Who wrote the books of 1 and 2 Timothy and who did they write it for?
1 and 2 Timothy are letters written by the Apostle Paul to Timothy whom he had left in Ephesus to help the Ephesian church.
When did the events of the books of 1 and 2 Timothy happen?
Paul likely wrote 1 Timothy around 62 AD after he was released from his first Roman imprisonment while he was in Macedonia, and 2 Timothy around 67 AD while under his second Roman imprisonment.
What was the setting of the books of 1 and 2 Timothy?
Paul wrote these letters while Timothy was in Ephesus dealing with false teachings that had seeped into the church there.
What is the purpose of the books of 1 and 2 Timothy?
1 Timothy was likely written after Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment, met up with Timothy to travel together to Ephesus and left Timothy there to tend to the church while Paul himself went on to Macedonia. 2 Timothy is said to have been written after Paul was again imprisoned in Rome about 5 years later before he was later executed for standing firm in his faith and mission of sharing the gospel.
Timothy, who was described by Paul as being like a son to him, was entrusted with the teaching of the church in Ephesus and instructed by Paul in how to establish godly leaders in ministry. Paul also instructed Timothy on how Christians should conduct themselves as part of the church of God and how to use their spiritual gifts to share the gospel with others.
False teachings had infiltrated the Ephesian church and Paul was counseling Timothy on how to identify and combat this. Paul stresses the importance of being able to identify false doctrine and how to go about dealing with it within the church and encouraging others to be aware as well.
In 2 Timothy, Paul was writing to Timothy also to ask him to come to Paul. It is said that Paul was executed shortly after the letter of 2 Timothy, making this letter very likely his very last. Paul wanted to leave Timothy with vital wisdom and guidance in church ministry, Christian conduct, and encouragement for the persecution that he was sure to face. Paul likely also wanted to see Timothy again before he was executed.
The wisdom and encouragement that Paul wrote to Timothy in these letters are important for Christians of all generations to take to heart, study and apply to themselves. There is much exhortation, edification, and raw love found within these pages and can serve to embolden believers of Jesus in their faith and life.
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
As a woman, a wife, mom, and homemaker I have been really convicted by Proverbs 31:15, and this verse in particular. This passage is about a Godly Woman, and v. 15 declares that “she rises while it is still night” to take care of her household. The last time I studied Proverbs 31, and I have studied this many times over the last many years in different stages of my faith and life, this really stuck with me.
She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants.
Now, the point isn’t necessarily that the godly woman must get up in the middle of the night. The point is that there is godly wisdom in rising early to tend to the needs of the household. There is wisdom in taking quiet time at the beginning of the day to prepare for the day ahead.
One thing to remember is that we are ALL, men and women alike, the Bride of Christ, and should take the example and wisdom of the Proverbs 31 woman upon ourselves. We can discern that there is wisdom in rising early to prepare ourselves and our household for the day ahead. Being intentional about how we begin our day has a great impact on an entire day.
I encourage all of us to heed this wisdom and begin each day with intention, focusing on actively preparing for the day the Lord has made for us. Pray over what this means for you today and every day, and give the day to Him and His plans for you, your home, household, whatever the dynamic and circumstances. Prayerfully begin your day set on God and His plans for you.
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Read through the book of Proverbs in our 31 day Bible reading plan. Learn more about who God is, and what He has to say about wisdom. Let it sink in and resonate with you every day, rekindling that fire for Him in your heart.
Who wrote Song of Solomon and who did they write it to?
King Solomon of Israel wrote the Song of Solomon to his wife-to-be.
When did the events of Song of Solomon happen?
Solomon wrote this song in the early years of his reign, likely around 971-931 BC.
What is the setting of Song of Solomon?
This book is written in the setting of Solomon’s royal court in the kingdom of Israel. It is a letter between a betrothed man and wife, later husband and wife.
Expresses the love and devotion of a bride and bridegroom before and during their marriage.
Expresses the loving relationship of a husband and wife committed to one another, while simultaneously echoing the loving relationship between God and His people, and Christ and His Church.
Paints a picture of a godly wife who is healthy and well-loved, counteracting the cultural stigma of female weakness.
Expresses the mutual respect between a husband and wife living in this natural world.
