Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Neutrality
Neutrality is not an option for believers, in an article by Greg Bahnsen title Evangelism and Apologetics. Riding the fence just shows what side your really on, and it may not be the one you want.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Joel 3:17-21
The conclusion to this book and our study comes with such hope. "And Jerusalem shall be holy." I see Jerusalem here as a reference to God's chosen people (you're more than welcome to disagree with me on this). We are now God's chosen people, and His people shall be holy. Not because of any merit on our part-all contributions on our part deter our progress toward holiness-but by the fact that we are His, and He will do with us what He wills. He wills us to be holy, so we shall be such a holy people.
"I will avenge their blood, blood I have not avenged, for the LORD dwells in Zion." Why will the Lord avenge their blood? The answer follows: "for the LORD dwells in Zion."
I have very much enjoyed our study, and want to specifically thank Jordan and Candace for your involvement in keeping this blog afloat as I have had to reduce my involvement. It's been a joy and I look forward to keeping this blog going for much longer.
"I will avenge their blood, blood I have not avenged, for the LORD dwells in Zion." Why will the Lord avenge their blood? The answer follows: "for the LORD dwells in Zion."
I have very much enjoyed our study, and want to specifically thank Jordan and Candace for your involvement in keeping this blog afloat as I have had to reduce my involvement. It's been a joy and I look forward to keeping this blog going for much longer.
The Glorious Future of Judah
17 “So you shall know that I am the Lord your God,who dwells in Zion, my holy mountain.And Jerusalem shall be holy,and strangers shall never again pass through it. 18 “And in that day the mountains shall drip sweet wine,and the hills shall flow with milk,and all the stream beds of Judahs hall flow with water;and a fountain shall come forth from the house of the Lord and water the Valley of Shittim. 19 “Egypt shall become a desolation and Edom a desolate wilderness,for the violence done to the people of Judah,because they have shed innocent blood in their land.20 But Judah shall be inhabited forever,and Jerusalem to all generations.21 I will avenge their blood,blood I have not avenged, for the Lord dwells in Zion.”
There is hope for those who trust in God!!! By Christ's death evil has been defeated, it has no hold on us. And on the day the Lord returns, we will not longer sin or suffer! All temptations will be blotted out. And we will live with Him for eternity!!! The Lord goes before us in ALL we do. We need to trust this as we live each day, preach the gospel, and obey. There is no one greater than our God!
As I was reading Stott's "The Cross of Christ" I came across this quote by P.T. Forsyth that spoke about God satisfying His own judgement. It made me more in awe of how Awesome and Marvelous Our God is!
"God dying for man, I am not afraid of that phrase; I cannot do without it. God dying for men; and for such men - hostile, malignantly hostile men. Again, because the holiness of God...is meaningless without judgement, the on thing God could not do in the face of human rebellion was nothing. He must either inflict punishment or assume it. And he chose the latter course, as honouring the law while saving the guilty. He took his own judgement."
"Amazing love! How can it be, That thou, my God, should'st die for me?" - Charles Wesley
There is hope for those who trust in God!!! By Christ's death evil has been defeated, it has no hold on us. And on the day the Lord returns, we will not longer sin or suffer! All temptations will be blotted out. And we will live with Him for eternity!!! The Lord goes before us in ALL we do. We need to trust this as we live each day, preach the gospel, and obey. There is no one greater than our God!
As I was reading Stott's "The Cross of Christ" I came across this quote by P.T. Forsyth that spoke about God satisfying His own judgement. It made me more in awe of how Awesome and Marvelous Our God is!
"God dying for man, I am not afraid of that phrase; I cannot do without it. God dying for men; and for such men - hostile, malignantly hostile men. Again, because the holiness of God...is meaningless without judgement, the on thing God could not do in the face of human rebellion was nothing. He must either inflict punishment or assume it. And he chose the latter course, as honouring the law while saving the guilty. He took his own judgement."
"Amazing love! How can it be, That thou, my God, should'st die for me?" - Charles Wesley
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Joel 3:1-16
3:1 “For behold, in those days and at that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. And I will enter into judgment with them there, on behalf of my people and my heritage Israel, because they have scattered them among the nations and have divided up my land, 3 and have cast lots for my people, and have traded a boy for a prostitute, and have sold a girl for wine and have drunk it. 4 “What are you to me, O Tyre and Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Are you paying me back for something? If you are paying me back, I will return your payment on your own head swiftly and speedily. 5 For you have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried my rich treasures into your temples. 6 You have sold the people of Judah and Jerusalem to the Greeks in order to remove them far from their own border. 7 Behold, I will stir them up from the place to which you have sold them, and I will return your payment on your own head. 8 I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the people of Judah, and they will sell them to the Sabeans, to a nation far away, for the Lord has spoken.” 9 Proclaim this among the nations:Consecrate for war; stir up the mighty men.Let all the men of war draw near;let them come up.10 Beat your plowshares into swords,and your pruning hooks into spears;let the weak say, “I am a warrior.” 11 Hasten and come,all you surrounding nations,and gather yourselves there.Bring down your warriors, O Lord.12 Let the nations stir themselves up and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. 13 Put in the sickle,for the harvest is ripe.Go in, tread,for the wine press is full.The vats overflow,for their evil is great. 14 Multitudes, multitudes,in the valley of decision!For the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.15 The sun and the moon are darkened,and the stars withdraw their shining. 16 The Lord roars from Zion,and utters his voice from Jerusalem,and the heavens and the earth quake.But the Lord is a refuge to his people,a stronghold to the people of Israel.
The first nine verse of this passage are a wonderful for telling of the victory Christ will have over sin! The Israelites had hardened their hearts and giving themselves over to the sinful pleasures of the world. In love God allowed them to suffer and in love He brought them up and restored them. Just as they wanted nothing to do with God, we ourselves were the same. We had disobeyed God's perfect law and deserved to be given over to our enemies and death. Yet in rich mercy, He who knew NO sin, took our blame, so that we may enjoy His righteousness!!! Nothing or no one can stand against the mighty power of our God!
Verses 9-16: "Here is a challenge to all the enemies of God's people. There is no escaping God's judgments; hardened sinners, in that day of wrath, shall be cut off from all comfort and joy. Most of the prophets foretell the same final victory of the church of God over all that oppose it. To the wicked it will be a terrible day, but to the righteous it will be a joyful day. What cause have those who possess an interest in Christ, to glory in their Strength and their Redeemer! The acceptable year of the Lord, a day of such great favour to some, will be a day of remarkable vengeance to others: let every one that is out of Christ awake, and flee from the wrath to come." - Matthew Henry
This section is a both a strong warning and a great encouragement. If you are not in Christ, there is wrath coming, awake and turn from your sins! If you in Christ rejoice in His strength and mercy, for you have been redeemed! This should also be an encouragement for believers to evangelize. How amazing it is that God placed His wrath on His Son so that His return may be a "remarkable day" for those who call on His name!
The first nine verse of this passage are a wonderful for telling of the victory Christ will have over sin! The Israelites had hardened their hearts and giving themselves over to the sinful pleasures of the world. In love God allowed them to suffer and in love He brought them up and restored them. Just as they wanted nothing to do with God, we ourselves were the same. We had disobeyed God's perfect law and deserved to be given over to our enemies and death. Yet in rich mercy, He who knew NO sin, took our blame, so that we may enjoy His righteousness!!! Nothing or no one can stand against the mighty power of our God!
Verses 9-16: "Here is a challenge to all the enemies of God's people. There is no escaping God's judgments; hardened sinners, in that day of wrath, shall be cut off from all comfort and joy. Most of the prophets foretell the same final victory of the church of God over all that oppose it. To the wicked it will be a terrible day, but to the righteous it will be a joyful day. What cause have those who possess an interest in Christ, to glory in their Strength and their Redeemer! The acceptable year of the Lord, a day of such great favour to some, will be a day of remarkable vengeance to others: let every one that is out of Christ awake, and flee from the wrath to come." - Matthew Henry
This section is a both a strong warning and a great encouragement. If you are not in Christ, there is wrath coming, awake and turn from your sins! If you in Christ rejoice in His strength and mercy, for you have been redeemed! This should also be an encouragement for believers to evangelize. How amazing it is that God placed His wrath on His Son so that His return may be a "remarkable day" for those who call on His name!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Joel 2:28-32 There Shall Be Those Who Escape!
"It shall come to pass afterward." This phrase fights to remove any doubt that you may have about the validity of the following declarations. "I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh." As I perceive it, there are two wonderful things to contemplate in this phrase. The Spirit will be poured out. God does not have to do this. He desires to do so. Secondly, the Spirit won't simply be poured out, but it will be poured out on all flesh. I have hope to have the Spirit poured into me. The result of this follows in the next few verses with the following occurrences:
Sons/Daughters: Prophesy
Old Men: Dreams
Young Men: Visions
"Even on the male and female servants I will pour out my Spirit." Even to those who are looked down upon by those in their society. One's social class does not matter to the Lord. He will pour out His Spirit.
The passage then goes discussing briefly some of the wonders that will be shown. What is the result of this little bit? To draw people to Himself. "And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." What marvelous truth we can cling to with all our might. It doesn't matter what situation in which we find ourselves. We who have called on the name of the LORD will be saved.
To conclude today's section, we are given another reminder of the judgment that is proclaimed in this book. But not in the way one would expect. "For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls." There shall be those who escape! This phrase is simply bursting with hope. "Among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls." This here is an interesting little nugget pointing to God's election.
Sons/Daughters: Prophesy
Old Men: Dreams
Young Men: Visions
"Even on the male and female servants I will pour out my Spirit." Even to those who are looked down upon by those in their society. One's social class does not matter to the Lord. He will pour out His Spirit.
The passage then goes discussing briefly some of the wonders that will be shown. What is the result of this little bit? To draw people to Himself. "And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." What marvelous truth we can cling to with all our might. It doesn't matter what situation in which we find ourselves. We who have called on the name of the LORD will be saved.
To conclude today's section, we are given another reminder of the judgment that is proclaimed in this book. But not in the way one would expect. "For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls." There shall be those who escape! This phrase is simply bursting with hope. "Among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls." This here is an interesting little nugget pointing to God's election.
Living for That Day
"28“And it shall come to pass afterward,that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,your old men shall dream dreams,and your young men shall see visions.29 Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. 30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. 31 The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. 32 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the Lord has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the Lord calls."
Matthew Henry sums the section up:"The promise began to be fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out, and it was continued in the converting grace and miraculous gifts conferred on both Jews and Gentiles. The judgments of God upon a sinful world, only go before the judgment of the world in the last day. Calling on God supposes knowledge of him, faith in him, desire toward him, dependence on him, and, as evidence of the sincerity of all this, conscientious obedience to him. Those only shall be delivered in the great day, who are now effectually called from sin to God, from self to Christ, from things below to things above." - Matthew Henry
This passage is a picture of THAT glorious and awesome day when the Lord will return! How gracious of the Lord to allow those who call on His name to be saved. He put that desire in our hearts and allowed for it! As I read this passage I was reminded of the importance to be living each day in light of eternity. We don't know what tomorrow may bring, but we don't have to worry! Our hope is eternal!
Matthew Henry sums the section up:"The promise began to be fulfilled on the day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out, and it was continued in the converting grace and miraculous gifts conferred on both Jews and Gentiles. The judgments of God upon a sinful world, only go before the judgment of the world in the last day. Calling on God supposes knowledge of him, faith in him, desire toward him, dependence on him, and, as evidence of the sincerity of all this, conscientious obedience to him. Those only shall be delivered in the great day, who are now effectually called from sin to God, from self to Christ, from things below to things above." - Matthew Henry
This passage is a picture of THAT glorious and awesome day when the Lord will return! How gracious of the Lord to allow those who call on His name to be saved. He put that desire in our hearts and allowed for it! As I read this passage I was reminded of the importance to be living each day in light of eternity. We don't know what tomorrow may bring, but we don't have to worry! Our hope is eternal!
Friday, November 21, 2008
The Lord Had Pity!!!
18 Then the Lord became jealous for his land and had pity on his people.19 The Lord answered and said to his people,“Behold, I am sending to you grain, wine, and oil,and you will be satisfied;and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations.20 “I will remove the northerner far from you,and drive him into a parched and desolate land,his vanguard into the eastern sea,and his rear guard into the western sea;the stench and foul smell of him will rise,for he has done great things.21 “Fear not, O land;be glad and rejoice,for the Lord has done great things!22 Fear not, you beasts of the field,for the pastures of the wilderness are green;the tree bears its fruit;the fig tree and vine give their full yield.23 “Be glad, O children of Zion,and rejoice in the Lord your God,for he has given the early rain for your vindication;he has poured down for you abundant rain,the early and the latter rain, as before.24 “The threshing floors shall be full of grain;the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.25 I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten,the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter,my great army, which I sent among you.26 “You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,and praise the name of the Lord your God,who has dealt wondrously with you.And my people shall never again be put to shame.27 You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.
Yet another wonderful testimony of God's goodness and love. He not only spares His people, but He also will restore their riches and bless them with food that they may be satisfied. The Lord did a great thing and was calling his people to rejoice. My heart is filled with rejoicing as I read this! This is truly a great and marvelous example of grace, He turns away His Holy perfect deserving wrath and pours out blessings instead. The people receive what they don't deserve and not getting what they do.
