QT 14/10/2024 Mon. 1Timothy 2. Before the watching world. 在世人的注视之下
QT 14/10/2024 Mon. 1Timothy 2
READ http://www.esvbible.org/1tim2
Because the world is watching, Paul urged Timothy to teach believers to have a prayerful attitude towards others, for "all people", even "for kings and all who are in high positions" (1Tim 2:1-2). There would then be a peaceful and quiet living space to pursue godliness and holiness without chaos.
This "dignified" testimony would persuade the world to be interested in the God who answers these prayers. Anger or quarreling would turn off the watching world (1Tim 2:8). So would immodest dressing and vain accessories (1Tim 2:8-9), or words not backed up by works (1Tim 2:10).
Disrespectful or chaotic relationships between men and women in a Christian assembly, or lack of "self-control", would be deemed a joke before the watching world (1Tim 2:11-15).
REFLECTION: Have others described you as "peaceful", "quiet", "godly" or "dignified in every way"? (1Tim 2:2) Why or why not?
The church leaders during Paul's time at Ephesus had lost the virtue of godliness, but instead were contentious and self-seeking—a behaviour that negatively influenced their followers. Both men and women in Ephesus then had neglected their respective duties. Perhaps people look at Christianity today with a sneer or gives a "boring" label. But Paul challenged them to godly, unselfish, consistent, sacrificial and courageous living so as to persuade and impact the watching world.
Both men and women must take on roles, tasks and responsibilities at home and out of it. Each family must come to their own consensus of what shared roles, solo roles or the apportionment thereof on their own. We do well to refer to the unique skillsets that each of us have. In God's community of the local church, both men and women must respond to one another with mutual respect and love. They must demonstrate the servanthood of Christ, rather than clamouring for status or official appointments.
星期一 2024年10月14日 今日读经:提摩太前书2章. 在世人的注视之下.
http://m.bbintl.org/bible/ncv/1Ti/2/
因为世人都在观看,保罗呼吁提摩太教导信徒对他人要有祷告的态度,为“万人”,甚至是“君王和一切有权位的”(提前2:1-2)恳求、祷告。那么他们就可以在平静和安稳中追求敬虔和圣洁的生活。
这“庄重”的见证将引起世界对这个垂听祷告的神的兴趣。愤怒和争论将让在观看的世人反感(提前2:8)。穿着不端庄和佩戴无谓的装饰(提前2:8-9),或没有善行支撑的空谈也会让世人反感(提前2:10)。
无礼或在基督徒聚会中,男女之间的混乱关系,或缺乏“自律”,都会被在观看的世人当作是笑话(提前2:11-15)。
反思:是否有人形容你是“平静”、“安稳”、“敬虔”或“在任何时候都是庄重”的?(提前2:2)有的话,为何?没有的话,那是为什么?
在保罗当时的以弗所,教会领袖们已经失去了敬虔的美德,而是争论不休,自寻烦恼。这种行为对他们的追随者产生了负面影响。当时以弗所的男人和女人都忽视了各自的职责。今天,人们也许会对基督教嗤之以鼻,或贴上 “无聊 ”的标签。但保罗挑战他们要敬虔、无私、始终如一、牺牲和勇敢地生活,以说服和影响在旁观看的世界。
男人和女人都必须承担起家庭内外的角色、任务和责任。每个家庭都必须就共同角色、单独角色或角色分配达成自己的共识。我们可以参考我们每个人所拥有的独特技能。在作为上帝的地方教会里,男人和女人都必须以相互尊重和爱来回应彼此。他们必须表现出基督的仆人本色,而不是喧宾夺主,争夺地位或职位。