Advent – more to wait for!

When I last week asked the question “What am I waiting for?” – I answered “Your kingdom come!”.
Of course this links very well with the forthcoming celebration of the coming of the King of kings.

However, it must not stop with the celebration of the coming of Christ more than 2000 years ago; or with the coming of Christ in and through his body of believers today. Until Christ returns at the end of time, what I will be waiting and longing for is covered in the prayer:

“Your will be done!”
Matthew 6:10

The good news about what the will of God is, was made known by the angel at the birth of Jesus:

“a Saviour has been born to you!”
Luke 2:11

The whole purpose with “Christmas” was to give the world a Saviour so that “whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”(1). When the first Christians prayed the Lord’s prayer, they knew that the greatest desire of God is that: “God our Saviour, … wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth”(2).

When I am waiting for God’s will to be done, it is a challenge when I already know what his will is. It would be simpler if I didn’t know and could ask him what it was. I cannot ask him to save the world, because he has already done it. The challenge is that so many people in the world do not know this truth. When I know the will of God and that he has already done his part, I am the closest one to do something with what I know. When I in advent-expectations pray: “Your will be done!” it is very likely that solution is found in the

‘Manna’ for today:

Sometimes I have the key to the answer to a prayer in my own heart.

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(1) John 3:16b
(2) 1 Timothy 2:4

Whose gift is it?

NORSK
When I am teaching on the subject of spiritual gifts, I have on rare occasion used questionnaires which are created to help people to find their gifting. The reason why it has become rare, is that I think that their usefulness is limited. The questionnaires are good because they demystify the subject; and they are good because they contribute to keeping a focus on an important resource available for all Christians.

However, I am afraid that they can limit the Spirit’s work in and through us by focus on “What is your spiritual gift?” Because is a spiritual gift really my gift?

Yes, I know that Peter said to the lame man:

“Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”
Acts 3:6

But I am convinced that Peter did not consider it to be his gift. He was 100% dependent on the Spirit.

When people ask me if I have any spiritual gift, I prefer to answer “No”. Because even though people have been healed as a result of prayer, it has nothing to do with me. If it had, it should have happened every time I prayed for healing. Spiritual gifts belong to the Spirit.

Paul saw several people healed when he prayed for them, but I am sure even he many times did not see the result he wanted – I am sure he had prayed for Timothy’s stomach trouble without success (1). He had also health issues himself (2) – and even though I believe his ‘thorn in the flesh’ refers to persecution, his prayers were answered with: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (3)

PauI prophesied, but even so, he was aware of the limitations:

We know in part and we prophesy in part; but when the perfect comes, what is partial will be brought to an end.
1 Cor 13:9-10

The perfect is yet to come, but that did not stop Paul, nor should it stop us searching for the gifts, because:

‘Manna’ for today:

The Spirit is perfect, and it is in him we move.

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(1) 1 Timothy 5:23
(2) Galatians 4:13-15
(3) 2 Corinthians 12:9

The wages of hard work

NORSK
Today's instruction has several possible interpretations:

The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.
2 Tim 2:6

Paul has previously touched the issue of "wages" in the letters to Timothy (1) and when he wrote to the church at Corinth, he used a whole chapter on the subject (2). It is very likely that the verse about the farmer also is about wages or reward, but I also see another message in the short sentence:
Hard work is precondition for a good harvest. 

Paul has also touched this theme in another letter:

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
2 Cor 9:6

The context of this verse about the ministry of giving. However, giving has a wider scope than just donation of financial means, generosity in the time and work we put into the kingdom of God definitely has a great value, and generosity in all areas of life provides opportunities to reap blessings. It is a good idea to use the work of a farmer as image of the ministry in God's kingdom. 
Even this image Paul has used before - when he likened the church in Corinth to "God’s field" (3).
 
'Manna' for today:

Hard work results in harvest!

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(1) “The worker deserves his wages.” 1 Timothy 5:18
(2) 1 Corinthians 9
(3) 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

Love, money and enjoyment

NORSK
Not all combinations of words in today's title will turn out to be good. The "Love of Money" is not a good trait. According to Paul, it is the "root of all kinds of evil" (1), and he gave the following call to Timothy:

Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
1 Timothy 6:17

I am very happy for this verse because it shows that it is OK to enjoy. Renunciation and self-denial are parts of a disciple's life, and Paul taught Timothy about such matters too. It may seem like a contradiction to the statement that ‘God richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment’, but it belongs in the same package. I become a steward of all God has given me, and the joy of being able to share becomes part of the enjoyment.

