QT 30 Apr 2020, 1 Tim 3:16, Are we making a difference?

1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) — 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.

NOTE: Many commentators believe this to be a fragment of a hymn or a statement of faith from the apostolic church. Towner writes “. . . this phrase the mystery of godliness forms a connection between the appearance of Christ, which the hymn celebrates, and Christian living: the mystery is the essence of godliness.” I might say it differently, the mystery is that the unimaginable happened -- God, for a moment in history became man, while still remaining God. The song alternates from the earth to the heavens: flesh to Spirit, angels to nations, and the world to glory. And in the New Covenant, this new group of believers, the church, is represented in two metaphors, the body of Christ on earth, and the future bride of Christ in heaven.

I've struggled a lot lately seeing the church as either of those two ideas. So many church-goers do not live like Christ. They are whiny, picky, unkind, uncaring, selfish, and self-absorbed. I see some, which gives me great hope, who truly love the Lord and have a deep life-changing relationship with Jesus. There is joy in every aspect of their witness. They are different. Their character is attractive. And there is the aroma of Christ surrounding them. Unfortunately, I think too many church-goers think they are to be the aroma of death to the world, but the problem is that aroma permeates everything about their life.

Lord, why can't we take the Christian life more seriously. Why don't we apply the word to our life? Why do we just listen? Why don't we care for the lost? Why do we seem so feeble?

PRAYER: Father, I know I am part of the problem. I too, live for the comfortable life. I do ministry, but I am like Jonah in the end, I am only thinking of myself. Forgive me. Help me to take my responsibilities to love and pray for others more seriously.

QT 29 Apr 2020, 2 Tim 2:2, What is real discipleship?

2 Timothy 2:2 (ESV) — and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

NOTE: This is a favorite verse of mine. As is well known, there are four generations of disciples (current and future) referenced: Paul (me), Timothy (you), Timothy's disciples (faithful men), and Timothy's disciple's disciples (others). This is true discipleship, multiplying our lives into the lives of other men. They don't have to be Pastors, but I do think they have to be men who minister to others. They do have to be men who walk with God. They just can't be church attenders. I think the Christian church has exchanged the idea of discipleship with Christian education, wrongly believing that attending a class or course on the Christian life makes a person a disciple. I really don't believe that. There is something far deeper that goes into becoming a disciple of Christ. Most church goers never experience the life of a disciple. That is sad. I wish I knew how to change that. All I can do, is continue to entrust what others have given to me to new faithful men so that they can train others.

PRAYER: Father, open the eyes of the church to what it means to be disciples. There are too many who are just religious and have no idea of what a life-changing relationship with Jesus is like. Open our eyes. Turn us from the world.

QT 28 Apr 2020, Phil 4:8, Renewing our minds with good

Philippians 4:8 (ESV) — 8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

NOTE: This would eliminate a large portion of our tv viewing habits if we took this verse seriously.

True	Credible, aligning with reality, reliable, trustworthy
Honorable	Worth of respect, noble, august
Just	Morally good, fitting, observing divine laws
Pure	Innocent, sacred, unmixed from any other matter
Lovely	Acceptable, pleasing, delightful for beauty
Commendable	Worthy of praise, admirable, sounding well
Excellence	Virtue, goodness, praise
Worthy of praise	Describing the quality and action of praise and honor
=> Think about these things	Process of reasoning and calculation, logical result

There are things that fit within this definition that can enjoy our attention. Certainly knowing God is at the top of the list. But some music, books, shows, pieces of art, and landscapes also would fit these categories that Paul urges us to think about.

PRAYER: Father, help me to retrain my thinking to focus on the things that are truly good and renew my mind to be more like Jesus.

QT 27 Apr 2020, Phil 4:8 and others, Wholesome thinking

Philippians 4 (ESV) —

1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. …

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; …

8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

…, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. …, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. …

NOTE: The word in verse 8 for 'think about' is the Greek word, logizomai:

In classical usage, the term referred to the act of logical deliberation and the conclusion drawn from it. In some commercial contexts, it is used as a technical term for mathematical calculation or reckoning. (Fenlason, A. C. (2014). Lexham Theological Wordbook. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.)

