Tag: Advice

Holding Faith Part 2

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1Timothy 1:18-20 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them might war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Twenty facts about faith: It can be shipwrecked (1:19). Put away or thrust away (1:19). Turned away from (Acts 13:8). Made void (Rom. 4:14). Exercised in vain (1Cor. 15:17). Held to or let go (1:19). Departed from (4:1). Denied (5:8; Rev. 2:13). Cast off (5:12). Erred from (6:10, 21). Overthrown (2Tim. 2:18). Abandoned (2Tim. 3:8). Kept or lost (2Tim. 4:7). Found missing (Mark 4:40; Luke 8:25). Adequate or fail (Luke 22:32). Made without effect (Rom. 3:3). Dead (Jas. 2:17, 20, 26). Obeyed or disobeyed (Acts 6:7). Built up or destroyed (Jude 1:20). Continued in or discontinued in (Acts 14:22; Col. 1:23; Heb. 10:39).

‘Hymenaeus’ – a man who thrust away and made shipwreck of his faith, becoming a blasphemer (1:19-20) and a false teacher, overthrowing the faith of others (2Tim. 2:16-18).

‘Alexander’ – Another man who thrust away and made shipwreck of his faith (1:19-20) and who became an enemy of the gospel (2Tim. 4:14-15; Acts 19:33). Both of these men had faith and a good conscience before making shipwreck of them (1:19). Thus, we not only have reference to a possibility of such shipwreck, but also a record of examples.

‘Whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.’ A Christian prayer unto salvation where the enemy can bring sinners or backsliders their necessary consequences that are required to open eyes and ears in times of sickness, poverty or distress and save one’s soul when they choose to turn to God. 1Timothy 5:24 says that some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment – thus they are now reaping the consequences that they sowed, and some men’s follow afterwards which means that the enemy keeps consequences away and people think they ‘got away’ with their sins and will receive no consequences, but that it will come eventually and then there is no more want for repentance. Consequences are the thing that helps people to repent and turn to God (Isa. 26:9-10) and not live in sin anymore (Rom. 6; 1John 3).

Holding Faith Part 1

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1Timothy 1:18-20 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them might war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. 

‘This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy’ – Same as the commandment in 1Timothy 1:5 given to Timothy as to what he was to obey according to God’s commandments.

‘Prophecies which went before’ – Referring perhaps to those that were uttered when spiritual gifts were imparted to Timothy (4:14; 2Tim. 1:6) to enable him to continue with Paul’s commission as given by Jesus Christ.

‘That thou by them might war a good warfare.’ Three necessary things to save the soul: Fight a good warfare (1:18; 2Tim. 2:4). Hold faith (1:19; 3:9; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 4:11; 6:4-9; 10:23, 26-29, 36-39). Maintain a good conscience (1:19).

‘Put away’ [Greek: apotheomai] thrust away; drive away; beat off; banish; repel; reject; disdain. Translated “put away” (1:19); “put from” (Acts 13:46); “thrust from” (Acts 7:27, 39); and “cast away” (Rom. 11:1-2). How could these thrust away their faith and make shipwreck of it if such were not possible? If one can make shipwreck of his faith, does he still have faith that will save the soul?

‘Shipwreck’ [Greek: nauageo] shipwreck; crash, smash, or be ruined (2Cor. 11:25).

The Only Wise God

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1Timothy 1:17 Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

