Guarding Our Faith and Love [1 Timothy Pt. 22]

Guarding Our Faith and Love

Some people can be really hard to love! As Paul instructs Pastor Timothy to lead in the Church at Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), he seems to be dealing with some cranky church members who are causing disruptions there; proud people who try to manipulate the church to their own advantage. This is nothing new if you find yourself in a similar church. Yet Paul gives Timothy instructions on how to correct the situation.

Guarding Our Faith and Love – LESSON AUDIO

First he calls attention to their behavior and character:

1 Timothy 6:1-5  Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.  2  And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.  3  If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,  4  he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,  5  useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

Slaves are given as an example of humility and service. Paul is drawing a parallel to all of those who profess to know Christ. We are His salves. (Paul begins his letter to the Romans, the Philippians and Titus by calling himself a “bondservant” or slave of Jesus Christ.) Just as a slave has no right to make excuses or manipulate to his advantage in his work, we who are in the Church should be submissive and looking out for the welfare of others without complaining or manipulating our local fellowship for our personal advantage! See previous post, Obsessed With Disputes. The problem is that when we are around “those kind of people” we tend to get an attitude and find it difficult to live as we ought as Christians. The primary goal of Christian teaching as it pertains to those who embrace the Faith of Jesus Christ is to create “love from a pure heart, from a good conscience and from sincere faith” (1 Timothy 1:5) And so, the solution to pastoring in this environment or to being in this environment as a fellow servant is;

1 Timothy 6:11-16  But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.  12  Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  13  I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate,  14  that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing,  15  which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords,  16  who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

1. Get away from the bad attitudes and pursue the fruit of the Spirit! it is going to be a battle! (Vs. 11-12)
2. Remember that the God who gives you life and saves you is watching! (vs. 13)
3. He is also your example, Jesus stood firm in His conviction as He stood before Pilate who condemned Him to death. (vs. 13)
4. Keep, that is obey and protect “the commandment.”

• The “commandment” is the body of doctrine that is the Christian Faith.  Bible commentator and Greek scholar, Marvin Vincent says of the word “commandment” verse 14: “Usually of a single commandment or injunction, but sometimes for the whole body of the moral precepts of Christianity, as 2Peter 2:21; 2Peter3:2. The reference may be explained by ἡ παραγγελία the commandment, 1Timothy 1:5, meaning the gospel as the divine standard of conduct and faith. Comp. 2Timothy 1:14. The phrase “

•  ”The Commandment” here is the Christian Faith. It is to be kept, even in the face of opposition, even by those who profess Christ and do not act in accordance with what they say they believe. That is, when their doctrine does not accord with godliness! (See 1 Timothy 6:3) There is support for this view further on in chapter 6.

 1 Timothy 6:20-21  O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge– 21  by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

The word Guard is uses by the Apostle as he instructs Timothy on how to “keep” that commandment. Protect your faith by protecting your attitude as you are exposed to this lack of love and concern for true godliness which is a demonstration that those people have not embraced the Faith in sincerity.  This is a very difficult place to be! But it was not unforeseen by God and it is noting new in the Church of Jesus Christ. The most important thing we need to take away from this is to ask ourselves the question, Does 1 Timothy 6:3-5 describe me? Am I making excuses for my bad attitude? Am I on a fault-finding mission against people in my church? Am I excusing my lack of love and manipulating my situation to make myself more comfortable? If the answer to these questions is yes for you, its time to reevaluate the reality of your faith.  Its time to seek the Lord while He may be found. I will close with the words of the Holy Spirit as He inspired the Apostle to write to the Hebrew Christians in the first century.

Hebrews 3:7-15  Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: “TODAY, IF YOU WILL HEAR HIS VOICE,  8  DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AS IN THE REBELLION, IN THE DAY OF TRIAL IN THE WILDERNESS,  9  WHERE YOUR FATHERS TESTED ME, TRIED ME, AND SAW MY WORKS FORTY YEARS.  10  THEREFORE I WAS ANGRY WITH THAT GENERATION, AND SAID, ‘THEY ALWAYS GO ASTRAY IN THEIR HEART, AND THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN MY WAYS.’  11  SO I SWORE IN MY WRATH, ‘THEY SHALL NOT ENTER MY REST.’ “  12  Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God;  13  but exhort one another daily, while it is called “TODAY,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.  14  For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end,  15  while it is said: “TODAY, IF YOU WILL HEAR HIS VOICE, DO NOT HARDEN YOUR HEARTS AS IN THE REBELLION.”

