1 Timothy |
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| Salutations and
Warnings The Lord’s Grace to Paul Paul Instructs Timothy Women in Worship Overseers and Deacons Instructions to Timothy Advice About Widows Elders |
Salutations and Warnings (1 Timothy 1) Timothy was an evangelist, “one who scatters broadly”, and Paul loved the young man like a son. In the faith, the body of doctrine that is able to save our souls, Paul assures him that salvation has been won. His wish for this young preacher is the grace of Christ the Lord, unmerited favor, nothing he could earn, and mercy, more than justice, the product of true love, which all disciples would do well to learn. The peace that passes understanding, coming from above, speaks of a conscience steeped in righteousness. This greeting heads the letter, the first to Timothy, instructions for the church’s long success. First he warns against false teachers who were adding Moses’ law to commands from Christ, the husband of the bride. They were causing controversy and division in the church, which the Spirit, guiding Paul, would not abide. We should strive for love, he said, from a faith that is sincere, a good conscience and a heart that’s pure and clean. Some had wandered far from these, turning back to Moses’ law, the Christian faith and practice to demean. The law was never meant to save, but convict men of their sins, to civilize a crude, unruly nation, preparing for Messiah, the hope of all mankind, who, through love, would bring forgiveness and salvation. Sound doctrine conforms to the glorious Gospel of the blessed God, entrusted now to Paul, to teach and share. And share he did - with Timothy and a myriad of others - the Gospel truth entrusted to his care. § The Lord’s Grace to Paul (1 Timothy 1) Paul had been a persecutor of the church that Jesus bought, blasphemed the Christ and tried to kill the message he had taught. With violence, religiously, he had pursued the saints. Their practice of the Christian Way he met with tough constraints. He was insolent - a bully- and in his “righteous” zeal, took savage delight in causing pain, crushing victims under his heel. Although he may have been ignorant of exactly who Jesus was, as a Jew, he was not ignorant of the moral laws. Yet Christ saw in him abilities that might be used for good, an example of forgiveness that was plainly understood. The reason Christ came down to earth was to save the sinner’s soul, forgive whatever wrong he’d done, to make him pure and whole. Paul was the worst of sinners, he says to Timothy, “and for that very reason, Christ’s mercy was shown to me, to display unlimited patience to those who would believe. No sinner is past hope, his grace and mercy to receive. Paul’s gratitude was humbling, and he could not do enough in the service of his Master, though the path was often rough. His only aim was to do God’s will, with body, heart and mind. No more extreme example of sainthood can we find. He was just as zealous an advocate for the cause of Christ as he had been as an enemy, his whole life sacrificed. “Timothy, my son, fight the good fight, hold the faith secure, keep your conscience clean and clear so that you can endure. Some have rejected these, and shipwrecked their faith on the shoals. They have forgotten their first love, and thus endangered their souls. Now to the King eternal, immortal and unseen - the only God - be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” § Paul Instructs Timothy (1 Timothy 2) Paul instructs the young man, Timothy, how to be a Christian leader as he plants new churches by his Gospel preaching, sticking closely to the pattern handed down by Paul and others, the apostles whose example is far-reaching. The first command he gives is for prayers of every kind: thanksgiving, intercession and requests for all those in authority, set in place by God, the One who will supply the very best. He will help us live a peaceful life of quiet holiness, which pleases God the Savior, warms his heart. He wants all men to be saved through a knowledge of the truth, that from his Way we never will depart. There’s one God and one mediator between that God and men; the man Christ Jesus gave his very life, sacrificed himself to ransom those who gladly will believe and become his meek, obedient, trusting wife. “For this purpose,” Paul repeats, “I was appointed as a herald, a teacher of the faith, profound and true, an apostle for the Gentiles who were once so far away, and this ministry I now pass on to you.” Without anger or disputing, lift up holy hands in prayer, a sweet aroma wafting up to God. Hands that are consecrated to do his special work are approved as righteous by his loving nod. Christ is judged by the behavior of those who wear his name. We are oft the only Bible sinners read. As his ambassadors, we have an awesome task to share the bread of life with those in need. The fine white linen we will wear to walk the golden streets are the righteous acts of saints done here below, heaven’s treasures laid up there to enjoy eternally, when at last we all will reap just what we sow. § Women in Worship (1 Timothy 2) A woman must be silent in the worship of the church, show submission in a modest, quiet way, not with a fancy hair-do or expensive, showy clothes, as her reverence and purity hold sway. Her looks are less important than sensible behavior, good deeds that are appropriate to saints. She has no authority to be above a man, to lead or teach or bombard with complaints. Adam was formed first, a ruler o’er the earth, and from his rib, a woman he called Eve. God gave them rules to live by, yet soon they would rebel, and woman was the first to be deceived. Childbirth (a synecdoche for a mother’s varied role) will be the center of her busy life. In faith and love and holiness, the Lord will keep her safe, and hold her up above the worldly strife. To Paul’s commands for women, Peter adds a little note: An unbelieving husband may be won by a saintly wife’s behavior, showing reverence and love, by obedience to the Father and the Son. Outward beauty cannot last, but the beauty from within will never fade or wrinkle through the years. A gentle, quiet spirit is of great worth is God’s sight, like Sarah who did not give way to fears. She called Abraham her master, and followed where he led, obedient to him and to the Lord. She offered no resistance to Isaac’s sacrifice, would not her husband’s duties disregard. “You are her daughters," Peter says, “if you will do what’s right, be courageous in the faith and never faint.” All souls are equal in God’s sight, but in this earthly tent, there’s a special role for every female saint. § Overseers and Deacons (1 Timothy 