1 Timothy 2:3-4 Pray for the Lost

This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. [1 Timothy 2:3-4 NASB]

This refers back to the previous verse. It is “good and acceptable” to pray for all men. Why? Because God desires “all men to be saved.”

Some people get hung up on theological debate after reading passages like this in Ephesians;

just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will, [Ephesians 1:4-5 NASB]

They see the words “chosen” and “predestined”, and they picture God sitting on His throne saying, “I want this one to be saved. I don’t want that one to be saved.”

But Jesus told us;

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. [John 3:16-17 NASB]

And Paul said;

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. [Romans 5:8 NASB]

God loves the world, which means he loves every individual person in the world. He doesn’t just love Christians, He loves Muslims, Hindus, Bhuddists, atheists, and sinners of every type.

Peter tells us that this is the reason that Jesus has not yet returned;

The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance. [2 Peter 3:9 NASB]

This universal love that God has for the world has led some to conclude that there is no eternal punishment for sinners. But the Bible says otherwise;

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat upon it, from whose presence earth and heaven fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them; and they were judged, every one of them according to their deeds. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. [Revelation 20:11-15 NASB]

It is not politically correct to say it in this day and age, but the simple truth is that those who die without coming to a knowledge of Jesus as Lord will go to hell.

God doesn’t want to send anyone to hell. But He will. Even those whom He loves. This is why we pray for the lost.

You might ask, “How can God send those He loves to hell?” Because God, who is perfect in love is also perfect in justice. You ask, “How is that just?” Because it is God who defines justice. 

We have all sinned, and God made a way for our sins to be forgiven through His son, Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross to pay the debt of our sins, and if we accept Him as our Lord, and receive His forgiveness we will be saved from the torment of hell.

But if we reject the gift that Jesus is so freely offering, we continue in our sins, and bear the punishment for rejecting the Son of God.

If you  have never been saved, I urge you to accept Jesus as you Lord, and receive His forgiveness. 

Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving my sins, and saving my soul. Thank You for dying on the cross to pay the price for my sin. I praise You that You rose again after three days, and live now as my Lord and Savior. I pray for the salvation of my family and neighbors, as well as those who are in power.

1 Timothy 2:1-2 First of All

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. [1 Timothy 2:1-2 NASB]

First of all means first in importance. It is not a reference to time (as in "do this, then do something else), but is a reference to value. It means that there are a great many important things in the Christian's life, but the first thing is prayer.

A variety of terminology is used in reference to prayer. Entreaties, prayers, and petitions all denote prayer with slightly different meanings. 

To entreat God means to make your needs known to Him. This includes your personal prayer requests as well as interceding for others.

Paul uses the word "prayer" in the general sense of talking to God, regardless of place, style or content. It can refer to the quiet time spent alone with Him, or the quick prayer spoken in the moment, or the awareness of God as you turn your mind towards Him throughout the day.

The original Greek meaning of the word translated "petitions" is "a falling in with, meeting with, or coming together". This indicates gathering together for public, communal prayer.

What is most important in this is not the difference in definitions, but that Paul is piling on multiple descriptions of prayer. This is a literary device that Paul often uses to draw attention to a subject that he considers to be particularly important.

He finishes his admonition to prayer with "thanksgivings." 

We are to pray for all men, both in our private prayer, as well as in our public meetings, and we are to be thankful for those we pray for.

We are to pray for "kings and all who are in authority." For Americans, that means praying for the president. It doesn't matter if you agree with his politics. Whether you love him or think him a scoundrel is irrelevant. Paul said;

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. [Romans 13:1-2 NASB]

Beyond just the president, we pray for all who are in authority. That means both parties in both houses of Congress, judges, governors and state leaders, county and local authorities. They all affect our lives.

Praying for those in authority is not a guarantee that we will be able to live a quiet and tranquil life. Paul prayed for Nero, who ended up feeding Christians to lions, crucifying Christians on the streets of Rome, and lighting their bodies on fire at night in the place of lanterns. We know that persecution will happen, and we are taught to not only accept it, but to rejoice in it. But that doesn't mean we should give up on praying.

You may never know what effect your prayer may have had in the affairs of the world, or in the life of an individual. Even if a leader rejects the will of God, rebels against Him, and turns against His people, continue to pray for him. Even if your prayer has no effect on a godless leader, it will have an effect on you, so never stop praying.

Father, I thank you for the President, and those in government, Congress, the Governor, county commissioners and city council. I pray your blessings on them, for their salvation, for wisdom, and that we will be able to live with them in peace.

