Year: 2024

引言：保罗教导提摩太要如何按着真理，在基督里成为好执事。

一、抵挡假教师（V1-5）

末后的世代，会有人离弃真道，反而去听从邪灵和鬼魔的道理。这些假教师说不要嫁娶，不能吃很多东西，看起来好像很敬虔，然而这是没有圣经根据的。其实，婚姻和食物都是神所造、叫那信而明白真道的人感谢着领受的。因此，我们要求神帮助我们，让我们明白圣经的教导，使我们可以分辨并抵挡不属神的假道理。

二、成为好执事（V6-16）

1.操练敬虔（V6-10）

保罗要提摩太在教会里不断的提醒信徒们防备异端思想的搅扰。提摩太如果这么做，一方面可以避免信徒被诱惑。另一方面，他自己为了要教导真理，必定要花功夫研读和遵守神的话语，这样他自己因此得着造就，在真理上就会更稳固了。保罗鼓励提摩太以不断的属灵操练，就是在生活中实践真理，使自己的灵强壮。

2.成为榜样（V11-16）

提摩太是位年轻的领袖，年长的基督徒很容易因他年轻而轻看他。因此保罗教导提摩太必须努力在言行举止、爱心、信心、圣洁上做信徒的榜样。保罗提醒提摩太，要细心观察自己的生命与教训，要谨慎自己生命在众人眼中是否有好见证，会否是教一套、做又是另一套呢？

因此，我们对自己的生命要有要求，要不住追求生命的成长，如果我们自己都不谨慎，自己就会偏离，会从神的祝福中坠落。

总结：

我们要过警醒的生活，并要恒久地提防自己跌入罪中以致遭遇毁灭。我们更要审慎注视我们所信的教义，因为错谬的信仰能在很短的时间内，叫我们犯罪或变成异端。

然而，正确的信仰和生活方式我们都要坚持到底。而且，我们要有生命要有好的行为和见证，使我们的生命可以成为别人的榜样！

1 Timothy Chapter 4: Becoming a Good Minister of Christ
GK611 Morning Devotion
24 May 2024
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Stella Ling

Introduction：Paul taught Timothy how to be a good minister in Christ according to the truth.

1. Resist false teachers （V1-5)

In the last generation, some people will abandon the true way and instead listen to the teachings of evil spirits and demons. These false teachers say not to marry and not to eat a lot, which may seem pious, but this is not based on the Bible. In fact, both marriage and food were created by God to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and understand the truth. Therefore, we ask God to help us understand the teachings of the Bible so that we can discern and resist false doctrines that are not of God.

2. Become a good minister （V6-16)

(1) Practise godliness （V6-10)

Paul asked Timothy to constantly remind believers in the church to guard against the interference of heretical ideas. If Timothy did this, on the one hand, he could prevent believers from being tempted. On the other hand, in order to teach the truth, he must spend time studying and obeying God’s Words. In this way, he himself will be edified and will be more stable in the truth. Paul encouraged Timothy to strengthen his spirit with constant spiritual disciplines, which is to practise the truth in his life.

(2) Be a role model （V11-16)

Timothy was a young leader, and it was easy for older Christians to look down on him because of his youth. Therefore, Paul taught Timothy that he must strive to be an example to believers in words, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. Paul reminded Timothy to carefully observe his life and teachings, and to be cautious about whether your life is a good witness in the eyes of the people. Is he teaching one thing and doing another?

Therefore, we must have requirements for our lives and constantly pursue the growth of life. If we are not careful, we will deviate and fall from God’s blessings.

Conclusion：

We must live a vigilant life and be constantly on guard against falling into sin and eventually into destruction. We must pay careful attention to the doctrines we believe, because wrong beliefs can cause us to sin or become heretics in a very short period of time.

However, we must stick to the correct beliefs and lifestyle to the end. Moreover, we must live a life with good behaviours and testimonies, so that our lives can become an example to others!

