Month: March 2023

I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵ if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in GOD’S HOUSEHOLD, WHICH IS THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD, THE PILLAR AND FOUNDATION OF THE TRUTH. 1 Timothy 3

God’s description of the Church, ‘the Pillar and Foundation (both carry and support the whole building) of the Truth’. Any deviation or compromise from Truth is a serious betrayal of God’s Calling.

We looked yesterday at Paul’s list of qualifications to be an overseer 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Character traits (6), Gifting, able to teach (1), Negatives, must not be or do (4), Lifestyle evidence (4). Interestingly the only Gifting requirement is ability to teach, establish the Truth in the body, in general the list is much more character based. We often meet people today who emphasise their gifting, how much they’ll be able to accomplish, but rarely character. When God rejected all David’s older brothers He made a telling remark about His judgement versus man’s,

⁷ But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16

Perhaps we shouldn’t look only at the outward successes, but more on the inner character of those we seek to appoint.

The second section of this chapter deals with the appointment of Deacons and is very similar to those for an overseer, but with some differences.

It says explicitly that Deacons, ‘must be tested’ and called to service when found blameless.

¹¹ In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

Wives of Deacons are specifically mentioned as partners in the work of the Church.

Finally there is a double Promise for those who serve well as Deacons,

¹³ Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3

We noted that Paul speaking by the Spirit, said, ‘the Church is the Pillar and Foundation of the Truth’. The ending of the chapter, (chapter breaks inserted later by men) draws all back to the Lord AND EVERYTHING IS PAST TENSE, and therefore cannot be undone or changed in any way.

¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great:

Paul’s checklist to Timothy for approval of an overseer, or bishop. 1 Timothy 3:1-7

N.B. Note Well, It’s often easier to appoint people to a position than to get them out! Positions or offices appeal to egos.

Paul wanted to come to Ephesus himself, but in the event he was delayed, 1 Tim. 3:15, he gave Timothy and us some Spirit inspired guidelines.

3 Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task (PERHAPS WHY GOD IS SO PATIENT WITH US). ² Now the overseer is to be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable (OTHERS WELCOME), able to teach, (TO ESTABLISH TRUTH IN THE BODY, AND THE ONLY GIFT REQUIRED!) 1 Timothy 3

It is quite true to say that a man who sets his heart on holding office has laudable ambition. Well, for the office of a bishop a man must be of blameless reputation, he must be married to one wife only, and be a man of self-control and discretion. He must be a man of disciplined life; he must be hospitable and have the gift of teaching. 1 Timothy 3, PHILLIPS (PHPS)

, ³ NOT given to drunkenness, NOT violent but gentle, NOT quarrelsome, NOT a lover of money. 

He must be neither intemperate nor violent, but gentle. He must not be a controversialist nor must he be fond of money-grabbing. PHPS

Just as with the Bible’s definition of ‘Love’, 1 Corinthians 13, there are certain things that a leader in the Church must NOT Be or Do.

⁴ He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. ⁵ (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)

He must have proper authority in his own household, and be able to control and command the respect of his children. (For if a man cannot rule in his own house how can he look after the Church of God?). PHPS

Paul and the Bible are quite practical, it has to be working inside our family before it will ever work in the wider Church family.

⁶ He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.

He must not be a new believer, lest the position go to his head and the Devil trip him up. MSG

I like the wording of the MESSAGE (MSG) Translation, believers younger in their Faith may be open to pride if promoted too soon.

 ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap. 1 Timothy 3

He should, in addition to the above qualifications, have a good reputation with the outside world, in case his good name is attacked and he is caught by the devil that way. PHPS

Many people have one face in the Church, but unfortunately a different one in our jobs and the wider community. We’re deceiving ourselves! God sees it all and so do the people around us, both above and below us. It’s not about perfection but we must be real, not hypocritical in all areas of life.

In the early Celtic Church, the higher the position, the greater the need to be a servant. (Restoring the Woven Cord, Michael Mitton). Unfortunately in the western Church today, many seek to rise in influence for their own benefit and ‘God sees the heart.’

God bless and keep you today.

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving BE MADE FOR ALL PEOPLE – ² FOR KINGS AND ALL THOSE IN AUTHORITY, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2

The first thing to say is that our prayers can literally determine people’s destiny and that’s true of the poorest believers. As God’s Children we have a unique position before the Creator of the Universe to make petition on behalf of others. Despite our favoured position, we are often silent before our King. Selah – pause and consider.

