Paul Instructs Timothy on being a Good Servant of our Lord Jesus Christ Part 3
1 Timothy 4:10-11 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. KJV
Paul concludes this brief but well informative discourse to Brother Timothy concerning his being a good faithful servant to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ with these powerful words that are true of every non-compromising, non-bending, or non-yielding Christian who will not succumb to the relentless pressure exerted by the devil upon them/us through the human instruments used by him to apostatize the visible church turning many of them into a mockery of what Christ true Church truly is, Paul writes this now to Timothy, "For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe." (1 Timothy 4:10) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes here, 'for therefore we both labor and suffer reproach', first of all he is saying to this end or conclusion, that is, the end or conclusion of being a good faithful servant of Christ no matter what we do, these things speaking of himself and Timothy wanting to reassure him that he (Paul) has and is currently under the same pressure, problems, and persecution as Timothy because of both their stances for the truth of the Gospel of Christ.
The English word 'labor' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word kopiaō which means to feel fatigue; by implication to work hard: - (bestow) labour, toil, be wearied. The little English phrase 'suffer reproach' used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word oneidezō which means to defame, that is, rail at, chide, taunt: - or disgrace. In other words, Paul declares to Timothy that both their lives (as faithful servants of Christ) have been and will continue to be marked by defamation, that is, abusive attacks on their character and good name simply because of their stance for the truth of Christ being the One True and Only God and the acceptance and belief in the Gospel of Christ as the only way for sinful man to see heaven, for Paul spoke of his laboring and suffering for the truth of the Gospel of Grace with these words to the Colossian Church, "Him we preach {and} proclaim, warning {and} admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One). For this I labor [unto weariness], striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles {and} works within me." (Colossians 1:28-29) (Amplified Bible).
However, this railing and taunting, and shaming was not all that each of these men endured, for the Apostle Paul was literally stoned to death, beaten with rods, and imprisoned many times simply and only for preaching and proclaiming the Gospel everywhere he went, yet this was not a strange or foreign thing to Paul and he wanted young Timothy to be empowered, encouraged, and even energized by what he has witnessed Paul endure in order that he would always stand for the truth no matter what, remembering these words of our Lord Jesus when He said, "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection {and} would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you. Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word {and} obeyed My teachings, they will also keep {and} obey yours. But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name {and} on My account, for they do not know {or} understand the One Who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin [would be blameless]; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates Me also hates My Father." (John 15:18-23) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning suffering reproach, "Godly people must labor and expect reproach; they must do well, and yet expect at the same time to suffer ill: toil and trouble are to be expected by us in this world, not only as men, but as saints."
When Paul writes these words here to Timothy, 'because we trust in the living God', he means that their is no amount of shaming, threatening, or even physical violence that will dismay, demoralize, or discourage them/us from believing the truth of God and the truth of the Gospel, just as we remember the first disciples doing when they were threatened as documented for us by Dr. Luke, "But in order that it may not spread further among the people {and} the nation, let us warn {and} forbid them with a stern threat to speak any more to anyone in this name [or about this Person]. [So] they summoned them and imperatively instructed them not to converse in any way {or} teach at all in {or} about the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied to them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you {and} obey you rather than God, you must decide (judge). But we [ourselves] cannot help telling what we have seen and heard. Then when [the rulers and council members] had further threatened them, they let them go, not seeing how they could secure a conviction against them because of the people; for everybody was praising {and} glorifying God for what had occurred." (Acts 4:17-21) (Amplified Bible). The little English phrase 'we trust' is translated by the Greek word elpizō meaning to expect or confide: - have hope, trust.
The next little section of this verse has caused much confusion throughout many centuries and it has caused many to believe in the Universal Fatherhood of God to all men/women declaring that everyone will be saved or is already saved, it is these words, 'who is the Savior of all men'. Now the message Paul is here transmitting to Brother Timothy is not that God has saved all of humanity, for if that were the case then why would Paul have just written how much he labored and strived to declare the Gospel of Christ, for if God were already the Savior of all sinful men/women then Christ coming to the earth and dying on the Cross would have not been necessary, but it was and it remains the only way sinful men/women can ever be reconciled back to God. So, then what does Paul mean here with these words, 'who is the Savior of all men', he simply means that by virtue of Christ Incarnation and His living of a sinless life satisfying the perfection of God and His willingness to sacrifice His perfect sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21) for humanities wicked sinful life by His death on the Cross (shedding His Blood) and then His resurrrection from the dead, God has provided a Sacrifice, a Savior for all men/women (John 3:16), but sinful men/women must believe the Gospel to receive the salvation that is on the table for all men/women, that is, only those that believe are actually saved and this belief is not just head belief, but a surrender and trusting in Jesus Christ as the only sacrifice for sin and as the only way to heaven (John 14:6). Paul then instructs Timothy with these words concerning all that he wrote earlier, "These things command and teach." (1 Timothy 4:11) (KJV). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this short and simple instruction to Timothy, "Let it be the sum and substance of thy preaching, that true religion is profitable for both worlds; that vice destroys both body and soul; that Christ tasted death for every man; and that He saves to the uttermost all them that believe in His name."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
I am a Christian Writer of non-fiction primarily and a little fiction. My purpose for forming this site is to Edify Christians with my writing and reach the lost with the uncompromising Gospel of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 38
Paul Instructs Timothy on being a Good Servant of our Lord Jesus Christ Part 2
1 Timothy 4:8-9 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. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. KJV
Exercise today has grown around the world into a multi-billion or even trillion dollar business. You can find today on social media men and women constantly and continually advertising to others that their particular method of weight training and cardio training is the best and that if the person send them money, they will receive a workout plan (with video exercise routines) along with a meal plan that will transform their bodies into the best they have ever been, likewise, many people who are seeking to lose weight are told by each of these exercise gurus that they can have them shedding pounds in large quantity soon after signing up with them. The Apostle Paul knew something about the physical fitness of top athletes, for it is certain that he was a frequent spectator at the Greek games (which at that time were equivalent to our Olympics today). Although, it is not clear from Scripture if the Apostle himself ever participated as an athlete, but it is my opinion as a young man (a young Jewish Pharisee), he was an athlete of some sort by virtue of the way he uses it (in the physical) to compare to his new life 'in Christ' now in the spiritual.
For let us not forget this exhortation to the Church @ Corinth, when he wanted to encourage them and we true believers today to exercise themselves/ourselves spiritually for the imperishable crown of life that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Himself will present to everyone of His sons and daughters, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] {and} make it yours. Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately {and} restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither. Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air {and} striking without an adversary. But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel {and} things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) (Amplified Bible).
The idea that he gave here to the Corinthians is now the same he is giving to Brother Timothy as he writes these words to him, "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." (1 Timothy 4:8) (KJV). The English words 'profiteth' and 'profitable' are both translated by the same Greek word ōphelimos which means helpful or serviceable, that is, advantageous: - profitable. In other words, to exercise the physical body is a good thing, a helpful thing, and even profitable to the person who makes it a regular part of their life, however, it is only profitable for a little while, for no matter how much someone exercises their physical body, it will still die and turn back into the dust of the earth from which God the Father formed it in the beginning with the first man Adam, as we are reminded by the Apostle James with these words, "Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such {and} such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air]." (James 4:13-14) (Amplified Bible).
However, Paul declares the exercise of 'godliness' to be profitable for this vapor of a life now and more so for the life that is enduring, endless, and everlasting that we will live in heaven with Christ Jesus our Lord. Again as we declared in the very last study/commentary the English word 'godliness' is translated by the Greek word eusebeia which means piety; specifically the Gospel scheme: - godliness, holiness. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the profitability of godliness for this life and the one to come, "By godliness we are to understand every thing that the Christian religion either promises or prescribes: the life of God in the soul of man; and the glory of God as the object and end of that life. To receive the first, a man must renounce his sins, deny himself, take up his cross, and follow his Lord through evil and through good report. To obtain the latter, a man must labor to enter into that rest which remains for the people of God. The man that fears, loves, and serves God, has God’s blessing all through life. His religion saves him from all those excesses, both in action and passion, which sap the foundations of life, and render existence itself often a burden. The peace and love of God in the heart produces a serenity and calm which cause the lamp of life to burn clear, strong, and permanent. Evil and disorderly passions obscure and stifle the vital spark. Every truly religious man extracts the uttermost good out of life itself, and through the Divine blessing gets the uttermost good that is in life; and, what is better than all, acquires a full preparation here below for an eternal life of glory above. Thus godliness has the promise of, and secures the blessings of, both worlds."
Paul cements this idea of godliness or the exercising of it being more profitable than the temporary exercise of the physical body that is destined to return to the dust of the earth, by writing these words to Timothy and to we believers today declaring the truthfulness and the trustworthiness of what he just wrote in verse 8, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation." (1 Timothy 4:9) (KJV). The little English phrase 'This is a faithful' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word pistos which means objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful: - believing, sure, and true. The English word 'worthy' is translated by the Greek word axios meaning deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise): - due reward, meet. The English word 'acceptation' is translated by the Greek word apodochē which means to take fully, that is, welcome (persons), approve (things): - accept, or acceptance, to receive (gladly). In other words, the Apostle Paul declares to Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation that what he has written concerning bodily exercise and the exercise of godliness is more than worthy of everyone's acceptance because it comes directly from the heart and mind of God and it is sure and true and completely trustworthy, for God cannot lie as it is written by this same Apostle Paul to Brother Titus with these words, "[Resting] in the hope of eternal life, [life] which the ever truthful God Who cannot deceive/lie promised before the world {or} the ages of time began." (Titus 1:2) (Amplified Bible).
"The never ending search by men and women for the supposed fountain of youth has served to make many scammers, scoundrels, and swindlers rich over the centuries because the vainness of men and women throughout time has always been and will always be, however, no matter how hard men and women work to look younger or to stay young, it is only a mirage or an illusion for the physical body is doomed, determined, and destined for decay and no man or woman will escape, therefore, to seek eternal life in the flesh is what people want and desire, so they don't have to deal with this Jesus stuff, but everyone has a one on one interview with Jesus Christ whether they believe it or not for this will happen not maybe or probably but surely, 'That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess {and} acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' (Philippians 2:10-11) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 4:8-9 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. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. KJV
Exercise today has grown around the world into a multi-billion or even trillion dollar business. You can find today on social media men and women constantly and continually advertising to others that their particular method of weight training and cardio training is the best and that if the person send them money, they will receive a workout plan (with video exercise routines) along with a meal plan that will transform their bodies into the best they have ever been, likewise, many people who are seeking to lose weight are told by each of these exercise gurus that they can have them shedding pounds in large quantity soon after signing up with them. The Apostle Paul knew something about the physical fitness of top athletes, for it is certain that he was a frequent spectator at the Greek games (which at that time were equivalent to our Olympics today). Although, it is not clear from Scripture if the Apostle himself ever participated as an athlete, but it is my opinion as a young man (a young Jewish Pharisee), he was an athlete of some sort by virtue of the way he uses it (in the physical) to compare to his new life 'in Christ' now in the spiritual.
For let us not forget this exhortation to the Church @ Corinth, when he wanted to encourage them and we true believers today to exercise themselves/ourselves spiritually for the imperishable crown of life that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Himself will present to everyone of His sons and daughters, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] {and} make it yours. Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately {and} restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither. Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air {and} striking without an adversary. But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel {and} things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) (Amplified Bible).
The idea that he gave here to the Corinthians is now the same he is giving to Brother Timothy as he writes these words to him, "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." (1 Timothy 4:8) (KJV). The English words 'profiteth' and 'profitable' are both translated by the same Greek word ōphelimos which means helpful or serviceable, that is, advantageous: - profitable. In other words, to exercise the physical body is a good thing, a helpful thing, and even profitable to the person who makes it a regular part of their life, however, it is only profitable for a little while, for no matter how much someone exercises their physical body, it will still die and turn back into the dust of the earth from which God the Father formed it in the beginning with the first man Adam, as we are reminded by the Apostle James with these words, "Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such {and} such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air]." (James 4:13-14) (Amplified Bible).
