Follow After Righteousness Part 3

May 16, 2023April 29, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

‘Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.’ Six things Christians must follow (continues): [5] Patience – a quality where we have the grace to endure trials without sustaining loss or deterioration. We are like silver and gold when refined. Suffers long; bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things. Trials test religion and faith and the man who stands true in them proves his religion sound and his faith genuine. Tests work patience and patience works perfection (Jas. 1:3-4, 12; Rom. 5:3-5; 1Pet. 1:7). [6] Meekness [Greek: praotes] is the disposition to be gentle, kind, indulgent, even balanced in tempers and passions, and patient in suffering injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge. There are ten blessings noted in Scripture of the meek: Satisfaction (Ps. 22:26). Guidance in judgment (Ps. 25:9). Knowledge of God (Ps. 25:9). Earth as an inheritance (Ps. 37:11; Matt. 5:5). Salvation (Ps. 76:9; 149:4). Help from God (Ps. 147:6). Increased joy (Isa. 29:19). Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). A blessing to others (Gal. 6:1). Patience (2Tim. 2:24-25).

Three things Christians know: That Christ is righteous. That every born-again person is righteous. That doing righteousness is proof of the new birth (1Jn. 3:6-10; 5:1-4, 18). Righteousness has two main results: Present holiness of life (Rom. 6:22). Future and eternal life, and the end of a life of sowing to the Spirit (Rom. 6:22-23; 8:13; Gal. 6:7-8; John 6:27).

Fourteen facts about righteousness: Revealed in the gospel (Rom. 1:17). Not commended by unrighteousness (Rom. 3:5). Manifested apart from the law (Rom. 3:21). Witnessed by the law and prophets. Freely given to all alike (Rom. 3:22-25). Imputed by faith without works or law (Rom. 3:22; 4:3, 5, 13, 22). It is God’s righteousness in remitting sins through Christ (Rom. 3:25; 1Jn. 1:9). It is Christ’s righteousness because He did all that was required of God to redeem people (Rom. 5:18; 2Cor. 1:1-24). The medium of grace reigns (Rom. 5:21). A requirement of saints (Rom. 6:13-20). It produces life (Rom. 8:10). The law required it, but could not give it (Rom. 8:4; 9:31-32; 10:4-6). Produced by Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). Conditions of receiving it (Rom. 3:22; 4:1 – 5:11; 6:13-19; 8:1-10; 10:9-10).

Follow After Righteousness Part 2

May 15, 2023April 29, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

‘Follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.’ Six things Christians must follow (continues): There are seven facts of the mystery of Godliness (continues): 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 word 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. 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, for all have been made clear by many scriptures. [3] Faith [Greek: pistis] is confidence, faithfulness, trust, pledge of good faith. Used 244 times. Translated belief (2Thess. 2:13); fidelity (Tit. 2:10); assurance (Acts 17:31); and faith 239 times (Heb. 11:1-39; 12:2; etc.). [4] Love [Greek: agape] is spontaneous and divine love. It is more eternal than gifts. There are nine ingredients of divine love: Patience – love passive: no hurry; suffers long; bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things (1Cor. 13:4, 7). Kindness – love in action: never acts rashly or insolently; not inconsistent, puffed up, or proud (1Cor. 13:4). Generosity – love in competition: not envious or jealous. Humility – love in hiding: no parade; no airs; works then retires. Courtesy – love in society: does not behave unseemlily; always polite; at home with all classes; never rude or discourteous (1Cor. 13:5). Unselfishness – love in essence: never selfish, sour, or bitter; seeks only the good of others; does not retaliate or seek revenge. Good temper – love in disposition: never irritated; never resentful. Righteousness – love in conduct: hates sin; never glad when others go wrong; always gladdened by goodness to others; always slow to expose; always eager to believe the best; always hopeful, always enduring (1Cor. 13:6-7). Sincerity – love in profession: never boastful and conceited; not a hypocrite; always honest; leaves no impression but what is strictly true; never self-assertive; does not blaze out in passionate anger, nor brood over wrongs; always just, joyful, and truthful; knows how to be silent; full of trust; always present.