A good friend, who is now with the Lord, had little money to spend. But one day he unexpectedly received a larger amount. I do not think he spent a penny on himself, but he enjoyed being able to share with them he had wanted to share with all of his life. However, he had done nothing wrong if he had spent the money on himself, but he used the freedom to choose what he wanted most.

The point is that all that God provides us with, should be enjoyed, but the important question is who or what controls my life. Money and pleasure can be used for something good and empowering, but detached from the love of God they can cause much evil.

‘Manna’ for today:

Everything can be tested on love

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(1) 1 Tim 6:10

... and along comes the money issue…

NORSK
It is interesting that the focus on money is not a modern issue. When Jesus taught that it is impossible to serve both God and Mammon, Luke continued his narrative with an interesting piece of information:

The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus.
Luke 16:14

It seems to be very human to love money, and there is much to suggest that the focus on money rapidly became an issue also in the early church. Paul warned Timothy against those ‘who think that godliness is a means to financial gain’, and continued:

But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.
1 Timothy 6:6-8 

It is possible that Paul has taken these thoughts from the book of Job, a man who after having lost everything said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” (1); however, I do not have to lose everything in order to have the great gain of contentment. 

Many of the revival movements have emphasized the principle that "godliness with contentment is great gain" in a way that has become a hallmark for the movement. We saw it in the revivals in the 19th century in Norway, and I still see it in the Salvation Army in many parts of the world.

I strongly believe that God is our provider and that he gives us what we need, but I find little support in God's word for a theology built on prosperity and promises of financial riches for personal gain. On the other hand, Paul wrote that “God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” (2) The purpose is for the benefit of His kingdom. I believe it and I have experienced that it is true, but that has nothing to do with worshiping Mammon.

Today 'manna':

God is my provider!

------------------------------
(1) Job 1:21
(2) 2 Cor 9:8

Misuse of the Bible

A couple of days back I wrote about "Detailed instructions" and that some of the instructions are outdated. I am convinced that some because of that statement immediately concluded that "Jostein is no longer true to the Bible". However, if I read everything Paul wrote, it may on the contrary be abuse to draw conclusions from the individual verses that I call ‘outdated’ (1).
 
This is a typical example:

All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered. Those who have believing masters should not show them disrespect just because they are fellow believers. Instead, they should serve them even better because their masters are dear to them as fellow believers and are devoted to the welfare of their slaves. These are the things you are to teach and insist on.
1 Timothy 6:1-2

It would be totally wrong of me to interpret this exhortation to suggest that Paul was a supporter of slavery. In his understanding, slavery is unthinkable in God's kingdom. The same applies to the fact that all individuals have equal value regardless of gender and ethnic background (2). However, if this was his position, the obvious question arises:

“Why did Paul ask Timothy to teach and insist on subordination?”

I think the answer is very simple. 
Paul did not believe in a transformation through an upheaval. He was convinced by "the most excellent way" (3) and that God’s love from within would transform not only the individuals but the relationships between them and ultimately the entire community. It was not about an outward revolution based on power and violence, but an inner revolution guided by a love that never perishes.

Unfortunately, power, separated from love, corrupted even the church throughout its history. This has led both to defense of slavery and oppression of women, but it is not in line with the Word of God. Rather it is contempt of what God through His Word want to see come true: Unity and equality in Jesus Christ. Such contempt is also expressed in 2017. Therefore, I must “keep a close watch over myself” so that I do not misuse the Word in the same way.

'Manna' for today:

It is possible to misuse the word of God

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(1) If you read “Detailed instructions”, you will also see the statement “the spirit and the care behind the instruction form a principal of eternal value”
(2) There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. Gal 3:28
(3) And yet I will show you the most excellent way - 1 Corinthians 12: 31b, and from there Paul wrote The Chapter of Love

To live transparent

NORSK
I did not like the new building that houses The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters until I five years ago heard the philosophy behind. General John Gowans had a clear purpose when the new IHQ was constructed in glass. Gowans wanted the building to be a signal that the Army desires to be completely transparent.