However, Paul declares the exercise of 'godliness' to be profitable for this vapor of a life now and more so for the life that is enduring, endless, and everlasting that we will live in heaven with Christ Jesus our Lord. Again as we declared in the very last study/commentary the English word 'godliness' is translated by the Greek word eusebeia which means piety; specifically the Gospel scheme: - godliness, holiness. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the profitability of godliness for this life and the one to come, "By godliness we are to understand every thing that the Christian religion either promises or prescribes: the life of God in the soul of man; and the glory of God as the object and end of that life. To receive the first, a man must renounce his sins, deny himself, take up his cross, and follow his Lord through evil and through good report. To obtain the latter, a man must labor to enter into that rest which remains for the people of God. The man that fears, loves, and serves God, has God’s blessing all through life. His religion saves him from all those excesses, both in action and passion, which sap the foundations of life, and render existence itself often a burden. The peace and love of God in the heart produces a serenity and calm which cause the lamp of life to burn clear, strong, and permanent. Evil and disorderly passions obscure and stifle the vital spark. Every truly religious man extracts the uttermost good out of life itself, and through the Divine blessing gets the uttermost good that is in life; and, what is better than all, acquires a full preparation here below for an eternal life of glory above. Thus godliness has the promise of, and secures the blessings of, both worlds."
Paul cements this idea of godliness or the exercising of it being more profitable than the temporary exercise of the physical body that is destined to return to the dust of the earth, by writing these words to Timothy and to we believers today declaring the truthfulness and the trustworthiness of what he just wrote in verse 8, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation." (1 Timothy 4:9) (KJV). The little English phrase 'This is a faithful' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word pistos which means objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful: - believing, sure, and true. The English word 'worthy' is translated by the Greek word axios meaning deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise): - due reward, meet. The English word 'acceptation' is translated by the Greek word apodochē which means to take fully, that is, welcome (persons), approve (things): - accept, or acceptance, to receive (gladly). In other words, the Apostle Paul declares to Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation that what he has written concerning bodily exercise and the exercise of godliness is more than worthy of everyone's acceptance because it comes directly from the heart and mind of God and it is sure and true and completely trustworthy, for God cannot lie as it is written by this same Apostle Paul to Brother Titus with these words, "[Resting] in the hope of eternal life, [life] which the ever truthful God Who cannot deceive/lie promised before the world {or} the ages of time began." (Titus 1:2) (Amplified Bible).
"The never ending search by men and women for the supposed fountain of youth has served to make many scammers, scoundrels, and swindlers rich over the centuries because the vainness of men and women throughout time has always been and will always be, however, no matter how hard men and women work to look younger or to stay young, it is only a mirage or an illusion for the physical body is doomed, determined, and destined for decay and no man or woman will escape, therefore, to seek eternal life in the flesh is what people want and desire, so they don't have to deal with this Jesus stuff, but everyone has a one on one interview with Jesus Christ whether they believe it or not for this will happen not maybe or probably but surely, 'That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess {and} acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' (Philippians 2:10-11) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 37
Paul Instructs Timothy on being a Good Servant of our Lord Jesus Christ Part 1
1 Timothy 4:6-7 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. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. KJV
Having finished his unfolding to Brother Timothy of the things that will be evident when the Great Apostasy of and in the visible church begins, Paul now instructs his spiritual 'son in the faith' on how to be a 'good servant' of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ despite the threats and insults and hatred and anger and even physical violent persecution he (Timothy) will be subject to as he walks his predestined, predetermined, and preordained path of faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. First, Paul encourages him to instruct the Brethren under his charge concerning the things mentioned previously about the Great Apostasy with these words, "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." (1 Timothy 4:6) (KJV). The English phrase 'If thou put the brethren in remembrance' that begins this verse is translated by one Greek word hupotithēmi (used only one other place in this the New Testament) and it means to place underneath, that is, (figuratively) to hazard, (reflexively) to suggest: - lay down, put in remembrance. In other words, Timothy you must be like the Shepherd of a literal flock of sheep who guards the sheep from the attack of wild animals (such as wolves), so then is Timothy and we true believers in Christ Jesus our Lord today must be the Spiritual Shepherds of other true believers by warning them that everything that professes, proclaims, or pretends to have faith in God does not make it so or true, for he will tell Timothy these words in his next or 2nd letter to him, "But wicked men and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving {and} leading astray others and being deceived {and} led astray themselves." (2 Timothy 3:13) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this reminding the brethren of the Great Apostasy, "Show the Church that, even now, there is danger of this apostasy; put them on their guard against it; for the forewarned are half armed."
Avoiding the error and out right lies that will make up the apostasy of and in the visible church can only be accomplished fully, that is, to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely by avoiding or removing ones self from the people that promote, preach, and pass around such and said error and lies also just as Paul told Brother Timothy to do with these words to him in his 2nd letter, "For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny {and} reject {and} are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them]." (2 Timothy 3:5) (Amplified Bible). When Paul says this, 'thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ', he means that in so warning the true believers of the things that will make up the apostasy in and of the visible church, Timothy will be a useful and profitable instrument of our Lord Jesus Christ in His protection of His Bride, that is, His True Church. When Paul writes, 'nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine', the little English phrase 'nourished up' is translated by the Greek word entrephō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning (figuratively) to educate: - nourish up in. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning Timothy's spiritual nourishment, "That is, you will be then 'a good minister of Jesus Christ, as becomes one who has been nourished up in the words of faith, or trained up in the doctrines of religion.' The Apostle evidently designs to remind Timothy of the manner in which he had been trained, and to show him how he might act in accordance with that. From one who had been thus educated, it was reasonable to expect that he would be a faithful and exemplary minister of the Gospel."
When Paul writes here, 'whereunto thou hast attained', he meant that Timothy had come to fully know and understand and conform to the truth of the Gospel as it had been and was being presented to him by the Apostle Paul and by what was presented to him in his childhood by former teachings of his Grandmother and Mother just as Paul reminded him at the beginning of his 2nd letter with these words, "I am calling up memories of your sincere {and} unqualified faith (the leaning of your entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), [a faith] that first lived permanently in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am [fully] persuaded, [dwells] in you also." (2 Timothy 1:5) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Timothy's belief of and faith in the truth of the Gospel, "He had arrived to a considerable degree of knowledge of Gospel truths, and was still pursuing and following on to know more of them, and was exhorted to continue in them, knowing of whom he had learned them. All this is said by way of encouragement to him to do as the Apostle directs." Paul introduces specific things that Brother Timothy is to reject when brought to him by others claiming there to be some spiritual value in these things as he writes here these words, "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7) (KJV).
The English word 'refuse' is translated by the Greek word paraiteomai meaning to beg off, that is, deprecate, that is, express strong disapproval of or deplore, decline, shun: - avoid, refuse, reject. The English word 'profane' is translated by the Greek word bebēlos which means (a threshold); accessible (as by crossing the door way), that is, (by implication of Jewish notions) heathenish, wicked: - profane (person). The little English phrase 'old wives' is translated by the Greek word graōdēs (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning (an old woman) spouting views that are crone like, that is, silly: - old wives’. The English word 'fables' is translated by the Greek word muthos meaning a tale, that is, fiction (“myth”): - fable. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning fables, "This seems to refer particularly to the Jews, whose Talmudical writings are stuffed with the most ridiculous and profane fables that ever disgraced the human intellect. It may with equal propriety be applied to the legends of the Romish Church. Let any man read the Aurea Legenda, and he will find of profane and old wives' fables what may stand, with considerable propriety, column for column with the Talmud. See Joseline's Life of St. Patrick for miracles, without rhyme or reason, abundantly more numerous and more stupendous than all the necessary ones wrought by Jesus Christ and His Apostles. This is enough to persuade a man that the Spirit of God had these very corruptions and this corrupt Church particularly in view."
When Paul writes here, 'exercise thyself rather unto godliness', the English word 'exercise' is translated by the Greek word gumnazō which means the exact same thing as our English dictionary declares and that is, to train and in this case not physical bodily training, but spiritual Gospel truth training from prayer and study in the Word of God again as Paul wrote to Timothy in his 2nd letter with these words, "Study {and} be eager {and} do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing {and} accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more {and} more ungodliness." (2 Timothy 2:15-16) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'godliness' is translated by the Greek word eusebeia which means piety; specifically the Gospel scheme: - godliness, holiness. Again here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning godly exercise, "To understand this expression it is necessary to know that the Apostle alludes here to the gymnastic exercises among the Greeks, which were intended as a preparation for, their contests at the public games. They did this in order to obtain a corruptible or fading crown, i. e., a chaplet of leaves, which was the reward of those who conquered in those games; Timothy was to exercise himself unto godliness, that he might be prepared for the kingdom of heaven, and there receive a crown that fadeth not away."
"The minister of Christ must be daily nourished by the words of Christian truth. If he is not fed on Christ’s body and blood, his teaching will soon deteriorate, John 6:1-71. He must also exercise himself in godliness with as much care as the gymnast, who is continually exercising his joints and muscles so as to keep supple and alert. This is also God's purpose in the spiritual trials and discipline which He sends." F. B. Meyer
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 4:6-7 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. But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. KJV
Having finished his unfolding to Brother Timothy of the things that will be evident when the Great Apostasy of and in the visible church begins, Paul now instructs his spiritual 'son in the faith' on how to be a 'good servant' of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ despite the threats and insults and hatred and anger and even physical violent persecution he (Timothy) will be subject to as he walks his predestined, predetermined, and preordained path of faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. First, Paul encourages him to instruct the Brethren under his charge concerning the things mentioned previously about the Great Apostasy with these words, "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." (1 Timothy 4:6) (KJV). The English phrase 'If thou put the brethren in remembrance' that begins this verse is translated by one Greek word hupotithēmi (used only one other place in this the New Testament) and it means to place underneath, that is, (figuratively) to hazard, (reflexively) to suggest: - lay down, put in remembrance. In other words, Timothy you must be like the Shepherd of a literal flock of sheep who guards the sheep from the attack of wild animals (such as wolves), so then is Timothy and we true believers in Christ Jesus our Lord today must be the Spiritual Shepherds of other true believers by warning them that everything that professes, proclaims, or pretends to have faith in God does not make it so or true, for he will tell Timothy these words in his next or 2nd letter to him, "But wicked men and imposters will go on from bad to worse, deceiving {and} leading astray others and being deceived {and} led astray themselves." (2 Timothy 3:13) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this reminding the brethren of the Great Apostasy, "Show the Church that, even now, there is danger of this apostasy; put them on their guard against it; for the forewarned are half armed."
Avoiding the error and out right lies that will make up the apostasy of and in the visible church can only be accomplished fully, that is, to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely by avoiding or removing ones self from the people that promote, preach, and pass around such and said error and lies also just as Paul told Brother Timothy to do with these words to him in his 2nd letter, "For [although] they hold a form of piety (true religion), they deny {and} reject {and} are strangers to the power of it [their conduct belies the genuineness of their profession]. Avoid [all] such people [turn away from them]." (2 Timothy 3:5) (Amplified Bible). When Paul says this, 'thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ', he means that in so warning the true believers of the things that will make up the apostasy in and of the visible church, Timothy will be a useful and profitable instrument of our Lord Jesus Christ in His protection of His Bride, that is, His True Church. When Paul writes, 'nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine', the little English phrase 'nourished up' is translated by the Greek word entrephō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning (figuratively) to educate: - nourish up in. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning Timothy's spiritual nourishment, "That is, you will be then 'a good minister of Jesus Christ, as becomes one who has been nourished up in the words of faith, or trained up in the doctrines of religion.' The Apostle evidently designs to remind Timothy of the manner in which he had been trained, and to show him how he might act in accordance with that. From one who had been thus educated, it was reasonable to expect that he would be a faithful and exemplary minister of the Gospel."
When Paul writes here, 'whereunto thou hast attained', he meant that Timothy had come to fully know and understand and conform to the truth of the Gospel as it had been and was being presented to him by the Apostle Paul and by what was presented to him in his childhood by former teachings of his Grandmother and Mother just as Paul reminded him at the beginning of his 2nd letter with these words, "I am calling up memories of your sincere {and} unqualified faith (the leaning of your entire personality on God in Christ in absolute trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness), [a faith] that first lived permanently in [the heart of] your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am [fully] persuaded, [dwells] in you also." (2 Timothy 1:5) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Timothy's belief of and faith in the truth of the Gospel, "He had arrived to a considerable degree of knowledge of Gospel truths, and was still pursuing and following on to know more of them, and was exhorted to continue in them, knowing of whom he had learned them. All this is said by way of encouragement to him to do as the Apostle directs." Paul introduces specific things that Brother Timothy is to reject when brought to him by others claiming there to be some spiritual value in these things as he writes here these words, "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness." (1 Timothy 4:7) (KJV).