‘Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God.’ Four facts about God the Father: [1] The King eternal [Greek: basilei, ton and aionon] meaning the King of the Ages (cp. Isa. 9:6; Jer. 10:10). [2] Immortal [Greek: aphthartos] incorruptible. The same word translated to show the spirit and soul of man as not being corruptible (1Pet. 3:4); and other things as being incorruptible and immortal (Rom. 1:23; 1Cor. 9:25; 15:52; 1Pet. 1:4, 23). If God is immortal, and man’s spirit is immortal (1Pet. 3:4), then it is a settled fact that the inner man is just as immortal as God. [3] Invisible [Greek: aoratos] (Col. 1:15-16; Rom. 1:20; Heb. 11:27). The word means not in sight, unseen, or concealed. Invisibility consists more of distance than substance. Cities or other material objects cannot be seen even 30 kilometres away. At this distance they are invisible. Objects concealed are invisible. Anything out of eyesight is invisible. God, angels, and other spirit beings are thus invisible. They can appear or disappear at will. They have been seen with the natural eyes many times, proving that invisibility must be understood with them as with all other invisible things that can become visible. [4] The only wise God (cp. 1Tim. 6:16). God is the source of wisdom and immortality. But He is not the only one that has wisdom and immortality, for Christ, the Holy Spirit, angels, and the inner man also have wisdom and immortality.

There are eighteen proofs that God can be seen: God has been seen with a body (John 4:24). Man was made bodily in God’s image (Gen. 1:26-27; 9:6). God ate food with Abraham (Gen. 18:8). Jacob wrestled with God (Gen. 32:24). Seventy-four men ate with God (Ex. 24:1-11). Moses saw God face to face out of His glory (Ex. 33:11; 1Tim. 6:16), and he saw His back parts when he requested to see His glory (Ex. 33:18-23). Joshua and all Israel saw Him (Jos. 5:13-15). Gideon saw God (Jdg. 6:11-23). Samson’s parents saw Him (Jdg. 13:3-23). David saw God (1Chron. 21:16-17). Job saw God (Job 42:5). Isaiah saw and described God (Isa. 6:1-13). Amos saw the Lord (Amos 9:1). Ezekiel described God (Ezek. 1:26-28; 10:20; 40:3 with Ezek. 43:7; 7; 47:1-6). Daniel described God, even His clothes, body, and hair (Dan. 7:9-14; 10:5-6). Stephen saw God and Christ (Acts 7:56). John described God (Rev. 4:2-5; 5:1-7). All will see God (Rev. 21:3-4; 22:4).

A Faithful Saying

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1Timothy 1:15-16 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 

‘Faithful saying’ – there are 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). If we are dead with Him, we shall also live with Him (2Tim. 2:11-13). They which belief 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.

‘Worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.’ The gospel of Christ dying to save sinners is worthy of being accepted by the whole world. Since He died for the world, the world has a right to the benefits of His death (John 3:16-20, 36; 5:24).

‘Of whom I am chief’ – The sins of note, 1Timothy 1:13 above gave him claim to the title chief of sinners. The Greek for chief is protos, meaning first in rank. Translated “chief” (1:15; Matt. 20:27; Mark 6:21; 10:44; Acts 13:50; 16:12; 17:4; 25:2; 28:7, 17).

‘For this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.’ Because Christ came to save sinners, I (Paul) obtained mercy. I have been chosen as a pattern (example) for all who will believe in Christ for everlasting life.

Ministry

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1Timothy 1:12-14 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 

‘Ministry’ [Greek: diakonia] service or deaconship to mankind (Matt. 20:26-27). To minister to others is not rulership, but services as Christ did when He laid His life down (1Pet. 2:21-23) and not once did He want to rule, interfere in others’ lives or seek recognition for the fact that He died for mankind. Very different from those who claim to be ministers today. Both ministers and servants of Matthew 20:26-28 refer to the lowest secular and ecclesiastical office among Christians, as exemplified by Christ Himself. No minister has a right to be a lord over God’s people (1Pet. 5:1-9). He is to be the least of all and servant of all (Mark 9:35).

‘Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.’ The sixfold former state of Paul: A blasphemer of Christ (1:13); a persecutor of Christians (Acts 8:1-3); injurious – killed saints (Acts 9:1); ignorant of the gospel (1:13); an unbeliever in Christianity (1:13); the chief of sinners (1:15).

Only the Romans had the power of life and death. The Sanhedrin by whom Paul was employed while he was persecuting Christians, could only imprison and punish short of death. It is true some were killed (Acts 26:10), but this was by Roman permission or by murder, as in the case of Stephen.

