A note from our Pastor:

”For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.”

1 Timothy 4:10

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

When reading and studying scripture, it is often necessary to understand the differences between the lives led by the authors of the text and the lives led today by disciples. Many of the examples Jesus used during his ministry are misinterpreted because of a lack of understanding of the context in which they were taught. Our study verse this week draws on the experiences of men like the Apostle Paul in the first century of humankind following Christ.

The Apostle’s life was defined by two eras. The first era of his life was constituted by being a Jew and a Pharisee. His walk was in following the laws of Judaism, to the point, that he was the persecutor of the early disciples. The second era of his life started on the road to Damascus and was defined in so many instances by his persecution at the hands of the Jewish and Roman authorities. He was beaten, whipped, jailed, and so much more. 

The modern disciple, especially in America, cannot relate to the tribulation which the Apostle both inflicted and suffered. But it is this experience which caused the Apostle in this verse to say that while he labored in service to God he also suffered the reproach of men. Because the reproach was not merely unkind words but rather physical torture it required a great strength, provided by God, to continue down that path.

It was from this place the Apostle wrote the second half of this verse. First, he says we trust in God. That was the only way forward in the labor required. Second, he says God is the savior of all men. This was not a reference to all of humankind, but rather a reference to all of the elect. All those which were chosen before the foundation of the world. The Apostle is expressing the truth and his confidence in the truth of God saving his chosen people eternally.

Finally, the Apostle calls out a subsection of those elect. Those that believe, receive an additional and different salvation which happens during this life. The Apostle had been and would continue to be tortured in the worst ways, but despite this, he saw the salvation that God provided him daily. His providential care, his grace, his mercy, and his love were always apparent to the Apostle. 

Perhaps it is more difficult for us to see this daily care because we are not in the austere situations the Apostle was, but the truth is no less. God provides salvation both eternally and daily for his people.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah