1 Timothy 5 - THE FAMILY OF GOD

 

1 Timothy 5

Paul is giving special instructions to Timothy on how to take care/ to minister the family of God (Church). Kung paano siya makitungo sa kanila. Paul relates this to a family.

A family does respect, help and care for each other(V. 1-5; 7-8)

Iba man ang takbo ng mundo ngayon sa pakikitungo lalo na ang mga matatanda at bata, ang mga bata ay nawawalan na ng respeto at paggalang sa mga matatanda, pabalang sumagot at padabog kapag inuutusan. Kung ang matatanda naman ang magkamali itama natin sila ng may respeto huwag natin silang sigaw sigawan o maliitin. Huwag natin silang iwanan sa panahon ng kailangan nila ng tulong, maging handa tayong umagapay sa kanila, maging mata nila tayo sa panahong malabo na ang paningin nila, maging paa nila tayo sa sitwasyon na hindi sila makatayo, maging kamay nila tayo kapag hindi na nila kayang humawak pa, hawakan natin sila ng mahigpit. At sa tuwing nanlalamig sila maging mainit tayo na yakap na bumibigkis sa kanilang katawan. Alagaan at protektahan natin ang bawat isa sa atin. 

A family supports and appreciates each other.(17)

- let's appreciate one another for their service, effort, time and love na ibinigay sa bawat isa. Kahit simple thank you means a lot. Hindi man naghihintay ng papuri mula sa iba ngunit marapat lamang bigyan natin sila ng pakilala. Lalo ang mga nagtuturo sa atin ng tamang pamumuhay.

A family corrects each other and doesn't tolerate wrong doing(v. 11-15, V. 20)

- Love does not tolerate what is wrong if we do, there's no love at all.  

Sa pagmamahal kaakibat nito ang pagdidisiplina at ang katotohanan. Wala sa estado o edad ang pagdidisiplina at pagtatama hanggat nagkakamali tayo kailangan nating itong gawin ito ng sa gayon maging kalugod lugod tayo sa kapwa natin not to please them but to set  an example of  good living. And that is love binibigay natin ang katotohanan. At ang katotohanan ay na kay Cristo at si Cristo lamang. 

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PASTORA CZAR

1 TIMOTHY 4 - SPIRIT FITNESS

 

1 TIMOTHY 4

In this chapter, Paul warns the church to guard against false teachers and teachings, and to exercise godliness.

Guarding against false teachings (v1-5)

The threat of false teachings in the church is a reality that the body of Christ have to guard against in the early church and the same, even more so in modern times. In this context the believers in the church of Ephesus were influenced by pagan/traditional Greek beliefs of the community they lived in. Paul compares these teachers of false doctrines as hypocrites and liars, because they appear to be religious, but their consciences are dead. Does this sound familiar in the modern society we live in?

The antidote to succumbing to these false teachings are given in the following verses.

Exercise godliness (v6-16)

·       In verse 7 (ESV) it says that we should have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths, BUT instead train yourself for godliness.

·       V8 continues to state that godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

How then do we train ourselves in godliness?

·       We have our hope set in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially those who believe (v10).

·       Be an example (worthy of representing Christ) to people in what you say, how you behave, acting in love, in faith and in purity (v12).

·       Devotions, continue to devote (commit and sacrifice your time) to reading of the Scriptures (your Bible), sharing the Word and teaching it to others (v13).

·       Do not neglect (in other words cherish) the spiritual gifts, given to you (v14).

·       Meditate (v15) on the word of God as given to us in the Bible, practice what you read, immerse, let yourself be washed in the word (Eph5:26). This way you will progress (be strengthened) in your faith and others will see it.

·       Most importantly we have to keep a close watch over ourselves and our teaching and persist in doing what is true and right, not only to save ourselves, but that others who hear us might also be saved (v16). We will be held accountable for what we teach others (James 3:1).

Let us reflect

·       Have I allowed and false teaching to take root in my heart and mind?

·       How do I guard against this, according to the Word of God?

·       What practical steps can I take in my daily life/habits to guard against false teaching and doctrine and persist in the truth of the Gospel (Godly doctrine)?

