Next Weeks Lesson 2/05/2006

Be True To Your Christian Heritage

Bible Background * 2 Timothy 1

Printed Text * 2 Timothy 1: 3-14

Devotional Reading * 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

God Desires Justice And Mercy

In the past two lessons, we have dealt with the requirements of someone in the body of Christ. It is important to differentiate, that everyone has a different calling. We first dealt with Bishops, Elders, and Pastors in the first lesson. What should be evident , in their daily behavior. Then we were given the requirements, of a leader or teacher in the second. We were given our individual roles in evangelism to non-believers. Now we deal with what we should experience, in the organized church. All the things we have learned and been taught, should come together, forming a strong and solid church.

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

Don't go against the authority and position, of the elder man. In this passage, the word elder is not in reference, to the elder in the church. As we discussed in the lesson, week before last. It's about the one labeled as father, or who we call daddy. Instead it addresses the leader, in the home and community. With age should come wisdom and experience. As believers we should honor and revere such a distinction. It is Gods will that these men be everywhere. We should treat older Godly women as mothers. We should treat Godly young men and women, as brothers and sisters. I specify Godly, because as Christians. There are just some people, we must let go. We must adhere to these things, having faith in their profitability.

1 Timothy 5: 3-8
3Honour widows that are widows indeed.
4But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
5Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day.
6But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
7And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless.
8But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Scripture instructs the church, to provide for widows. Honour those that are rightfully deserving, according to the word. It specifies what the different types, of widows are. In order to be a widow, you must first be married. Married to a man, or married to the church. So just because you're a woman without a husband, doesn't make you a widow. Thank God for his son Jesus, he included everyone. Widows indeed are those women, who are left without husbands, children or relatives. To provide for them financially, in their golden years. In bibical days, women weren't gainfully employed outside the home. Desolate widows are those trusting in God, for all their earthly needs. Not someone that engages in worldly lusts, and pleasures. In other words "having a boyfriend, that helps them pay their bills". Like what the world has come to expect and accept, from unmarried women. Teach and preach this, so that it may become the standard. By which believers live. If a Christian doesn't accept and follow this, he is worse than the unbeliever. He knows better, and still continues in his ways.


1 Timothy 5: 17-24
17Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
18For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
19Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.
20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
21I 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.
22Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
23Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.
24Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

Let the men that do a good job, be recognized and rewarded. Support any program that acknowledges, the Godly efforts of men. Double honour can be debated, as to it's exact meaning here. For the leader, of the household it means one thing. To have a house in order, is pay in itself. A loving an obedient wife and kids, is a joy. The leader of the church is a different matter. Those who labour in the faith, should be paid accordingly. To practice what you should be preaching. Requires you trust God, to provide all your needs. If he provides you with lots of money, he meant for you to have it. If he doesn't, that's his will too. If it was obtained, through adhering to the word. All power in place, God allows. Don't take part, in spreading and accepting rumors. If someone is living foul, more than one person will see. Have at least two witnesses if not three, before you approach someone. Your interpretation of verse #21. Will largely depend, on what side of the fence you're sitting. Everyone is entitled to a second chance but :
Luke 12:48 But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
The method I think to serve as reproof, for the members of the congregation. Should be preached in the sermons. I don't think an individual member, should be singled out. The scenario for leaders is different. They should serve as an example. It should be show that no one is above reproach. Open unrepentive violators should not be allowed to serve, in the capacity of leaders. They should be publicly punished, if conditions of proof are met. Call this thing down the middle, not being prejudice. Don't fall victim to the ways of the world. Reserve honour and glory for God. He is the only one worthy.

I want to address the verse #23, dealing with wine separately. In bibical days wine served as a medicine, as opposed to an intoxicant. Like some people do today. Water was often unclean and tainted. Drinking it sometimes, did more harm than good. The scripture doesn't give you license, to go out and drink wine at will. It just allows, for it's medicinal purposes. The drinking of wine to help you with your health, was Paul's instruction to Timothy. People liked to get high even then. A little wine is good for everyone, it builds blood.

