Bible Reading Plan

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  • Psalm 107

    Psalm 107

    Read Psalm 107

    1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;

        his love endures forever.

    2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story—
        those he redeemed from the hand of the foe,
    3 those he gathered from the lands,
        from east and west, from north and south.

    4 Some wandered in desert wastelands,
        finding no way to a city where they could settle.
    5 They were hungry and thirsty,
        and their lives ebbed away.
    6 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
        and he delivered them from their distress.
    7 He led them by a straight way
        to a city where they could settle.
    8 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
        and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
    9 for he satisfies the thirsty
        and fills the hungry with good things.

    10 Some sat in darkness, in utter darkness,
        prisoners suffering in iron chains,
    11 because they rebelled against God’s commands
        and despised the plans of the Most High.
    12 So he subjected them to bitter labor;
        they stumbled, and there was no one to help.
    13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
        and he saved them from their distress.
    14 He brought them out of darkness, the utter darkness,
        and broke away their chains.
    15 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
        and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
    16 for he breaks down gates of bronze
        and cuts through bars of iron.

    17 Some became fools through their rebellious ways
        and suffered affliction because of their iniquities.
    18 They loathed all food
        and drew near the gates of death.
    19 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble,
        and he saved them from their distress.
    20 He sent out his word and healed them;
        he rescued them from the grave.
    21 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
        and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
    22 Let them sacrifice thank offerings
        and tell of his works with songs of joy.

    23 Some went out on the sea in ships;
        they were merchants on the mighty waters.
    24 They saw the works of the Lord,
        his wonderful deeds in the deep.
    25 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
        that lifted high the waves.
    26 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
        in their peril their courage melted away.
    27 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
        they were at their wits’ end.
    28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
        and he brought them out of their distress.
    29 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
        the waves of the sea were hushed.
    30 They were glad when it grew calm,
        and he guided them to their desired haven.
    31 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
        and his wonderful deeds for mankind.
    32 Let them exalt him in the assembly of the people
        and praise him in the council of the elders.

    33 He turned rivers into a desert,
        flowing springs into thirsty ground,
    34 and fruitful land into a salt waste,
        because of the wickedness of those who lived there.
    35 He turned the desert into pools of water
        and the parched ground into flowing springs;
    36 there he brought the hungry to live,
        and they founded a city where they could settle.
    37 They sowed fields and planted vineyards
        that yielded a fruitful harvest;
    38 he blessed them, and their numbers greatly increased,
        and he did not let their herds diminish.

    39 Then their numbers decreased, and they were humbled
        by oppression, calamity and sorrow;
    40 he who pours contempt on nobles
        made them wander in a trackless waste.
    41 But he lifted the needy out of their affliction
        and increased their families like flocks.
    42 The upright see and rejoice,
        but all the wicked shut their mouths.

    43 Let the one who is wise heed these things
        and ponder the loving deeds of the Lord.

    Go Deeper

    Before we get started, say the first part of this psalm out loud:

    Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love and mercy endure forever.

    This is a creed–a statement of truth repeated in the Psalms that we shouldn’t skip past. Now, let’s look at the rest of this chapter. We have four “stories of the redeemed.” Scholars generally agree that the four compass directions mentioned earlier in this passage are related to the four stories, with one notable asterisk:

    • The Desert Refugee = East
    • The Prisoner in Chains = West
    • The Fools & Rebels = North
    • Seafaring Merchants = Sea*

    In this narrative, the characters and scenery change, but the plot never does: cry of distress, God’s deliverance, thankfulness. Since the pattern stays the same, let’s update the players to modern terms–the refugee, the imprisoned, the addicted, and the cast of “The Deadliest Catch.” You fit into one of these groups.

    The modern, literal refugee fits this story, but so do those who have needed to seek refuge because of an abusive family, unloving church, or a spiritual state equivalent to living and wandering through the desert. The modern prisoner fits this story, but so do those that have faced the devastating consequences of earthly sin and felt the distance from God and chains of guilt that their sin has created. For the third group–the addicted–look at verse 18, and understand that “food” can be literal food or spiritual food. Addiction isn’t limited to substances covered by federal law. Addiction encompasses all of the vices that trade our spiritual food for stuff that makes us sick. 

    We then come to the fourth story. Seafaring anecdotes are pretty rare in the Old Testament. The people of Israel just didn’t spend much time in deep waters. This is ancient history, when the seas were dangerous. Consider this–the fourth group may represent the people actively following God. Following God is not free of challenges, and the fourth story depicts one of the scariest professions of the age as a vivid illustration of the fact that people living in pursuit of God will face more than they can handle. 

