Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 63

Paul Teaches Timothy to Nulify Error and Greed in the Church Part 4

1 Timothy 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. KJV

Paul is going to remind Brother Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation how absurd, awful, and arrogant are the men and women who have adopted this health, wealth, and prosperity gospel as if it were the True Gospel of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ by what he writes in these next three (3) verses beginning with these words, "But godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6) (KJV). The idea here from the Apostle is that a child of God should be always and at all times seeking the wisdom of God found only in close communication with God the Holy Spirit through the reading and studying of His Holy Word and not what he or she must do to make themselves more and more earthly money that will eventually take wings and fly away as will all earthly physical and material things. The English word 'contentment' the Apostle associates here with godliness is translated by the Greek word autarkeia (used only one other time in the New Testament) which means self satisfaction, that is, (abstractly) contentedness, or (concretely) a competence: - contentment, sufficiency. In other words, a child of God should find his or her satisfaction, sufficiency, and sustainment in the Word of God and communion with God the Father through prayer and not in the temporary things of this world that is going to be destroyed as described by the Apostle Peter with these ominous words, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will vanish (pass away) with a thunderous crash, and the [material] elements [of the universe] will be dissolved with fire, and the earth and the works that are upon it will be burned up." (2 Peter 3:10) (Amplified Bible). Let us remember and meditate on these words of the Apostle Paul that he wrote to the Church @ Philippi speaking about how our Lord Jesus Christ had taught him to walk by faith and not by sight in whatever circumstance he found himself, "Not that I am implying that I was in any personal want, for I have learned how to be content (satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or disquieted) in whatever state I am. I know how to be abased {and} live humbly in straitened circumstances, and I know also how to enjoy plenty {and} live in abundance. I have learned in any and all circumstances the secret of facing every situation, whether well-fed or going hungry, having a sufficiency {and} enough to spare or going without {and} being in want. I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ's sufficiency]." (Philippians 4:11-13) (KJV).

Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning godliness with contentment being great gain for the child of God, "Some account Christianity an advantageous profession for this world. In the sense they mean this is false; yet it is undoubtedly true that, though Christianity is the worst trade, it is the best calling in the world. Those that make a trade of it, merely to serve their turn for this world, will be disappointed, and find it a sorry trade; but those that mind it as their calling, and make a business of it, will find it a gainful calling, for it has the promise of the life that now is, as well as of that which is to come. The truth he lays down is that godliness with contentment is great gain. Some read it, godliness with a competency; that is, if a man have but a little in this world, yet, if he have but enough to carry him through it, he needs desire no more, his godliness with that will be his great gain. For a little which a righteous man has is better than the riches of many wicked, Psalms 37:16. We read it, godliness with contentment; godliness is itself great gain, it is profitable to all things; and, wherever there is true godliness, there will be contentment; but those have arrived at the highest pitch of contentment with their godliness are certainly the easiest happiest people in this world. Godliness with contentment, that is, Christian contentment (content must come from principles of godliness) is great gain; it is all the wealth in the world. He that is godly is sure to be happy in another world; and if withal he do by contentment accommodate himself to his condition in this world he has enough. Here we have, [1.] A Christian's gain; it is godliness with contentment, this is the true way to gain, yea, it is gain itself. [2.] A Christian's gain is great: it is not like the little gain of worldlings, who are so fond of a little worldly advantage. [3.] Godliness is ever accompanied with contentment in a great or less degree; all truly godly people have learned with Paul, in whatever state they are, to be therewith content, Philippians 4:11. They are content with what God allots for them, well knowing that this is best for them. Let us all then endeavour after godliness with contentment."