“You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,and praise the name of the Lord your God,who has dealt wondrously with you.And my people shall never again be put to shame.27 You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame." Reading the line "who has dealt WONDROUSLY with you," wow! How amazing it is that God would do this, for me a poor wretched sinner. I don't deserve to be dealt with wondrously by God. God's love is wondrous! I am constantly affected by this and it is a glorious mystery! He is not going to put me to shame! He is in the only one who can satisfy, nothing else!
Yet another wonderful testimony of God's goodness and love. He not only spares His people, but He also will restore their riches and bless them with food that they may be satisfied. The Lord did a great thing and was calling his people to rejoice. My heart is filled with rejoicing as I read this! This is truly a great and marvelous example of grace, He turns away His Holy perfect deserving wrath and pours out blessings instead. The people receive what they don't deserve and not getting what they do.
“You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied,and praise the name of the Lord your God,who has dealt wondrously with you.And my people shall never again be put to shame.27 You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame." Reading the line "who has dealt WONDROUSLY with you," wow! How amazing it is that God would do this, for me a poor wretched sinner. I don't deserve to be dealt with wondrously by God. God's love is wondrous! I am constantly affected by this and it is a glorious mystery! He is not going to put me to shame! He is in the only one who can satisfy, nothing else!
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Joel 2:12-17
These few verses have much intrigue in them. God's judgment is being declared, and there is a precious pause in that declaration. "Yet even now." What words of hope! The very phrase gives indication that God's judgment does not have to be toward us. The next verse goes into visible signs of repentance displayed in the Old Testament.
I find the last verse of our section (vs 17) very interesting. Between the vestibule and the altar, which was the usual place for intercession for the people made by the priests. The Lord commands the priests to go there and plead for the people. We see the result of that pleading in the following verses. The Lord promises salvation. "Behold, I am sending to you grain, wine, and oil, and you will be satisfied." Todd Twining in his discussion on this section helped me make some good connections. The grain (bread) symbolizes the body of Christ, the wine symbolizes the blood of Christ, and the oil is the symbol of the anointing of the Spirit. I found those connections really interesting.
I find the last verse of our section (vs 17) very interesting. Between the vestibule and the altar, which was the usual place for intercession for the people made by the priests. The Lord commands the priests to go there and plead for the people. We see the result of that pleading in the following verses. The Lord promises salvation. "Behold, I am sending to you grain, wine, and oil, and you will be satisfied." Todd Twining in his discussion on this section helped me make some good connections. The grain (bread) symbolizes the body of Christ, the wine symbolizes the blood of Christ, and the oil is the symbol of the anointing of the Spirit. I found those connections really interesting.
Joel 2:12-17
12 “Yet even now,” declares the Lord,“return to me with all your heart,with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning;13 and rend your hearts and not your garments.”Return to the Lord your God,for he is gracious and merciful,slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;and he relents over disaster.14 Who knows whether he will not turn and relent,and leave a blessing behind him,a grain offering and a drink offering for the Lord your God?
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion;consecrate a fast;call a solemn assembly;16 gather the people.Consecrate the congregation;assemble the elders;gather the children,even nursing infants.Let the bridegroom leave his room,and the bride her chamber.
17 Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, “Spare your people, O Lord,and make not your heritage a reproach,a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples,‘Where is their God?’”
What strikes me is the verse 13..."for he is gracious and merciful,slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;and he relents over disaster." Our God who is glorious and mighty, above all and has the power to whatever He wills. We deserved to be snuffed out in an instance! Yet he gives us a gracious chance to repent and to change our ways and run to Him. He still desires to show us mercy. It would be very frightening to live every day if we knew that He was not gracious or quick to anger!!! Yet even in our foolishness he calls us to repent and if we do, he relents His wrath. He hears our cries and does not turn a deaf ear towards them. And His is steadfast! It is not going to change from one occasion to the next. Forever He will love us! How exciting and freeing! This whole chapter is a wonderful picture of God's future plan of salvation, through the death of His Son. We get to enjoy that now! We must be humble and not forget our God and who He is and what He has done for us!
Matthew Henry said: "God is ready to succour his people; and he waits to be gracious. They prayed that God would spare them, and he answered them." The next section goes into how God answered them. But the fact that we would even do that and wait graciously for them to respond, is AMAZING! What are we doing a daily basis to recount the glories of our God? When God graciously reveals sin in our lives, how will be respond? Also, when others sin against us and wrong us, how will we respond? Like our Heavenly Father, slow to anger and in gracious mercy and love?
15 Blow the trumpet in Zion;consecrate a fast;call a solemn assembly;16 gather the people.Consecrate the congregation;assemble the elders;gather the children,even nursing infants.Let the bridegroom leave his room,and the bride her chamber.
17 Between the vestibule and the altar let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep and say, “Spare your people, O Lord,and make not your heritage a reproach,a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples,‘Where is their God?’”
What strikes me is the verse 13..."for he is gracious and merciful,slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love;and he relents over disaster." Our God who is glorious and mighty, above all and has the power to whatever He wills. We deserved to be snuffed out in an instance! Yet he gives us a gracious chance to repent and to change our ways and run to Him. He still desires to show us mercy. It would be very frightening to live every day if we knew that He was not gracious or quick to anger!!! Yet even in our foolishness he calls us to repent and if we do, he relents His wrath. He hears our cries and does not turn a deaf ear towards them. And His is steadfast! It is not going to change from one occasion to the next. Forever He will love us! How exciting and freeing! This whole chapter is a wonderful picture of God's future plan of salvation, through the death of His Son. We get to enjoy that now! We must be humble and not forget our God and who He is and what He has done for us!
Matthew Henry said: "God is ready to succour his people; and he waits to be gracious. They prayed that God would spare them, and he answered them." The next section goes into how God answered them. But the fact that we would even do that and wait graciously for them to respond, is AMAZING! What are we doing a daily basis to recount the glories of our God? When God graciously reveals sin in our lives, how will be respond? Also, when others sin against us and wrong us, how will we respond? Like our Heavenly Father, slow to anger and in gracious mercy and love?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
The Day of The Lord
Joel 2:1-11
Joel chapter 2 begins by describing judgment that will come - a mighty army set against Judah. Since this is all part of “God’s day” not “man’s day,” it is described as the day of the Lord. When we have a right standing with God, we want the day of the Lord. We long for Him to show His strength because we know that we abide in Him (John 15:4). When we do not have a right standing with God, we dread the day of the Lord. In Joel’s day Judah was not right with God, so the day of the Lord was nothing but dreadful, dark, and gloomy to them.
Where is our standing today? Do we dread the Lord’s intervening into circumstances? Or do we want and long for God’s intervening?
Just as Paul did in the New Testament, we should consider ourselves to be like an army. This passage shows us things that can make God’s people more effective. We need to keep order, work hard, and serve Christ!
Psalm 118:24- “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Joel chapter 2 begins by describing judgment that will come - a mighty army set against Judah. Since this is all part of “God’s day” not “man’s day,” it is described as the day of the Lord. When we have a right standing with God, we want the day of the Lord. We long for Him to show His strength because we know that we abide in Him (John 15:4). When we do not have a right standing with God, we dread the day of the Lord. In Joel’s day Judah was not right with God, so the day of the Lord was nothing but dreadful, dark, and gloomy to them.
Where is our standing today? Do we dread the Lord’s intervening into circumstances? Or do we want and long for God’s intervening?
Just as Paul did in the New Testament, we should consider ourselves to be like an army. This passage shows us things that can make God’s people more effective. We need to keep order, work hard, and serve Christ!
Psalm 118:24- “This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Cry Out To God
Verse 13-This verse is a call to repentance. Joel calls the religious leaders to lead the nation in repentance. He tells the priests to “put on their sackcloth” and prepare to do the work of repentance.
Verse 14- Joel tells them how to do the work of repentance (borrowed from enduring word commentaries):
-Consecrate a fast: Make getting right with God so important that even eating isn’t important
-Call a solemn assembly: Call for God’s people to come together and repent
-Gather the elders: The leaders of the people should make a special point to be part of the work of repentance
-Into the house of the Lord your God: Come to the place where you should meet together with God and cry out unto the Lord.
-Cry out to God: simply cry out to God and trust that He will respond in mercy
Verses 15-20:
“The sorrow of the people is turned into repentance and humiliation before God. With all the marks of sorrow and shame, sin must be confessed and bewailed. A day is to be appointed for this purpose; a day in which people must be kept from their common employments, that they may more closely attend God's services; and there is to be abstaining from meat and drink.” –Matthew Henry
The idea behind the phrase “the day of the Lord” is that it is God’s time. Man has his “day,” and the Lord has His day. God’s timing is PERFECT our timing is not! In the ultimate sense, the day of the Lord is fulfilled when Jesus judges the earth and returns in glory. In a lesser sense, a time of judgment as Judah experienced with the locusts and drought or when we are in need for God to intervene in a situation are also examples of the day of the Lord.
In this time of drought, all Judah could do was cry out to God. They were powerless to “fix” the drought problem. But, as always, God was faithful and sent them to a place where only heaven could help them, so they would look no other place.
“Their crying to God in those cases, shames the stupidity of those who cry not to God in any case” –Matthew Henry
Psalm 40:1- “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock making my steps secure.”
What an example David is in this Psalm! Far too often do I do the opposite of this. It is all over scripture to “cry out to God” for help in troubled times. How foolish of me to not do this at ALL times. Just as David did, we need to cry out to God for our help and strength. He is the ONLY source of strength in troubled times. He is the solid rock that will lead us to righteousness. How exciting it is that though we cannot do anything on our own strength, with Christ, we are strong!
“In Luke 13:1-5 Jesus was confronted with the problem of a disaster that killed 18 people. Instead of acting as if it were just an accident of blind fate, Jesus used it as a wake-up call for repentance. Jesus showed that “Why did this disaster happen to them?” is the wrong question. The right question is “Am I ready to face such a disaster in this fallen world?”
“The outcome of our lives in not determined by what happens to us but by how we respond to what happens to us.” –Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Verse 14- Joel tells them how to do the work of repentance (borrowed from enduring word commentaries):
-Consecrate a fast: Make getting right with God so important that even eating isn’t important
-Call a solemn assembly: Call for God’s people to come together and repent
-Gather the elders: The leaders of the people should make a special point to be part of the work of repentance
-Into the house of the Lord your God: Come to the place where you should meet together with God and cry out unto the Lord.
-Cry out to God: simply cry out to God and trust that He will respond in mercy
Verses 15-20:
“The sorrow of the people is turned into repentance and humiliation before God. With all the marks of sorrow and shame, sin must be confessed and bewailed. A day is to be appointed for this purpose; a day in which people must be kept from their common employments, that they may more closely attend God's services; and there is to be abstaining from meat and drink.” –Matthew Henry
The idea behind the phrase “the day of the Lord” is that it is God’s time. Man has his “day,” and the Lord has His day. God’s timing is PERFECT our timing is not! In the ultimate sense, the day of the Lord is fulfilled when Jesus judges the earth and returns in glory. In a lesser sense, a time of judgment as Judah experienced with the locusts and drought or when we are in need for God to intervene in a situation are also examples of the day of the Lord.
In this time of drought, all Judah could do was cry out to God. They were powerless to “fix” the drought problem. But, as always, God was faithful and sent them to a place where only heaven could help them, so they would look no other place.
“Their crying to God in those cases, shames the stupidity of those who cry not to God in any case” –Matthew Henry
Psalm 40:1- “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock making my steps secure.”
What an example David is in this Psalm! Far too often do I do the opposite of this. It is all over scripture to “cry out to God” for help in troubled times. How foolish of me to not do this at ALL times. Just as David did, we need to cry out to God for our help and strength. He is the ONLY source of strength in troubled times. He is the solid rock that will lead us to righteousness. How exciting it is that though we cannot do anything on our own strength, with Christ, we are strong!
“In Luke 13:1-5 Jesus was confronted with the problem of a disaster that killed 18 people. Instead of acting as if it were just an accident of blind fate, Jesus used it as a wake-up call for repentance. Jesus showed that “Why did this disaster happen to them?” is the wrong question. The right question is “Am I ready to face such a disaster in this fallen world?”
“The outcome of our lives in not determined by what happens to us but by how we respond to what happens to us.” –Nancy Leigh DeMoss
Joel 1:13-20 - Call to Repentance
13 Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar.Go in, pass the night in sackcloth,O ministers of my God! Because grain offering and drink offering are withheld from the house of your God. 14 Consecrate a fast;call a solemn assembly.Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God,and cry out to the Lord. 15 Alas for the day! For the day of the Lord is near,and as destruction from the Almighty it comes.16 Is not the food cut off before our eyes,joy and gladness from the house of our God? 17 The seed shrivels under the clods; the storehouses are desolate;the granaries are torn down because the grain has dried up.18 How the beasts groan! The herds of cattle are perplexed because there is no pasture for them;even the flocks of sheep suffer. 19 To you, O Lord, I call. For fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness,and flame has burned all the trees of the field. 20 Even the beasts of the field pant for you because the water brooks are dried up,and fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness.
Sorry for the short post, I am busy today. Candace did an excellent job breaking down this section, refer to her post.
