Why We Labor
Date: April 25, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse - 1 Timothy 4:10 (NIV) - "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."
L - Listen for God's Word and Pray - Lord, as we meditate on this verse, we ask for Your guidance and direction in our lives. Help us to be diligent in our work and to always place our hope in You. We pray that You will reveal Your love to us in a deeper way and that You will help us to share it with others.
E - Explore the History and Meaning - In this verse, Paul encourages Timothy to remain steadfast in his ministry and to persevere in the face of opposition. Paul reminds Timothy that their labor and striving are not in vain, as they have put their hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially those who believe. The word "Savior" in Greek is "sōtēr," which means "deliverer" or "rescuer." It is through our faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved and delivered from sin and death.
S - Study and Savor the Key Words or Phrases:
Hope - a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. The hope we have in Christ is not just wishful thinking or a vague optimism, but a confident expectation that what God has promised He will do. In the context of the verse, our hope in the living God is a source of encouragement and strength, as we trust in Him to provide for our needs and guide us through life.
Living God - a phrase that emphasizes the reality and vitality of God's existence. Unlike the false gods worshiped by many in the ancient world, who were portrayed as lifeless statues or myths, the living God is a real and active being who is intimately involved in the world He created. In the context of the verse, our faith and hope are anchored in the living God, who is not just a concept or idea, but a personal and loving God who cares for us and desires a relationship with us.
Savior - a person who saves or rescues others from danger or harm. In the context of the verse, Jesus Christ is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. This means that Jesus is the one who rescues us from the danger and harm of sin and eternal separation from God, and brings us into a loving relationship with Him.
S - Summarize and Share -
So, what does this verse really mean? It means that God is the Savior of everyone, especially those who believe in Him. This means that if you trust in God and follow Him, you will be saved. This is really good news and something to be excited about!
So, what can we do with this information? Well, we can share it with others! We can tell our friends and family about God's love and how He is the Savior of all. We can live our lives in a way that shows others the joy and hope we have in Christ. We can also encourage others to believe in God and trust in Him for their salvation.
For example, if you have a friend who is going through a tough time, you can remind them of God's love and how He is always there for us. You can share this verse with them and encourage them to put their trust in God. By doing this, you can help them find hope and peace in their situation.
Remember, we are called to share the good news of God's love and salvation with others. Let's be bold in sharing our faith and encouraging others to trust in Him!
Bible Cross References –
Acts 13:47: "For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10: "For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him."
Titus 2:11-14: "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works."