Paul now shows why godliness with contentment is such great gain by what he writes to Brother Timothy next, "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out." (1 Timothy 6:7) (KJV). I once read or heard Mark Cuban (the Businessman and owner of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team) say this, "Those who die with the most toys win." The Apostle Paul is here refuting, rebuffing, and rebuking such a stupid statement from a man who is obviously (at this point) still unforgiven, unregenerate, and unredeemed with the words in verse 7 above. I would here the late Evangelist Dr. Billy Graham quote someone from his past who made this very poignant, penetrating, and powerful statement, "I have never seen a U-Haul behind the funeral procession." And I might add that you never will because of what the Apostle reminds us of with these words to Brother Timothy and this is what Solomon (perhaps the richest man ever on the earth) wrote at the end of his earthly life, "As [the man] came forth from his mother's womb, so he will go again, naked as he came; and he will take away nothing for all his labor which he can carry in his hand. And this also is a serious {and} severe evil--that in all points as he came, so shall he go; and what gain has he who labors for the wind?" (Ecclesiastes 5:15-16) (Amplified Bible). The idea Paul is affirming to Timothy and to we true believers today and of every era and generation is that we must reject those who teach and preach the health, wealth, and prosperity gospel as if it were the True Gospel and as he told Timothy and us in verse 5 withdraw ourselves from them because they are not serving our Lord Jesus Christ, but instead their own bellies or earthly appetites (Philippians 3:18-19). Here again is what Matthew Henry says concerning taking nothing out of this world, "This is a reason why we should be content with a little. [1.] Because we can challenge nothing as a debt that is due to us, for we came naked into the world. Whatever we have had since, we are obliged to the providence of God for it; but he that gave may take what and when He pleases. We had our beings, our bodies, our lives (which are more than meat, and which are more than raiment), when we came into the world, though we came naked, and brought nothing with us; may we not then be content while our beings and lives are continued to us, though we have not every thing we would have? We brought nothing with us into this world, and yet God provided for us, care was taken of us, we have been fed all our lives long unto this day; and therefore, when we are reduced to the greatest straits, we cannot be poorer than when we came into this world, and yet then we were provided for; therefore let us trust in God for the remaining part of our pilgrimage. [2.] We shall carry nothing with us out of this world. A shroud, a coffin, and a grave, are all that the richest man in the world can have from his thousands. Therefore why should we covet much? Why should we not be content with a little, because, how much soever we have, we must leave it behind us?"

So, Paul now tells Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation what in our earthly lives should bring to us contentment as he writes, "And having food and raiment let us be therewith content." (1 Timothy 6:8) (KJV). The human body was designed by our Creator God the Father to run or function from the supply of food and water and also after the sin in the Garden of Eden we required clothing to cover our shame of nakedness (Genesis 3:7). Therefore, all the other things on this earth were placed here by God the Father for our enjoyment as the Apostle Paul is going to remind Timothy to remind the rich of this world later on in this same Chapter (1 Timothy 6:17). Here once again is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning being content with food and clothing, "Food and a covering, including habitation as well as raiment. Observe, If God give us the necessary supports of life, we ought to be content therewith, though we have not the ornaments and delights of it. If nature should be content with a little, grace should be content with less; though we have not dainty food, though we have not costly raiment, if we have but food and raiment convenient for us we ought to be content. This was Agur's prayer: Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me, Proverbs 30:8. Here we see, [1.] The folly of placing our happiness in these things, when we did not bring any thing into this world with us, and we can carry nothing out. What will worldlings do when death shall strip them of their happiness and portion, and they must take an everlasting farewell of all these things, on which they have so much doted? They may say with poor Micah, You have taken away my gods; and what have I more? Judges 18:24. [2.] The necessaries of life are the hounds of a true Christian's desire, and with these he will endeavour to be content; his desires are not insatiable; no, a little, a few comforts of this life, will serve him, and these may hope to enjoy: Having food and raiment."

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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 62

Paul Teaches Timothy to Nulify Error and Greed in the Church Part 3

1 Timothy 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.  KJV

Paul now in continuing his discourse to Brother Timothy about such evil stirrings in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ now declares to him what should be his response to such men or women in the Church who continue to stir up strife and envy and jealousy by writing these words, "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself." (1 Timothy 6:5) (KJV). In some strange way many readers of the Word of God and even many well meaning Christians have concluded that our Lord Jesus Christ wants us (His redeemed children) to grit our teeth and put up with any person, even the persons that are causing us nothing but trouble, trials, and tribulation, however, we forget these Words that came straight from the mouth of the most forgiving, loving, and caring man to ever walk the earth when He spoke to the Apostles then concerning the Jewish rulers, "Then the disciples came and said to Him, Do You know that the Pharisees were displeased {and} offended {and} indignant when they heard this saying? He answered, Every plant which My Heavenly Father has not planted will be torn up by the roots. Let them alone {and} disregard them; they are blind guides {and} teachers. And if a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a ditch." (Matthew 15:12-14) (Amplified Bible). In other words, we are not to love our enemies to the point where it causes us hurt or harm, the sensible and reasonable and logical thing to do is to leave them alone and go about our own business excluding them, which is exactly what the Apostle Paul is telling Timothy here to do.