The English word 'refuse' is translated by the Greek word paraiteomai meaning to beg off, that is, deprecate, that is, express strong disapproval of or deplore, decline, shun: - avoid, refuse, reject. The English word 'profane' is translated by the Greek word bebēlos which means (a threshold); accessible (as by crossing the door way), that is, (by implication of Jewish notions) heathenish, wicked: - profane (person). The little English phrase 'old wives' is translated by the Greek word graōdēs (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning (an old woman) spouting views that are crone like, that is, silly: - old wives’. The English word 'fables' is translated by the Greek word muthos meaning a tale, that is, fiction (“myth”): - fable. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning fables, "This seems to refer particularly to the Jews, whose Talmudical writings are stuffed with the most ridiculous and profane fables that ever disgraced the human intellect. It may with equal propriety be applied to the legends of the Romish Church. Let any man read the Aurea Legenda, and he will find of profane and old wives' fables what may stand, with considerable propriety, column for column with the Talmud. See Joseline's Life of St. Patrick for miracles, without rhyme or reason, abundantly more numerous and more stupendous than all the necessary ones wrought by Jesus Christ and His Apostles. This is enough to persuade a man that the Spirit of God had these very corruptions and this corrupt Church particularly in view."
When Paul writes here, 'exercise thyself rather unto godliness', the English word 'exercise' is translated by the Greek word gumnazō which means the exact same thing as our English dictionary declares and that is, to train and in this case not physical bodily training, but spiritual Gospel truth training from prayer and study in the Word of God again as Paul wrote to Timothy in his 2nd letter with these words, "Study {and} be eager {and} do your utmost to present yourself to God approved (tested by trial), a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing {and} accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth. But avoid all empty (vain, useless, idle) talk, for it will lead people into more {and} more ungodliness." (2 Timothy 2:15-16) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'godliness' is translated by the Greek word eusebeia which means piety; specifically the Gospel scheme: - godliness, holiness. Again here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning godly exercise, "To understand this expression it is necessary to know that the Apostle alludes here to the gymnastic exercises among the Greeks, which were intended as a preparation for, their contests at the public games. They did this in order to obtain a corruptible or fading crown, i. e., a chaplet of leaves, which was the reward of those who conquered in those games; Timothy was to exercise himself unto godliness, that he might be prepared for the kingdom of heaven, and there receive a crown that fadeth not away."
"The minister of Christ must be daily nourished by the words of Christian truth. If he is not fed on Christ’s body and blood, his teaching will soon deteriorate, John 6:1-71. He must also exercise himself in godliness with as much care as the gymnast, who is continually exercising his joints and muscles so as to keep supple and alert. This is also God's purpose in the spiritual trials and discipline which He sends." F. B. Meyer
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 36
Paul Informs Timothy of the Great Apostasy of the Visible Church Part 3
1 Timothy 4:3-5 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. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. KJV
As Paul now concludes his discourse to Brother Timothy concerning the great apostasy that will come and we have for many decades and centuries seen its appearance become more and more visible, Paul begins his final warning to Timothy of this apostasy with the rigid view some will put toward marriage and the eating of certain meats or meat at all by writing these words to begin, "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." (1 Timothy 4:3) (KJV). The first word Paul uses in this verse 'forbidding' is translated by the Greek word kōluō which means pretty much exactly what our English dictionary declares and that is, to estop, that is, prevent (by word or act): - forbid, hinder, keep from, let, not suffer, withstand. The little English phrase 'to marry' immediately following is translated by the Greek word gameō which means nuptials, that is, the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed; to wed (of either sex): - marry (a wife). In other words, Paul declares to Brother Timothy and to we true believers today, that one of the very obvious signs of the apostasy during the time Paul wrote this epistle was the groups that required their spiritual leaders to abstain from marriage believing that this would some how make the leader more like Christ and more holy before mankind, however, here is what our Lord Jesus Christ Himself said to the disciples when they inquired of this issue to Him, "The disciples said to Him, If the case of a man with his wife is like this, it is neither profitable {nor} advisable to marry. But He said to them, Not all men can accept this saying, but it is for those to whom [the capacity to receive] it has been given. For there are eunuchs who have been born incapable of marriage; and there are eunuchs who have been made so by men; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves incapable of marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let him who is able to accept this accept it." (Matthew 19:10-12) (Amplified Bible), in other words Peter, John, Matthew, Clifford Tate, Sr. etc. not every man or woman can be celibate for their entire earthly life in the service of Me, but only those who have been given the 'gift of celibacy' by Me through the Holy Spirit.
We must remember that at the time of this epistle there was no Catholic Church, but the seeds for its formation had already been planted in the hearts and minds of many men and even women during this time period. This ascetic practice, that is, the practicing of great self-denial or someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline was taking root in many places during the time Paul was alive and serving our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. The main group Paul wanted Timothy to be wary of were the Gnostics who practiced what was known then as Gnosticism which is a religious orientation advocating gnosis, that is, intuitive knowledge of spiritual truths; as the way to release a person's spiritual element. These people claimed to have this intuitive knowledge, that is, the obtaining of spiritual truth through intuition rather than from the revealed Word of God. This is the professed ability many wizards and witches claim to and in many cases they do arrive at spiritual knowledge from the demon witches and wizards that inhabit them, only that knowledge is of no good value for spiritual healing and restoration of the soul because it is evil/satanic. Here is what Vincent's Word Study had to say concerning these ascetic practices, "The ascetic tendencies indicated by these prohibitions developed earlier than these Epistles among the Essenes, an ascetic Jewish brotherhood on the shores of the Dead Sea, who repudiated marriage except as a necessity for preserving the race, and allowed it only under protest and under stringent regulations. They also abstained strictly from wine and animal food. This sect was in existence in the lifetime of our Lord. Strong traces of its influence appear in the heresy assailed in Paul's Epistle to the Colossians. The Christian body received large accessions from it after the destruction of Jerusalem (70 a.d.). The prohibitions above named were imposed by the later Gnosticism of the second century."
When Paul writes, 'commanding to abstain from meats', he means that some imposed a strict diet upon themelves and others declaring that the eating of meat was wrong (see 1 Corinthians 8). We know that during the days in the Old Testament that God the Father gave to Israel certain dietary laws that they were to follow (for their own good and well-being) because the Maker of the Heavens and the earth knew what would be benificial to His people and what would be detrimental to them (Book of Leviticus), that is, their physical bodies, however, now that Christ Jesus our Lord has died on the Cross, shedding His Blood for man's sin, resurrecting from the dead and ascending into Heaven where He presented His Blood as man's sacrifice for sin, He has declared all meat clean for mankind to eat and partake in if he so chooses. So, we see then that this is exactly what the Apostle Paul means when he writes these words to Brother Timothy, 'which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth', just as he also very strongly pointed out to the believers in the Colossian Church with these words, "Therefore let no one sit in judgment on you in matters of food and drink, or with regard to a feast day or a New Moon or a Sabbath. Such [things] are only the shadow of things that are to come, {and} they have only a symbolic value. But the reality (the substance, the solid fact of what is foreshadowed, the body of it) belongs to Christ. Let no one defraud you by acting as an umpire {and} declaring you unworthy {and} disqualifying you for the prize, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, taking his stand on visions [he claims] he has seen, vainly puffed up by his sensuous notions {and} inflated by his unspiritual thoughts {and} fleshly conceit, And not holding fast to the Head, from Whom the entire body, supplied and knit together by means of its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If then you have died with Christ to material ways of looking at things {and} have escaped from the world's crude {and} elemental notions {and} teachings of externalism, why do you live as if you still belong to the world? [Why do you submit to rules {and} regulations?--such as] Do not handle [this], Do not taste [that], Do not even touch [them], Referring to things all of which perish with being used. To do this is to follow human precepts and doctrines. Such [practices] have indeed the outward appearance [that popularly passes] for wisdom, in promoting self-imposed rigor of devotion {and} delight in self-humiliation {and} severity of discipline of the body, but they are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh (the lower nature). [Instead, they do not honor God but serve only to indulge the flesh.]" (Colossians 2:16-23) (Amplified Bible).
"It is a sign that men have departed from the faith when they will command what God has forbidden, such as saint and angel or demon-worship; and forbid what God has allowed or commanded, such as marriage and meats. Having mentioned their hypocritical fastings, the Apostle takes occasion to lay down the doctrine of the Christian liberty, which we enjoy under the Gospel, of using God's good creatures, - that, whereas under the law there was a distinction of meats between clean and unclean (such sorts of flesh they might eat, and such they might not eat), all this is now taken away; and we are to call nothing common or unclean, Acts 10:15. Here observe, 1. We are to look upon our food as that which God has created; we have it from Him, and therefore must use it for Him. 2. God, in making those things, had a special regard to those who believe and know the truth, to good Christians, who have a covenant right to the creatures, whereas others have only a common right. 3. What God has created is to be received with thanksgiving. We must not refuse the gifts of God's bounty, nor be scrupulous in making differences where God has made none; but receive them, and be thankful, acknowledging the power of God the Maker of them, and the bounty of God the giver of them: Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, 1 Timothy 4:4. This plainly sets us at liberty from all the distinctions of meats appointed by the ceremonial law, as particularly that of swine's flesh, which the Jews were forbidden to eat, but which is allowed to us Christians, by this rule, Every creature of God is good, etc. Observe, God's good creatures are then good, and doubly sweet to us, when they are received with thanksgiving. - For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer, 1 Timothy 4:5. It is a desirable thing to have a sanctified use of our creature-comforts. Now they are sanctified to us, (1.) By the word of God; not only His permission, allowing us the liberty of the use of these things, but His promise to feed us with food convenient for us. This gives us a sanctified use of our creature-comforts. (2.) By prayer, which blesses our meat to us. The Word of God and prayer must be brought to our common actions and affairs, and then we do all in faith. Here observe, [1.] Every creature is God's, for he made all. Every beast in the forest is mine (says God), and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are mine, Psalm 50:10, Psalm 50:11. [2.] Every creature of God is good: when the blessed God took a survey of all His works, God saw all that was made, and, behold, it was very good, Genesis 1:31. [3.] The blessing of God makes every creature nourishing to us; man lives not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4), and therefore nothing ought to be refused. [4.] We ought therefore to ask His blessing by prayer, and so to sanctify the creatures we receive by prayer." Matthew Henry
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 4:3-5 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. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. KJV
As Paul now concludes his discourse to Brother Timothy concerning the great apostasy that will come and we have for many decades and centuries seen its appearance become more and more visible, Paul begins his final warning to Timothy of this apostasy with the rigid view some will put toward marriage and the eating of certain meats or meat at all by writing these words to begin, "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." (1 Timothy 4:3) (KJV). The first word Paul uses in this verse 'forbidding' is translated by the Greek word kōluō which means pretty much exactly what our English dictionary declares and that is, to estop, that is, prevent (by word or act): - forbid, hinder, keep from, let, not suffer, withstand. The little English phrase 'to marry' immediately following is translated by the Greek word gameō which means nuptials, that is, the social event at which the ceremony of marriage is performed; to wed (of either sex): - marry (a wife). In other words, Paul declares to Brother Timothy and to we true believers today, that one of the very obvious signs of the apostasy during the time Paul wrote this epistle was the groups that required their spiritual leaders to abstain from marriage believing that this would some how make the leader more like Christ and more holy before mankind, however, here is what our Lord Jesus Christ Himself said to the disciples when they inquired of this issue to Him, "The disciples said to Him, If the case of a man with his wife is like this, it is neither profitable {nor} advisable to marry. But He said to them, Not all men can accept this saying, but it is for those to whom [the capacity to receive] it has been given. For there are eunuchs who have been born incapable of marriage; and there are eunuchs who have been made so by men; and there are eunuchs who have made themselves incapable of marriage for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let him who is able to accept this accept it." (Matthew 19:10-12) (Amplified Bible), in other words Peter, John, Matthew, Clifford Tate, Sr. etc. not every man or woman can be celibate for their entire earthly life in the service of Me, but only those who have been given the 'gift of celibacy' by Me through the Holy Spirit.
