Isaiah 1 speaks of the faithlessness of the people of God. After God has been faithful throughout their history the people have responded in disobedience. They “play” at faith by continuing to offer sacrifices, but what God wants is a change of heart and behavior.

Isaiah is written during the reign of several kings. We know that even in their worship many of them sinned by worshiping idols as well as or even in place of God. God meets their disobedience with punishment in order to convince them to turn around.

Isaiah 2 is one passage of prophecy that spans the centuries. While it has been written for a specific time in history, a part of this passage is also considered to be a prophecy concerning the coming Messiah, whom we now know as Jesus. Many biblical prophecies have the now and not yet quality where they speak to something current to the time of their writing but can also be pertinent for a time in the distant future.

The most important part of prophetic writing is not its predicting of the future but its calling to account of the people it addresses. The prophet warns people that they are no longer living in a way that God intends or approves. They must repent and change their hearts, minds, and behavior. If they do God is faithful and will forgive their sin and reestablish a right relationship with them.

1 Timothy 6 begins with instructions to those who are slaves. This advice can be applied to anyone who has an employer. We must treat our bosses with respect out of honor to the Lord.

Those who teach must be careful that the teachings are in keeping with the scriptures. If the teachings stray from God’s word it causes strife in the church.

The writer encourages contentment with what we have. When we are tempted to have more we can turn away from the righteous life.

Timothy is encouraged to pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. He is to take hold of eternal life. Encourage the rich to set their hope not on riches by on God who provides us with everything. Be rich in good works, generous and ready to share. This is good advice for everyone.