Tag: Inspiration

False Teachers

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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

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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

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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

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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. 

‘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

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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

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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).

With All Purity

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1Timothy 5:1-2 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. 

‘Elder’ [Greek: presbuteros] Here it means an elderly person – one advanced in years. If an elderly person makes a mistake he should be entreated as a father with great respect. The Greek for rebuke is epiplesso, to strike at; rebuke or reprove sharply; to reproach harshly. Do not do this to an elderly person.

Commands for twelve classes: Elderly men (5:1). Young men. Elderly women (5:2). Young women. Elderly widows (5:3-10, 16). Young widows (5:11-15). Officers or elders (5:17-19). Anyone who sins (5:20). Servants (6:1). Masters (6:2). Teachers (6:3-5). Rich men (6:9-10, 17-19).

‘All purity’ – the condition or quality of being pure; freedom from anything that debases, contaminates, pollutes, etc. White garments in the Word of God, are a figurative exhortation to perpetual purity of character and conduct (Rev. 7:13; 19:14). The whiteness of snow is used for purity in Psalm 51:7; Isaiah 1:18; Lamentation 4:7; Daniel 7:9; Matthew 28:3 and Revelation 1:14.

Take Heed unto Thyself

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1 Timothy 4:14-16 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shall both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 

‘Gift’ [Greek: charisma] grace, favour. Translated “free gift” (Rom. 5:15-16) and “gift” (Rom. 1:11; 6:23; 11:29; 12:6; 1Cor. 1:7; 7:7; 12:4, 12:9, 28, 30, 31; 2Cor. 1:11; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6; 1Pet. 4:10). This refers to the gifts and graces of God given to Timothy, enabling him to do the same works that Paul did (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6; 1Cor. 16:10). Such power was given by prophecy and the laying on of hands. The prophecy was some prediction that Timothy would be used by God (1:18; 4:14).

‘Continue in them: for in doing this thou shall both save thyself, and them that hear thee.’ Suppose one would refuse to continue in them, would he then save himself? Ten things to continue in: Well doing (Rom. 2:7). Following the Lord (1Sam. 12:14). The Word of God (John 8:31). Christ’s love (John 15:9; 1Tim. 2:15). The grace of God (Acts 13:43). The faith (Acts 14:22; Col. 1:23). God’s goodness (Rom. 11:22). Prayer (Col. 4:2). Sound doctrines (1Tim. 4:16; 2Tim. 3:14). The Son and the Father (1Jn. 2:24). If we do these things we are blessed and if not, then we are cursed. God cannot lay down the conditions upon which He will bless us, then ignore them and bless if the conditions are not met.

An Example

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1Timothy 4:12-13 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 

‘Example’ [Greek: tupos] example (Php. 3:17; 1Cor. 10:6, 11; 1Thess. 1:7; 2Thess. 3:9; 1Tim. 4:12; 1Pet. 5:3); pattern (Tit. 2:7; Heb. 8:5); manner (Acts 23:25); fashion (Acts 7:44); form (Rom. 6:17); figure (Acts 7:43; Rom. 5:14); and print (John 20:25).

‘In word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.’ Six things in which to be an example: In word – teach sound doctrine; nothing but the Word of God that saves the soul, not made up fables and feel-good sermons (Rom. 1:16; 10:17; 2Tim. 3:16; Jas. 1:18; 1Pet. 1:23). In conversation. [Greek: anastrophe] the whole conduct of life in domestic and public relations; behaviour. Always translated “conversation” (4:12; Gal. 1:13; Eph. 4:22; Heb. 13:7; Jas. 3:13; 1Pet. 1:15, 18; 2:12; 3:1, 2, 16; 2Pet. 2:7; 3:11). In charity. [Greek: agape] godly love containing no selfishness. In Spirit. If this refers to the Holy Spirit it means with the use of spiritual gifts and in yieldedness to the Spirit in all of life and conduct (1Cor. 12:1-31; Gal. 5:22-23). If it refers to the human spirit it means the manner and disposition in which all things are done. In faith. [Greek: pistis] is often used in the sense of faithfulness. In purity. [Greek: hagneia] pure in motive and thoughts.

‘Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.’ Nine commands to Timothy: Give attendance to reading (4:13) – READ GOD’S WORD and stop listening to others’ opinions on it!!! Give attendance to exhortation. Give attendance to doctrine. Neglect not your spiritual gift (4:14). Meditate upon these things (4:15). Give self wholly to them. Take heed to yourself (4:16). Take heed to your doctrine. Continue in your doctrine.

‘Exhortation’ [Greek: paraklesis] translated “intreaty” (2Cor. 8:4); “comfort” (Acts 9:31; Rom. 15:4; 2Cor. 1:3-4; 7:4, 13); “exhortation” (Acts 13:15; Rom. 12:8; 1Cor. 14:3; 2Cor. 8:17; 1Thess. 2:3; 1Tim. 4:13; Heb. 12:5; 13:22); and “consolation” (Luke 2:25; 6:24; Acts 4:36; 15:31; Rom. 15:5; 2Cor. 1:5-7; 7:7; Php. 2:1; 2Thess. 2:16; Phm. 1:7; Heb. 6:18).

‘Doctrine’ [Greek: didaskalia] Translated teaching (Rom. 12:7); learning (Rom. 15:4); and doctrine (Matt. 15:9; Mark 7:7; Eph. 4:14; Col. 2:22; 1Tim. 1:10; 4:1, 6, 13, 16; 5:17; 6:1, 3; 2Tim. 3:10, 16; 4:3; Tit. 1:9; 2:1, 7, 10).

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.