We must remember that at the time of this epistle there was no Catholic Church, but the seeds for its formation had already been planted in the hearts and minds of many men and even women during this time period. This ascetic practice, that is, the practicing of great self-denial or someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline was taking root in many places during the time Paul was alive and serving our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. The main group Paul wanted Timothy to be wary of were the Gnostics who practiced what was known then as Gnosticism which is a religious orientation advocating gnosis, that is, intuitive knowledge of spiritual truths; as the way to release a person's spiritual element. These people claimed to have this intuitive knowledge, that is, the obtaining of spiritual truth through intuition rather than from the revealed Word of God. This is the professed ability many wizards and witches claim to and in many cases they do arrive at spiritual knowledge from the demon witches and wizards that inhabit them, only that knowledge is of no good value for spiritual healing and restoration of the soul because it is evil/satanic. Here is what Vincent's Word Study had to say concerning these ascetic practices, "The ascetic tendencies indicated by these prohibitions developed earlier than these Epistles among the Essenes, an ascetic Jewish brotherhood on the shores of the Dead Sea, who repudiated marriage except as a necessity for preserving the race, and allowed it only under protest and under stringent regulations. They also abstained strictly from wine and animal food. This sect was in existence in the lifetime of our Lord. Strong traces of its influence appear in the heresy assailed in Paul's Epistle to the Colossians. The Christian body received large accessions from it after the destruction of Jerusalem (70 a.d.). The prohibitions above named were imposed by the later Gnosticism of the second century."
When Paul writes, 'commanding to abstain from meats', he means that some imposed a strict diet upon themelves and others declaring that the eating of meat was wrong (see 1 Corinthians 8). We know that during the days in the Old Testament that God the Father gave to Israel certain dietary laws that they were to follow (for their own good and well-being) because the Maker of the Heavens and the earth knew what would be benificial to His people and what would be detrimental to them (Book of Leviticus), that is, their physical bodies, however, now that Christ Jesus our Lord has died on the Cross, shedding His Blood for man's sin, resurrecting from the dead and ascending into Heaven where He presented His Blood as man's sacrifice for sin, He has declared all meat clean for mankind to eat and partake in if he so chooses. So, we see then that this is exactly what the Apostle Paul means when he writes these words to Brother Timothy, 'which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth', just as he also very strongly pointed out to the believers in the Colossian Church with these words, "Therefore let no one sit in judgment on you in matters of food and drink, or with regard to a feast day or a New Moon or a Sabbath. Such [things] are only the shadow of things that are to come, {and} they have only a symbolic value. But the reality (the substance, the solid fact of what is foreshadowed, the body of it) belongs to Christ. Let no one defraud you by acting as an umpire {and} declaring you unworthy {and} disqualifying you for the prize, insisting on self-abasement and worship of angels, taking his stand on visions [he claims] he has seen, vainly puffed up by his sensuous notions {and} inflated by his unspiritual thoughts {and} fleshly conceit, And not holding fast to the Head, from Whom the entire body, supplied and knit together by means of its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God. If then you have died with Christ to material ways of looking at things {and} have escaped from the world's crude {and} elemental notions {and} teachings of externalism, why do you live as if you still belong to the world? [Why do you submit to rules {and} regulations?--such as] Do not handle [this], Do not taste [that], Do not even touch [them], Referring to things all of which perish with being used. To do this is to follow human precepts and doctrines. Such [practices] have indeed the outward appearance [that popularly passes] for wisdom, in promoting self-imposed rigor of devotion {and} delight in self-humiliation {and} severity of discipline of the body, but they are of no value in checking the indulgence of the flesh (the lower nature). [Instead, they do not honor God but serve only to indulge the flesh.]" (Colossians 2:16-23) (Amplified Bible).
"It is a sign that men have departed from the faith when they will command what God has forbidden, such as saint and angel or demon-worship; and forbid what God has allowed or commanded, such as marriage and meats. Having mentioned their hypocritical fastings, the Apostle takes occasion to lay down the doctrine of the Christian liberty, which we enjoy under the Gospel, of using God's good creatures, - that, whereas under the law there was a distinction of meats between clean and unclean (such sorts of flesh they might eat, and such they might not eat), all this is now taken away; and we are to call nothing common or unclean, Acts 10:15. Here observe, 1. We are to look upon our food as that which God has created; we have it from Him, and therefore must use it for Him. 2. God, in making those things, had a special regard to those who believe and know the truth, to good Christians, who have a covenant right to the creatures, whereas others have only a common right. 3. What God has created is to be received with thanksgiving. We must not refuse the gifts of God's bounty, nor be scrupulous in making differences where God has made none; but receive them, and be thankful, acknowledging the power of God the Maker of them, and the bounty of God the giver of them: Every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, 1 Timothy 4:4. This plainly sets us at liberty from all the distinctions of meats appointed by the ceremonial law, as particularly that of swine's flesh, which the Jews were forbidden to eat, but which is allowed to us Christians, by this rule, Every creature of God is good, etc. Observe, God's good creatures are then good, and doubly sweet to us, when they are received with thanksgiving. - For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer, 1 Timothy 4:5. It is a desirable thing to have a sanctified use of our creature-comforts. Now they are sanctified to us, (1.) By the word of God; not only His permission, allowing us the liberty of the use of these things, but His promise to feed us with food convenient for us. This gives us a sanctified use of our creature-comforts. (2.) By prayer, which blesses our meat to us. The Word of God and prayer must be brought to our common actions and affairs, and then we do all in faith. Here observe, [1.] Every creature is God's, for he made all. Every beast in the forest is mine (says God), and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are mine, Psalm 50:10, Psalm 50:11. [2.] Every creature of God is good: when the blessed God took a survey of all His works, God saw all that was made, and, behold, it was very good, Genesis 1:31. [3.] The blessing of God makes every creature nourishing to us; man lives not by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4), and therefore nothing ought to be refused. [4.] We ought therefore to ask His blessing by prayer, and so to sanctify the creatures we receive by prayer." Matthew Henry
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 35
Paul Informs Timothy of the Great Apostasy of the Visible Church Part 2
1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; KJV
As Paul continues his discourse to Brother Timothy concerning the Apostasy that will come and has already come to the visible Christian Church, he tells Timothy particular things that will be done by the devil (through his seducing spirits/demons using his human instruments, that is, two-legged devils) to spoil or rotten the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, (Note: "It is impossible for the devil to defeat or destroy Christ True Church (the invisible Body of Born Again Believers) as our Lord Jesus said Himself with these words," "And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, {Petros}--a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, {petra}--a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it]." (Matthew 16:18) (Amplified Bible), but the visible Church the devil can and in many cases has ruined it, for just as one rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel of good and ripe apples, so can lies introduced into the visible Church destroy the faith of many and infect the entire Body of believers if not removed, just as Paul did with two people as he has already declared to Timothy early on at the very beginning portion of this letter with these words, "Holding fast to faith (that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence) and having a good (clear) conscience. By rejecting {and} thrusting from them [their conscience], some individuals have made shipwreck of their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan in order that they may be disciplined [by punishment and learn] not to blaspheme." (1 Timothy 1:19-20) (Amplified Bible).
With this as our background material and a reminder to us of what Paul has already proclaimed to Brother Timothy concerning such blasphemous people, we now find Paul doing what he did much of in his 14 letters written in the New Testament, that is, to be repetative or to write concerning some of the same causes or issues over and over repeating what he had already written before to the same person or to the same Church because of the importance (to God first and to Paul as well) of what was being declared, discussed, or determined, so he writes now here in verse 2 these words to Timothy, "Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;" (1 Timothy 4:2) (KJV). The little English phrase 'Speaking lies' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word pseudologos (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning mendacious, that is, given to lying, intentionally untrue, promulgating/proclaiming erroneous Christian doctrine: - speaking lies. In other words, those who have abandoned, abdicated, or aborted 'the true faith' in Christ Jesus our Lord are those make believers who fell in love with 'the lie' and held on to it with an iron grip, just as Paul spoke again concerning such people who wanted 'the lie' over 'the truth' when he wrote these words to the Thessalonian Church, "For the mystery of lawlessness (that hidden principle of rebellion against constituted authority) is already at work in the world, [but it is] restrained only until he who restrains is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one (the antichrist) will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth and bring him to an end by His appearing at His coming. The coming [of the lawless one, the antichrist] is through the activity {and} working of Satan and will be attended by great power and with all sorts of [pretended] miracles and signs {and} delusive marvels--[all of them] lying wonders--And by unlimited seduction to evil {and} with all wicked deception for those who are perishing (going to perdition) because they did not welcome the Truth {but} refused to love it that they might be saved. Therefore God sends upon them a misleading influence, a working of error {and} a strong delusion to make them believe what is false, In order that all may be judged {and} condemned who did not believe in [who refused to adhere to, trust in, and rely on] the Truth, but [instead] took pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12) (Amplified Bible).
The 'misleading influence' and 'working of error' Paul writes here to the Thessalonian Church is that same exact idea or concept that he is writing here now to Brother Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:1 when he writes 'seducing spirits' and 'doctrines of devils', for it is all the work of the enemy working within the visible Church in order to see men and women believe his lies and be condemned or damned to eternal destruction in hell/the lake of fire, even while they claim to, call themselves, and carry on in many visible Churches as Christians, for let us not forget that it was these slicing/cutting words of complete truth that came directly from the mouth of our Lord Jesus while He was still on the earth when He spoke these words concerning these people who have fallen prey to the seducing spirits and doctrine of devils, "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]." (Matthew 7:21-23) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'hypocrisy' is translated by the Greek word hupokrisis meaning to decide (speak or act) under a false part, that is, (figuratively) dissemble, that is, make believe with the intent to deceive and hide under a false appearance (pretend): - feign. In other words, a person who hides their true nature and intentions toward you and/or others in order to deceive you into thinking they have your best interest at heart, but all the time their true intention is to take something from you (i.e. money or things) or to get their own sexual gratification from you by seduction or by blackmail or even violence if the other methods don't work. The hiding under a false appearance is exactly what our Lord Jesus Christ warned us to be wary of when He said this in the same Matthew Chapter 7 discourse, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit." (Matthew 7:15-17) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Dr. John Gill wrote concerning Paul's discourse here of 'speaking lies in hypocrisy', "Or 'through the hypocrisy of those that speak lies'; for the Apostle is still speaking of the means by which the apostasy should rise, and get ground; and it should be by the means of persons that should deliver lying or false doctrine under the color of truth, and make great pretensions to religion and holiness, which would greatly take with men, and captivate and lead them aside: and this plainly points at the abettors of antichrist, the Romish priests, who deliver out the lying doctrines of merit, purgatory, invocation of saints, fastings, pilgrimages, etc. and the fabulous legends of saints, and the lying wonders and miracles done by them, and all under a show of godliness, and the promoting of religion and holiness:"
Lastly, when Paul writes here, 'having their conscience seared with a hot iron', he is declaring the deadness of these people's inner man or inner woman. The English word 'conscience' is translated by the Greek word suneidēsis which means co-perception, that is, moral consciousness: - conscience. The little English phrase 'seared with a hot iron' is translated by the Greek word kautēriazō (another word used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning to brand (“cauterize”), that is, (by implication) to render unsensitive or callous; deaden feelings or morals (figuratively): - sear with a hot iron. In other words, the soul/inner man or inner woman of these people have been rendered unfeeling to causing hurt or damage to others and they do not care how their actions reek havoc on others and this they do intentionally, not from weakness in failing, but from intentional desire to gratify themselves, even if it means taking from others or hurting others in their way, for just as the area of human skin that has been cauterized can no longer have feeling there, so do these people's soul no longer have a feeling of what is right and wrong in the site of God. Here is what Vincent's Word Studies has to say concerniing these conscience seared people, "The metaphor is from the practice of branding slaves or criminals, the latter on the brow. These deceivers are not acting under delusion, but deliberately, and against their conscience. They wear the form of godliness, and contradict their profession by their crooked conduct (2 Timothy 3:5). The brand is not on their brow, but on their conscience."