1 Timothy 1:18-20 Fight the Good Fight

This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme. [1 Timothy 1:18-20 NASB]

Three times in the New Testament, the Christian life is compared to fighting the good fight. In each of these cases, it was Paul writing to Timothy. He mentions it again later in this letter;

Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. [1 Timothy 6:12 NASB]

And again, referring to himself;

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; [2 Timothy 4:7 NASB]

There is a war for your faith. You can fight in the war, and keep the faith, or you can sit idly by and let your faith be shipwrecked.

There are many things in the world that will try to steal your faith. The world is full of temptations that would compromise your moral integrity.

Paul told Timothy to keep a good conscience. This doesn't mean, "Don't fell guilty about what you do." It means, "Don't do anything to feel guilty about." 

As Christians, we are called to be above reproach. We must assume that the world wants to see us fall. The media seems to take a particular delight whenever a professing Christian does anything of a questionable nature. And they seem to exult whenever a Christian falls into outright sin.

We understand our own humanity, and we know how easy it is to stumble. We forgive one another when we lapse because we can relate. Ironically, the world, which rejects Jesus and His moral standards, hold us to a higher standard than we do ourselves. They may not agree with our morals, but they expect us to strictly adhere to them, and label us "hypocrite" when we fail.

Our fight is not against the world, or against the moral decay of society. The fight is within ourselves. We must fight the temptation to give up. How much easier life would be if we could just go along with our coworkers and friends.

Paul gave Timothy  two examples of people who gave up on moral purity, and he said the result was that they "suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith."

Paul said that these two men, Hymenaeus and Alexander, were "handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme." This is reminiscent of another scripture regarding a believer who was living a sinful lifestyle;

I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. [1 Corinthians 5:5 NASB]

I think what this means is that the misbehaving brother was removed from the fellowship of believers. He was placed back into the world, where he was, once again, under the dominion of Satan, who is also called the god of this world. Because of the grievousness of his sin, he was removed from the protection of God, and subject once again to the oppression of the devil.

The purpose of this removal was to highlight the depth of his loss by being separated from God's people, and God's protection. The goal was to bring him back to a place of repentance, so that he would once again be embraced by God and by the church.

Don't be like Hymenaeus and Alexander, sacrificing your faith for the pleasures of this world.

Instead, be like Paul and Timothy, fighting the good fight, holding fast to the faith, and maintaining a good conscience before the Lord.

Father, I pray for grace that You will help me to stay clear of those things that would wreck my faith. Please give me the wisdom to see them for what they are. Lord, I choose to follow you. I commit to the discipline to keep the faith, and the moral purity to maintain a good conscience.

1 Timothy 1:17 Worship

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. [1 Timothy 1:17 NASB]

This line isn't written as a theological treatise on the attributes of God. It is a spontaneous expression of adoration and worship. It is Paul's heartfelt response to God's mercy which was poured out on Paul, and also on any who would come to God in repentance.

God our King is eternal. He is; He has always been; He always will be. God alone was here before the creation of the world, which He formed with His words. In ages to come, the world as we know it will be done away with, and God will create a new heaven and a new earth. He will live eternally in the New Jerusalem, and He has invited us to live with Him for eternity to come.

Prophesying about Jesus, Isaiah said;

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. [Isaiah 9:6 NASB]

We know that God is triune; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We think we have that figured out with clear, sharp lines delineating the role of each "member" of the Trinity. But as Isaiah's prophecy indicates, our definition of God tends to get a bit blurry around the edges. The Son is also called The Eternal Father. I think the reality of God is so far above the capacity of human understanding that we cannot fully know him as long as we inhabit this flesh. Our minds simply aren't capable of taking Him in. As He said to Moses;

But He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live!” [Exodus 33:20 NASB]

I guess it is helpful for us to break down our understanding of God into small, knowable chunks. Just understand that He is beyond our understanding. Know that we cannot fully know Him. He reveals Himself to us in many ways, and He wants us to know Him to the extent that we are able, but the knowledge of God is vast beyond human capacity.

Consider the Holy Spirit. I have heard many descriptions of the Holy Spirit over the years. Some liken Him to the Force (of Star Wars fame), and have written book to that end. Many people view the Holy Spirit in this way - if not with the same terminology. They see Him, not as God, but as a power to be tapped and used. I have heard many preachers talk about "tapping into the power of the Holy Spirit"

In "The Shack" He is described as wispy, ethereal girl, dancing and whirling her way through flights of fancy. Somehow less serious and less substantial than the Father and Son.