The last verse required that I look, at what I've learned. The fruits of the spirit, developed through lifes applications. Simply won't allow you to do, or be a part of certain things. We can't depend on others to save us. We have to know and accept for ourselves. To avoid wrongdoing, just follow your spirit. It will guide you, in what you should and shouldn't do. Some sins will be obvious, we will be aware of peoples participation. Others will be hidden from man, we won't see. You may have the ability, to fool those around you. Nothing will be hidden from God.

Next Weeks Lesson 1/29/2006

God Desires Justice And Mercy

Bible Background * 1 Timothy 5

Printed Text * 1 Timothy 5:1-8, 17-24

Devotional Reading * Matthew 23: 23-28

Guidance For Teaching

In last weeks lesson Paul instructed Timothy, in the care of the church. Dealing with the characteristics of a Bishop, and Deacons. This weeks lesson is dealing more with evangelism, or how the gospel should be spread. This lesson addresses false prophets, and the influence they will have in latter days. Much like what we as Christians are experiencing now. It's important that we recognize and acknowledge positions in the church. Nonetheless we all have a duty. Here we see where Paul, is instructing Timothy, in his personal behavior. We should be walking billboards for our faith. Exhorting and exhibiting sound doctrine, through study and putting the word into action.

1 Timothy 4 1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

The holy spirit revealed to Paul, a falling away of the faith by shallow so-called Christians. To sear something, is basically to cut it off. When something is seared, it is deprived of life. The spirit lives in all of us, to teach it's demise promotes death. Latter times speak of the time between the sacrifice of Jesus, and his return with his father God. That could be any time, since we don't know exactly when he will come. It seemed that this issue was present, almost from the start. Paul was preparing Timothy, who was a young leader in a young church. These letters were written, from fifty to seventy years after the crucifiction of Jesus. The lesson background lists 67 A.D. as the year. You already had doctrines developed, to dispute it's teachings. Forbidding marriage and teaching to refrain from meat. Feeling spirituality would be found, in removing oneself away from what was given to man. To deny yourself these things, doesn't bring you closer to God. It only appears impressive, in the eyes of man. God ordained and approved, both these things in Genesis.


Genesis 2:4:4These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD God made the earth and the heavens,
Genesis 9:3:3Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.


For those who take issue with the old testament. Jesus addresses the same issues in the new testament. Everything created by God, is good and has it's purpose. Even though God ordained these things in the beginning. It was necessary for Jesus to reiterate it, in his ministry.


Matthew 15:11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.
Luke 20:34 And Jesus answering said unto them, The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage:


Paul had the distinction of being the only disciple, who never walked with Jesus Christ. All his knowledge and understanding, were received by divine revelation. Notice how the scripture fulfills itself. It's amazing how the prophets, spoke of things that hadn't happened. Hundreds of years later, Paul talked with assuredness and certainty. About things he hadn't seen.


1 Timothy 4:6-10:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. 8For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 9This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. 10For 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.


If you share the knowledge you receive with someone else. You are proven faithful in the ministry. Being a minister, doesn't always mean speaking before a group. It simply means sharing the word of God, with others to build the kingdom. The bible warns us of old wives fables. A fable is a worldly story told so many times, people start to believe it. Fables are the opposite of what is holy. Rather than contemplate these things, focus on righteousness. The words in verse 8 should be a focal point,of many Christians attitude, in the world today. In a world where everyone is so image concious. It doesn't matter how good you look, in that suit or form fitting dress. That's not what God is looking at, he's judging your heart and soul. If your heart is in the wrong place. You'll be a good looking person, burning in the eternal fire. If we could get people excited about Jesus, like they are their looks. That would build some strong and disciplined Christians. Paul in these last two lessons, has provided us with a checklist. This would provide a regimen of sorts, to help build your Christian character. As Christians we should be dedicated to the scripture, like a bodybuilder to his weights. We should labor relentlessly, and fight the good fight. Forging ahead, anticipating our victory.