    In a way, Psalm 107 shows us the whole of Scripture: 1) Everyone is in need of saving; 2) God works powerfully in His world to save everyone who calls on His name; and 3) Every one of these stories is worth telling.

    Questions

    1. Which one of these four stanzas describes you? (There could be more than one!)
    2. Have you ever described your testimony as “boring”? What does this chapter tell you?
    3. If your walk with Jesus was a modern-day profession (or TV show), what would it be? What does that tell you?

    Pray This:

    Father, I’m a (refugee/prisoner/addict/voyager). I daily need your grace and strength to save me from myself. Show me today how I can praise you for your salvation and tell the story of how you’ve redeemed me. I love you, and I’m thankful for your grace and mercy every day. Amen.

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  • Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Today is a Rest Day. There is no new Bible reading to do. Today, the goal is simple: rest in the presence of God. Maybe you need to use today to get caught up on the reading plan if you’re behind, maybe you want to journal what you’re learning so you don’t forget what God is teaching you, or maybe you want to spend time in concentrated prayer–do that. Above all, just spend time in God’s presence. Each Rest Day, we will also introduce a memory verse for the week. Meditate on this week’s verse and begin to memorize it.

    Memory Verse

    6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

    2 Timothy 1:6-7

    Memorization Tip

    Who says Scripture memorization has to be boring? Make it a game! Write the verse out on notecards, a different word for each card. Then, shuffle them around and place them back in the correct order from memory.

    Worship with Us

    We won’t be having or streaming any services this morning. Tonight we have Family Reunion – for those of you in Waco who call Harris Creek your church home, we hope to see you tonight! 

    If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

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  • 2 Timothy 4

    2 Timothy 4

    Read 2 Timothy 4

    In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: 2 Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. 3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

    6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

    Personal Remarks

    9 Do your best to come to me quickly, 10 for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments.

    14 Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15 You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

    16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them. 17 But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed and all the Gentiles might hear it. And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

    Final Greetings

    19 Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Do your best to get here before winter. Eubulus greets you, and so do Pudens, Linus, Claudia and all the brothers and sisters.

    22 The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you all.

    Go Deeper

    In 2 Timothy 4, before he greets and blesses Timothy and the rest of his friends, Paul imparts one last piece of wisdom that all of us can heed: Always be ready to preach, teach, and share the word of God with people around us. The only way we can do this is if we are committed to, and consistently and prayerfully reading and studying Scripture both personally and corporately.

    Verse 2 is also sound wisdom to us as we live out his instructions in community. He reminds Timothy to correct, rebuke, and encourage the people in his church: patiently and carefully. Paul paints a picture of the use of Scripture in a community of faith that is honest, humble and loving. Our culture seems to jump straight into harsh, unloving, and critical correction and rebuke that is often completely disconnected from any kind of relationship or love for the other. 

    Paul also issues a warning about how those around them may distort the Word of God to suit their own agendas. It would be easiest for us at this point to nod our heads in agreement; this is certainly something that is true of the culture we live in. What we all need to wrestle with, however, is that we all have this same tendency. To avoid being challenged or to stay on the throne of our own lives, we sometimes only hear and see only what we want to (or we create echo chambers by surrounding ourselves with people who believe the same things we do). 

    Our practice of Scripture reading and study needs to be both personal and corporate. We should all be committed to diligently studying the Word of God personally. But we also need to hear the Word of God with and through others. We all need to, with humility, discuss how we understand and apply Scripture with the community of faith God has placed around us. This is done so that we can remain faithful servants of the Word of God rather than manipulating it to serve us and our agendas. 

    Let’s obey God’s Word fully. When we are all prepared in and out of season, we are all strengthened and cared for in Christ.

    Questions

    1. How is your personal study of Scripture going? Assign yourself a letter grade based on the last month.
    2. How and how often do you submit your own ideas to others within your community? Do you have people in your life who can hold you accountable and lovingly challenge views or ideas that are destructive?    
    3. Pray for your church leadership today. Pray that they would delight in their own study of Scripture and thank God for their diligence as they teach, preach, rebuke, and correct the people of God carefully and patiently. 

    Keep Digging

    Are you in a Life Group? If you’re part of Harris Creek and desire to live out today’s reading in a very practical way, your next best step is to join a Life Group. You can learn more about community from the sermon “Real Community”. 

