2025 – Page 2 – Just Keith Harris

1 Timothy 3 on 1/22 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for 1 Timothy 3 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Paul turns from instructions for gathered worship to the kind of leaders the church needs if it’s going to be healthy. If a man “aspires” to be an overseer (elder/pastor), he’s pursuing a noble work—not a platform (v. 1). But Paul immediately makes clear that the qualification is mainly character, not charisma: an overseer must be “above reproach,” faithful to his wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and “able to teach” (v. 2). He must not be controlled by alcohol, anger, conflict, or money, but marked by gentleness and integrity (v. 3). And because the church is God’s household, a man’s home becomes a proving ground: if he cannot lead his family with dignity, how can he care for God’s church (vv. 4–5)? He must also have spiritual maturity—not a recent convert—so pride does not ruin him, and he must have a good reputation with outsiders so the gospel isn’t disgraced (vv. 6–7).

Paul then gives similar standards for deacons—servant-leaders who help the church’s ministry move forward (v. 8). Deacons must be dignified, honest in speech, not ruled by drink or greed, and they must hold firmly to the gospel (“the mystery of the faith”) with a clear conscience (vv. 8–9). They should be tested over time and shown to be blameless before serving (v. 10). Paul also addresses their wives who serve alongside them, calling for the same kind of trustworthy, God-honoring character (v. 11). Like overseers, deacons must be faithful in marriage and manage their households well, and those who serve faithfully gain both respect and a growing confidence in Christ (vv. 12–13).

Paul briefly explains why he’s writing: so that Timothy (and the church) will know how to behave in “the household of God,” the church of the living God, which is meant to uphold and protect the truth (vv. 14–15). And he anchors all of this in the gospel itself—the “mystery of godliness”: Christ came in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed to the nations, believed in the world, and taken up in glory (v. 16). In other words, church order and church leadership are never about image—they exist to display the glory of Jesus and guard the message that saves.

🌀 Reflection:
Do you see church leadership as a “noble task” of servant-care and gospel-guarding—and do you pray for your leaders to be marked by Christlike character at home, in the church, and in the watching world (vv. 1–7)?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage one church leader today (pastor/elder or deacon) with a specific note or message, and pray 1 Timothy 3:15–16 over your church—that Christ would be treasured and His truth upheld.

1 Timothy 2 on 1/21 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for 1 Timothy 2 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Paul calls the church to be a praying people. “First of all,” believers should offer every kind of prayer for “all people,” including rulers and those in authority, asking God to grant conditions where the church can live out a peaceful, quiet life marked by godliness and dignity (vv. 1–2). This kind of praying pleases “God our Savior,” because His saving purpose is not narrow or tribal: He desires people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth (vv. 3–4). Paul grounds this evangelistic prayer in the gospel itself: there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and humanity—Jesus Christ—who gave Himself as a ransom (vv. 5–6). That is why Paul insists on the universal offer of the gospel and defends his calling as an apostle and teacher to the Gentiles in faith and truth (v. 7).

Then Paul addresses how gospel-shaped worship should look when the church gathers. Men are to lead in prayer with “holy hands”—lives that match their prayers—without anger and quarreling that poison unity (v. 8). Women are to pursue beauty that fits godliness: modesty, self-control, and good works rather than showy self-display meant to draw attention or stir envy (vv. 9–10). In the teaching portion of gathered worship, Paul commands that women should learn—yet with a posture of quietness and submission, not taking on the authoritative teaching/oversight role reserved for qualified male elders (vv. 11–12; cf. ch. 3:1–2). Paul roots this pattern in the creation account (Adam formed first) and the fall narrative, showing he is not merely reacting to a cultural trend but appealing to Genesis for the church’s order (vv. 13–14). He ends with a difficult but hopeful statement: women are not saved by motherhood, yet in embracing God’s calling with persevering faith, love, holiness, and self-control, they experience the ongoing outworking of salvation in a way that honors God—including, for many, through the unique ministry of nurturing life (v. 15; cf. Ephesians 2:8–9).

