....December 9th Devotion
Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 5–6; Titus 1–3
Scripture Focus
“…This is something that pleases God.”
— 1 Timothy 5:4b
“I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone.”
— 1 Timothy 5:21 (NLT)
“Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them… These are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life…
But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things.
Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
Fight the good fight for the true faith.
Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you…
that you obey this command without wavering, so no one can find fault with you…”
— 1 Timothy 6:2–3, 11–12, 14 (NLT)
⸻
Reflection
Did you know Paul personally spent time with Jesus?
Not during Jesus’ earthly ministry—but after the resurrection, when Jesus revealed Himself to Paul and taught him the gospel by revelation (Galatians 1:11–12).
So when Paul gives instructions for godly living, these are not Paul’s ideas.
These are the teachings of Jesus Himself, delivered through His chosen apostle.
And because they come from Jesus, these instructions are not suggestions.
They are commands for everyone who calls themselves a child of God.
Why?
Because our highest calling—our greatest purpose—is to bring God glory, honor Him, and represent Him well in this world. And through the Holy Spirit, we can live this way.
⸻
The Heart of Paul’s Message (1 Timothy + Titus)
When Paul writes to Timothy and Titus, he’s telling them:
“Teach God’s people how to live lives that reflect Him.”
Titus begins with this clear declaration:
“I have been sent… to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.”
— Titus 1:1 (NLT)
God’s children must know the truth
—and live the truth.
Paul then gives specific examples for believers:
•Older women must live in a way that honors God.
•They must teach what is good.
•They must model integrity and self-control.
•Everything we do should make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
•Every believer must turn from godless living and sinful pleasures.
•We are called to live with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God in this present world.
(From Titus 2:3, 7, 10, 12 — NLT)
It all ties together:
✔ Godly living pleases God.
✔ Godly living teaches others.
✔ Godly living protects us.
✔ Godly living presents Jesus beautifully to the world.
So the message in Titus is the same as 1 Timothy:
**Teach believers the truth…
and live in a way that reflects Jesus.**
Godly instruction is always tied to godly obedience.
Truth must shape how we live.
⸻
Lesson for Me
If I say I belong to Jesus…
then my life must look like someone who belongs to Jesus.
•His commands are for my protection.
•His Word is for my transformation.
•His Spirit empowers my obedience.
•My godly living makes His gospel believable and beautiful to others.
I am called to run from what pulls me away from God
and pursue what draws me closer.
I am called to fight the right battles—
not with pride or arguments,
but with faith, gentleness, endurance, and love.
I am called to hold tightly to eternal life—
not the temporary things of this world.
⸻
Application Questions
1.What does it look like for me to “obey without wavering” in this season of my life?
2.Are there areas where I am treating Jesus’ instructions like suggestions instead of commands?
3.How can my life make the teaching about God my Savior “attractive” to others this week?
4.What sinful habits or attitudes do I need to run from?
5.What godly qualities (faith, love, perseverance, gentleness) is the Holy Spirit asking me to pursue right now?
⸻
Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You for giving me clear instructions through Your Word.
Help me to treasure Your commands as gifts—not burdens.
Teach me to obey without wavering, to run from what dishonors You,
and to pursue a life that reflects Your love, Your purity, and Your truth.
Empower me by the Holy Spirit to live in a way that brings You glory
and makes Your gospel beautiful to those around me.
Make me a woman who knows the truth and lives it.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
⸻
Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus and ask Him:
“Lord, what are You calling me to obey today?
What do You want to strengthen or change in me?”
Write down what He shows you.
Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 5–6; Titus 1–3
Scripture Focus
“…This is something that pleases God.”
— 1 Timothy 5:4b
“I solemnly command you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus and the highest angels to obey these instructions without taking sides or showing favoritism to anyone.”
— 1 Timothy 5:21 (NLT)
“Teach these things, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them… These are the wholesome teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. These teachings promote a godly life…
But you, Timothy, are a man of God; so run from all these evil things.
Pursue righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness.
Fight the good fight for the true faith.
Hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you…
that you obey this command without wavering, so no one can find fault with you…”
— 1 Timothy 6:2–3, 11–12, 14 (NLT)
⸻
Reflection
Did you know Paul personally spent time with Jesus?
Not during Jesus’ earthly ministry—but after the resurrection, when Jesus revealed Himself to Paul and taught him the gospel by revelation (Galatians 1:11–12).
So when Paul gives instructions for godly living, these are not Paul’s ideas.
These are the teachings of Jesus Himself, delivered through His chosen apostle.
And because they come from Jesus, these instructions are not suggestions.
They are commands for everyone who calls themselves a child of God.
Why?
Because our highest calling—our greatest purpose—is to bring God glory, honor Him, and represent Him well in this world. And through the Holy Spirit, we can live this way.
⸻
The Heart of Paul’s Message (1 Timothy + Titus)
When Paul writes to Timothy and Titus, he’s telling them:
“Teach God’s people how to live lives that reflect Him.”
Titus begins with this clear declaration:
“I have been sent… to teach them to know the truth that shows them how to live godly lives.”
— Titus 1:1 (NLT)
God’s children must know the truth
—and live the truth.
Paul then gives specific examples for believers:
•Older women must live in a way that honors God.
•They must teach what is good.
•They must model integrity and self-control.
•Everything we do should make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.
•Every believer must turn from godless living and sinful pleasures.
•We are called to live with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God in this present world.
(From Titus 2:3, 7, 10, 12 — NLT)
It all ties together:
✔ Godly living pleases God.
✔ Godly living teaches others.
✔ Godly living protects us.
✔ Godly living presents Jesus beautifully to the world.
So the message in Titus is the same as 1 Timothy:
**Teach believers the truth…
and live in a way that reflects Jesus.**
Godly instruction is always tied to godly obedience.
Truth must shape how we live.
⸻
Lesson for Me
If I say I belong to Jesus…
then my life must look like someone who belongs to Jesus.
•His commands are for my protection.
•His Word is for my transformation.
•His Spirit empowers my obedience.
•My godly living makes His gospel believable and beautiful to others.
I am called to run from what pulls me away from God
and pursue what draws me closer.
I am called to fight the right battles—
not with pride or arguments,
but with faith, gentleness, endurance, and love.
I am called to hold tightly to eternal life—
not the temporary things of this world.
⸻
Application Questions
1.What does it look like for me to “obey without wavering” in this season of my life?
2.Are there areas where I am treating Jesus’ instructions like suggestions instead of commands?
3.How can my life make the teaching about God my Savior “attractive” to others this week?
4.What sinful habits or attitudes do I need to run from?
5.What godly qualities (faith, love, perseverance, gentleness) is the Holy Spirit asking me to pursue right now?
⸻
Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You for giving me clear instructions through Your Word.
Help me to treasure Your commands as gifts—not burdens.
Teach me to obey without wavering, to run from what dishonors You,
and to pursue a life that reflects Your love, Your purity, and Your truth.
Empower me by the Holy Spirit to live in a way that brings You glory
and makes Your gospel beautiful to those around me.
Make me a woman who knows the truth and lives it.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
⸻
Journaling Reminder
Sit quietly with Jesus and ask Him:
“Lord, what are You calling me to obey today?
What do You want to strengthen or change in me?”
Write down what He shows you.