Category: Bible

Some Will Depart from the Faith Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 4:1-3 Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 

‘Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils …’ This is the first New Testament prophecy in 1Timothy (4:1-5), and it is fulfilled and is still being fulfilled. Seven things incited by the mystery of iniquity (continues): [2] Giving heed to seducing spirits (4:1). [Greek: planos] leading astray. Translated as “seducing” (4:1) and “deceiver” (Matt. 27:63; 2Cor. 6:8; 2Jn. 1:7). These are deceiving demons that seduce men. To seduce means to lead astray; draw into evil; especially to entice to surrender chastity. Demons are charged with carrying out the program of enticement to forfeit virtue or surrender chastity. This is the same as forbidding to marry (point 6, below). [3] Giving heed to doctrines of devils (4:1). To urge departure from the faith is the first work of demons. This results in a departure from holy living, and acceptance of doctrines that will damn the soul. Men who pretend inspiration and revelation and false teachers of all kinds are the agents of demons (2Cor. 11:14-15). Every religion that denies the reality of God; Christ; the Holy Spirit; the atonement; the death and the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ; sin; sickness; satan; demons; hell; heaven; and the other fundamental doctrines of Scripture are as much of satan and demons as the Bible and Christianity are of God. [4] Speaking lies in hypocrisy (4:2). [Greek: pseudologos] speakers of lies in pretended revelations; putting on an act of self-denial and mortification of the flesh to prove their false doctrines to be the truth.

To be continued…

Some Will Depart from the Faith Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 4:1-3 Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 

‘Expressly’ [Greek: rhetos] manifestly; in express words; openly.

‘Latter times’ Fourteen end-time expressions: Latter times – last years ending this age before the Millennium (1Tim. 4:1). Latter years – Armageddon and the end of this age (Ezek. 38:8, 16). Latter-days – the future tribulation (Num. 24:14; Deut. 4:30; 31:29; Jer. 23:20; 30:24; 48:47; 49:39; Dan. 2:28; 10:14). Latter-day – beginning of the Millennium (Job 19:25). Latter days – during the Millennium (Hos. 3:5). Last days – end of this age preceding the Millennium (Dan. 8:19; 2Tim. 3:1; Jas. 5:3; 2Pet. 3:3; Jude 1:18). Last day – the rapture, at least seven years before the Millennium and second advent (John 6:39, 40, 44, 54; 11:24). Last days – the tribulation period or the last seven years of this age (Acts 2:16-21). Last days – first coming (Heb. 1:1-2). Last times – first coming (1Pet. 1:20). Last time – apostolic times and the whole congregational age (1Jn. 2:18). Last time – second coming (1Pet. 1:5). Last days – Millennium (Gen. 49:1; Isa. 2:1; Mic. 4:1). Last day – end of the Millennium (John 12:48; cp. Rev. 20:7-15).

‘Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils …’ This is the first New Testament prophecy in 1Timothy (4:1-5), and it is fulfilled and is still being fulfilled. Seven things incited by the mystery of iniquity: [1] Departing from the faith (4:1). [Greek: aphistemi] to put away; remove; separate; to revolt from. Translated “depart from” (4:1; Luke 2:37; 4:13; 13:27; Acts 12:10; 15:38; 19:9; 22:29; 2Cor. 12:8; 2Tim. 2:19; Heb. 3:12); “refrain from” (Acts 5:38); “fall away” (Luke 8:13); and “withdraw” (6:5). It is possible to depart from the faith and apostatize if such passages are true. No man can depart from something that he is not in or does not have. All men do not have faith (2Thess. 3:2). Only men of that class would find it impossible to depart from faith for they have no faith to depart from. Men are warned to take heed, lest their hearts become evil and unbelieving and cause them to depart from God (Heb. 3:12).

To be continued…

Godliness Part 2

~ iolaHC ~ 1 Comment

1Timothy 3:14-16 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou may know how thou ought to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 

‘The mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preaches unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.’ Seven facts of the mystery of Godliness (continues): Seen of angels – divine revelation (3:16; 2Cor. 4:9; Eph. 3:9-10; 1Pet. 1:10-12). [Greek: optanomai] to discern clearly; to gaze upon with wide-open eyes as something remarkable. Previous to this angels had little knowledge of the necessity or reasons for and nature of human salvation (1Pet. 1:10-12). Now it is no longer a mystery to them or to men. Preached unto the Gentiles – divine inclusion (3:16; 1Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Eph. 2:11-18; 3:1-6; Col. 3:11). Believed on in the world – divine propagation (3:16; Matt. 4:23-24; 9:35; Luke 4:16-19; Eph. 2:17). Received up into glory – divine ascension and exaltation (3:16; Luke 24:51; Eph. 1:20-23; Php. 2:9-11). The Greek: analambano is translated as “received up” (3:16; Mark 16:19; Luke 9:51; Acts 10:16); “taken up” (Acts 1:2, 11, 22; 7:43); and “take” (Acts 20:13-14; 23:31; Eph. 6:13, 16; 2Tim. 4:11). The same human body and nature God was manifested in, was resurrected and received up to glory (John 21:14).