I encourage you to listen to the audio and pray that the Lord would reveal to you where your heart is.

Guarding Our Faith and Love – LESSON AUDIO

In Christ!

Kevin

Obsessed With Disputes [1 Timothy Pt.20]

Obsessed With Disputes

What is the most important character quality of a Christian? Humility is right at the top of the list. As the Apostle Paul moves into what we call chapter six of his first letter to Timothy he begins by giving the example of the behavior of slaves. Certainly it was one of the worst and most difficult of existences in the ancient world. But a bad life situation does not exempt them from living like true Christians. What about you? Do you make excuses for your disobedience to the commands of your Lord?

Obsessed With Disputes – AUDIO OF LESSON

Listen to what the Apostle Paul says;

1 Timothy 6:1-2  Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.  2  And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

Whether they are “under the yoke” which means they have a harsh boss or work for a fellow believer, it is not to change they way they approach their jobs. There is no excuse to dishonor or to take advantage of them. They ought to display the same level of integrity and humility in either case. You say, “Wait a minute! That doesn’t seem fair.” Paul anticipated your response. But I want to tell you that the slave with his extremely difficult life it just the example. We are all called to this kind of life as Christians.

1 Timothy 6:3-5  If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness,  4  he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,  5  useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself.

We are not in the Faith for what it helps us get away with or for any kind of social or personal advantage. Sure, we have the advantage of our sins being forgiven and of fellowship with our Lord. But we are not supposed to look for personal gains by attending the church. We are not to look for power, prestige or pecuniary (financial) gain. To do so actually means that we don’t really get the Gospel. It makes us into jerks! See the description above. It forces to omit the central doctrines of the faith and the fruit of the Spirit that is supposed to be in our lives. It makes us focus on minute details and fight for our place at the top. Do you know a Christian like this? Are you this way? The Apostle John has some scary words for those who are like this.

3 John 1:5-11  Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers,  6  who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well,  7  because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.  8  We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.  9  I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the preeminence among them, does not receive us.  10  Therefore, if I come, I will call to mind his deeds which he does, prating against us with malicious words. And not content with that, he himself does not receive the brethren, and forbids those who wish to, putting them out of the church.

People in the church were helping missionaries or traveling preachers and John said that was great. But one of their leaders, a man named Diotrephes, didn’t like it and kicked people out of the church for it. Apparently it threatened his position there. John says of him,

1 John 1:11  Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.

It looks to me like John is saying that Diotrephes does not know Christ. If your way, your power, your reputation is more important to you that the Gospel and the godliness that is to be the result of the Gospel. You should fear. If church is about your personal benefits and not opportunities for you to be a benefit to others, its time to reassess your faith. If you do not, you are in danger of becoming a false teacher. The best gauge to determine whether this is true of you is your attitude. If I have you completely ticked off right now and you are ready to fight, ask the Lord to show you your own heart.

Then, listen to the audio from the lesson. It just might change your attitude.

Obsessed With Disputes – AUDIO OF LESSON

In Christ!

Kevin

Loving the Needy [1 Timothy Pt. 18]

Loving the Needy

How do you view those who are in need? Some of us struggle in this area. We are often naturally skeptical of people who are needy. In American culture, there are many safety nets for the poor and all of them are abused by some. But, does that relieve the local church from caring for them? We are actually commanded to do so. This is what 1 Timothy 5 is all about. Beginning with looking at those in the church as “family,” we see that it makes us not responsible for more than financial needs, but we are to love and care for people whom God puts in our paths.

Loving the Needy – LESSON AUDIO

In the first century culture in which the Bible was written, widows and orphans were the neediest people there were. As the Apostle points to loving other members of the church he says;

1 Timothy 5:1-3  Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers,  2  older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity.  3  Honor widows who are really widows.

Love and respect everyone and honor the widows.  Honor includes caring for them in every practical way.

1 Timothy 5:4-8  But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents; for this is good and acceptable before God.  5  Now she who is really a widow, and left alone, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day.  …..  7  And these things command, that they may be blameless.  8  But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

If she is your widow (a relative of yours), take care of her! There is not much worse you could do than neglect them. However, there are those who have no one to care for them. These, if they were godly widows, were actually supported by the church.

1 Timothy 5:9-10  Do not let a widow under sixty years old be taken into the number, and not unless she has been the wife of one man,  10  well reported for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work.