1 Timothy 4:11-16:11These things command and teach. 12Let 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. 13Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.


Don't say one thing, and do another. Those looking for a reason not to believe, are those most likely to see you. Remember this was Paul talking to Timothy. That was one of the major issues, his young age. People have a problem listening to people younger than them. That may be the case, when it comes to worldly things. Experience is a teacher. That doesn't apply, to the things of God. The gospel is the same, because one is older, doesn't make them more deserving. The gift each one has might be different, but the promise is the same. Let your life be your witness. Be persistent in your faith. Don't hide your light under a bushel. You have been given a gift, through prophecy and the laying on of hands. This was Paul talking directly to Timothy. This was directly addressed to him, and his situation. It may not be your situation personally. It was a message, to which all believers can adhere. If you practice what you preach. You will be saved, and all that listen to you.

Next Weeks Lesson 1/22/2006

January 26, 2006

Guidance For Teaching

Bible Background * 1 Timothy 4

Printed Text * 1 Timothy 4

Devotional Reading * 1 Corinthians 3: 6-11

 

God Calls Church Leaders *

Again we are looking at Pauls instruction to the young Timothy, pertaining to the care of the church. Here we are given the things that should be evident in the life of a Bishop, as well as that of a deacon. This lesson stresses the importance of integrity of those holding positions in the church. It is important that followers have grounded leaders. The lack thereof causes cynicism. We must pray for the strength and integrity of our leaders. To ensure a sound foundation for the upbuilding of the church.


1 Timothy 3:2-7:

2A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;

5(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil

All of these verses lay out, what is required of a bishop. Let's address them one by one.

Blameless- Not one liable of accusations of wrongdoing by members of the congregation.

Husband of one wife- This is a controversial passage subject to much debate. Being that many in the body of Christ are divorced, this causes questions. I think it is clear that it means a bishop, should not be permiscuous. We know what a husband should be doing. We also know he should be doing it with one wife. We should note that sleeping with someone, denotes them being your wife.

Vigilant-Persistent in the faith, always about our fathers business. Keeping watch as not to be caught unaware. Not leaving the door open for false doctrines and prophets.

Sober-Having a grip or self control.

The previous verses tell you what a Bishop should possess. The following verses point out what he should not.

Not given to wine- he shouldn't be a drunkard. He shouldn't drink to the point of intoxication.

No striker- He shouldn't always be ready to fight, to take on a challenge. There is a correlation between being given to wine, and being a striker. People tend to want to fight, when they get drunk.

Not greedy of filthy lucre- Not a lover of money, a leader who is greedy will compromise the church. He will engage in unrighteous activity for the sake of material gain.

But patient not a brawler,not covetous-To accomplish these things requires that one have patience. Not be quick to react. You have to be willing to wait on the promises of God. The other two things mentioned, simply reiterate the above scripture. If one thing is present, you won't find the other.


1 Timothy 3:8-13:

8Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

9Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

11Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

The requirements of the deacon, are pretty much the same. The office is designed to free up the Bishop, to focus on his teaching. The church has so many functions, it's impossible for one man to do it effectively. We examine the family, and the leaders influence. That doesn't mean members of your family, are replicas of you. When you lead by example, the apple doesn't fall from the tree. One thing of note, that differs from the Bishop. Deacons are told to be:

Not Doubletongued- The deacons are bound to have more contact with more of the congrgation than the Bishop. They have to be careful not to tell, different people different things. In an effort to please everyone, they tell people what they want to hear.


1 Timothy 3:14-15:

14These things write I unto thee,y hoping to come unto thee shortly:

15But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

Here Paul anticipates his return to the community. In the meantime he had taught Timothy, as well as provided him with written instructions. The likes of which we have today, in the form of scriptures. On how leaders and people should behave, in the house of God. We have here the prerequesites of leaders, needed to build a healthy thriving church. Where the head leads, the body will follow.