These divine phrases of the mystery of godliness form one complete whole concerning the redemption of all things. No single part is now a mystery, because the many scriptures have made it all clear.

‘Godliness’ [Greek: eusebeia] reverence toward God; piety; religion. Translated “godliness” (3:16; 2:2; 4:7-8; 6:3-11; 2Tim. 3:5; Tit. 1:1; 2Pet. 1:3-7; 3:11) and “holiness” (Acts 3:12).

Godliness Part 1

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 3:14-16 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou may know how thou ought to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 

‘Hoping to come unto thee shortly.’ I hope to come to you shortly, but if I am delayed, you will know how to conduct yourself amongst other believers (3:14-15).

‘The house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.’ Three names of the New Testament congregation: The house or household of God (3:15; Eph. 2:19-22; cp. Gal. 6:10). The congregations or assemblies of the living God (3:15; Eph. 3:15; 5:1). The pillar and ground of truth, the upholder of the great truth of the mystery of godliness (3:15-16). Another great truth upheld is the headship of God (1Cor. 11:3; Eph. 1:10). Lucifer did not abide in this truth (John 8:44; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17). He is now denying it (1Jn. 2:18-23). Christians are now supposed to demonstrate it (Eph. 3:10; 4:11-16; 5:24; Heb. 13:7, 17; 1Pet. 5:1-6).

‘Without controversy’ [Greek: homologoumenos] confessedly.

‘The mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preaches unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.’ Seven facts of the mystery of Godliness: Great – divine fullness (3:16; John 1:16-17; Eph. 3:19; Col. 1:19; 2:9). God was manifest in the flesh – the incarnation (3:16; Isa. 7:14; 9:6-7; Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-56; 2:1-39; John 1:14; Rom. 8:3; Gal. 4:4; Heb. 1:5-6; 2:6-18). Justified in the Spirit – divine vindication (3:16; Acts 2:22-28, 36; 3:14-18; Rom. 1:3-4; Eph. 1:20-23; Php. 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-24; 2:14-17; Heb. 1:3-9; 2:5-18; 1Pet. 3:22).

To be continued…

Wives

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 3:11-13 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 

‘Wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.’ Four qualifications for women: Grave [Greek: semnos] Translated as “grave” (3:4; Tit. 2:2) and “honest” (Php. 4:8). Not slanderers (3:11) [Greek: diabolos] devils, adversary, false accuser, and slanderer (3:11; 2Tim. 3:3; Tit. 2:3). In John 6:70 it reveals Judas as an adversary of Christ. The word is otherwise used for satan who is an adversary of God and man (John 8:44). No gossip can ever be allowed as an example to God’s flock and must be avoided at all cost (Pro. 11:13; 17:9; 25:9). Sober [Greek: nephaleos] not drinkers of wine – to be sober at all times is a command to anyone who claims to follow Christ (1Thess. 5:6; 8; Tit. 2:2,4,6; 1Pet. 1:13; 5:8), thus no drinking of alcohol! Faithful in all things. These qualifications apply to wives of bishops, deacons, deaconesses, and Christian women in general.

‘Used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.’ Two great rewards for faithful deacons: Purchase a good degree [Greek: peripoieomai] to preserve, acquire, keep safe, and protect for oneself a good degree or rank among Christians (3:13; Acts 20:28). Great boldness in the faith [Greek: parrhesia] freedom of speech. Translated “boldness of speech” (2Cor. 7:4); “plainness of speech” (2Cor. 3:12); “freely” (Acts 2:29); “confidence” (Acts 28:31; Heb. 3:6; 10:35; 1Jn. 2:28; 3:21; 5:14); “boldness” and “boldly” (John 7:26; Acts 4:13, 29, 31; Eph. 3:12; 6:19; Php. 1:20; Phm. 1:8; Heb. 4:16; 10:19; 1Jn. 4:17); “openly” (Mark 8:32; John 7:4, 13; 11:54; 18:20; Col. 2:15); and “plainly” (John 10:24; 11:14; 16:25, 29).

