Summary of 1 Timothy
But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.
1 Timothy 1:5 NAS
LET IT GLOW
Since fall weather is here, it reminds me of going squirrel huntin' with my brother during my childhood. We silently trapesed through the fallen, brown leaves, swishing our way down the hill in the woods in front of our house. Talking would alert the squirrels of our arrival, which would scare them away, so I knew to be slilent. Up in the tops of trees were visible nests. Once found, we would lean against another tree, waiting for the victim to leave its home. Often it seemed like hours passed. When I saw a squirrel, I couldn't help but yell out. My brother was a good shot so we usually returned home with a kill. Then I held the squirrel while he skinned it. I didn't mind, because I was a country girl. Umm, Mom would make squirrel an' dumplin's or fried squirrel. The venture was worth the time and energy.
I'm sure Paul had spent a lot of time writing letters, which we have as words from God.
What do we recall about this letter?
-written by Paul, who considered himself an apostle of Jesus Christ;
-written to Timothy, the one in whom Paul considered to be his own son in the faith;
-probably written after Paul was released from his first Roman imprisonment (A.D. 62-64);
-Timothy became pastor of the church at Ephesus, to whom Paul sends instructions;
-one of 3 Pastoral Epistles-1 & 2 Timothy and Titus, written by Paul
The city of Ephesus was a port city under the Roman Empire. The people worshiped up to 50 different gods and goddesses. It was the location of the temple of Artemis (Dianna), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Sounds like idolatry was rampid. One month a year the city officials set aside a celebration to honor the goddess. Olympic-like games, theaterical plays, and concerts lurred people to the city of Ephesus. This resulted in enormous sums of money brought in and banking institutions established.
Schools of philosophy were an attraction there. Ephesus was a city built of marble-streets, monuments, foundations.
Timothy had a lot to contend with as a pastor, did he?
LET IT GROW
Paul had a lot of instructions to give the church and Timothy. I've included some verses that are highlighted in my Bible. Shall we review?
Chapter 1: Instructions concerning false doctrine and false teachers; Paul's testimony; encouragements;
And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (verse 14)
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. (verse 15)
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (verse 17)
Chapters 2-3: Instructions to the church concerning prayer, role of women, qualifications for leaders;
... that we may lead a quiet and peaceable live in all godliness and honest. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior. (verses 2b-3)
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. (verse 5)
In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. (verses 9-12)
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (verse 16)
Chapter 4: Instructions concerning false teachers-sound doctrine, true godliness, perseverance, faithful
teaching;
For every creature of God (eating meats) is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be reaceived with thanskgiving. For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. (verse 4-5)
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. (verse 12)
Chapter 5: Instructions concerning pastoral responsibilities; pay attention to various age groups, widows,
elders, slaves, sinning members, and wisdom;
Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.
(verse 22)
Chapter 6: Instructions concerning the man of God-maintain a balance with masters/slaves, rich/poor,
internals/externals; money, treasures, truth, false teaching;
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
(verses 6-8)
For the love of money is the root of all evil. (verse 10a)
But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life. (verses 11-12a)
Which in his (our Lord Jesus Christ) times he shall show, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. (verse 15)
Grace be with you. (verse 21b)
LET IT GO
Let go of the world and money.
Cling to Jesus.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Avoiding "Her"
1 Timothy 6-Part 11
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:20-21 KJV
Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God's grace be with you all. NLT
LET IT GLOW
Grace be with you.
According to Thayer's Lexicon, grace is loving kindness, favor.
Isn't this a fitting conclusion for Paul's letter? It takes God's grace to shepherd a flock and live the Christian life. His grace is sufficient and available. Unless the grace of God is present in a ministry, service, Paul's advice is of no avail.
KJV says Amen. It's as if Paul says,"So let it be in every place, in every age."
Is God's grace prevailing in my service to the Lord? Am I a gracious person?
LET IT GROW
I recall a particular time I was shopping when I spotted "her." Hoping she didn't see me, I quickly turned and detoured down another isle. Yes, I was avoiding talking to "her." Why? She was known for her questions, noseiness, and gossiping. The problem was, she kept appearing down the isles where my items I needed were located. After a few successful avoidances, I had a talk with myself, realizing that I was not being very Christlike and headed straight to her. (Eventually, it would happen anyway.) I acted surprised to have met her there. It wasn't so bad, a casual conversation, and then I grabbed my box of sweetener and quickly finished shopping. Whew! I felt better after that. It was the right thing to do, not avoiding "her", I mean.