In American culture in the 21st Century, we really don’t have this situation very often. The basic theme of the passage though has to do with loving and caring for the neediest people in our fellowships and families. As Christians we cannot neglect care for the poor or others in need. Many more conservative churches have reacted against the social gospel or more modern things like friendship evangelism because they never really get to the Gospel of Jesus Christ but substitute care and friendship for it. The biggest problem with these things is not that they are outright lies, but half-truths. Care and relationships are important to the Gospel and a great foundation for gaining the ear of those outside the church. Good works should always accompany the Gospel. The question is, who is the one who is needy in your life, your church, your community? Not just financially, maybe they need a friend, a counselor,  or just to know that somebody notices them. How can you demonstrate love and care for them and give them the Gospel or build them up in the faith?

You can hear more on this subject if you click on the link to the audio of the lesson below.

Loving the Needy – LESSON AUDIO

In Christ!

Kevin

Accusations and Elders [1 Timothy Pt. 19]

Accusations and Elders

Back in October of 2011, I began to cover 1 Timothy 3 where Paul gives the offices and the qualifications for those offices that God has ordained to govern the Church.  How Does the Church Relate to its Pastor? has been a pretty popular post as it explores the nature of the office of Pastor. Paul gives us a little more insight into this relationship as he encourages young Pastor Timothy in Chapter 5.

Accusations and Elders – LESSON AUDIO

Here, he tells Timothy that churches should honor their pastors. ( as we noted in the study from 1 Timothy 3:1, Elder, Bishop (Overseer) and Pastor are interchangeable terms for the same office. See post What is a Bishop?)

1 Timothy 5:17-18  Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.  18  For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE AN OX WHILE IT TREADS OUT THE GRAIN,” and, “THE LABORER IS WORTHY OF HIS WAGES.”

Honor, as noted in the previous post in 1 Timothy 5:1-16, is respect and care. Here it is equated with paying the pastor for what he does. He says the same thing only with a little more gusto as he addresses the church at Corinth;

1 Corinthians 9:7-11  Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?  8  Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also?  9  For it is written in the law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE AN OX WHILE IT TREADS OUT THE GRAIN.” Is it oxen God is concerned about?  10  Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope.  11  If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things?

It would seem that any Christian who knows what his pastor puts in to serving his flock would not need any encouragement to take care of him. Unfortunately this is not so. Pastors who do their job work very hard. They do not work for one hour a week as some like to pretend, but study, pray, teach, counsel, visit the sick and care for those in need. They much like a mom with a really large family. You know the saying, “Man may work from sun to sun, but woman’s work is never done.” This goes for the pastor as well. Yet there are some in most fellowships who disregard or even despise him. Therefore, Paul must also exhort Timothy in this way.

1 Timothy 5:19  Do not receive an accusation against an elder except from two or three witnesses.

This is not to say that there are never pastors in sin. Certainly there are and unfortunately we have no shortage of examples in American Evangelicalism. This is also not to say that pastors who are in sin should not be held accountable. The next few verses shed some light on this.

1 Timothy 5: 20-22  Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear.  21  I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality.  22  Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.

The “those who are sinning” in verse 20, I believe most likely applies to a false accuser. The reason is that the words used here are taken from Deuteronomy 19 where Paul derives his teaching on the subject.

Deuteronomy 19:15-20  “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits; by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.  16  If a false witness rises against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing,  17  then both men in the controversy shall stand before the LORD, before the priests and the judges who serve in those days.  18  And the judges shall make careful inquiry, and indeed, if the witness is a false witness, who has testified falsely against his brother,  19  then you shall do to him as he thought to have done to his brother; so you shall put away the evil from among you.  20  And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter they shall not again commit such evil among you.

I don’t what to give it all away here and I am sure that that the post is getting a bit long for some. Suffice it to say that though God commands it, many in the church do not give their pastor the respect and care that their job deserves. It is sad but not unexpected. Pray for you pastor! Demonstrate to him that you really care and unless you know that he is in sin, don’t gossip or accuse. Those are God’s orders, not mine.

Accusations and Elders – LESSON AUDIO

In Christ!

Kevin

Living What We Know [1 Timothy Pt.17]

Life and Doctrine

There is a whole lot of doubt in the world about the truth of the Christian Faith. On the other hand, there are a lot of people who name the name of Christ but do not really follow the teachings of the Bible. Timothy was confronting some of the folks who were in the second category.  Chapter 4 of 1 Timothy is Paul’s direction to Timothy for fulfilling the purpose of refuting the false and promoting the truth of the Christian Faith.