⁸ Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, LIFTING UP HOLY HANDS WITHOUT ANGER OR DISPUTING. 1 Timothy 2

‘Lifting up and looking up’ to heaven to invite God into numerous situations where He can bring change if He’s asked. (Your will be done on earth as in heaven) But Paul speaks of a hindrance to our prayers, namely ‘Anger and disputing’. Anger is an attitude, disputing involves our relationship with others, perhaps, but not always believers, where all our bodily unity has been destroyed. Another scripture regarding hindrance to prayer, much closer to home;

⁷ Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and AS HEIRS WITH YOU OF THE ‘GRACIOUS GIFT OF LIFE’, SO THAT NOTHING WILL HINDER YOUR PRAYERS. 1 Peter 3

Our Relationships May influence our prayers before the throne of God, so let’s ‘stay sweet in our souls’!

The next verse in 1 Timothy 2 seems quite different, it’s about modesty in dress;

⁹ I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, ¹⁰ but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. 1 Timothy 2

I listened online to a prophet not long ago who touched on both of these matters. He was going down a prayer line and his attention was drawn to a lady he hadn’t reached yet. He asked the pastor who she was and was told that that she was head of the intercessory team for the church. The prophet knew she was demonised and picking up her revelation from the enemy. The devil had targeted and gained control of a strategic office in the Church.

In another situation the praise team were ‘dancing on stage’ and drawing the attention of the male members in the meeting away from spiritual matters.

Paul wrote to Timothy about both of these matters in the early Ephesian church, but both of them are still very relevant at the present time. We do need to exercise and heed our discernment in things of the Spirit and steer well clear of unhealthy influences.

³ The prudent see danger and take refuge,
    but the simple keep going and suffer for it. Proverbs 22

God bless and keep you today.

 

 

¹² I THANK Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. ¹³ Even though I was once a BLASPHEMER and a PERSECUTOR and a VIOLENT MAN, I WAS SHOWN MERCY because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 1 Timothy 1

PAUL WAS THANKFUL TO THE LORD for appointing him to His service. Paul had gone through a lot of abuse and suffering by the time he wrote these letters, yet he REMAINED THANKFUL TO GOD. I believe THANKFULNESS IS KEY to keeping our hearts true to the Lord. In a recent meeting a man of God said several times, ‘the thankful soul will receive a Double Portion’. Jesus blessed the only man, and he was a Samaritan, who returned to Thank Him for his healing. Luke 17:12-19

Paul remembered the sort of man he had been, probably always remained with him, before he met the Lord on the road to Damascus. Despite it all, he’d been shown mercy and chosen to declare God’s love and goodness towards all people.

¹⁸ Timothy, MY SON, I am giving you this instruction IN KEEPING  WITH THE PROPHECIES ONCE MADE ABOUT YOU, SO THAT BY RECALLING THEM YOU MAY FIGHT THE BATTLE WELL, ¹⁹ HOLDING ON TO FAITH AND A GOOD CONSCIENCE, which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith. 1 Timothy 1

Paul’s next instruction to Timothy begins by stating his affection for the younger man. This wasn’t just a list of instructions, but he was telling Timothy things which would be helpful to him as his spiritual son. ‘Remember the prophecies made about you.’ Use those words spoken about you through the Spirit to help you fight and win the battle you’re in. Paul knew that Timothy would face opposition and since prophecy is to, ‘strengthen, encourage and comfort us’ (1 Corinthians 14:3) he urged him to lay hold of those personal words.

Prophetic words should be present and future oriented. They can give us direction for the present, but also at times point the way far into the future. King David was told that he would one day be the ruler of Israel, but there was a lengthy preparation time involved.

At the meeting I spoke of earlier, someone received a word from two people about their need to REST in the present time. An up to date word with Godly wisdom for their situation. God cares about the needs of His servants/children and sometimes their needs take precedence.

Wishing everyone a blessed and happy Saint Patrick’s Day from the Emerald Isle.

God bless and keep you today.

 

 

³ As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines any longer ⁴ or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. 1 Timothy 1

Timothy was not always at Paul’s side, he was told to stay and correct harmful issues that had arisen in the Church in Ephesus. Sooner or later in any mentoring (better, Fathering or Parenting) relationship we’ll be called upon to take responsibility ourselves.

Paul tells Timothy to ‘Command certain people’ to stop teaching false doctrines, they were harming the people by what they said.

In 19th century America, it was a staple of Sunday morning sermons: “As one bad apple spoils the others, so you must show no quarter to sin or sinners.”

Benjamin Franklin had it as “the rotten apple spoils his companion,” which goes back to Shakespeare’s time. (Quotes by Geoff Nunberg on npr)

Timothy’s Job was to ‘stop the rot’ in the Church in Ephesus and he was told to Exercise His Authority to do it. A bit further on in the letter Paul emphasises this strongly, perhaps Timothy wasn’t forceful by nature, but Paul told him that’s what was necessary.

¹¹ Command and teach these things. ¹² Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4

Being Forceful is not something everyone finds easy, but for the sake of those we have responsibility for, it may be the right answer.