Many of those who reject the idea of the Holy Spirit as a "force", see Him as Jesus' little brother. A lesser member of the Trinity. The sensitive one.

But, understand this: the Holy Spirit is God. He is fully God, not a "force", not a lesser member, not given to flights of fancy. He is God, in all of His power, and all of His splendor. He is the King on the throne. 

And He has chosen to live in the hearts of all who trust in the name of Jesus. He is invisible, but He is always with you, and in you; speaking to you, teaching you, and guiding you - if you will quiet your mind and listen.

To God alone be glory forever and ever. He is worthy of all praise.

My Lord God, You are worthy of all praise and glory. Holy is Your name, o Lord. Holy, holy, holy, lord God almighty who was and who is and who is to come. Lord, I worship You with all my heart.

1 Timothy 1:15-16 Sinners

It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life. [1 Timothy 1:15-16 NASB]

Previously in this chapter, Paul referred to sinners by saying;

realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, [1 Timothy 1:9-10 NASB]

Paul identifies with these sinners. What's more, he considers his sins to be more severe than any of them. He says regarding his own sins;

even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; [1 Timothy 1:13 NASB]

Far from condemning sinners, Paul counts himself among them and says "among whom I am foremost of all." He offers mercy to sinners through Jesus Christ.

Paul presents himself as an example. In essence he is saying, "If i can find mercy, then anybody can find mercy."

He uses this phrase, "It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance." Everything written in the Bible is trustworthy and deserving full acceptance, but by making this statement, Paul is singling out the next statement for special emphasis. Think of it as bold, italicized, and underlined. The statement is this: "Jesus came into the world to save sinners."

This is probably the best and most concise summary of the gospel ever. It goes right to the heart and intent of Jesus' mission on earth. As John said;

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him." [John 3:16-17 NASB]

Many sinners believe that theirs is the worst sin. I have been told, "I want to be saved, but I have sinned too badly for God to forgive me." But I can tell you with absolute certainty that it is not true.

If you have any longing for God, that longing comes from the Holy Spirit who is calling you to Christ. It is not in your nature to seek God without Him first calling for you.

If you have never been saved, come to Him. If you have been saved, but feel distant from Him because of ongoing sin in your life, then come back. Pray this prayer with me.

My Father in heaven, I praise Your name. Lord, I confess that I have sinned, and I ask you to forgive me. Cleanse me and make me right with You. Jesus, I confess that you are my Lord, and I believe that You died to pay the price for my sin, then rose from the dead, and that You are alive forevermore with God the Father. Thank You for my salvation.

1 Timothy 1:12-14 Service

I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus. [1 Timothy 1:12-14 NASB]

The apostle Paul was unparalleled in his service for Christ. He preached and planted churches throughout the Roman Empire. He was persecuted, stoned and left for dead, shipwrecked, beaten multiple times. He was hungry, thirsty, afraid, and discouraged. Yet, through it all, he remained faithful. Not because he was naturally tenacious, or stronger that other men, but because relied on Jesus, the source of his strength.

It was because of Jesus' strength that Paul was able to be counted as faithful. In fact, faithfulness is included in the fruit of the Spirit;

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. [Galatians 5:22-23 NASB]

Faithfulness does not grow out of tenacity, or stubbornness. It comes from a humble willingness to serve, and a sincere desire to know Christ.

I have heard some say that Paul's background as a Pharisee, and his zeal as persecutor of the church were "whitewashed" into faithful service. Paul doesn't seem to agree with that assessment. He references his past sins as a contrast to who he became. He is not a faithful servant because of his past, but in spite of it. He said;

More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish so that I may gain Christ, [Philippians 3:8 NASB]

At the same time, he never let the past hinder his present. He said that he was shown mercy because he acted ignorantly in unbelief. It's the same for all who don't know Jesus. In their unbelief, they act ignorantly, not capable of following Him. But, His mercy is freely available to all who will come to Him, and surrender their past to Him. Those of us who surrender our past know the joy of His Spirit in the present, and the glorious hope of a future with Him.

None of us has the capacity within ourselves to be a faithful servant of Christ. It is only by His grace and His strength. Whatever strengths you thought you had before being saved need to be counted as loss, so that you can rely on His strength alone.

Don't let guilt from your past hinder you from serving Him now. That is not from God, but is selfish and arrogant. It is saying that your sin is greater than God's grace. Yet Paul said;

The Law came in so that the transgression would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, [Romans 5:20 NASB]

Paul said that the grace of God is "more than abundant." The literal translation of that phrase is "superabundant". The grace of God is superabundant.