Living What We Know – AUDIO

The false teachers were involved in covering their sin with man-made rituals and restrictions. This is hypocrisy and trying to live as a Christian with a defiled conscience as we noted in the previous posts; Latter Times Falling Away, and The Christians Workout Routine. The rejection of the false way (1 Timothy 4:1-5) and working toward the holiness commanded by the Gospel (1 Timothy 4:6-11).  The thing is, that true holiness is rooted in accurate Christian doctrine. The Greek root didaskalia which means doctrine or teaching, appears in 1 Timothy 14 times. Paul tells Timothy, in order to deal with the false and promote the true;

1 Timothy 4:12-16  Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.  13  Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.  14  Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.  15  Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all.  16  Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Notice the combination that is repeated here, live it then teach it.

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.

1 Timothy 4:16aTake heed to yourself

But also;

1 Timothy 4:13  Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

1 Timothy 4:16  Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine.

The combination of life and doctrine are the key to overcoming unbelief, both inside the church an outside it. Setting up false standards of righteousness and hiding sin is just the religious form of unbelief. Puritan Henry Scougal says in his booklet called, The Life of God in the Soul of Man  “Now, if such a person be conscientious and uniform in his obedience, and earnestly groaning under the sense of his dulness, and is desirous to perform his duties with more spirit and vigour, these are the first motions of the divine life, which, though it be faint and weak, will surely be cherished by the influences of heaven, and grow unto greater maturity. But he who is utterly destitute of this inward principle, and doth not aspire to it, but contents himself with those performances whereunto he is prompted by education or custom, by the fear of hell or carnal notions of heaven, can no more be accounted a religious person, than a puppet can be called a man.”

True “religion” is not motivated by external forces, not by what God or man thinks of us, but by understanding and appropriating the reality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

1 Timothy 3:16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

The mystery that works godliness in us, is believing the Gospel which involves us owning our sin and falling on God alone for mercy as the remedy. Legalism only proves that we do not actually believe the Gospel but on some level we believe that we can become righteous on our own. Not only are we lying to ourselves, but we are misrepresenting the truth of the Gospel to others! If we want an unbelieving world to listen to the Gospel,we need to begin by living right (taking heed to ourselves) first and then presenting the Gospel (the doctrine). Peter says as much in his first epistle.

1 Peter 3:8-16  Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;  9  not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.  10  For “HE WHO WOULD LOVE LIFE AND SEE GOOD DAYS, LET HIM REFRAIN HIS TONGUE FROM EVIL, AND HIS LIPS FROM SPEAKING DECEIT.  11  LET HIM TURN AWAY FROM EVIL AND DO GOOD; LET HIM SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT.  12  FOR THE EYES OF THE LORD ARE ON THE RIGHTEOUS, AND HIS EARS ARE OPEN TO THEIR PRAYERS; BUT THE FACE OF THE LORD IS AGAINST THOSE WHO DO EVIL.”  13  And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?  14  But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “AND DO NOT BE AFRAID OF THEIR THREATS, NOR BE TROUBLED.”  15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;  16  having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.

They won’t always listen, the Holy Spirit has to be involved in the situation, but this is the order we are given in the New Testament. The real question is, How does your life line up to your doctrine? If there is a disconnect in this area, you have to ask yourself a couple of questions, First, Do I really believe what I profess? Second, Can I blame others for seeing through my own hypocrisy? Tough questions, but necessary ones!

I encourage you to check out the audio on this one. Living What We Know – AUDIO

In Christ!

Kevin

The Christian’s Workout Routine [1Timothy Pt.16]

Exercise Yourself Toward Godliness

Feeling flabby? If not, by the end of the Holidays you probably will. We all know the importance of exercise in our quest to stay healthy. But have you ever considered your Christian life as exercise? The Apostle Paul uses just that language to describe it as he instructs Timothy on the matter of true faith in Jesus Christ.

Exercise Yourself Toward Godliness – AUDIO

Last time I looked at 1 Timothy 4:1-6 (Latter Times Falling Away) we saw the negative side of this discussion; those who pretended righteousness by creating their own standard are following the “deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons.” But, after instructing Timothy to teach the people about these things in 1 Timothy 4:6 Paul goes on to say;

1 Timothy 4:7-8  But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.  8  For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.