The Apostle uses the little English phrase 'Perverse disputings' in verse 5 to further describe the things that go on within these circles and it is translated by the Greek word paradiatribē (again another of these words used one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning  misemployment, that is, meddlesomeness: - perverse disputing. In other words, continuing with his description of these people from verse 4, Paul declares here that their disputing over words are done so with the wrong purposes, that is, used incorrectly or in a faulty way or manner and even done so without the request from others, that is, in an intrusive manner. It also carries with it the meaning that it is continued or continual disputes, disagreements, and disruptions that constantly cause friction and arguments. No wonder these type of people often twist the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ because they don't humble themselves and ask the Author of the Word of God (God the Holy Spirit) (1 Corinthians 2:13) to illuminate His Word to them that they might give it out to the world in complete confidence that it is the Will and Word of God. Paul goes on further to describe these men as those with corrupt minds and the English word 'corrupt' is translated by the Greek word diaphtheirō meaning to rot thoroughly, that is, (by implication) to ruin (passively decay utterly, figuratively pervert): - corrupt, destroy, perish. The English word 'minds' is translated by the Greek word nous meaning the intellect, that is, mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication meaning: - mind, understanding.

In other words, their minds will not receive the truth of the Word of God, therefore, they twist it to fit their own corruptions unwilling to receive guidance and correction from the Word and so they dispute over words from the Bible and make others see things in the word of God that are not there and are not meant by our Lord Jesus Christ, thus, we have a full blown health, wealth, and prosperity Gospel that has made its way into every continent on planet earth, remember what the Apostle Peter said about such people warning them then and us now, "And consider that the long-suffering of our Lord [His slowness in avenging wrongs and judging the world] is salvation (that which is conducive to the soul's safety), even as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the spiritual insight given him, Speaking of this as he does in all of his letters. There are some things in those [epistles of Paul] that are difficult to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist {and} misconstrue to their own utter destruction, just as [they distort and misinterpret] the rest of the Scriptures. Let me warn you therefore, beloved, that knowing these things beforehand, you should be on your guard, lest you be carried away by the error of lawless {and} wicked [persons and] fall from your own [present] firm condition [your own steadfastness of mind]." (2 Peter 3:15-17) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Dr. John Gill said about those disputers with corrupt minds, "Who being corrupt in their principles, and corrupters of the Word of God, dispute in a very froward and perverse way, rubbing and galling one another, and so provoke, to wrath and anger, and, every evil work." When Paul writes here, 'and destitute of the truth', he is saying that these people once knew the truth, yet they chose to turn their backs on the truth and take heed or listen to fables and this is what then and now has caused many men and women to use the Gospel (the saving grace and power of God) as a means to get temporal earthly treasure that has an expiration date attached to it, instead of standing for the truth of the Gospel no matter the earthly cost or sacrifice it brings.

When Paul continues on and writes, 'supposing that gain is godliness', he means that these men and women have made the acquiring of earthly things such as houses, cars, jewelry, clothes, etc. as the measure of their closeness to God the Father, for if they have gained all these things in abundance, then surely they are being blessed of God, but the Apostle Paul wrote these words to the Ephesian believers back then about what the blessings they and we have 'in Christ' during the period of the Church and Grace, "May blessing (praise, laudation, and eulogy) be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) Who has blessed us {in Christ} with every spiritual (given by the Holy Spirit) blessing in the heavenly realm!" (Ephesian 1:3) (Amplified Bible). The acquisition of earthly wealth is not the measure of a persons or a Churches godliness or closeness to God the Father. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning gain being godliness, "Such were Simon Magus and his followers, and other false teachers, who made merchandise of men, looked everyone for his gain from his quarter, and acted as if there was nothing in religion but worldly profit and gain; these served themselves, their own bellies, and selfish interests, and not the Lord Jesus Christ." Paul tells Timothy to do this with these people, 'from such withdraw thyself', and here it is clear what Paul means and that is to remove one's self from such people who believe this gospel of gain and in turn teach it to others, Here again is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning withdrawing from them, "Do not come near them; have nothing to do with them; do not lay hands on them, or admit them into the ministry; do not suffer them to preach, or encourage them by hearing them: if in the Church, cast them out; have no communion with them, neither in a civil nor in a religious way; avoid all conversation with them." 

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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 61

Paul Teaches Timothy to Nulify Error and Greed in the Church Part 2

1 Timothy 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, KJV

Paul now begins to give a description of the ones in the Church who are actively standing up against godly authority that has been placed there by Christ Jesus our Lord and those who do not want to consent to the teachings of the very Words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the men in authority that are actual appointees of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ teaching His Words, for they have proven themselves to be from Christ by virtue of their refusing to compromise or water down the truth of the Gospel in order to win more followers or gain favor with Church hierarchy which would translate into more financial gain or profit for themselves to build their own earthly kingdoms instead of being a part in the building of Christ Kingdom. Note: "Christ Kingdom will be built here on this His earth because He is the One building it and He uses men and women in His Body to facilitate its construction. Therefore, His Kingdom will be built with or without certain men and women in the visible Church working against it, just as He declared to the Apostle Peter 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)." So, Paul describes such men to Brother Timothy with these words, "He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings," (1 Timothy 6:4) (KJV).