All the tools you need for service are found in Christ. It is His grace and strength. He is the source of our faithfulness. Faith and love are found in Him.

Lord Jesus, I thank You for the calling with which You have called me to serve. I don't serve in my name, but in Yours alone. I pray for Your strength. I turn to You for the wisdom, love and faith that I need to complete my service.

1 Timothy 1:8-11 The Law is Good

But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous person, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted. [1 Timothy 1:8-11 NASB]

Because I so often say that I am not under Law, but under grace, some may conclude that I hold an animosity toward the Law. Or that I believe, as some do, that the Law no longer effectively exists. This is not true. Jesus, Himself, said;

“Do not think that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish but to fulfill. “For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished. [Matthew 5:17-18 NASB]

The Law was given for a reason. Paul said;

But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. [Galatians 3:23-25 NASB]

The Law teaches us about our need for sin. Paul discusses the role of the Law in Romans;

What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? May it never be! On the contrary, I would not have come to know sin except through the Law; for I would not have known about coveting if the Law had not said, “YOU SHALL NOT COVET.” [Romans 7:7 NASB]

1 Timothy 1:9 tells us that the law was not made for the righteous, but for sinners. The problem is that there is none who is righteous; "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." [Romans 3:23 NASB]

Therefore, if you break the Law, you will be judged by the Law. But, if you are righteous, you are no longer bound to the law. We have no power within ourselves to become righteous, but Jesus paid the price of our sin, and made us to become righteous by faith.

It's not that the Law has passed away, nor have the requirements of the Law been done away with. Rather, it is that we who are in Christ have died to the Law;

Or do you not know, brethren (for I am speaking to those who know the law), that the law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives? For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man. Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God. [Romans 7:1-4 NASB]

We are free from the Law because, in Christ, we have died to the Law. Jesus said that He came to fulfill the Law. Paul said;

Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, so that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. [Romans 8:1-4 NASB]

We don't break the Law because we are not under the Law. In truth, the Law is fulfilled in those of us who believe, and walk in the Spirit of Christ.

I am not "anti-Law". But, I know that faith is greater than the Law, just as God's grace is greater than sin. I live my life under God's grace by faith, and not under the Law.

Father, I thank You for Your grace. Thank You for the forgiveness of sins. Thank You for adopting me as Your child and heir. Please give me the grace to walk in the Spirit at all times, so that Your righteousness may live through me.

1 Timothy 1:5-7 The Foundation

But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. For some men, straying from these things, have turned aside to fruitless discussion, wanting to be teachers of the Law, even though they do not understand either what they are saying or the matters about which they make confident assertions. [1 Timothy 1:5-7 NASB]

Paul lays a three legged foundation for the Christian life: Love, a good conscience, and a sincere faith. 

In the previous verses, Paul refers to men teaching strange doctrines. He comes back to that subject. These false teachers have strayed from the foundation that Paul laid with his teaching. They want to be teachers themselves, but their teaching only results in fruitless discussions. In verse 4, Paul refers to "myths and endless genealogies."

Their desire to teach does not result from God's calling, but from ambition, or desire for recognition. Instead of seeking God, and studying to discern the truth of the scriptures, they pass on the myths that they have been taught. Emboldened by their success, they may even invent their own stories to pass on as "truth".

Their claim is that they teach the scriptures (the Law), but they don't understand the scriptures they are trying to teach. They are lazy, simply repeating what they have been taught instead of studying it out for themselves. Paul referred to "the Law", or the Old Testament, as the only scriptures available to them at the time. Now, we refer to the entire Old and New Testament as scripture.

People continue to teach the Bible, even though they do not understand it. For example, preachers stand in the pulpit every week and teach that we have to keep the Ten Commandments, even though Paul clearly said, "You are not under law but under grace." [Romans 6:14 NASB] At the same time, they feel completely justified in breaking the third commandment by not observing the Sabbath on Saturday as the Law dictates. Is it that they are required to keep part of the Law, but not the other parts? And how are they to know which to keep and which not to keep? And if they are required to keep the Ten Commandments, are they not also required to keep all 613 commandments of the Law, including the Levitical commandments? Or should they dismiss them because they are too hard, or "irrelevant".

An understanding of scripture would inform them that they are not obligated to keep any part of the Law, including the Ten Commandments. But as the Spirit of God produces love in a sincere heart, we will fulfill the intent of the Law without being obligated to it.

Many teachers have no true understanding of what they are saying, but they say it with such confidence that people believe them.