Anything that references math has to be a good thing (spoken by a Mathematician). I also like the Amplified Bible take on the word, "Philippians 4:8 (AMP) — … think on and weigh and take account of these things [fix your minds on them]."

Also, wholesome conduct (vs 9) follows wholesome thinking (vs 8). The best thing to saturate you mind with is the word of God, but there are things of beauty: classical stories, wholesome music, art, photography, etc. Paul lists 8 different things in verse 8 suggesting multiple sources. I've always considered the Word as the primary and only source of good thinking, but that may be too confining. We need to saturate our mind with all sources of wholesome beauty.

PRAYER: Father, help me to continue to renew my mind through your word and wholesome thinking. Give me insights into different things I can do to ponder your beauty.

QT 24 Apr 2020, Eph 6:17-18, The helmet and the sword protect our mind

Ephesians 6:17–18 (ESV) — 17 and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,

NOTE: We've discussed four pieces of the armor. The last two items, we are told to 'take.' The Greek word for "take" is dechomai and means to physically take with the hand or take hold of. In this case, this is not something we work up to or develop like the belt or breastplate or shoes. If we are in Christ, we have salvation, we can't do better than what God has done for us already.

In 1 Thessalonians, Paul writes:

1 Thessalonians 5:8 (ESV) — But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

In 5:8, the helmet is the hope of salvation, which is a very secure hope. It is not a "wish," but an assurance of what is already accomplished.

The location is important as well. The helmet covers the head, the mind. This is the place where the enemy wants to attack us. He wants us to doubt, to question, and to lose our hope. But we must protect our mind. I think that is why one verb is used, 'take,' to refer to two items, the helmet and the sword, because they go together. The word of God in combination with the assurance of our salvation protects our minds from the enemy and allows us to pray. Our shield, our faith and trust in God protects the entire body.

I wonder if the helmet and the sword were really meant to go together in the passage. And that the next few verses then describe the battle, which is prayer. We battle our enemy in prayer. We protect our mind through truth and the knowledge that our salvation has already been secured by Jesus Christ. We certainly need to work on truth, our righteousness (character), and our mission, but God's truth and God's salvation is already provided and only needs to be taken up.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for the insight on the armor of God. May I work on the first four pieces, and may I secure the last two items firmly, the helmet and the sword. I need to rely upon your word and your salvation as I battle the enemy in prayer.

QT 23 Apr 2020, Eph 6:16, The shield of faith -- Believing God is in charge and cares for me

Ephesians 6:16 (ESV) — 16 In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;

NOTE: The first three pieces all use 'effort' verbs; fasten, having put on, and having shod. And I do think the first three are built through effort and obedience. Now we switch to "take up" and also two "takes." The phrase in all circumstances is not an easy set of words to translate. "Circumstances" is not there, just "in" and "all," and together they are translated quite often into this idea of everything or every situation, but it could also be, "to all this" (NIV) or "to all of these" (NLT) or "above all" (KJV), which is a very different thought. But I am not convinced that the key is found here.

The Greek word analabontes, translated "take up" means to lift up and carry; take/bring along; take aboard. Constable translated it as receive or accept, but I could not find any Greek resource that suggested the idea of receive. We don't receive faith, we must exercise faith.

The Roman shield was a very long oblong device. It protected most of his body and in conjunction with others could protect the whole unit. It was wood with an outer leather covering for fireproofing.

Extinguish, which is the Greek word sbesai, means to stop burning. The enemy uses flaming darts. These weapons are designed to burn. 2 Cor 11:29 translates sbesai as indignant as a result of attacks, fears, and the pressures of all the churches.

2 Corinthians 11:28–29 (ESV) — 28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?

It is a shield of faith (the Greek word pistis) and is translated in Strongs as a conviction of the truth, …, in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things.