Next Weeks Lesson 1/15/2006

January 15

God Calls Church Leaders

Bible Background * 1 Timothy 3

Printed Text * 1 Timothy 3: 2-15

Devotional Reading * Mark 9: 33-37

Pray For Everyone *

We are again looking at the letters Paul wrote to Timothy, instructing him on how to carry forth the gospel of Jesus Christ. We don't have to be preachers and apostles, to accept this as good and acceptable doctrine. This took place in the infant stages of Christianity, and nothing has changed since then. Just like Christianity was under attack then, it is under attack now. What was spoken by Paul, is a needed lesson in modern times. Pauls instruction to Timothy,a church leader during that time. Can also be applied, to our lives as faithful Christians today. There are temporal issues, that arise in our daily lives. The economy, wars, and politics, cause us sometimes to question our belief. We are required to pray, and trust God. Like our foreparents before us,we are at the mercy of the government (Caesar), and those in power. We must trust God to intervene, and bring us to a better place.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.



1 Timothy 2
1I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

2For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

3For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;

4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.


This indicates the four different modes of prayer in which we petition God. In some form or another you should fall into one of these categories. If your prayers are earnest. We have to acknowledge that everyone that calls Jesus name, is not a child of God. False prophets take pieces of the truth, and add or subtract as they like. If we're not fortified with truth, we're vulnerable. If we're not humbly requesting something only Gods power can provide. We should be thanking him, for what he has already done in our lives. Either you just came out of something, or you're on your way through. Don't be selfish in your prayers, ask Gods grace for others as well. Knowing that the blessings of others, indirectly bless you too. Unlike during the time Paul walked the earth.We don't live in a time of kings in our society. We have the president, governors and mayors. As Christians we must always remember. All power in place , is allowed by God. We should pray and ask God to guide whoever has authority.

It is Gods will that we all be saved. All Christians have a right to the tree of eternal life. Thanks to Jesus Christ, dying for our sins.Unfortunately that isn't going to happen for everyone. Because that's the only way. It's up to the individual themselves. He who accepts and believes that Jesus died for them. Have this message to serve as a manual. This is ordained as good in the sight of God. If you have this, it's the foundation of what you need. I say foundation because, knowledge is not enough :
James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?



1 Timothy 2:5-6:

5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

6Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

There was a dominant atmosphere of monarchism and emperor worship, in the early stages of Christianity. It was prevalent during these times. The Roman empire allowed worship of other Gods, as long as it didn't interfere with their rule. The gospel had to be defended, being that Christianity wasn't well received. Since one of the main priciples of Christianity is: Exodus 20:3 Thou shalt have no other gods before me. It was viewed as a threat to the order of things. In many cases men were assumed to be messengers or represenatives of God. This passage reinforces the fact that there is only one God,and only one way to reach him. Through his son Jesus Christ. Verse six simply tells us what was done for us,and it will come to pass.


1 Timothy 2:7-8:

7Whereunto 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.

8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.


Here Paul signifies his purpose in ministry. A preacher is one well versed and read in the word of God. In the old days we trusted our understanding of Gods word to preachers that couldn't even read. Though they may have been serious in their inspiration, they were lacking in their education. You can't really teach what you can't read. You can listen with an open heart. The holy spirit has always ordained capable teachers to carry forth the word of God. For this purpose Paul was ordained a Preacher.

Paul was a teacher to the Gentiles as well. This was unchartered territory. Christianity to some, was still considered as a sect of Judiasm. This was one of the reasons it was necessary, to reinforce his teachings to Timothy.This is the job of the apostle, and what sets him aside from the disciple. He is required to take the gospel where it hasn't been before. Not just to teach it, but to extend its territory. For this purpose Paul was ordained an Apostle.

Possessing this knowledge and having come to the light. Paul was prepared as all Christians should be, to go out and spread the word. The kingdom embodies everyone who accepts and believes, in the death, burial and resurrection. We are a part of a much larger network than we readily see.We are connected through prayer, and should exercise it reverently. In honest expectation for intervention from God the father, on behalf of his children.

Happy New Year