引言：家

一、得监督职分的要求（V1-7）

若有人被圣灵感动而有投入善工，成为教会领袖的心志；只要他不是有野心和为了自己的利益，而是是单纯为着服事主而羡慕善工。就要成就神在这人生命中的美意。

教会领袖是群羊所当效法的榜样，也是带着整个教会往前走的人。所以当具备的生命条件：

1.行事为人无可指责（v2-3）

无可指责的人就是在言行举止，道德操守上达到完全的地步，没有留下被人控告、批评论断的把柄。

这不是说已经成为不会犯罪的完全人。这里要表达的是在每天的生活中愿意受教，在知道该做或要改进的事上，都尽力去做到。

a）合神心意的婚姻榜样：

只作一个妇人的丈夫，忠于配偶。坚守神所设定一夫一妻的婚姻家庭制度。

b）行事为人有美好见证：

在话语和行为上有分寸，不假冒伪善，管理好情绪。不止不酗酒闹事，当别人无理或遇到争辩的事时，

c）待教导活出神的爱

乐意开放自己的家来接待外来的信徒，给他们提供住宿和善於以真理的教训劝化人，使人走在神的心意里，彰显神爱的行动。

2.教养儿女管理己家（v4-5）

家是教会的缩影。是基督徒属灵的考场。人若不能管好自己微小的，物质的家，怎么可能把神那庞大的，属灵的家服事得好？

3.谦卑谨慎有好名声（v6-7）

魔鬼如同吼叫的狮子，遍地游行，寻找可吞吃的人。对真道认识不深的初信者，不可成为监督。免得骄傲自大，落入魔鬼的圈套走向的灭亡。在教外非信徒中间，更是要活出美好的见证。

基督徒的生活是一个献给神的祭。不管在教会或是日常生活，我们都要活出一个谦卑、谨慎，有好名声的生命来。

二、作执事的生命要求（v8-13）

‘执事’ di a ko nos 原文被译为‘用人’。就是在长老的监督下管理教会的具体事务。

除了以上提到的对监督的生命要求，作执事的也要活出以外，作执事的还要：

1.不一口两舌（v8）

就是两面讨好，搬弄是非，不按诚实说话，只迎合人喜好的意思。

2.要固守真道（v9）

与得救的恩相称、与真理对齐、以清洁的心对神对人。

3.要凡事忠心（v11）

不计较自己的得失，只求完成神所托付的。

保罗说，当一位执事在口舌上有节制，生命和品格与得救的恩相称，有美好见证，忠心的完成职分上所当尽的责任，V13使徒保罗说，他的服事一定会有美好的果效，他的信心和灵命也必得着美好造就。

三、神教会存在的目的（v14-16）

1.作为真理的柱石和根基（v14-15）

教会是永生神的家，真理的柱石和根基。一栋建筑物的根基与柱石是维持建筑物不倒下来的必要条件。主说，“我就是道路、真理、生命。” 真理就是主耶稣自己，教会的根基就是主耶稣。

神家中的儿女不止要将真理显明出来并持守。还要让远近的人都能看见，成为引导罪人回家的器皿。

2.传扬基督的奥秘与救赎（v16）

神家中的儿女有责任去成就神所托付的大使命与呼召。成为传扬基督的奥秘与救赎美好的见证人。

总结：教会是长出来的

教会不是靠人的力量去经营、努力拼命去做出来的。教会是神用祂的生命、爱与真理培育出来的。

1 Timothy 3 The Church of the Living God
GK611 Morning Devotion
23 May 2024
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Deborah Tan

Introduction: The Home

1. Requirements for receiving the office of overseer (v1-7)

If anyone is moved by the Holy Spirit to have a desire to devote himself to good works and to become a leader in the church; provided he is not ambitious and working for his own gain, but is envying good works simply for the sake of serving the Lord. He will fulfil God’s good purpose in this man’s life.

The church leader is the example to be followed by the flock, and the one who carries the whole church forward. Therefore, they should have the following life conditions:

(1) Behave in a blameless manner (v2-3)

A person who is blameless is one who is perfect in word, deed and moral conduct, leaving no room for accusation, criticism or judgement.