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  • 2 Timothy 3

    2 Timothy 3

    Read 2 Timothy 3

    But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

    6 They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over gullible women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, 7 always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth. 8 Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these teachers oppose the truth. They are men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. 9 But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

    A Final Charge to Timothy

    10 You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, 11 persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. 12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

    Go Deeper

    This chapter is split up into two main ideas 1) focusing on what we focus on and 2) where our heart is. The first section begins with the word “but” in verse 1 because it is a continuation from the previous chapter speaking about non-believers. It speaks on the other side of the coin, that not everyone whom we show Christ to will accept Him and follow Him in faith. Paul then goes through a list of where these believers’ hearts lie. Matthew 6:21 says “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The things we love affect our faith, if God isn’t number one in our life, then we are being led in another direction.

    The second part of this chapter then directly contrasts the previous one, talking about the example of a life following Jesus. It is meant to be an encouragement to believers to keep pressing forward in their walk with Christ. The list overall states that Paul’s entire life is loving God with his whole heart and following Him. What directly goes with this is the cost of following Christ and that suffering is a part of our faith journey. Paul was beaten and thrown into jail, but he still believed that God rescued him so that he was able to continue to live for God’s glory and to do His mission. It is easy to crave the comfort and desires described in the first section, but Jesus has already gone before us and set the ultimate example of how we are to live. He says in John 15:18, “the world hated me first.” This is the secret to Paul’s confidence: that he is not alone because God is with us and Jesus had already set the ultimate example before us.

    Finally, in verse 16, it says “All scripture is God-breathed.” Think about that statement! Every word of this chapter that you just read isn’t a letter written by Paul to Timothy. It’s God speaking through Paul to direct and guide God’s people. Scripture has authority and power; let it change our lives and help us be “equipped for every good work” (v. 17). Reflect and be encouraged by that power today.

    Questions

    1. What stands out to you in this passage?
    2. Reread verses 2-5. Do you relate to any of these characteristics listed? How can you shift your focus from these things to be more focused on God today?
    3. How does this passage make you feel? What did you learn about God?

    Did You Know?

    In verse 16, theopneustos is the translation of the phrase “breathed out by God” and was first published by Paul because it was not found in any other Greek text beforehand.

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  • 2 Timothy 2

    2 Timothy 2

    Read 2 Timothy 2

    The Appeal Renewed

    You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.

    8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

    11 Here is a trustworthy saying:

    If we died with him,
        we will also live with him;
    12 if we endure,
        we will also reign with him.
    If we disown him,
        he will also disown us;
    13 if we are faithless,
        he remains faithful,
        for he cannot disown himself.

    Dealing With False Teachers

    14 Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. 16 Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. 17 Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have departed from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

    20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. 21 Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

    22 Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

    Go Deeper

    Paul charges Timothy to be strengthened, not by his own might, but by “grace that is in Christ Jesus.” Grace isn’t normally associated with strength. It is more often likened to meekness and mercy. But Paul understands true strength is rooted in our relationship to Jesus Christ and given to us by His grace according to His will. 

    Paul’s second exhortation to Timothy is direct and then amplified by three analogies: Share in Christ’s suffering (v. 3). The idea of sharing in the sufferings of Christ is a defining characteristic of the Christian life. It’s one we must understand and accept but also delight in. When we suffer with Christ and for Him, we have the promise that He will also raise us to new life with Him (v. 11-12). 

    In his analogies, Paul references three types of people—a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer—to illustrate our need to be strengthened for the suffering that lies ahead. All three know strength is necessary and suffering is inevitable in their line of work.

    The soldier must submit to his commander and avoid trivial matters. His job is to protect and defend in peace and in war. Likewise, the Christian must live in obedience to God’s call to make disciples of Jesus Christ in times of joy and suffering, always aiming to glorify God. The athlete must devote herself to training and not waver in her commitment as she longs for the crown of victory in competition. Likewise, the Christian must run the race with passionate pursuit of spiritual disciplines. Finally, the farmer rises early to work the land in hope of a great harvest. The Christian labors in the vineyard of God, planting seeds of the gospel wherever the Lord leads in hope of seeing the lost saved.

    We must be a people strengthened by grace in Jesus Christ to suffer with Him for the sake of God’s glory and the joyful conversion of God’s elect. This glory and joy is the ultimate hope that drove the first century disciples, frontier missionaries, to spread Christianity across Europe and Asia. Like Timothy, the disciples, and the missionaries that came before us, we have a gospel call that requires strength from Christ and the acceptance of suffering that comes with our calling. 

