And, what I just noticed is, there must have been some racial tensions going on this church. In the scripture portion below, Paul really emphasizes the point that God's good news is for ALL mankind, and ALL mankind should strive to live in peace and safety...
(1 Timothy 2:1-8) First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and dissension.
In the next scripture portion, we see the phrase "in later times..." People do "fall away from the faith" in this age, but DEFINITELY this will happen in the Tribulation to a much greater degree, although God's message and promise (to keep a believer's salvation secure) remains the same.
No matter how or when, we are encouraged to know God's word and faithfully do God's will. This benefits us in this life now, as well as in the next life to come - when we reach heaven - and we are rewarded for our good deeds done with the right motives...
(1 Timothy 4:1-10) But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 men who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.
6 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. 7 But have nothing to do with worldly fables fit only for old women. On the other hand, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; 8 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. 9 It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. 10 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.
Today's takeaway: our faithfulness benefits us for the PRESENT LIFE and for the LIFE TO COME. It does not say in between those two stages that there is the "tribulation to come" or the "wrath to come" - believers get to avoid that, because we have chosen LIFE - - - eternal life!
We will face tests and trials here on earth; but as it says below, we are to continue on in obedience - UNTIL the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. For us, this will be the rapture. For those who become believers during the Tribulation, this will be Jesus' Second Coming. Either way - it will happen at the proper time. These two events will happen exactly 7 years apart.
I am pretty sure that a few copies of the Bible will be found by people during the Tribulation - and God's words and instructions are always applicable, no matter which age...
(1 Timothy 6:11-19) But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.
17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed.
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