Paul makes a final plea to Timothy in verse 20. What does he say?
(1) Keep means to guard in the military sense. (Phylasso in Greek) Guard that which was committed to
thy trust. Paul pleads for Timothy's faithfulness as the requirement of a steward (1 Cor. 4:2). To each of
us are given "gifts and callings" (Rom. 11:33). They are sacred; they must not be taken lightly. None of us
dares let up his guard for one minute. We must all be found faithful.
What was committed to Timothy's trust? This translates one Greek word, which means deposit. The
deposit Timothy was to guard is the truth-the divine revelation that God committed to his care. He's
talking about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(2) Avoiding means to turn away from, to shun a thing, to avoid meeting or associating with one.
Paul says to avoid the detours of profane and vain babblings and science falsely so called. Avoid what?
Avoid the philosophies of false teachers. Stick with the fear of the Lord and His wisdom. We have the
Bible to show us spiritual understanding. Am I avoiding false teachings or the Truth?
(3) Don't err concerning the faith. (astocheo in Greek) It means to deviate from, miss the mark. False
teachers miss the mark of God's purpose for them now and they miss the mark of God's prize for them in
heaven (Phil. 4:13). Believers must seperate themselves from those who depend on worldly wisdom.
Don't go astray from the faith in Jesus.
[Resources: MacArthur Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary]
LET IT GO
Stay committed to God's Word, The Truth.
Avoid other teachings, cults' doctrines.
Keep my faith in Jesus Christ.
Pass on the grace of God.
O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. 1 Timothy 6:20-21 KJV
Timothy, guard what God has entrusted to you. Avoid godless, foolish discussions with those who oppose you with their so-called knowledge. Some people have wandered from the faith by following such foolishness. May God's grace be with you all. NLT
LET IT GLOW
Grace be with you.
According to Thayer's Lexicon, grace is loving kindness, favor.
Isn't this a fitting conclusion for Paul's letter? It takes God's grace to shepherd a flock and live the Christian life. His grace is sufficient and available. Unless the grace of God is present in a ministry, service, Paul's advice is of no avail.
KJV says Amen. It's as if Paul says,"So let it be in every place, in every age."
Is God's grace prevailing in my service to the Lord? Am I a gracious person?
LET IT GROW
I recall a particular time I was shopping when I spotted "her." Hoping she didn't see me, I quickly turned and detoured down another isle. Yes, I was avoiding talking to "her." Why? She was known for her questions, noseiness, and gossiping. The problem was, she kept appearing down the isles where my items I needed were located. After a few successful avoidances, I had a talk with myself, realizing that I was not being very Christlike and headed straight to her. (Eventually, it would happen anyway.) I acted surprised to have met her there. It wasn't so bad, a casual conversation, and then I grabbed my box of sweetener and quickly finished shopping. Whew! I felt better after that. It was the right thing to do, not avoiding "her", I mean.
Paul makes a final plea to Timothy in verse 20. What does he say?
(1) Keep means to guard in the military sense. (Phylasso in Greek) Guard that which was committed to
thy trust. Paul pleads for Timothy's faithfulness as the requirement of a steward (1 Cor. 4:2). To each of
us are given "gifts and callings" (Rom. 11:33). They are sacred; they must not be taken lightly. None of us
dares let up his guard for one minute. We must all be found faithful.
What was committed to Timothy's trust? This translates one Greek word, which means deposit. The
deposit Timothy was to guard is the truth-the divine revelation that God committed to his care. He's
talking about the gospel of Jesus Christ.
(2) Avoiding means to turn away from, to shun a thing, to avoid meeting or associating with one.
Paul says to avoid the detours of profane and vain babblings and science falsely so called. Avoid what?
Avoid the philosophies of false teachers. Stick with the fear of the Lord and His wisdom. We have the
Bible to show us spiritual understanding. Am I avoiding false teachings or the Truth?
(3) Don't err concerning the faith. (astocheo in Greek) It means to deviate from, miss the mark. False
teachers miss the mark of God's purpose for them now and they miss the mark of God's prize for them in
heaven (Phil. 4:13). Believers must seperate themselves from those who depend on worldly wisdom.
Don't go astray from the faith in Jesus.
[Resources: MacArthur Bible Commentary, Liberty Bible Commentary]
LET IT GO
Stay committed to God's Word, The Truth.
Avoid other teachings, cults' doctrines.
Keep my faith in Jesus Christ.