Let us pray

Abba Father, we thank you for Your Word that cut through flesh and bone. May you search our hearts and cut into our innermost being and show us any false beliefs that has taken root in our hearts and minds. We ask your forgiveness where we strayed from the truth and ask the Holy Spirit to heal us and lead us in all truth and pull us ever closer to You. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

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PASTORA HESMA

1 TIMOTHY 3 - PILLARS OF TRUTH

 

1 TIMOTHY 3

GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH LEADERS

Background on the 1^st book of Timothy

The book of Timothy was written by the apostle Paul to Timothy who was serving at the church in Ephesus (Ref 1 Tim 1-3). In 1 Tim 1 Paul warned Timothy to guard against false teachers and false teachings. In 1 Tim 2 Paul started sharing instructions for the church, specifically about the right posture and attitude in worshipping God.

In Today’s passage of 1 Tim 3 Paul continues to share instructions for the church, specifically about the church leadership, i.e., elders and deacons.

1.    The conduct of elders (V1-7)

Paul starts with a statement that anyone who wants to be an elder has an honourable (noble) responsibility (v1) He then continues to give very practical advice and list the attributes a person must have to be an elder (V2-7) and similarly he also continues to list the attributes that deacons should have from (8-12).

Attributes for elders and deacons:

·       faithful to his/her spouse (v2, v12)

·       exhibits self-control (v2)

·       live wisely (v2)

·       have a good reputation (v2)

·       hospitable (v2)

·       be able to teach (v2)

·       gentle and peace loving (v3)

·       rule/manage his own household well (v4-5, v12)

·       have a good reputation, so that he will not fall into the devil’s trap and be disgraced (v7, v8)

·       they must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith (v9)

In addition, deacons should also:

·       be given other smaller responsibilities in the church first to test their character and ability (v10). If they do well, they may serve as deacons.

·       Their spouses should also have respectable characters and live with integrity (v11)

And what are characteristics that is not acceptable for an elder or deacon:

·       shouldn’t’ be a drunkard (v3, v8)

·       nor be violent or be greedy for money (v3, v8)

·       he must not be a new Christian, so that devil cannot use that pride to make him fall (v6)

 

These are very simple and clear instructions of how church leaders should behave and conduct themselves.

2.    Why then, are these attributes important in our church leaders?

The answer follows in v14 & 15 that this is the household, the church of THE LIVING GOD, which is the pillar and support of THE TRUTH. As we are members of the household of God, we ought to live holy lives and be examples of respect and integrity in the world.

3.    The truth of our faith

In verse 9 Paul states that deacons must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith and then elaborates on that in v16:

·       Christ appeared to us in flesh as a human being

·       He was fully righteous in Spirit

·       Seen by the Angels

·       Announced to the nations

·       Many believed in Him in the world

·       He was taken up into heaven

 

Let us reflect?

 Are our lives and example of integrity and respect towards others?

·       Do we recognise areas where we need to repent, ask God’s forgiveness and change some of our ways?

·       Are we committed to the truth of the gospel, that Jesus Christ is the only way to our salvation and was taken up in heaven where He remains until the time of his second coming?

Let us pray

Hallelujah, Lord Jesus, we thank you for this reminder that we should always strive to be a good example and live in integrity and holiness for Your name sake. We ask your forgiveness if we have failed in any area that displeases you. We ask that you help us by your Holy Spirit to live a life worthy and holy and acceptable to your calling, In Jesus name.

Amen

- PASTORA HESMA

COLOSSIANS 1 - THE SUPREME CHRIST

 

COLOSSIANS 1 is clear: to exalt Christ as supreme and sufficient in all things.

1. Faith, Love, and Hope in Christ (1:1–8)

Paul begins by thanking God for the Colossians’:

• Faith in Christ
• Love for all the saints
• Hope laid up in heaven

These virtues flow from the true gospel, which is bearing fruit worldwide.

A healthy church grows when the gospel is rightly understood and lived out.