This passage is a strong call to repentance. Those that did not heed this were fools. Same with us when we do not heed God's strong/gracious warnings. Our desire should be to please and glorify God. God's way is perfect, our is not, we need to trust Him. Let's be a people who are quick to repent and change and praise God that He has opened our eyes to see where we need to change and repent. What an amazing God we serve!
Sorry for the short post, I am busy today. Candace did an excellent job breaking down this section, refer to her post.
This passage is a strong call to repentance. Those that did not heed this were fools. Same with us when we do not heed God's strong/gracious warnings. Our desire should be to please and glorify God. God's way is perfect, our is not, we need to trust Him. Let's be a people who are quick to repent and change and praise God that He has opened our eyes to see where we need to change and repent. What an amazing God we serve!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Joel 1:1-12
It's difficult not to be astonished by the strong language used in the minor prophets. It gives us a glimpse into God's mind, that we might see how He hates sin, yet loves us. I see this to be a consistent theme of the minor prophets: declaration of judgment with calls of repentance and promises of acceptance when faithful to repent peppered through them. These are incredibly interesting books to study, and I would encourage you not to simply allow your study to stop after we conclude Joel, but to continue on in the minor prophets. If you're anything like me, you overlook them constantly when considering what to read in your times in the Word. Well, onto today's section.
Locusts destroyed all of the crops. As a result, the people are unable to give their grain and drink offerings. (verses 9-11). God calls them on the fact that they have not given their offerings in verse 13 (sorry to jump ahead of our schedule, but I found this really interesting). "Go in, pass the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God! Because grain offering and drink offering are withheld from the house of your God." Our offerings to God are contingent on God giving us something to offer, then the ability to offer them. Even though God has cut off the ability for the people to give such offerings, they are still required. This puts the people in an impossible situation. They seem to be unable to please the Lord in themselves. Sound familiar? I found this to be an excellent reminder as it pertains to tithing, which our church has been addressing. Everything I have has come from God, and I am to give the firstfruits of that back to God. It has been quite a helpful reminder as God is dealing with my heart as it comes to giving financially.
Locusts destroyed all of the crops. As a result, the people are unable to give their grain and drink offerings. (verses 9-11). God calls them on the fact that they have not given their offerings in verse 13 (sorry to jump ahead of our schedule, but I found this really interesting). "Go in, pass the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God! Because grain offering and drink offering are withheld from the house of your God." Our offerings to God are contingent on God giving us something to offer, then the ability to offer them. Even though God has cut off the ability for the people to give such offerings, they are still required. This puts the people in an impossible situation. They seem to be unable to please the Lord in themselves. Sound familiar? I found this to be an excellent reminder as it pertains to tithing, which our church has been addressing. Everything I have has come from God, and I am to give the firstfruits of that back to God. It has been quite a helpful reminder as God is dealing with my heart as it comes to giving financially.
God: The Only True Source of Joy and Happiness!
1:1 The word of the Lord that came to Joel, the son of Pethuel:
An Invasion of Locusts
2 Hear this, you elders;give ear, all inhabitants of the land! Has such a thing happened in your days,or in the days of your fathers?3 Tell your children of it,and let your children tell their children,and their children to another generation. 4 What the cutting locust left,the swarming locust has eaten. What the swarming locust left,the hopping locust has eaten,and what the hopping locust left,the destroying locust has eaten. 5 Awake, you drunkards, and weep,and wail, all you drinkers of wine,because of the sweet wine,for it is cut off from your mouth.6 For a nation has come up against my land, powerful and beyond number;its teeth are lions' teeth,and it has the fangs of a lioness.7 It has laid waste my vine and splintered my fig tree;it has stripped off their bark and thrown it down;their branches are made white. 8 Lament like a virgin wearing sackcloth for the bridegroom of her youth.9 The grain offering and the drink offering are cut off from the house of the Lord.The priests mourn,the ministers of the Lord.10 The fields are destroyed,the ground mourns,because the grain is destroyed,the wine dries up,the oil languishes. 11 Be ashamed, O tillers of the soil;wail, O vine dressers,for the wheat and the barley,because the harvest of the field has perished.12 The vine dries up;the fig tree languishes.Pomegranate, palm, and apple,all the trees of the field are dried up,and gladness dries up from the children of man.
This first part of Joel in chapter 1 introduces the Lord's judgment by way of a locust infestation, drought, and the coming of a great army. These "plagues" on the “day of the Lord” are then followed by a call for repentance the in verses in tomorrows section.
"The most aged could not remember such calamities as were about to take place. Armies of insects were coming upon the land to eat the fruits of it. It is expressed so as to apply also to the destruction of the country by a foreign enemy, and seems to refer to the devastations of the Chaldeans. God is Lord of hosts, has every creature at his command, and, when he pleases, can humble and mortify a proud, rebellious people, by the weakest and most contemptible creatures. It is just with God to take away the comforts which are abused to luxury and excess; and the more men place their happiness in the gratifications of sense, the more severe temporal afflictions are upon them. The more earthly delights we make needful to satisfy us, the more we expose ourselves to trouble." - Matthew Henry
The last line of Henry's quote is very true..."The more earthly delights we make needful to satisfy us, the more we expose ourselves to trouble..." This is what Israel had done. They had forgotten how great and powerful their God was. And what He had done for them in that past. They began to enjoy their blessings more than the one who gave them those blessings. As the generations went on, they did not recount of pass on the great things the Lord had done. They became very self-centered and selfish. What a wonderful example of how NOTHING in this world satisfies. How sad it is when we turn to other things or trust other things to bring us joy and happiness. The question is what and who will we delight in? Hopefully it will not take plagues to wake us up and focus and on God our provider and strength. Henry continues this thought:
All who labour only for the meat that perishes, will, sooner or later, be ashamed of their labour. Those that place their happiness in the delights of sense, when deprived of them, or disturbed in the enjoyment, lose their joy; whereas spiritual joy then flourishes more than ever. See what perishing, uncertain things our creature-comforts are. See how we need to live in continual dependence upon God and his providence. See what ruinous work sin makes. As far as poverty occasions the decay of piety, and starves the cause of religion among a people, it is a very sore judgment. But how blessed are the awakening judgments of God, in rousing his people and calling home the heart to Christ, and his salvation! - Matthew Henry
How exciting that when our happiness and trust is in God the rock of our salvation that our spiritual joy flourishes! Happiness and hope placed in anything else is meaningless and will crash and burn. We would be blind to this and would not even realize it had God not called us and saved us through Christ. We would be wondering around in utter misery, continually seeking worthless things to bring us fleeting and temporal happiness. What great loving mercy! Just as God used these events in the lives of the Israelites to remind them where their hope and security was, so he also uses trials and sufferings in our own lives. Because of Christ we can repent and put our focus back where it needs to be. How Great Is Our God!!!
An Invasion of Locusts
2 Hear this, you elders;give ear, all inhabitants of the land! Has such a thing happened in your days,or in the days of your fathers?3 Tell your children of it,and let your children tell their children,and their children to another generation. 4 What the cutting locust left,the swarming locust has eaten. What the swarming locust left,the hopping locust has eaten,and what the hopping locust left,the destroying locust has eaten. 5 Awake, you drunkards, and weep,and wail, all you drinkers of wine,because of the sweet wine,for it is cut off from your mouth.6 For a nation has come up against my land, powerful and beyond number;its teeth are lions' teeth,and it has the fangs of a lioness.7 It has laid waste my vine and splintered my fig tree;it has stripped off their bark and thrown it down;their branches are made white. 8 Lament like a virgin wearing sackcloth for the bridegroom of her youth.9 The grain offering and the drink offering are cut off from the house of the Lord.The priests mourn,the ministers of the Lord.10 The fields are destroyed,the ground mourns,because the grain is destroyed,the wine dries up,the oil languishes. 11 Be ashamed, O tillers of the soil;wail, O vine dressers,for the wheat and the barley,because the harvest of the field has perished.12 The vine dries up;the fig tree languishes.Pomegranate, palm, and apple,all the trees of the field are dried up,and gladness dries up from the children of man.
This first part of Joel in chapter 1 introduces the Lord's judgment by way of a locust infestation, drought, and the coming of a great army. These "plagues" on the “day of the Lord” are then followed by a call for repentance the in verses in tomorrows section.
"The most aged could not remember such calamities as were about to take place. Armies of insects were coming upon the land to eat the fruits of it. It is expressed so as to apply also to the destruction of the country by a foreign enemy, and seems to refer to the devastations of the Chaldeans. God is Lord of hosts, has every creature at his command, and, when he pleases, can humble and mortify a proud, rebellious people, by the weakest and most contemptible creatures. It is just with God to take away the comforts which are abused to luxury and excess; and the more men place their happiness in the gratifications of sense, the more severe temporal afflictions are upon them. The more earthly delights we make needful to satisfy us, the more we expose ourselves to trouble." - Matthew Henry
The last line of Henry's quote is very true..."The more earthly delights we make needful to satisfy us, the more we expose ourselves to trouble..." This is what Israel had done. They had forgotten how great and powerful their God was. And what He had done for them in that past. They began to enjoy their blessings more than the one who gave them those blessings. As the generations went on, they did not recount of pass on the great things the Lord had done. They became very self-centered and selfish. What a wonderful example of how NOTHING in this world satisfies. How sad it is when we turn to other things or trust other things to bring us joy and happiness. The question is what and who will we delight in? Hopefully it will not take plagues to wake us up and focus and on God our provider and strength. Henry continues this thought:
All who labour only for the meat that perishes, will, sooner or later, be ashamed of their labour. Those that place their happiness in the delights of sense, when deprived of them, or disturbed in the enjoyment, lose their joy; whereas spiritual joy then flourishes more than ever. See what perishing, uncertain things our creature-comforts are. See how we need to live in continual dependence upon God and his providence. See what ruinous work sin makes. As far as poverty occasions the decay of piety, and starves the cause of religion among a people, it is a very sore judgment. But how blessed are the awakening judgments of God, in rousing his people and calling home the heart to Christ, and his salvation! - Matthew Henry
How exciting that when our happiness and trust is in God the rock of our salvation that our spiritual joy flourishes! Happiness and hope placed in anything else is meaningless and will crash and burn. We would be blind to this and would not even realize it had God not called us and saved us through Christ. We would be wondering around in utter misery, continually seeking worthless things to bring us fleeting and temporal happiness. What great loving mercy! Just as God used these events in the lives of the Israelites to remind them where their hope and security was, so he also uses trials and sufferings in our own lives. Because of Christ we can repent and put our focus back where it needs to be. How Great Is Our God!!!
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Joel
It was my turn to make the final call on what to study, so let us study through the book of Joel. We'll begin posting on Monday, November 17. So in the mean time, I'd encourage you to be reading through Joel a few times. A few months ago, Todd Twining did a class on the minor prophets. It was a very helpful class that provides an excellent jumping off point for study. The link is provided here (http://sow.metrolife.org/)and in the "studies" section of the blog. The mp3 on Joel is from 07.09.2008. We shall break Joel up just as the English Standard Version of the Bible breaks it up.
Mon 11/17/08 - Joel 1:1-12
Tue 11/18/08 - Joel 1:13-20
Wed 11/19/08 - Joel 2:1-11
Thu 11/20/08 - Joel 2:12-17
Fri 11/21/08 - Joel 2:18-27
Mon 11/24/08 - Joel 2:28-32
Tue 11/25/08 - Joel 3:1-16
Wed 11/26/08 - Joel 3:17-21
I'm looking forward to being involved in this study. I was so disappointed that I was unable to participate in the last study. Again, as Jordan has stated, participate as you can. And on a final note, if you desire to participate in this study with us, we'd love to have you join us. Simply let myself or Jordan know your intentions, and we'll give you permission to post.
Mon 11/17/08 - Joel 1:1-12
Tue 11/18/08 - Joel 1:13-20
Wed 11/19/08 - Joel 2:1-11
Thu 11/20/08 - Joel 2:12-17
Fri 11/21/08 - Joel 2:18-27
Mon 11/24/08 - Joel 2:28-32
Tue 11/25/08 - Joel 3:1-16
Wed 11/26/08 - Joel 3:17-21
I'm looking forward to being involved in this study. I was so disappointed that I was unable to participate in the last study. Again, as Jordan has stated, participate as you can. And on a final note, if you desire to participate in this study with us, we'd love to have you join us. Simply let myself or Jordan know your intentions, and we'll give you permission to post.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
What's Next?
You all have any thoughts on what to study next? Another Article? Book in the Bible or passage of scripture? Love to hear them. Hopefully your schedules will allow for more participation this time. Remember this is open, participate as you can and invite people.
Looking forward to next time...
Looking forward to next time...
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Let's Fight!
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and 11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
Timothy was commanded to be different from those who lived for riches and material wealth. He was to flee the proud arguments of those who misuse God’s Word. "Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." Instead of pride and riches, Timothy was to make these things his pursuit. These are things which are not valued in the world, but are very valuable to God. This challenge to leave some things and follow hard after some other things isn’t just directed to Timothy, but to everyone who would be a man [or woman] of God. Going God’s way – against the flow of this world – isn’t easy. Therefore, Timothy had to have a soldier’s determination. God calls us to be fighters, not just any fighters. One’s that flee worldly passions! We are to fight the good fight of faith – a fight where some may lose a battle here and there, but they will carry on the fight with great determination until the war is over. What a glorious celebration it will be!