Pass on the grace of God.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Treasures
1 Timothy 6-Part 10
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:19 KJV
By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. NLT
LET IT GLOW
About once a year, while visiting my mom, I would go through her cabinets and refrigerator, throwing out food with expired dates. Experience taught me not to make a big scene doing it. When I opened the frig for something, I'd do my checking in a casual way. Same thing with canned goods. (The freezer was a different story-major project to tackle.) I wanted everyone eating from her kitchen to stay safe. This was a technique I had developed over the years. Now I realize that these food items were some of her "treasures."
Oh me! I find myself being the same way. Not with food items, but "stuff" or "junk." I look around. Oh me, do I have too much stuff!
So what are the things I really treasure? As I contemplated the question, I found my answer. My "treasured things" are located in my house and not in a storage building nor a bank.They are the things I use everyday for Bible study. They are commentaries, devotionals, Bible translations, concordances, lexicons, dictionaries, books about people's Christian walk of life, and internet resources. Now, these are only the physical things I treasure.
But there are other things I treasure. Not annimate objects, but things like children, grandchildren, family members, friends, church, God's promises in my heart, prayer time alone with God, beauty of His created nature. Yes, innanimate objects that can't collect dust or rust, that moths can't decay, nor thieves can steal. Say, that reminds me of scriptures.
Matthew 6: 19-21 tells us where we are to lay up our treaures-in heaven, not upon earth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
LET IT GROW
Did you notice the phrase "good foundation?"
Foundation can refer to a fund. The idea is that the rich in this world should not be concerned with receiving a return on their earthly investment. Those who make eternal investments will be content to receive their dividends in heaven. (MacArthur Bible Commentary)
Foundation refers to a solid and stable spiritual possession, on which resting as on a foundation they may strive to lay hold on eternal life. (Thayer's Lexicon)
Either way, I need a good foundation for my life, just as a building, wall, or city needs a good foundation.
1 Corinthians 3:11 (NLT) says For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have-Jesus Christ.
Is Jesus Christ the foundation of my faith? Is He the foundation of my life? The One that my faith is built upon? Yes is my answer to all three questions. How about you?
LET IT GO
Make Jesus the foundation of my life.
Treasure Jesus and His Word more than anything in this world.
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1 Timothy 6:19 KJV
By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life. NLT
LET IT GLOW
About once a year, while visiting my mom, I would go through her cabinets and refrigerator, throwing out food with expired dates. Experience taught me not to make a big scene doing it. When I opened the frig for something, I'd do my checking in a casual way. Same thing with canned goods. (The freezer was a different story-major project to tackle.) I wanted everyone eating from her kitchen to stay safe. This was a technique I had developed over the years. Now I realize that these food items were some of her "treasures."
Oh me! I find myself being the same way. Not with food items, but "stuff" or "junk." I look around. Oh me, do I have too much stuff!
So what are the things I really treasure? As I contemplated the question, I found my answer. My "treasured things" are located in my house and not in a storage building nor a bank.They are the things I use everyday for Bible study. They are commentaries, devotionals, Bible translations, concordances, lexicons, dictionaries, books about people's Christian walk of life, and internet resources. Now, these are only the physical things I treasure.
But there are other things I treasure. Not annimate objects, but things like children, grandchildren, family members, friends, church, God's promises in my heart, prayer time alone with God, beauty of His created nature. Yes, innanimate objects that can't collect dust or rust, that moths can't decay, nor thieves can steal. Say, that reminds me of scriptures.
Matthew 6: 19-21 tells us where we are to lay up our treaures-in heaven, not upon earth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.
Liberty Bible Commentary says:The proper attitude toward riches and the use of money lays up treasure for the future. The age-old expression, "You can't take it with you," is still true. But the believer can send it on ahead of him in the form of rewards. To do this is what it means to lay hold on eternal life.
Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus tells us concerning wealth:
- Don't be conceited. The Lord sovereignly gives to each person whatever is needed to cultivate a heart of righteousness.
- Don't fix your hope on the uncertainty of riches. Money can be the means of God's provision and protections, but it is only one. He is our safety and our strength (Ps. 91)... and He never runs out of sruprises.
- Do become rich in good works.
- Do be generous and ready to share. The kingdom of God is not an emergency savings plan; it's an investment opportunity. We are invited to cast all that we are and all that we own into the Lord's grand venture, and as full partners, we have complete access to everthing that belongs to Him.
LET IT GROW
Did you notice the phrase "good foundation?"