The shield of faith is trusting God that he is in control, he is in charge, and he cares about me, despite all the evidence to the contrary that worries us. Circumstances may argue against it. Answers or lack of answers to prayer may argue against it. What we want versus what God is doing may argue against it. But we believe that he exists (is in charge, is powerful) and that he rewards those who seek him (he cares).

PRAYER:  God, it is hard to trust when life does not work the way we want it to work. We are quite selfish. Help us to see life from your perspective and not from ours. Help us to see the opportunities you are given us to make an impact for real good, not our material good. Help us to learn to really trust and have faith in you.

QT 22 Apr 2020, Eph 6:14-15, Shoes: We need to be prepared to go anywhere and to give an answer

Ephesians 6:14–15 (ESV) — 14 Stand therefore, …, 15 and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.

NOTE: As a veteran, and former commander, readiness is a crucial military concept. We measure it constantly, we classify it, we track it, and we fix it when it falls too low (sometimes by firing the commander). The first thing Paul starts with is shoes for your feet. Shoes give you the ability to move into many different areas. Without shoes, some areas cannot be entered. Also, shoes protect you from many unseen foes and diseases of many kinds. Roman shoes (sandals) had nails imbedded in the leather for traction, which probably help in battle. Now we bring in "readiness," the Greek word hetoimasia, which means the condition of being prepared. This is what it meant in the military. And finally, the gospel of peace is the good news of peace (a state of well-being and concord). This peace is only attained in a relationship with Jesus Christ. A good cross reference is in Peter's letter:

1 Peter 3:15 (RSV) — 15 but in your hearts reverence Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to make a defense to any one who calls you to account for the hope that is in you, yet do it with gentleness and reverence;

So pulling this all together, the shoes are the ability to take the gospel into the world. We need to be ready. We need to study. We need to be bold and not shrink back when someone questions us. We don't need to know every answer, in fact a simple answer such as,

"I don't know about that (optional: and I will research it), all I know is that when I asked Jesus to be my savior, my life radically changed from the inside out. I have a peace that I never experienced before. I see my life, certainly not perfect, but changing as I grow in this new found relationship with Jesus Christ."

The above is a great answer, providing it is true for you. But, I would add that if someone asks me a question I cannot answer, I try to make sure that is last time that question is asked and I don't have an answer. That is the point of 1 Pet 3:15 "… always being prepared."

PRAYER: Father, I pray I would stand my ground. I pray I would move into areas and relationships that may be uncomfortable. And I pray I would continually get better at answering questions.

QT 21 Apr 2020, Eph 6:14, Breastplate of righteousness' strength is dependent on my moral integrity

Ephesians 6:14 (ESV) — Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

NOTE: The breastplate has a front and a back, it also dips down and covers the thigh. The name comes from the primary area of protection, the breast. It protects the lungs, the heart, and the gut -- all vital areas where wounds will kill a person. The term breastplate was a Roman description, so I think we have to be careful of drawing too much inference from the Roman name. On the other hand, the term is used in other places:

1 Thessalonians 5:7–8 (ESV) — 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, are drunk at night. 8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for a helmet the hope of salvation.

Isaiah 59:15–18 (ESV) —

15 Truth is lacking,

and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey.

The Lord saw it, and it displeased him

that there was no justice.

16 He saw that there was no man,

and wondered that there was no one to intercede;

then his own arm brought him salvation,

and his righteousness upheld him.

17 He put on righteousness as a breastplate,

and a helmet of salvation on his head;

he put on garments of vengeance for clothing,

and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.

18 According to their deeds, so will he repay,

wrath to his adversaries, repayment to his enemies;

to the coastlands he will render repayment.

In the first passage, it is in contrast to those who sleep at night and get drunk at night. As believers, we belong to the day. The idea of activity versus non-activity. So putting on a breastplate carries the idea of going to work or battle, i.e., doing something with your life.