To be continued…

The Love of Money is the Root of all Evil – Part 2

May 11, 2023April 15, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

‘The love of money is the root of all evil.’ The love of money – not money itself – is the root of all these evils of 1Timothy 6:9-10. Even the love of it is not the root of all evil that has ever been. Neither Lucifer nor Adam fell because of love for money (3:6; Gen. 3:1-24; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17). Cain (Gen. 4:1-26); Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen. 19:1-38); David (2Sam. 12:1-31) and many others in Scripture went into sin for reasons other than the love of money. Not all men love money. Only some covet it and reap these evils of 1Timothy 6:9-10.

‘Coveted’ [Greek: oregomai] covet (6:10) and desire (3:1; Heb. 11:16).

‘Erred’ [Greek: apoplanao, err (6:10) and seduce Mark 13:22]. Here it means to err totally from the faith in Christ they once had. They could not err or be seduced from a faith they never did have.

‘Sorrows’ [Greek: odune] Only here and in Romans 9:2. The allusion here is to the snare or pit, where the victim falls upon the many sharp stakes in the pit and is pierced through with them.

Having riches is not a sin, but having an attitude about it is most definitely. A lot of rich people have no values whatsoever, but they look down on those who have fewer riches than them. Their end is described in Scripture, such as Psalms 37 and 73, etc.

The Love of Money is the Root of all Evil – Part 1

May 10, 2023April 15, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.’ Ten dangers of coveting riches: Many temptations of the devil (6:9). Many snares of the devil. Many foolish lusts. Many hurtful lusts. Destruction and perdition. The root of evil to grow (6:10). One to err from the faith. Many sorrows. Highmindedness (6:17). Wrong trust.

Riches in Scripture are considered the cause of much sin and rebellion against God; and, for this cause, there are many warnings to men, especially converted men, to shun all covetousness of such (6:4-19; Deut. 6:10-17; Ps. 52:1-7; 73:1-22; Pro. 23:4-5; 28:20-22; 30:8-9; Jer. 9:23; Ezek. 28:5; Matt. 6:19; Luke 6:24; 12:15-20; 16:13-31; Jas. 1:9-11; 5:1-3).

‘Snare’ [Greek: pagis] a net; trap; a pit dug in the ground, filled with sharp stakes, and covered over so that any man or animal who stumbles into it will be killed (3:7; 6:9; Luke 21:35; Rom. 11:9; 2Tim. 2:26).

‘Foolish and hurtful lusts.’ Too often, heaping up riches debases the mind, destroys godly traits, and causes selfishness, pride, and avarice which end in “destruction and perdition” (6:9-10).

‘Drown’ [Greek: buthizo] drown. Translated as “sink” in Luke 5:7.

To be continued…

False Teachers

May 8, 2023April 15, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof comes envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

‘Teach otherwise’ – Anyone teaching anything contrary to the Words of Christ – that is the Gospel as given in Matthew, Mark, Luke and John as well as the implementing of the Words of Christ as instructed in the 21 epistles as given to us from Romans through to Jude. We are commanded that we are not to greet or receive in our homes (interact socially – Psalm 1:1; 1Corinthians 5:9-13; 2Corintians 6:14 – 7:1, 1John 2:15-17; etc.) those who sin and do not obey the doctrine of Christ otherwise you are a partaker of their evil deeds (2John 1:9-11).

Twelve traits of false teachers: Rebellion against truth (6:3). Pride – inflated and puffed up (6:4). Ignorance of truth. Doting [Greek: noseo, to be sick; metaphorically, to be obsessed] over questions of the law. Debating – splitting hairs and pitting factions against others. Envying – sour tempers. Strives over doctrines. Railings – evil speaking. Evil surmising – suspicions. Perverse and vain arguments, rejecting the truth because of corrupt minds (6:5). Being destitute of truth but rich in fallacies and doctrines of demons (6:5; 4:1). Seeking personal gain – financial and recognition from others (6:5).

‘Wholesome’ [Greek: hugiaino] Translated as “wholesome” (6:3); “whole” (Luke 5:31; 7:10); “sound” (1:10; 2Tim. 1:13; 4:3; Tit. 1:9, 13; 2:1-2); and “health” (3Jn. 1:2). Here it means doctrines of healing and health, not only for the soul, but for the body, as in the passages above. These words of health are listed along with the doctrines of godliness, proving they refer primarily to physical healing. The doctrines of godliness refer primarily to the soul.

