Continue #10

Friday, May 15, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

For over a decade in my denominational system, I was comfortable in ignorance and childishness (the death of my Christian life)… but that all changed when two faithful brethren gave me the Bible verses I needed to recover myself out of the snare of the Devil (the revival of my Christian life). For almost 20 years now, I have striven to pass on to others what saved me from spiritual kindergarten, that any poor souls willing to listen and believe may come unto the knowledge of the truth as well.

“Continue” distinguishes between the Christian life surviving (it working as God intended) and the Christian life dying (it separated from its function). Those who “depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrine of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1) have no one to blame but themselves. They did not remain with the Dispensation of the Grace of God the resurrected, ascended, and glorified Lord Jesus Christ delivered them through the Apostle Paul’s ministry of Romans to Philemon. Having the completed Bible canon and the indwelling Holy Spirit to teach us, we have no excuse whatsoever for being unaware, immature, or deceived.

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:15,16). To “meditate” is “to revolve in the mind, think deeply about, care for, attend to carefully.” Stated another way, Timothy is to contemplate what he has been given in the epistle of 1 Timothy (and 2 Timothy, its companion). Along with the two Timothy Books, Titus and Philemon form the four Pauline pastoral epistles—the handbooks of the local church. Pastors and teachers would do well to concentrate on those four formal doctrinal letters, that they minimize what the Devil does in their assemblies and among their congregants. They should give themselves wholly (completely, entirely) to these words of God’s grace. Let us do likewise, brethren, also depending less and less on man’s intellect and man’s ability. 🙂

Continue #9

Thursday, May 14, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

The sequel to 1 Timothy is 2 Timothy. See 2 Timothy 2:24-26: “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.” The description “those that oppose themselves” refers to believers who did not continue in grace thinking and grace living; the Christian minister is to teach them sound doctrine, attempting to give them what is necessary to escape Satan’s trap. Today, the professing church overall finds itself in such a snare.

If only we would have continued in the grace principles of Romans to Philemon, our tens of thousands of legalistic denominations that confuse us would have never been started. We would have victorious Christian living—instead of the darkness, blindness, and ignorance that discourage and defeat us. If only we would have continued in the fruit of the Protestant Reformation, the King James Bible, our hundreds of perverted (Roman Catholic) modern English versions that corrupt our minds and deceive our hearts would have never been translated or purchased. If only we would have continued in sound Bible doctrine and the power of the Holy Spirit, we would have surely had enough sense and might to oust our pastors and teachers who were not serving the Lord Jesus Christ. Our church buildings would have never been transformed into the social clubs that they are today and our schools would have never become the breeding grounds for apostasy, heresy, and worship of man’s wisdom that they are today.

Doubtless, none of these problems are God’s fault! They are entirely our fault! Friends, we must accept total responsibility, accepting the blame that is rightfully ours and ours alone. Perhaps there is someone reading this who is now aware of the gravity of the situation. The sooner we learn the problem, the quicker we can solve it.

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Continue #8

Wednesday, May 13, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Contemplate the words of 2 Timothy 3:14-17, an excerpt from the companion Book of 1 Timothy: “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

Timothy had a believing Jewess grandmother and a believing Jewess mother, as 2 Timothy 1:5 makes manifest: “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” Apparently, these two women raised Timothy (“from a child”), the boy having an unbelieving/Gentile father. Timothy would have grown up with a Hebrew Bible, our Old Testament of Genesis to Malachi. By the time Paul passed to preach in (teenager/young adult) Timothy’s neighborhood (Acts chapters 13 and 14), Timothy became a believer in Christ. When the Apostle returned to the area a few years later, he took Timothy along with him as a ministry helper (Acts 16:1-3).

Whatever sound Bible doctrine Timothy had learned from his grandmother and mother, whatever he had learned from Paul, he was to “continue in [those] things.” The Colossians were exhorted or encouraged to likewise “continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel” (Colossians 1:23). In the midst of fighting with legalists or Law-based teachers at the Jerusalem Conference of Acts chapter 15, Paul and Barnabas and Titus continued in grace doctrine so it would “continue” with the Galatians (Galatians 2:5), for any apostolic abandonment of grace would stimulate the Galatians themselves to abandon grace….

Continue #7

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Following Paul’s lengthy non-legalistic (verses 38,39) sermon in the synagogue of Antioch of Pisidia (central Turkey), Acts 13:43 tells us, “Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.” Ministering later in the same area, Barnabas and Paul went about “confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith,…” (Acts 14:22).