In the second passage, God puts on "righteousness" as a breastplate as he goes forth to execute judgment upon the earth. This probably would have been the common understanding of the term for a Jew. Additionally the metaphor of a helmet of salvation suggests Paul knew this passage well.

So why righteousness?  In 1 Thessalonians, the name for the breastplate is different. Rather than righteousness, Paul uses faith and love. That suggests a relationship, especially since Paul also discusses the helmet in the same terms as Isaiah did and as Paul did later to the Ephesians. The new question is what is the relationship of faith and love, to righteousness, and why these choices for the primary armor?

Let me quote the Lexham Theological Workbook on the word "righteousness:"

δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosynē). n. fem. righteousness, justice. The quality of conforming to a standard or norm, normally carrying an ethical overtone.

This noun is related to the adjective δίκαιος (dikaios, “righteous”) and is the usual Septuagint translation of the Hebrew צֶדֶק (ṣedeq, “righteousness”) and צְדָקָה (ṣĕdāqâ, “righteousness”). The basic use of dikaiosynē in the NT is to describe character and actions characterized by moral integrity as measured by God’s revealed will. The NT uses the term in four primary ways: (1) as an attribute of God, highlighting his justice and faithfulness; this is often referred to with the phrase “righteousness (dikaiosynē) of God” …; (2) as a standard of justice to which persons are held accountable …; (3) to describe morally upright or virtuous behavior and character …; and (4) especially in the letters of Paul, a status of acceptability before God on the basis of faith, the gift resulting from justification …. (Anderson, G. P. (2014). Righteousness. D. Mangum, D. R. Brown, R. Klippenstein, & R. Hurst (Eds.), Lexham Theological Wordbook. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.)

In my mind, the use of the word righteousness points back to the quality (moral integrity) of my witness. Just as my truth or integrity holds all the pieces together, my armor is my witness. My protection from the enemy is the degree to which my life is characterized as a follower of Jesus Christ. If I am not APPLYING the word of God and seeing CHANGE in my life, I will have no armor against the enemies attacks.

But what about faith and love? Actually Jesus summed up the entire law into one commandment with two corollaries, which are actually faith (love God with ally your heart, soul, and mind) and love (love your neighbor as yourself). So the quality of the armor is the degree to which I "live" as a believer. I am NOT saved by works. But the strength of my armor is dependent upon works. I will fail and be destroyed by the enemy if I do not walk with God in integrity.

PRAYER: Father, I have never really thought about the armor of God as a reflection of my walk with you. So far I have seen that the belt and breastplate are pieces I have to get. They don't fall on me because I am child of God through Jesus. I need put on the pieces and strengthen them through obedience to the word of God.

QT 20 Apr 2020, Eph 6:14, The belt of truth is a belt of integrity with our witness

Ephesians 6:14a (ESV) — Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, …

NOTE: This week I plan to walk through the armor of God. I am getting too far ahead of my bible study (https://rationalstudy.Blogspot.Com ) to continue in 1 Timothy and I need to let the bible study catch up to the QT.

NOTE: Two observations, one is that the belt of truth is the first item and that it follows the primary verb "stand." To stand against the enemy (the context of the chapter) requires equipping ourselves with armor. The first item is the belt of truth. The belt holds things together, particularly the breastplate and the scabbard. Also, when action is required, the tunic, if long, can be pulled up and tucked into the belt giving freedom of action ("gird you loins"). Constable had a very interesting thought that the reference to truth is our character of truth and not the truth of scripture. The sword specifically identifies itself as the word of God, so a belt of truth would double the item, truth. If it is our character, the honesty of our witness is what holds all the armor together. If our walk with God is characterized by lies, we will not stand against the enemy's attack. We need to have a walk that is characterize by truthfulness, honesty, and integrity -- without these, we really can't be involved in the battle. Nothing holds together if our walk with God is a lie. People can see it. Godliness cannot be faked for long. A relationship with God is not real just because you perform
repetitive actions. It has to be real and honest.