Foundation can refer to a fund. The idea is that the rich in this world should not be concerned with receiving a return on their earthly investment. Those who make eternal investments will be content to receive their dividends in heaven. (MacArthur Bible Commentary)
Foundation refers to a solid and stable spiritual possession, on which resting as on a foundation they may strive to lay hold on eternal life. (Thayer's Lexicon)
Either way, I need a good foundation for my life, just as a building, wall, or city needs a good foundation.
1 Corinthians 3:11 (NLT) says For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have-Jesus Christ.
Is Jesus Christ the foundation of my faith? Is He the foundation of my life? The One that my faith is built upon? Yes is my answer to all three questions. How about you?
LET IT GO
Make Jesus the foundation of my life.
Treasure Jesus and His Word more than anything in this world.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Riches
1 Timothy 6-Part 9
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in this living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17
LET IT GLOW
Two automobiles to drive, two televisions, a computor, cell phones, vacations-all are luxuries. Extra food in the cabinets available anytime to eat, new clothes to wear each season, a comfortable house with clean running water and electricity available constantly-these are things I take for granted. Are you with me? However, most of the world does not experience them now and never will. I've seen people who do not have their basic needs met. They live in shanties, get some food on a daily basis, wear what they have on their back. I think how sad, but what am I doing about it? My description is of foreigners, but there are Americans with the same needs. Am I helping my neighbors?
Will they come to know the God who provides for all needs; the God who gives us richly all things to enjoy? Those are words Paul said to Timothy at the end of our verse 17. Do I enjoy all the things I have?
According to Thayer's Lexicon, richly, plooseeoce in the Greek, means abundantly;enjoy, apolowsis in the Greek, means enjoyment.
The living God gives us abundantly all these for our enjoyment. Am I thankful for all the little and big things?
Do I enjoy, give thanks, share all that God has blessed me with, or do I hord it selfishly, or strive for more and never satisfied?
The theme in Ecclesiastes is "Enjoy the blessings of life now, because life will end one day," See Ecc. 2:24;
3:12-15, 22; 5:18-20; 9:7-10; 11:9-10.
Wiersbe says, "This is not sinful 'hedonism,' living for the pleasures of life. It is simply enjoying all that God gives us for His glory."
The path to true happiness and contentment is found in this verse.
Also, Matthew 6:33 says, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Psalm 37:4 says Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
What God looks at is the attitude of your heart: Is pleasing Him your deepest desire? This was Paul's life goal: More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there.
(2 Cor.5:9 TEV) When you live in light of eternity, your focus changes from "How much pleasure am I getting out of life?" to "How much pleasure is God getting out of my life?"
Will you make pleasing God the goal of your life? There is nothing that God won't do for the person totally absorbed with this goal.
Am I seeking God first? Is He the delight of my heart?
How rich we are with His gifts of grace and mercy, love and forgiveness!
LET IT GROW
Paul added a special charge for Timothy to give to the rich. I may not think it applies to me, but it does. My standard of living would certainly make me "rich" in the eyes of Timothy's congregation. Paul calls the rich to be good stewards of their God-given resources (Deut. 8:18; 1 Sam. 2:7; 1 Chr. 29:12).
What is it that Paul says to the rich?
"There is nothing wrong with being rich, if those who are rich are 'rich toward God' (Luke 12:21) and are willing to communicate or give of what they have to those in need. Then God will give 'richly all things to enjoy,' " states Liberty Bible Commentary.
Psalm 147:11 (CEV) states The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love.
LET IT GO
Trust and love God foremost.
Be thankfouls for what He has given me.
Share with others.
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in this living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. 1 Timothy 6:17
LET IT GLOW
Two automobiles to drive, two televisions, a computor, cell phones, vacations-all are luxuries. Extra food in the cabinets available anytime to eat, new clothes to wear each season, a comfortable house with clean running water and electricity available constantly-these are things I take for granted. Are you with me? However, most of the world does not experience them now and never will. I've seen people who do not have their basic needs met. They live in shanties, get some food on a daily basis, wear what they have on their back. I think how sad, but what am I doing about it? My description is of foreigners, but there are Americans with the same needs. Am I helping my neighbors?
Will they come to know the God who provides for all needs; the God who gives us richly all things to enjoy? Those are words Paul said to Timothy at the end of our verse 17. Do I enjoy all the things I have?
According to Thayer's Lexicon, richly, plooseeoce in the Greek, means abundantly;enjoy, apolowsis in the Greek, means enjoyment.
