King James Bible Study – [And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. – Mark 8:34]
Date: Monday, December 18, 2023
Chapters: THE BOOK OF 1 TIMOTHY
Message: For The Work of The Ministry
Hello My Brother/Sister/Friend,
As I was praying this morning I felt a deep sense of grief when God let it be known to me that I am the same way today in regards to my ministry as I was back in 2007 when I started it. However, He did give me some relief when He also pointed out that I am not the same person I was and have grown in the knowledge and understanding of His Word, even though I have much to learn yet. Every saved, born again Christian has a role within the Church itself, even those who are housebound have roles that Jesus has given them for the purpose of edifying the Church, [Ephesians 4:11-13 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:]
The Book of 1 Timothy is the fifteenth book of the New Testament, the fifth-fourth book of the Bible and contains six chapters. The author of this epistle (letter) is Paul and it was written to Timothy, his son in faith, it was written approximately 63AD. The purpose of the letter was to address some of the problems and needs which existed in the church. What we are to learn from the book is that not every church is a genuine church of Christ and we should live our lives as an example as a true believer of Christ, [1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.]
If there is any book in the Bible that will show us the roles within the Church and how we are to represent the Church in and outside of the walls of the Church it is this book. Timothy, was a young pastor, was given the difficult task of pasturing the church at Ephesus. Word got to Paul that the Ephesians were directed under some false teachers of the Law, he wrote Timothy to instruct him on how he can identify true men and women of God, what their role is in the Church, and why the Law was given in the first place. First, he addresses those who were teaching doctrine that raised more questions than answers regarding the Gospel.
[1 Timothy 1:2-7 Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying which is in faith: so do. 5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: 6 From which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; 7 Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.]
[understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.] We all know someone who thinks they know what they are talking about in regards to God and Jesus, but this goes beyond that, this is a church that makes up their own doctrine and says it comes from God. It is a sad truth that many converts, especially newborn, will believe the false doctrine over the truth because they are trusting in the man or woman who is supposed to be a representative of God and of His Word itself. While we have preachers and teachers to help us grow in Christ, we cannot put our confidence in man, it must be fully in Christ, [Psalms 20:6-8 Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.]
We really do not need God to know right from wrong, common sense tells us that there are some things that we ought not to do. However, we are known to do right by our own eyes by how we were raised, so what it wrong in the eyes of one may be right in the eyes of another. This is why God gave us His Word, to know right from wrong through His eyes.
[1 Timothy 1:9-13 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; 11 According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; 13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.]
[but for the lawless and disobedient,] The Law itself was not given to those who are obedient to God rather the lawless, obedient meaning that they seek God’s will for their lives, and that includes their faith in Christ. This does not mean that we never sin again, but it does mean that when we do we are repentant.
[1 Timothy 1:15-16,18-20 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. 18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare; 19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: 20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.]
[that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;] Those who cause problems in the church, not only need to be called out, but also removed. This is war, but we cannot fight this war with man made weapons, this is a spiritual war that needs to be fought with spiritual weapons. While we are to keep the peace as much as possible, there are times when a good warfare is necessary, [Ephesians 6:11-12 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.]
[whom I have delivered unto Satan,] Paul, had no more power to send someone to Satan as he did to send someone to Jesus, what he is talking about here is that anyone who purposely teaches a false doctrine is not of Christ and therefore under the hand of Satan. Jesus, however, is the mediator between God and man who leads the believer of God to the truth, [1 Timothy 2:1-6 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; 2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; 6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.]
[to be testified in due time.] It was written in the Scriptures from the first sin committed, that God would send someone to give his own life to save man, but also bruise Satan through the birth of a woman, [Genesis 3:15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.]
Paul, affirms it as a great and important truth that Christ gave himself a ransom for all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles, and for all classes and conditions of people alike. This truth had not always been understood, in fact, the Jews falsely believed that no one, but those of Jewish descent or were converted could be saved. Likewise, Christians based religions believed that no Jew could get saved unless they were converted. Of course, this is all false, Jesus, gave Himself as ransom for all. In all reality, they are unsaved, and have no clue what they are teaching, and this is why there are so many “versions” of the Bible. There really is only one Bible, the versions are from those false religions who are very good and convincing people of their lies. And here is the thing that we who are faithful must do, pray for them.
[1 Timothy 2:8-14 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; 10 But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.]
[Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.] [Usurp; To seize and hold in possession by force or without right.] There are way too many women running churches, and dragging them into the ground. You see, women have a lot of influence over men, look at what happened with Adam, Abraham, Samson, even Ahab. Godly women are a great help in the Church because they have that nurturing, disciplinary character within them, that enables them to be a great help in the Church. However, ungodly women can be a great threat to the Church because they have that, controlling, power driven character that enables them to destroy the Church. And this is why the pastors and deacons need to have some authority in their own families.