Get away from the pretenders and the liars! Legalism is false religion. Reject for yourself the idea that external righteousness is what the Gospel is about. Paul knew about the phonies! He knew about external religion as a former pharisee. He also knew about his own sin and the reality of it as it related to the Gospel (1 Timothy 1:15). He knew that the Gospel contains a call to righteous living, but that it looks to inward, heart righteousness that is based on the Gospel, God’s undeserved favor to sinners (1 Timothy 3:15-16).  Jesus died for the sins of His people and we should be killing the sin that is in our lives. The legalism of many of us seeks to hide our sin behind a false facade of pretended righteousness. It is like trying to dress to look thinner without actually dieting or exercising to be thinner.

Exercise is work!. Paul thoroughly understood that and he uses it here and in 1 Corinthians 9 as an analogy to godliness.

1 Corinthians 9:25-27  Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.  26  So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.  27  But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

If we have understood the grace of God in truth, we are not trying to earn or keep God’s favor. We are responding in love to the One who died to take away the penalty of our sin. He hated sin enough to die for it. Though He loves us in spite of it, if we really know Him, we will want it out of our lives. We will be willing to work at it (Romans 6-8, Titus 2:11-14, Hebrews 12:1-4).

How is your exercise routine? “Bodily exercise profits a little.” Godliness has “promise in the life that now is and of that which is to come.” Godliness is a lifelong commitment. That commitment is evidence that we know Christ in truth. Paul disciplined his body and brought it into subjection because he knew that if dealing sin was not a acknowledged issue and persistent effort, it would demonstrate that he really was not a Christian (1 Corinthians 9:27).  It is my prayer that you and I would see the need to deal with the sin in our lives. That we would take the time and effort necessary to exercise ourselves toward godliness. That our love for Christ would motivate us to deal with sin instead of cover it up and pretend that we are righteous because of a certain checklist we keep (or maybe that fact the we see no need for a checklist makes us feel morally superior!). As the puritan John Owen said, “Be killing sin or it will be killing you!”

Exercise Yourself Toward Godliness – AUDIO

In Christ!

Kevin

Latter Times Falling Away [1 Timothy Pt. 15]

Doctrines of Demons

1 Timothy 4:1-6  “Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,  2  speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,” When we, as North American Evangelicals, hear these words, our minds seem to want to go immediately into some kind of “Left Behind mode. We begin to look to some great falling away that will mark the coming of the Anti-Christ and signal the return of Jesus. However, as we take this passage in its proper context, we will see that to do so is to color the Apostle’s words with unwarranted modern contextualization based on some key phrases that are used (or abused) by the prophecy pundits.

Doctrines of Demons – AUDIO

The “latter times” that the Apostle speaks of is the “Church age” or the times from the Messiah to the end of the world. This is apparent from texts like, Acts 2:14-17, 23; 1 Corinthians 10:11; Hebrews 1:1-2.  We are now in the “latter times” or the “last days” or the “ends of the ages.” This is something that takes place in the Church and something that Timothy had to be aware of in the church at Ephesus that he was pastoring. We too need to be on the look out for this kind of departure from the faith in our own churches and in our own lives! To get a good idea of what he was dealing with see what Paul says next.

1 Timothy 4:3-5  forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.  4  For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving;  5  for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

It is a religion of external rules that God has not prescribed. It is legalism. It is a religion that says “look at me!” rather than “look to Christ!” The departure from the faith is really pretending to be (or even believing that you are) a Christian, while you are counting on your performance rather than on the righteousness of Christ credited to your account by faith.  John Calvin put it this way in his commentary on the passage at hand, “All who assume a pretneded sanctimoniousness are led by the instigation of the devil; because God is never worshipped aright by outward ceremonies.”

This is vital to our faith because it is the nature of fallen human beings to play down our faults and pretend that we are better than we really are! When we do, we are not trusting Christ, but looking to self. Therefore, Paul encourages Timothy to the task of dealing with this in his own church:

1 Timothy 4:6  If you instruct the brethren in these things, you will be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed.

What about you? Is there room in your religion for the truth about who you are? or Do you feel the need to put on airs?

Is your satisfaction in your religion based on the list of things you do or don’t do? or Is it rooted in the grace of God in spite of your performance?

Any time our religion is a “look what I can do” religion, it is demonically driven.

Doctrines of Demons – AUDIO

In Christ!