"One of the great instances of the apostasy, namely, giving heed to doctrines of demons, or concerning demons; that is, those doctrines which teach the worship of saints and angels, as a middle sort of deities, between the immortal God and mortal men, such as the heathen called demons, and worshipped under that notion. Now this plainly agrees to the church of Rome, and it was one of the first steps towards that great apostasy, the enshrining of the relics of martyrs, paying divine honors to them, erecting altars, burning incense, consecrating images and temples, and making prayers and praises to the honor of saints departed. This demon-worship is paganism revived, the image of the first beast." Matthew Henry
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; KJV
As Paul continues his discourse to Brother Timothy concerning the Apostasy that will come and has already come to the visible Christian Church, he tells Timothy particular things that will be done by the devil (through his seducing spirits/demons using his human instruments, that is, two-legged devils) to spoil or rotten the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, (Note: "It is impossible for the devil to defeat or destroy Christ True Church (the invisible Body of Born Again Believers) as our Lord Jesus said Himself with these words," "And I tell you, you are Peter [Greek, {Petros}--a large piece of rock], and on this rock [Greek, {petra}--a huge rock like Gibraltar] I will build My Church, and the gates of Hades (the powers of the infernal region) shall not overpower it [or be strong to its detriment or hold out against it]." (Matthew 16:18) (Amplified Bible), but the visible Church the devil can and in many cases has ruined it, for just as one rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel of good and ripe apples, so can lies introduced into the visible Church destroy the faith of many and infect the entire Body of believers if not removed, just as Paul did with two people as he has already declared to Timothy early on at the very beginning portion of this letter with these words, "Holding fast to faith (that leaning of the entire human personality on God in absolute trust and confidence) and having a good (clear) conscience. By rejecting {and} thrusting from them [their conscience], some individuals have made shipwreck of their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan in order that they may be disciplined [by punishment and learn] not to blaspheme." (1 Timothy 1:19-20) (Amplified Bible).
With this as our background material and a reminder to us of what Paul has already proclaimed to Brother Timothy concerning such blasphemous people, we now find Paul doing what he did much of in his 14 letters written in the New Testament, that is, to be repetative or to write concerning some of the same causes or issues over and over repeating what he had already written before to the same person or to the same Church because of the importance (to God first and to Paul as well) of what was being declared, discussed, or determined, so he writes now here in verse 2 these words to Timothy, "Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;" (1 Timothy 4:2) (KJV). The little English phrase 'Speaking lies' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word pseudologos (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning mendacious, that is, given to lying, intentionally untrue, promulgating/proclaiming erroneous Christian doctrine: - speaking lies. In other words, those who have abandoned, abdicated, or aborted 'the true faith' in Christ Jesus our Lord are those make believers who fell in love with 'the lie' and held on to it with an iron grip, just as Paul spoke again concerning such people who wanted 'the lie' over 'the truth' when he wrote these words to the Thessalonian Church, "For the mystery of lawlessness (that hidden principle of rebellion against constituted authority) is already at work in the world, [but it is] restrained only until he who restrains is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one (the antichrist) will be revealed and the Lord Jesus will slay him with the breath of His mouth and bring him to an end by His appearing at His coming. The coming [of the lawless one, the antichrist] is through the activity {and} working of Satan and will be attended by great power and with all sorts of [pretended] miracles and signs {and} delusive marvels--[all of them] lying wonders--And by unlimited seduction to evil {and} with all wicked deception for those who are perishing (going to perdition) because they did not welcome the Truth {but} refused to love it that they might be saved. Therefore God sends upon them a misleading influence, a working of error {and} a strong delusion to make them believe what is false, In order that all may be judged {and} condemned who did not believe in [who refused to adhere to, trust in, and rely on] the Truth, but [instead] took pleasure in unrighteousness." (2 Thessalonians 2:7-12) (Amplified Bible).
The 'misleading influence' and 'working of error' Paul writes here to the Thessalonian Church is that same exact idea or concept that he is writing here now to Brother Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:1 when he writes 'seducing spirits' and 'doctrines of devils', for it is all the work of the enemy working within the visible Church in order to see men and women believe his lies and be condemned or damned to eternal destruction in hell/the lake of fire, even while they claim to, call themselves, and carry on in many visible Churches as Christians, for let us not forget that it was these slicing/cutting words of complete truth that came directly from the mouth of our Lord Jesus while He was still on the earth when He spoke these words concerning these people who have fallen prey to the seducing spirits and doctrine of devils, "Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands]." (Matthew 7:21-23) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'hypocrisy' is translated by the Greek word hupokrisis meaning to decide (speak or act) under a false part, that is, (figuratively) dissemble, that is, make believe with the intent to deceive and hide under a false appearance (pretend): - feign. In other words, a person who hides their true nature and intentions toward you and/or others in order to deceive you into thinking they have your best interest at heart, but all the time their true intention is to take something from you (i.e. money or things) or to get their own sexual gratification from you by seduction or by blackmail or even violence if the other methods don't work. The hiding under a false appearance is exactly what our Lord Jesus Christ warned us to be wary of when He said this in the same Matthew Chapter 7 discourse, "Beware of false prophets, who come to you dressed as sheep, but inside they are devouring wolves. You will fully recognize them by their fruits. Do people pick grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every healthy (sound) tree bears good fruit [worthy of admiration], but the sickly (decaying, worthless) tree bears bad (worthless) fruit." (Matthew 7:15-17) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Dr. John Gill wrote concerning Paul's discourse here of 'speaking lies in hypocrisy', "Or 'through the hypocrisy of those that speak lies'; for the Apostle is still speaking of the means by which the apostasy should rise, and get ground; and it should be by the means of persons that should deliver lying or false doctrine under the color of truth, and make great pretensions to religion and holiness, which would greatly take with men, and captivate and lead them aside: and this plainly points at the abettors of antichrist, the Romish priests, who deliver out the lying doctrines of merit, purgatory, invocation of saints, fastings, pilgrimages, etc. and the fabulous legends of saints, and the lying wonders and miracles done by them, and all under a show of godliness, and the promoting of religion and holiness:"
Lastly, when Paul writes here, 'having their conscience seared with a hot iron', he is declaring the deadness of these people's inner man or inner woman. The English word 'conscience' is translated by the Greek word suneidēsis which means co-perception, that is, moral consciousness: - conscience. The little English phrase 'seared with a hot iron' is translated by the Greek word kautēriazō (another word used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning to brand (“cauterize”), that is, (by implication) to render unsensitive or callous; deaden feelings or morals (figuratively): - sear with a hot iron. In other words, the soul/inner man or inner woman of these people have been rendered unfeeling to causing hurt or damage to others and they do not care how their actions reek havoc on others and this they do intentionally, not from weakness in failing, but from intentional desire to gratify themselves, even if it means taking from others or hurting others in their way, for just as the area of human skin that has been cauterized can no longer have feeling there, so do these people's soul no longer have a feeling of what is right and wrong in the site of God. Here is what Vincent's Word Studies has to say concerniing these conscience seared people, "The metaphor is from the practice of branding slaves or criminals, the latter on the brow. These deceivers are not acting under delusion, but deliberately, and against their conscience. They wear the form of godliness, and contradict their profession by their crooked conduct (2 Timothy 3:5). The brand is not on their brow, but on their conscience."
"One of the great instances of the apostasy, namely, giving heed to doctrines of demons, or concerning demons; that is, those doctrines which teach the worship of saints and angels, as a middle sort of deities, between the immortal God and mortal men, such as the heathen called demons, and worshipped under that notion. Now this plainly agrees to the church of Rome, and it was one of the first steps towards that great apostasy, the enshrining of the relics of martyrs, paying divine honors to them, erecting altars, burning incense, consecrating images and temples, and making prayers and praises to the honor of saints departed. This demon-worship is paganism revived, the image of the first beast." Matthew Henry
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 34
Paul Informs Timothy of the Great Apostasy of the Visible Church Part 1
1 Timothy 4:1 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; KJV
When the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy originally, he did not write it with Chapter breaks, but this was added by men in the Church much latter on to allow for easier reading and finding one's place in the Bible. With that said, however, Paul begins this next portion of this letter as if he did write in Chapter form, for these next verses are completely unrelated to what he has just previously written to Brother Timothy. The Apostle Paul because of the many supernatural gifts granted and given to him was able to see things in people and about people that were totally hidden from others in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, for example he warned some of the brethren of the Ephesian Church (when he knew that he was leaving them for the last time) about such unscrupulous, unhallowed, and unprincipled men right within the Ephesian Church when he said these words to them, "And now, observe, I perceive that all of you, among whom I have gone in and out proclaiming the kingdom, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify {and} protest to you on this [our parting] day that I am clean {and} innocent {and} not responsible for the blood of any of you. For I never shrank {or} kept back {or} fell short from declaring to you the whole purpose {and} plan {and} counsel of God. Take care {and} be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops and guardians, to shepherd (tend and feed and guide) the Church of the Lord {or} {of God} which He obtained for Himself [buying it and saving it for Himself] with His own blood. I know that after I am gone, ferocious wolves will get in among you, not sparing the flock; Even from among your own selves men will come to the front who, by saying perverse (distorted and corrupt) things, will endeavor to draw away the disciples after them [to their own party]. Therefore be always alert {and} on your guard, being mindful that for three years I never stopped night or day seriously to admonish {and} advise {and} exhort you one by one with tears." (Acts 20:25-31) (Amplified Bible).
So we see then Paul speaking to a group of believers just as he is now speaking to one believer (Timothy) is forever and always true to what he believes about God and that being what God the Holy Spirit reveals to him of what things are to come, therefore, we find him now warning Timothy to be aware, yet to not be discouraged because these things will happen and Timothy's only responsibility is to Christ and His Truth and to warn those believers under his charge, for he will not stop what Paul declares with these words, "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;" (1 Timothy 4:1) (KJV). When Paul writes at the beginning, 'Now the Spirit speaketh expressly', he is trying to get over to Brother Timothy that God the Holy Spirit is speaking here with a sense of urgency or pressing importance of the matter revealed here, for the English word 'expressly' is translated by the Greek word rhētōs (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning out spokenly, that is, distinctly: - clearly. The little English phrase 'the latter' is translated by the Greek word husteros (also used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning (in the sense of behind); later: - Relative time from the prediction, now coming true (a present danger). The English word 'times' is translated by the Greek word kairos meaning of uncertain affinity; an occasion, that is, set or proper time.
When Paul writes here, 'some shall depart from the faith', he means that a portion of those in the visible Church will be revealed as not truly redeemed, regenerated, and reborn believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, for they will turn their backs to the revealed truth once and for all times handed down from the first Apostles and disciples as Jude declared with these words, "Beloved, my whole concern was to write to you in regard to our common salvation. [But] I found it necessary {and} was impelled to write you and urgently appeal to {and} exhort [you] to contend for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints [the faith which is that sum of Christian belief which was delivered verbally to the holy people of God]. For certain men have crept in stealthily [gaining entrance secretly by a side door]. Their doom was predicted long ago, ungodly (impious, profane) persons who pervert the grace (the spiritual blessing and favor) of our God into lawlessness {and} wantonness {and} immorality, and disown {and} deny our sole Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)." (Jude 1:3-4) (Amplified Bible). The little English phrase 'shall depart' is translated by the Greek word aphistēmi meaning to remove, that is, (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.: - depart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self. The English word 'faith' is translated by the Greek word pistis meaning persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.
So to sum up what he is declaring here, Paul tells Timothy then and you and I today that despite much of the good works seen in many visible Churches around the world, there are some in these Churches who are deniers of 'the true faith' in Jesus Christ and we see it clearly by those who deny the virgin birth, who deny the bodily Resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord, who deny the miracles He performed then and still today, who deny that marriage should be between a man and woman only, who deny the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ back to the earth to Judge, who even deny the existance of hell, these people are make believers and never were true believers, for they did not lose their salvation, they never received salvation in and through Jesus Christ our Lord. What then is the reason for them believing such things that are completely the exact opposite of what our Lord Jesus revealed and taught the Apostles who have handed down 'the faith' to we true believers today and of every era and generation, it is because of what Paul declares lastly in this verse when he writes, 'giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils', you see when the devil saw that he could not deplete, defeat, or destroy the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ from the outside, he then went and joined the Church just as Paul had earlier declared to the Church @ Galatia with these words, "[My precaution was] because of false brethren who had been secretly smuggled in [to the Christian brotherhood]; they had slipped in to spy on our liberty {and} the freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might again bring us into bondage [under the Law of Moses]. To them we did not yield submission even for a moment, that the truth of the Gospel might continue to be [preserved] for you [in its purity]." (Galatians 2:4-5) (Amplified Bible).