The living God gives us abundantly all these for our enjoyment. Am I thankful for all the little and big things?
Do I enjoy, give thanks, share all that God has blessed me with, or do I hord it selfishly, or strive for more and never satisfied?
The theme in Ecclesiastes is "Enjoy the blessings of life now, because life will end one day," See Ecc. 2:24;
3:12-15, 22; 5:18-20; 9:7-10; 11:9-10.
Wiersbe says, "This is not sinful 'hedonism,' living for the pleasures of life. It is simply enjoying all that God gives us for His glory."
The path to true happiness and contentment is found in this verse.
Also, Matthew 6:33 says, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Psalm 37:4 says Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.
In his book, The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren says:God also gains pleasure in watching you enjoy his creation. He gave you eyes to enjoy beauty, ears to enjoy sounds, your nose and taste buds to enjoy smells and tastes, and the nerves under your skin to enjoy touch. Every act of enjoyment becomes an act of worship when you thank God for it. God even enjoys watching you sleep! When you are sleeping, God gazes at you with love, because you were his idea. He loves you as if you were the only person on earth.
What God looks at is the attitude of your heart: Is pleasing Him your deepest desire? This was Paul's life goal: More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there.
(2 Cor.5:9 TEV) When you live in light of eternity, your focus changes from "How much pleasure am I getting out of life?" to "How much pleasure is God getting out of my life?"
Will you make pleasing God the goal of your life? There is nothing that God won't do for the person totally absorbed with this goal.
Am I seeking God first? Is He the delight of my heart?
How rich we are with His gifts of grace and mercy, love and forgiveness!
LET IT GROW
Paul added a special charge for Timothy to give to the rich. I may not think it applies to me, but it does. My standard of living would certainly make me "rich" in the eyes of Timothy's congregation. Paul calls the rich to be good stewards of their God-given resources (Deut. 8:18; 1 Sam. 2:7; 1 Chr. 29:12).
What is it that Paul says to the rich?
- Be humble, not highminded.. (verse 17a)
- Trust God, not wealth. (verse 17b)
- Enjoy what God gives you. (verse 17c)
- Employ what God gives you. (verses 18-19)
"There is nothing wrong with being rich, if those who are rich are 'rich toward God' (Luke 12:21) and are willing to communicate or give of what they have to those in need. Then God will give 'richly all things to enjoy,' " states Liberty Bible Commentary.
Psalm 147:11 (CEV) states The Lord is pleased with those who worship him and trust his love.
LET IT GO
Trust and love God foremost.
Be thankfouls for what He has given me.
Share with others.
Friday, September 23, 2011
He's my King
1 Timothy 6-Part 8 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords. 1 Timothy 6:15
LET IT GLOW
As a child, I would often climb the big pecan tree in our backyard. I would stand in the fork of the two huge branches, ruling my kingdom as queen. There I was, high above the land, gazing out the window of my castle, ruling my vast domain. Could I see any enemies that might be lurking below, who were wanting to capture my castle and kingdom? No, all was well. My servants were managing everything; my soldiers were monitoring and protecting the grounds. Yes, all was well in Queen Linda's kingdom. Oh, the imagination of a child.
Yet I realize that there is a kingdom, an invisible spiritual kingdom to our eyes, where Jesus reins as King of kings and Lord of lords. The only difference is the place He reins is not on earth as of yet, but in heaven. One day He will rein on earth, establishing His new earthly kingdom.
When Jesus was here the first time, He stood before Pontius Pilate, made His public declaration as the King and Messiah (John 18:33-37). Jesus knew such a confession would cost Him His life, but it was true.
Is Jesus the "reigning king" in my heart?
How does Paul describe this King?
Who is on the throne of my heart and life? Is Jesus Christ or myself?
LET IT GROW
Verse 13 begins with Paul issuing Timothy this "charge." According to Thayer's Lexicon, to charge is to command, order.
Paul speaks on behalf of God the Father, to whom everyone owes his or her life, and God the Son, who became the pastor's ultimate example when He stood before Pontius Pilate. (Swindoll)
Timothy is to keep this charge, not for Paul's sake, but before God who quickeneth or "preserves life" and Christ Jesus. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
In verse 14, Paul tells Timothy to keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Commandment probably refers to the initial command of 1:3-5. This whole book is a charge to be alert to the false teachers and their doctrine.
