not spend eternity nursing any grudges. In heaven, every Christian will be made perfect in repentance and in humility. There will be, in all of us, complete ownership of all sin that is ours and complete repentance from the heart. At the same time, every Christian will be perfect in forgiveness—no grudges. There will be a giving and a receiving of forgiveness among God’s people that will position all of us for a life of harmony in the new heaven on earth.What a happy day it will be when we no longer grieve the heart of God and no longer bring pain or disappointment to our brothers and sisters.What are some past sins, regrets, or painful baggage you would like to be free from?

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”Revelation 21:4Notice what will be gone, subtracted, taken away in heaven. All these things—death, mourning, and pain—are passing away. You will not find or experience them in the new heaven and new earth. Let’s consider them one at a time.Death: Nobody in the new heaven and new earth will ever die. No one will grow old. No one will become sick or ill. There will be no need for hospitals or for emergency services. You will never attend a funeral there.Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25), and “Everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die” (11:26). Because there is no more dying, there will be no more mourning, no more saying goodbye.Mourning: Nothing in your future life will bring you sorrow, fear, sadness, or disappointment. When you share this life of joy, nothing will ever happen that would cause you to cry. What about tears from the past? There are tears on earth that even those who love us most cannot wipe away. But God will wipe every tear from our eyes.Pain: There will be no more aching bones. The resurrection body is made of flesh and bones (Luke 24:39), but the flesh will not wrinkle and the bones will not ache. Instead of diminishing, your resurrected body will be rejuvenated with new strength and new capabilities.Soak in these promises until they restore your hope.

“Behold, I am making all things new.”Revelation 21:5Life in the new heaven and new earth will not be less than the life you have now. It will be more!The word “new” can be used in two ways. The first is to say, “I’m moving to a new house.” You are in a different place, and there is no continuity between your old house and your new house. The second is to renovate your house. It is an old house and everything in it needs to be redone. So, you do a total refurb, and when you are done you say, “Everything is new!” And that is exactly what God says: “I am making all things new” (21:5).Here is the great promise: When God has removed sin and all its effects from His people, He will then remove all the effects of sin from His creation so that the new earth will become a fit place for God’s children to share a life of unclouded joy.Think about the joys of life in this fallen world—the joys of music, sports, the arts, science, technology, travel, food, and friendship. None of that will be less. All of it will be more, as you enjoy life in the resurrection body on the new earth. All that God has made is good, and when He redeems it, He will make it better than it was before.God is going to remake the heavens and the earth. He will merge heaven and earth into a perfect place that will be our home forever. This is the reason why we can speak of heaven when we talk about the new heaven and new earth, because heaven will fill the earth.How does the promise of a “new” heaven and “new” earth affect the way you think about the world around you?

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth.Revelation 21:1Satan’s master strategy is to have people think that what lies ahead will be far less than what we have now. He wants you to believe that your life would be less if it were in God’s hands.If you believe that the life you have now is better than the future life you could have in the presence of God, it will be like trying to hold onto sand as it slips through your fingers.People sometimes talk about “living your best life now.” But living your best life now is only possible for a person who is going to hell. For the person who is going to hell, this life is as good as it is ever going to be. But if you are headed for life in the new heaven and the new earth, how could you possibly live your best life now? Your best life lies ahead of you.When a couple plans a wedding reception, they go for a tasting. They taste the meal that will be served on the great day. But the tasting is only a sample. It is preparation for the great event toward which the bride and groom are counting the days. All that you enjoy in this life, and all that you have in Christ in this world, is just a foretaste of the joys that are to come.Have you been living your life as if the best is now, or as if the best is yet to come?

“Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory.”John 17:24Will we see our believing loved ones in heaven? Yes. But here’s the bigger question: Will Jesus see His believing loved ones in heaven? Yes!When Jesus was preparing to go to the cross, He prayed this prayer: “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory” (17:24). In other words, Jesus was saying, “I want them with me, and I want them to see my glory!”Christian believer, the greatest assurance you can have of heaven is that Jesus wants you there! He went to the cross to get you there. He lives at the right hand of the Father to bring you there. And one day, when you arrive in heaven, His prayer will be answered—you will see His glory.The apostle John says, “We shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2). We will see Jesus Christ risen, triumphant, and victorious. That is why we will say with all the redeemed: “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Rev. 7:10).What is your reaction as you consider this prayer that Jesus prayed?

Witness #6 – Paul and the Thessalonians: “What is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?” (1 Thess. 2:19).Witness #7 – The reunion of believing loved ones: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven… And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words” (4:16-18).1 Thessalonians 2:19 And 4:16-18Seven witnesses from the Bible point to our knowing one another in heaven, and here are our sixth and seventh witnesses.Witness #6 – Paul and the Thessalonians: “What is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?” (1 Thess. 2:19).Paul says that believers whom he loved and served on earth will be his joy and crown in heaven. So, the special relationship forged between Paul and these believers on earth will continue in heaven. He is saying, “You have been my joy on earth, and you will be a joy to me in heaven.”Jonathan Edwards takes up this theme: “The special affection that the saints have in this world toward other saints, who are their friends, will in some respect remain in another world.” Christians who knew and loved each other on earth will know and love each other in heaven.Witness #7 – The reunion of believing loved ones: “The Lord himself will descend from heaven… And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. Therefore encourage one another with these words” (4:16-18).Paul is writing to believers who are grieving over their own friends and family members who have died. Their grief isn’t about death in general, but about the death of their loved ones in particular. He offers them this comfort in their sorrow: We will be “caught up together with them” to meet the Lord (4:17). The whole point is that Christian believers have the comfort of knowing that they will see their loved ones again. Christians never say goodbye!As you remember those who have died in the Lord, look ahead in hope to being reunited with them in heaven.

Seven witnesses from the Bible point to our knowing one another in heaven, and here are our fourth and fifth witnesses.Witness #4—Moses and Elijah: “Behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him [Jesus]” (Matt. 17:3).When Moses and Elijah appeared on the Mount of Transfiguration, they did not have the resurrection body. Even now, Jesus Christ is the only One in the universe who has the resurrection body. Moses and Elijah are in heaven with the rest of the believers, eagerly waiting for the resurrection body, which they will get when Christ comes again in glory.So, when Moses and Elijah appear on the mountain, they are spirits—souls made visible. We do not know how Peter, James, and John knew they were in the presence of Moses and Elijah. But we do know that they recognised Moses and Elijah, even in advance of the resurrection body.Witness #5—The gathered souls in heaven: “You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect” (Heb. 12:22-23).The writer to the Hebrews reminds us of the great truth that the church gathered on earth is at one with the church gathered in heaven. He speaks of “the spirits of the righteous made perfect,” that is, the souls of believers in the presence of Jesus.These souls are gathered in “the assembly of the firstborn.” This is a description of what is happening in heaven right now: The spirits of the righteous made perfect are gathered. Gathered means community, and community means relationship, and relationship means identity and knowledge right now in the presence of Jesus.Reflect on and rejoice in this glimpse of what is going on in heaven right now.