Summary
Also called Song of Songs, this book is attributed to Solomon, King of Israel, in the early years of his reign. This is a beautiful letter between a betrothed man and wife and then later on in their maturing marriage.
This song depicts the incredible imagery of the love of God for His people, and Christ and His Church, in a way that we can understand the commitment, devotion, and love of a husband and wife. It also shows the strength, wholeness, health, and love of a woman by her husband and the mutual love between them, counteracting many cultural stigmas about women and their place in their marriage and culture.
This song is often kept from children until their teen years when they learn about the sanctity of marriage. It is such a vital explanation for Christ-followers to better understand the way our God loves us and calls us to love and be devoted to Him as well, as well as an incredible example of a godly marriage.
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Are you known for your kind and loving words, or for your foul mouth?
Are you easily instigated and quick to complain or lash out?
Do you bridle your tongue and speak with patience and wisdom?
By leaning into the Lord at all times and allowing His Spirit to fill us, guide us, and lead our reactions and words we can speak wisdom and not folly. Don’t be caught blurting out unattractive foolishness. Instead be found harnessing God’s Spirit that lives within you, allowing His wisdom to flow from your lips.
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Read through the book of Proverbs in our 31 day Bible reading plan. Learn more about who God is, and what He has to say about wisdom. Let it sink in and resonate with you every day, rekindling that fire for Him in your heart.
Answers the very human questions about the meaning of life and if life is worth living.
Teaches that the meaning of life is not found in work, wealth, desires, leisure, learning, or anything of the world, but is found only in a relationship with God.
Teaches that a life not focused on the Lord is futile and empty.
Declares our ultimate purpose is to obey and glorify God in all things, at all times, no matter the season or circumstances we find ourselves in.
Summary
Ecclesiastes is said to have been written by Solomon, King of Israel, in the later years of his life as a reflection of the godly wisdom he has gained during his lifetime and a reflection of his own life. It is an educational style book intended for the edification of a child or student.
The book focuses on declaring the meaning of human life, the vanity of human efforts without and against God, and the purpose for all of existence – to honor and glorify God within a personal relationship with Him. This book is filled with vital wisdom for all Christians to live by.
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
The pivotal truth reinforced in Proverbs 9:10 is that true wisdom is from God and begins with the fear of the Lord. Our world is filled with opinions and what culture likes to call “objective truth”, which basically means that what one person believes to be true can be true for them, and what another person believes to be true can be true for them. This is completely counter to God’s Word that declares His is the only Truth there is.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
If we are not seeking God’s wisdom, truth and knowledge then we are living in falsehoods and believing lies.
Seek God and His truth above all else and you will find it and be blessed with the knowledge it brings. God will reveal understanding to those who trust in His truth. Those who lean on human and worldly “truth” will find deception and destruction.
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Read through the book of Proverbs in our 31 day Bible reading plan. Learn more about who God is, and what He has to say about wisdom. Let it sink in and resonate with you every day, rekindling that fire for Him in your heart.
Solomon, son of King David and Bathsheba, King of Israel wrote most of the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 30 is attributed to Agur, and Proverbs 31 to King Lemuel’s mother.
When did the events of the Book of Proverbs happen?
Most of this book is said to have been written during the 10th century BC and was completed between 729-696 BC.
What is the setting of the Book of Proverbs?
It was written mostly during Solomon’s middle-aged years while he was at the height of his power as King of Israel, leaving behind a book of practical wisdom for godly living.
Teaches that wisdom is available to all, but all must choose the path of wisdom for themselves.
Explains that the wise and godly are rewarded for their righteousness. Alternatively, the foolish reap the consequences of their folly.
Provides practical guidelines for godly living and helps Christians to understand the difference between wisdom and foolishness, good and evil, truth and falsehood, and so much more.
Solomon was 20 years old when he ascended to the throne of Israel and he reigned for 40 years, from 971-931 BC. He wrote approximately 3,000 proverbs and 1,005 songs. Proverbs is written primarily by Solomon, who is esteemed as the wisest person of all time (1 Kings 4:29-32). His strengths were not in battle but in matters of the mind such as planning, organization, meditation, and negotiation.