PRAYER: Father, we can't fake being a soldier. To some degree, many do fake being a Christian. They attend church. They say the right things. They do good deeds. But they lack the inner presence of a relationship with God. Their lives are externally "different" but a true Christian is changed from the inside out. Help us to see the lie within us. Help us to truly turn to you and to stop "playing" church. I pray we can experience the real transforming power of God within our lives.

QT 16 Apr 2020, 1 Tim 3:16, The Mystery of Godliness

1 Timothy 3:16 (ESV) —

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.

NOTE: Most commentators seem to think Paul was quoting a hymn or psalm of the early church.  Also, the question, "what is the mystery of godliness" should be answered by the hymn. In this case, it appears that Jesus, the incarnation of God upon the earth is the mystery of godliness. The HS, the third person of the trinity validates the son, the second person of the trinity during the baptism. Angels worship God and watched this happen. The church has proclaimed and is proclaiming him to the nations. The world has and is believing the truth of his work. And finally, those at the time witnessed his ascension into heaven. He was not man but God-man. He was a mystery. Israel knew a Messiah was coming, but what they did not understand that it would be the physical presence of God who would come. Even the statement, "physical presence of God" is hard to understand. God is spirit. God is unseen. But God made himself known.

PRAYER: Father, I am blessed to know and to understand that God visited earth in the flesh. And that God lives in me. Thank you for the mystery which ultimately led to my salvation and my new life in Christ.

QT 15 Apr 2020, 1 Tim 3:14-15, The church should be the buttress of truth

1 Timothy 3:14–15 (ESV) — 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.

NOTE: This letter clearly teaches order, behavior, and operations of the local church. This is one of the loftier descriptions of the local church, Paul calls it the household of God, the church of the living God, and a pillar and buttress of the truth. Wow, sometimes I don't see it. But we, the body of Christ, are a very special entity. Like Israel, we are unique in our  relationship to God. We are also the pillar and buttress of the truth. Maybe that is why the last church in Revelation is the age of apostasy. It seems like more and more, the church is becoming like the world instead of a light to the world. We need to be different, not the same. We need to hold to the truth of God's word in an evil age.

PRAYER: Father, I pray you would show us how we have compromised with the world. Help us to see where we need to stand up for truth and your commands. Makes us a light to a dying generation.

QT 14 Apr 2020, 1 Tim 3:14-15, Men need to lead spiritually

1 Timothy 3:14–15 (ESV) — 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.

NOTE: Paul's hope (even desire) was to visit Timothy and to specifically convey these truths in person to the church. For even a godly man like Paul, hoping to do something spiritual is no indication of the will of God. So, the letter is a "just in case I don't make it" letter. And the purpose of the letter is very clearly stated - "(that) you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God …" This letter's purpose is how men and women should behave in the church, the body of Christ. In 1 Tim 2:8, Paul tells man that he desires for all men to pray in "all places" -- now we know, he was referring to the gathering of the body. It fits even better with the instructions to men and women. Men were failing to lead and pray. Women were filling in the gap. But God has given us unique roles and responsibilities. Men need to be the spiritual leaders in the church.

PRAYER: Father, help me to see where I fail to lead. I pray I would be the one to take spiritual initiative. I pray, I would be the one to say "let's pray." I pray for gentle reminders of my responsibilities.

QT 13 Apr 2020, 1 Tim 3:12-13, Quiet service

1 Timothy 3:12–13 (ESV) — 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.

NOTE: There are two ways to view these two verses. If verses 8-10 concerned men as deacons and verse 11, women as deaconesses, then these verses could apply to both. The second way is that Paul is returning to the men. Given the end of chapter 3 and the problem with both men and women serving in their proper roles, it is not surprising to return to the men. Again, deacons who serve in the church must be spiritual leaders in the home. What men don't realize, who avoid their spiritual responsibilities is that this strengthens their reputation and that it strengthens their faith. The elders provide oversight and leadership in the church. The Deacons and Deaconesses serve the church. They are most effective when least seen. Their quiet humility is not unnoticed nor is their service. God sees it and the wise and perceptive see it.