‘From such withdraw thyself.’ Christians must turn away from: False teachers – anyone that has their own opinions contrary to what God’s Word teaches (6:3-5). Disorderly brethren (2Thess. 3:6). Men who have forms of godliness, but deny its power (2Tim. 3:5).

‘Withdraw’ [Greek: aphistemi] Don’t stay with men who are false to convert them but get away from them and associate with those of true faith.

Before God Part 2

May 4, 2023April 14, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 5:21-25 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise, also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

‘That thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.’ Six commands to Timothy (continues): Drink no longer water only or altogether, but mix a little wine with it for your stomach’s sake to strengthen your body (5:23). Greeks often mixed water with wine, about one part wine and two to three parts water. It was held that constantly drinking water injured the stomach. Timothy’s father was a Greek (Acts 16:1) and he had been used to wine, but because of Christianity, he had continued to abstain from it. Paul here permits him to use a little wine [non-alcoholic] mixed with water for his health. The advice was dietetic. We need not suppose, however, that Paul’s use of the word wine means that Timothy partook of anything intoxicating.

It must be understood that the Bible refers to two kinds of wine – the fermented or intoxicating kind, called strong drink (Pro. 20:1; Isa. 5:11, 22; 24:9; 28:7; 29:9), and the unfermented or non-intoxicating kind like grape juice. Even juice in the cluster was called wine in those days. In Isaiah 65:8 we read, “the new wine is found in the cluster,” and we can be sure this would not be the kind to make anyone drunk (Gal. 5:19-21; 1Cor. 6:9-11).

The water situation may have had something to do with this advice to Timothy also. In Asia Minor, the water came mainly from cisterns which became stagnant at certain seasons.

‘Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.’ The sins and good works of some are manifest now because they are openly done, and the sins and good works of others are done in secret and will not be made manifest until the judgment (5:24-25). Consequences for all sin will however be meted out in this life already, and no one should ever think that anyone ‘gets away’ with sin – read Psalms 37 and 73 in this regard.

Well Reported Of Part 2

April 28, 2023April 14, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 5:9-12 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith.

‘Damnation’ – Condemnation [Greek: krima] a judgment; sentence. Translated “damnation” when meaning loss of soul (5:12; Matt. 23:14; Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47; Rom. 3:12); “condemnation” (3:6; Jas. 3:1; Jude 1:4). It is used for men condemning Christ to death (Luke 23:40; 24:20); of God’s “vengeance” on rebels (Rev. 18:20); of “judgment” where the loss of the soul is meant (Matt. 7:2; John 9:39; Acts 24:25; Rom. 2:2-3; 5:16; 11:33; Gal. 5:10; Heb. 6:2; 1Pet. 4:17; 2Pet. 2:3; Rev. 17:1); of “power of judgment” to the saints (Rev. 20:4); of “going to law” (1Cor. 6:7); of “condemnation” of saints (1Cor. 11:34); of human and divine “damnation” (Rom. 13:2); and of men “damning” themselves (1Cor. 11:29).

It is not sinful to marry, but any marriage causing one to break their vows to God is to be avoided. Marriage is honourable to all (Heb. 13:4). Paul advises remarriage here, as a measure against the evils of 1Timothy 5:11-15.

‘Cast off’ [Greek: atheteo] Translated “cast off” (5:12); “reject” (Mark 6:26; 7:9; Luke 7:30; John 12:48); “despise” (Luke 10:16; 1Thess. 4:8; Heb. 10:28; Jude 1:8); “bring to nothing” (1Cor. 1:19); “disannul” (Gal. 3:15); and “frustrate” (Gal. 2:21). If one does this to his faith will faith save his soul despite his not having it?

Well Reported Of Part 1

April 27, 2023April 14, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

‘Taken into the number under threescore years old.’ Enrolled on the list for relief. These were perhaps deaconesses on the retired list as widows serving in the congregations in various ways for their support.

‘Well reported of for good works.’ From 1Timothy 3 and Titus 3, we have the exact qualifications of what these ‘good works’ refer to and it must always be the standard for all Christians. We can never defer away from them because they were set up by God.

‘Having been the wife of one man.’ Not a polygamist, but having been legally married to one man.

‘Washed the saints’ feet’ – An act of kindness the pious women often showed sandal-wearing visitors and travellers (John 13:1-38).