Rebukeable means not apprehended, that cannot be laid hold of; not open to censure. (Thayer's Lexicon)
Verse 14 reads this way in NLT: that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
In other words, I am to only teach this doctrine of Jesus Christ, Him crucified and risen from the dead, not teach fables or genealogies. I am to do so with a pure heart, a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned, or not as a hypocrite. (1:5) Then no one can find fault with what I say.
LET IT GO
Prepare to meet my Maker.
Allow Jesus to be ruling King of my heart and Lord of my life.
Recognize that one day I will have an immortal body. Yes!!!!
Give God the honor He deserves.
LET IT GLOW
As a child, I would often climb the big pecan tree in our backyard. I would stand in the fork of the two huge branches, ruling my kingdom as queen. There I was, high above the land, gazing out the window of my castle, ruling my vast domain. Could I see any enemies that might be lurking below, who were wanting to capture my castle and kingdom? No, all was well. My servants were managing everything; my soldiers were monitoring and protecting the grounds. Yes, all was well in Queen Linda's kingdom. Oh, the imagination of a child.
Yet I realize that there is a kingdom, an invisible spiritual kingdom to our eyes, where Jesus reins as King of kings and Lord of lords. The only difference is the place He reins is not on earth as of yet, but in heaven. One day He will rein on earth, establishing His new earthly kingdom.
When Jesus was here the first time, He stood before Pontius Pilate, made His public declaration as the King and Messiah (John 18:33-37). Jesus knew such a confession would cost Him His life, but it was true.
Is Jesus the "reigning king" in my heart?
How does Paul describe this King?
- God is the only Ruler, Potentate, which comes from a word that means "power"; "a prince used of God," which is Jesus. God is sovereign over all (Ps. 2).
- King of kings and Lord of lords makes us think of Jesus Christ (Rev. 17:14; 19:16), but here in verse 15, the title is applied to God the Father. Jesus Christ reveals the Father to us, so He can justly claim this title.
- Only He is immortal, which means "not subject to death." This describes Jesus' uniqueness. God is not subject to death like mankind is. 1 Timothy 1:17 describes Him as the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God. Because God is not subject to death, He is Life and the giver of life. He's incorruptible and not subject to decay or change. In this life we have mortal bodies, but when Jesus Christ returns, we shall share His immortality (1 Cor. 15:50-58).
- God dwelleth in the light which no man can approach. Exodus 24:17 states And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire. John described heaven as the glory of God that gives light to the city (Rev. 21:11, 23-24; 22:5). Light is the symbol of holiness (1 John 1:5-7).
- No man has seen nor can see God. John 1:18 says, No man hath seen God at any time, which refers to seeing God in His essence, His spiritual nature. We can only see manifestations of this essence, as in the person of Jesus Christ.
- Only God has honor and power everlasting. Jesus Christ alone is worthy of worship and complete devotion.
Who is on the throne of my heart and life? Is Jesus Christ or myself?
LET IT GROW
Verse 13 begins with Paul issuing Timothy this "charge." According to Thayer's Lexicon, to charge is to command, order.
Paul speaks on behalf of God the Father, to whom everyone owes his or her life, and God the Son, who became the pastor's ultimate example when He stood before Pontius Pilate. (Swindoll)
Timothy is to keep this charge, not for Paul's sake, but before God who quickeneth or "preserves life" and Christ Jesus. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
In verse 14, Paul tells Timothy to keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Commandment probably refers to the initial command of 1:3-5. This whole book is a charge to be alert to the false teachers and their doctrine.
Rebukeable means not apprehended, that cannot be laid hold of; not open to censure. (Thayer's Lexicon)
Verse 14 reads this way in NLT: that you obey this command without wavering. Then no one can find fault with you from now until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.
In other words, I am to only teach this doctrine of Jesus Christ, Him crucified and risen from the dead, not teach fables or genealogies. I am to do so with a pure heart, a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned, or not as a hypocrite. (1:5) Then no one can find fault with what I say.
LET IT GO
Prepare to meet my Maker.
Allow Jesus to be ruling King of my heart and Lord of my life.
Recognize that one day I will have an immortal body. Yes!!!!