PRAYER: Father, quiet humility is a good goal for me. I should serve out of love and not to be seen. No one needs to know the work that goes into ministry. I should do the job God has given me. He is my reward.

QT 10 Apr 2020, 1 Tim 3:11, Deaconesses must not be given to slander

1 Timothy 3:11 (ESV) — Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.

NOTE: First of all, the word "their" is not in the Greek. Secondly, the word for wives can be translated as "women" or "wife," and is more often translated as women in the NT. The following verse seems to go back to the Deacon as a man, and so that may be the reason to translate this verse as wife. Still, there is a good argument that the basic qualifications for a woman as a deacon also include being dignified, but differ on sober-minded versus sober, and faithful versus holding the faith with a clear conscience. The two differ more on the requirement for the woman not to slander and the man not to be greedy. Generalizing, usually not a good idea, this makes quite a bit of sense when meditated upon. The remaining verses return to the man because they include certain aspects of spiritual leadership. So what is the application, the key difference for the woman is the using her tongue in a way that hurts others -- slander. For the man, the main differences are two, the motivation must not be greed and he is required to be the spiritual lead in his family.

PRAYER: Father, protect me from greed, and also protect me from enabling bad behavior through giving. Give me wisdom to see your will and leading. I want to be a spiritual man and a godly example to all.

QT 9 Apr 2020, 1 Tim 3:9, Deacons must have a clear conscience in regard to the faith

1 Timothy 3:9 (ESV) — They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.

NOTE: Whereas the elder is required to be able to teach, the deacon is only required to exercise a clear conscience in regard to the faith, meaning he believes but might not understand the mysteries nor even be able to explain the mysteries. But the key thing is that he accepts the truth of scripture as God's word. There certainly is a difference between elder and deacon. Currently, in my church, only the Pastors are elders and the lay leaders are either ministers or deacons. I actually like the system used in other evangelical elder-led churches. The lay elders run the church with the Senior Pastor as a fellow elder. The other pastors report to the senior pastor, although in my mind, they are elders too. I think the reason they are not part of the elder board is there might be tension between the Pastors. The elders, all but one are lay leaders, are free of any burden to support a position because of monetary reasons, since they all have jobs outside the church. The fascinating thing is that I have never met a group of men so united in spirit as when I have served as an elder. I have seen it three times in the ten years or so I did serve as an elder. It is an amazing thing.

PRAYER: Father, I realize there is no one way to organize the church. Whether the elders are all Pastors or the elders include lay leaders is really not a point to disagree about. The key thing is that we follow the Spirit in unity.

QT 7 Apr 2020, 1 Tim 3:8, Deacons are essential to the body, although not always as spiritual

1 Timothy 3:8 (ESV) — Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain.

NOTE: There are 16-17 requirements for an elder. There are seven requirements for a Deacon and twice that if you count the women as wives. The later could easily be deaconesses. The requirement to not be double-tongued is unique to the deacon and not mentioned about the elder. The word double-tongued means to say something twice, once to one person, and then by implication, something different to another person. It is lying just another form of lying much like lying by omission. It is presenting information in such a way as to deceive another. In my mind, the requirements for an elder are considerably greater than a deacon. A deacon should be a good man, but not necessarily a spiritual man. They serve the church and are of critical importance. But they are not the teachers of the church.

PRAYER: Father, thank you for our deacons and how they serve. Forgive my critical spirit when I expect different behavior from them. That is not a requirement of scripture for them to be an elder, and I must remember that. Forgive me for thinking negatively of any person in the body.

QT 6 Apr 2020, 1 Tim 3:7, There is one person in the body and in the workplace, not two

1 Timothy 3:7 (ESV) — Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, into a snare of the devil.

NOTE: This would seem to be a strange request, especially if the person has met all the above requirements. Outsiders should think highly of him. His business operations should reflect his spiritual convictions. He can't be a great spiritual leader and then be cheating people in his business. Or even teaching others not to cheat people, while at the same time, cheating others in his work. There needs to be a congruence between his spiritual side and his outside occupation. Otherwise, our faith is a show and not a life-changing experience.