🌀 Reflection:
When you pray, do you pray with God’s wide, gospel heart—asking for the salvation of all kinds of people—and do your relationships and posture in worship match what you’re asking God to do?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Pray today for a specific leader (local, state, or national) by name, and then pray for one unbeliever you know—asking God to bring them to the knowledge of the truth in Christ.

1 Timothy 1 on 1/20 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for 1 Timothy 1 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Paul opens this letter by reminding Timothy that his ministry rests on God’s authority and hope in Christ, not personal ambition or human approval (vv. 1–2). Timothy has been left in Ephesus with a difficult but necessary task: to confront false teachers who are promoting different doctrine—myths, speculative genealogies, and misuse of the law—that distract from God’s saving work received by faith (vv. 3–4). Paul is clear that the goal of faithful teaching is not endless debate but love that flows from a transformed inner life: a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith (v. 5). When teaching loses this aim, it leads to confusion, pride, and spiritual drift rather than maturity and faithfulness (vv. 6–7).

Paul then explains the proper use of God’s law. The law itself is good, but it is not a ladder for self-righteousness. Instead, it exposes sin and restrains evil, showing humanity its need for salvation (vv. 8–11; cf. Romans 3:19–20). Sound doctrine always aligns with “the gospel of the glory of the blessed God,” not with legalism or moral speculation detached from grace (v. 11). Where false teaching distorts the law, the gospel rightly reveals both God’s holiness and His mercy toward sinners.

To illustrate the power of the true gospel, Paul points to his own testimony. Once a blasphemer and persecutor, he received mercy through Christ Jesus—not because he deserved it, but so that God’s grace and patience would be clearly displayed (vv. 12–16). Paul summarizes the heart of the Christian message in a trustworthy saying: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (v. 15). This grace leads Paul to worship and fuels Timothy’s calling to “fight the good fight,” holding tightly to faith and a good conscience (vv. 17–19). The chapter closes with a sober warning: rejecting truth and conscience leads to spiritual shipwreck, yet even church discipline aims at repentance and restoration, not revenge (v. 20).

🌀 Reflection:
Are your beliefs and practices leading you toward love that flows from a transformed heart, or toward speculation and self-reliance instead of gospel grace?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Commit this week to guarding sound doctrine in love—encourage truth, reject distortions of the gospel, and point someone clearly to Christ who saves sinners.

Philippians 4 on 1/19 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Philippians 4 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Paul closes his letter by urging the Philippians to stand firm in the Lord and to pursue unity for the sake of the gospel (v. 1). He addresses a real conflict between two believers, Euodia and Syntyche, calling them—and the church around them—to be of the same mind in Christ (vv. 2–3). Unity is not optional or secondary; it is essential to faithful gospel witness. Paul’s affection for this church is clear as he calls them his “joy and crown,” reminding them that perseverance in Christ is both a present calling and an eternal hope (v. 1).

From unity, Paul turns to the inner life of faith. He calls believers to rejoice in the Lord always, to display gentleness toward others, and to replace anxiety with prayer marked by thanksgiving (vv. 4–6). The result is not merely emotional calm, but the peace of God, which guards hearts and minds in Christ Jesus—an inner protection rooted in God’s sovereignty and nearness (v. 7). Paul also stresses disciplined thinking: believers are to set their minds on what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy, and to practice what they have learned and seen lived out in faithful examples (vv. 8–9).

Paul then thanks the Philippians for their generous support, using his own life to model contentment in every circumstance (vv. 10–13). Whether in abundance or need, Paul has learned that strength comes not from circumstances but from Christ who empowers him (v. 13). Their generosity, he explains, is not only a kindness to him but a spiritual offering pleasing to God, and he assures them that God will supply every need according to His riches in Christ Jesus (vv. 18–19). The letter ends with greetings, a doxology, and a final reminder that all of life—from unity to contentment to generosity—exists for the glory of God through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ (vv. 20–23).