[1 Timothy 3:1-7 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.]
[Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation] It is important that the church teach the right doctrine and set the right example for the church, whether we are a preacher, teacher, or janitor, we are representing Christ, and need to always present ourselves as such. There is only one doctrine to follow, and that is Christ. You may not realize this, but churches have bylaws to follow and if you want to join the church you must agree to the bylaws.
[1 Timothy 3:12-16 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 14 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.]
[And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness:] The world thinks that their hope is in placing all kinds of restrictions on you to prolong life. Funny thing, religion does the same thing. While everyone ought be welcome to come to church and grow in Christ, every member ought to be like minded, and likewise every church ought be under the same authority, who is Christ Himself. Paul, warns of the false doctrines that will take over the church, and this was well before Catholics and Mormons got their hands on it.
[1 Timothy 4:1-7 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness.]
[Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats,] Does any of this sound familiar? Catholics, forbid anyone serving in their church to be married, and yet allow gay priests (go figure). Mormons and Muslims are not allowed to eat pork or shellfish yet are allowed to marry as many women as they please as long as they are virgins. Some Baptist’s and Jehovah’s Witness forbid observing holidays and refuse to get medical attention. These are religions that have departed from the faith, coming up with their own doctrine, but all lead to hell. How? Any doctrine other than salvation by grace, not of works, is a lie and will send people who believe them to hell, [Revelation 21:7-8 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.]
In a world full of lies and corruption, people need to know the truth, and they need to hear it from true men and women of God who are not afraid to speak it. This is not about us, it is about them, and we only have a short time before Jesus returns. Look around, religion is everywhere, and diminishing quickly is the true Gospel church. Even back when Paul wrote this letter he warned that many will fall from the faith of the Gospel.
[1 Timothy 4:12-16 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. 16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.]
[Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy,] Every saved, born again Christian has gifts within themselves from birth actually that once learned about is used for God, [Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.] Therefore, we are to use those gifts for the edifying of the Church, but we are to also use them wisely.
[1 Timothy 5:1-8 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. 3 Honour widows that are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.]
[she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.] Widow or not, man, woman, or child, any saved, born again Christian that lives for pleasure is dead until they either repent of their sin or God takes them home. Okay, as you allow the Holy Spirit to work in you He tells you what you ought to be doing and what is forbidden for you. God deals with each and every one of us individually, sometimes what He allows He forbids another, this has nothing to do with doctrine, but our own conscious, we are to never alter sound doctrine. Paul reminds Timothy that we are all sinners, and while some sins are more noticeable, we are to never be partial to others.
[1 Timothy 5:19-24 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure. 23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. 24 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.]
[Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.] Sin in secret and it will be revealed in public for all to see. While we do need to have some respect for the men that care for the churches, if they are teaching a wrong doctrine and or living a secret life, they will have to answer to God. God, wants willing souls who believe in His Son, and love Him to get out there and teach His truths to the lost and dying world. Paul, stresses the importance of having godliness with contentment in all that we do.
[1 Timothy 6:1-6 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.]
[But godliness with contentment is great gain.] Contentment, comes first by knowing you are saved as not every person who professes Christ knows Christ, only God knows who are His. Second, contentment is realizing that we cannot control everything, things are not always going to go as we plan, but they do not have to because God has a greater plan. And another thing about contentment, it is also standing by your faith, and not wavering under any circumstances, [James 1:5-6 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.]
It is important that the church teach the right doctrine and set the right example for the church, whether we are in or out of church we are representing Christ, and need to always present ourselves as such, [1 Timothy 6:17-21 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.]
[keep that which is committed to thy trust,] We may not like our present circumstances, but we can learn to be content no matter what we are going through. While we certainly have our own faults, only we can show the true Christ in us by standing by our faith. Discontentment comes because we allow a little bit of the world to creep in and before you know it we are wavering, but we can turn things around by repenting daily, [1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.]
Today’s Prayer: God, It is still amazing to get up every morning knowing that it is no longer I who lives, but Christ who lives in me. He has turned my life completely around as I learn the truth from Your Word and live in obedience to it. I confess that I am not content, even obedience to You does not bring contentment because I allowed part of the world to creep in and am now trying to get rid of it, but I know I can do all things through You, who is my strength. Lord, I know I am going to mess up, but I am trusting You to lead me and guide me in whatever will that You have for me. Show me the way, help me understand, never let me waver in my faith or cease from developing that personal relationship with Christ that shows me that I can do all things through Him. I ask this in Your name, Jesus. Amen.
God Bless You, I am praying for you,
Christina
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