The little English phrase 'giving heed' is translated by the Greek word prosechō meaning (figuratively) to hold the mind towards, that is, pay attention to, apply oneself to, adhere to: - to have regard for, or to give attention to. The little Enlish phrase 'to seducing' is translated by the Greek word planos meaning of uncertain affinity; roving (as a tramp), that is, (by implication) an impostor or misleader: - deceiver, seducing. The English word 'doctrines' is translated by the Greek word didaskalia meaning instruction (the function or the information): - doctrine, learning, teaching. The English word 'devils' is translated by the Greek word daimonion meaning a demon or super natural spirit (of a bad nature): - devil. In other words, the enemy (the devil) and the fallen angels (demons) under his charge and command are actively going about in the visible Churches around the world to infuse, infiltrate, and instruct those who are receptive by way of seduction, that is, enticing someone astray from right behavior and belief into false belief or lies and those who have departed (as we listed above) are those who have listened to and paid attention to the teachings of these seducing spirits through the men and women doing their bidding here on the earth.
"It was not by mere hints, and symbols, and shadowy images of the future; it was in an open and plain manner - in so many words. The object of this statement seems to be to call the attention of Timothy to it in an emphatic manner, and to show the importance of attending to it." Albert Barnes
"They will apostatize from the faith, i.e. from Christianity; renouncing the whole system in effect, by bringing in doctrines which render its essential truths null and void, or denying and renouncing such doctrines as are essential to Christianity as a system of salvation. A man may hold all the truths of Christianity, and yet render them of none effect by holding other doctrines which counteract their influence; or he may apostatize by denying some essential doctrine, though he bring in nothing heterodox." Adam Clarke
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 4:1 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; KJV
When the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to Timothy originally, he did not write it with Chapter breaks, but this was added by men in the Church much latter on to allow for easier reading and finding one's place in the Bible. With that said, however, Paul begins this next portion of this letter as if he did write in Chapter form, for these next verses are completely unrelated to what he has just previously written to Brother Timothy. The Apostle Paul because of the many supernatural gifts granted and given to him was able to see things in people and about people that were totally hidden from others in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, for example he warned some of the brethren of the Ephesian Church (when he knew that he was leaving them for the last time) about such unscrupulous, unhallowed, and unprincipled men right within the Ephesian Church when he said these words to them, "And now, observe, I perceive that all of you, among whom I have gone in and out proclaiming the kingdom, will see my face no more. Therefore I testify {and} protest to you on this [our parting] day that I am clean {and} innocent {and} not responsible for the blood of any of you. For I never shrank {or} kept back {or} fell short from declaring to you the whole purpose {and} plan {and} counsel of God. Take care {and} be on guard for yourselves and the whole flock over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you bishops and guardians, to shepherd (tend and feed and guide) the Church of the Lord {or} {of God} which He obtained for Himself [buying it and saving it for Himself] with His own blood. I know that after I am gone, ferocious wolves will get in among you, not sparing the flock; Even from among your own selves men will come to the front who, by saying perverse (distorted and corrupt) things, will endeavor to draw away the disciples after them [to their own party]. Therefore be always alert {and} on your guard, being mindful that for three years I never stopped night or day seriously to admonish {and} advise {and} exhort you one by one with tears." (Acts 20:25-31) (Amplified Bible).
So we see then Paul speaking to a group of believers just as he is now speaking to one believer (Timothy) is forever and always true to what he believes about God and that being what God the Holy Spirit reveals to him of what things are to come, therefore, we find him now warning Timothy to be aware, yet to not be discouraged because these things will happen and Timothy's only responsibility is to Christ and His Truth and to warn those believers under his charge, for he will not stop what Paul declares with these words, "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;" (1 Timothy 4:1) (KJV). When Paul writes at the beginning, 'Now the Spirit speaketh expressly', he is trying to get over to Brother Timothy that God the Holy Spirit is speaking here with a sense of urgency or pressing importance of the matter revealed here, for the English word 'expressly' is translated by the Greek word rhētōs (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning out spokenly, that is, distinctly: - clearly. The little English phrase 'the latter' is translated by the Greek word husteros (also used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning (in the sense of behind); later: - Relative time from the prediction, now coming true (a present danger). The English word 'times' is translated by the Greek word kairos meaning of uncertain affinity; an occasion, that is, set or proper time.
When Paul writes here, 'some shall depart from the faith', he means that a portion of those in the visible Church will be revealed as not truly redeemed, regenerated, and reborn believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, for they will turn their backs to the revealed truth once and for all times handed down from the first Apostles and disciples as Jude declared with these words, "Beloved, my whole concern was to write to you in regard to our common salvation. [But] I found it necessary {and} was impelled to write you and urgently appeal to {and} exhort [you] to contend for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints [the faith which is that sum of Christian belief which was delivered verbally to the holy people of God]. For certain men have crept in stealthily [gaining entrance secretly by a side door]. Their doom was predicted long ago, ungodly (impious, profane) persons who pervert the grace (the spiritual blessing and favor) of our God into lawlessness {and} wantonness {and} immorality, and disown {and} deny our sole Master and Lord, Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One)." (Jude 1:3-4) (Amplified Bible). The little English phrase 'shall depart' is translated by the Greek word aphistēmi meaning to remove, that is, (actively) instigate to revolt; usually (reflexively) to desist, desert, etc.: - depart, draw (fall) away, refrain, withdraw self. The English word 'faith' is translated by the Greek word pistis meaning persuasion, that is, credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly constancy in such profession; by extension the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.
So to sum up what he is declaring here, Paul tells Timothy then and you and I today that despite much of the good works seen in many visible Churches around the world, there are some in these Churches who are deniers of 'the true faith' in Jesus Christ and we see it clearly by those who deny the virgin birth, who deny the bodily Resurrection of Christ Jesus our Lord, who deny the miracles He performed then and still today, who deny that marriage should be between a man and woman only, who deny the second coming of our Lord Jesus Christ back to the earth to Judge, who even deny the existance of hell, these people are make believers and never were true believers, for they did not lose their salvation, they never received salvation in and through Jesus Christ our Lord. What then is the reason for them believing such things that are completely the exact opposite of what our Lord Jesus revealed and taught the Apostles who have handed down 'the faith' to we true believers today and of every era and generation, it is because of what Paul declares lastly in this verse when he writes, 'giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils', you see when the devil saw that he could not deplete, defeat, or destroy the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ from the outside, he then went and joined the Church just as Paul had earlier declared to the Church @ Galatia with these words, "[My precaution was] because of false brethren who had been secretly smuggled in [to the Christian brotherhood]; they had slipped in to spy on our liberty {and} the freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might again bring us into bondage [under the Law of Moses]. To them we did not yield submission even for a moment, that the truth of the Gospel might continue to be [preserved] for you [in its purity]." (Galatians 2:4-5) (Amplified Bible).
The little English phrase 'giving heed' is translated by the Greek word prosechō meaning (figuratively) to hold the mind towards, that is, pay attention to, apply oneself to, adhere to: - to have regard for, or to give attention to. The little Enlish phrase 'to seducing' is translated by the Greek word planos meaning of uncertain affinity; roving (as a tramp), that is, (by implication) an impostor or misleader: - deceiver, seducing. The English word 'doctrines' is translated by the Greek word didaskalia meaning instruction (the function or the information): - doctrine, learning, teaching. The English word 'devils' is translated by the Greek word daimonion meaning a demon or super natural spirit (of a bad nature): - devil. In other words, the enemy (the devil) and the fallen angels (demons) under his charge and command are actively going about in the visible Churches around the world to infuse, infiltrate, and instruct those who are receptive by way of seduction, that is, enticing someone astray from right behavior and belief into false belief or lies and those who have departed (as we listed above) are those who have listened to and paid attention to the teachings of these seducing spirits through the men and women doing their bidding here on the earth.
"It was not by mere hints, and symbols, and shadowy images of the future; it was in an open and plain manner - in so many words. The object of this statement seems to be to call the attention of Timothy to it in an emphatic manner, and to show the importance of attending to it." Albert Barnes
"They will apostatize from the faith, i.e. from Christianity; renouncing the whole system in effect, by bringing in doctrines which render its essential truths null and void, or denying and renouncing such doctrines as are essential to Christianity as a system of salvation. A man may hold all the truths of Christianity, and yet render them of none effect by holding other doctrines which counteract their influence; or he may apostatize by denying some essential doctrine, though he bring in nothing heterodox." Adam Clarke
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, June 9, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 33
Paul Declares to Timothy the Great Mystery of God (God becomes Eternally His creation Man in Jesus Christ)
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. KJV
In our last commentary/bible study we used the words written by the Apostle John as he wrote in his epistle in the very first verse when he said, "IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself." (John 1:1) (Amplified Bible), but also we can go all the way back to the beginning as documented for us by Moses when he wrote these words, "IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light; and there was light." (Genesis 1:1-3) (Amplified Bible). Between these two truths you could have some of the most learned and intelligent Bible Scholars engage in a healthy, honest, but heated debate as to which of these two were the greatest truth and greatest miracle and mystery of God, however, Paul writing here to Brother Timothy declares the 'mystery of godliness' to be great as he writes these words, "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." (1 Timothy 3:16) (KJV).
Many believers believe that (John 3:16) is the most powerful and the greatest verse of Scripture in the entire Bible, but I submit to you all that this verse (1 Timothy 3:16) is equal to or even surpasses (John 3:16) in my humble opinion. At the very beginning of this verse Paul uses the little English phrase 'without controversy' and it is translated by the Greek word homologoumenōs (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) which means to assent, that is, covenant, as acknowledged: confessedly: - without controversy. In other words, Paul wants Timothy and all humanity today and of all time to be in agreement with or acknowledge that the Man Jesus Christ was then and is now and forever will be God of very God, that is, the one who said 'let there be light' in the very beginning of Creation. The phrase Paul writes here the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by him with what he writes following this little phrase. First, Paul writes that the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by 'God was manifest in the flesh' and the little English phrase within this phrase 'was manifest' is translated by the Greek word phaneroō which means to render apparent (literally or figuratively): - appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self). The other little English phrase within this phrase 'the flesh' is translated by the Greek word sarx meaning (as it is used here) the body or more specifically a human being.
In other words, then part of the definition of the phrase the 'mystery of godliness' is the fact and reality that God was rendered apparent or showed Himself by becoming a human being, that is, the very creature He made, God has now become in the Person of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. After Adam fell in the Garden of Eden, man/woman or humanity was from then on imbibed, infused, and impregnated with sin (all humanity), therefore, the only way God could reconcile Himself back to His dirty/filthy creature man was to become a Man Himself, the sinless, clean, pure, holy, and perfect God put Himself into a human body in order to take on man's filthy sin and paying for said sin eternally as it is written, "It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling {and} restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up {and} holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor). So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] {and} be reconciled to God. For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in {and} through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]." (2 Corinthians 5:19-21) (Amplified Bible).
Secondly, Paul writes that the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by the phrase 'justified in the Spirit' and this English word 'justified' is translated by the Greek word dikaioō meaning to render (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent: - to declare righteous, free. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this, "By the miracles which were wrought by the Apostle in and through the name of Jesus; as well as by his resurrection from the dead, through the energy of the Holy Ghost, by which he was proved to be the Son of God with power. Christ was, justified from all the calumnies of the Jews, who crucified him as an impostor. All these miracles, being wrought by the power of God, were a full proof of his innocence; for, had he not been what he professed to be, God would not have borne such a decisive testimony to his Messiahship." Thirdly, Paul writes that the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by 'seen of angels' and here Paul means simply that the invisible creatures made by God that is, the good and bad angels could see their Creator God in Jesus Christ and they worshipped Him.