‘Exceeding abundant’ [Greek: huperpleonazo] superabounded overall.

The Law is not Made for a Righteous Man

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1Timothy 1:8-11 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 

‘That the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers.’

Fifteen classes the Law was made for: The lawless [Greek: anomos] contempt for law; no rule of moral conduct. Translated “lawless” (1Tim. 1:9); “without law” (1Cor. 9:21); “unlawful” (2Pet. 2:8); “transgressor” (Mark 15:28; Luke 22:37); and “wicked” (Acts 2:23; 2Thess. 2:8). The disobedient [Greek: anupotaktos] is not under subjection; undisciplined. Translated “disobedient” (1Tim. 1:9); “not put under” (Heb. 2:8); and “unruly” (Tit. 1:6, 10). The ungodly [Greek: asebes] irreligious (1Tim. 1:9; 1Pet. 4:18; 2Pet. 2:5; 3:7; Jude 1:4, 15). The sinners [Greek: hamartolos] that transgress the law. Translated “sinner” 41 times and “sinful” (Mark 8:38; Luke 5:8; 24:7; Rom. 7:13). The unholy [Greek: anosios] totally depraved; the utter opposite of holiness within and without. The profane [Greek: bebelos] are those that are not fit to attend public worship (1Tim. 1:9; 4:7; 6:20; 2Tim. 2:16; Heb. 12:16). The patricides [Greek: patraloas] are those who strike or slay their father. The matricides [Greek: metraloas] are those who strike or slay their mother. The murderers [Greek: androphonois] are those who take any human life contrary to law. The whoremongers [Greek: pornois] prostitutes. Sexual perverts [Greek: arsenokoitais] are those guilty of unnatural sexual practices. Menstealers [Greek: andrapodistais] kidnappers; are those who steal or kidnap people and sell and buy them in human trafficking. Liars [Greek: pseustais] say things are for truth what is known to be false (1Tim. 1:10; John 8:44-45; Rom. 3:4; Tit. 1:12; 1Jn. 1:10; 2:4, 22; 4:20; 5:10). Perjurers [Greek: epiorkois those who lie under oath. Those guilty of any vice contrary to sound doctrine (1Tim. 1:10; Gal. 5:21).

‘Blessed God’ – Only here and in 1Timothy 6:15 is the word blessed [Greek: Makarios, happy; cp. Matt. 5:3-11) applied to God.

Turned Aside unto Vain Jangling

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1 Timothy 1:5-7 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm. 

‘End’ [Greek: telos] Here it means the design of the commandment is love. The fables and genealogical questions lead to strife and debate, and the dispensation of God leads to love through faith.

‘Charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.’ Three blessings of love: A pure heart (Matt. 5:8); a good conscience; a faith unfeigned or sincere.

‘Conscience’ [Greek: suneidesis] is joint knowledge of God and man; knowledge of our acts, state, or character as to right and wrong; the faculty, power, or principle which decides the lawfulness of our actions and affections, and approves or condemns them; the moral faculty or sense; consciousness of actions; the eye, judge, and guide of the inner man. Used 32 times. The word “conscience” is not found in the Old Testament.

Twelve kinds of conscience: Awakened (John 8:9); Seared (1Tim. 4:2); Purged (Heb. 9:9, 14; 10:2); Pure (Acts 24:16; 1Tim. 3:9; 2Tim. 1:3); Weak (1Cor. 8:7, 12, 13); Defiled (Tit. 1:15); Witnessing (Rom. 2:12-15; 9:1; 2Cor. 1:12); Good (Acts 23:1; 1Tim. 1:5, 19; 1Pet. 2:19; 3:16, 21; Heb. 13:18); Convicting or healthy (Matt. 27:3); Satisfied (1Cor. 10:25-29); Evil (Heb. 10:22); Perfect (Heb. 9:9).

‘Swerved’ [Greek: astocheo] to miss the mark; to fail. Translated swerve from (1Tim. 1:6); and err (1Tim. 6:21; 2Tim. 2:18).