Give God the honor He deserves.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Getting a Grip
1 Timothy 6-Part 7
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12
LET IT GLOW
During my junior high years, my summers were often spent riding my bicycle. It was an old bike that had belonged to my sister, who is 10 years older than I am. Dad put on a new seat, new tires, oiled the brakes, and added handle grips with streamers. He even painted it red for me. I thought I was riding in style as I rode up and down on my country road. Why, I got so good at riding that I'd stand up to pedal faster. However, sometimes my hands would slip on the handlebar grips and I lost control. Of course, you know I'd wreck. Another thing I practiced was riding without hands. The problem there was the road going in both directions from my house was on an incline, which made it a challenge to ride without hands. Eventually, I conquered the task, which boasted my confidence. Just as I got a grip on the handlebars, so Paul says to get a grip on something. What was it?
In verse 12, Paul tells Timothy to "lay hold" on eternal life. Timothy was already save and possessed eternal life. The idea here seems to be "get hold" of this eternal life that you have until "the things of earth grow strangely dim." Let it grip you until you get into this race and wine the prize. Every believer has a "high calling" in life-sharing Jesus with others. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
Am I getting a grip on the reality that I have a heavenly home awaiting me? As I go through the day, where is my heart focused?
LET IT GROW
Look back with me in verse 11. I see a continuation of something in verse 12. A Christian is known by what they:
Paul instructs us to "fight the good fight." The word fight, agonizmai, is an athletic term meaning " to engage in a contest." This contest is the whole life of the believer striving to win "the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:13).
In the phrase fight the good fight, the first fight means to contend, struggle with difficulties and dangers antoganistic to the gospel. The second fight refers to any struggle with dangers standing in the way of faith, holiness, and a desire to spread the gospel. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
MacArthur's Bible Commentary says : The "good fight of faith" is the spiritual conflict with Satan's kingdom of darkness in which all men of God are necessarily involved.
Corrie ten Boom said, "I've learned that we must hold everyting loosely, because when I grip it tightly, it hurts when the Father pries my fingers loose and takes it from me."
Am I fleeing from the love of money? Am I content with what I have? What am I following after? Is my faith growing? Am I fighting the good fight of faith? How do I hold things-tightly or loosely? These are some things to ponder.
LET IT GO
Am I gripping onto something too tightly, so it consumes my thoughts, time, money, heart?
What do I need to let go of so God can be first in my life?
Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1 Timothy 6:12
LET IT GLOW
During my junior high years, my summers were often spent riding my bicycle. It was an old bike that had belonged to my sister, who is 10 years older than I am. Dad put on a new seat, new tires, oiled the brakes, and added handle grips with streamers. He even painted it red for me. I thought I was riding in style as I rode up and down on my country road. Why, I got so good at riding that I'd stand up to pedal faster. However, sometimes my hands would slip on the handlebar grips and I lost control. Of course, you know I'd wreck. Another thing I practiced was riding without hands. The problem there was the road going in both directions from my house was on an incline, which made it a challenge to ride without hands. Eventually, I conquered the task, which boasted my confidence. Just as I got a grip on the handlebars, so Paul says to get a grip on something. What was it?
In verse 12, Paul tells Timothy to "lay hold" on eternal life. Timothy was already save and possessed eternal life. The idea here seems to be "get hold" of this eternal life that you have until "the things of earth grow strangely dim." Let it grip you until you get into this race and wine the prize. Every believer has a "high calling" in life-sharing Jesus with others. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
Am I getting a grip on the reality that I have a heavenly home awaiting me? As I go through the day, where is my heart focused?
LET IT GROW
Look back with me in verse 11. I see a continuation of something in verse 12. A Christian is known by what they:
- flee from
- follow after
- fight for
- is faithful to.
Paul instructs us to "fight the good fight." The word fight, agonizmai, is an athletic term meaning " to engage in a contest." This contest is the whole life of the believer striving to win "the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus" (Phil. 4:13).
In the phrase fight the good fight, the first fight means to contend, struggle with difficulties and dangers antoganistic to the gospel. The second fight refers to any struggle with dangers standing in the way of faith, holiness, and a desire to spread the gospel. (Liberty Bible Commentary)
MacArthur's Bible Commentary says : The "good fight of faith" is the spiritual conflict with Satan's kingdom of darkness in which all men of God are necessarily involved.
Corrie ten Boom said, "I've learned that we must hold everyting loosely, because when I grip it tightly, it hurts when the Father pries my fingers loose and takes it from me."
Am I fleeing from the love of money? Am I content with what I have? What am I following after? Is my faith growing? Am I fighting the good fight of faith? How do I hold things-tightly or loosely? These are some things to ponder.
LET IT GO
Am I gripping onto something too tightly, so it consumes my thoughts, time, money, heart?
What do I need to let go of so God can be first in my life?