Solomon wrote more of the Old Testament than any other man except Moses. He wrote Song of Solomon in his youth while writing Proverbs in his more mature years at the height of his power. Solomon wrote Ecclesiastes in his later years as a reflection of his life and experiences. Agur authored Proverbs 30 while Proverbs 31 was from King Lemuel’s mother, neither of whom is much known.
What is a Proverb?
A proverb is a brief saying as a statement of comparison. The book of Proverbs is a collection of statements about everyday life and practical guidelines for successful living as a godly person. They often speak of a “path” or “way, indicating conduct and lifestyles as a means to wise and godly living.
The primary contrasts throughout Proverbs are the differences between wisdom and foolishness, good and evil, life versus death, truth versus falsehood. Throughout the Book of Proverbs, we can all learn the Biblical wisdom of having the right relationship to God and living godly, prudent lives for Him.
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
Proverbs 1:23 instructs us in the ways of wise and godly living. King Solomon, the wisest man in his time, imparts on us the call of wisdom and encourages us that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (v. 7). We are called out of “simplicity” and told that “fools hate knowledge” (v. 22).
If you respond to my warning, then I will pour out my spirit on you and teach you my words.
Wisdom comes from God. To live a wise and godly life is to live in the ways of the Lord. If we choose to abide in the wisdom of God, striving to live a righteous life, we will seek God’s true wisdom. The consequences of rejecting God’s wisdom are grave and clear, but there is great reward in fearing the Lord and His holy righteousness.
We should never be wise in our own eyes or lean on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5), but lean into and trust the instruction of the Lord in all things. His is the only truth and the only trustworthy Word to live by and abide in. Heed His warning and let Him teach you His ways so that you, too, may live a wise and godly life.
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Read through the book of Proverbs in our 31 day Bible reading plan. Learn more about who God is, and what He has to say about wisdom. Let it sink in and resonate with you every day, rekindling that fire for Him in your heart.
Our world that prides in having endless information at its fingertips. We boast about the things we know, the education we have received, the experiences that have taught us, and strive to put our own wisdom forward to launch ourselves up the totem poles of the social structures of culture. We think we can lean on what we know and our own opinions, gain more wisdom, and somehow make a prosperous life for ourselves on this basis. Proverbs 2:6 cuts to the truth of this dangerous way of living.
For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
As Christians, we learn that the only true wisdom comes from God. It is a gift from our Heavenly Father, who speaks His knowledge to us and gives us the understanding He wants us to have. All that we have, all that we know, all that we have experienced and learned and been through… all of it is from Him, and so that we can use it to serve Him.
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Do you use what God has blessed you with to bring Him glory, or to bring glory to yourself?
Are you striving to launch yourself into the world, or launch the gospel?
Do you strive to be a vessel or in the spotlight?
Today, remember where all wisdom comes from. Remember where all that knowledge you have stockpiled came from. Remember who gives you an understanding about any and all of it. Don’t forget who gave you all you have, including the very information at your fingertips, in your memories, used in your workplace or at home. You name it, He gave it.
Use it all to serve and honor the one who gives it all for us.
Sign up for our mailing list and Download the Free Printable Bible Reading Plan
Read through the book of Proverbs in our 31 day Bible reading plan. Learn more about who God is, and what He has to say about wisdom. Let it sink in and resonate with you every day, rekindling that fire for Him in your heart.
Spiritual gifts refer to the special endowments that the Holy Spirit bestows on believers to use for their callings and to benefit the Church as a whole. There are a variety of spiritual gifts named throughout scripture, and all are important to know and understand.
It is vital that we, as part of the Body of Christ, understand that everyone doesn’t have every gift and that each person will be given the gifts God knows they will need in order to do the work He calls each of us to do in this life. All gifts are given to us in order to be used to bring God honor and glory, add to and build up the Body of Christ, and serve God with a grateful heart.
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans you were led astray to mute idols, however you were led. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says “Jesus is accursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except in the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.
While some of the spiritual gifts we find in scripture are widely believed to no longer be present in the lives of believers, most are still seen, used and experienced throughout the Church. There are differing beliefs about some gifts while some have beliefs in common. We should always lean on the Holy Spirit in order to discover and understand our own gifts as well as how we are each called to use them.