Paul knew that these people wanted to be teachers of the Law, but they ‘didn’t know what they were talking about… or so confidently affirm’. They desired positions of influence within the body, but they were causing harm.

¹⁶ By their fruit you will recognise them. Do people pick grapes from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles? ¹⁷ Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. ¹⁸ A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ¹⁹ Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. ²⁰ Thus, by their fruit you will recognise them. Matthew 7

Paul was under no illusion and neither should we be, wrong influences will be harmful. (teaching and/or prophecy in a church but many influences in life) He told Timothy to use his authority and stop it to protect the believers in Ephesus.

Better to cut off the source of the poison, than allow it to infect the whole body. Unfortunately the longer we delay, the worse it may become.

God bless and keep you today.

The growing Church was in a very FLUID situation (Fluid – likely to Change, often repeatedly and unexpectedly).

Acts 15 was mainly concerned with the Council of Jerusalem and the reversal of the false decree that new believers must be circumcised and keep the law of Moses. The ruling of the Council sought to re-establish peace and order among the new believers.

²⁴ We have heard that some went out from us without our authorisation and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. ²⁵ So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul – … ²⁸ It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: ²⁹ You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Acts 15

The chapter then ends with the dispute between Paul and Barnabas and their subsequent separation. Paul and Silas left for Derbe and Lystra, where they met Timothy, (means Honouring God). The Book of Acts alternates between the relationships within the corporate body and the personal relationships of believers.

The Bible includes a Character Reference of Timothy by those who knew and shared fellowship with him. Many times Society today seeks Character References, jobs, loans etc. Yet the Church today is very motivated by the gifts people have. God still expects Character in those who love and serve Him! The Lord desires to have a pure Bride, before His return.

² The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Acts 16

Paul and Barnabas had opposed those believers from the group of the Pharisees who demanded keeping law and circumcision.  Yet Paul had to circumcise Timothy, Greek father, in order to minister in the synagogues he visited. Timothy’s Calling had a personal Challenge right at the outset.

⁴ As they travelled from town to town, they DELIVERED THE DECISIONS reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. ⁵ So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers.

The apostles exercised Governmental Authority as they visited the different groups of believers, Churches. This is often overlooked because the Spirit moved in such great power, but those decisions gave the body unity and cohesion. It’s notable that verse 5, on the growth of the churches, comes after the relaying of the central body’s decisions. The present day Church will undoubtedly face similar challenges when the Spirit begins to move in greater measure.

God bless and keep you today.

 

16 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believerbut whose father was a Greek. ² The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. ³ Paul wanted to take him along on the journey, Acts 16

Timothy was already a disciple and had a believing Jewish mother when Paul came to Derbe and Lystra. This is the first time we hear of Timothy in the Word and it was in connection with Paul — it set the course of his future life. Young people especially, should never underestimate the value of growing up in loving Christian homes and having Christian friends.

¹ Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the one who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, their plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather. Psalm 1:1 Amplified Classic Bible (AMPC)

1 Oh, the joys of those who do not follow evil men’s advice, who do not hang around with sinners, scoffing at the things of God. ² But they delight in doing everything God wants them to, and day and night are always meditating on his laws and thinking about ways to follow him more closely. Psalm 1 The Living Bible (TLB)

I look back on my own life and see the influence of Godly men and women whom I met at different stages of my Christian walk. Even with the good counsel and encouragement I received, it was still so easy to wander from the right path. The enemy attacks the youth to try and get them unto his paths of destruction, before they can find the Lord’s way for them. Young people are in great need of our prayers to find God’s direction and purpose for their lives.

⁶ For the Lord knows and is fully acquainted with the way of the righteous, Psalm 1 AMPC

⁶ For the Lord watches over all the plans and paths of godly men, Psalm 1 TLB

The good news is that God watches over the path of His loved ones. Timothy was already a disciple when he met Paul, but it was then that he began to walk out God’s Call on his life.

I believe that God gives many opportunities in a life for people to turn to him, for example in the parable of the Prodigal Son, the Father was watching and waiting for the son to turn to him. He’s always waiting to receive us in love and forgiveness when we turn to Him.

May God bless and keep you today.

³⁶ Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, ‘Let us go back and visit the believers in all the towns where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.’ ³⁷ Barnabas wanted to take John, also called Mark, with them, ³⁸ but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. ³⁹ They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, ⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and left, … ⁴¹ He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15

Was it right for Paul and Barnabas who’d done so much together for the Gospel to separate? We don’t know, but it seems that the Holy Spirit acknowledged their decision and didn’t intervene. Believers can separate even at the highest level and God gives us free will to choose. This disagreement forms the backdrop for the introduction of Timothy, who would become a key New Testament figure alongside Paul.