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
"Being rich in this world is wholly different from being rich towards God. Nothing is more uncertain than worldly wealth. Those who are rich, must see that God gives them their riches; and he only can give to enjoy them richly; for many have riches, but enjoy them poorly, not having a heart to use them.” Matthew Henry
20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.
The gospel is a trust committed to pastors like Timothy; but also to all believers. When that trust is broken, we have “swerved” from our faith. We must fight as hard as we can to keep this trust!
Are there any barriers that are holding us back? Let’s remove them and press on in the battle for Christ!
1 Corinthians 10:31- “For whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 John 2:15-17- “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that are in the world- the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions-is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desire, but whoever does the will of God abides FOREVER.”
Ever since I read this passage earlier today, I've had the "Rocky" theme song stuck in my head =) No, it's not necessarily biblically sound, but it's a good reminder to fight hard! I am pumped! Let's put on our armor and win this fight! Thanks so much for letting me participate in this study. I have benefited from it greatly!
Timothy was commanded to be different from those who lived for riches and material wealth. He was to flee the proud arguments of those who misuse God’s Word. "Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness." Instead of pride and riches, Timothy was to make these things his pursuit. These are things which are not valued in the world, but are very valuable to God. This challenge to leave some things and follow hard after some other things isn’t just directed to Timothy, but to everyone who would be a man [or woman] of God. Going God’s way – against the flow of this world – isn’t easy. Therefore, Timothy had to have a soldier’s determination. God calls us to be fighters, not just any fighters. One’s that flee worldly passions! We are to fight the good fight of faith – a fight where some may lose a battle here and there, but they will carry on the fight with great determination until the war is over. What a glorious celebration it will be!
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.
"Being rich in this world is wholly different from being rich towards God. Nothing is more uncertain than worldly wealth. Those who are rich, must see that God gives them their riches; and he only can give to enjoy them richly; for many have riches, but enjoy them poorly, not having a heart to use them.” Matthew Henry
20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.
The gospel is a trust committed to pastors like Timothy; but also to all believers. When that trust is broken, we have “swerved” from our faith. We must fight as hard as we can to keep this trust!
Are there any barriers that are holding us back? Let’s remove them and press on in the battle for Christ!
1 Corinthians 10:31- “For whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 John 2:15-17- “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that are in the world- the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions-is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desire, but whoever does the will of God abides FOREVER.”
Ever since I read this passage earlier today, I've had the "Rocky" theme song stuck in my head =) No, it's not necessarily biblically sound, but it's a good reminder to fight hard! I am pumped! Let's put on our armor and win this fight! Thanks so much for letting me participate in this study. I have benefited from it greatly!
Fight the Good Fight
Unfortunately, I do not have much time to go into this passage today. It was been a wonderful study and I look forward to more to come. Hopefully every one's schedule's will allow for more participation next time. I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions for what to study next. Thanks!
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.
Just as Timothy was charged, so we are also charged. Our fight is to be strong and zealous. We have been given eternal life with God! Let us not waste what we have so graciously been given. Paul's charge is serious and needs to be heeded. Our fight is good, because it is a fight we have been called to by God and given by Christ. We are given the Holy Spirit to helps us in our fight, we are sustained! May we put to death sin, hack it to pieces, and pursue holiness by His grace!
17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. 20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.
Grace be with you.
Here Paul recaps his whole letter to Timothy. God is the only true source of joy. He is the ultimate provider and has blessed us more than we can imagine. We are to enjoy him him and be thankful. What we have been given is good, do not buy into the lies and enticement of the false teachings of the world. I pray that we would press on hard in the life we are given here on earth, but always remember that it is not death to die! By His grace we will live with him for eternity with no pain, no sickness, and NO SIN! Grace be with us!
It is not death to die
To leave this weary road
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears
And wake in joy before
Your throne
Delivered from our fears
O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die
It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore
- SGMusic
Monday, November 3, 2008
Have an Eternal Perspective!
6:1 Let all who are under a yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. 2 Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved. Teach and urge these things.
Though we are not "slaves" this passage applies to us today. How we work at our job is an example to both believers and non-believers. How are we standing out "from the crowd?" Are non-believers looking at us saying, "there is really is something different about them, I want that." Or "They SAY there is something different about them, but they act just the same as me." Our responses speak very loudly. Honoring God is something we should do at all times and people are watching us, whether we think they are or not. We should apply ourselves at work and not be lazy or complain when we are given something we don't want to do.
3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
The true teachings of Christ are what lead to godliness. Teach or believe anything else, you are believing/teaching a lie. Verses 4-5 contain a very strong description of what a false teacher is. It is very far from godliness, the exact opposite. "He understands nothing..." Is a very humbling line. Apart from the grace of God we cannot understand anything. If we are to reject His absolute truths then we are rejecting the gift of understanding. Most people today think they do understand, because they create what they want to hear in conceit. They say there are no absolutes. Their minds have become depraved of the truth, they twist scripture to make their own "perfect" God. If we buy into the worldly lies and deception of false teaching, we can slip into this "mindless" state. That is a scary place. What a gift God's word is to warn us about this and to help us fight!
6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
We must have an eternal perspective! We must be content in what we are given. We have been given more than we could ask for or know how to ask for. We have been blessed with salvation! Receiving what Christ deserved, while He got what we deserved! Our great problem and need has been taken care of. God is sovereign and the ultimate provider. We must trust in Him. I am thankful for verse 7. What a humbling reminder of how minuscule we are. Money is a blessing from God, we are to be thankful for it, but not love it. We should be craving Christ and not craving money. Money only buys what is temporal, Christ has bought and given us what is eternal!!!
Though we are not "slaves" this passage applies to us today. How we work at our job is an example to both believers and non-believers. How are we standing out "from the crowd?" Are non-believers looking at us saying, "there is really is something different about them, I want that." Or "They SAY there is something different about them, but they act just the same as me." Our responses speak very loudly. Honoring God is something we should do at all times and people are watching us, whether we think they are or not. We should apply ourselves at work and not be lazy or complain when we are given something we don't want to do.
3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
The true teachings of Christ are what lead to godliness. Teach or believe anything else, you are believing/teaching a lie. Verses 4-5 contain a very strong description of what a false teacher is. It is very far from godliness, the exact opposite. "He understands nothing..." Is a very humbling line. Apart from the grace of God we cannot understand anything. If we are to reject His absolute truths then we are rejecting the gift of understanding. Most people today think they do understand, because they create what they want to hear in conceit. They say there are no absolutes. Their minds have become depraved of the truth, they twist scripture to make their own "perfect" God. If we buy into the worldly lies and deception of false teaching, we can slip into this "mindless" state. That is a scary place. What a gift God's word is to warn us about this and to help us fight!
6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
We must have an eternal perspective! We must be content in what we are given. We have been given more than we could ask for or know how to ask for. We have been blessed with salvation! Receiving what Christ deserved, while He got what we deserved! Our great problem and need has been taken care of. God is sovereign and the ultimate provider. We must trust in Him. I am thankful for verse 7. What a humbling reminder of how minuscule we are. Money is a blessing from God, we are to be thankful for it, but not love it. We should be craving Christ and not craving money. Money only buys what is temporal, Christ has bought and given us what is eternal!!!
True and Lasting Contentment
1 Let all who are under a yoke as slaves regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. 2 Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.
These same principles apply to our occupations today. When we work hard and honor our employers, it glorifies God. But when we are bad workers and disrespectful to our supervisors, it brings shame on the name of Jesus Christ. We should ask ourselves if we are leading people to Christ by how we work, or if we are leading people away from Christ by our bad work and testimony at our jobs.
Colossian 3:22-24- Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
“We are to serve with double diligence and cheerfulness, because of our faith in Christ, and as partakers of His free salvation. We are not to consent to any words as wholesome, except the words of our Lord Jesus Christ; to these we must give unfeigned consent.” Matthew Henry
We should never expect special treatment because our boss or supervisor is a Christian. Instead, that should motivate us to work all the harder, because we can then be a blessing to him/her.
Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
Timothy must be on guard against those who would misuse the word of God. Paul warned Timothy against those who seemed to treat the Word of God more as a toy instead of a precious gift. To put our own “spin” on the Word of God is very prideful. It shows someone has more confidence in their own wisdom and opinions than in the straightforward truth of God.
“He that is godly, is sure to be happy in another world; and if contented with his condition in this world, he has enough; and all truly godly people are content.” MH
6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
“When brought into the greatest straits, we cannot be poorer than when we came into this world; a shroud, a coffin, and a grave, are all that the richest man in the world can have from all his wealth. If nature should be content with a little, grace should be content with less. The necessaries of life bound a true Christian's desires, and with these he will endeavor to be content.” MH
Godliness is great gain; but only when accompanied by contentment! We should crave things that glorify God, not the things that bring satisfaction to the world, for they are slight and momentary compared to the glory of eternity. It is very easy to come up with reasons and excuses of why these sins of greed and materialism don’t apply to us. But whenever we think getting something material, or getting more of it, will answer our life’s needs, we lack this contentment. Whenever we are deeply grieved at material loss, we lack this contentment. Whenever we get an inordinate pleasure from buying or having some material thing, we lack this contentment. A heart of contentment begins with seeing our material possessions and resources in an eternal perspective. The desire to be rich can really only be satisfied in Jesus Christ, and satisfied with spiritual riches rather than material ones. Everything else falls short.
Take all I am, Lord, and all that I cling to
You are my Savior I owe everything to
Take all the treasures that lie in my storehouse
They cannot follow when I enter Your house
So I surrender all to You
I surrender all
Take all my cravings for vain recognition
Fleshly indulgence and worldly ambition
Iwant so much Lord to make You the focus
To serve You in secret and never be noticed
Take all my hunger for all that’s forbidden
Every desire and sin I keep hidden
Search me and know me I want to bring to You
A life that is holy and sanctified through You
Rich Dalmas- SG Music
These same principles apply to our occupations today. When we work hard and honor our employers, it glorifies God. But when we are bad workers and disrespectful to our supervisors, it brings shame on the name of Jesus Christ. We should ask ourselves if we are leading people to Christ by how we work, or if we are leading people away from Christ by our bad work and testimony at our jobs.
Colossian 3:22-24- Slaves, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
“We are to serve with double diligence and cheerfulness, because of our faith in Christ, and as partakers of His free salvation. We are not to consent to any words as wholesome, except the words of our Lord Jesus Christ; to these we must give unfeigned consent.” Matthew Henry
We should never expect special treatment because our boss or supervisor is a Christian. Instead, that should motivate us to work all the harder, because we can then be a blessing to him/her.
Teach and urge these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.
Timothy must be on guard against those who would misuse the word of God. Paul warned Timothy against those who seemed to treat the Word of God more as a toy instead of a precious gift. To put our own “spin” on the Word of God is very prideful. It shows someone has more confidence in their own wisdom and opinions than in the straightforward truth of God.
“He that is godly, is sure to be happy in another world; and if contented with his condition in this world, he has enough; and all truly godly people are content.” MH
6 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.
“When brought into the greatest straits, we cannot be poorer than when we came into this world; a shroud, a coffin, and a grave, are all that the richest man in the world can have from all his wealth. If nature should be content with a little, grace should be content with less. The necessaries of life bound a true Christian's desires, and with these he will endeavor to be content.” MH
Godliness is great gain; but only when accompanied by contentment! We should crave things that glorify God, not the things that bring satisfaction to the world, for they are slight and momentary compared to the glory of eternity. It is very easy to come up with reasons and excuses of why these sins of greed and materialism don’t apply to us. But whenever we think getting something material, or getting more of it, will answer our life’s needs, we lack this contentment. Whenever we are deeply grieved at material loss, we lack this contentment. Whenever we get an inordinate pleasure from buying or having some material thing, we lack this contentment. A heart of contentment begins with seeing our material possessions and resources in an eternal perspective. The desire to be rich can really only be satisfied in Jesus Christ, and satisfied with spiritual riches rather than material ones. Everything else falls short.
Take all I am, Lord, and all that I cling to
You are my Savior I owe everything to
Take all the treasures that lie in my storehouse
They cannot follow when I enter Your house
So I surrender all to You
I surrender all
Take all my cravings for vain recognition
Fleshly indulgence and worldly ambition
Iwant so much Lord to make You the focus
To serve You in secret and never be noticed
Take all my hunger for all that’s forbidden
Every desire and sin I keep hidden
Search me and know me I want to bring to You
A life that is holy and sanctified through You
Rich Dalmas- SG Music
Friday, October 31, 2008
1 Timothy 5:17-25
This post is really long… sorry! I just kept coming across more and more things to share :)
17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
“Care must be taken that ministers are maintained. And those who are laborious in this work are worthy of double honour and esteem. It is their just due, as much as the reward of the labourer.” Matthew Henry
19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses 20 as for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
If leaders are in sin, it must be addressed forthrightly - with public rebuke, to promote a fear of sin among the leadership and the entire church leadership in which the church does not remove one from accountability, it makes one even more accountable.
21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.
“The apostle charges Timothy solemnly to guard against partiality. We have great need to watch at all times, that we do not partake of other men's sins. Keep thyself pure, not only from doing the like thyself, but from countenancing it, or any way helping to it in others.” MH
“Do not treat any man, in religious matters, according to the rank he holds in life, or according to any personal attachment that one may have for him. Every man should be dealt with in the church as he will be dealt with at the judgment-seat of Christ.” Adam Clarke
22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
Paul cautioned Timothy to let a man prove himself before he was recognized in ministry. There should not be a rush; time must season a man and his ministry. Since ordination simply recognizes God’s calling, it is all the more reason to not be in a hurry - time should be given to allow those gifts and callings to demonstrate themselves.