🌀 Reflection:
Where are you tempted toward anxiety, disunity, or dissatisfaction, and how does Paul’s call to prayerful trust and contentment challenge your response?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Practice visible gospel unity and generosity this week—encourage reconciliation, pray with thanksgiving, and meet a tangible need as an act of worship to God.

Philippians 3 on 1/18 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Philippians 3 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Paul begins by calling the Philippians to rejoice in the Lord, then immediately warns them against false teachers who insist that righteousness comes through obedience to the law and outward religious markers (vv. 1–3). With sharp language, he exposes the danger of putting confidence in the flesh—anything outside of Christ—as a false hope. True worship, Paul explains, is by the Spirit of God, true boasting is in Christ Jesus, and true confidence rests not in human effort but in God’s saving work (v. 3, Romans 2:28–29).

To make his point unmistakably clear, Paul turns to his own story. If anyone could claim righteousness by religious pedigree and effort, it was him—circumcised according to the law, an Israelite, a Pharisee, zealous, and outwardly blameless (vv. 4–6). Yet Paul now considers all of those former “gains” as loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus (vv. 7–8). He longs to be found in Christ, possessing not a righteousness of his own, but the righteousness that comes from God through faith (v. 9, Romans 3:21–22). This righteousness unites him to Christ’s death and resurrection, shaping both his present suffering and his future hope (vv. 10–11).

Paul then describes the Christian life as a forward-looking pursuit. Though not yet perfect, he presses on toward the goal of full conformity to Christ, forgetting what lies behind and striving toward what lies ahead (vv. 12–14). He calls the Philippians to follow this example and to be discerning about those whose lives are shaped by earthly desires rather than the cross (vv. 17–19). In contrast to such enemies, believers belong to a different kingdom: their citizenship is in heaven, and they eagerly await Jesus, who will transform their lowly bodies to be like His glorious body when He returns (vv. 20–21, 1 Corinthians 15:42–44).

🌀 Reflection:
What are you tempted to place confidence in—past achievements, spiritual effort, or personal credentials—rather than resting fully in Christ?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Identify one way this week to intentionally “press on” toward Christlikeness—letting go of self-reliance and choosing obedience that flows from faith in Jesus.

Philippians 2 on 1/17 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Philippians 2 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Paul calls the Philippians to a life of unity shaped by humility and love. Because believers share encouragement in Christ, fellowship in the Spirit, and God’s deep affection, they are urged to be of the same mind—setting aside rivalry and self-promotion in order to look not only to their own interests but also to the interests of others (vv. 1–4). This unity is not bland sameness but a shared devotion to Christ that expresses itself in self-giving love. Paul knows this kind of humility does not come naturally, so he points them to the ultimate example.

At the heart of the chapter is the stunning picture of Jesus’s humble obedience. Though eternally God, Christ did not cling to His rights or privileges but willingly took the form of a servant, becoming fully human and obedient even to death on a cross (vv. 6–8). Because of this obedience, God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name above every name, so that every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord—to the glory of God the Father (vv. 9–11, Isaiah 45:23). Paul includes this confession not merely for doctrine, but to shape daily life: humility flows from seeing who Jesus is and what He has done.

With Christ’s example before them, believers are called to “work out” their salvation—not by earning it, but by living out its reality through obedient lives empowered by God Himself (vv. 12–13). They are to shine as lights in a dark and crooked world, holding fast to the word of life with joy rather than grumbling (vv. 14–16). Paul then points to Timothy and Epaphroditus as living examples of this Christlike service—men who put the good of others before themselves and gladly poured out their lives for the gospel (vv. 19–30). The chapter closes by showing that humility, unity, and joyful sacrifice are not abstract ideals but a way of life shaped by Jesus.