    Questions

    1. How has the grace of Jesus Christ been a strength to you as you share the gospel with others?
    2. To which of the three analogies (soldier, athlete, or farmer) do you most relate, and why? 
    3. Have you ever suffered for the sake of Jesus Christ? If so, how did it impact your life?

    Do This

    In your Life Group this week, read 2 Timothy 2, and share this devotional. Then talk about how incorporating discipline and obedience in your life can impact your Christian life and walk with Jesus. 

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  • 2 Timothy 1

    2 Timothy 1

    Getting Started

    Welcome to the Bible Reading Plan! We are so glad you are joining us for this journey through 2 Timothy, a New Testament letter written by the Apostle Paul. Each day, you will read one chapter of the Bible followed by a short devotional, answer a few questions, and if you want, record any observations or insights using the interactive notes section. We believe God will use this resource to grow our knowledge and affection for Him. We know God’s Word does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). Sign up with a friend, your Life Group, or your family, and let’s dig in!

    Make sure to download our Harris Creek App, sign up for the Bible Reading Plan push notifications, and follow us on Instagram (@harriscreek) for some fun, creative ways to interact with the readings. 

    Let’s Go, Church!

    2 Timothy Preview

    A few years after he wrote 1 Timothy, Paul penned his second letter to Timothy, his dear friend and partner in ministry. This letter, written around 67 AD, is actually the last letter Paul wrote while he awaited execution by the Roman authorities. Think about that: Paul knew what was around the corner. If you knew you were about to die, what would you tell your closest friends? This letter is precisely that. It’s deeply personal and a glimpse into everything Paul wanted Timothy to cling to and remember.

    This letter, which is more personal and less of a theological work than 1 Timothy or Titus, serves to remind Timothy to stand strong in his faith and remain dependent on the Word of God. As the world around them was starting to spiral towards ungodliness, persecution was to be expected. No one knew this better than Paul as he awaited execution. In 2 Timothy 4:5, Paul sums up his hope for Timothy: that he will fulfill the ministry God has given him. 

    As we read these four chapters, be looking for all of the ways this letter is applicable to us today. How can we cling to the Word of God when there’s ungodliness all around us? Are we ready to stand firm in the face of persecution if it comes our way? How do we fulfill the ministry God has entrusted to each of us? These are the questions we should ask ourselves as we read these four chapters.

    Read 2 Timothy 1

    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,

    2 To Timothy, my dear son:

    Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

    Thanksgiving

    3 I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. 4 Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

    Appeal for Loyalty to Paul and the Gospel

    6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 8 So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. 9 He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 11 And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. 12 That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.

    13 What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

    Examples of Disloyalty and Loyalty

    15 You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

    16 May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.

    Go Deeper

    How often do we celebrate the faithful people who have gone before us in life? Maybe it was our parents, a mentor, a teacher, a pastor, or a friend who have taught us the way of Jesus. This letter begins with a celebration of Timothy’s sincere faith and an encouragement to continue to grow. The lives of Timothy’s mother and grandmother gave him a heritage of faith. Paul celebrates and reminds Timothy not only to remember their influence, but to fan into flame this heritage to grow his own faith. What a gift of God! 

    One way to grow in faith is to understand how suffering can support the gospel. Paul invites Timothy to join with him in suffering for the gospel by the power of God (v. 8). What an interesting invitation! Why is this so important to him?

    Paul is a man well-acquainted with the value of suffering. He writes this letter from a prison cell awaiting his execution. This guy knows what he’s talking about when it comes to suffering (see 2 Corinthians 11:16-30 for a highlight reel of Paul’s suffering). He has seen firsthand the benefit of remaining “on mission” even in the midst of difficulty. Because of this, he continually boasts in his weakness, knowing that is where Christ’s power is displayed most clearly. Over and over again, the gospel–the story of Jesus bringing sinners from death to life–gives him perspective and hope to endure. The power of the Holy Spirit working in him makes it all possible. Paul puts his life on display for Timothy and us to learn what faithfulness in the midst of suffering looks like. He reminds us all of this is made possible by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us. 

    The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline (v. 7). This same spirit dwells in us and helps us to endure suffering, grow in the faith, and guard the gospel that has been entrusted to us. 

    Questions

    1. Who in your life has gone before you in the faith and impacted the way you follow Jesus? Thank God for their influence in your life. 
    2. What does it mean to fan into flame the gift of God? 
    3. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you steward the gospel well – remembering and proclaiming it every chance you have. What a gracious gift we’ve been given. 