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tree Roots
1 Timothy 6-Part 6
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. But thou, O man of God, flee these things: and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1 Timothy 6:10-11
LET IT GLOW
There's a big hole in our backyard. It was dug by our granddaughter. She enjoys playing in it very much. When I add water to it she splashes in it on a hot summer's day. She plays with all sorts of sand toys in it. She makes mud pies and even fills up a dump truck. There's one thing I've noticed about that hole. Although it's several feet away from the 60 year old pecan tree, there's a small root running through it. So she digs around the root, paying it no never mind.
What about this root? We all know the tree's roots are under ground, unseen.This tree's roots must be deep and long for the pecan tree to have survived such a long time. I ask myself, "Where are my spiritual roots growing?" Are they running deep in God's Word, sprouting love, faith, godliness, patience, meekness? Or are the roots of my heart growing around money? Am I loving money more than God?
See Jeremiah 17:7-8 and Psalm 1.
Paul says that the love of money is the root of all evil. Riches in inself isn't good or bad. It's my attitude toward them that can be good or bad. In verse 9, Paul said it was the "wanting to get rich" that leads people into temptations, resulting in foolish and harmful desires, ruining and destroying lives.
So I need to keep my attitude about money in its right perspective. Don't let it consume my thoughts,always thinking how I'll spend it. Use it to help meet needs of others, to further God's kingdom work. Shun the love of money. Don't let it take root in my heart. Keep Jesus as the love of my life. Make sure His Word takes root in my heart. What's taking root in your heart?
LET IT GROW
What are some directives Paul gives Timothy in verse 11?
What am I running after?
The tighter you clutch your possessions, the greater hold they have on you. I encourage you to adopt three short statements and then reslove to make them true:
LET IT GO
Keep the love of money from taking root in my heart.
Keep Jesus the love of my life.
Be grateful, satisfied, and generous with what I have.
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. But thou, O man of God, flee these things: and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
1 Timothy 6:10-11
LET IT GLOW
There's a big hole in our backyard. It was dug by our granddaughter. She enjoys playing in it very much. When I add water to it she splashes in it on a hot summer's day. She plays with all sorts of sand toys in it. She makes mud pies and even fills up a dump truck. There's one thing I've noticed about that hole. Although it's several feet away from the 60 year old pecan tree, there's a small root running through it. So she digs around the root, paying it no never mind.
What about this root? We all know the tree's roots are under ground, unseen.This tree's roots must be deep and long for the pecan tree to have survived such a long time. I ask myself, "Where are my spiritual roots growing?" Are they running deep in God's Word, sprouting love, faith, godliness, patience, meekness? Or are the roots of my heart growing around money? Am I loving money more than God?
See Jeremiah 17:7-8 and Psalm 1.
Paul says that the love of money is the root of all evil. Riches in inself isn't good or bad. It's my attitude toward them that can be good or bad. In verse 9, Paul said it was the "wanting to get rich" that leads people into temptations, resulting in foolish and harmful desires, ruining and destroying lives.
So I need to keep my attitude about money in its right perspective. Don't let it consume my thoughts,always thinking how I'll spend it. Use it to help meet needs of others, to further God's kingdom work. Shun the love of money. Don't let it take root in my heart. Keep Jesus as the love of my life. Make sure His Word takes root in my heart. What's taking root in your heart?
LET IT GROW
What are some directives Paul gives Timothy in verse 11?
- Flee these things (love of money, snares of the world).
- Follow after righteousness. Follow (dioko) means "to run." This righteousness is is a state of the heart and mind that operates in harmony with the mind of God as expressed in His Word. Be clothed in the fruit of the Spirit.
- Run after godliness. Godliness is the authentic and abiding desire to glorify God through every thought, reaction, word, and deed.
- Run after faith. Faith is the resting in God's promise to provide, protect, empower, and guide.
- Run after love. Love is seeking the highest, greatest good of other people.
- Run after patience. Patience or perseverance, is a deliberate, steadfast obedience despite pressures, difficulties, or temptations.
- Run after meekness.Meekness or gentleness, is a controlled, confident, firm strength that offers reassurance to weak or wounded people. (from Swindoll and Wiersbe)
What am I running after?
Swindoll's New Testament Insights on 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus states:
- I'm grateful for what I have.
- I'm satisfied with what I earn.
- I'm generous to those in need.
LET IT GO
Keep the love of money from taking root in my heart.
Keep Jesus the love of my life.
Be grateful, satisfied, and generous with what I have.
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