QT 31 May 16, 1 Tim 3:1-2a, Leadership is a NOBLE task in the church

1 Tim 3:1-2a (ESV) 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, …

NOTE: At first, Paul seems to be using a shotgun (attacking a lot of targets not necessarily related), but on further thought, he really is discussing proper church dynamics. He has discussed teaching, authority, roles, and now church leadership. The first point about leadership is very important -- it is not bad to desire spiritual leadership, it is a noble task. But, one does not aspire to leadership for personal reasons, but to serve others. Which is why the most important criteria is to be above reproach. In my mind, that means that there are no hidden agendas or prideful purposes. The individual wants to lead because he wants to serve the body. That is the big (huge) difference in the church. Leadership is about serving. It is not about titles or puffing up one's resume, it is about others. The desire to lead is based on a love for people. It requires a transformed life that Jesus has shaped and sculpted for the role. It is a very noble task and should not be entered without great prayer and humility.

QT 30 May 16, 1 Tim 2:11-14, Roles aren't meant to communicate one is better than another

1 Tim 2:11-14 (ESV) 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.

NOTE: This passage poses a great difficulty to many. But that has to do more with the application than a logical view of what it is really saying. In the garden, the serpent started the dialogue with the woman, even though the Genesis passage indicates the man was right next to her during the whole sequence of events. Satan's focus on her even suggests that she was the authority. She was just as smart as the man, but, as we will find out later, she had better communications skills and was more in tune with her emotions. Because of her being deceived by Satan spiritually, God gave the role of leadership in the home to the man. We do seem to hate pre-defined roles, don't we?  The event in the garden and the passage in 1 Timothy are both primarily spiritual. God gave the role of spiritual leadership to the man. Man, as evidenced in the garden, man can be quick to give over his role if another can do it as well or better. For most men in our society, the woman is the spiritual lead in the family, and with disastrous consequences. Not because they cannot do a good job but because of the man's stubbornness. The woman may command the children but she will struggle to control the man, and the result is that her children, especially boys, will see spirituality as a feminine thing and not a masculine ideal. Similarly when men see women pastoring churches, it reinforces the fact that it is not necessary for the man to lead, women can do just as good a job. They probably can, but that is not why God created different roles. We undermine man's role when we allow women to teach the men. Paul's argument is not against women. He is against men sloughing their responsibilities because they see women doing the job well. God knew that ultimately women as spiritual leaders would detrimentally affect the family. And so he created roles not to say one is better than the other, but to protect the family.

QT 27 May 16, 1 Tim 2:8-10 (ESV), Kindness is a key attribute of our witness

1 Tim 2:8-10 (ESV) I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; 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.

NOTE: So men need to be kind and not argumentative, and women need to be modest and attracting attention through good works, and not external fixes. Both exhortations are for people to be kind in good works. We attract people to Christ not with argumentation or wealth or glamour, but through kindness and gentleness. In a culture and age, where arguments are more vitriolic and emotional, it should be easier  than ever to stand out as different by discussing things civilly and by kindness shown to the people we disagree with. I think Satan encourages the opposite, and his hold on this world is growing by this very change in culture that we are witnessing today. We are called to stand up and be different. Let us argue like Jesus did and not like the world does today.

QT 26 May 16, 1 Tim 2:8, Diversity is a good thing but does not dismiss the reality of absolute truth

1 Tim2:8 (ESV) I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling;

NOTE: I recently listened to a Ravi Zacharias (RZIM.org) message on "Secularization: Its Control and Power," where he argues that one of the foundations of civilization, charity, is being lost by today's political discourse. The vitriol and anger, and lack of civilized discourse is so disheartening to myself. We argue on the basis on emotion, yet think we are arguing on the basis of reason. But our anger shows that we don't really want a reasoned or logical discussion, rather, we want to tell the other person what he MUST believe. How blind we are to our own religion-alization of our worldview. Why? Why must another believe my worldview? And specifically, why does the world so hate a belief in God or absolute truth? Has the good of diversity blinded us to the fact that truth is not? I fear for us, and can only pray that we wake up before we destroy ourselves.