Where many of us will be blessed with some of the same gifts, the ways in which we are called to use them will be uniquely identified by the Lord using His Spirit as a guide throughout our life and the sanctification process. Being in His Word and in prayer about our gifts is also needed in order to constantly give God the reigns and let Him guide our path and usage of these incredible gifts He provides us with.
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The Gift of Speaking in and interpreting tongues:
Speaking in and interpreting tongues is to be able to speak and understand foreign languages you have never learned. Early Christians on the Day of Pentecost were empowered by the Holy Spirit and given the ability to speak in tongues so that they could share the gospel with visitors from the Roman world in languages the visitors understood. Typically speaking in tongues is a means of special prayer from an individual to God. There are a variety of differing beliefs about this spiritual gift.
And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues;
And when he came to the other side, to the country of the Gadarenes, two demon-possessed men met him, coming out of the tombs, so fierce that no one could pass that way. And behold, they cried out, “What have you to do with us, O Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” Now a herd of many pigs was feeding at some distance from them. And the demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, send us away into the herd of pigs.” And he said to them, “Go.” So they came out and went into the pigs, and behold, the whole herd rushed down the steep bank into the sea and drowned in the waters.
Healing is divine healing from the Holy Spirit through incredible faith.
Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” —he said to the paralytic— “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”
Some instances in scripture identify “prophecy” when speaking about all speaking gifts (1 Corinthians 14), but the unique gift of prophecy is a specific gift of the Holy Spirit inspiring a proclamation to a believer for the purpose of edifying the Church. This is commonly believed that there are no longer current-day prophets in the world, and there is much to learn throughout scripture about this gift.
And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.
Divine knowledge is insight and perception from the Holy Spirit, while divine wisdom is the application of truth and knowledge guided by the Holy Spirit. All believers are called to live wisely, but some are blessed with extraordinary wisdom and knowledge from the Holy Spirit.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Serving is an act of ministry characterized by a joy in doing things for others and hospitality is an unselfish desire to meet the needs of others without expectation of reward.
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Teaching is an instruction that can be understood. It can be recognized by understanding difficult matters and the ability to deliver instruction effectively.
But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Exhortation is persuasion and encouragement characterized by the ability to inspire and persuade.
So the woman left her water jar and went away into town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?” They went out of the town and were coming to him.
So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed:
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”
As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
Leadership is to be diligent, watchful, and willing to care for and labor for a people or thing. This gift of leadership in Greek means to “rule” or “govern”, indicating someone who is set over something or someone in order to provide care, guidance, and fellowship with a heart of diligent and sacrificial service.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithfulservant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’
Extraordinary faith is extreme optimism and confidence in the Lord and the ability to inspire others in extraordinary ways and circumstances.
And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.
And Jesus answered them, “Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be taken up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
Discernment is the being guided by the Holy Spirit in all circumstances to make judgements, determine good or evil, and see beyond the surface.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Evangelism is the ability to witness, love people, talk easily, and rejoice in sharing the Lord in any situation.
But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
But no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.
All Christians are members of the Body of Christ, and each member is related to a part of the body as a whole. Each part of the body serves a unique and different function, but no one part of the body is any less important for the overall function and health of the whole body.
All are equally important roles but all serve the Body equally in the ways in which they are called, using the gifts in which God has given to each of us. We should not be envious or disgruntled toward any other part of the Body or their gifts, but instead encourage, honor, and care for all fellow members of the Body of Christ and be united together in our shared mission.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would be the sense of hearing? If the whole body were an ear, where would be the sense of smell? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and on those parts of the body that we think less honorable we bestow the greater honor, and our unpresentable parts are treated with greater modesty, which our more presentable parts do not require. But God has so composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.
The spiritual gifts which have been given by the Holy Spirit should not be used for self-gain but should be used humbly for the Kingdom of God and Body of Christ. We should be seeking after gifts that deepen our relationship with and sharing the gospel of Christ versus gifts that draw attention to ourselves. We are told to diligently seek these gifts but that “the most excellent way” was faith, hope, and love, love is the greatest of them all.
Brothers, do not be children in your thinking. Be infants in evil, but in your thinking be mature. In the Law it is written, “By people of strange tongues and by the lips of foreigners will I speak to this people, and even then they will not listen to me, says the Lord.” Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers. If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or outsider enters, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all, the secrets of his heart are disclosed, and so, falling on his face, he will worship God and declare that God is really among you.
