SEARCHLIGHT
What do you believe that is making you what you are?
SCRIPTURE
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. 1 Timothy 1:15 NIV
Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task. 1 Timothy 3:1 NIV
This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance. 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. 1 Timothy 4:9,10 NIV
SPOTLIGHT
How important are the foundational pillars to any building structure? Without being an engineer, you would be quick to say they are very important. What keeps a tall skyscraper from toppling over when there is a storm? I was purchasing a home, so I invited a friend who was an engineer to inspect it. He spent more time in the basement than anywhere else. When I questioned him about this, he told me that the foundation was key to the entire structure.
On a personal note, how important are the foundational pillars for your life? Perhaps you have not given this much thought. But God has! Biblical pillars give people a strong foundation to achieve their highest purposes and weather all types of storms throughout life. The Bible identifies 5 foundational pillars in 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus. [These 3 books are known as the Pastoral Epistles.] Paul wrote them to give a strong spiritual base to these young pastors and their congregation of believers. The 5 pillars are identifiable as being foundational because Paul used a repeated phrase to introduce all of them. He wrote, “Here/this is a trustworthy saying.” In addition, Paul used the phrase “deserves full acceptance,” 2 times to further make his point.
For the next 3 devotionals, let’s explore what Paul identified as the 5 all-important spiritual foundation pillars to live life well. How blessed you will be when you build your life upon them!
Pillar #1 - Salvation is needed by all and is only provided by Jesus Christ. See 1Timothy 1:15. Why did Jesus leave sinless heaven and come into a sinful world? He came out of love because all people are sinners. Everyone is in danger of eternal death. Jesus came to offer eternal life. Putting it personally, Jesus left heaven and came to earth to die for your salvation.
Pillar #2 - Accepting God’s assignments by aspiring to serve Him leads to experiencing the highest quality of life. See 1 Timothy 3:1. God knows everyone’s full potential. Serving God causes a person to become highly principled. Church leadership is one of the highest forms of serving God. Putting it personally, God wants you to have Godly ambitions by doing Godly ministry so you will develop Godly nobility.
Pillar #3 - Nothing is ever lost by sharing the Gospel and suffering for Jesus Christ because real hope only comes from God who gives salvation to all who believe. See 1Timothy 4:9,10. There are challenges and advantages to being a believer. People may persecute believers for spreading the Good News. But who can be quiet when God gives hope to all who believe Jesus Christ is the Savior. Only God’s Son makes hope available to all people. This hope can only be received by believing God. Putting it personally, should you experience persecution, you will never lose now or in the future by putting your hope in God.
These 3 foundational pillars are what God wants you to build your life upon. They are key to living a life that will be pleasing to God and productive for the sake of others. These pillars will shape you and lead you to significantly impact the eternal destiny of many people.
Pillar #1 focuses on your personal relationship with your Creator. It tells you how much God loves you by sending Jesus, His Son, to earth to die for your SALVATION.
Pillar #2 focuses on your purpose and capabilities. It tells you how important it is to use your abilities not just to live for yourself but to honor God in Christian SERVICE.
Pillar #3 focuses on your calling by God to share and suffer for the Good News. It tells you the hope God gives you is always worth more than any SACRIFICE.
What you believe makes you what you are. Will you build your life on these 3 foundational pillars God has given to you?
SOMETHING TO DO
The 3 pillars mentioned above lead to 3 questions:
- Have you made Jesus Christ your personal Savior and Lord?
- Are you available to serve God in any way He would lead you?
- Will you willingly trust Jesus, the Hope Giver, regardless of any personal cost?
SOUL TIME PRAYER
I bow my head today in prayer to You, Lord God, to affirm that Your Son, Jesus Christ, is my personal Savior and Lord. I will serve You in any way because I love You. You are giving me a fulfilling life. I have decided to follow You, Lord God, regardless of the cost. My hope is in You! AMEN