24 The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden
“There are secret, and there are open sins: some men's sins are open before-hand, and going before unto judgment; some they follow after. God will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make known the counsels of all hearts." MH
It is easy to see the struggles and sins some have; but with some others, the sins are hidden. Good works are always eventually revealed; but sins are sometimes hidden, and will be evident only at the judgment. These words are meant to be a caution to Timothy in his appointing of leaders. Sometimes what one sees on the outside isn’t really an accurate picture, so we need to take it slow, and wait on God for discernment.
“Looking forward to the judgment-day, let us all attend to our proper offices, whether in higher or lower stations, studying that the name and doctrine of God may never be blasphemed on our account.” MH
Amen! Let us fight for the day when we will see our Holy Father face to face. Let’s not waste our lives here on earth, but live in light of eternity! Oh what a glorious day it will be!
17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.”
“Care must be taken that ministers are maintained. And those who are laborious in this work are worthy of double honour and esteem. It is their just due, as much as the reward of the labourer.” Matthew Henry
19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses 20 as for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.
If leaders are in sin, it must be addressed forthrightly - with public rebuke, to promote a fear of sin among the leadership and the entire church leadership in which the church does not remove one from accountability, it makes one even more accountable.
21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.
“The apostle charges Timothy solemnly to guard against partiality. We have great need to watch at all times, that we do not partake of other men's sins. Keep thyself pure, not only from doing the like thyself, but from countenancing it, or any way helping to it in others.” MH
“Do not treat any man, in religious matters, according to the rank he holds in life, or according to any personal attachment that one may have for him. Every man should be dealt with in the church as he will be dealt with at the judgment-seat of Christ.” Adam Clarke
22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure.
Paul cautioned Timothy to let a man prove himself before he was recognized in ministry. There should not be a rush; time must season a man and his ministry. Since ordination simply recognizes God’s calling, it is all the more reason to not be in a hurry - time should be given to allow those gifts and callings to demonstrate themselves.
24 The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden
“There are secret, and there are open sins: some men's sins are open before-hand, and going before unto judgment; some they follow after. God will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make known the counsels of all hearts." MH
It is easy to see the struggles and sins some have; but with some others, the sins are hidden. Good works are always eventually revealed; but sins are sometimes hidden, and will be evident only at the judgment. These words are meant to be a caution to Timothy in his appointing of leaders. Sometimes what one sees on the outside isn’t really an accurate picture, so we need to take it slow, and wait on God for discernment.
“Looking forward to the judgment-day, let us all attend to our proper offices, whether in higher or lower stations, studying that the name and doctrine of God may never be blasphemed on our account.” MH
Amen! Let us fight for the day when we will see our Holy Father face to face. Let’s not waste our lives here on earth, but live in light of eternity! Oh what a glorious day it will be!
Part 3
"17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and, “The laborer deserves his wages.” 19 Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear. 21 In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. 23 (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) 24 The sins of some men are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. 25 So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidde."
"Leaders can make or break a church. What makes leadership so solemn a responsibility? One part of the answer is implicit in this passage: the importance of the church community's trust in its leadership. A member's mistakes may affect only the member, but a leader's mistakes affect the whole church. But if a church is to continue to exist and to carry out its God-given task, it must support and trust its leaders. For God has ordained that the fellowship of believers be led by people called to that task (1 Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11).
The church that Paul addresses had been torn apart by the false teachers, and much of this letter is aimed at putting the pieces back together. It is essential that he restore the church's confidence in its leadership, and he has already begun in chapter 3. The faithful elders needed to be distinguished from the unfaithful. The unfaithful needed to be disciplined, but in fairness. And some of the leadership had to be replaced. This task must have been first on Timothy's list of things to do (1:3-4), for the unity and mission of the church depended upon it. The passage before us contains practical principles for the regulation and maintenance of a church's leadership." -BGW Commentary
Again a busy day, so not able to post much. But I am very grateful for the men who lead our Church. It is a blessing to know that they are/will fight against false doctrines. That they are faithful and will bring correction not only to others, but themselves as well. They understand the importance of walking out an exemplary life. They demonstrate humility and godliness and our Church benefits greatly from that!
"Leaders can make or break a church. What makes leadership so solemn a responsibility? One part of the answer is implicit in this passage: the importance of the church community's trust in its leadership. A member's mistakes may affect only the member, but a leader's mistakes affect the whole church. But if a church is to continue to exist and to carry out its God-given task, it must support and trust its leaders. For God has ordained that the fellowship of believers be led by people called to that task (1 Cor 12:28; Eph 4:11).
The church that Paul addresses had been torn apart by the false teachers, and much of this letter is aimed at putting the pieces back together. It is essential that he restore the church's confidence in its leadership, and he has already begun in chapter 3. The faithful elders needed to be distinguished from the unfaithful. The unfaithful needed to be disciplined, but in fairness. And some of the leadership had to be replaced. This task must have been first on Timothy's list of things to do (1:3-4), for the unity and mission of the church depended upon it. The passage before us contains practical principles for the regulation and maintenance of a church's leadership." -BGW Commentary
Again a busy day, so not able to post much. But I am very grateful for the men who lead our Church. It is a blessing to know that they are/will fight against false doctrines. That they are faithful and will bring correction not only to others, but themselves as well. They understand the importance of walking out an exemplary life. They demonstrate humility and godliness and our Church benefits greatly from that!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
1 Timothy 5:9-16
Today is pretty busy for me, so here is a short re-cap:
Verses 9-16: “Every one brought into any office in the church, should be free from just censure; and many are proper objects of charity, yet ought not to be employed in public services. Those who would find mercy when they are in distress, must show mercy when they are in prosperity; and those who show most readiness for every good work, are most likely to be faithful in whatever is trusted to them. Those who are idle, very seldom are only idle, they make mischief among neighbors, and sow discord among brethren. All believers are required to relieve those belonging to their families who are destitute, that the church may not be prevented from relieving such as are entirely destitute and friendless.” –Matthew Henry
Paul has stated in this text that we need to care for those who aren’t able to care for themselves, especially those who have been “well reported for good works”. For Jesus came “not to be served but to serve.” (Matthew 20:18) What an example Christ displayed here! I pray this would be my attitude more often!
Verses 9-16: “Every one brought into any office in the church, should be free from just censure; and many are proper objects of charity, yet ought not to be employed in public services. Those who would find mercy when they are in distress, must show mercy when they are in prosperity; and those who show most readiness for every good work, are most likely to be faithful in whatever is trusted to them. Those who are idle, very seldom are only idle, they make mischief among neighbors, and sow discord among brethren. All believers are required to relieve those belonging to their families who are destitute, that the church may not be prevented from relieving such as are entirely destitute and friendless.” –Matthew Henry
Paul has stated in this text that we need to care for those who aren’t able to care for themselves, especially those who have been “well reported for good works”. For Jesus came “not to be served but to serve.” (Matthew 20:18) What an example Christ displayed here! I pray this would be my attitude more often!
Part 2
9 Let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than sixty years of age, having been the wife of one husband, 10 and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. 11 But refuse to enroll younger widows, for when their passions draw them away from Christ, they desire to marry 12 and so incur condemnation for having abandoned their former faith. 13 Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not. 14 So I would have younger widows marry, bear children, manage their households, and give the adversary no occasion for slander. 15 For some have already strayed after Satan. 16 If any believing woman has relatives who are widows, let her care for them. Let the church not be burdened, so that it may care for those who are truly widows.
"This passage, which addresses a very specific situation, springs from a truth about God that compels us to ask some very penetrating questions regarding the focus of our compassion today: God is committed to helping those who cannot help themselves. As already pointed out, the Old Testament announces clearly God's special concern for widows, alongside of whom are often named the fatherless. The directions of Jesus' ministry developed the theme of God's compassion with even greater clarity to encompass the poor, the sick, the outcasts of society, the disfranchised, the marginalized. It was to these that Jesus reached out. The need for the church to minister to widows and the accompanying concern for the church's testimony in the world evident in 5:1-16 are an application of God's care for those unable to care for themselves.
Widows presented that church at that time with a specific need, and in our churches this same basic need is common. But our technological age is creating some problems (or at least raising them to proportions never before known) that belong to this category. What about our poor--the homeless, the jobless? What about our disfranchised--the single mothers, the elderly, the convicts and ex-convicts, the divorced? While the questions come easier than the answers, I think we will all agree that the church is to be God's channel of compassion as he seeks to include the excluded. Paul's treatment suggests that there is far more involved than simply handing out money. The pattern presented here is a carefully structured ministry to the whole person which encourages and facilitates godliness and a productive life while it also guards against misuse and abuse that might endanger the church's witness. It remains for us to implement this teaching creatively in our particular situations." - BGW Commentary
The need for compassion is evident. We need to put others before ourselves. Just as a family is willing to help one another, so we as the body of Christ should also desire. Jesus was the ultimate example of this, He did it perfectly. As Christ was compassionate towards us, we to are to be compassionate. We have been so much, not to hoard, but to give our lives away as He gave His life away!
"This passage, which addresses a very specific situation, springs from a truth about God that compels us to ask some very penetrating questions regarding the focus of our compassion today: God is committed to helping those who cannot help themselves. As already pointed out, the Old Testament announces clearly God's special concern for widows, alongside of whom are often named the fatherless. The directions of Jesus' ministry developed the theme of God's compassion with even greater clarity to encompass the poor, the sick, the outcasts of society, the disfranchised, the marginalized. It was to these that Jesus reached out. The need for the church to minister to widows and the accompanying concern for the church's testimony in the world evident in 5:1-16 are an application of God's care for those unable to care for themselves.
Widows presented that church at that time with a specific need, and in our churches this same basic need is common. But our technological age is creating some problems (or at least raising them to proportions never before known) that belong to this category. What about our poor--the homeless, the jobless? What about our disfranchised--the single mothers, the elderly, the convicts and ex-convicts, the divorced? While the questions come easier than the answers, I think we will all agree that the church is to be God's channel of compassion as he seeks to include the excluded. Paul's treatment suggests that there is far more involved than simply handing out money. The pattern presented here is a carefully structured ministry to the whole person which encourages and facilitates godliness and a productive life while it also guards against misuse and abuse that might endanger the church's witness. It remains for us to implement this teaching creatively in our particular situations." - BGW Commentary
The need for compassion is evident. We need to put others before ourselves. Just as a family is willing to help one another, so we as the body of Christ should also desire. Jesus was the ultimate example of this, He did it perfectly. As Christ was compassionate towards us, we to are to be compassionate. We have been so much, not to hoard, but to give our lives away as He gave His life away!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
1 Timothy 5:1-8
1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.
This is a summary of how to treat all people in the church. We should treat all men in the church as our fathers. We should exhort them! Exhortation is encouragement to do what needs to be done; it has the manner of an encouraging coach, helping the athlete to achieve their best. Younger men should be treated as brothers, as partners and friends in the work of the gospel. Older women are to be treated as mothers, with respect and honor due to them. The younger women are to be treated as sisters; Timothy, as any godly man, was to always make certain his conduct towards younger women was always pure and above reproach. I’m so thankful for all the young men in our churches that strive to treat young women as their sisters in Christ in all purity. It is a blessing to the younger woman and to our fathers as well. Thank you!
3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
I think the general principle here is to help the needy who are truly needy. This passage describes a “real” widow as one who has been left alone; she has no one else to support her.
“Honor widows”: In the days the New Testament was written, there was no social assistance system from the government. In that day there was one especially vulnerable class - elderly widows, who were without means of support from husbands or grown children, and without means to adequately support themselves. These are those who are really widows. This shows that widows indeed are those that have neither children nor nephews, no relatives that either will or can help them, or no near relatives alive.”-Adam Clark
Those who are really widows are to receive honor - which in this context means financial support and care, yet given in a dignified and honorable way. The church, not just the leaders, but the whole church should help those who don’t have family who can assist them.
While reading this, there is a lady that comes to mind that attends the church in Jacksonville that is like a grandmother to all the members of the church. Her name is Lois Anthony and this is a lady that is deserving of honor. She has loss not one, but two husbands during her lifetime and on top of that, has loss her only daughter. Not only is she encouraging to those around her, but she prays about two hours a day for the people in our church above and beyond her quiet time in the morning. I have the privilege of having her in my home group and what an inspiring person she is. She constantly acknowledges that though there are many times of feeling lonely, God is all she needs and she relies on Him as her strength in those times. What a testimony and example of one that trusts in the sovereignty of God. Sorry to ramble, but these are the type of ladies that need our care and support on a regular basis, just as they care and pray for us.
“Is dead while she lives”: The life lived for mere pleasure and ease is no life at all. It is a living death, whether lived by a young widow or anyone else.
This is a summary of how to treat all people in the church. We should treat all men in the church as our fathers. We should exhort them! Exhortation is encouragement to do what needs to be done; it has the manner of an encouraging coach, helping the athlete to achieve their best. Younger men should be treated as brothers, as partners and friends in the work of the gospel. Older women are to be treated as mothers, with respect and honor due to them. The younger women are to be treated as sisters; Timothy, as any godly man, was to always make certain his conduct towards younger women was always pure and above reproach. I’m so thankful for all the young men in our churches that strive to treat young women as their sisters in Christ in all purity. It is a blessing to the younger woman and to our fathers as well. Thank you!
