Tag: Inspiration

If They Continue

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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.

Women Professing Godliness Part 2

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1Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which become women professing godliness) with good works.

‘Broided hair’ – an ancient headdress [Greek: plegma] anything twined or plaited; a net; wreaths; chaplets. This is not the Greek word for hair. It could refer to hair here, but it could also refer to some part of the headdress, the horn, for instance. Women wore a hollow, jewel-encrusted silver or gold tube or horn 45 to 50 centimetres long on the forehead. It had strong cords suspended from it to the back which reached to the knees and had red silk tassels weighted with lead. These kept the horn from toppling in front. The whole thing was supported by a network of cords and by a strong band fastened tightly under the jaw. A veil was worn over the horn in such a manner as to leave its lower half uncovered in front. The veil could be drawn over the face at will, to cover all the face but one eye.

The hair (which may be the reference here) was worn in the back in braids – from 1 to a record of 110 braids. In each braid would be woven silk cords with gold coins at irregular distances and reaching down to the knees, glittering at every movement of the wearer. Sometimes the hair was made into temples and other fanciful figures with the aid of gum.

Sometimes they wore caps completely covered with coins or frontlets ornamented with diamonds. Eastern women were fond of excessive jewellery – not only on their heads but on other parts of the body as well. Earrings, nose jewels, chains, rings, bracelets, ankle rings, strings of real pearls and money, necklaces, and many other ornaments were worn – some even by the men (Gen. 24:47; Ex. 32:2; 35:22; Jdg. 8:24; Isa. 3:16-24; Job 42:11).

‘Costly array’ [Greek: poluteles] (Mark 14:3; 1Pet. 3:4). It is the extravagance in ornaments and costly garments that Paul rebukes. In fact, the passage is not condemning any one style, ornament, or garment, but demanding moderation in dress and behaviour in general as women professing godliness (2:10). Thus clothing that covers up the women and not revealing any one area as to advertise one’s body. When either men or women live primarily for dressing up and outward show, it is wrong.

From 1Peter 3:3 we see that outward adorning consists of hairstyles, the wearing of gold and apparel. It is not the total condemnation of these three things that Peter intends, but rather he’s stressing the importance of inner adorning over outward adorning. Many go to extremes classing as sin all wearing of rings, bracelets, and other ornaments, but this is not the purpose of the passage. It says nothing of any one of these things being sinful or unbecoming to Christians.

Women Professing Godliness Part 1

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1Timothy 2:9-10 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which become women professing godliness) with good works. 

‘In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel.’ Women also should pray to God in like manner as the men (2:8), being properly attired and modest in appearance.

‘Adorn’ [Greek: kosmeo] to order, arrange, deck, adorn, or embellish. Translated “adorn” (2:9; Luke 21:5; Tit. 2:10; 1Pet. 3:5; Rev. 21:2); “to trim” (Matt. 25:7); and “garnish” (Matt. 12:44; 23:29; Luke 11:25; Rev. 21:19). When you dress to get anyone’s attention or approval of your looks, you are already misusing the temple of God for worldly lust and affection and will gain no one’s respect.

‘Modest’ [Greek: kosmios] well ordered, moderate, regular, or well-behaved. Translated as “modest” (2:9) and “of good behaviour” (3:2). Women who did not dress properly were seen as those with bad behaviour. Today women dress as little as possible and show much skin and dishonour their testimonies as Christ’s representatives.

‘Apparel’ [Greek: katastole] apparel, equipment, dress, or clothing.

‘Shamefacedness’ [Greek: aidos] sense of honour; regard for others; respect; reverence; self-restraint, modesty or bashfulness toward men; not being bold or forward. Translated as “reverence” in Hebrews 12:28. Women who reveal too much of their bodies show a lack of respect for themselves wherein they make their bodies open to others for misuse or abuse. Many can’t understand why they are not respected, but they dress very poorly and with little to the imagination and their attire give away the lack of self-respect which they constantly demand of others.

‘Sobriety’ [Greek: sophrosune] discretion; self-control; chastity; temperance. Translated “soberness” and “sobriety” (2:9, 15; Acts 26:25; cp. 2Tim. 1:7; Tit. 2:4, 12).

One God

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1Timothy 2:5-8 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 

‘One God’ – One here means one in individuality, not unity (1Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:4-6). There are three separate persons in the Trinity, and they are also one in unity (John 17:11, 21-22; 1Jn. 5:7; Deut. 6:4).

‘Mediator’ [Greek: mesites] is a middle person to reconciles two parties at enmity – God and man (Gal. 3:20). Christ is the mediator of the new covenant (2:5; Heb. 8:6; 9:15; 12:24). This again is proof that Christ and God are separate Persons, for a mediator is the middle person mediating between TWO other persons who are at enmity with each other.

‘Ransom’ [Greek: antilutron] ransom. Compare with lutron as used in Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; Titus 2:14 and Hebrews 9:12. Lutron signifies a ransom paid for the redemption of a captive, and antilutron signifies ransom or exchange of one person for another, or the redemption of life for life.

‘To be testified in due time’ – The testimony of the ransom to be given in its own times or in due season.

‘Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and apostle … a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.’ I am appointed a herald, an apostle to teach Gentiles the whole truth.

‘Lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.’ It was a common custom among Jews to lift up their hands in prayer. It was their way of making entreaties and requests. This was to be done without wrath or hatred toward any person; without an unforgiving spirit; and without reasonings and disputings within over what was being prayed for.

Prayer

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1Timothy 2:1-4 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 

‘Exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.’ Four duties of Christians: [1] Supplications (Eph. 6:18) [Greek: deesis] and entreating; continued strong and incessant pleadings until the prayer is answered (Luke 18:1-8). Translated “request” (Php. 1:4); “supplication” (2:1; 5:5; Acts 1:14; Eph. 6:18; Php. 4:6); and “prayer” 12 times. [2] Prayers (2:1; 5:5); [3] Intercessions (2:1; cp. Rom. 8:26-27, 34; Heb. 7:25; Isa. 53:12); [4] Giving of thanks (2:1).

We are commanded to let our hope be a joy to us, to show patience in all our trouble and to live in fervent prayer to God. Prayer should not be rehearsed, but a continuous conversation with God just as we would talk to those we love and find joy in our communion with them.

‘For all men’ – Three classes to be prayed for (2:1-3).

‘Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.’ Two things always the will of God: That all men be saved (Mark 16:15; John 3:16; 2Pet. 3:9; Rev. 22:17). That all come to the knowledge of the truth (Heb. 4:12; 2Tim. 3:16).

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.