The first negative character trait found in such men in the Church is according to this little English phrase the Apostle uses here 'He is proud' and it  is translated by the Greek word tuphoō which means (figuratively) to inflate with self conceit: - high-minded, be lifted up with pride, be proud. And as we have documented before in another study/commentary our Lord Jesus Christ does not like pride, not only does He not like it, He actually hates pride (Proverbs 6:17). Our English dictionary defines self-conceit as an overweening (presumptuously arrogant) opinion of one's powers or endowments. However, our Heavenly Father defines human self-conceit with these words, "Do you see a man wise in his own eyes {and} conceit? There is more hope for a [self-confident] fool than for him." (Proverbs 26:12) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Dr. John Gill says concerning such people, "Or swelled and puffed up with a vain conceit of himself and his own notions, and treats with an haughty air the faithful ministers of the word. The doctrines of grace are of an humbling nature, especially when they are spiritually and experimentally understood and received; but notional knowledge, knowledge of natural things, and the doctrines of men, such as are of their own invention, fill the mind with pride and vanity." Here is what Albert Barnes had to say of such people, "That is, he is lifted up with his fancied superior acquaintance with the nature of religion. The Greek verb means, properly, 'to smoke, to fume;' and then to be inflated, to 'be conceited, etc.' The idea is, that he has no proper knowledge of the nature of the Gospel, and yet he values himself on a fancied superior acquaintance with its principles." These words written by Albert Barnes explains exactly what the Apostle Paul meant when he wrote, 'knowing nothing'.

When Paul writes here, 'but doting about questions and strifes of words', he means that instead of wanting to know truth from the Word of God, these people battle over words that are not promoting of truth, for example there are many in the visible Church that have taken the Words of Scripture and twisted them to mean something that our Lord Jesus Christ would never intend, such as King David and Saul's son Jonathon being in a homosexual relationship (1 Samuel 18:1). If this were true, The Truth our Lord Jesus Christ would have plainly stated it as such in His Word and He never did. He exposed his adultery and his murder. These types of disputing and striving over words is exactly what Paul means here as he wrote this to Timothy and it is dispicable, dirty, and disgusting. The English word 'doting' is transaleted by the Greek word noseō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning to be sick, that is, (by implication of a diseased appetite) to hanker after (figuratively to harp upon): - dote. The English word 'questions' used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word zētēsis meaning a searching (properly the act), that is, a dispute or its theme: - question. The little English phrase 'strifes of words' is translated by the Greek word logomachia (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning disputation about trifles (“logomachy”), that is, argument about words or the meaning of words: - strife of words. This is exactly how these dreamers dispute over the words written of David and Jonathan, "Then Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own life." (1 Samuel 18:3) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning this doting and strife of words, "The meaning here is, that such persons had a sickly or morbid desire for debates of this kind. They had not a sound and healthy state of mind on the subject of religion. They were like a sickly man, who has no desire for solid and healthful food, but for that which will gratify a diseased appetite. They desired not sound doctrine, but controversies about unimportant and unsubstantial matters - things that bore the same relation to important doctrines which the things that a sick man pines after do to substantial food."