3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
I think the general principle here is to help the needy who are truly needy. This passage describes a “real” widow as one who has been left alone; she has no one else to support her.
“Honor widows”: In the days the New Testament was written, there was no social assistance system from the government. In that day there was one especially vulnerable class - elderly widows, who were without means of support from husbands or grown children, and without means to adequately support themselves. These are those who are really widows. This shows that widows indeed are those that have neither children nor nephews, no relatives that either will or can help them, or no near relatives alive.”-Adam Clark
Those who are really widows are to receive honor - which in this context means financial support and care, yet given in a dignified and honorable way. The church, not just the leaders, but the whole church should help those who don’t have family who can assist them.
While reading this, there is a lady that comes to mind that attends the church in Jacksonville that is like a grandmother to all the members of the church. Her name is Lois Anthony and this is a lady that is deserving of honor. She has loss not one, but two husbands during her lifetime and on top of that, has loss her only daughter. Not only is she encouraging to those around her, but she prays about two hours a day for the people in our church above and beyond her quiet time in the morning. I have the privilege of having her in my home group and what an inspiring person she is. She constantly acknowledges that though there are many times of feeling lonely, God is all she needs and she relies on Him as her strength in those times. What a testimony and example of one that trusts in the sovereignty of God. Sorry to ramble, but these are the type of ladies that need our care and support on a regular basis, just as they care and pray for us.
“Is dead while she lives”: The life lived for mere pleasure and ease is no life at all. It is a living death, whether lived by a young widow or anyone else.
Instruction
5:1 Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.
3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
The first two verses are very clear. This is what you should do. In particular if you are a leader. Be respectful to those who you are serving. We are to correct in love and humility. It will not serve others if we are harsh and rash when we bring correction. We should be wanting to care for people in our correction as our pastor's would for us.
Verse 3-6. We all need to do this as a Church. It is not something that just falls on the back of our leaders. I am so gratefully for our Single Mom's and Widow's Event where we set aside one day to serve 25-30 Single Mom's and Widow's all day. Now, I am not saying that one event is enough. We need to frequently reach out and help. It should be a part of our lifestyle.
V.7. Timothy is urged by Paul to command these things so that the Church will be without reproach. It is a reproach to God and what He has called us to do, if we don't serve and care for widows.
V.8. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. The last line of this verse is very serious. By not doing what God has commanded, you break His law. He has called us to do this, we can not neglect.
3 Honor widows who are truly widows. 4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God. 5 She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, 6 but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives. 7 Command these things as well, so that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
The first two verses are very clear. This is what you should do. In particular if you are a leader. Be respectful to those who you are serving. We are to correct in love and humility. It will not serve others if we are harsh and rash when we bring correction. We should be wanting to care for people in our correction as our pastor's would for us.
Verse 3-6. We all need to do this as a Church. It is not something that just falls on the back of our leaders. I am so gratefully for our Single Mom's and Widow's Event where we set aside one day to serve 25-30 Single Mom's and Widow's all day. Now, I am not saying that one event is enough. We need to frequently reach out and help. It should be a part of our lifestyle.
V.7. Timothy is urged by Paul to command these things so that the Church will be without reproach. It is a reproach to God and what He has called us to do, if we don't serve and care for widows.
V.8. But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. The last line of this verse is very serious. By not doing what God has commanded, you break His law. He has called us to do this, we can not neglect.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
A Good Servant of Christ Jesus
“Just as a skillful coach will often return to the basics of the sport to pull the team or a player out of a stump, Paul returns to the basics to keep this church on track. Paul is explaining to Timothy that the soundness of a church depends on ministers and leaders who are sound in their faith and practice growing in godliness. This should apply to all Christians. We shouldn’t be fooled by the term minister- the principles of living a godly life should apply to all believers, just as all believers are to be involved in ministering to unbelievers.” –Bible Gateway Commentaries
6 If you put these things before the brothers, 1 you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.
Here Paul is speaking of a good minister, one who will faithfully and ably confront false teachers, will have been brought up in Christian faith. A Christian leader should be one who has habitually taken nourishment from God’s Word and continues to do so.
7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, 2 because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
Genuine godliness is the life of faith strengthened by training in the Word of God- a lifestyle of obedience to Him. Paul admits that physical training does have certain limited value; by means of it one can learn to control physical urges. Godliness on the other hand, has unlimited value, for it is that life in the power of the spirit. Genuine godliness holds promise for both the present life and the life to come. He is saying that until the coming of Christ let us "toil and strive" to grow in goliness and resist temptations of the world. Our hope should be tied to the hope of our God who saves!
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
This is a call to our generation! The verse is pretty clear and direct. I’ve been convicted of this many times before. Growing up in a church and be surrounded by many older and wiser people, I’ve had to overcome the temptation to fear man. The church is a group of believers and I am one of them and should not worry about what older people think of me. If God has laid something on my heart to share with them or to confront them about, I need to be faithful to do so. As Christians, we are called to “build” each other up, whether older or younger.
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
Paul is urging Timothy to be consistent in the practice of public reading of Scripture. Doing this centers attention on God, who, communicating with his people, initiates and sustains a covenant relationship in the church. The reading of the Word also prepares the people for the exposition and application of Scripture.
14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, 3 so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
In other words Paul is saying to be faithful in the exercise of spiritual gifts. God has chosen to build and maintain His church by empowering believers to carry out this ministry. With this gift comes the responsibility to exercise it in the church. The gift does not operate independently, but through the lives of individuals in the church being obededient to God.
I just can’t help but mention how grateful I am for the pastors in our group of Churches. They are truly “good servants of Jesus Christ” and on top of that, they are humble and caring servants. We are truly blessed!
P.S. Most of what I wrote I pulled from Bible Gateway Commentaries.
6 If you put these things before the brothers, 1 you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed.
Here Paul is speaking of a good minister, one who will faithfully and ably confront false teachers, will have been brought up in Christian faith. A Christian leader should be one who has habitually taken nourishment from God’s Word and continues to do so.
7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, 2 because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
Genuine godliness is the life of faith strengthened by training in the Word of God- a lifestyle of obedience to Him. Paul admits that physical training does have certain limited value; by means of it one can learn to control physical urges. Godliness on the other hand, has unlimited value, for it is that life in the power of the spirit. Genuine godliness holds promise for both the present life and the life to come. He is saying that until the coming of Christ let us "toil and strive" to grow in goliness and resist temptations of the world. Our hope should be tied to the hope of our God who saves!
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
This is a call to our generation! The verse is pretty clear and direct. I’ve been convicted of this many times before. Growing up in a church and be surrounded by many older and wiser people, I’ve had to overcome the temptation to fear man. The church is a group of believers and I am one of them and should not worry about what older people think of me. If God has laid something on my heart to share with them or to confront them about, I need to be faithful to do so. As Christians, we are called to “build” each other up, whether older or younger.
13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.
Paul is urging Timothy to be consistent in the practice of public reading of Scripture. Doing this centers attention on God, who, communicating with his people, initiates and sustains a covenant relationship in the church. The reading of the Word also prepares the people for the exposition and application of Scripture.
14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, 3 so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
In other words Paul is saying to be faithful in the exercise of spiritual gifts. God has chosen to build and maintain His church by empowering believers to carry out this ministry. With this gift comes the responsibility to exercise it in the church. The gift does not operate independently, but through the lives of individuals in the church being obededient to God.
I just can’t help but mention how grateful I am for the pastors in our group of Churches. They are truly “good servants of Jesus Christ” and on top of that, they are humble and caring servants. We are truly blessed!
P.S. Most of what I wrote I pulled from Bible Gateway Commentaries.
Serve Christ!
6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
This has always been a favorite passage of mine. So be warned this is a LONG post. It is such a vivid picture what we have been, who we are, and what we should do. Here Paul comes across as a coach intent on his "Player's/Teams" success. He is making sure Timothy and all of us are keeping focused on the main track. He wants to hit home that false teaching is destructive and if our pastors and leaders are not sound in doctrine/faith/practice, then the Church will not be sound and will crumble. How blessed we are to have the pastor's and leaders we do! These men humbly seek the Lord and are gospel centered in their preaching and direction. They go to the scriptures for truth, not some man-made foolish ideologies. We in turn need to follow their examples, we are all called to godliness, not just the ministers. We to are to love and feed off God's word!
In this passage Paul points out three "spiritual priorities" that are essential for growth and nurturing of a sound spiritual life. Borrowing from BGW Commentary: "1: Nourishment from God's Word (4:6), 2. Training in godliness (4:7-9), and 3. Mission (4:10)." I will try to embellish on those each briefly.
1. Paul stresses the importance to find nourishment in the Word of God regularly. This must be a constant/regular discipline. Far to often we can neglect this. If we want to maintain our defense against false teachings and worldliness, the Bible must be part of our daily diet. Without the truth how will we/can we fend off the false lies we hear everyday? If we feed ourselves one thing it will become more apart of us and we will desire it more. I pray that one thing would be God's Word! May we daily absorb our minds and thoughts in His Word!
2. The word helps us to train in godliness. It shows us what is godly and ungodly. Arms us to fight. Reminds of us of where our hope is! "This genuine godliness holds promise for both the present life and the life to come (4:8). So strong was the emphasis on the pursuit of this life in the Spirit in the early church that verse 8 had become a widely accepted saying: the trustworthy saying referred to in verse 9 is verse 8." - BGW Commentary. Do we make this a strong emphasis? Do we earnestly seek godliness? What a great convicting reminder! I know there is much growth for me. I don't want to "waste my life!"
3. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. We have a mission, because we have a living hope! Toil (hard and continuous work; exhausting labor or effort) is used to I believe to say that it is not easy, it will be hard, there will be trials. Strive (to devote serious effort or energy, to struggle in opposition) we are to be serious, giving ALL to oppose the evil one. We can push on through trial and turmoil because Christ has already defeated sin! Our hope is eternal! We are given strength to persevere. The end of the verse is an encouragement to evangelize and be a witness to others. As Paul said in Romans...
Romans 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
The next five verse could be covered in much more depth, these are just my brief synopsis/regurgitation of them....
Verse 12. Our lives no matter how old we are, are to exemplary. Paul was admonishing Timothy even though he was young, should be mature and set a Christ-like example. Our speech should be edifying, our conduct God glorifying and devoted to self-less service, we are to love one another as Christ loved us, we are believe and trust God in ALL times, and our thoughts and actions should be pure. V.13. This is what we need to be devoted to. V. 14. We are to step out and use the gifts that God has given us, to glorify Him and to edify the Church. V.15. We are do these things regularly, so we can set an example, not in pride, but in humility. I love how Paul uses "immerse." We need to let things cover us, so when people look at us that is what they see, so that God can be brought glory. V.16. Watch ourselves closely. Others are watching and listening. If we fill our minds with filth and false teaching, then we will affect others and be a bad example. We need to "train" hard so that we can "save both ourselves and our hearers."
Will we fight? Will we toil and strive? Will we root ourselves in the truth of God's word at all time? I pray this will be true. What a hope we have! How gracious of God to give us the ultimate "training manual" in His Word. Let's press on!
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.
This has always been a favorite passage of mine. So be warned this is a LONG post. It is such a vivid picture what we have been, who we are, and what we should do. Here Paul comes across as a coach intent on his "Player's/Teams" success. He is making sure Timothy and all of us are keeping focused on the main track. He wants to hit home that false teaching is destructive and if our pastors and leaders are not sound in doctrine/faith/practice, then the Church will not be sound and will crumble. How blessed we are to have the pastor's and leaders we do! These men humbly seek the Lord and are gospel centered in their preaching and direction. They go to the scriptures for truth, not some man-made foolish ideologies. We in turn need to follow their examples, we are all called to godliness, not just the ministers. We to are to love and feed off God's word!
In this passage Paul points out three "spiritual priorities" that are essential for growth and nurturing of a sound spiritual life. Borrowing from BGW Commentary: "1: Nourishment from God's Word (4:6), 2. Training in godliness (4:7-9), and 3. Mission (4:10)." I will try to embellish on those each briefly.
1. Paul stresses the importance to find nourishment in the Word of God regularly. This must be a constant/regular discipline. Far to often we can neglect this. If we want to maintain our defense against false teachings and worldliness, the Bible must be part of our daily diet. Without the truth how will we/can we fend off the false lies we hear everyday? If we feed ourselves one thing it will become more apart of us and we will desire it more. I pray that one thing would be God's Word! May we daily absorb our minds and thoughts in His Word!
2. The word helps us to train in godliness. It shows us what is godly and ungodly. Arms us to fight. Reminds of us of where our hope is! "This genuine godliness holds promise for both the present life and the life to come (4:8). So strong was the emphasis on the pursuit of this life in the Spirit in the early church that verse 8 had become a widely accepted saying: the trustworthy saying referred to in verse 9 is verse 8." - BGW Commentary. Do we make this a strong emphasis? Do we earnestly seek godliness? What a great convicting reminder! I know there is much growth for me. I don't want to "waste my life!"