Paul is warning us to not stray from the foundation of the truth. It is true that God works in us for our sanctification, but we have to willingly submit to His Spirit, who is working in us.

We must make the conscious decision to humbly seek after God, and not be satisfied or complacent. We must decide to be open to His Spirit, and not close our minds to Him, and not be satisfied with what we already know (or think we know). We need to discipline ourselves to read and study His word, with an open mind, eager to learn His truth.

Challenge what you already know. Seek the truth, prayerfully, in scripture. Let Him confirm the truth you know, and establish it firmly in your heart and in your mind. Or, when necessary, let Him change your mind as you gain fresh understanding from His word. Be a seeker of the truth.

Lord, I thank You that You have made me righteous in Your eyes, and by Your grace, I am able to stand before you with a clean conscience. I pray that Your Spirit will increase the love in my heart. Please purge me of any insincerity, that my faith may be pure.

1 Timothy 1:3-4 False Teaching

As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith. [1 Timothy 1:3-4 NASB]

Paul knew that there were going to be problems in Ephesus. While he was in Miletus, he sent for the elders from Ephesus, who came to him. He prophesied about the false teaching which was to come;

“Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. [Acts 20:28-30 NASB]

The events of Paul's life stopped being chronicled in the book of Acts while Paul was in Roman prison. We know, historically, that he was released from prison, and made his way to many of the churches he had founded throughout Macedonia and Asia.

The problems that he had prophesied about in Ephesus were coming to a head during this time, so Paul sent Timothy to straighten them out. He wrote this letter to Timothy to encourage him in his efforts.

In the second century an heretical religion rose up out of Christianity called Gnosticism. The Gnostics believed in a complex hierarchy of spiritual beings, of which God was only one of many, and Jesus was an "emanation" of God. Knowledge of God, and salvation, was reserved for only a select few, and only by a direct revelation from God.

While full-blown Gnosticism didn't exist at the time of Paul's writing, the precursors to it were already taking seed in Ephesus. The "endless genealogies" that Paul referred to aren't the genealogies found in Matthew and Luke. They refer to "spiritual genealogies", including angels and other spirits, and have no basis in reality.

It is noteworthy that it was the church leadership (the elders and deacons) who were spreading these teachings. It was for this reason that Timothy was appointed, temporarily, as an apostolic overseer. Timothy was tasked with appointing new, godly, leadership to replace the old.

Christians have hope and faith. We believe in a spiritual world that exists all around us. Perhaps it is because of this that we so easily misled. Our faith in God translates into faith in our pastors and teachers, which leaves us vulnerable when they preach errors. Our belief in the spirit leaves us open to believe even some of the most outlandish teaching because it is all "spiritually discerned". In short, Christians are a gullible lot.

It is for this reason that we have so many denominations, and so many fringe groups, and so many cults. A person in a position of authority receives a "revelation" and passes it on. Those who hear his teaching believe him because he is the teacher.

Take communion for example. The original communion wasn't part of a church service. It was also known as a "love feast". It was literally a feast, where the people shared food among themselves, fellowshiped and "communed" with one another in remembrance of Christ. Over time, the church organized, centralized and institutionalized. They did away with the love feasts, and replaced them with a ritual; because somebody received a "revelation" and everybody else followed. The Southern Baptists are known for their pot-luck dinners. These pot-lucks are actually closer to the biblical teaching of communion than the communion service held in church.

It is easiest to believe what we are taught, especially if we respect the teacher. But we have to remember that the teachers were taught by someone, and often simply repeat what they were taught. And so tradition and opinion have been passed down through the generations in the place of sound doctrine.

Don't simply believe what you have been taught all your life. Study it out in the scriptures for yourself. Approach every subject, and every Bible study as if you had never heard any of it before, and without preconceptions, decide what the scriptures are actually saying.

"Because my pastor says so" is not a good reason to believe anything. Whether it comes from a pastor or a denomination or a vision of an angel, it is not true unless the scripture says its true. Be sound in your doctrine. Know what you believe and why you believe it.

Father, I thank You that You have given me Your word. I pray that You will guide me into all truth. Keep me far from false teaching and error. Please give me the wisdom to know what is false and what is true.

1 Timothy 1:2 Grace, Mercy and Peace

To Timothy, my true child in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. [1 Timothy 1:2 NASB]

This is a common greeting in the apostolic letters. But it is more than just a greeting; it is also a blessing, "spoken" over those who read, and believe.

We are blessed with grace. Grace is defined as, "the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues."

