Standing Firm to Resist Sinful Entanglements
Today’s Verse:
1 Timothy 6:11 ESV
But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness.
On today’s Church calendar, we remember Saint Timothy, Pastor and Confessor. As Paul encourages Timothy to stay faithful to his calling, this verse reminds us of our identity as baptized members of God’s family, where we are honored to be called “people of God. As Timothy before us, Paul urges him and us to turn away from sin and hold fast to the innumerable blessed of a life shaped by the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Timothy is urged in this verse to resist the temptations of greed, pride, and love of earthly things, which can easily entrap us in the snares of the Devil. Instead, he’s called to live a righteous and godly life, obeying God’s Word. Faith, love, steadfastness, and gentleness are not just admirable qualities we should keep; they’re gifts of the Holy Spirit that grow in us as we follow Jesus.
On this day as we remember Saint Timothy, let us all reflect on our own calling as followers of Jesus Christ. How can we stand firm in the faith and resist distractions of sin? How can we pursue the good things of our faith in Jesus that bring glory to God? Pray for the strength to live faithfully, trusting in God that He’s done it all to ensure our salvation, and that He will guide us in every good work.
Prayers
A Prayer for Today:
Gracious Father, thank You for the faithful witness of Saint Timothy and for the calling You have placed on my life. Help me to flee from sin and pursue righteousness, faith, and love. Strengthen me by Your Spirit to live boldly for Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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