3. For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. We have a mission, because we have a living hope! Toil (hard and continuous work; exhausting labor or effort) is used to I believe to say that it is not easy, it will be hard, there will be trials. Strive (to devote serious effort or energy, to struggle in opposition) we are to be serious, giving ALL to oppose the evil one. We can push on through trial and turmoil because Christ has already defeated sin! Our hope is eternal! We are given strength to persevere. The end of the verse is an encouragement to evangelize and be a witness to others. As Paul said in Romans...
Romans 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
The next five verse could be covered in much more depth, these are just my brief synopsis/regurgitation of them....
Verse 12. Our lives no matter how old we are, are to exemplary. Paul was admonishing Timothy even though he was young, should be mature and set a Christ-like example. Our speech should be edifying, our conduct God glorifying and devoted to self-less service, we are to love one another as Christ loved us, we are believe and trust God in ALL times, and our thoughts and actions should be pure. V.13. This is what we need to be devoted to. V. 14. We are to step out and use the gifts that God has given us, to glorify Him and to edify the Church. V.15. We are do these things regularly, so we can set an example, not in pride, but in humility. I love how Paul uses "immerse." We need to let things cover us, so when people look at us that is what they see, so that God can be brought glory. V.16. Watch ourselves closely. Others are watching and listening. If we fill our minds with filth and false teaching, then we will affect others and be a bad example. We need to "train" hard so that we can "save both ourselves and our hearers."
Will we fight? Will we toil and strive? Will we root ourselves in the truth of God's word at all time? I pray this will be true. What a hope we have! How gracious of God to give us the ultimate "training manual" in His Word. Let's press on!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Everything Created by God Is Good
1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
I came across the following quote from Matthew Henry and it pretty much sums up this section:
“The Holy Spirit, both in the Old and the New Testament, spoke of a general turning from the faith of Christ, and the pure worship of God. This should come during the Christian dispensation, for those are called the latter days. False teachers forbid as evil what God has allowed, and command as a duty what he has left indifferent. We find exercise for watchfulness and self-denial, in attending to the requirements of God's law, without being tasked to imaginary duties, which reject what he has allowed. But nothing justifies an intemperate or improper use of things; and nothing will be good to us, unless we seek by prayer for the Lord's blessing upon it.”
Everything created by God is for our good and His glory and we are to delight in that truth. I pray that I would always bask in the glory and beauty of God’s creation! What a creative God we serve!
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of falll to the fragrancee of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
-Chris Tomlin
I came across the following quote from Matthew Henry and it pretty much sums up this section:
“The Holy Spirit, both in the Old and the New Testament, spoke of a general turning from the faith of Christ, and the pure worship of God. This should come during the Christian dispensation, for those are called the latter days. False teachers forbid as evil what God has allowed, and command as a duty what he has left indifferent. We find exercise for watchfulness and self-denial, in attending to the requirements of God's law, without being tasked to imaginary duties, which reject what he has allowed. But nothing justifies an intemperate or improper use of things; and nothing will be good to us, unless we seek by prayer for the Lord's blessing upon it.”
Everything created by God is for our good and His glory and we are to delight in that truth. I pray that I would always bask in the glory and beauty of God’s creation! What a creative God we serve!
From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of falll to the fragrancee of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
-Chris Tomlin
1 Timothy 4:1-5
4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, 3 who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
In the previous passage where Paul is rejoicing in the advancement of the gospel, he seeks here to identify the false teachers/teaching. V.1, the way by which the "spirit expressly says" is not clear. It is possible that this is something Holy Spirit had revealed or made clear Paul personally/prophetically. In saying "later times" Paul is referring to the time after Christ's death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Also it is the ones that grab on and latch themselves to false teachings that fall away. They become deceived and their error is demonic.
"The false teaching and resultant apostasy are no surprise. God said this would happen, so his church should not panic but should carry on in faithfulness." - ESVSB. God in His graciousness tells His church that people who do not follow the true gospel will fall away. There hope is grounded in nothing, so they will wither and perish. So, often believers will get scared when they read this, but it should strengthen and encourage us to fight harder and not give ourselves to false doctrines. Paul is saying it heresy is here, be ready fight and stand guard.
V.2, the minds of those that don't stand guard against the poison of false doctrine, become seared. They become close-minded, their minds become ineffective or desensitized to what is wrong. They believe their own lies, not seeing any need for change.
Vs. 3-5. During that time the false teachers were proclaiming the need for denial of certain things. They regarded certain things as "unholy" and if abstained from these things then you would be holy. Paul responds by saying God created everything and has made it Holy through Him. Everything that God created should be seen as a gift from Him. We have the privilege of eating food "made holy" by God. In Genesis when God was creating the earth..."He saw that it was good." Our hearts should be filled with thankfulness for the blessings we are given through God's amazing creation! We are to delight in God and enjoy Him forever. We can do that in marveling at His creation.
"It does not take much imagination to see that the Creator's act of giving and the believer's act of receiving (and enjoying) the gifts of creation are both part of a conscious communication process meant to strengthen the bond between Father and child. Furthermore, the communication is intimate, for only believers (v. 3) can enter fully into it. There are undoubtedly implications here that go beyond the dinner table to include the Christian's appreciation of the environment in general, but the starting point for developing this kind of understanding is the recognition through prayers of thanksgiving of God's gracious provisions. Neither the true gospel nor the life of salvation in this present age calls for ascetic denial. Rather, they encourage responsible use and enjoyment of God's creation." - BGW Commentary
May our hearts always be thankful and amazed at the works of His hand. What a wonderful reminder creation is of how small and finite we are and of how awesome and infinite God is. We are also His creation and "made in His likeness!" Christ's work on the cross enables us to be made Holy and pursue holiness. That is something we should be thankful for! May we constantly be thanking God for everything He has given us! I always find it hard to believe that times when Christians are gathering together and someone asks what are you thankful for or encourages everyone to sing out a song of thankfulness to the Lord, the room is quiet or just a few responses are given. I am speaking to myself, how can I be silent when that question is asked!? I should easily be able to spend the rest of the evening boasting in all of His blessings!
In the previous passage where Paul is rejoicing in the advancement of the gospel, he seeks here to identify the false teachers/teaching. V.1, the way by which the "spirit expressly says" is not clear. It is possible that this is something Holy Spirit had revealed or made clear Paul personally/prophetically. In saying "later times" Paul is referring to the time after Christ's death, resurrection, and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Also it is the ones that grab on and latch themselves to false teachings that fall away. They become deceived and their error is demonic.
"The false teaching and resultant apostasy are no surprise. God said this would happen, so his church should not panic but should carry on in faithfulness." - ESVSB. God in His graciousness tells His church that people who do not follow the true gospel will fall away. There hope is grounded in nothing, so they will wither and perish. So, often believers will get scared when they read this, but it should strengthen and encourage us to fight harder and not give ourselves to false doctrines. Paul is saying it heresy is here, be ready fight and stand guard.
V.2, the minds of those that don't stand guard against the poison of false doctrine, become seared. They become close-minded, their minds become ineffective or desensitized to what is wrong. They believe their own lies, not seeing any need for change.
Vs. 3-5. During that time the false teachers were proclaiming the need for denial of certain things. They regarded certain things as "unholy" and if abstained from these things then you would be holy. Paul responds by saying God created everything and has made it Holy through Him. Everything that God created should be seen as a gift from Him. We have the privilege of eating food "made holy" by God. In Genesis when God was creating the earth..."He saw that it was good." Our hearts should be filled with thankfulness for the blessings we are given through God's amazing creation! We are to delight in God and enjoy Him forever. We can do that in marveling at His creation.
"It does not take much imagination to see that the Creator's act of giving and the believer's act of receiving (and enjoying) the gifts of creation are both part of a conscious communication process meant to strengthen the bond between Father and child. Furthermore, the communication is intimate, for only believers (v. 3) can enter fully into it. There are undoubtedly implications here that go beyond the dinner table to include the Christian's appreciation of the environment in general, but the starting point for developing this kind of understanding is the recognition through prayers of thanksgiving of God's gracious provisions. Neither the true gospel nor the life of salvation in this present age calls for ascetic denial. Rather, they encourage responsible use and enjoyment of God's creation." - BGW Commentary
May our hearts always be thankful and amazed at the works of His hand. What a wonderful reminder creation is of how small and finite we are and of how awesome and infinite God is. We are also His creation and "made in His likeness!" Christ's work on the cross enables us to be made Holy and pursue holiness. That is something we should be thankful for! May we constantly be thanking God for everything He has given us! I always find it hard to believe that times when Christians are gathering together and someone asks what are you thankful for or encourages everyone to sing out a song of thankfulness to the Lord, the room is quiet or just a few responses are given. I am speaking to myself, how can I be silent when that question is asked!? I should easily be able to spend the rest of the evening boasting in all of His blessings!
Friday, October 24, 2008
The Mystery of Godliness
14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
Paul concludes this chapter with a particular direction to Timothy. He hoped to shortly come to him, to give him further directions and assistance in his work, and to see that Christianity was well planted. Paul is instructing Timothy on how to conduct himself in the church. Paul explained the church as "a pillar and buttress of truth," one that "builds up" the gospel. I hope this is my attitude in the church as well! I pray that I would be one to "build up" my church for the glory of God and the gospel. May I realize how little I am in comparison to Christ’s majesty and glory!
While reading these verses I kept thinking of the hymn “How Deep the Father’s Love” In particular the following lines:
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
John 3:16- “For God so love the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
To make a wretch His treasure
Romans 5:8- “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
“Christianity is a mystery, a mystery that could not have been found out by reason or the light of nature and which cannot be comprehended by reason, because it is above reason. What is the mystery of godliness? The mystery of godliness is that He is God manifest in the flesh. He is justified in the Spirit, He was seen of angels, He is preached unto the Gentiles, He was believed on in the world so that He was not preached in vain, and He was received up into glory.” –Matthew Henry
Christ is a GREAT mystery! May I humbly adore and believe in Him! I can’t comprehend His love for me and by His grace I am now set FREE!
Paul concludes this chapter with a particular direction to Timothy. He hoped to shortly come to him, to give him further directions and assistance in his work, and to see that Christianity was well planted. Paul is instructing Timothy on how to conduct himself in the church. Paul explained the church as "a pillar and buttress of truth," one that "builds up" the gospel. I hope this is my attitude in the church as well! I pray that I would be one to "build up" my church for the glory of God and the gospel. May I realize how little I am in comparison to Christ’s majesty and glory!
While reading these verses I kept thinking of the hymn “How Deep the Father’s Love” In particular the following lines:
How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure
That He should give His only Son
John 3:16- “For God so love the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
To make a wretch His treasure
Romans 5:8- “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
“Christianity is a mystery, a mystery that could not have been found out by reason or the light of nature and which cannot be comprehended by reason, because it is above reason. What is the mystery of godliness? The mystery of godliness is that He is God manifest in the flesh. He is justified in the Spirit, He was seen of angels, He is preached unto the Gentiles, He was believed on in the world so that He was not preached in vain, and He was received up into glory.” –Matthew Henry
Christ is a GREAT mystery! May I humbly adore and believe in Him! I can’t comprehend His love for me and by His grace I am now set FREE!
What a Glorious Mystery!
The Mystery of Godliness
14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh,vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
In verse 14 Paul shares his hope and desire to visit. But what was more important to him, was the truths that he was writing about. He want Timothy to understand what was most important, where his trust should be, and where his faith was to be grounded. Paul wants Timothy to live in godliness and to know that God is his strength. In verse 15, he is stressing the importance of the Church. The passage describes the church as God's family, especially with reference to authority and responsibility within the Church and the home. The focus is on God's authority over the church and the behavior of people in the church. It is a gathering where God clearly manifests His presence to His people. He is "living" thus active among His people, not distant. Paul's reference to the Church being a "pillar and buttress of the truth" is an encouragement to "hold up" the gospel before the world and defend against the attacks of false teaching. Pillar and buttress's are strong and an integral and important part of architecture, they have to be strong, because of what they are holding up. We as the Church must not take lightly what we have freely been given!
V.16: He was manifested in the flesh,vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. This refers to God glorious revealed plan of salvation! It is truly great and beyond comprehension. Paul is reminding Timothy of the life of Christ and affirming His power and who He was. Why would Christ come to save me a sinner!?! It something I will never fully comprehend, but it does make my heart rejoice and more amazed at God's infinite love!
"Consequently, Paul's readers are reminded of their confession that the first advent of Christ introduced a new way of life in the present age. The hymn combines snapshots of important points of that past appearance (lines 1, 2, 3, 6) with references to the salvation introduced by that event (lines 4, 5). The appearance of the God-man is the essence of the new lifestyle (godliness) that, Paul urges, must characterize the church as it gathers for worship and when it relates with the world. Our confession of Christ is our acknowledgment of the call to service and godly living." - BGW Commentary
What an amazing gift we have been given! What an amazing call we have received! What an amazing God we get to serve! OH! WHAT A GLORIOUS MYSTERY!
Who can comprehend
Your holy ways O Lord
Your glorious power without end
From which the stars were born
How could we ever understand
The moving of Your hand?
How could we ever come to grasp
The One who never began?
Oh, what a glorious mystery You are
Oh, what a glorious mystery You are
Though we only see in part
You’ve completely won our hearts
Oh, what a glorious mystery You are
Who can comprehend
Your gracious mercy Lord
Great loving kindness that would send
A Savior to be born?