‘Widows refuse’ – This indicates more than just relief for widows. It implies that those supported by their congregations were to carry out certain duties (perhaps as deaconesses), and were to be old enough to be beyond the temptations of marriage, which would cause the breaking of their vows.

‘Wax wanton’ [Greek: katastreniao] to behave insolently toward. Such is possible even to the point of damnation if they cast off their first faith (5:11-15) and become insolent against Christ.

Denied the Faith

April 26, 2023April 14, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

‘Provide’ [Greek: pronoeo] to observe, plan, or provide beforehand (Rom. 12:17; 2Cor. 8:21).

‘Infidel’ [Greek: apistos] Translated as “infidel” (5:8; 2Cor. 6:15); “unbelieving” (1Cor. 7:14-15; Tit. 1:15; Rev. 21:8); “unbeliever” (Luke 12:46; 1Cor. 6:6; 14:23; 2Cor. 6:14); “faithless” (Matt. 17:17; Mark 9:19; Luke 9:41; John 20:27); “incredible” (Acts 26:8); and “believe not” (1Cor. 7:12, 13; 10:27; 14:22, 24; 2Cor. 4:4). If one does not use every lawful means to provide for his own he is worse than an infidel.

Genesis 3:19 foretells the hard labour which man would endure under the conditions of the curse. The very elements would be adverse, making him suffer for his sin. Hard labour would break him down physically, finally resulting in his death (Eccl. 3:20; 12:7; Ps. 103:14; 1Cor. 15:21-28).

Deserts, barrenness, weeds, poisons, germs and every other form of the curse were to add to man’s punishment until he would finally return to the cursed ground himself. The earth was affected so that weather conditions would become a problem (Isa. 30:26; 35:1-8; Rev. 7:16).

Until the final restoration of all things, man’s whole existence was to be one of constant hardships, sufferings, and trials (Gen. 31:42; 35:16; Ps. 90:10; 107:12; Eccl. 1:8; 2:18; 4:8; Matt. 11:28; Jas. 5:4). In the New Earth, there will be no more curse. Everything will be as it was before Lucifer’s rebellion in the pre-Adamite world, and before man’s rebellion in the Adamite world (Acts 3:21; Rev. 22:3). Christ’s purpose in the millennial reign will be to rid the earth of all rebellion and curse so that man can carry out his original assignment of helping God administer the affairs of the universe (1Cor. 15:24-28; Eph. 1:10; Rev. 20-22).

Honour

April 25, 2023April 14, 2023 ~ iolaHC ~ Leave a comment

1Timothy 5:3-7 Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.

‘Honour’ [Greek: timao] respect; revere; reward; support. Translated honour (5:3; Matt. 15:4-8; 19:19; Mark 7:6, 10; 10:19; Luke 18:20; John 5:23; 8:49; 12:26; Acts 28:10; Eph. 6:2; 1Pet. 2:17) and value (Matt. 27:9).

‘Nephews’ [Greek: ekgonos] children; descendants. This shows that a widow indeed was one who had no relatives or friends to support her. Let the children or descendants of any who need support manifest their religion at home by caring for those they are responsible for, and thus repay their parents for bringing them up.

‘Widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God, and continues in supplications and prayers night and day,’ Fourteen qualifications of a “Widow Indeed”: No children or descendants (5:4). Desolate and in need (5:5). Trusting in God. Living in daily prayer. No pleasure seeker (5:6). Blameless in life and conduct (5:7). At least 60 years old (5:9). Not often married or divorced. Her reputation is one of good works (5:10). She has brought up children. Been hospitable. Served the saints. Relieved suffering. Followed every good work.

‘Pleasure’ [Greek: spatalao] to live riotously, wantonly and in pleasure (5:6; Jas. 5:5).

‘Dead while she lives’ – This proves that death in Scripture does not mean the extinction of being, but separation. This kind of death is separation from God because of sin.

‘Charge’ [Greek: parangello] Translated “charge” (5:7; 1:3; 6:13, 17; Luke 5:14; 8:56; Acts 16:23; 23:22); “declare” (1Cor. 11:17); and “command” (Matt. 10:5; Mark 6:8; 8:6; Luke 8:29; 9:21; Acts 1:4; 4:18; 5:28, 40; 10:42; 15:5; 16:18; 17:30; 23:30; 1Cor. 7:10; 1Thess. 4:11; 2Thess. 3:4, 6, 10, 12; 1Tim. 4:11).