As new believers, we are children in our faith and should intentionally be learning and growing in faith through dedicated time in scripture, prayer, and fellowship with God and His people. As we mature in faith, we mature in the way we think and the ways we understand and use all that God blesses us with. As we grow in maturity of faith we also become more mature in abstaining from sin, becoming better imitators of Christ, putting our spiritual gifts to work, building up the Body of Christ, and will also be better equipped to organically and intentionally plant the seeds of the gospel in the hearts of nonbelievers.
What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. If a revelation is made to another sitting there, let the first be silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged, and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets. For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. Or was it from you that the word of God came? Or are you the only ones it has reached? If anyone thinks that he is a prophet, or spiritual, he should acknowledge that the things I am writing to you are a command of the Lord. If anyone does not recognize this, he is not recognized. So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But all things should be done decently and in order.
Spiritual gifts should not be used for self-interest, self-development, or self-display but instead in accordance with the law of love that serves to build up others. The gifts God blesses us with are not our own but are His attributes bestowed upon us to be used for the furtherance of His will and Kingdom. We are not our own, and these gifts are not our own. We have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us and these gifts are His for His purposes.
We should use discernment and be led by the Spirit, prayer and scripture in using our spiritual gifts to avoid corruption, competition, division, and pride within the Church. Paul explains that spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues, are not uncontrollable. We are given free will, therefore the Holy Spirit does not overpower you but gives you the choice to obey His promptings or not. Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians that no one is exempt from accountability in how they use their spiritual gifts.
Each member of the Body of Christ is given their own set of spiritual gifts according to their specific callings, roles, and functions as their individual part of the body. Not all parts of the Body have all of or the same gifts, but instead, all are given the gifts which God knows are necessary for the work He has called them to do. Everyone is accountable for every gift given to them by God, and any claim to having a gift should be tested and filtered by the Word of God.
The book of Psalms is a praise and worship book for God’s people that teaches God is worthy of all praise, honor, glory, and worship in all circumstances.
Psalms display that God will defend His people against their enemies in the ways and times that He knows are right.
Psalms express that being in a relationship with God is the key to joy and security in life.
What are the different types of Psalms?
Royal Psalms:
Emphasize that God is King
Uses phrases such as “the Lord reigns”
Addresses God’s role and Creator, Savior, and Coming One
Psalms of Zion:
Focuses on Jerusalem using its endearing name, Zion
Emphasizes God’s choice for the city as His Holy temple
Penitential Psalms:
Poems that confess sins to, ask for, and receive forgiveness from the Lord
Poems of praise to God for renewal of relationships and forgiveness
Wisdom Psalms:
Often focuses on the same issues throughout Proverbs
Provides clear descriptions of the differences between righteous and wicked
Addresses God’s blessing and curses, focusing primarily on righteous living
Includes some focus on the Torah, identifying the beauty, truth, and sufficiency of God’s Law
Includes some focus on creation and history
Often calls for believers to praise God, identifying Him as Creator and Savior
Seeks renewed commitment to God, often in times of disorder and rebellion
Imprecatory Psalms:
Prayers that ask God to curse the wicked often believed to conflict with the gospel but actually reflect God’s abhorrence for sin and evil
Passover Psalms:
Also called the joyful and prophetic Psalms
Were a part of the Passover celebration in Judaism
Focus on the events of God delivering the Israelites from Egypt
Praise God, His character, and His divine saving works
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Have you accepted the grace of God?
If you have not accepted the grace of God and chosen to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, I encourage you to pray to God now and invite Him in, accept Jesus as the sacrifice for your sins, and repent of your sins. Submit it all to God, lay it at His feet, seek the forgiveness of God, welcome Him into your life, and believe that Jesus died and rose again to save you from your sins.
If you would like to learn more about salvation, you can find a couple of studies that may help here:
I am a wife, mom, writer, crafter, and above all, a Child of God. I love to study the Bible, fellowship with other Christians, and serve God. I am thrilled to invite you to join me in seeking to satisfy our thirsty souls with the Living Water of Christ, which is what Water On Thirsty Land is here to do.
