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: Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Chapters: The Book Of I Timothy
Message: A Member of Christ’s Church
Hello My Friend,
I am not going to lie, this has been a trying week so far, I thought my husband getting a job was going to be the beginning of things turning around for my family, but it is not. Here it is a week until Christmas and I feel horrible, not physically, praise God, but I am mentally and spiritually beat. One reason is that I feel bad that I have neglected my ministry and have not been able to do much in regards to keeping the website up to date other than posting the devotions. Another reason is that I have not been a part of a church in quite some time and reading the chapters for today does not help. The this verse popped up, [1 Timothy 3:16 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.]
Wow! What a reminder! The power of the Godhead right here in one verse, showed itself in the weak flesh of Christ, that even though He was a man, yet all the world knows that He was and is God. There is nothing more powerful than this truth, of which the Church is the keeper and preserver of the Gospel, regardless of whether or not we are in a church or any building for that matter. The Church is not the four walls that many gather together to fellowship as one, it is the very souls that the Spirit of God dwells, [2 Corinthians 5:1-3 For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: 3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.]
Do not get me wrong, it is important for us to find a church with sound doctrine that we can gather around to be there for one another, but we must not forget who the Church is. 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 out of the walls of the Church it is this book. Timothy, and often companion of Paul’s, became a pastor and 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 lead to questions.
[1 Timothy 1:1-4 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; 2 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.]
[by the commandment of God our Saviour,] Notice that Paul says that he was commanded by God to be an apostle, the roles we play in the Church, whether they be in an actual church or our own homes are given to us by Jesus Himself, [John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.]
As Paul continues, he cautions Timothy about those who were teaching the Law, but having no clue what they were reaching, [1 Timothy 1:5-9 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. 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; 9 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,]
[Desiring to be teachers…understanding neither what they say, nor…affirm.] There is nothing more hurtful to the ears than someone who quotes a Bible verse or says something out of context in regards to God and they have no idea what they are talking about. I can only imagine how Jesus feels about it, in fact, He is not to happy about it, [Matthew 23:13-14 But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. 14 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.]
[we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully;] What Paul is saying here is that the Law was not written for those who truly fear God, but for those who do not, but want Him in their lives on their own terms. Think about it, believers like Job, Abraham, and Noah did not have the Law and yet their faith in Him was counted for righteousness and they are saved and up in heaven with Jesus as we speak.
[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;] 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, was not saying that he literally sent these men to Satan, he had no more power to send someone to Satan as he did 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. However, Jesus, 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.]
[gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.] When God came here in the flesh though Christ, He came here at the precise time, but that did not mean that no one believed in Him prior to His passion, even Job knew that his Redeemer lives, [Job 19:25-26 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:]
This is where many false doctrines are introduced, some leading their congregation to believe that the Law only applied to the Jews, others that only a select few are chosen to be saved, and yet others that everything and anything is allowed, including female preachers, as long as one is saved. This is why Paul goes on to address the roles of the church, beginning where men and women defer.
[1 Timothy 2:8-12 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.]
[I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man,] What Paul is referring to is women being pastors and deacons, and having authority over men in the Church, and this is Paul saying this. This is due to the fact that women do have a great deal of influence on a man, it is just in our nature to do so. Look at what happened when Eve influenced Adam to eat the forbidden fruit and Sarah influenced Abraham to have a baby with Hagar, [1 Timothy 2:13-15 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.]
Godly women are a great help in the Church because they have a nurturing, disciplinary character within them that allows them to be good teachers of children as well as young adults, and women. And men are just not handed their roles either, they have specific rules as well, which Paul goes on to address.
[1 Timothy 3:1-4,6-7 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; 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.]
[must be blameless, the husband of one wife,] In other words, a bishop, meaning pastor or preacher, first and farmost needs to be saved. As far as being the husband of wife there is some controversy in that, some say that this means that a man can only have one wife at a time as opposed to the polygamy that was common, while others believe it refers to their never being divorced as well. Many refer to to what Jesus said to the woman at the well, [John 4:17-18 The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: 18 For thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly.]
Jesus also said this about divorce, [Matthew 5:31-32 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement: 32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.]
So, what is all comes down to is the church itself and personal preference, I understand from Jesus that the only way for someone who was once married to have only one wife is if he divorced her due to adultery. Regardless, anyone who wants to have a role within the Church needs to practice some discipline not only upon themselves, but their family as well, which Paul goes on to address in regards to deacons.
[1 Timothy 3:8-13 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; 9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 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.]
[well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith] In many ways deacons have more burdens than the pastors do because they are the ones who oversee the wellbeing of the Church itself while the pastor oversees the spiritual wellbeing of the Church. Still today there are many, many men and women claiming titles in the ministry that have no idea what they are teaching nor do they the have a desire to teach the truth. Paul, warns of the false doctrines that will take over the church.
[1 Timothy 4:1-5 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.]
[Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats,] The world thinks that their hope is in placing all kinds of restrictions, like only eating certain foods, being a certain weight, or receiving vaccinations to prolong life, but the religious world does the same thing by enforcing rules that even God has not. 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.
[1 Timothy 4:6-8,15-16 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. 8 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 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.]
[Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine;] It does not matter what we choose to do with our lives, it all ought to line up with the same doctrine. God, deals with each and every one of us individually, sometimes what He allows one He does not allow another, this has nothing to do with doctrine, but everything to do with how well we handle temptation. Paul, reminds Timothy that we are all sinners, while some are more noticeable, we are to never be partial to others, but we are to never condone sin either.
[1 Timothy 5:1-7 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.]
[she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.] Think about it, saved or not, all sin distances us from God, and if we who are saved got caught up in sin the pain we face will be much more severe until we repent because the Holy Spirit dwells in us. Paul, stresses the importance of having godliness 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.]
Jesus Christ Revealed/Magnified: [1 Timothy 2:5-6 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.]
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 am not always obedient, but I know I can do all things through You, who is my strength. Lord, I know I am 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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