This is also the desire behind the “Journey of Renewal” campaign that is currently ongoing, and which also is the base of the study I am doing on how Paul made Timothy accountable for the mission entrusted to him.

Today I read:

The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.
1 Timothy 5: 24-25

“It cannot remain hidden forever”, my grandmother used to say. As a child I was unsure if it was a comfort or a threat – today I think it was both. 

A few days ago Obama pardoned Chelsea Manning who in 2010 was arrested for having leaked extreme amounts of confidential information to WikiLeaks. Manning was sentenced to jail for another 28 years. I do not know if the pardon was given exclusively on humanitarian grounds, or whether Obama has become aware of the fact that in our time “nothing can remain hidden forever”.

I believe Paul wrote this to Timothy at least two reasons:

1. Timothy should be aware that among those he was appointed to lead would be people who both lived openly with sin and people who did things in secret - but, Timothy you need to know: “nothing can remain hidden forever”.
2. It was given as clear advice to Timothy to live transparent.

Paul wrote about on this subject in several letters, like here: “everything exposed by the light becomes visible” (1).

I believe that my quality of life is best when I dare to live in the light - in other words live openly and transparent. The one who does not have secrets, has no fear of exposure. This is the liberating gospel believers are entrusted to preach.

'Manna' for today:

Dare to live transparent in the light of the world

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(1) Ephesians 5:13

Care for your stomach too!

"Care for the whole person" would be an appropriate headline for the fifth chapter in the first letter Paul wrote to Timothy. I have chosen one verse. It is an example of Paul’s care for Timothy. He did not only care for Timothy’s role as an example or for his spiritual health, but also for his physical health:

Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.
1 Timothy 5:23

It is not only in his concern for Timothy Paul expresses his holistic view of a human being. I find it in many of his letters, and here is another example:

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23

More than 45 years of Bible reading has made it increasingly difficult for me to understand how Gnostic thinking could gain entry into Christian doctrine. Gnosticism represents a dualistic view of man: The soul represents something superior, while the body represents something inferior. Throughout the church history, these thoughts have surfaced from time to time. Occasional I meet people who utter statements revealing that such thoughts are alive even in our time. It is sad, because we are created in God’s image as “whole people”. He who made us, loves us as whole people, because he is body, soul and Spirit and remains “One”, and he says:

As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
John 13: 34b

Then caring for the whole person is a natural response.

‘Manna’ for today:

It is about caring for the whole person

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Keep a close watch on yourself

NORSK
An important part of a Christian mentor’s task is to build independence in such a way that the only dependence his disciple has, is his relationship with Jesus Christ. Paul was aware of this:

Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
1 Tim 4:16

Sometimes I get messages from people who feel that other people have failed them, and sometimes that a whole congregation has let them down. Unfortunately, it happens that I have to agree with their assessment. That is sad, but it is even sadder that many who encounter such an experience end up failing their own values, their beliefs and thus end up failing themselves. 

Paul knew from experience that young Timothy would face situations where people would let him down. Therefore, he encouraged Timothy to keep a close watch on himself and make sure he was steadfast both in his salvation and his teaching.

I think this is important for all believers, and especially if I am conscious of my position as a role model. How I teach and live is not any longer a "private matter" between me and the Lord. It has become an influence that can cause people to either being attracted or offended by the faith I represent. So an exhortation to ‘keep a close watch on myself’ has nothing to do with an ego trip.

‘Manna’ for today:

Lord, help to keep a close watch on myself!

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Can a role model make progress?

NORSK
If I take today’s challenge given to Timothy seriously, the answer to the question must be a definite “Yes!”:

Practice these things, and live by them so that your progress will be visible to all.
1 Tim 4:15

Even though I am in Jesus Christ, and therefore am “good enough”, there will always be room for more of Jesus in me. Therefore, I can relax in the grace, but still have a goal to make progress. It can happen through focus on the 'things' Paul identified and told Timothy to practice. 

Nevertheless, focus on practices is just about consciousness. When I am conscious about the 'things', I need to “live by them”. Again Paul is stressing that it is all about "life". This reminder can never be repeated too often, because it is when the practices become parts of our life that the progress becomes visible to "all", even though we do not notice it ourselves.

‘Manna’ for today:

Where life is, progress is a natural part.