Re-read Acts 20:28-30, Paul guiding the church leaders of Ephesus: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” There is a warning to “take heed” (watch out, be careful, exercise caution) here, and the Apostle repeated it years later in today’s Scripture when writing to Timothy who was serving as pastor in Ephesus (cf. 1 Timothy 1:3). In Acts chapter 20, the church leaders are to “take heed” regarding themselves and their congregations.

The Apostle’s counsel resumes: “Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified” (Acts 20:31,32). Satan’s work will go in the world and in the local church until Christ’s return, but we can prepare for it and act accordingly so as to minimize it. By teaching “the word of [God’s] grace,” we lessen the effectiveness of Satan’s lie program. Conversely, if we do not understand the Word of God’s Grace (which can only be identified via dispensational Bible study), then we teach denominational absurdities and thereby further Satan’s lie program….

Continue #6

Monday, May 11, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

For a moment, think of the prophetic program of Acts 3:21. Overall, Israel did not continue in the Divine revelation given them through their Old Testament Prophets or Hebrew Bible, the Books of Genesis to Malachi (refer to Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 4:1-10). However, regarding Israel’s believing remnant, the Little Flock of Luke 12:32, the Messianic Church of Matthew 16:18, the “church” (“called-out group belonging to the Lord”) in Acts 2:47, the Bible reports in Acts 2:42: “And they continued stedfastly [firmly/resolutely, were unwavering] in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Though national Israel was under Satan’s influence and thus apostate (standing away from the truths of JEHOVAH God, the LORD God—chiefly, committing the sin of refusing Jesus as their Messiah), a believing remnant within it was following Christ’s 12 Apostles’ teachings.

As touching our mystery program of Romans 16:25,26, Satan’s present evil world still convinces individuals to abandon the right side of issues and go over to the wrong side. Sometimes it is inadvertently or mistakenly, people just being so utterly clueless that they have no spiritual stability and therefore believe practically anything they hear from religious leaders. The graver situation, the more serious matter, is how certain others have made a conscious choice to believe and teach lies. Paul advised the elders of Ephesus: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse [distorted, corrupted] things, to draw away disciples after them [to gain a following, to start a cult!]” (Acts 20:28-30).

False teachers will not continue in sound doctrine, and, unless we continue in sound doctrine, we have no option but to become their victims….

Mother: A Virtuous Woman

Sunday, May 10, 2026

“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies” (Proverbs 31:10 KJV).

Today is Mother’s Day, so we dedicate this devotional to godly women (specifically mothers). I especially dedicate this to the virtuous woman who has been in my life for almost 38 years… my mom!

Today’s Scripture is the first verse of the Bible’s “Virtuous Woman” passage (Proverbs 31:10-31). King Solomon explained that the virtuous woman:

  • has a husband who safely trusts in her (verses 11,12).
  • is not lazy, but is strong because she works to feed and clothe her family and herself (verses 13-19,21,22,24,25,27).
  • pities the poor and needy (verse 20).
  • has a husband who is well-known because of her godly lifestyle (verse 23).
  • opens her mouth with wisdom, and speaks kindly and lovingly (verse 26).
  • has children and a husband who praise her (verse 28).
  • excels in what she does (verse 29).
  • has works that praise her (verse 31).

Verse 30 explains the virtuous woman is “a woman that feareth the LORD.”

The Apostle Paul wrote that godly women should: not slander/gossip, not be controlled by alcohol and emotions (sober minded), be teachers of good things, love their husbands and children, be cautious and modest, maintain the home, be “good,” and should obey (respect) their husbands… “that the word of God be not blasphemed” (Titus 2:3-5). A Christian woman, especially a mother, should be a virtuous woman in beliefs as well as in deed. She needs to set an example for her children (especially her daughters).

A Christian woman and/or Christian mother places her faith in this sound Bible doctrine, the indwelling Holy Spirit will then take that doctrine and transform her for God’s glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). Her mind will be renewed by sound Bible doctrine, and that will transform her outward activity (Romans 12:1,2).

Are you a Christian woman or Christian mother who desires to be the woman God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO OUR READERS WHO ARE MOTHERS!

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.

Archived: “What does the Bible say about motherhood?”

Continue #5

Saturday, May 9, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Notice: the key term distinguishing between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying is “continue,” persisting in teaching and believing sound Bible doctrine or grace doctrine. The opposite is “revert,” as in “turn back” or “regress” or “relapse.” Ephesians 4:17-19 exhorts, “This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.”