2. Paul’s Prayer: Growing in Christ (1:9–14)

Paul prays not for comfort, but for spiritual maturity:

• Knowledge of God’s will
• Wisdom and understanding
• A life worthy of the Lord
• Strength with endurance and patience
• Gratitude to God

God has:

• Rescued us from darkness
• Transferred us into Christ’s kingdom
• Redeemed and forgiven us

Christian growth is about knowing Christ deeply and walking in His will.

3. The Supremacy of Christ (1:15–20)

This is one of the strongest Christological passages in Scripture.

Christ is:

• The image of the invisible God
• Firstborn over all creation (supreme, not created)
• Creator of all things
• Before all things
• Head of the church
• The fullness of God
• The reconciler of all things through the cross

Jesus is not part of creation—He is Lord over creation.

 

4. Reconciled by Christ’s Death (1:21–23)

Once alienated and hostile, believers are now:

• Reconciled
• Made holy
• Presented blameless before God

This reconciliation calls believers to continue in faith, grounded in the gospel.

Salvation transforms our identity and calls us to perseverance.

 

5. Paul’s Ministry: Christ in You (1:24–29)

Paul rejoices in suffering because his mission is to proclaim:

“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

His goal is to:

• Present every believer mature in Christ
• Labor by God’s power working in him

The Christian life is Christ living in us, producing eternal hope.

 

LET US REFLECT AND ASK OURSELVES:

1. Is Christ truly supreme in my life?

Not just Savior—but Lord over my decisions, priorities, and identity?

 Colossians 1:18 – “That in all things He may have the preeminence.”

 

2. Am I growing in knowledge and obedience?

Do I seek God’s will daily, or settle for shallow faith?

Colossians 1:10 – “Walk worthy of the Lord… increasing in the knowledge of God.”

 

3. Do I live with gratitude for redemption?

I was rescued from darkness—do I live as one who is free?

Colossians 1:13–14 - He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, [3] the forgiveness of sins.

4. Is “Christ in me” visible to others?

Does my life reflect hope, holiness, and perseverance?

Colossians 1:27 - To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which [4] is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

 

5. Am I committed to spiritual maturity?

Christian life is not just beginning well, but finishing faithful.

Colossians 1:28 – “That we may present everyone perfect in Christ.”

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are supreme over all creation and Lord of my life.
Help me to grow in knowing You, walking worthy of You,
and living out the hope of glory that dwells within me.
Be preeminent in all things. Amen.

 

EPHESIANS 5 - BE IMITATORS OF GOD

 

EPHESIANS 5 calls believers to live as imitators of God, walking in love, light, and wisdom. Paul shows how a Christ-centered life transforms personal holiness, relationships, and especially marriage, reflecting Christ’s love for the Church.

1. BE THE LOVE (5:1–7)
Believers are urged to imitate God by living in sacrificial love, following Christ’s example. Sinful behaviors are to be abandoned because they do not reflect God’s kingdom.

 “Walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us.” (5:2)

Love is not just a feeling—it is a choice to live sacrificially. Ask: Do my words and actions reflect Christ’s love?

2. BE THE LIGHT (5:8–14)
Believers, once in darkness, are now light in the Lord. Their lives should expose darkness by producing goodness, righteousness, and truth.

 “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” (5:8)

A changed identity should result in a changed lifestyle. Our lives become a testimony when we walk in the light.

3. BE SPIRIT-FILLED (5:15–21)

Believers are instructed to live wisely, making the most of every opportunity. Being filled with the Spirit shapes worship, gratitude, and mutual submission.

 “Be filled with the Spirit.” (5:18)

Spiritual wisdom flows from a Spirit-filled life. What fills your heart will guide your decisions.

4. BE CHRIST-CENTERED (SUBMISSIVE) (5:22–33)
Marriage is portrayed as a living picture of Christ’s relationship with the Church. Wives are called to respectful submission, and husbands to self-sacrificial love, modeled after Christ.

 “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.” (5:25)

Biblical marriage is about serving, not controlling. Love and respect flourish when both partners reflect Christ’s humility.