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Fiery passion and intensity

NORSK
I have known about Martin Luther King’s famous speech: ‘I have a dream’ since I was a boy. In connection with the fact that he yesterday would have turned 88, a radio-channel honoured him with a reference to the speech. 
According to the information given, Luther King began by sharing important thoughts from a manuscript. After a while a person in the first row of more than 200.000 listeners suddenly called out: ‘Tell’em about your dream, Martin!’

King left his manuscript, and then followed one of the most celebrated speeches in history. I believe it became famous because it was driven not only by a dream, but by an intense passion. That which comes from the heart, will reach its target. When Paul wrote about the spiritual gifts, it was the gifts of the Spirit he had in mind. 

The Holy Spirit lives in the believer’s spirit, and in the Bible the human heart is often used as a synonym for the human spirit. When Paul instructed Timothy to focus on Scripture-reading, preaching and teaching, he was aware of the fact that all these activities can take place without the intense passion involved in the “releasing the Holy Spirit”. I believe that is why he continued in this way:

Don’t neglect the spiritual gift in you that was given through prophecy when the elders laid hands on you.
1 Tim 4:14

Paul reminded Timothy about this already in the introduction of this letter (1), and he did it again in the introduction of the second letter (2). This confirms how important it is to have this dimension when I live as a disciple and want to fulfil the mission given to me.

‘Manna’ for today:

The passion of the Holy Spirit is vital for the success of the mission

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(1) See: ‘Pass it on’
(2) See: ‘The mentor is clear and direct’

Important support functions in training of strength

NORSK
Paul gave a very clear message to Timothy about which areas he should focus on while he was in charge of the church at Ephesus:

Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching.
1 Tim 4:13 

It becomes clear that Timothy’s major function was to support those who had already come to faith in Jesus Christ, a function normally covered by the pastor. There is biblical support for saying that Timothy’s primary ministry gift, was to be an evangelist (1), and I believe that evangelist also was the role in which Paul flourished. Nevertheless, both he and Timothy were very busy consolidating the churches with all the painful consequences that had for them (2), and in this strengthening of the churches, these elements are important:

• the public reading of Scripture,
• preaching,
• teaching.

These are elements that also are important for my personal exercise to become stronger. The reading of Scripture and teaching are self-explicable. But I want to share some thoughts on “preaching”. The stem of the Greek word Paul used, is the stem of the name Jesus gave the Holy Spirit = Paraclete. The options for translation of this word, are multiple: Comforter, Advocate, Consoler, Encourager, Refresher, Intercessor, Helper and so on. 

The concept of the original word for preaching embraces all these qualities. That is why the pastor in all his functions is fully dependent upon the Spirit who gives life (3). The same dependence I have in my personal exercise.

‘Manna’ for today:

The Spirit gives life

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(1) 2 Tim 4:5 
(2) 2 Cor 11:28
(3) 2 Cor 3:6

On the arena of purity

NORSK
Today I am entering the last arena on which I am called to set an example

“…set an example … in purity…”
1 Tim 4:12

If you are a frequent reader and have followed my blog for some time, you may remember that I some months back wrote that holiness is about purity (1).

For William Booth holiness was a synonym for holiness, “A pure heart will ensure a Holy Life!” he stated in the 4th chapter of his book “Purity of heart” (2) – the tittle confirms his focus.

That the arena of purity comes last, confirms to me that there is a thought about a progression in the order Paul presented them. After his conversion, Paul’s life had been a continues race towards the goal of Christ likeness. When he wrote to the Philippians, it is participation in this race he asks his readers to see as an example:

Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.
Phil 3:17

‘Manna’ for today:

Role models chase for purity

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(1) «It is about purity»
(2) William Booth in “The Founder Speaks again” SP&S 1960 s 20

On the arena of faith

NORSK
Yesterday, I wrote that the order of the arenas on which we are challenged to set an example hardly can be random. At least it seems obvious with the first three, but shouldn’t the arena of faith be the first instead of the fourth?

“…set an example … in faith…”
1 Tim 4:12

If it is about receiving the gospel, I believe it would be correct to place the faith earlier, but this is about setting an example. Therefore, I dare claim that the placing gives meaning. I am convinced that Paul writes about the mature faith. A fresh faith may easily become haughty, and I speak from experience. When I as a young teenager experienced that faith was life and not just a set of dogmas and rules, I was convinced that I had seen not just “the light”, but all of it. The faith I conveyed did not necessarily have its base on the arena of love.