Kevin

Deacons and Why Should We Obey God? [1 Timothy Pt. 14]

Why Should We Obey God?

The Christian faith often gets a bad rap as being nothing more than a list of dos and don’ts. On the other hand, there are some who cry, “It’s not about rules. It’s about a relationship.” But you have to ask, what relationship is without rules? We really need a healthy balance of love and obedience to have a good relationship. Obedience is fueled best by love, that is why Jesus said, If you love Me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15, 21, 1 John 5:2, 3 and 2 John 1:6 all state this idea in simple terms.

Why Should We Obey God? – AUDIO

As we wrap up our look at the offices of Deacon and Elder/Pastor, we see that Paul inserts a statement into the middle of a letter that is all about dos and don’ts, which might make it seem like he has lost his train of thought. After spending thirteen verses telling Timothy what God requires for the qualifications of the church leaders, he says this;

1 Timothy 3:14-16  These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly;  15  but if I am delayed, I write so that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.  16  And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.

Verses 14-15 make sense, right, I am writing to tell you how to conduct yourself in the church of God, so here are the leadership requirements. No problem. But what about verse 16?  “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in glory.”

Why does he insert this brief but dense statement about who Jesus is here, before he goes on into chapter four to warn Timothy about the danger of false teaching and the need to get it right on his doctrine? What the Apostle is doing is actually giving a WHY for the WHAT that he just spoke of. The reason for our obedience is who Christ is and what He has done! Notice. verse 16 begins with the words, “Great is the mystery of godliness…” What does that mean? The mystery of what would cause our loving obedience to God (since we are by nature rebels against His majesty and are usually more likely to say with Pharaoh,  “Who is the Lord that I should serve Him?” than to lovingly obey) is this; while we were rebels, God came to us in love! We could not go to Him as the Sovereign Ruler of the universe because we were traitors, so, out of love He came to us.

Not only did God come to us, but He was manifested in human flesh as Jesus of Nazareth. He was justified in the Spirit, or the Holy Spirit resurrected Him from the dead and this proved that He was sinless and the only Savior of sinful men. He was seen by angels and preached among the Gentiles, that is, all of this was proclaimed from the nearest beings to God to those who were the farthest away. He was believed on in the world as men heard the Gospel, and finally He was received up in glory where He now sits to make intercession for all who are His! The Gospel is the reason for our obedience. His love for us inspires loving obedience in us. If not, we don’t get it!

Rules have a place in every relationship. Christianity is a relationship above all else, but it is not lawlessness. It is also not man trying to earn the favor of God because that is impossible! It is the proper, loving response to who Christ is and all that He has done for us, nothing more, nothing less.

Why Should We Obey God? – AUDIO

In Christ!

Kevin

What is a Deacon? [1 Timothy Pt. 13]

What is a Deacon?

Church leadership is of vital importance, but preaching, teaching and counseling are not the only areas of ministry. The Bible gives two primary offices for the Church. As the Apostle Paul addresses the saints in Philippi he distinguishes them. Philippians 1:1  “Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons.” The leadership of the church must lead in two areas, word and deed, or “speaking” and “serving,” as the Apostle Peter instructs us.  1 Peter 4:11  “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

What is a Deacon? - AUDIO

The necessity of the deaconal ministry cannot be overstated. The ministry of service, complements the ministry of the Word, it frees the ministers of the Word to focus on their calling and it demonstrates to the Church and to the world that we practice what we preach. I strongly recommend the book by Alexander Strauch called Minister of Mercy; The New Testament Deacon for anyone involved in church leadership. In it, he goes from Scripture to Scripture and shows what we need to know about that office.  Before the office of Pastor was in place as the Apostles ministered in the Church at Jerusalem, the office of Deacon was established.

Acts 6:1-6  Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, there arose a complaint against the Hebrews by the Hellenists, because their widows were neglected in the daily distribution.  2  Then the twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not desirable that we should leave the word of God and serve tables.  3  Therefore, brethren, seek out from among you seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business;  4  but we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”  5  And the saying pleased the whole multitude. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch,  6  whom they set before the apostles; and when they had prayed, they laid hands on them.

Noticing in verse 6 that they were officially installed with the laying on of hands, we see the institution of an office here. Their job was to look after the finances and help the poor. The idea of “serving tables” is understood by many as managing of money just as the money changers in the temple sat at tables (Mat 21:12, Mar 11:15, Joh 2:15). However, the idea of caring for the poor is certainly clear.