16 Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where A DISCIPLE NAMED TIMOTHY LIVED, WHOSE MOTHER WAS JEWISH AND A ‘BELIEVER’ BUT WHOSE FATHER WAS A GREEK. Acts 16:1

Timothy (Greek, Timo Theos, means HONOURING GOD)

In Irish, Gaelic, the name for Timothy  is Tadhg, meaning ‘poet or philosopher’. (Tadhg Furlong is a world class front row prop on the current Irish Rugby team). Lastly, I remember my father showing me a straight piece of grass, long stem with many seeds on top and telling me it was called Timothy. Named after an American farmer, Timothy Hansen who introduced it to Carolina from New York c1720. (It was sweet to chew, maybe that’s why I remember it.)

² The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Acts 16

I believe Timothy was like the grass, he was an upright man. Paul wanted to add him to the team, but his father was a Greek and that wouldn’t be acceptable among the Jewish believers. His mother was Jewish and also a believer in the Lord. Paul had to circumcise Timothy, in order to take him along with him. There has to be a oneness with those we’re sharing Christ with and much of today’s Church can’t bridge that divide, but a new generation of believers is coming. Timothy paid the price to accompany Paul on his journey.

⁴⁰ but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord. ⁴¹ He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Acts 15

⁴ As they travelled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey. ⁵ So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in numbers. Acts 16

THE CHURCH in Acts was always a growing Church and Paul sought to strengthen their faith wherever he went. Jerusalem was still the central decision making part of the body on earth and Paul carried their decisions to the scattered groups of believers. He was the Lord’s chosen instrument for His newly birthed Church.

Immanuel, Stay Strong, God is with us.

³⁴ When Jesus saw that he had answered WISELY, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12

A WISE ANSWER makes us stand out and may open doors to us!

Jesus, Son of God, complimented some people on their answers. The Canaanite woman pleading for her daughter and the centurion with the sick servant.

²⁷ ‘Yes it is, Lord,’ she said. ‘Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.’

²⁸ Then Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, you have great faith! Your request is granted.’ And her daughter was healed at that moment. Matthew 15

⁸ The centurion replied, “Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. ⁹ For I myself am a man under authority, Matthew 8:8

Even the Son of God paid tribute to people who answered well, how much more will people around us.

16 The plans of the heart belong to man,
But the reply of the tongue is from the Lord. Proverbs 16

²⁶ An honest answer
    is like a kiss on the lips. Proverbs 24

¹¹ A word fitly spoken is like
  apples of gold in settings of silver (Precious). Proverbs 25

The Book of Proverbs in the Wisdom writings also put much emphasis on the mouth/lips and the reply of the tongue.

Jesus gave a specific promise to people who were going to face persecution, that the Spirit would guide their answers. Could the Lord bless us with answers at other times when we need them in our lives?

¹¹ Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit. Mark 13:11

Call upon Me and I will answer you … Jeremiah 33:3

Call upon God for His answers to be on your lips today.

God bless and keep you.

God is constantly working to degrade the old carnal, fleshly nature in us and release the life of His Son.

³⁹ I did not bring you animals torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss myself. And you demanded payment from me for whatever was stolen by day or night (Tough conditions). ⁴⁰ This was my situation: The heat consumed me in the daytime and the cold at night, and sleep fled from my eyes. ⁴¹ It was like this for the twenty years I was in your household. …and you changed my wages ten times. Genesis 31

Jacob spent twenty difficult years working for his uncle Laban, God’s character school for the one who’d taken his brother’s birthright and blessing. God used ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES to mould and shape the father of His people.

¹⁷ As iron sharpens iron,
    so one person sharpens another. Proverbs 27

In the rough and tumble of daily living God is preparing the Believer for His plan and purpose for our lives. Others go through similar trials without the protective Hand of the Lord on them.

²⁴ So Jacob was left alone, and a man wrestled with him till daybreak. ²⁵ When the man saw that he could not overpower him, he touched the socket of Jacob’s hip so that his hip was wrenched as he wrestled with the man. ²⁶ Then the man said, ‘Let me go, for it is daybreak.’

But Jacob replied, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’ Genesis 32

Jacob was all alone in the night and wrestled with a man until daybreak. Jacob was determined to get a blessing, he struggled with this man all through the night. Sometimes it feels like we’re ‘wrestling in the darkness’ but if we persevere and push through the struggles God can bless us. But part of the blessing brought Jacob to a place of absolute weakness, with a dislocated hip, before he met his brother Esau with his 400 men.

God uses the affairs of life to mould and shape us, but at times He may touch something deep in our lives so that we’re left with no choice but to depend on Him. Jacob, now Israel, had struggled with man and God, but before he set foot in the Promised Land again his physical strength was greatly weakened.

The moment when we feel at our weakest may be the moment when we’re closest to stepping into God’s fullest plan for our lives!

God bless and keep you today.