When Jesus came he was “full of grace and truth” (1). In many ways grace represents love, and faith truth. If grace does not precede truth, the encounter with truth can be brutal. If love does not precede faith, even faith can be brutal because the faith may be conceived as demanding.

“There is a difference between demands and demands, and must and must” Tomas Sjødin writes, and continues: “I call the necessary demands for ‘love's demands’, and I do this because of observation made of what happens when we draw closer to love. In a subtle way the demands are transformed to longing or desire. In relation to the one I love, there are many things I must, but the demands are far from dull duties. ‘I just must hear your voice!’ ‘I must see you.’” (2)

That is how it is supposed to be with faith. I act in obedience because of love to him who loved me first.

‘Manna’ for today:

Love is the main entrance to the arena of love

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(1) John 1:14
(2) In the book: «Det er mye man ikke må», Vårt Land forlag, 2015 p 11

A smile on the arena of love

NORSK
It is one year ago today, since Magna and I were on the arena of terror in Istanbul. My first desire was to communicate a message of love, and God immediately gave me opportunities to do so during the following hours.

My first entry on the blog after the incident expressed the same: ‘I have to speak about love’ – and since then the opportunities to focus on God's love have lined up like a queue.

However, to speak and write about love does neither make me or other people to an example in the way Paul referred to:

“…set an example … in love…”
1 Tim 4:12

I do not think that the order Paul gave the arenas is a coincident

1. speech
2. conduct
3. love.

I not be surprised if the order illustrates a spiritual development. Anyway, I am convinced that if my words and my conduct are to be experienced as a greeting from God by people I meet, it is essential that they are driven by love.

Although Paul in the famous “chapter of love” confessed that his understanding was very limited, at least he understood that love is the most important ingredient in Christian life and living (2).

The role model above all role models, Jesus, said:

Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13

After this statement there is no need for additional comments.

‘Manna’ for today:

Without love, role models become idols who love to be worshiped

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(1) Occasionally God’s love can be manifested in an unexpected “smile”
(2) 1 Cor 13

On the arena of conduct

NORSK
The arena of speech, which I wrote about yesterday, is definitely very important. An equally strong testimony will arise from taking today’s challenge seriously:

“…set an example … in conduct…”
1 Tim 4:12

Normally I start working on the blog for the next day every morning. Yesterday, I had made the decision to quote a verse Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, because 'conduct' is the core theme in the letters he wrote to them, and this verse does in many ways confirm why:

“You yourselves are our letter, written on our hearts, known and read by everyone. You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry”
2 Cor 3:2-3  

Some hours later I took part in a funeral. We were gathered around the open coffin of the 33-year-old Sergeant Major in Botanica corps. Vladimir died after a very short illness and is survived by a wife who is expecting their first child in near future. There was a lot of tears, combined with gratitude for Vladimir's life and his very strong testimony and clear focus. His focus on salvation was also very evident during the entire ceremony. 

Among the speeches of gratitude, there was a retired officer who read the verse quoted above, and she concluded: "Vladimir lived as Christ's letter of recommendation." 

In a brief glimpse I saw his wife smile through the tears. She knows that it is true, I and many others know that it is true. Vladimir was an example for the believers, but also for the family and other friends who had turned up to say goodbye. They heard a clear message of faith, hope and love.

At the last meeting Vladimir attended at his corps a short while ago, the corps officer asked the congregation a rhetorical question: “Can you confess that you are ready to meet God?” - Then Vladimir declared out loud: “Yes, I'm ready!”

Vladimir has gone home to be with the Lord, but we will continue to read the letter he leaves behind.

‘Manna’ for today:

Role models are letters read by all

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* The ribbon we all pinned on our jackets, states: "Until we meet in heaven"

On the arena of speech

NORSK
When Paul encouraged Timothy to be an example, he identified five arenas where it is important to be a role model. Today I will look at the first one:

“…set an example … in speech…”
1 Tim 4:12 

It shouldn’t be a surprise. Paul had already told Timothy to have nothing to do with myths and old wives’ tales (1), and like James (2), Paul often encouraged the disciples to be careful with their speech. In his letter to the Ephesians, he wrote:

“Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children … Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.”
Epf 5:1 & 4

It has happened that I on the arena of speech has uttered things that are out of place, but even though it did amuse the listeners, it made me unhappy. God is the Creator of laughter, and I love to laugh. Fortunately, there is an abundance of humour that makes me laugh which is not out of place.