This is not to say that one has become a perfect person who cannot sin. What is being expressed here is a willingness to be taught in daily life, and to do one’s best in the things that one knows one should do or improve upon.

a) An example of a marriage after God’s own heart:

Being faithful to your spouse by being the husband of only one woman. Hold fast to the God-ordained system of monogamous marriage and family.

b) Act as a good witness to others:

Being measured in word and deed, not being hypocritical, and managing emotions. Not only refraining from drunkenness and trouble, but also when others are unreasonable or encountering argumentative matters.

c) Hosting, teaching and living out God’s Love

Be willing to open your home to receive foreign believers, provide them with lodging and be good at persuading people with the teaching of the truth, so that they may walk in the will of God and manifest the actions of God’s love.

(2) Teach your children to manage their homes (v4-5)

The home is a miniature of the church. It is the Christian’s spiritual examination room. If a man cannot manage his own tiny, material home, how can he serve God’s huge, spiritual home well?

(3) A good reputation for humility and prudence (v6-7)

The devil is like a roaring lion, marching all over the earth, looking for someone to devour. The new believer who does not have a deep knowledge of the truth must not become an overseer. Lest they become proud and arrogant and fall into the devil’s trap and perish. It is even more important to live as a good witness among unbelievers outside the church.

The Christian life is a sacrifice to God. Whether in the church or in our daily lives, we must live a life of humility, prudence, and a good reputation.

2. The life requirements of being a deacon (v8-13)

‘Deacon’ di a ko nos is originally translated as ‘servant’. It is the administration of the specific affairs of the church under the supervision of the elders.

In addition to the life requirements for oversight mentioned above, which are also to be lived out by those who are deacons, those who are deacons are to:

(1) Not be double-tongued (v8)

This means to be two-faced, to be right or wrong, not to speak honestly, but only to cater for people’s preferences.

(2) Hold fast to the truth (v9)

To be conformed to the grace of salvation, to be aligned with the truth, and to have a clean heart toward God and toward men.

(3) Be faithful in all things (v11)

Not counting your own gain or loss, but seeking to fulfil what God has entrusted to you.

Paul says that when a deacon is temperate in speech, has a life and character worthy of salvation, has a good testimony, and faithfully fulfils the duties of his office, v13 the apostle Paul says that his ministry will surely be fruitful, and that his faith and spiritual life will be well edified.

3. The purpose of the existence of the church of God (v14-16)

(1) As the pillar and ground of truth (v14-15)

The church is the house of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. The foundation and pillars of a building are necessary to keep the building from falling down. The Lord says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” The truth is the Lord Jesus Himself, and the foundation of the church is the Lord Jesus.

Children in God’s family are not only to reveal the truth and keep it. They must also make it visible to people near and far, and become vessels to guide sinners home.

(2) Preach the mystery and salvation of Christ (v16)

Children in God’s family have a responsibility to fulfil the Great Commission and the calling that God has entrusted to them. They become witnesses to the mystery of Christ and wonderful witness of salvation.

Conclusion: The Church grows

The church is not run by human strength and hard work. The church is nurtured by God with His life, love and truth.

一、作神看为美好的事（V1-7）

1.要为万人祈求祷告（V1-3）

本章的第一个字在原文是‘所以’，表示是接续前一章保罗的教导，提醒提摩太要为教会打那美好的仗，首要方法就是祷告：要为万人恳求祷告！包括所有不认识的灵魂，以及君王和一切在位的，即是为统治者和政府代祷，使众人可以平安无事的度日，神的旨意是叫社会平安无事！神的百姓可以活出圣洁分别为圣的生活！

V3特别指出：为万人祷告是件‘好事’，是蒙神悦纳，也就是讨神喜悦之事。

2. 因为神愿万人得救（V4-7）

神的心意是愿所有人都可以得救，而且明白真理，除了耶稣基督以外，没有人能替万人付上救赎的代价，而且是已经付了。得救的惟一途径就是相信独一的真神！主耶稣再来的时候，这件必被显明在万人之前！