Deacons

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 3:8-10 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 

‘Must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre.’ Ten qualifications are noted here for deacons: Grave [Greek: semnos] Translated as “grave” (3:4; Tit. 2:2) and “honest” (Php. 4:8). Not double-tongued [Greek: dilogos] liars; saying different things to different persons on the same subject. Not give to much wine even unfermented (in the cluster; Isa. 65:8). Some use this verse to justify drinking in moderation. To be sober at all times is a command to anyone who claims to follow Christ (1Thess. 5:6; 8; Tit. 2:2,4,6; 1Pet. 1:13; 5:8), thus no drinking of alcohol! Even children know it is wrong, funny how distorted grownups become in what is right and what is wrong. Not greedy of filthy lucre. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience (3:9). They must maintain a good conscience and be able to demonstrate the mysterious power of faith (Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:17-18). Let them be proved (3:10). The same as not a new convert, in 1Timothy 3:6. Let them be tested and proved worthy of the office, and able to keep themselves from being lifted up in pride and falling in the same manner satan did. Blameless [Greek: anengkletos] (3:10). Translated as “blameless” (3:10; 1Cor. 1:18; Tit. 1:6-7) and “unreprovable” (Col. 1:22). They must be free from evil and reproach. The wives must meet certain qualifications (3:11). Each, must be the husband of one wife (3:12). No polygamist. Each, must be the ruler of his own house (3:12), as required of bishops (3:4-5).

‘Deacons’ – deacons of congregations or business elders and distinct from bishops or teaching elders (3:10-13; Php. 1:1; Acts 6:1-7).

Not a Novice

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1 Timothy 3:4-7 One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he falls into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he falls into reproach and the snare of the devil. 

‘Gravity’ [Greek: semnotes] solemnity; dignity; majesty. Translated “gravity” (3:4; Tit. 2:7) and “honesty” (2:2).

‘For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church [congregation] of God?’ If a man’s home rule is not good, how can he be trusted with the civil or religious government?

‘Lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.’ The reason for not putting a new convert in the office of a bishop or overseer is the lack of Christian experience and service. It is natural for men to feel exalted when entrusted with any form of government. This feeling must be entirely put to death before one can be a true ruler. The example of Lucifer is given to emphasize the absolute necessity of mortifying pride. Lucifer was trusted as the original overseer of the earth. He ruled for an indefinite period before Adam and was perfect in his ways until he was lifted up in pride to believe he could invade heaven and dethrone God (3:6; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; Jer. 4:23-26; 2Pet. 3:5-8). Before learning the lesson of humility and the worth of his true self without grace, the new convert will likely fall as Lucifer did. We do not need any rulers of this type – haughty, proud, exalted, despotic, and self-important.

‘Lifted up with pride’ [Greek: tuphoo] to make dull, senseless, conceited, silly, stupid, or absurd. Translated as “lifted up” (3:6); “be proud” (6:4); and “be high-minded” (2Tim. 3:4). The Greek: tuphon (hurricane, typhoon) may best illustrate such conceited, puffed up behaviour of inflated ones in the ecclesiastical realm.

‘Lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.’ The reason why a bishop must have a good report from non-Christians is to avoid reproach and falling into the snare of the devil. Backsliders usually fall by the sins of their former life. On these lines, the devil concentrates on bringing about the fall of as many as possible.

A Bishop Then Must Be…

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 3:2-3 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous

‘Must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.’ There are sixteen qualifications for bishops: Blameless in conduct [Greek: anepilemptos] (5:7; 6:14). Husband of one wife, i. e., not a polygamist. One could be a bishop without a wife, as Paul (2Cor. 9:5). Vigilant [Greek: nephaleos] drinking no wine; sober. Translated “vigilant” (3:2); and “sober” (3:11; Tit. 2:2). Sober [Greek: sophron] of sound mind; discreet; prudent; self-controlled; temperate. Not given to alcohol but always sober. Translated “sober” (3:2; Tit. 1:8); “temperate” (Tit. 2:5); and “discreet” (Tit. 2:5). Of good behaviour [Greek: kosmios] behaviour in general as someone professing godliness. Given to hospitality [Greek: philoxenos] kind to strangers and contributing to needy saints (cp. Rom. 12:13). Apt to teach [Greek: didaktikos] capable of teaching from God’s Word and not own beliefs (2Tim. 2:24). Not given to wine [Greek: paroinos] a winebibber, no drinker of any alcohol or even condoning others doing it (Tit. 1:7; Hag. 2:15). No striker [Greek: plektes] not quarrelsome; one not ready to strike back at those who displease him; no persecutor of those who differ with him (Tit. 1:7). Not greedy of filthy lucre [Greek: aischrokerdes] not desirous of base gain; not using wrong methods to raise money to increase his own income (3:3, 8; Tit. 1:7). Patient [Greek: epieikes] meek and gentle (3:3). Not a brawler [Greek: amachos] not contentious, but quiet and peaceable (Tit. 3:2). Not covetous [Greek: aphilarguros] not a lover of money; not desiring the office for the sake of personal gain or washing cash (Heb. 13:5; Luke 12:15). Ruler of his own house, not by hardness and tyranny, but with honesty. Not a novice [Greek: neophutos] a new convert to the faith. Of a good report from outsiders.

The Office of a Bishop

~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work. 

‘Bishop’ [Greek: episcope] overseer, bishop, or preaching elder. The word “elders” in the Old Testament meant the heads or rulers of the tribes, cities, and nations (Deut. 1:13). In the Gospels and Acts it generally refers to the Sanhedrin (Matt. 15:2; 16:21; 21:23; 26:3; Acts 4:5, 8, 23). In the early congregations’ elders were the ministers and deacons, or preaching elders and business elders of the local congregational groups (Acts 11:30; 14:23; 16:4; 20:17, 28; 21:18; 1Tim. 5:17; Tit. 1:5; Jas. 5:14). All apostles were elders (Acts 11:30; 1Pet. 5:1; 2Jn. 1:1; 3Jn. 1:1), but all elders were not apostles (Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4). The elders of Acts 20:17, were the overseers of Acts 20:28. The elders of 1Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5-10 and 1Peter 5:1-2 were preaching elders or bishops. The business elders were deacons (Acts 6:1-15).

Bishops and deacons are mentioned in Philippians 1:1 and 1Timothy 3:1-13. The word presbuteros is also used for older men and women (Luke 15:25; John 8:9; Acts 17:1-34; 4:22; 1Tim. 5:2). It is used also of heavenly ranks (Rev. 4:4, 10; 5:6, 8, 11, 14; 7:11, 13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4). It is found 68 times and is translated “elder” except in John 8:9 and Acts 2:17; 4:22.

Romans 16 names at least seven women who served as presbuteros in congregational groups: Phebe (Rom. 16:1), Priscilla (Rom. 16:3), Mary (Rom. 16:6), Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis (Rom. 16:12), Julia (Rom. 16:15); and mention is made of an unnamed sister of Nereus (Rom. 16:15). All of them were Christian workers, deaconesses and Christians who exercised the gift of prophecy (quoting and implementing the Old Testament prophecies) who “labour in the Lord” (Rom. 16:12). This indicates that they laboured in the ministry of the Word.

If They Continue

~ iolaHC ~ 2 Comments

1Timothy 2:13-15 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. 

‘For Adam was first formed, then Eve.’ This is Paul’s reason for stating the headship (not rulership) of men (2:11-14; 2Cor. 11:3).

By Adam (not Eve) came physical death, which is a result of the eternal-death penalty for sin (1Cor. 15:22). This death passed upon all people (Rom. 5:12-21). Adam was with Eve in the garden and therefore without excuse. He should have spoken up and protected his mate and his dominion. His duty was to cultivate and keep (preserve) the garden from all intruders (Gen. 2:15). “Keep” is from the Hebrew shamar, meaning to hedge about, guard, protect (Gen. 3:24; 6:19-20; 7:3; 17:9-10; 18:19; 28:15, 20; Ps. 17:8).

‘Shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.’ She shall be saved from dying during childbirth if she remains godly. Childbearing does not save the soul. Even to be saved from dying in childbirth is not promised unless a woman continues in four things: [1] Faith – something we must continue in; be grounded in; be settled in and not move away from our hope in eternal life (Col. 1:23). [2] Love – that consists of patience, kindness, generosity, humility, courtesy, unselfishness, good temper, righteousness and sincerity (1Cor. 13:4-8). [3] Holiness – everyone should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour (1Thess. 4:3-5,7). [4] Sobriety – clothed in proper and modest attire (2:9).

One must continue in these things to have the assurance of continued physical life, and the same is required for eternal life. Even with this promise, the benefits must be appropriated by faith.