However, the arena of speech is not only about what kind of talk I should avoid, but just as much about words that build us up:

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Col 4:5  

It is amazing how much words of grace build up. That is exactly what my role models do. They build up others. It is part of a disciple’s calling to “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing” (3).
 
‘Manna’ for today:

Role models build up others

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(1) See «Godless myths»
(2) See James 3
(3) 1 Thess 5:11

Examples of all ages

NORSK
I expect that the vast majority of those who belonged to a Christian community while they were young, more than once had the exhortation Paul gave to Timothy quoted to them:

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.
1 Tim 4:12

In addition to being an exhortation, it is also an encouragement, and today I will dwell on the encouragement. I had the verse quoted to me on several occasions, and I received it solely as an encouragement: "Hang on, Jostein, your young age doesn't matter!". 

I needed that encouragement, for even though I was a junior among the youth in our church, I was made a leader for the youth group at the age of 15. Fortunately, I already had some leadership training from being a scout. 

Of the 104 cadets entering the “Overcomers” session at William Booth’s College in London on the 9th of Oct 1974, I was the youngest in addition to being a foreigner. When I was ordained scarce 20 months later, I was still a teenager and for nearly a year I was the youngest officer in the world. 

Therefore, it was good to know that being a role model is not about age or position, but about how I live as a disciple. That was what it was all about when I was young, and is still the standard when I have turned 60.

For the same reason I have down through the years learned from examples of all ages. I learn from a child’s trust in God. I learn from a young person’s enthusiasm and desire to spread the gospel. I learn from a man who through conversion is transformed in such a way that he can break away from his destructive lifestyle and help others to do the same. I learn from colleagues of the same age and older Christian leaders who have kept the fire through a long life. Because they give me a glimpse of Jesus.

‘Manna’ for today:

To be an example is about living

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What is so special with the believers?

NORSK
Believers are simply ordinary human beings. In many ways the only thing that distinguish them from nonbelievers, is the fact that they believe. Their faith will influence their values etc., but it is the salvation that is the core of their faith and the “trustworthy saying” they proclaim.

Because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, and especially of those who believe.
1 Tim 4:10b 

Today’s verse, which Timothy is challenged to “command and teach” (1), does once again proclaim that God is “the Saviour of all people”. There should be no doubt that salvation is for all.

So what did Paul mean with “especially of those who believe”?

It is because it is the faith that makes the salvation valid. When Jesus spoke about “the bread from heaven”, he encouraged his listeners to for “food that endures to eternal life”. They immediately response was a question: “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus’ answer was simply:

“The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”
John 6:29

It is interesting that Jesus turns faith into “work”. This has been a growing understanding of my personal conception of faith. Faith is acting as if that which is written, is true. When the Bible says that I am saved through the saving acts of Jesus for all people, I act and “command and teach” accordingly.

‘Manna’ for today:

God is the Saviour of all people

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(1) 1 Tim 4:11

Train to be fit

NORSK
When Paul yesterday gave the challenge: “train yourself to be godly!”, I am convinced that he was thinking about what we can learn from physical exercises and training. On several occasions Paul used images and terminology from the sports-arena (1), and today he continues:

For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
1 Tim 4:8  

Although I have never been overly interested in sports or have been in the category of the “well-trained”, I have always tried to do some exercises for the benefit of my physical condition. It is certainly "of some value", not least because my body is a temple for the Holy Spirit (2), but also because the principles of good physical training programme are compatible with the principles for training in "godliness".

Here are some examples:

• The effect of a daily dose of training is greater than one single large dose per week.
• Training can be pleasurable, but it is important to exercise even when it does not feel like a pleasure
• Exercise requires more discipline in the beginning, but gets easier when it becomes a habit.
• Variation of training can improve the results.
• Regular training together with others enhances performance
• To keep a training log will support your progress.
• Many athletes benefit from having a personal trainer.

‘Manna’ for today:

Training in godliness “has value for all things”.

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(1) E.g. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” 1 Cor 9:24  -  NB More references will come later in this series

(2) 1 Cor 3:16-17