‘Vain jangling’ [Greek: mataiologia] empty arguments; many words with little sense, and that are not worth hearing (cp. Tit. 1:10).

‘Desiring’ [Greek: thelo] wish or desire; the emotional element that leads to consequent action, and in which the natural impulse is stronger than the reasoned resolve. Translated “will” 174 times; “desire” 16 times; and other ways 15 times. Many today have a passion for titles but not the qualification (2Tim. 3:7).

Give Heed to Fables Part 2

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1Timothy 1:3-4 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do.

‘No other doctrine’ – No doctrine other than those of the gospel or of the New Testament (continues). The New Covenant however was also known as the second covenant (Heb. 8:7; 10:1-9); and the New Testament (3:6); came by Christ (Heb. 8:6; 9:15) and was started by Christ (Heb. 8:6; 10:9). It was thus also called the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2), the law of righteousness (Rom. 9:31), the law of the Spirit (Rom. 8:2), the law of faith (Rom. 3:27), the law of liberty (Jas. 1:25), and the law of grace (John 1:17) that saves from wrath (Rom. 5:9) and redeems (Gal. 3:13; Heb. 9:12-15). It brought life (Rom. 8:2; Gal. 3:1-29) and was the reality (Heb. 10:1-18); it makes free (Gal. 5:1; John 8:1-59), and is now in force (Heb. 8:6; 10:9). It gives righteousness (John 1:17; 3:16), makes perfect (Heb. 7:19), it is more glorious (2Cor. 3:8-10). Saves to the uttermost (Heb. 7:25), had one human sacrifice (Heb. 9:14-28; 10:12), that was ratified by the blood of Christ (Matt. 26:28) and forgets sins (Heb. 8:12; 10:17). It has an eternal priest through the tribe of Judah (Heb. 7:14, 17), from the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 5:5-10; 7:21) with eternal atonement (Heb. 10:14) and it is a sinless ministry (Heb. 7:26). It has a heavenly tabernacle (Heb. 8:2) a sinless mediator (1Tim. 2:5), offers an eternal inheritance (Heb.9:15). It does satisfy God (Heb. 10:15-18) had miracle power (Gal. 3:1-5; John 14:12) and its establishment was predicted (Heb. 8:7).

‘Fables’ [Greek: muthos] anything delivered by word of mouth; legendary tales, as opposed to historical account; a fable; foolish or improbable story (1Tim. 1:4; 4:7; 2Tim. 4:4; Tit. 1:14; 2Pet. 1:16).

‘Endless’ [Greek: aperantos] endless, boundless, infinite; something that cannot be passed through or settled.

‘Genealogies’ [Greek: genealogia] genealogy, a record of descent or lineage (1Tim. 1:4; Tit. 3:9). Among the heathen were endless tales of offspring of numberless gods. Jews and Samaritans took great pride in their ancestors (Matt. 3:9, John 4:12; 8:39). Paul warned against this (2Cor. 5:16; 11:22; Php. 3:4-6) and charged Timothy to be occupied with essentials of the Christian faith. Emphasis on natural descent is foreign to Christianity, for in Christ there is no difference (1Cor. 12:13; Col. 3:11).

‘Questions’ [Greek: zetesis] a searching after; investigation. Translated “question” (1Tim. 1:4; 6:4; John 3:25; Acts 25:20; 2Tim. 2:23; Tit. 3:9). Here it means disputing that causes strife, divisions, and parties.

‘Edifying’ [Greek: oikonomia] the dispensation of God which is in faith (Eph. 1:10).

Give Heed to Fables Part 1

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1Timothy 1:3-4 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou might charge some that they teach no other doctrine, Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 

‘As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went to Macedonia.’ Just when this happened is not clear. Some suppose that by this time Paul was liberated from prison, he went into Asia and then into Macedonia, leaving Timothy in Ephesus to carry out this charge.