PRAYER: Father, I want to live out my work just as I live out my church life. I am a spiritual man first, and not just first, but all of the time. That is my desire. Reveal to me where I have fooled myself. Show me where I am blind. Help me to repent and change.

QT 3 Apr 2020, 1 Tim 3:6, Experience is required for spiritual leadership

1 Timothy 3:6 (ESV) — He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil.

NOTE: This is another tough verse to understand and explain, especially in today's environment. Let me first of all say, that I am only applying this to spiritual leadership since that is the context, elders and pastors. And the verse does not say anything about age, only about recency of conversion, spiritual age in Christ, or in today's politically correct terms, experience. Knowing a lot is very different from experiencing a lot, especially in the church. A course in counseling or conflict management, while useful, is not as useful as previous experience, preferably multiple experiences, in handling interpersonal conflict. Wisdom is gained by experience, not books or just an exposure to the topic in a setting or two. And experience is highly correlated to time involved in the activity, which is then highly correlated to age, at least in a spiritual setting. Young elders and young pastors are a danger if they do not have the experiences required for the role. They are a danger to themselves -- pride, and they are a danger to the body -- poor advice.

PRAYER: Father, give us wisdom as a body and as leaders to choose men of wisdom and full of the Holy Spirit. Protect our body from men who are not wise, who are immature, and who are more filled with themselves than with the spirit.

QT 2 Apr 2020, 1 Tim 3:4-5, Biblical leaders take the lead in their household

1 Timothy 3:4–5 (ESV) — 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?

NOTE:  How we "manage" our family is a key discriminant in choosing leaders. But let's turn that around for a bit. How does God manage his family, the body of Christ, and previously the Israelites or the angels? He does not interfere with their free will. They do not always follow his directions. Sometimes they accomplish great things but far too often they fall far short of their potential effectiveness. So, does not that mean God is not good at managing his household? Absolutely not. Therefore the first rule is that our household's performance is not necessarily a good measure, although it might be an indicator. The word manage means to lead (authority) or guide or direct. A secondary definition is engage in aiding. The root word is to stand. So, the real question for me in determining an elder is as follows: Does the person take the spiritual lead in the household? Does the person stand for biblical truth? Does the person take appropriate steps to aid struggling family members (without enabling behavior)? Does the person's life show strong character example to others in the family? If the family is a mess, it could be the husband's leadership, but not necessarily, since all people have free will. Like God's first children, Adam and Eve, just having strong parents is no guarantee of success.

PRAYER: Father, give me wisdom to lead my family effectively. I pray my words and my actions would not be in conflict. I pray my leadership would be loving but firm. I pray for your help because I know I cannot do it in my own power.

QT 1 Apr 2020, 1 Tim 3:3, Elders must exercise self-control

1 Timothy 3:3 (ESV) — not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.

NOTE: Verse 3 continues the qualifications for an elder or pastor. Interestingly, the phrase "drunkard" indicates a person addicted to wine, as opposed to not drinking wine at all. There is a great debate on this subject as the quality of the water led many people groups to use wine instead, although probably not with the same alcoholic content. Yet, there was wine that had enough alcoholic content to get a person drunk. The wine Jesus made for the marriage feast, at least by the wine-taster's opinion, was more of this type. Like all things, there should be moderation. Anything in extreme leads to a sort of gluttony. You can probably eat too much, drink too much, play games too much, work too much, sleep too much (Prov 6:10; 24:33), read too much, and just about anything good can be done too much. Maybe you can't pray too much. An elder must not be given to any addiction.

PRAYER: Father, protect me from my flesh. I know that I can easily fall into any number of addictions. I need you Holy Spirit's power to exercise self-control in all that I do in life. Bring to my mind areas where I am blind to my flesh's addictions.