QT 25 May 16, 1 Tim 2:5-7, Paul's message has divine authority

1 Tim 2:5-7 (ESV) 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. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

NOTE: Apparently, some had challenged Paul's claim of apostleship, for it seems unusual for him to point out, quite dramatically, that he is not lying. Paul didn't grow into the position of apostle, but he was appointed an apostle. He was also appointed a preacher. The Greek word for preacher means herald or crier, a proclaimer. Paul was appointed to proclaim the good news to Gentiles--it was an appointed task. He also carries the authority of an Apostle. Ultimately, Paul would write the majority of NT instruction. It's sad, there are always those who want to attack another or prove others wrong on some point. I'm not saying we should accept something either, just because another says it. But when the point is not known one way or another, why argue? Paul had a good argument for his conversion, and there were multiple eyewitnesses. It happened in public and not private, yet people still challenged him. Today, we do have the word of God (complete) to challenge claims. Mormons and Jehovah Witnesses makes claims of exclusivity but lack eyewitnesses to the events. Additionally, their teaching is not in accordance with the word of God, which came from truly appointed men, like Paul. On these points we can disagree, but where there is no evidence, those things probably should not be argued.

QT 23 May 16, 1 Tim 2:1-4, Live peaceful quite lives that witness to others God's goodness

1 Tim 2:1-4 (ESV) 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. 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.

NOTE: Paul's "first of all" seems out of place since he has been quite insistent on standing up to poor teaching and false teaching in the first part of the letter. So, in context, his 'first of all' may be more detail on how to approach teachers, or what to teach, or neither, but rather a restart of his letter to Timothy with the real reason for his writing. In any case, Paul argues for the necessity of intercession. And rather than expecting the Christian life to be painful and full of persecution, he offers an interesting promise, "that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way." Not only is it a result, but that kind of life, is a good thing and is pleasing to God. Men are always looking for ways to please God--well, here is one: pray for everyone and lead peaceful, quiet, godly and dignified lives. God's ultimate desire is for the whole world to come to a knowledge of the truth and that is not possible if his children do not exhibit lives that are different from the world around them. So the bottom line is that God has called us to pray and live lives that witness goodness.

QT 22 May 16, 1 Tim 1:18-20, The danger of justifying sin for teachers

1 Tim 1:18-20 (RSV) This charge I commit to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophetic utterances which pointed to you, that inspired by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made shipwreck of their faith, 20 among them Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

NOTE: The issue here is that of rejecting conscience, but what does that mean? Our conscience is what reminds us of what is wrong. We know, but ignore its warnings. I believe the Holy Spirit works through our conscience reminding us of God's words and warnings. The two individuals mentioned here went much further than just rejecting their conscience through actions, for it sounds as if they were teachers (and in context would make sense) and that they were teaching behavior that would justify actions against what their conscience was telling them was wrong. In essence, they had justified their sin and now they were teaching others to justify it as well. I think a similar thing has occurred among believers who struggle with same sex lust. They are past the point of letting it bother their conscience. They have seared their conscience by continual sin. And lastly, they are teaching, from scripture, why they are right and it is not a sin. God calls sexual sin a sin against Him and against our own body. We know the truth. We need to act on what we know.

QT 19 May 16, 1 Tim 1:12-13, We all should be classified as failures if it was not for a merciful God

1 Tim 1:12-13 (ESV) I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, 13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, …

NOTE: Paul's approach to Timothy is to remind him that there are similarities between them. Paul had weaknesses too, he was deemed a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent opponent, and yet, as he writes the letter, he is the leader of the ministry to the Gentiles. People had a lot of reasons to ignore Paul, and Paul felt weak, but God gave him strength and mercy, just as God could give Timothy. Everyone feels weak at times. Everyone goes through struggles where they do not feel up to the task. Timothy was not so unusual. Nor are we. It is normal to feel deficient to the task, but God is bigger than we are and he can make us successful. We all fail. We should not let our failures define us. I've failed in many ways, but God gives me strength and mercy to try again.

QT 18 May 16, 1 Tim 1:8-11, The purpose of the law

1 Tim 1:8–11 (ESV) Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, 9 understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, 10 the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted.

NOTE: It is a very important truth that the law is good. The NT, in general, makes that point strongly while at the same time making it very clear that we are not under the law. Paul argues that one of the primary functions of the law is to reveal sin. The law is meant for (directed at) those who practice sin, to say, from God, that sin is wrong; it is unacceptable; it is not pleasing to God. But that is not the purpose for the believer. We are not under the requirements of the OT Law. We are under the law of grace, but the law of grace focuses more on our heart that on our outward actions. One can act outwardly in a perfect lawful manner, but still be breaking the law of grace by our inward motives and attitudes. And a believer can disobey aspects of the OT law and be perfectly acceptable to God (the obvious examples being OT laws about clothing, ceremonial actions, food, and celebrations of certain days). But for some strange reason, NT believers fall into a trap of thinking they are more acceptable to God if they obey more laws. This is works when we think we can obtain God's approval. We are his children and we are accepted by him unconditionally. We can obtain future rewards by the actions of our lives, although I doubt following the OT law will gain future rewards (but I can't prove the last statement). The law is good, but understand this, the law is not laid down for the just (the justified, the believers in the Lord Jesus Christ).