It is by grace that we are saved. Paul said;

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. [Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB]

We are also sanctified by His grace;

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. [1 Thessalonians 5:23 NASB]

Sanctification is a theological word that means "to be made holy." It is God, by His grace, who makes us holy. We can't become holy by doing good works, or by simply abstaining from sinful acts. The fact is that a true Christian will want to do good things; not in order to achieve a level of holiness, but to be obedient to God who calls us.

Too often we get it backwards. We think that if we act holy, then we will be holy. But the opposite is true. God makes us holy, and only then can we live a life of holiness.

We are blessed with mercy. Mercy is defined as, "the kindness or good will towards the miserable and the afflicted, joined with a desire to help them." I think this is best summed up by the verse in Romans;

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. [Romans 5:8 NASB] 

It was mercy that led Jesus to the cross.

Because of the mercy shown to us we are compelled to show mercy to others. Jesus told the parable of the servant who owed his master fifteen years wages. When the servant begged for mercy, the master forgave his debt. That servant went out and found another servant who owed him a single days wage. When the other servant begged for mercy the servant refused to forgive. Jesus concludes his parable;

“Then summoning him, his lord said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. ‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ “And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. “My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.” [Matthew 18:32-35 NASB]

We are blessed with peace. Peace is defined as, "the tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and content with its earthly lot, of whatsoever sort that is."

Peace is the fruit of a Spirit-filled life. It is found only as we draw near to God in prayer, communing with the Holy Spirit.

You may find some small measure of peace from pre-written prayers from a book, or from positive affirmations, or quick-spoken passing prayers, but that kind of peace is shallow and fleeting. If you want peace, take time with God. Forget about your formal prayers, and talk to Him from your heart. Take time to be quiet before Him, and listen for His still, small voice, speaking to your mind. Bask in His presence.

When you get up from your quiet time, take Him with you. Keep the awareness of His presence in your mind all day long as you go about your business.

I promise that if you will do this, you will know the peace of God that is beyond all understanding.

Father, I thank You for your grace, mercy and peace. I pray that, by Your grace, I will be able to stay in Your presence, and grow in the faith.

 

1 Timothy 1:1 Commanded by God

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and of Christ Jesus, who is our hope, [1 Timothy 1:1 NASB]

Paul was an apostle. He wasn't just called to be an apostle. He was commanded. In his role as an apostle, he was a good soldier following orders.

Paul didn't have an ambition to become an apostle. It wasn't something that he worked himself up to do. He didn't follow a family tradition. He obeyed the command of God.

Whatever your ministry is, don't let it be driven by ambition, desire or tradition. Wait on God, and let His calling become a command to you. Then, whatever He commands, do it with the full assurance that you have the command of God on your side.

Don't think that this only applies to the clergy. Every member of the body of Christ has a ministry.

Most of us won't travel the world planting churches in never before reached regions. Most of us are unlikely to stand before a congregation and preach the gospel. Paul said;

Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church, first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of tongues. [1 Corinthians 12:27-28 NASB]

Different people have different ministries. If we think of the ministry as "preaching", then we are limiting the Spirit of God.

Included in this list is "helps". Do you think of setting up chairs, or making coffee as a ministry? It is. The preacher may be called to preach, but he cannot do everything in the church. If the only working member of a body is the head, then the body is a quadriplegic. If every member of the body does its part, then the body is healthy.

I know a man who is passionate about being an usher. He knows that he is called to that ministry, and he faithfully performs his ministry in obedience to God's command.

The administrators who manage the money, make appointments, arrange events, and the myriad other things that happen behind the scenes are just as much in the ministry as the pastor. Even if they don't get the recognition or pay.

It is good to keep your hands busy and help out where you can, but seek God for your calling, and wait on Him for His command, so that you may perform your ministry, with full assurance that God has commanded you.

Father, I pray that You will speak to my heart. Command me, and I will obey.

 

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 Peace in Times of Turmoil

Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. [2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 NASB]

God is able to give us peace because He is the Lord of peace. Notice what he does not say. He does not say, "May the Lord of peace send His angel..." Nor does he say, "May the Lord of peace, through his church..." Nor does he say, "May the Lord of peace, through the sacraments..." It is God Himself, whose spirit dwells within us, who gives us peace.

Jesus promised us peace;

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. [John 14:27 NASB]

As I write this, we are still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. This is a time of high anxiety for many people. Fear is the watchword of the day. 

