Category: Doctrine

A Faithful Saying

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1 Timothy 4:9-11 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. 

‘This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.’ Four “faithful sayings” in Timothy and Titus: Christ came to save sinners (1:15; 4:10; Matt. 1:21; John 3:16; Gal. 1:4). Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of life now, and of that which is to come (1:4, 8-10). If we are dead with Him, we shall also live with Him (2Tim. 2:11-13). They who believe must maintain good works (Tit. 3:8; cp. 1Tim. 3:1; Rev. 21:5; 22:6). This gives the whole span of redemption from the fall of man to the eternal reign with Christ.

‘Saviour of all men.’ God is called “Saviour” 19 times (1:1; 2:3; 4:10; Luke 1:47; Tit. 1:3; 2:10; 3:4; Jude 1:25; 2Sam. 22:3; Ps. 106:21; Isa. 43:3, 11; 45:15, 21; 49:26; 60:16; 63:8; Jer. 14:8; Hos. 13:4); Jesus Christ is called “Saviour” 16 times (Luke 2:11; John 4:42; Acts 5:31; 13:23; Eph. 5:23; Php. 3:20; 2Tim. 1:10; Tit. 1:4; 2:13; 3:6; 1Pet. 1:1, 1:11; 2:20; 3:2, 18; 1Jn. 4:14).

‘All men, specially of those that believe.’ There is a sense in which God has already saved all men – by providing salvation for them to receive if they want to. When Adam and Eve incurred the death penalty, the race would have been extinguished if God had not interposed and promised the seed of the woman (Christ). In the final sense of salvation, God becomes the Saviour only of those who accept the Redeemer by faith (John 3:16).

‘These things command and teach.’ Let these things (as seen in thirty things about a good minister) be the substance of your preaching.

Godliness is Profitable Part 2

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

‘That which is to come.’ The life to come is eternal life which one receives as an unforfeitable possession at the end of his life of sowing to the Spirit (Matt. 7:13-14; Mark 10:29-30; Rom. 6:22-23; 8:12-13; Gal. 6:7-8). Eternal life is received now on condition. Twenty-three conditions of eternal life: Come to Christ (John 6:37, 44, 45, 65). Eat His flesh – drink His blood (John 6:50, 51, 53, 58). Labour (John 6:27). Reap – win souls (John 4:35-38). Hate (love less) the life in this world (John 12:25). Know God and Christ (John 17:2-3). Enter the right gate (Matt. 7:13-14). Cause no offence (Matt. 18:8-9). Keep commandments (Matt. 19:17). Forsake all (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30). Live free from sin (Rom. 5:21; 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Tit. 2:11-14). Continue in well-doing and seek eternal life (Rom. 2:7). Sow to the Spirit (Gal. 6:7-8). Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on it (1Tim. 6:12, 19). Be sober and hope to the end for it (Tit. 1:2; 3:7; 1Pet. 1:5, 9, 13 with Rom. 8:24). Endure temptations (Jas. 1:12). Let the promise of it remain in you and continue in God and Christ (1Jn. 2:24-25; 5:11-20). Love everybody (1Jn. 3:14-15). Keep yourself in the love of God, looking for eternal life (Jude 1:20-24). Overcome sin (Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 3:5, 12, 21). Be faithful unto death (Rev. 2:10; Heb. 12:14-15). Believe and obey the gospel (John 3:15-19, 36; 4:14; 5:24; 6:40, 47, 54; 2Cor. 5:17; Rom. 1:5). Be born again, hear Christ, and follow Him (John 3:1-36; 10:27-29).

We get eternal life now and keep it forever if we meet the above conditions, but it does not become an unforfeitable eternal possession until we enter into it (Matt. 7:13; 18:8-9; 19:17; Rom. 6:22); receive it (Rom. 6:23; Jas. 1:12; 1Pet. 1:13; Rev. 2:10); reap it (Gal. 6:7-8); and inherit it in the world to come (Matt. 19:27-29; Mark 10:28-30; Luke 18:28-30), and at the end of this life (Rom. 6:22). The life itself is eternal. Man’s possession of it does not change its nature or existence. It is eternal whether man ever gets it or not. It is still eternal whether man loses it or not. It is like an eternal diamond or anything else eternal. It always remains eternal and is only in Jesus Christ (John 6:27; 1Jn. 5:11-12).

Godliness is Profitable Part 1

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

‘Profane and old wives’ fables.’ This refers to any made-up stories, tales, motivations or lessons apart from the Biblical examples God gave as the only true examples and lessons for us to learn from. Most people come up with everyday life stories to use as encouragement, but the examples are not Godly inspired and mostly used with wrong scriptural references and can cause people to stumble and lose faith rather than get to know God.

‘Exercise’ [Greek: gumnazo] take exercise in godly things instead of physical, so you may win eternal life (4:7-8; 1Cor. 9:24-27). So many people spend hours and hours on their bodies and plenty of money, but their own salvation is dearly neglected. Exercise in moderation is necessary, but your body is not an object for pride or show (1Cor. 6:19-20).