🌀 Reflection:
Where is God calling you to lay aside self-interest so that the humility of Christ might be more clearly seen in your relationships?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Intentionally serve someone today in a quiet, unseen way—reflecting the humility of Christ rather than seeking recognition.

Philippians 1 on 1/16 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Philippians 1 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Paul opens his letter with deep affection and gratitude for the believers in Philippi, thanking God for their partnership in the gospel from the very beginning (vv. 3–5). Even while imprisoned, Paul prays for them with joy, confident that the God who began a good work in them will surely bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (v. 6). His prayer centers on love—love that grows in knowledge and discernment so that it results in lives marked by holiness, integrity, and the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, all to the glory of God (vv. 9–11).

Paul then addresses his imprisonment directly, assuring the Philippians that what appears to be a setback has actually served to advance the gospel (v. 12). His chains have opened doors for witness among the imperial guard and have emboldened other believers to proclaim Christ more courageously (vv. 13–14). Even when some preach Christ with wrong motives, Paul rejoices—not because of their intentions, but because Christ is proclaimed (vv. 15–18). His joy is rooted not in circumstances but in the unstoppable progress of the gospel.

This perspective shapes Paul’s famous confession: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (vv. 21). Whether released or executed, Paul’s chief desire is that Christ be honored in his body (v. 20). Though he longs to be with Christ, he is convinced that remaining will serve the Philippians’ progress and joy in the faith (vv. 22–26). He closes the chapter by urging them to live as citizens worthy of the gospel—standing united, unafraid of opposition, and willing to suffer for Christ, knowing that both faith and suffering are gracious gifts from God (vv. 27–30).

🌀 Reflection:
How would your perspective on daily challenges change if your greatest goal—like Paul’s—was simply that Christ be honored, no matter the outcome?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Encourage another believer today by reminding them that God is still at work in their circumstances and will faithfully complete what He has begun.

Philemon on 1/15 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Philemon audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Paul’s short letter to Philemon shows the gospel at work in real, everyday relationships. Writing as a prisoner for Christ rather than appealing to his apostolic authority, Paul addresses Philemon—a faithful believer in Colossae whose home hosted a local church—along with Apphia, Archippus, and the gathered believers (vv. 1–3). Before making any request, Paul thanks God for Philemon’s faith in the Lord Jesus and his love for the saints, noting how Philemon’s life has refreshed the hearts of others (vv. 4–7). This thanksgiving sets the tone: Paul’s appeal will rest on love, not command.

The heart of the letter centers on Onesimus, Philemon’s runaway slave who had wronged him and then encountered Paul in prison, where he came to faith in Christ (vv. 8–12). Once “useless,” Onesimus has been transformed by the gospel and is now truly “useful” (v. 11). Paul sends him back, not by force but in faith, urging Philemon to receive Onesimus no longer merely as a slave, but as a beloved brother in the Lord—both in earthly life and in their shared life in Christ (vv. 15–16). Paul even offers to repay any debt Onesimus owes, modeling substitution and reconciliation in a way that mirrors Christ’s work for sinners (vv. 17–19, Colossians 2:14).

Paul expresses confidence that Philemon will do what is right—and even more than what is asked—because obedience flows from belonging to Christ (vv. 20–21). He closes with greetings from familiar gospel partners and a final prayer of grace, reminding the church that the gospel does not merely reconcile people to God, but also reshapes how believers treat one another (vv. 23–25). Philemon stands as a living illustration of what it means for Jesus to be Lord over every part of life.

🌀 Reflection:
Is there a relationship in your life where the gospel calls you to forgive, reconcile, or extend grace beyond what feels reasonable or deserved?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Take a tangible step toward reconciliation this week—by offering forgiveness, seeking peace, or showing Christlike grace to someone you would normally avoid.