Motivated by fear, people have "panic-shopped", hoarding material goods. Irrationally, people became afraid that they would not be able to get toilet paper when they needed it, in case they were quarantined. So they panic-bought and hoarded toilet paper to such an extent that they created the very shortage they were afraid of.

There is a normal, healthy fear that helps us survive. If you are afraid to walk down a dark alley in a high crime area, that's a good thing. There is a rational fear of the coronavirus that causes us to take reasonable precautions, such as social distancing, the wearing of masks to protect ourselves and others, and the washing of hands.

All but essential businesses have shut down in an effort to control the spread of the coronavirus. As a result people are huddled in their homes, allowing time for fear to feed on itself and grow to unhealthy proportions. 

Since the churches have closed down, we no longer have the comfort of a church service, and the company of our church family. Many churches have "online church" now, but it is not the same as standing in a room with beloved fellow believers, engaging in corporate worship. Zoom meetings are great for conveying business, but they will never replace the intimacy of a face to face conversation. As a result, people feel isolated, and isolation breeds more anxiety, as well as depression. It is one thing to be isolated. It is far worse to feel isolated. There are some for whom the fear of isolation is greater than fear of dying from the virus. So they gather en-masse to protest the lockdown. They are not being brave, they are only demonstrating another aspect of irrational fear and anxiety.

Paul said;

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. [Philippians 4:6-7 NASB]

We need to make a conscious effort to come to God, and express all of our fears, anxieties, and misgivings to Him. We need to understand that we can not rely on people, churches, traditions, or any other thing for our comfort. We need to rely on the source of all comfort; the God of peace.

My God, I thank You that You are with me in all things. I thank You for Your promise, and pray that you will give me peace in the midst of the turmoil. Please keep me far from anxiety and depression. I give You praise, Father, In Jesus' name.

 

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 Church Discipline

If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. [2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 NASB]

This is the continuation of Paul's earlier statement;

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. [2 Thessalonians 3:6 NASB]

 Church discipline is a controversial subject. There is confusion regarding when a person needs to discipline, as well as the severity of the discipline. Add in our cultural biases and it becomes a jumble.

There are those who would say that the concept of church discipline is outdated. But, if the church is to exist in a manner consistent with scriptural truth, then we must be ready to judge our brothers and sisters in Christ, and act according to that judgment. You might say, "But, we are not supposed to judge others." It's true that we are not supposed to judge the sins of the world, but, we are commanded to judge disputes, and the the behavior of undisciplined Christians. Paul said,

For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? [1 Corinthians 5:12 NASB]

Also;

Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? [1 Corinthians 6:3 NASB]

Of course, we are not supposed to go off half-cocked and start kicking people out of the church. Jesus described this process;

“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. [Matthew 18:15-17 NASB]

The word that is translated "church" literally means "a gathering of people." It doesn't mention the elders of the church, nor the size of the gathering. It doesn't mean we have to bring them before a council, or stand them before the elders of the church. It also doesn't mean we have to host a public humiliation before the entire body of the church.

I'm convinced that it is ideal size of the gathering in this case should be composed of the people with whom the immoral believer has fellowship. It wouldn't matter to me if Joe Blow, who sits in the front of the church has nothing to do with me. He has nothing to do with me now. But if my good friend and companion tells me that he can't associate with me as long as I maintain a sinful lifestyle, then that will have an impact on my life.

Be mindful that I am not talking about breaking church rules or traditions. If that were the case, I would be anathema in dozens of churches because I don't follow their traditions. What we need to be concerned about is grievous behavior. Paul said;

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. [1 Corinthians 5:9-11 NASB]

Church discipline should be reserved for strictly scriptural reasons relating to the indulgence of the flesh.

There are some churches that have a formal excommunication for transgressors. They are permanently removed from the church. But discipline is not meant to be forever. It is for a time and for a purpose - to bring the wayward believer to repentance. We should be ready to receive him back into our fellowship. In fact, we should be eager. Paul said;

Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. [2 Corinthians 2:6-8 NASB]

Discipline should not be done out of anger, or self-righteousness. It should be an act of love. We should be humble, knowing that we, ourselves, are capable of falling. Everything should be done prayerfully, honoring the Lord.

Father, I pray that You will keep me from sin. I pray Your Spirit will strengthen me to live a life that is disciplined and worthy of You. If I should fail, please give me the humility to accept correction. And if I see a brother who is acting in sin, please give me the wisdom and compassion to lead him back to righteousness. 

