Living by false standards of cleanness won’t make us clean.
Consider the example of the slave, who served his master with love. Only a sense of the love of Christ could produce such a love for one another. Our love is often cold, and unfortunately the world sees that. But here is an example of love that leaves the world stunned. Beloved in Christ, let us love like this—a genuine love that flows from the love of Christ.
No matter how hard we row the boat – no matter how much we might try to cure our own diseases – we can’t make ourselves well.
Jesus feeds his sheep. You can count on it.
Christ has established guidance and governance and goodness for his people, through the care of faithful elders.
God's glory is the visible manifestation of his perfections shining forth in this world. In Psalm 29, written by King David, God displays his glory in a number of ways. He shines in heaven in the glory of his holiness, as David demands all the angels of heaven to worship him. God thunders in the storm and displays the glory of his power, and he calls us to acknowledge before the world that he is the creator. God sits as king over the flood, displaying the glory of his sovereignty. And God dwells among his people, displaying the glory of his love, which is seen most clearly in Jesus Christ bearing the storm of God's judgment in our place. And in him we can draw near to worship God, and find strength and peace.
Timothy is called to pastor all people in the church, and show them honor as he would fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters. And the church should reflect God's heart by giving honor and dignity to godly widows who have devoted themselves to good works, so that they can continue to serve while being supported by the church.
Though Christians should expect to encounter opposition at some point – and though we should expect rejection to take different forms – we shouldn’t forget what God has waiting for us.
The effectiveness of God's Word isn't intended to lead God's people into carelessness, but into perseverance.
And as Jesus continues to engage his Church in the great mission of making disciples – as he continues to send us out – he still supplies those whom he sends.