3) Overseer, elder, bishop, presbyter or shepherd - all names describe the church’s leading men. Anyone who sets his heart on this pursuit for God desires a noble task, to battle sin. He must be a man above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, and fit to teach, respectable, hospitable, not given to much wine, with gentleness that bridges any breach. He does not love a quarrel, nor care a lot for money, must manage his own family with care, teach his children to obey him, with respect that he is due, by example show them what is right and fair. No recent convert should be chosen for an elder’s work, lest he become conceited, fall away, like the former angel, Lucifer, who deigned to be like God, and for his pride has only hell to pay. The shepherd of the saints should have a reputation beyond reproach with those outside the church, so as not to fall into disgrace, into the devil’s trap, the name of Christ the Savior to besmirch. Deacons, workers in the church, are also to be worthy, respectable, sincere and honest men, not indulging in much wine nor pursuing unjust gain; grasp the truth to keep their faith from wearing thin. Their wives should be respectable, not gossips, but trustworthy in everything they daily do and say. Only one wife is allowed, and good, obedient children who are taught and managed in a godly way. These are Paul’s instructions to Timothy and the church, for proper conduct in the Christian walk, supporting one another as we strive for righteousness, a living faith in action, not just talk. § Instructions to Timothy (1 Timothy 4) Paul states: The Spirit clearly says that in later times, some members of the church will fall away, follow deceiving spirits and those things taught by demons, and hypocritical liars will hold sway. Their consciences are burned and seared as with a branding iron; the truth now has no value in their lives. They forbid some folks to marry, though by God it was ordained that men be aided by their godly wives. Abstinence from certain foods is one of their requirements, adding to the Word, which Christ himself forbids. God created these to be received by Christians with thanksgiving. Adding to his law puts believers on the skids. Everything created by God is good if used in the proper way, consecrated by the Word of God and prayer. If you point these out to the brothers, your ministry for Christ will have success, his saving grace to share. Having been brought up in the truths of faith, following the righteous path, ignore the myths and old wives' tales you hear. Rather train yourself to be godly, soak up the truths of God that every Christian must hold close and dear. Don't let the physical body become an earthly idol. Exercise has little value compared to godliness. Training the mind and soul holds promise for the future, on earth and then in heaven where life is endless bliss. We have put our hope in a living God instead of lifeless idols, a Savior who has risen from the grave to give us hope of resurrection when this life is done, his blood the only cleansing power to save. Command and teach these things, live in such holiness that no one can find fault in one so young. Set an example in life, in love, in faith, in purity, in speech, so that you tame the hasty tongue. Devote yourself always to public reading of the Scriptures where you preach and teach the best News ever heard. Be diligent in your progress, watch your life and doctrine closely, saving both yourself and others with the Word. § Advice About Widows (1 Timothy 5) Be cautious and respectful, not harsh with an older man, exhort him just as you would do your dad. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as your mother, younger women as the sis you never had. Give proper recognition to widows in real need, if they have no relatives, the load to share. But children or grandchildren are held responsible to repay their own upbringing by their care. The widow who is all alone puts her trust in God, and for help in her distress she humbly prays, but the pleasure-seeking widow is dead while yet she lives, and selfishness will haunt her all her days. Anyone refusing to provide for his family has denied the faith, worse than an infidel. No widow under sixty should be added to the list, and good deeds should her reputation tell. A faithful wife and mother, devoted to the saints, big-hearted in her hospitality, she should be a fine example to all within the church, serving God with works that anyone can see. As for the younger widows, don’t put them on the list. Their sensual desires will lead to marriage. With too much idle time, they resort to foolish talk; busy-bodies tend to gossip and disparage. So I counsel them to marry, raise children, keep the home, give the enemy no cause for talk or slander. Some have already turned away to follow after Satan and are living in a most ungodly manner. Deprivation for a widow may really be a blessing, draw her closer to the family of God. Too much independence can make a person haughty, and can produce a pious, selfish clod. § Elders (1 Timothy 5) The elders who direct the affairs of the church in the manner God prescribes deserve double honor, especially those who teach. The Scripture says, “Don’t muzzle the ox while it is treading the grain,” and, “The worker deserves his wages.” He is not a leech. Do not entertain an accusation against one of the elders unless two or three good witnesses can agree. Those who sin are to be rebuked before the congregation, as a warning that all can hear and see. Do not be partial in your judgments, show no favoritism, as worldly people would protect a friend. Be careful in selecting those for laying on of hands. Keep yourself pure, not sharing in others’ sins. The sins of some are obvious, reaching ahead of them to judgment day when all will be laid bare. Some sins trail behind, not seen so well on earth, but of all works, good or bad, God is aware. Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine for your digestive problems, frequent ills. Remember, medical knowledge was limited back then, no Prozac, Tums or super Prevacid pills. Paul’s ability to heal, given by the Holy Spirit, wasn’t used on Timothy or his own “thorn”. Some people need infirmity to keep them meek and humble, and death becomes a friend to those care-worn. Those “prophets” who pervert the Word for worldly fame and riches, who say God wants us all in perfect health, knee deep in filthy lucre to feed our pride and greed, are mostly interested in their OWN wealth. Anyone who thinks his problems can be cured with money is worshiping an idol, not the Lord. God has promised to take care of us if we put him first. Our will and his should be of one accord. |