‘Some that they teach’ – These were Judaizing teachers who were constantly seeking to bring Christians back under the law of Moses which is the same religion that crucified Christ and is still influencing most religions today in not believing in the gospel and Christ (1Tim. 1:3-4, 6-7).

‘No other doctrine’ – No doctrine other than those of the gospel or of the New Testament. Those in the law of Moses or the old covenant who are not brought into and made a part of the new covenant are not to be taught the gospel for they are scoffers (Prov. 9:7.9) and reject Christ’s salvation work (Gal. 1:6-16; 2:15-21; 3:1-29; 4:1-31).

The Old Covenant contrasts the New Covenant as follows: it is called the Old Testament (3:14) and the first covenant (Heb. 8:7; 9:1); it came by Moses (John 1:17) and is thus called the law of Moses (Acts 13:38-39), the law of works (Rom. 3:26-31) that works wrath (Rom. 4:15); the law of sin (Rom. 7:23; 8:2) the law of the flesh (Rom. 7:5-6); not of faith (Gal. 3:12); was the yoke of bondage (Gal. 5:1); ended by Christ (Rom. 10:4); it brought death (3:7); it made guilty (3:9) it was a shadow (Col. 2:14-17); it is fulfilled (Matt. 5:17-18); it demanded righteousness (Luke 10:28); made nothing perfect (Heb. 7:19) while it was glorious (3:7) it was powerless to save (Heb. 9:9; 10:4); many animal sacrifices where needed (Heb. 9:12-13); ratified by animal blood (Heb. 9:16-22); it was a sinful ministry (Heb. 5:1-4); had temporary priests (Heb. 7:23); the Aaronic priesthood and was of Levi (Heb. 7:11); yearly atonement that remembered sins (Heb. 10:3); had an earthly tabernacle (Heb. 9:2); a sinful mediator (Gal. 3:19); offered no inheritance (Rom. 4:13); it could not redeem (Heb. 10:4) nor satisfied (Isa. 1:13-14); it had no miracle power (Heb. 7:18) and its abolishment was predicted (Hos. 2:11).

To be continued…

Unto Timothy Part 3

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1Timothy 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

‘Which is our hope’ – Jesus Christ is the basis of our hope of all things. Eight Christian hopes: Salvation (Rom. 8:20-25; 15:4, 13; 1Thess. 5:8; 2Thess. 2:16; 1Pet. 1:1-25); Righteousness (Gal. 5:5); God’s calling (Eph. 1:18; 4:4); Eternal inheritance (Col. 1:5; Eph. 1:11-18; Heb. 9:15; 1Pet. 1:4); God’s glory (Rom. 5:1-5; Col. 1:27); Resurrection (Acts 23:6; 24:15; 1Thess. 4:13; Tit. 2:13; 1Jn. 3:3); Eternal life (1Cor. 13:13; 15:19; Eph. 2:12; Col. 1:23; Tit. 1:2; 3:7; Heb. 3:6; 6:11, 18, 19; 7:19; 1Pet. 1:3-13); Converts safe in heaven (1Thess. 2:19).

‘Timothy’ also called Timotheus. He was called Timothy (2Cor. 1:1; 1Tim. 1:2, 18; 6:20; 2Tim. 1:2; Phm. 1:1; Heb. 13:23). Converted by Paul on his first trip (Acts 14:6-7 with 1Tim. 1:2). Part Jew and Greek, uncircumcised, but a good Christian (Acts 16:1-3). A miracle worker like Paul (1Cor. 16:10). Paul’s companion from here on (Acts 16:1-3; 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1Cor. 4:17; Php. 2:19). On a mission (Heb. 13:23). It is believed by some that he was Paul’s scribe in writing Hebrews and Galatians. He had the gifts of the Spirit (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). He was a great student of Scripture (2Tim. 1:5; 2:15; 3:15).

‘Own son in the faith.’ A son in the gospel (Acts 16:1-3; 1Tim. 1:2, 18; 2Tim. 1:2; 2:1).

‘Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.’ This salutation is peculiar to Timothy and Titus.