Fourthly, Paul writes that the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by 'preached unto the Gentiles' and by this Paul means that God had held unto Himself from the Nation Israel that He planned to reconcile not only the Jews to Himself, but all of humanity, that being the Gentile Nations outside of Jerusalem as it is written by this same Apostle with these words to the Ephesian Church, "[This mystery] was never disclosed to human beings in past generations as it has now been revealed to His holy Apostles (consecrated messengers) and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit. [It is this:] that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs [with the Jews], members of the same body and joint partakers [sharing] in the same divine promise in Christ through [their acceptance of] the glad tidings (the Gospel). Of this [Gospel] I was made a minister according to the gift of God's free grace (undeserved favor) which was bestowed on me by the exercise (the working in all its effectiveness) of His power." (Ephesians 3:5-7) (Amplified Bible).
Fifthly, Paul writes that the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by 'believed on in the world' and this Paul means is that it is truly a mystery that the very One who was so brutally beaten and hanged on a Cross as a criminal would be believed to be the very God of all Creation and it is only explanable by the continual ongoing working power of the Holy Spirit then and now. Sixthly, Paul writes that the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by 'received up into glory' and we know this by virtue of the testimony of all the disciples present during Christ Ascension as it is documented for us by Dr. Luke, "And when He had said this, even as they were looking [at Him], He was caught up, and a cloud received {and} carried Him away out of their sight. And while they were gazing intently into heaven as He went, behold, two men [dressed] in white robes suddenly stood beside them, Who said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing into heaven? This same Jesus, Who was caught away {and} lifted up from among you into heaven, will return in [just] the same way in which you saw Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11) (Amplified Bible). Perhaps the most remarkable thing to realize is that Christ had flesh and bone after His Resurrection and this was raised up not only from death, but from earth all the way into heaven.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
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. KJV
In our last commentary/bible study we used the words written by the Apostle John as he wrote in his epistle in the very first verse when he said, "IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself." (John 1:1) (Amplified Bible), but also we can go all the way back to the beginning as documented for us by Moses when he wrote these words, "IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned, and) created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light; and there was light." (Genesis 1:1-3) (Amplified Bible). Between these two truths you could have some of the most learned and intelligent Bible Scholars engage in a healthy, honest, but heated debate as to which of these two were the greatest truth and greatest miracle and mystery of God, however, Paul writing here to Brother Timothy declares the 'mystery of godliness' to be great as he writes these words, "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." (1 Timothy 3:16) (KJV).
Many believers believe that (John 3:16) is the most powerful and the greatest verse of Scripture in the entire Bible, but I submit to you all that this verse (1 Timothy 3:16) is equal to or even surpasses (John 3:16) in my humble opinion. At the very beginning of this verse Paul uses the little English phrase 'without controversy' and it is translated by the Greek word homologoumenōs (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) which means to assent, that is, covenant, as acknowledged: confessedly: - without controversy. In other words, Paul wants Timothy and all humanity today and of all time to be in agreement with or acknowledge that the Man Jesus Christ was then and is now and forever will be God of very God, that is, the one who said 'let there be light' in the very beginning of Creation. The phrase Paul writes here the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by him with what he writes following this little phrase. First, Paul writes that the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by 'God was manifest in the flesh' and the little English phrase within this phrase 'was manifest' is translated by the Greek word phaneroō which means to render apparent (literally or figuratively): - appear, manifestly declare, (make) manifest (forth), shew (self). The other little English phrase within this phrase 'the flesh' is translated by the Greek word sarx meaning (as it is used here) the body or more specifically a human being.
In other words, then part of the definition of the phrase the 'mystery of godliness' is the fact and reality that God was rendered apparent or showed Himself by becoming a human being, that is, the very creature He made, God has now become in the Person of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. After Adam fell in the Garden of Eden, man/woman or humanity was from then on imbibed, infused, and impregnated with sin (all humanity), therefore, the only way God could reconcile Himself back to His dirty/filthy creature man was to become a Man Himself, the sinless, clean, pure, holy, and perfect God put Himself into a human body in order to take on man's filthy sin and paying for said sin eternally as it is written, "It was God [personally present] in Christ, reconciling {and} restoring the world to favor with Himself, not counting up {and} holding against [men] their trespasses [but cancelling them], and committing to us the message of reconciliation (of the restoration to favor). So we are Christ's ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ's personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] {and} be reconciled to God. For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in {and} through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]." (2 Corinthians 5:19-21) (Amplified Bible).
Secondly, Paul writes that the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by the phrase 'justified in the Spirit' and this English word 'justified' is translated by the Greek word dikaioō meaning to render (that is, show or regard as) just or innocent: - to declare righteous, free. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this, "By the miracles which were wrought by the Apostle in and through the name of Jesus; as well as by his resurrection from the dead, through the energy of the Holy Ghost, by which he was proved to be the Son of God with power. Christ was, justified from all the calumnies of the Jews, who crucified him as an impostor. All these miracles, being wrought by the power of God, were a full proof of his innocence; for, had he not been what he professed to be, God would not have borne such a decisive testimony to his Messiahship." Thirdly, Paul writes that the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by 'seen of angels' and here Paul means simply that the invisible creatures made by God that is, the good and bad angels could see their Creator God in Jesus Christ and they worshipped Him.
Fourthly, Paul writes that the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by 'preached unto the Gentiles' and by this Paul means that God had held unto Himself from the Nation Israel that He planned to reconcile not only the Jews to Himself, but all of humanity, that being the Gentile Nations outside of Jerusalem as it is written by this same Apostle with these words to the Ephesian Church, "[This mystery] was never disclosed to human beings in past generations as it has now been revealed to His holy Apostles (consecrated messengers) and prophets by the [Holy] Spirit. [It is this:] that the Gentiles are now to be fellow heirs [with the Jews], members of the same body and joint partakers [sharing] in the same divine promise in Christ through [their acceptance of] the glad tidings (the Gospel). Of this [Gospel] I was made a minister according to the gift of God's free grace (undeserved favor) which was bestowed on me by the exercise (the working in all its effectiveness) of His power." (Ephesians 3:5-7) (Amplified Bible).
Fifthly, Paul writes that the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by 'believed on in the world' and this Paul means is that it is truly a mystery that the very One who was so brutally beaten and hanged on a Cross as a criminal would be believed to be the very God of all Creation and it is only explanable by the continual ongoing working power of the Holy Spirit then and now. Sixthly, Paul writes that the 'mystery of godliness' is defined by 'received up into glory' and we know this by virtue of the testimony of all the disciples present during Christ Ascension as it is documented for us by Dr. Luke, "And when He had said this, even as they were looking [at Him], He was caught up, and a cloud received {and} carried Him away out of their sight. And while they were gazing intently into heaven as He went, behold, two men [dressed] in white robes suddenly stood beside them, Who said, Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing into heaven? This same Jesus, Who was caught away {and} lifted up from among you into heaven, will return in [just] the same way in which you saw Him go into heaven." (Acts 1:9-11) (Amplified Bible). Perhaps the most remarkable thing to realize is that Christ had flesh and bone after His Resurrection and this was raised up not only from death, but from earth all the way into heaven.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 32
Paul Details to Timothy the Qualifications of Leaders in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ Part 9
1 Timothy 3:14-15 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 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. KJV
The Apostle Paul concludes his discourse to Brother Timothy concerning the qualifications for the candidates of the offices of Bishop and Deacon and now encourages him with and by his confidence in him and his desire to come back to him soon (according to the will of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ) with these words, "These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:" (1 Timothy 3:14) (KJV). The Apostle Paul's seperation from Timothy at this time was perhaps due to his first imprisonment in Rome as documented for us by Dr. Luke in Acts 28:17-31, however some Commentators suppose that it was after Paul's visit and departure from Ephesus (Acts 19:1-20:38) when he had resolved to winter at Corinth after passing the summer in Macedonia (1 Corinthians16:6), however, it matters not what the circumstances for their seperation at this time, but what only matters here is that Paul wanted to instruct a very young man Timothy on how he should lead the new and older believers in Christ Jesus our Lord and as we will see Paul write to him in the very next chapter, Paul wanted Timothy to not ever allow any believers (especially the older ones) to surpress, stamp down, or surplant his authority given to him by Paul directly from our Lord Jesus Christ according to the gift given him (1 Timothy 4:12).
When Paul writes here, 'hoping to come unto thee shortly', we see that his hope was not that of wishing, wanting, or wondering, but the English word 'hoping' used here is translated by the Greek word elpizō meaning (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: to expect or confide, likwise the English word 'shortly' used here is translated by the Greek word tachion meaning (as adverb); more swiftly, that is, (in manner) more rapidly, or (in time) more speedily: - quickly. In other words, Paul's hope was confident expectation in the One True God to bulldoze a path for him from his present bad situation into the presence of his Brother in Christ Timothy so that they together could govern, guard, and guide the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ into His Glory. Even though the enemy can frustrate our plans (1 Thessalonians 2:18) in doing what we desire to do for our Lord Jesus Christ, he can never ever destroy or defeat the plans of God for His Children (Jeremiah 29:11). Now Paul despite his confident expectation to see Timothy again face to face and the other believers in order to instruct him and them personally, he did not forget about all the times in the past that our Lord Jesus Christ allowed the enemy to hinder him, so now he writes these words just in case his hope/confidence this time is not realized right away or at all, "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." (1 Timothy 3:15) (KJV).
The little English phrase 'I tarry long' is translated by the Greek word bradunō which in this case means just what it appears to mean and that is to delay: - be slack, tarry. The little English phrase 'thou mayest know' is translated by the Greek word eido a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses meaning simply to see or to be aware or to perceive or to be sure or to understand. The little English phrase 'thou oughtest' is translated by the Greek word dei meaning it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding): - behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be) need (-ful), ought, should. The little English phrase 'to behave thyself' is translated by the Greek word to overturn; also to return; by implication to busy oneself, that is, remain, live: - abide, behave self, have conversation, live, overthrow, pass, return, be used. In other words, this is all written because Paul wants Brother Timothy to be aware and to be sure and to understand how he and the other believers in Christ should and need to conduct or behave themselves as believers in the Church of God if he (Paul) is delayed longer in coming to them personally or if he never returns to them in the flesh again.
When Paul writes here, 'the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth', he is describing and declaring to Timothy the character, class, and community that is the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The little English phrase 'the Church' is translated by the Greek word ekklēsia meaning a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, Church. The little English phrase 'the pillar' is translated by the Greek word stulos meaning to stiffen; a post (“style”), that is, (figuratively) support: - pillar. The English word 'ground' is translated by the Greek word hedraiōma used this one time only in the entire New Testament meaning a support, that is, (figuratively) basis: - ground.
In other words, the called out redeemed, reborn, and regenerated believers in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, that is, the Church are the support like steel or concrete columns and beams support the buildings they make up, so is it with the Church the support for the truth of the One True God based soley on what is declared by Him through Jesus Christ (the Word become Flesh) (John 1:1 & John 1:14) and the written Word of God the Bible containing sixty six books. Here is what Vincent's Word Studies declares concerning 'the Church', "The idea is that the Church is the pillar, and, as such, the prop or support of the truth. It is quite beside the mark to press the architectural metaphor into detail. By giving to ἑδραίωμα the sense of stay or prop, the use of the two words for the same general idea is readily explained. The Church is the pillar of the truth, and the function of the pillar is to support."
"The Church is the earthly dwelling-place of God. It lifts up and maintains the standard of truth in the midst of men, therefore it is hated. It is most necessary that Christians should bear witness to the truth, collectively as well as individually. The facts given us to witness to are enumerated here in the six clauses of an ancient antiphonal chant." F. B. Meyer
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 3:14-15 These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 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. KJV
The Apostle Paul concludes his discourse to Brother Timothy concerning the qualifications for the candidates of the offices of Bishop and Deacon and now encourages him with and by his confidence in him and his desire to come back to him soon (according to the will of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ) with these words, "These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:" (1 Timothy 3:14) (KJV). The Apostle Paul's seperation from Timothy at this time was perhaps due to his first imprisonment in Rome as documented for us by Dr. Luke in Acts 28:17-31, however some Commentators suppose that it was after Paul's visit and departure from Ephesus (Acts 19:1-20:38) when he had resolved to winter at Corinth after passing the summer in Macedonia (1 Corinthians16:6), however, it matters not what the circumstances for their seperation at this time, but what only matters here is that Paul wanted to instruct a very young man Timothy on how he should lead the new and older believers in Christ Jesus our Lord and as we will see Paul write to him in the very next chapter, Paul wanted Timothy to not ever allow any believers (especially the older ones) to surpress, stamp down, or surplant his authority given to him by Paul directly from our Lord Jesus Christ according to the gift given him (1 Timothy 4:12).
