Episode 850
The Real Thing: Timothy's Exemplary Faith and Leadership | 850
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).
He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.
Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.
He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)
The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...
- Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.
- Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your life
- Applicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the reading
- A recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.
- A prayer for your day.
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Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)
The profound narrative encapsulated in Philippians 2:19-24 serves as the foundation for this episode's exploration of authentic faith and relational mentorship. As I delve into the text, I am captivated by Paul’s affection for Timothy, who is depicted as a paragon of genuine concern and unwavering loyalty. This portrayal offers a stark contrast to the self-serving tendencies that often permeate religious leadership today. We engage in a thoughtful discourse about the implications of Timothy's character for our own faith practices, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in our interactions with others. The episode challenges listeners to reflect on the nature of their relationships within faith communities, advocating for a paradigm shift towards collective care rather than individualistic pursuits.
Moreover, the conversation navigates the complexities of mentorship and the significant role of intergenerational relationships in spiritual growth. Paul’s relationship with Timothy exemplifies a model of partnership that defies hierarchical norms, promoting a collaborative approach to ministry and faith engagement. I am particularly struck by the encouragement to actively forge connections across age groups, fostering an environment where wisdom and youthful energy can coexist and complement one another. This dynamic not only enriches our spiritual journeys but also cultivates a sense of belonging and community that is essential for collective thriving.
Ultimately, the episode culminates in a call to action, urging us to intentionally create and deepen relationships that bridge generational divides. The actionable steps provided serve as a practical guide for integrating these principles into our daily lives, reinforcing the notion that authentic faith is demonstrated through our commitment to one another. As we engage with this message, we are reminded of the transformative potential of genuine relationships, encouraging us to embody the love and care that Paul envisioned for his community, thereby fostering a spirit of unity and shared purpose in our own lives.
Takeaways:
- The podcast emphasizes the importance of authentic relationships and mentorship within faith communities, highlighting the example of Timothy's genuine care for others.
- It challenges listeners to reflect on their own communities and consider how to prioritize collective well-being over individualistic pursuits in their spiritual lives.
- Paul's description of Timothy serves as a powerful reminder of the need for authenticity in faith leadership amidst a culture often driven by personal gain.
- The episode encourages intergenerational partnerships, urging both older and younger individuals to engage in mutual learning and respect for shared wisdom.
- Listeners are invited to take actionable steps towards building cross-generational relationships in their communities, fostering a spirit of collaboration and understanding.
- The overarching message calls for a transformation of faith communities to embody genuine concern for others, moving away from performative religiosity.
Links referenced in this episode:
Transcript
Brad Miller hello good people.
Speaker A:Welcome to Daily Bible Refresh with Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller, here to offer you the only audible word of God into your life every single day.
Speaker A: ionaires, a million people by: Speaker A:We do that through reading the selected verse of Scripture from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.
Speaker A:We're in Year C, the Lenten season.
Speaker A:We make it understandable by offering you a New Testament reading from the Message.
Speaker A:We make it relatable by giving you some points to ponder and applicable by giving you an action step to take for prayer.
Speaker A:We do all that in under 10 minutes or so.
Speaker A:It's all brought to you by our website, voiceofgoddaily.com the home of the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible study method.
Speaker A: ,: Speaker A:Oh, and how that will do my heart good.
Speaker A:I have no one quite like Timothy.
Speaker A:He is loyal and genuinely concerned for you.
Speaker A:Most people around here are looking out for themselves with little concern for the things of Jesus.
Speaker A:But you know yourselves at Timothy's the real thing.
Speaker A:He's been a devoted son to me as as together we've delivered the message.
Speaker A:As soon as I see how things are going to fall out for me here, I plan on sending him off and I'm hoping and praying to be right on his heels.
Speaker A:Well, a powerful affirmation of Paul for Timothy.
Speaker A:And then this is where we're talking about authentic relationships, about mentorship, about collective care that really can speak to the journey that we are all on together as well.
Speaker A:Let's look at some points to ponder.
Speaker A:What is authentic faith in action?
Speaker A:Paul's description of Timothy as the real thing speaks to our modern hunger for authenticity in faith leadership.
Speaker A:We live in an era where religious figures often prioritize personal gain or institutional power over others, and Timothy's genuine concern for others stands out.
Speaker A:This challenges us to examine how our faith communities might embody authentic care rather than performative religiosity.
Speaker A:What does it mean to be the real thing, for instance, in our current context?
Speaker A:Another point is about dismantling individualistic groups Christianity.
Speaker A:Paul critiques those who are looking out for themselves with little concern for the things of Jesus.
Speaker A:This powerfully challenges the individualistic, prosperity focused Christianity which is so prevalent today.
Speaker A:The things of Jesus consistently centered on collective well being, solidarity with the marginalized and building a beloved community.
Speaker A:How might our faith look different if we prioritize collective care over individual success?
Speaker A:Another point is about intergenerational partnerships.
Speaker A:This relationship between Paul and Timothy models a form of mentorship and relationship that transcends hierarchical power dynamics.
Speaker A:Paul refers to Timothy as a devoted son, yet treats him as an equal.
Speaker A:This offers a template for intergenerational collaboration in justice, work and spiritual community that honors both experience and fresh perspective.
Speaker A:It challenges age based hierarchies while celebrating the gifts each generation brings.
Speaker A:Here's your action step for the day this week.
Speaker A:Intentionally create or deepen a cross generational relationship in your faith and in your life and in your work for justice.
Speaker A:If you're an older person like I am, seek out and truly listen to younger voices in your community.
Speaker A:If you're a younger person, connect with an older who can share their journey and wisdom.
Speaker A:Focus on building mutual respect and shared learning rather than top down mentorship.
Speaker A:Consider starting some sort of a group, a discussion group perhaps that intentionally brings together different generations for a dialogue about faith and justice.
Speaker A:We're going to pray here in just a moment friends, but I did want to let you know that we do have a way that you can study the Bible in in your own in your own life.
Speaker A:We love it when you join us here on the Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:But we also want you to study the Bible of your own and get your Bibles out and use a resource that we have for you here.
Speaker A:It's called the ABC 1, 2, 3 Bible Study Guide and you pick it up at our website which is Voice of God Daily and I promise it will help you in your daily walk with Christ.
Speaker A:So what you do is you join us every day here to hear the Word of God read to you and then you have your own Bible study to follow up with that.
Speaker A:Voiceofgoddaily.com a free resource let's pray Divine God, you are Divine Love In a world that often feels disconnected and focused.
Speaker A:Help us rediscover the power of genuine relationships.
Speaker A:Give us courage to be the real thing, authentic in our care for others, and true to your vision of collective well being.
Speaker A:Guide us in building bridges across generations, learning from each other's wisdom and energy.
Speaker A:When we're tempted to look out fondly for ourselves, remind us of your call to community.
Speaker A:Help us to find mentors who challenge us to grow and give us humility to learn from unexpected teachers.
Speaker A:May our faith communities become spaces where genuine concern for others replaces shallow religiosity in a spirit of authentic love.
Speaker A:Well, friends, it's so good to be with you here on Daily Bible Refresh.
Speaker A:I love it these times here together.
Speaker A: a million people by the year: Speaker A:You can join me again tomorrow morning before 6:00am we drop these episodes 6:00am Eastern time.
Speaker A:And please bring a friend.
Speaker A:Until then, remember that My name is Dr.
Speaker A:Brad Miller.
Speaker A:I'm here to encourage you that God's loyal love doesn't run out.
Speaker A:His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new.
Speaker A:Every.