    Watch This

    Here’s a video overview of 2 Timothy from The Bible Project.

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  • 1 Timothy 6

    1 Timothy 6

    Read 1 Timothy 6

    All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves.

    False Teachers and the Love of Money

    These are the things you are to teach and insist on. 3 If anyone teaches otherwise and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 they are conceited and understand nothing. They have an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between people of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.

    6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

    Final Charge to Timothy

    11 But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, I charge you 14 to keep this command without spot or blame until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which God will bring about in his own time—God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.

    17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

    20 Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith.

    Grace be with you all.

     

    Go Deeper

    The theme of ungodliness versus godliness is prevalent throughout 1 Timothy 6. As we have seen throughout this book, there can be a slow, gradual drift away from what Scripture teaches and toward a life of ungodliness. 

    In teaching the Word to others, it is very dangerous to teach something that is not in line with Scripture. Sometimes there are people who claim to be teaching the Word, but it is slightly different from what the Bible actually says. “Teaching” in this way leads to conceit, envy, slander, evil, ungodliness, and friction; because false prosperity gospels provide imaginary means of gain. Just take a look at Matthew 4:1-11, where Satan twisted God’s Word to fit his own agenda. Jesus knew better than to listen to these lies. He knew the dangers of taking Scripture out of context and twisting it for personal gain. How did Jesus respond? By dismissing the false words and standing firm upon God’s true Word. 

    Another reminder in this chapter is that no matter how hard we try, we can never gain godliness by our own means. Can a perfect resume get us to heaven? What about giving all our money to the poor? Moving across the world to spread the gospel? The answer to each of these questions, apart from Jesus, is an emphatic NO! As Ephesians 2:8-9 states, salvation is a gift from God which cannot be earned. This chapter calls us to pursue godliness along with righteousness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness, good deeds, and generosity in order to take hold of what is truly life. 

    Imagine being content with only the things you needed in order to survive. When we start to pursue things we don’t need (but rather want), discontentment forms. Not having the right house, the right job, or the right status. All of these earthly things will be brought to nothing some day. Our discontent shines a light on the fact that we are not finding our full contentment in Jesus. So how do we fight? We flee these things. And we pursue the good life as defined by Jesus rather than the idea of the good life that the culture feeds us.

    Questions

    1. What are some areas you have seen Scripture taken out of context? What Scripture can you find as a tool to counter these false teachings? 
    2. What would it look like to pursue righteousness today?
    3. Are you discontent? Ask God to reveal to you where you haven’t yet trusted His sufficiency and turn to Him.

    Did You Know?

    The word “doulos” in the original Greek version of the Bible translates today to mean bondservant in 1 Timothy 6. However, doulos also means “slave” though it does not relate to the version of slavery we read about in 19th century America. The ESV defines a bondservant as, “someone in the Roman Empire officially bound under contract to serve his master for seven years… When the contract expired, the person was freed, given his wage that had been saved by the master, and officially declared a freedman.” A bondservant’s relationship with his or her master is best compared to an employee/employer relationship today.  

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  • 1 Timothy 5

    1 Timothy 5

    Read 1 Timothy 5

    Widows, Elders and Slaves

    Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

    3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. 5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help. 6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. 7 Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

    9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

    11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. 12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. 13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies who talk nonsense, saying things they ought not to. 14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.

    16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.

    17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. 18 For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.” 19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

    22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure.

    23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

    24 The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.

    Go Deeper

    In Paul’s first letter to Timothy at the church in Ephesus, we have seen Paul instruct Timothy primarily on how to deal with false teachers and how the gospel shapes our lives. Today, we move into the portion of the book in which Paul gives Timothy instructions on how to deal with specific groups within the church. Verses 1-2 provide basic principles for interpersonal relationships, while the rest of the chapter deals with widows and elders.

    One thing we can pull from this text is that our sin has a detrimental effect on our witness to a non-believer. Ephesians 4:1 admonishes the believer to live in a manner worthy of their calling. If our eternity has been changed, and we have moved from death to life, then there should be a noticeable difference in our lives. We are to have “a reputation for good works” (v. 10) and not be “self-indulgent” (v. 8). It is important to note, though, that our good works do not save us—that happens by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Our works are evidence of our salvation and our faith. James 2:26b tells us that faith apart from works is dead.

    So what happens when the believer is living in open and unrepentant sin? They are to be rebuked. Look back in verse 20: “But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove before everyone, so that the others may take warning.” This is rooted in Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 18:16-17, in which we are instructed to “widen the circle” in order to resolve conflict due to unrepentant sin. 