2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 Working

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. [2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 NASB]

Paul describes those who are living an unruly or undisciplined life as those who are unwilling to work. Keeping the entirety of scripture in mind, it is clear that there is no judgment against those who are unable to work, either because of age, or physical disability, or any other legitimate reason. Only don't fool yourself into thinking that laziness is a legitimate reason; it is not.

Paul served as an example. Not only did he take the time to preach the gospel, but he worked night and day, earning money for his own food. He was a tent-maker. Lest you think he worked all night and didn't get any sleep, the phrase "night and day" was an idiom in the first century. It meant that he would rise before dawn (as long as it was still dark, it was considered night) to begin work. He probably worked a half day so that he could devote the rest of the time to preaching and teaching the gospel. This is not a lie nor an exaggeration, but a simple statement consistent with the culture of the day.

Paul makes it clear that he had the right to be supported in his ministry, but chose not to be, so that he could be an example. He elaborates on this to the Corinthian church;

My defense to those who examine me is this: Do we not have a right to eat and drink? Do we not have a right to take along a believing wife, even as the rest of the apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? Or do only Barnabas and I not have a right to refrain from working? Who at any time serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat the fruit of it? Or who tends a flock and does not use the milk of the flock? I am not speaking these things according to human judgment, am I? Or does not the Law also say these things? For it is written in the Law of Moses, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE HE IS THRESHING.” God is not concerned about oxen, is He? Or is He speaking altogether for our sake? Yes, for our sake it was written, because the plowman ought to plow in hope, and the thresher to thresh in hope of sharing the crops. If we sowed spiritual things in you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? [1 Corinthians 9:3-11 NASB]

Clearly, those who devote their lives to full-time ministry deserve to be supported by the church. Paul's example should not be taken as an excuse to withhold a salary from those in the ministry, but as an example of working diligently to make a living.

Of course, there are some who take advantage of others. Some "ministers" whose only aim is to fleece the flock. There are those who are lazy, and depend on the good graces of the church to provide food and assistance with living expenses.

Whatever we do, we must not let those scoundrels discourage us from doing what is good and right. Continue to support the ministry. Continue to feed the poor and hungry. Continue to help those who need help. You might ask, "How do I know the difference between a person who is genuinely in need versus one who just taking advantage?" I would say, if you don't know, then err on the side of compassion. 

Lord God, I thank You for the strength and skills that You have provided so that I can work, and provide food and shelter for my family. I pray that You will give me wisdom and grace as I do my work as unto You. 

2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Praying For One Another

Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. [2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 NASB]

After blessing and praying for the Thessalonians, Paul is now asking for prayer for himself and his traveling companions.

I have seen two extremes in the church over the years. One is the needy Christian. This person is at the front of the church asking for prayer every week. They don't dispense spiritual comfort to others, They only take.

The other is the one who prays for everyone else. This person is perceived as being very spiritual and caring. They always give, and they never ask for prayer for themselves.

Just as takers often don't know how to give, so givers often don't know how to receive. But through Paul's example, we see both. He prays for others and doesn't hesitate to ask for prayer for himself.

It is important to ask for prayer. Often it is pride that keeps a person from seeking prayer. Admitting your weakness and asking others for help is an act of humility. When you ask another person to pray for you, you make that person a part of your life. 

Paul asked the Thessalonians to pray that his ministry would prosper. By so doing, he made them a part of his ministry, and those who prayed for him will share in the rewards of that ministry.

I said before that asking for prayer is an act of humility, but there's a point where that stops being true. The one who only asks and takes, and doesn't give back isn't humble, but is selfish. I have seen it on Sunday mornings; the same people time after time, adopting their humble statures and sad faces as they take and they take; soaking in the atmosphere like a sponge, but never giving back out. These are immature believers who have never grown past the need for milk.

I urge you to pray for others. Make a list and pray for the needs of those on the list. Pray for you pastors and those who minister the word of God. 

When someone tells you of a need, pray with them for that need, right there, out loud. You may say, "but I don't know how to pray out loud. I'm too scared." Then pray that the Spirit of God will teach you how to pray. Nothing brings you closer to your fellow believers than sharing an intimate time of prayer. 

Be bold. Step out in faith. Take a moment of silent prayer to God that He will give you wisdom to pray for others. He will give you that wisdom. You may find, as I have, that there are more blessings in praying for others than there are in receiving prayer for yourself. 

Ask for prayer that your own needs will be met, so that you may freely minister to the needs of others. In this way the whole body of Christ will be blessed.

Lord, I thank You that You have given us Your word, and the freedom to proclaim it. I pray that Your word will go out to the church and to the world, pure and true, and that all people will be drawn close to You.