QT 16 May 16, 1 Tim 1:6-7, Truths about Desiring to be a Teacher

1 Tim 1:6-7 (ESV) Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions.

NOTE: There are a couple of things that stand out quickly. One, Paul does not call these persons teachers but rather persons desiring to be teachers. So a characteristic of those who desire to be teachers but not are not yet, is that they wander away into vain discussions. I have seen this with many so-called teachers in the church. They cannot control the class or they lead the class into a vain discussion. What is a vain discussion? It is a discussion or teaching session that has no good outcome, it is vain--it is worthless. How many times have we walked out of a Sunday School discussion that was characterized completely by vain discussion? Too many in my opinion. The second observation I find is that these persons who desire to be teachers make "confident" assertions about things that they really don't understand. This one bothers me as much as anything. People make confident assertions about sovereignty, election, free will, and others without a true understanding of God's will. I make assertions too, but mine are couched in terms that indicate that I don't know for sure. I cannot comprehend God's wisdom.  I know from his word that two apparently opposite truths are both true, such as chosen by God before time, and free will. I know both are true. I teach both as true. I suggest ideas that might explain the apparent disconnect, but I certainly would never want to make a confident assertion. God protect me from my pride.

QT 10 May 16, 1 Tim 1:3-5, It is easy to stray as a Teacher unless one is careful in seeking God

1 Timothy 1:3-5 (ESV)

As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia,

remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain

persons not to teach any different doctrine, nor to

devote themselves to myths and endless

genealogies, which promote speculations rather

than the stewardship from God that is by faith. The

aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure

heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.

NOTE: First of all, this was very important to Paul as for him to remind Timothy of its importance, i.e., staying in Ephesus. Was Timothy considering moving on? Was the pressure of the congregation too great? Was he having second thoughts about his value to Ephesus?

The problem Paul identifies, was teaching that went far astray of the text. It brought in myths and dug deep into genealogies, promoting speculation. It is hard to say what is true when the sources are in dispute. The real goal, the stewardship from God that is by faith, seems like an awkward sentence. Is it 'stewardship,' such as giving, or the protecting of biblical truth as it was meant to be taught, clearly and correctly? The latter seems more likely. Finally, as Timothy instructs these teachers (Paul does not call them false), he is to do so in a loving manner. What I have seen over the years, is that bad theology and bad attitudes and bad behavior are often tied together to the extent that it is hard to imagine the person is a Christian despite the great reservoir of knowledge the person 'seems' to possess. Good theology is accompanied by Christ-like love and behavior. Timothy needs to correct others, but to do it in genuine Christian love (characterized by a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith). The importance is not in being right but in improving the individual and his teaching by loving correction.

QT 5 May 16, 1 Tim 1:1-2, Investing in others makes life fulfilling

1 Tim 1:1-2 (ESV)

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,

2 To Timothy, my true child in the faith:

Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

NOTES: There is a lot of affection in Paul's words. He does say something similar to Titus, but here, it is a shorter phrase and seems more personal. I've disciple a number of men over the years. I'm not the best at maintaining long distance relationships, although my discipleship and training of these men has been genuine. It would be hard to pick out one and call that person my true child in the faith. I have had input in their lives, but so have others. But Timothy is primarily a product of Paul's influence. I suppose that I can rejoice in this, I've invested my life in over a dozen men through the years. They are still walking with God and so I have had an impact for good. And what more could I desire?

QT 2 May 16, Rev 19:11-12, God of the bible is the same person in both testaments

Revelation 19:11–12 (NRSV) 11 Then I saw heaven opened, and there was a white horse! Its rider is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems; and he has a name inscribed that no one knows but himself.

NOTE:  A response I hear a lot from those who do not want to believe, is that the God of the OT is different from the God of the NT. Of course, it is almost comical because it immediately communicates that the person has not done any research on the topic, but has based his opinion on generalizations of the two testaments. In the OT, God said that he would send a Messiah, one who would be the gentle suffering servant (Jesus's first coming), and one who would be a king leading an army that would squash his enemies (Jesus's second coming). The passage above is the prophecy of that second coming. It is the same God in both books. He shows mercy at first and then when people choose not to listen, he executes judgment. He is perfect in love and he is perfect in justice. He is the same person and has the same modus operandi in both books. We are just disturbed when we see the God of judgment acting, as he does in the OT against nations that array themselves against his people. He will act similarly at the end of time for the same reasons against the enemies of today, those who refuse to believe in him. And not researching the truth will not be an acceptable excuse.