    Verses 24-25 close this passage by reminding the believer that sins can be hidden and appear later, but sin will always rear its ugly head. This is why it is critical to confess sin consistently in your community. It is interesting to note that good works are also never unseen. Jesus says this during his Sermon on the Mount: “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Therefore, in order to live in a manner worthy of our calling, we must have reputations for good works (v. 10) and give the adversary no occasion for slander (v. 14). 

    Questions

    1. In what way can you be caring for the vulnerable in your area?
    2. What is the correlation between faith and works? Support your answer with evidence from Scripture. 
    3. What might be some unrepentant sin in your life? Bring in some trusted people from your Life Group or community.

    Keep Digging

    Here is Harris Creek’s Peacemaker Guide.

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  • Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Rest Day

    Today is a Rest Day. There is no new Bible reading to do. Today, the goal is simple: rest in the presence of God. Maybe you need to use today to get caught up on the reading plan if you’re behind, maybe you want to journal what you’re learning so you don’t forget what God is teaching you, or maybe you want to spend time in concentrated prayer–do that. Above all, just spend time in God’s presence. Each Rest Day, we will also introduce a memory verse for the week. Meditate on this week’s verse and begin to memorize it.

    Memory Verse

    12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.

    1 Timothy 4:12-13

    Memorization Tip

    Use community as a tool to help you in your Scripture memorization journey! Pick a few friends, or your Life Group, with whom to memorize Scripture. Practice together, hold each other accountable, and encourage one another as you work together. Remember that the best way to stick with a challenge is to not go at it alone!

    Worship with Us

    Join us in person or online at 9a or 11a at harriscreek.org/live. We’d love to worship with you! We also desire to connect everyone with a local church body where they can thrive in community and use their gifts to serve. If you’re following our Bible Reading Plan from outside of Waco and are eager to get connected with a great local church, email us at [email protected].

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  • 1 Timothy 4

    1 Timothy 4

    Read 1 Timothy 4

    1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. 2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth. 4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

    6 If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. 8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 10 That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.

    11 Command and teach these things. 12 Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy when the body of elders laid their hands on you.

    15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

    Go Deeper

    If you have ever needed a big dose of encouragement, look no further than this chapter, which is a letter of instruction to Timothy as he leads the church in Ephesus. Paul had been so impressed with this new Christian that Timothy became one of his closest disciples, and Paul wrote in Philippians that there was no one else like him. But Paul also knew that Timothy was younger in age and spiritual maturity and Timothy likely felt like he was up against more than he could handle in the hostile environment of the Ephesian church. He was acting with a spirit of timidity, and Paul knew he needed to be reminded of the power given to him through the Holy Spirit (see 2 Timothy 1).

    Timothy’s fears and doubts are understandable. He was facing older Ephesians who were more experienced in their theology, so not only was he facing the challenges of younger age and immaturity, he was also far less experienced in defending this new faith that he had accepted. The church was off track in both morality and theology, and Paul had dropped Timothy in the middle of it, putting him in charge and tasking him with getting everything on track. No easy task for sure!

    When God asks us to do something that seems insurmountable, whether physically or mentally or spiritually, it is good to remember what Paul tells Timothy: It doesn’t matter your age or your experience. It doesn’t matter if you feel inadequate or unprepared. If God is asking you to do it, devote yourself to the task before you and use the gifts He has given you. Be diligent. Give yourself wholly to that task. Keep a firm grasp on your character and your integrity, and don’t get distracted. 

    Whatever it is that God is asking us to do today, our fears and doubts are smaller than His assurances and power. He has not given us a spirit of timidity. Romans 8:11 tells us that God has given us His Spirit, the very same Spirit and power that raised Jesus from the dead, to dwell within us. If we truly believe that, then why would we fear? Let’s bravely get to the task set before us today!

    Questions

    1. What might God be asking you to do that seems overwhelming?
    2. Why do you think it seems overwhelming if you know God is calling you to it?
    3. Spend time praying about this and writing down how to accomplish what God is calling you to do.  What would it practically look like to diligently devote yourself to that task using the gifts He has given you?

    Did You Know?

    Timothy would have likely been in his 30s when he received this letter from Paul, but the principle of 1 Timothy 4:12 is a helpful reminder for all believers. We should always be looking at the generation coming up behind us and seeking to learn from them as they follow Christ as well, not dismissing them because of their age or experience (or lack thereof). 

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