‘Profitable’ [Greek: ophelimos] to convince men of truth. Translated as “profitable” (2Tim. 3:16; Tit. 3:8) and “profit” (4:8). The gospel of Christ is profitable to anyone who believes therein and lives according to it. For others, sadly, He is a stumbling stone (Rom. 9:33; 1Cor. 1:23; 1Pet. 2:7).

‘Unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.’ Threefold profit of godliness: Profits in all things (2Pet. 1:3). Profits in this life (Mark 10:30-31). Profits in the life to come (Rom. 6:1-23).

To be continued…

A Good Minister of Jesus Christ

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1Timothy 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou have attained. 

‘Good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou have attained.’ Thirty things about a good minister: He will guard the true doctrines (1:3). Refuse speculative doctrines (1:4; 4:7; 6:20). Have a pure heart (1:5). Have a good conscience (1:5, 19). Have genuine faith (1:5, 19). Be faithful to calling (1:12). Be saved from sin (1:15). Be an example (pattern) to others (1:16; 4:12). War good warfare (1:18). Pray and give thanks for all (2:1-8). Lead a quiet and peaceable life (2:2). Live godly and honest (2:2). Meet the sixteen qualifications of bishops (1Tim. 3). Behave as belonging to God (3:15). Hold to the fundamentals of truth (3:16). Live without iniquity. Remind brethren of truth (4:6). Maintain faith and good doctrine. Exercise self in godliness more than in bodily exercise (4:7-8). Suffer reproach for Christ (4:10). Attend to reading, exhortation, and doctrine (4:13). Make proper use of gifts (4:14). Meditate wholly upon duties (4:15-16). Be just to all classes (5:1-6:21). Keep self pure (5:22). Be content with life (6:6-8). Abstain from fleshly lusts (6:9-11). Follow the fruit of the Spirit (6:11). Fight the fight of faith and lay hold of eternal life (6:12). Live blameless before God and true to all men (6:14-19).

Received with Thanksgiving

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1 Timothy 4:4-5 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 

‘For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving.’ Not a new revelation, God created some animals for work (unclean) and others (clean) as food (Lev. 11:1-47; Deut. 14:1-29). God wanted us to eat only the clean and sacrificial type. All other animal meat is poisonous for human consumption and most people live in sickness today because they serve their bellies (fleshly lusts – Rom. 13:14; 16:18). Even though humans were not allowed to consume animal meat in the early days just after the restoration of the earth, it was clearly understood what meat was sacrificable. As early as Genesis 4:3-7 we see Kain’s fruit offer was rejected because for them to reconcile with God there had to be a blood sacrifice, for only through blood (typology of Christ’s crucifixion) atonement could be established. In Noah’s days before the flood, it was already clear that animals were in categories of clean and unclean (Gen. 7:2) and in Leviticus 11 these animals are specified. Saying that the laws concerning clean and unclean meat have changed because of the annulment of the Mosaic Law, is not Scriptural because more than a thousand years before the Old Testament Laws came by Moses, it was already known which animals were for food (clean) and which for labour and it had nothing to do with the Laws of Moses. It was only stated to the nation Israel for their own health purposes, just as anyone today can make that choice for themselves.

‘Sanctified by the word of God and prayer.’ Food is sanctified – set apart – by God’s command (Gen. 1:29; 9:3) and prayer. That means the food that was created by God as food; we cannot eat sugars and colourants that are toxic and then say a prayer and think it will be sanctified to God’s standards of healthy food. We need to make sure we know what we eat and drink and that it all is for God’s glory as commanded in 1Corinthians 10:31, and not for our own fleshly lusts.

Some Will Depart from the Faith Part 3

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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): [5] Having the conscience seared with a hot iron (4:2). [Greek: kauteriazo] to sear with a red hot iron; to brand; to be seared in conscience. It means to make callous, withered, hardened, and insensible to right and wrong. It was customary in ancient times to mark criminals with a hot iron so that (according to the heathen) the infernal judges would know their vices and appoint them punishment according to their sins. [6] Forbidding to marry (4:3). To forbid means to prohibit, hinder, oppose, or operate against. Seducing spirits influence people to hinder and operate against wedlock by enticing them to meet the demands of the sex drive apart from the sanctity of marriage. To heed (as in “giving heed to seducing spirits,”) means to pay attention to and act under the leadership and control of. Hence, those who satisfy their sexual needs through perversions – any of the ways contrary to what is approved by Scripture – are under the control, more or less, of demons (Rom. 1:21-28; Lev. 20:13; Joel 3:3). This also applies to religions that discourage or forbid marriage to anyone among laymen or clergy. Marriage is honourable to all and the bed undefiled (Heb. 13:4; 1Cor. 7:1-40). [7] Commanding to abstain from meats (4:3). Among the heathen and even some of the so-called Christians, certain meats and food are forbidden in utter disregard of 1Timothy 4:3-4. Such unscriptural commanding under the new covenant is prompted by demons arrayed against the gospel and the liberty it provides regarding food (Gen. 9:1-7; Rom. 14:1-6).

‘Which God has created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.’ This states part of God’s original purpose in creating animals.

Some Will Depart from the Faith Part 2

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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

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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

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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

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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…