What happens to those whose Christian life dies (fails to function properly) is they increasingly rely on their own understanding, turning to the Bible less and less, eventually throwing it away altogether—or, they keep the Bible, but do not “rightly divide” it (2 Timothy 2:15).

“I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:6-9). These Galatians did not continue in “grace,” but went back to the Law: they were swiftly “removed” from Pauline influence. These too did not “continue” in, or “endure,” “sound doctrine:” “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Timothy 4:3,4).

To ensure victorious Christian living, we must progress in grace edification instead of returning to our former (heathen) thoughts and ways….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….

Continue #4

Friday, May 8, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

Remembering they who teach “other doctrine,… fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions… having swerved [from faith unfeigned, a good conscience, charity out of a pure heart] have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law” (1 Timothy 1:4-7), bearing in mind the younger Christian widows “wax[ing] wanton against Christ… having damnation, cast[ing] off their first faith… already turned aside unto Satan” (1 Timothy 5:11-15—re-marriage, to unbelievers), having in view those who “teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness” (1 Timothy 6:3-5), but (especially in the context) considering those who will “depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy” (1 Timothy 4:1,2), Paul in today’s Scripture alerts Timothy to remember that God’s (and, our) chief enemy Satan diligently labors to destroy the Church the Body of Christ and prevent the work of the ministry in the local church!

Observe how the Devil attacks sound doctrine, for sound doctrine is what God uses to work in believers. The adjective “sound” in “sound doctrine” (1 Timothy 1:10; 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9; Titus 2:1) has the sense of “healthy” or “wholesome” (so rendered in 1 Timothy 6:3). In Greek, it is “hygiaino,” from whence “hygiene” is derived. If there is a removal of sound doctrine—or none to begin with—spiritual insanity and spiritual filthiness result. Pastor Timothy therefore must watch himself and his doctrine, for lack of discretion will lead to his spiritual downfall… and his congregation will perish with him!

Today’s Scripture and the previous verse: “Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” For Timothy and his audience to be “saved” (delivered, healed, rescued) from false doctrine and its attendant spiritual illness, he must “continue” in what he has learned from the Holy Spirit through our Apostle Paul….

A Prayer According to God’s Will

Thursday, May 7, 2026

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” (1 Timothy 2:1-3 KJV).

On this United States’ National Day of Prayer, we pray you pray according to the Lord Jesus Christ’s will for today!

Today, religious people—the general public, clergy, and government officials—will assemble nationwide, like they do every year, and pray for spiritual and moral revival of the “Christian” (?) United States of America. We commend their noble efforts, but God’s Word says there will be no godly revival of any of the world’s Gentile nations until Jesus Christ returns to earth at His Second Coming (Isaiah 11:9; Isaiah 59:20–60:3; Zechariah 8:20-23; Revelation 11:15; et cetera).

The LORD’s words to King Solomon are often quoted on this day: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

Friends, this is certainly God’s Word, but has nothing to do with Gentiles in the United States in the Dispensation of Grace. This verse has a context often overlooked—the nation Israel under the Mosaic Law, praying in relation to God’s Temple in Jerusalem (verses 15,16). Actually, that Temple was destroyed over 19 centuries ago! Unlike Israel, the United States was never a divinely-founded nation. The American people as a whole are not God’s people like Israel was.

Rather than praying 2 Chronicles 7:14, remember today’s Scripture (God’s Word to us Gentiles). The verse following today’s Scripture says, “[God] Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Pray for those in authority, that they would trust Jesus Christ alone as their personal Saviour, and then grow in His Word to them so they can make wise decisions on behalf of the people they govern.

Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂

Continue #3

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

“Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16 KJV).

A single word can mean the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

See chapter 5 of Paul’s first epistle to young Timothy: “[11] But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; [12] Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. [13] And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. [14] I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. [15] For some are already turned aside after Satan.”

Finally, we read from the sixth chapter: “[3] If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; [4] He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, [5] Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. [6] But godliness with contentment is great gain. [7] For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. [8] And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. [9] But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. [10] For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.”

Whether chapter 1, or chapter 4, or chapter 5, or chapter 6, First Timothy contains warning after warning after warning after warning regarding how Satan actively attacks Christian/grace doctrine. These deeds are particularly in the context of ministry, the local church, where young Timothy himself serves the Lord. Paul knows Timothy must learn that a single word means the difference between victorious Christian living and notorious Christian dying….

NOTE: In order to bring you a special study tomorrow, we will temporarily break away from this devotionals arc….