Tag: Timothy

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…

Deacons

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1Timothy 3:8-10 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 

‘Must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre.’ Ten qualifications are noted here for deacons: Grave [Greek: semnos] Translated as “grave” (3:4; Tit. 2:2) and “honest” (Php. 4:8). Not double-tongued [Greek: dilogos] liars; saying different things to different persons on the same subject. Not give to much wine even unfermented (in the cluster; Isa. 65:8). Some use this verse to justify drinking in moderation. To be sober at all times is a command to anyone who claims to follow Christ (1Thess. 5:6; 8; Tit. 2:2,4,6; 1Pet. 1:13; 5:8), thus no drinking of alcohol! Even children know it is wrong, funny how distorted grownups become in what is right and what is wrong. Not greedy of filthy lucre. Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience (3:9). They must maintain a good conscience and be able to demonstrate the mysterious power of faith (Mark 9:23; 11:22-24; 16:17-18). Let them be proved (3:10). The same as not a new convert, in 1Timothy 3:6. Let them be tested and proved worthy of the office, and able to keep themselves from being lifted up in pride and falling in the same manner satan did. Blameless [Greek: anengkletos] (3:10). Translated as “blameless” (3:10; 1Cor. 1:18; Tit. 1:6-7) and “unreprovable” (Col. 1:22). They must be free from evil and reproach. The wives must meet certain qualifications (3:11). Each, must be the husband of one wife (3:12). No polygamist. Each, must be the ruler of his own house (3:12), as required of bishops (3:4-5).

‘Deacons’ – deacons of congregations or business elders and distinct from bishops or teaching elders (3:10-13; Php. 1:1; Acts 6:1-7).

Not a Novice

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1 Timothy 3:4-7 One that rules well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he falls into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he falls into reproach and the snare of the devil. 

‘Gravity’ [Greek: semnotes] solemnity; dignity; majesty. Translated “gravity” (3:4; Tit. 2:7) and “honesty” (2:2).

‘For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church [congregation] of God?’ If a man’s home rule is not good, how can he be trusted with the civil or religious government?

‘Lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.’ The reason for not putting a new convert in the office of a bishop or overseer is the lack of Christian experience and service. It is natural for men to feel exalted when entrusted with any form of government. This feeling must be entirely put to death before one can be a true ruler. The example of Lucifer is given to emphasize the absolute necessity of mortifying pride. Lucifer was trusted as the original overseer of the earth. He ruled for an indefinite period before Adam and was perfect in his ways until he was lifted up in pride to believe he could invade heaven and dethrone God (3:6; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:11-17; Jer. 4:23-26; 2Pet. 3:5-8). Before learning the lesson of humility and the worth of his true self without grace, the new convert will likely fall as Lucifer did. We do not need any rulers of this type – haughty, proud, exalted, despotic, and self-important.

‘Lifted up with pride’ [Greek: tuphoo] to make dull, senseless, conceited, silly, stupid, or absurd. Translated as “lifted up” (3:6); “be proud” (6:4); and “be high-minded” (2Tim. 3:4). The Greek: tuphon (hurricane, typhoon) may best illustrate such conceited, puffed up behaviour of inflated ones in the ecclesiastical realm.

‘Lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.’ The reason why a bishop must have a good report from non-Christians is to avoid reproach and falling into the snare of the devil. Backsliders usually fall by the sins of their former life. On these lines, the devil concentrates on bringing about the fall of as many as possible.

A Bishop Then Must Be…

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1Timothy 3:2-3 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous

‘Must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach.’ There are sixteen qualifications for bishops: Blameless in conduct [Greek: anepilemptos] (5:7; 6:14). Husband of one wife, i. e., not a polygamist. One could be a bishop without a wife, as Paul (2Cor. 9:5). Vigilant [Greek: nephaleos] drinking no wine; sober. Translated “vigilant” (3:2); and “sober” (3:11; Tit. 2:2). Sober [Greek: sophron] of sound mind; discreet; prudent; self-controlled; temperate. Not given to alcohol but always sober. Translated “sober” (3:2; Tit. 1:8); “temperate” (Tit. 2:5); and “discreet” (Tit. 2:5). Of good behaviour [Greek: kosmios] behaviour in general as someone professing godliness. Given to hospitality [Greek: philoxenos] kind to strangers and contributing to needy saints (cp. Rom. 12:13). Apt to teach [Greek: didaktikos] capable of teaching from God’s Word and not own beliefs (2Tim. 2:24). Not given to wine [Greek: paroinos] a winebibber, no drinker of any alcohol or even condoning others doing it (Tit. 1:7; Hag. 2:15). No striker [Greek: plektes] not quarrelsome; one not ready to strike back at those who displease him; no persecutor of those who differ with him (Tit. 1:7). Not greedy of filthy lucre [Greek: aischrokerdes] not desirous of base gain; not using wrong methods to raise money to increase his own income (3:3, 8; Tit. 1:7). Patient [Greek: epieikes] meek and gentle (3:3). Not a brawler [Greek: amachos] not contentious, but quiet and peaceable (Tit. 3:2). Not covetous [Greek: aphilarguros] not a lover of money; not desiring the office for the sake of personal gain or washing cash (Heb. 13:5; Luke 12:15). Ruler of his own house, not by hardness and tyranny, but with honesty. Not a novice [Greek: neophutos] a new convert to the faith. Of a good report from outsiders.

The Office of a Bishop

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1Timothy 3:1 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desires a good work. 

‘Bishop’ [Greek: episcope] overseer, bishop, or preaching elder. The word “elders” in the Old Testament meant the heads or rulers of the tribes, cities, and nations (Deut. 1:13). In the Gospels and Acts it generally refers to the Sanhedrin (Matt. 15:2; 16:21; 21:23; 26:3; Acts 4:5, 8, 23). In the early congregations’ elders were the ministers and deacons, or preaching elders and business elders of the local congregational groups (Acts 11:30; 14:23; 16:4; 20:17, 28; 21:18; 1Tim. 5:17; Tit. 1:5; Jas. 5:14). All apostles were elders (Acts 11:30; 1Pet. 5:1; 2Jn. 1:1; 3Jn. 1:1), but all elders were not apostles (Acts 15:2, 4, 6, 22, 23; 16:4). The elders of Acts 20:17, were the overseers of Acts 20:28. The elders of 1Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5-10 and 1Peter 5:1-2 were preaching elders or bishops. The business elders were deacons (Acts 6:1-15).

Bishops and deacons are mentioned in Philippians 1:1 and 1Timothy 3:1-13. The word presbuteros is also used for older men and women (Luke 15:25; John 8:9; Acts 17:1-34; 4:22; 1Tim. 5:2). It is used also of heavenly ranks (Rev. 4:4, 10; 5:6, 8, 11, 14; 7:11, 13; 11:16; 14:3; 19:4). It is found 68 times and is translated “elder” except in John 8:9 and Acts 2:17; 4:22.

Romans 16 names at least seven women who served as presbuteros in congregational groups: Phebe (Rom. 16:1), Priscilla (Rom. 16:3), Mary (Rom. 16:6), Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis (Rom. 16:12), Julia (Rom. 16:15); and mention is made of an unnamed sister of Nereus (Rom. 16:15). All of them were Christian workers, deaconesses and Christians who exercised the gift of prophecy (quoting and implementing the Old Testament prophecies) who “labour in the Lord” (Rom. 16:12). This indicates that they laboured in the ministry of the Word.