Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from 1 Timothy 4:6-10.

“In pointing out these things to the brethren, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.  But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women.  On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness;  for bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable 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 fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.”  1 Timothy 4:6-10.

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Other doctrine fixes its hope on its own discipline, that is, its own wisdom, its own will power, and its own works.

But, Reformed Doctrine fixes its hope on the living God.

Other doctrine trusts its own knowledge of what to do and its own will power to “Just do it!”

But, Reformed Doctrine trusts the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine.

Other doctrine trusts in man’s perseverance. 

But, Reformed Doctrine trusts God’s preservation.

“so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God.”  1 Corinthians 2:5.

The power of God is summarized by the acronym “TULIP” that God provides all that we, the elect, need for salvation from beginning to the end:  from the beginning of “Unconditional Election” through “Limited Atonement and “Irresistible Grace” to the end of “Preservation of the Saints”, the “U”, “L”, “I”, and “P” of “TULIP”, the Reformed Doctrine of Salvation, as more fully taught in Canons of Dordt.  

“seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”  2 Peter 1:3. 

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.  In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.”  Ephesians 1:3-6.

“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.”  1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith …”  Hebrews 12:2.

“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”  2 Timothy 1:7.

“for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  Philippians 2:13.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”  Philippians 1:6.