When Paul writes here, 'hoping to come unto thee shortly', we see that his hope was not that of wishing, wanting, or wondering, but the English word 'hoping' used here is translated by the Greek word elpizō meaning (to anticipate, usually with pleasure); expectation (abstract or concrete) or confidence: to expect or confide, likwise the English word 'shortly' used here is translated by the Greek word tachion meaning (as adverb); more swiftly, that is, (in manner) more rapidly, or (in time) more speedily: - quickly. In other words, Paul's hope was confident expectation in the One True God to bulldoze a path for him from his present bad situation into the presence of his Brother in Christ Timothy so that they together could govern, guard, and guide the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ into His Glory. Even though the enemy can frustrate our plans (1 Thessalonians 2:18) in doing what we desire to do for our Lord Jesus Christ, he can never ever destroy or defeat the plans of God for His Children (Jeremiah 29:11). Now Paul despite his confident expectation to see Timothy again face to face and the other believers in order to instruct him and them personally, he did not forget about all the times in the past that our Lord Jesus Christ allowed the enemy to hinder him, so now he writes these words just in case his hope/confidence this time is not realized right away or at all, "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." (1 Timothy 3:15) (KJV).
The little English phrase 'I tarry long' is translated by the Greek word bradunō which in this case means just what it appears to mean and that is to delay: - be slack, tarry. The little English phrase 'thou mayest know' is translated by the Greek word eido a primary verb; used only in certain past tenses meaning simply to see or to be aware or to perceive or to be sure or to understand. The little English phrase 'thou oughtest' is translated by the Greek word dei meaning it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding): - behoved, be meet, must (needs), (be) need (-ful), ought, should. The little English phrase 'to behave thyself' is translated by the Greek word to overturn; also to return; by implication to busy oneself, that is, remain, live: - abide, behave self, have conversation, live, overthrow, pass, return, be used. In other words, this is all written because Paul wants Brother Timothy to be aware and to be sure and to understand how he and the other believers in Christ should and need to conduct or behave themselves as believers in the Church of God if he (Paul) is delayed longer in coming to them personally or if he never returns to them in the flesh again.
When Paul writes here, 'the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth', he is describing and declaring to Timothy the character, class, and community that is the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The little English phrase 'the Church' is translated by the Greek word ekklēsia meaning a calling out, that is, (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (Jewish synagogue, or Christian community of members on earth or saints in heaven or both): - assembly, Church. The little English phrase 'the pillar' is translated by the Greek word stulos meaning to stiffen; a post (“style”), that is, (figuratively) support: - pillar. The English word 'ground' is translated by the Greek word hedraiōma used this one time only in the entire New Testament meaning a support, that is, (figuratively) basis: - ground.
In other words, the called out redeemed, reborn, and regenerated believers in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, that is, the Church are the support like steel or concrete columns and beams support the buildings they make up, so is it with the Church the support for the truth of the One True God based soley on what is declared by Him through Jesus Christ (the Word become Flesh) (John 1:1 & John 1:14) and the written Word of God the Bible containing sixty six books. Here is what Vincent's Word Studies declares concerning 'the Church', "The idea is that the Church is the pillar, and, as such, the prop or support of the truth. It is quite beside the mark to press the architectural metaphor into detail. By giving to ἑδραίωμα the sense of stay or prop, the use of the two words for the same general idea is readily explained. The Church is the pillar of the truth, and the function of the pillar is to support."
"The Church is the earthly dwelling-place of God. It lifts up and maintains the standard of truth in the midst of men, therefore it is hated. It is most necessary that Christians should bear witness to the truth, collectively as well as individually. The facts given us to witness to are enumerated here in the six clauses of an ancient antiphonal chant." F. B. Meyer
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Saturday, June 2, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 31
Paul Details to Timothy the Qualifications of Leaders in the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ Part 8
1 Timothy 3:12-13 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 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. KJV
The Apostle Paul himself had at one time been married but now writing this letter he is not and what happened to his wife we do not know (for he was a full ruling member of the Jewish Sanhedrin (which was the supreme judicial and ecclesiastical council of ancient Jerusalem) and at that time one of the requirements of being a part of that council was that every man be married. However, Paul, is not now bringing Jewish rules, rites, and requirements into the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, for it is not even required for a Bishop or a Deacon to have a wife in order to serve in either office in Christ Church, but Paul is just making it clear what the requirements are for those candidates who are married with children, so he writes here, "Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well." (1 Timothy 3:12) (KJV). Paul addressed this same requirement concerning the Bishop having but one wife at a time and by no means is he declaring here anything different for the Deacons of the Church, therefore, for his meaning of 'one wife', see volume 24. In the case of his instruction here concerning the Deacons 'ruling their children and their own houses well', see my respone written in Volume 25.
Now Paul declares to Timothy the reward, or recompense, or results of the person who has been selected or awarded the office of Deacon in our Lord Jesus Christ Church and serves our Lord well during his tenure, Paul declares these words concerning him, "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." (1 Timothy 3:13) (KJV). When Paul writes here, 'For they that have used the office of a deacon well ', he means that during their time in the office there were no scandals concerning their management or overseeing of the Churches resources, that is, its money or the people who belonged to Christ Jesus our Lord. They served out their tenure virtuously and honestly not bringing any sort of reproach or disgrace or shame to the Church Body. When Paul writes here they, 'purchase to themselves a good degree', he means they establish a good reputation for themselves among believers and in some cases even with some non-believers. The English word 'purchase' he uses here (is only used one other time in the entire New Testament) it is translated by the Greek word peripoieomai which means to make around oneself, that is, acquire (buy): - purchase.
In other words, Paul is not here declaring that the Deacons honorable service in Christ Church would purchase or aquire for him some higher office in the Church with rewards of more money or compensation, for at the time of this letter written by Paul to Timothy, there was no such concept ever even thought of by Paul or even Timothy the recepient of this letter. Those chosen in the early Church (as it grew Acts 2:47) were not seeking offices to prosper themselves, but in order to please our Lord Jesus Christ building His Body (the Church) into the best it could be, for they were giving themselves first and then their own resources for the benefit of the entire Body of believers, "And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and [together] they had everything in common; And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need." (Acts 2:44-45) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'degree' is translated by the Greek word bathmos (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning a step, that is, (figuratively) grade (of dignity): - degree. So, you see then the step is the dignity, that is, the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect that the Deacon who serves our Lord Jesus well in that office will gain from his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
This was the only reward Paul himself sought during his many decades of following Christ, as he declared to the Corinthian Church with these words, "For if I do this work of my own free will, then I have my pay (my reward); but if it is not of my own will, but is done reluctantly {and} under compulsion, I am [still] entrusted with a [sacred] trusteeship {and} commission. What then is the [actual] reward that I get? Just this: that in my preaching the good news (the Gospel), I may offer it [absolutely] free of expense [to anybody], not taking advantage of my rights {and} privileges [as a preacher] of the Gospel." (1 Corinthians 9:17-18) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes here these words, "and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus", Albert Barnes declares this explanation, "The sense is, that by the faithful performance of the duties of the office of a Deacon, and by the kind of experience which a man would have in that office, he would establish a character of firmness in the faith, which would show that he was a decided Christian. This passage, therefore, cannot be fairly used to prove that the deacon was 'a preacher,' or that he belonged to a grade of ministerial office from which he was regularly to rise to that of a Presbyter."
"Paul wants to instruct Timothy to look for men who are not self-seeking aggrandizers, that is, one who makes himself appear better or greater (in power, wealth, quality, etc.) than he really is, but to search out for 'men of good {and} attested character {and} repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom' (Acts 6:3), who will only have the interest of our Lord Jesus Christ at hand and not advancing themselves to some higher level of promotion in the Church merely for status, power, and or greed." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 3:12-13 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 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. KJV
The Apostle Paul himself had at one time been married but now writing this letter he is not and what happened to his wife we do not know (for he was a full ruling member of the Jewish Sanhedrin (which was the supreme judicial and ecclesiastical council of ancient Jerusalem) and at that time one of the requirements of being a part of that council was that every man be married. However, Paul, is not now bringing Jewish rules, rites, and requirements into the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, for it is not even required for a Bishop or a Deacon to have a wife in order to serve in either office in Christ Church, but Paul is just making it clear what the requirements are for those candidates who are married with children, so he writes here, "Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well." (1 Timothy 3:12) (KJV). Paul addressed this same requirement concerning the Bishop having but one wife at a time and by no means is he declaring here anything different for the Deacons of the Church, therefore, for his meaning of 'one wife', see volume 24. In the case of his instruction here concerning the Deacons 'ruling their children and their own houses well', see my respone written in Volume 25.
Now Paul declares to Timothy the reward, or recompense, or results of the person who has been selected or awarded the office of Deacon in our Lord Jesus Christ Church and serves our Lord well during his tenure, Paul declares these words concerning him, "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." (1 Timothy 3:13) (KJV). When Paul writes here, 'For they that have used the office of a deacon well ', he means that during their time in the office there were no scandals concerning their management or overseeing of the Churches resources, that is, its money or the people who belonged to Christ Jesus our Lord. They served out their tenure virtuously and honestly not bringing any sort of reproach or disgrace or shame to the Church Body. When Paul writes here they, 'purchase to themselves a good degree', he means they establish a good reputation for themselves among believers and in some cases even with some non-believers. The English word 'purchase' he uses here (is only used one other time in the entire New Testament) it is translated by the Greek word peripoieomai which means to make around oneself, that is, acquire (buy): - purchase.
In other words, Paul is not here declaring that the Deacons honorable service in Christ Church would purchase or aquire for him some higher office in the Church with rewards of more money or compensation, for at the time of this letter written by Paul to Timothy, there was no such concept ever even thought of by Paul or even Timothy the recepient of this letter. Those chosen in the early Church (as it grew Acts 2:47) were not seeking offices to prosper themselves, but in order to please our Lord Jesus Christ building His Body (the Church) into the best it could be, for they were giving themselves first and then their own resources for the benefit of the entire Body of believers, "And all who believed (who adhered to and trusted in and relied on Jesus Christ) were united and [together] they had everything in common; And they sold their possessions (both their landed property and their movable goods) and distributed the price among all, according as any had need." (Acts 2:44-45) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'degree' is translated by the Greek word bathmos (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning a step, that is, (figuratively) grade (of dignity): - degree. So, you see then the step is the dignity, that is, the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect that the Deacon who serves our Lord Jesus well in that office will gain from his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.
This was the only reward Paul himself sought during his many decades of following Christ, as he declared to the Corinthian Church with these words, "For if I do this work of my own free will, then I have my pay (my reward); but if it is not of my own will, but is done reluctantly {and} under compulsion, I am [still] entrusted with a [sacred] trusteeship {and} commission. What then is the [actual] reward that I get? Just this: that in my preaching the good news (the Gospel), I may offer it [absolutely] free of expense [to anybody], not taking advantage of my rights {and} privileges [as a preacher] of the Gospel." (1 Corinthians 9:17-18) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes here these words, "and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus", Albert Barnes declares this explanation, "The sense is, that by the faithful performance of the duties of the office of a Deacon, and by the kind of experience which a man would have in that office, he would establish a character of firmness in the faith, which would show that he was a decided Christian. This passage, therefore, cannot be fairly used to prove that the deacon was 'a preacher,' or that he belonged to a grade of ministerial office from which he was regularly to rise to that of a Presbyter."
"Paul wants to instruct Timothy to look for men who are not self-seeking aggrandizers, that is, one who makes himself appear better or greater (in power, wealth, quality, etc.) than he really is, but to search out for 'men of good {and} attested character {and} repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom' (Acts 6:3), who will only have the interest of our Lord Jesus Christ at hand and not advancing themselves to some higher level of promotion in the Church merely for status, power, and or greed." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
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