Today we read 1 Timothy 4. Paul prepares Timothy to contend against the “teachings of demons” (verse 1). Pastors are to command and teach true doctrine, while condemning doctrine that is false and deceitful. This runs counter to the spirit of the present age, which downplays the importance of true doctrine and avoids condemning all but the most extreme examples of false doctrine. The doctrines of Scripture are God-given, because He loves us. Each individual doctrine testifies to and supports the most important doctrine of all—that we are saved by grace, for Christ’s sake, through faith. • Lord Jesus, bless Your Church with pastors who are wholly devoted to the teaching of Your Word in all its truth and purity, that by Your mighty power, many souls might be saved. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 10474-10475). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 1 Timothy 2. The Gospel affirms the unique vocations God assigned to men and women at creation. Our sinful nature may sometimes bristle at the roles and responsibilities God has given us, causing us to fail to see that God has given us His divine design for male and female because He loves us and always wants what is best for us. We must always be on guard against this kind of sin, especially as we are gathered for public worship. Jesus faithfully fulfilled the divine role assigned to Him as the one mediator between God and all people. He willingly submitted Himself to death as the sacred substitute for sinners. Through faith in Him, we receive forgiveness of sins, and we rejoice to serve Him in earthly vocations characterized by thanksgiving, modesty, and self-control. • Blessed Savior, as we gather in Your name for worship, give voice to our prayers for all people. Lead us to delight in the roles and responsibilities You have so lovingly assigned us and to live out our vocations in submissiveness to You and to Your Word. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10466). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we start with a new book of the Bible, the first of two letters from Paul to a young pastor named Timothy: 1 Timothy, chapter 1. “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (v 15). This truth is the beating heart of all our hope and joy. God’s patience and mercy are at work to save all sinners, whether they are blinded by ignorance (like Paul) or have actively rejected the faith (like Hymenaeus and Alexander). Our conscience may sometimes be plagued by doubts and regrets. But if God’s desire to save sinners could extend even to Paul, who actively persecuted Jesus’ followers, and who is foremost among sinners, then it can certainly extend to us as well. God’s mercy and patience for us is demonstrated at the cross, where Jesus died as the substitute for all sinners and won eternal life for all who believe.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (pp. 10460-10461). (Function). Kindle Edition.

Today we read 2 Thessalonians 3. Paul concludes his Letter with a prayer for peace and, in his own hand, a blessing of grace. We should imitate Paul in his blessing. We should pray for peace for others, even for our enemies. We should bless, and not curse, even those we do not like, even those who do us harm. Our prayer for God’s peace and grace in our lives is no mere wish. We do have peace with God and with one another through the blood of Christ; by the grace of our Lord, this is a peace that passes all understanding and remains steadfast regardless of external assaults by the devil. Amen.

Various Authors. The Lutheran Study Bible (p. 10426). (Function). Kindle Edition.