LET US REFLECT

1. Am I living as an imitator of God?
2. Do my choices reflect light or darkness?
3. Am I allowing the Holy Spirit to guide my daily life?
4. Does my marriage or relationships reflect Christ’s love?

 

A SPIRIT-FILLED LIFE PRODUCES HOLY LIVING AND CHRISTLIKE RELATIONSHIPS.

Ephesians 1 - IN CHRIST

 

Ephesians 1 reveals God’s eternal plan of salvation and the believer’s identity in Christ. Paul begins by praising God for the spiritual blessings believers already possess—not because of works, but because they are “in Christ.”

The chapter emphasizes who God is, what He has done, and who we are now as believers.

1. Do I live daily aware that I am chosen and adopted by God? (1:1–6)

Believers were chosen by God before the foundation of the world to be holy and adopted as His children. This choice is rooted in God’s love and grace, not human merit.

 “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world…” (1:4)

We are not an afterthought. Our life has eternal purpose. Knowing we are chosen gives security, humility, and gratitude—security in God’s love, humility because it is by grace, and gratitude because it is undeserved.

 

2.           Am I resting in Christ’s complete forgiveness? (1:7–10)

Through Jesus’ sacrifice, believers receive redemption and forgiveness. God reveals His mystery: to unite all things in Christ, restoring what sin has broken.

 “In Him we have redemption through His blood…” (1:7)

Forgiveness is not cheap—it was paid for by Christ’s blood. When guilt returns, remember that redemption is complete, not partial. Christ restores both our past and our future.

 

3. Do I live as an heir of the Lord and Hope for what is to come? (1:11–14)

Believers are God’s inheritance and also heirs with Christ. The Holy Spirit seals us as a guarantee of what is to come.

 “You were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” (1:13)

The Holy Spirit is God’s assurance that He will finish what He started in you. Even when circumstances shake you, your salvation remains secure.

 

4. Do I seek spiritual insight as much as practical help? (1:15–19)

Paul prays not for material blessings, but for spiritual revelation—that believers may know:

• The hope of God’s calling
• The riches of His inheritance
• The greatness of His power

 “That the eyes of your understanding being enlightened…” (1:18)

Many believers possess spiritual riches but live unaware of them. Ask God not just for help, but for understanding of what you already have in Christ.

 

5. Do we live a life reigned by Christ who has supreme authority? (1:20–23)

God raised Christ from the dead and placed Him above all authority, power, and dominion. The Church is Christ’s body, expressing His fullness on earth.

 “He put all things under His feet…” (1:22)

No power—spiritual, political, or personal—is above Christ. When fear rises, remember who reigns. As His body, the Church is called to live under His authority and reflect His glory.

 

GALATIANS 5 - LIVING IN LIBERTY

 

Galatians 5

Paul calls believers to stand firm in freedom, warns against legalism, and teaches how true freedom is expressed—by walking in the Spirit, not the flesh.

1.       PROTECT OUR FREEDOM/LIBERTY v:1–6

• Christ set us free—not to return to bondage.
• Accepting circumcision as a requirement means:
• Obligation to keep the whole Law
• Falling away from grace (not loss of salvation, but abandoning grace as a principle)

Adding works to faith nullifies grace.

2.       A LITTLE LEAVEN – A WARNING v:7–12

• False teachers hindered their obedience to truth.
• Legalism spreads like leaven.
• Paul speaks strongly because the gospel is at stake.

A little false teaching can corrupt the whole church.

 

3.       LOVE FULFILLS THE LAW v 5:13–15

• Freedom is not license to sin.
• The Law is fulfilled in one command:

“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

True freedom serves others in love.

 

4.       WALKING IN THE SPIRIT v:16–18

• Flesh and Spirit are in conflict.
• Walking in the Spirit keeps believers from gratifying sinful desires.

Victory over sin comes from Spirit-led living, not rule-keeping.

 

5.       FLESH VS FRUIT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Fruit is produced, not forced.

 

6.       LIVING A CRUCIFIED LIFE (V:24–26)

• Believers have crucified the flesh with its passions.
• We must keep in step with the Spirit.

The Christian life is lived daily by surrender.