1 Timothy 2:11-15 The Bible’s complementarian understanding of gender roles in the Christian fellowship, and in marriage and the family, is profoundly counter-cultural and offensive in the modern world. But it is God’s good design, and when understood and lived out rightly, is for our flourishing as men and women.
the workplace, but the Bible insists that we are. God made us equal but different, to complement one another. In this passage we start to explore how that works out on the ground in the Christian fellowship.
1 Timothy 2:1-7 One rule for all. That’s what people want. That’s why there was such anger about No.10 lockdown parties. If there are rules then they should apply equally to everyone. One rule for all is what we want – and that’s what we get with God, whoever we are. There is one God, one mediator, and one message for all.
1 Timothy 1:12-20 What’s so great about the gospel? Why does Paul call it ‘the glorious gospel’? Because through it God mercifully saves sinners, and enlists them in his service. In this passage we get to see what God did for Paul through the gospel, and what he has done, or could do, for each of us.
But even more important is spiritual health, and that concern is central to this letter. Churches and Christians grow spiritually healthy through a diet of sound, health-giving teaching – and by steering well away from spiritual junk food.
Numbers 6:24-26 ‘We wish you a happy and prosperous 2022’ say the cards. But such wishes lack any power, and are nothing more than saying that you hope things work out. By contrast the Aaronic blessing is a powerful prayer which asks God for what we need most in the year ahead.
Luke 1:67-79 Christmas is a dark, cold time of year. It’s the time we get out the lights – candles on tables, fairy lights on trees. These lights are a good reminder about the true meaning of Christmas – Jesus came to ‘give light to those who sit in darkness’. But what is this darkness, and what is the light he brings?
Ephesians 1:15-23 The quest for wealth and power has driven China’s modern history over the past 150 years, but it is also right at the heart of western culture. It is the air we breathe and the water in which we swim. But Paul’s prayer redefines what true wealth and power is, and challenges us to set our hearts on
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 As believers we are more like plants than machines. A machine needs maintaining to keep going, but a plant is to keep growing. And so as believers we are not just to keep going but growing – especially in love and holiness. That should be our concern for ourselves and for one another.
Colossians 1:3-14 Lots of people have life goals. Without goals we will just wander through life without direction. But what are God’s goals for your life? And how do yours compare with them? That is what is revealed in Paul’s prayers.
