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.