保罗就是为了这个使命：神愿意万人得救！成为传道的，使徒和外邦人的教师。保罗工作的重点就是教导信徒学习真道。

我们要成为蒙神悦纳之人，就要作蒙神悦纳的好事：为万人的得救祷告；并且效法保罗去传扬真道，使人们有机会听见福音，这样我们的祷告，就有管道可以实现出来！

二、活出合神心意的生活（V8-15）

1. 男人起来随处祷告（V8）

保罗劝勉弟兄们，要负起祷告的责任。无论在教会、家庭、社会，都要在信心上毫无疑惑，全然相信祷告的功效。不要把不满，表现在怒气和争论之上，反而把这样的不满化作‘随处祷告’的力量。如此一来，神讬付亚当管理万物之责的权柄，便能彰显在弟兄身上，也能彰显在教会、社会与家庭之中。

所以，弟兄要起来祷告，随时随地祷告，因为弟兄的祷告是大有能力的！能带下神的大能，化解冲突，更加有怜悯心和同理心。

2.女人应要圣洁自守（V9-15）

保罗劝勉姐妹们要廉耻自守，以善行为妆饰，要沉静学道，顺服丈夫，不许辖管男人。保罗对妇女提出的规范，并不是要贬低她们，而是要装备她们、抬举她们。让她们成为又敬虔、又有美德的妇女。

姐妹们常存信心、爱心、圣洁自守，这些都是神要在女人生命中彰显出来的品格，使你们能成为蒙神悦纳之敬虔女人。

总结：

要作蒙神悦纳的好事，神的儿女都合神心意地生活，实践真理，活出敬虔的见证，传扬福音，成为蒙神悦纳之人！

1 Timothy 2 Become a person that is acceptable to God
GK611 Morning Devotion
21 May 2024
The Morning Devotion Speaker: Ps Daniel Kew

1. Doing things that are good in the eyes of God (V1-7)

(1) Pray for all people (V1-3)

The first word in this chapter is “therefore” in the original text, indicating that it is a continuation of Paul’s teaching in the previous chapter, reminding Timothy that to fight the good fight for the church, the first way is to pray: to pray for all people! Including all unknown souls, as well as kings and everyone in authority, it means praying for rulers and governments so that everyone can live in peace and tranquillity. God’s will is for society to be peaceful! God’s people can live a holy and sanctified life!

V3 specifically points out: Praying for all people is a “good thing” and is acceptable to God, that is, it is something that pleases God.

2) Because God wants all people to be saved (V4-7)

God’s intention is that all people can be saved and understand the truth. No one except Jesus Christ can pay the price of salvation for all people, and it has already been paid. The only way to be saved is to believe in the one true God! When the Lord Jesus returns, this will be revealed before all people!

Paul is for this mission: God wants all people to be saved! Become preachers, apostles, and teachers of the Gentiles. The focus of Paul’s work was to teach believers to learn the truth.

If we want to be people who are acceptable to God, we must do good deeds that are acceptable to God: pray for the salvation of all people; and imitate Paul in preaching the truth so that people have the opportunity to hear the gospel, so that our prayers will have channels to make it happen!

2. Live a life in line with God’s will (V8-15)

1) Men get up and pray everywhere (V8)

Paul exhorted the brothers to take responsibility for prayer. Whether in church, family, or society, we must have no doubts in our faith and fully believe in the efficacy of prayer. Don’t express your dissatisfaction in anger and arguments but turn this dissatisfaction into the power of “praying everywhere”. In this way, the authority that God entrusted to Adam to manage all things can be manifested in the brothers, as well as in the church, society, and family.

Therefore, brothers should get up and pray, anytime and anywhere, because brothers’ prayers are powerful! It can bring forth the power of God, resolve conflicts, and be more compassionate and empathetic.

2. Women should be holy and modest (V9-15)

Paul exhorted sisters to be modest and self-possessed, to be adorned with good deeds, to learn the Word quietly, to be submissive to their husbands, and not to lord it over men. Paul’s regulations for women are not meant to belittle them, but to equip them and lift them up. Let them become godly and virtuous women.

Sisters, always have faith, love, holiness, and self-control. These are the qualities that God wants to show in women’s lives, so that you can become godly women who are acceptable to God.

Conclusion：

We must do good deeds that are acceptable to God. All God’s children must live according to God’s will, practise the truth, live out godly testimony, preach the gospel, and become people who are acceptable to God!