These two offices are also clearly given as the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy in the order of the church in 1 Timothy 3. Beginning with the office of Bishop or Overseer;

1 Timothy 3:1-2  This is a faithful saying: If a man desires the position of a bishop, he desires a good work.  2  A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;

and then moving immediately to that of Deacon;

1 Timothy 3:8  Likewise deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money,

he instructs him on how to conduct the affairs of the House of God (1Tim 3:15). If we are to do the ministry biblically. If we are to conduct ourselves appropriately in the “House of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth,” we need to do it in the way that He has given us. As stewards of our Master’s estate we need to follow His instructions on how it is to be run.  This is an area of study that needs to be pursued in the Church in our day so that we might minister in the power of the Holy Spirit and see the Gospel flourish. God has ordained the end and the means, let us submit to Him in reverence.

What is a Deacon?- AUDIO

In Christ!
Kevin

How Does the Church Relate to its Pastor? [1 Timothy Pt. 12]

Pastor's Relationship to the Church

How do you see your pastor? Many people see pastors as some kind of elite position in the church. Certainly, it is a calling for which men are gifted by God. But it is not a position that allows men to become inflated. As a matter of fact, pride is one of the disqualifications for a pastor in 1 Timothy 3:6  “not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.” Having been in the church and in the ministry for a while, I have seen many people approach the qualifications for the Elder / Pastor office in 1 Timothy in pretty interesting ways. Having come from the more “fundamental” end of the Church, I have often seen it used more as a list for selective disqualification. In reality, it is a list of qualities that are commanded in all Christians, but are to be exemplified by the Elder / Pastor. It is not a call to perfection, but a call to exemplary growth and maturity.  1 Timothy 4:12  “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

How Does the Church Relate to its Pastor? - AUDIO

1 Timothy 3:2-7  A bishop [overseer] then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach;  3  not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;  4  one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence  5  (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?);  6  not a novice, lest being puffed up with pride he fall into the same condemnation as the devil.  7  Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

In this list of “qualifications” for the pastor we see character qualities that are commended to all Believers. It is not a list of, If you have ever done this you can’t be a pastor. It is interesting how some say that a divorce disqualifies a man from ever holding the office, but how greedy, angry men whose families are in disarray are fine. This is not really the point. The point is;

Am I above reproach or blameless? Does my life make people say, “How can he be a Christian?”

Am I dedicated to my wife (literally, a One-Woman-Man in the Greek)? Do I keep my needs for intimacy and sexuality within the confines of my marriage?

Am I temperate, sober-minded and of good behavior? Basically, am I under control in my situation, my emotions and thought life and my outward behavior?

Am I hospitable? That is, willing to share my time, space and resources to help and encourage God’s people?

Am I able to teach, showing that I have been called and gifted to the office?

Am I not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous? Basically, am I a spiritual man or a carnal man?

Most importantly, how are my relationships? How do I handle my own life and my household? Of all of the “qualifications” this is the most lengthy. While the others are a word or two, this one is two sentences. The others are pretty much demonstrated here. “one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence  (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Timothy 3:4-5) These verses not only show a character quality that is to be exemplified, but the relationship of the pastor to his church. He is not an elite master or just another guy in the congregation. He is like a dad to the family. In a position of leadership and authority, but he leads with love and a servants heart and generates respect.

Finally, not a novice or a new convert, but someone with a track record and some maturity.

He is also, one who has a good relationship with unbelievers. It would be interesting to interview the unbelieving friends, family and co-workers of a potential candidate for Elder / Pastor in the process of calling the man to the office. After all, unbelievers seem to know better how Christians are supposed to live than many Believers.

So the Elder / Pastor is not perfect. He is a man, but a mature man who is still growing. He is a man who is able to model Christian Character to the Flock. He is one who leads like a father. This is my goal as a Pastor, to be the man described here. I wish I was perfect at it, but I am not. Yet again, I can demonstrate maturity as I go again to the throne of grace to find help in time of need.

I hope that you see your pastor like this. I hope that you want to encourage him in his task by praying for, supporting and loving him, like you would your dad. I also pray that you want to demonstrate his influence in your life by showing the same fruit in your life that you expect him to show in his. I encourage you to check out the audio of this one and let me know what you think.

How Does the Church Relate to its Pastor? - AUDIO

In Christ!

Kevin