Why would you, Jesus, die for us
Who cursed Your perfect name?
Why would You come to reconcile
Those who caused Your shame?
- Stephen Altrogee (SGM Music)
14 I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, 15 if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. 16 Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness:
He was manifested in the flesh,vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
In verse 14 Paul shares his hope and desire to visit. But what was more important to him, was the truths that he was writing about. He want Timothy to understand what was most important, where his trust should be, and where his faith was to be grounded. Paul wants Timothy to live in godliness and to know that God is his strength. In verse 15, he is stressing the importance of the Church. The passage describes the church as God's family, especially with reference to authority and responsibility within the Church and the home. The focus is on God's authority over the church and the behavior of people in the church. It is a gathering where God clearly manifests His presence to His people. He is "living" thus active among His people, not distant. Paul's reference to the Church being a "pillar and buttress of the truth" is an encouragement to "hold up" the gospel before the world and defend against the attacks of false teaching. Pillar and buttress's are strong and an integral and important part of architecture, they have to be strong, because of what they are holding up. We as the Church must not take lightly what we have freely been given!
V.16: He was manifested in the flesh,vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. This refers to God glorious revealed plan of salvation! It is truly great and beyond comprehension. Paul is reminding Timothy of the life of Christ and affirming His power and who He was. Why would Christ come to save me a sinner!?! It something I will never fully comprehend, but it does make my heart rejoice and more amazed at God's infinite love!
"Consequently, Paul's readers are reminded of their confession that the first advent of Christ introduced a new way of life in the present age. The hymn combines snapshots of important points of that past appearance (lines 1, 2, 3, 6) with references to the salvation introduced by that event (lines 4, 5). The appearance of the God-man is the essence of the new lifestyle (godliness) that, Paul urges, must characterize the church as it gathers for worship and when it relates with the world. Our confession of Christ is our acknowledgment of the call to service and godly living." - BGW Commentary
What an amazing gift we have been given! What an amazing call we have received! What an amazing God we get to serve! OH! WHAT A GLORIOUS MYSTERY!
Who can comprehend
Your holy ways O Lord
Your glorious power without end
From which the stars were born
How could we ever understand
The moving of Your hand?
How could we ever come to grasp
The One who never began?
Oh, what a glorious mystery You are
Oh, what a glorious mystery You are
Though we only see in part
You’ve completely won our hearts
Oh, what a glorious mystery You are
Who can comprehend
Your gracious mercy Lord
Great loving kindness that would send
A Savior to be born?
Why would you, Jesus, die for us
Who cursed Your perfect name?
Why would You come to reconcile
Those who caused Your shame?
- Stephen Altrogee (SGM Music)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Be Qualified
Qualifications for Overseers
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
Qualifications for Deacons
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
This is definitely something that an all men should seek. Especially those who desire to be pillars in the Church. These are things that I want to strive for. It is a good passage for a healthy evaluation of oneself. These things should be what we want. The opposite of these things are opposite of the what gospel has freed us to do/be. The opposite of these things are what can tear a Church apart. I pray that myself and the men of our Churches both young and old alike, be sober-minded and take seriously what we have been given in Christ. Let us serve well to bring honor and glory to God!
The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. 4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church? 6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
Qualifications for Deacons
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. 9 They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. 11 Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. 12 Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. 13 For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
This is definitely something that an all men should seek. Especially those who desire to be pillars in the Church. These are things that I want to strive for. It is a good passage for a healthy evaluation of oneself. These things should be what we want. The opposite of these things are opposite of the what gospel has freed us to do/be. The opposite of these things are what can tear a Church apart. I pray that myself and the men of our Churches both young and old alike, be sober-minded and take seriously what we have been given in Christ. Let us serve well to bring honor and glory to God!
Qualifications for Overseers
1 The saying is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. 2 Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
Paul is saying, if anyone desires to take on the task of being an overseer of a Church than he is desiring an admiral task and he must be ready for it! He must be one that is humble and teachable, one that realizes he is just as great of a sinner as the one’s he is teaching and overseeing. I’m so grateful for the “overseers” of our churches that display and live out these qualities daily. We are richly blessed!
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?
John Piper does an excellent job of explaining these two verses:
He must manage his own household well…
“What Paul is saying is that the way a man manages his own household is a good test of whether he can provide what the church really needs, namely, leadership that has a caring heart, and a caring heart that has the strength to lead.”
“If he succeeds, he will be judged more fit for church leadership, and if he fails, he will be judged unfit for church leadership. The fathers are addressed and the fathers are responsible for the children’s submissiveness and respect.”
With all dignity keeping his children submissive….
“The Bible says that children are responsible to honor and obey their parents. (Ephesians 6:1) If they don’t, there will be trouble, and if they do, there will be reward. Children are addressed and children are responsible for their submissiveness and respect.”
How are we to put these two things together: that the children are responsible to obey, and that the fathers are responsible to have obedient children?
“Children are responsible before God to honor, and obey, and respect, and be submissive to their parents. And parents—especially fathers—are responsible to have honoring, obedient, respectful, and submissive children.”
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
He must be mature in his faith and have a right standing with God before going into the ministry. He must bear much fruit in his life and others lives. He must be one that is viewed as a means of grace to others. He should not be one that would bring others into sinful temptation. Though Paul is speaking directly to overseers of the Church, this is something that we should all take to heart as well. We have all been instructed to “build” each other up with encouragement to further our relationships with God. (Ephesians 4:29) Just as Paul instructed the overseers of the Church, we should not be a temptation to others! If we are being a temptation to others, than we need to check our own hearts and see where the "root" of that temptation is coming from!
Paul is saying, if anyone desires to take on the task of being an overseer of a Church than he is desiring an admiral task and he must be ready for it! He must be one that is humble and teachable, one that realizes he is just as great of a sinner as the one’s he is teaching and overseeing. I’m so grateful for the “overseers” of our churches that display and live out these qualities daily. We are richly blessed!
4 He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, 5 for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God's church?
John Piper does an excellent job of explaining these two verses:
He must manage his own household well…
“What Paul is saying is that the way a man manages his own household is a good test of whether he can provide what the church really needs, namely, leadership that has a caring heart, and a caring heart that has the strength to lead.”
“If he succeeds, he will be judged more fit for church leadership, and if he fails, he will be judged unfit for church leadership. The fathers are addressed and the fathers are responsible for the children’s submissiveness and respect.”
With all dignity keeping his children submissive….
“The Bible says that children are responsible to honor and obey their parents. (Ephesians 6:1) If they don’t, there will be trouble, and if they do, there will be reward. Children are addressed and children are responsible for their submissiveness and respect.”
How are we to put these two things together: that the children are responsible to obey, and that the fathers are responsible to have obedient children?
“Children are responsible before God to honor, and obey, and respect, and be submissive to their parents. And parents—especially fathers—are responsible to have honoring, obedient, respectful, and submissive children.”
6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.
He must be mature in his faith and have a right standing with God before going into the ministry. He must bear much fruit in his life and others lives. He must be one that is viewed as a means of grace to others. He should not be one that would bring others into sinful temptation. Though Paul is speaking directly to overseers of the Church, this is something that we should all take to heart as well. We have all been instructed to “build” each other up with encouragement to further our relationships with God. (Ephesians 4:29) Just as Paul instructed the overseers of the Church, we should not be a temptation to others! If we are being a temptation to others, than we need to check our own hearts and see where the "root" of that temptation is coming from!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Pray For All
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people,2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
All of these are different ways to worship and pray. He uses all these terms I think to stress the importance of prayer in general. Another interesting point is that he says "for all people," even for our enemies/those who sin against us. We need to be lifting those in authority over us up, whether it be our government officials, pastor's, parents, or bosses. It is sometimes hard for us to do this, because of our pride we are tempted not to pray for these individuals, because we like to be in control. Living a "peaceful and quiet life, godly, and dignified" life is a sharp contrast to how the false prophets live. It is a life that commends and reflects the gospel that has changed us. It is a humble life, that brings more glory to God than self.
3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
If something is good and pleasing to God, than it is definitely something we should abide by. We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light, lets live like that! Verse 4 is call to evangelism. This passage is often misinterpreted as meaning that everyone will be saved (universalism).
"It cannot be read as suggesting that everyone will be saved (universalism) because the rest of the letter makes it clear that some will not be saved (4:1; 5:24; 6:10; cf. Matt. 25:30, 41, 46; Rev. 14:9–11). Does that mean God desires something (all people being saved) that he cannot fulfill? Both Arminian and Calvinist theologians respond that God “desires” something more than universal salvation. Arminians hold that God's greater desire is to preserve genuine human freedom (which is necessary for genuine love) and therefore he must allow that some may choose to reject his offer of salvation. Calvinists hold that God's greater desire is to display the full range of his glory (Rom. 9:22–23), which results in election depending upon the freedom of his mercy and not upon human choice (Rom. 9:15–18). However one understands the extent of the atonement, this passage clearly teaches the free and universal offer of the gospel to every single human being; “desires” shows that this offer is a bona fide expression of God's good will." - ESV Study Bible
We as believers need to be faithful and share the gospel, knowing that God is going before us. He gives us the words to say and desires that people be saved.
5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Christ is the only way to God. He redeemed us from the bondage of sin! He freely ransomed us, when we repented and committed our lives to him, we gained access to the Father. I am thankful that my eyes were opened and He allowed me to respond to His call. A ransom is typically not a small amount, in this case it required death! I am AMAZED that Christ would lay down His perfect life for me! Do you reflect on this daily? Are awed by this fact? How does this make you live your life? Does it bring joy?!
8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;
This verse is addressing specific concerns for the men. Anger and quarreling do not demonstrate a humble attitude. When I get angry or quarrel it is because I usually want something that I am not getting or getting quick enough. Anger distracts us from what we should be doing. Paul is encouraging us to pray in peace. When we are angry it hurts others and can lead to quarreling. The only thing I should be angry at is my sin, not when things are not going my way. How gracious of God to show me mercy and not bear His Holy wrath on me.
The following 7 verse are direct toward the women:
9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
Candace did an excellent job explaining these verses, I will let you read her post. I know I speak for the guys in our churches that it is a blessing that the women in our churches dress modestly. It reflects a humble spirit one that shows godliness. What a blessing it is to have women who seek to honor God and bring attention to Him, rather than self.
All of these are different ways to worship and pray. He uses all these terms I think to stress the importance of prayer in general. Another interesting point is that he says "for all people," even for our enemies/those who sin against us. We need to be lifting those in authority over us up, whether it be our government officials, pastor's, parents, or bosses. It is sometimes hard for us to do this, because of our pride we are tempted not to pray for these individuals, because we like to be in control. Living a "peaceful and quiet life, godly, and dignified" life is a sharp contrast to how the false prophets live. It is a life that commends and reflects the gospel that has changed us. It is a humble life, that brings more glory to God than self.
3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
If something is good and pleasing to God, than it is definitely something we should abide by. We have been called out of darkness into His marvelous light, lets live like that! Verse 4 is call to evangelism. This passage is often misinterpreted as meaning that everyone will be saved (universalism).
"It cannot be read as suggesting that everyone will be saved (universalism) because the rest of the letter makes it clear that some will not be saved (4:1; 5:24; 6:10; cf. Matt. 25:30, 41, 46; Rev. 14:9–11). Does that mean God desires something (all people being saved) that he cannot fulfill? Both Arminian and Calvinist theologians respond that God “desires” something more than universal salvation. Arminians hold that God's greater desire is to preserve genuine human freedom (which is necessary for genuine love) and therefore he must allow that some may choose to reject his offer of salvation. Calvinists hold that God's greater desire is to display the full range of his glory (Rom. 9:22–23), which results in election depending upon the freedom of his mercy and not upon human choice (Rom. 9:15–18). However one understands the extent of the atonement, this passage clearly teaches the free and universal offer of the gospel to every single human being; “desires” shows that this offer is a bona fide expression of God's good will." - ESV Study Bible
We as believers need to be faithful and share the gospel, knowing that God is going before us. He gives us the words to say and desires that people be saved.
5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
Christ is the only way to God. He redeemed us from the bondage of sin! He freely ransomed us, when we repented and committed our lives to him, we gained access to the Father. I am thankful that my eyes were opened and He allowed me to respond to His call. A ransom is typically not a small amount, in this case it required death! I am AMAZED that Christ would lay down His perfect life for me! Do you reflect on this daily? Are awed by this fact? How does this make you live your life? Does it bring joy?!
8 I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;
This verse is addressing specific concerns for the men. Anger and quarreling do not demonstrate a humble attitude. When I get angry or quarrel it is because I usually want something that I am not getting or getting quick enough. Anger distracts us from what we should be doing. Paul is encouraging us to pray in peace. When we are angry it hurts others and can lead to quarreling. The only thing I should be angry at is my sin, not when things are not going my way. How gracious of God to show me mercy and not bear His Holy wrath on me.
The following 7 verse are direct toward the women:
9 likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, 10 but with what is proper for women who profess godliness—with good works. 11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve; 14 and Adam was not deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a transgressor. 15 Yet she will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control.
Candace did an excellent job explaining these verses, I will let you read her post. I know I speak for the guys in our churches that it is a blessing that the women in our churches dress modestly. It reflects a humble spirit one that shows godliness. What a blessing it is to have women who seek to honor God and bring attention to Him, rather than self.
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