Additional Resources for studying Philemon:
- Refresh & Restore Bible study on Philemon
- Appendix: Bible Passages Condemning Practices Related to Chattel Slavery and Modern-Day Slavery/Human Trafficking

Colossians 4 on 1/14 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Colossians 4 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Paul concludes his letter by showing how Christ’s lordship shapes everyday faithfulness, beginning with justice and accountability in relationships. Masters are reminded that they too are under authority, serving a Master in heaven, which reframes power, work, and responsibility in light of Christ (v. 1, Ephesians 6:9). Paul then calls the whole church to a life marked by persistent, watchful prayer—prayer that is sustained by gratitude and focused on God’s purposes rather than personal comfort (v. 2). Even from prison, Paul asks not for relief but for open doors to proclaim the mystery of Christ clearly and boldly (vv. 3–4, Ephesians 6:19–20).

That prayerful posture flows outward into daily witness. Believers are urged to walk wisely toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity because time is short (v. 5). Their speech is to be gracious, thoughtful, and “seasoned with salt,” reflecting both truth and kindness so that the gospel is commended rather than obscured (v. 6, Matthew 5:13). Paul assumes Christians are actively engaged in their communities, living in such a way that their words and actions work together to point others to Christ.

Paul closes with personal greetings that reveal the gospel at work in real relationships. He commends faithful partners like Tychicus and Onesimus, highlights restored relationships such as Mark’s reconciliation with Paul, and lifts up Epaphras’s tireless prayers for the churches in the Lycus Valley (vv. 7–13). Luke remains at Paul’s side, while others are reminded to faithfully fulfill their ministry (vv. 14–17). Writing the final greeting in his own hand, Paul asks them to remember his chains and ends as he began—with grace—underscoring that every act of faithfulness, prayer, and service flows from God’s unearned favor in Christ (v. 18).

🌀 Reflection:
How might a more watchful, thankful prayer life reshape both your daily priorities and your witness to those outside the church?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Pray intentionally today for an open door to speak about Christ—and when the opportunity comes, respond with wisdom, grace, and clarity.

Colossians 3 on 1/13 | NT260 — Reading & Growing in Christ

Click here for Colossians 3 audio:

Read it. Pray it. Share it. Live it.

Because believers have been raised with Christ, Paul calls the Colossians to live with a new focus and a new identity (v. 1). Their lives are no longer defined by earthly standards or spiritual shortcuts but by Christ Himself, who is seated at the right hand of God and reigns with authority (vv. 1–2, Psalm 110:1). Though their true life is presently hidden with Christ, it is secure and destined for glory when Christ appears again (vv. 3–4, Romans 8:29–30). This eternal perspective becomes the foundation for how believers live faithfully on earth.

Flowing from that identity, Paul urges believers to put to death the sins that once defined them—especially sexual immorality, greed, anger, and destructive speech—because these belong to the old self that has already been put off in Christ (vv. 5–9). In its place, believers have put on the new self, which is being renewed in the image of its Creator (v. 10, Ephesians 4:24). This new life breaks down every barrier of race, culture, and social status, because Christ is all and in all (v. 11, Galatians 3:28). The gospel does not merely improve behavior; it creates a new humanity centered on Jesus.

Paul then describes what this new life looks like in everyday relationships. As God’s chosen and beloved people, believers are to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and above all, love, which binds everything together in unity (vv. 12–14). The peace of Christ is to rule in the community, the word of Christ is to dwell richly through teaching and worship, and everything is to be done in the name of the Lord Jesus with thanksgiving (vv. 15–17). This Christ-centered life reaches into the home and workplace, shaping marriages, parenting, and daily labor, as every role is lived under the lordship of Christ and for His glory (vv. 18–25).

🌀 Reflection:
What habits, attitudes, or relationships reveal whether your mind is set more on earthly concerns or on the risen Christ who is your life?

💬 Mission Challenge:
Intentionally display one Christlike virtue today—such as forgiveness, patience, or kindness—in a relationship where it would normally be difficult.