July 2024 Revealing Light Newsletter

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” [1 Timothy 1:15–17 (NIV)]

There are times we feel like we don’t deserve what God has done for us, we feel like we haven’t earned it, and that would be correct. But it’s in this that reveals God’s grace, mercy, love, and as Paul said, even God’s patience. Right before Paul wrote this passage, he listed off several things that he was doing that should have left him “too far gone”, the worst of sinners. Yet, Paul became a living testimony of God’s patience and mercy in that God would save even Paul through Jesus Christ! Paul is telling other people this good news for them too!

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was previously a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.” [1 Timothy 1:12–14 (NASB 2020)]

Paul, you, and I are not too far gone or too messed up from being able to receive God’s love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and eternal life with Him through Jesus Christ! To Him be all honor and glory!

- Daryl Struemph

As disciples of Jesus, be “constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have been following. ...discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.” [1 Timothy 4:6-10 (NASB 2020)]

What areas of your life do you try to be disciplined in?
As a culture, we do try to be disciplined in attaining our goals, such as careers, daily habits and routines, fitness and health, our families and healthy relationships, money management, time management, reading, development in hobbies, etc...

I love how the Apostle Paul doesn’t neglect that these do have some benefits to them, but in comparison to eternity, most of those disciplines are temporary with temporary results. If we work so hard at putting our time, attention, and energy into these temporary disciplines, wouldn’t it be good to also focus on our godly disciplines that are beneficial in all areas of our life, including life into eternity?

Jesus told the crowds who followed him a distance (after they were miraculously fed in a crowd of 5,000 people with only 5 loaves and 2 fish)... “Don’t work for the food that perishes but for the food that lasts for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set his seal of approval on him.” [John 6:27 (CSB)] Jesus went on to explain to these crowds about this food that lasts eternally. “For the bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (v.33). ...For this is the will of my Father: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him will have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day (v.40). ...Truly I tell you, anyone who believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life (v.47-48).”

Bringing together what Paul and Jesus shared, it makes me pause to consider what kind of disciplines I’m investing my time and energy into. It’s easier to aim at disciplines that we can see tangible results right here and now, but even some of those goals that have temporary results (in comparison to eternity) are ones that we have to work toward for a long time. These disciplines are shaping us each day as we strive toward the goals.

As you continue to grow in discipline, remember that you can be constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have been following, being disciplined for the purpose of godliness which is beneficial for all areas of our lives (both now and into eternity through Jesus Christ, the bread of life.) Grow in your godly disciplines of being with God in prayer, His Word that He’s given to us, and the people around us. Not that we make ourselves righteous in this since it’s Christ’s righteousness that we have gained, but that we are being shaped in godliness as disciples of Jesus, shining as His light in this world.

 - Daryl Struemph