Paul now declares to Timothy that when this type of thinking and disputing over words occurs in the Church, then it is certain that envy, strife, railings, and evil surmisings will manifest or become visible within the congregation. The English word 'envy' is translated by the Greek word phthonos meaning ill will (as detraction), that is, jealousy (spite): - envy. It is almost certain that when a person begins to allow the sin of envy to permeate their soul that they will soon act out against the person who is the object of their envy with some sort of physical or verbal act of hatred and violence to hurt the object of their envy, for this is what the Word of God has to say about envy, "A calm {and} undisturbed mind {and} heart are the life {and} health of the body, but envy, jealousy, {and} wrath are like rottenness of the bones." (Proverbs 14:30) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'strife' is translated by the Greek word eris meaning a quarrel, that is, (by implication) wrangling: - contention, debate, strife, variance. Those that are always arguing over issues in the Church are a constant hinderance to the Gospel being declared in its totality and truth, for this is what the Word of God has to say about strife, "As coals are to hot embers and as wood to fire, so is a quarrelsome man to inflame strife." (Proverbs 26:21) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'railings' is translated by the Greek word blasphēmia which is where we get our English word blaspheme from and it means vilification (especially against God): - blasphemy, evil speaking, railing. To vilify or speak evil of a person or persons who have never done you any harm or hurt is perhaps the lowest form of evil that comes out from the source of all evil the devil planted into the hearts and minds of willing human vessels to diffuse, disperse, and dissemenate said evil speaking. The English word 'surmisings' is translated by the Greek word huponoia (used this one time only in the entire Bible) meaning suspicion: - surmising. This type of behavior is to infer something upon someone else without the evidence to back up the claims. This is akin to spreading rumors about someone or gossip (without knowledge of if it is true) that could cause hurt and harm to the person or persons. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning envy, strife, railings, and evil surmisings, "How little good have religious disputes ever done to mankind, or to the cause of truth! Most controversialists have succeeded in getting their own tempers soured, and in irritating their opponents. Indeed, truth seems rarely to be the object of their pursuit; they labor to accredit their own party by abusing and defaming others; from generals they often descend to particulars; and then personal abuse is the order of the day. Is it not strange that Christians either cannot or will not see this? Cannot any man support his own opinions, and give his own views of the religion of Christ, without abusing and calumniating his neighbor? I know not whether such controversialists should not be deemed disturbers of the public peace, and come under the notice of the civil magistrate. Should not all Christians know that the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of the Lord?"

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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 60

Paul Teaches Timothy to Nulify Error and Greed in the Church Part 1

1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;  KJV

Paul is now going to instruct Brother Timothy on how he should consider, confront, and crush error and greed that develops in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. The desire of the Apostle Paul is to see Timothy teach against those who will not submit to authority in the Church and to keep them from leavening (which is an influence that works subtly to lighten or modify something and the something here being the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ) the whole lump, that is, the whole Church with greed for material gain, so he writes this next in his letter, "If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;" (1 Timothy 6:3) (KJV). When Paul begins this verse with the words, 'If any man teaches otherwise', he is referring directly to what he has just previously written in the first two verses concerning obedience and submittal to authority and now he means the authority that our Lord Jesus Christ has placed within His Church on the earth.

Those (during Paul's day) who taught that the law of Moses and its keeping was as important as the Gospel itself were those who rejected authority in the Church (the Judaizing teachers who discredited Paul the Apostle) and taught others to do the same. Paul wanted Timothy to identify where this was happening and teach the truth of the Gospel only in order to squash this false doctrine or spiritual error/cancer being introduced into the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ before it began to spread like a cancer in the human body. The little English phrase 'teach otherwise' is translated by the Greek word heterodidaskaleō meaning to instruct differently: - teach other doctrine. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning this teaching otherwise or another doctrine, "A doctrine different from what the Apostle had now taught, concerning the duty of servants to their masters; as did the false teachers, who despised dominion or government; not only civil government, and so spoke evil of rulers and magistrates; and Church government, and therefore reviled the Apostles, elders, and pastors of Churches; but family government, and encouraged disobedience to parents and masters."

When Paul writes here, 'and consent not to wholesome words', he means the words that have been taught by the Apostles Paul, Peter, John, and the others that were given to them directly from our Lord Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit which are God's Words and the words that would make up what we now know as the Bible. The English word 'consent' is translated by the Greek word proserchomai which means (figuratively) worship, assent to: The English word 'wholesome' is translated by the Greek word hugiainō which means figuratively to be uncorrupt (true in doctrine). Therefore, we see that the Apostle Paul is saying here that men and women in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ should accept and respond favorably only to doctrine or teaching in the Church of Christ that is true and uncorrupted by error or falsehood. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning consenting to wholesome words by members of the Church of Jesus Christ, "Words conducing to a healthful state of the Church; that is, doctrines tending to produce order and a due observance of the proprieties of life; doctrines leading to contentment, and sober industry, and the patient endurance of evils."

When Paul writes, 'even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ', it is pretty clear that he means everything Christ taught during His 3 year earthly ministry, but also everything else he was currently teaching through the Apostles. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, "Healing doctrines - doctrines which give nourishment and health to the soul, which is the true character of all the doctrines taught by our Lord Jesus Christ; doctrines which are according to godliness - securing as amply the honor and glory of God, as they do the peace, happiness, and final salvation of man. All this may refer to the general tenor of the Gospel; and not to any thing said, or supposed to have been said, by our Lord, relative to the condition of slaves. With political questions, or questions relative to private rights, our Lord scarcely ever meddled; He taught all men to love one another; to respect each other’s rights; to submit to each other; to show all fidelity; to be obedient, humble, and meek; and to know that His kingdom was not of this world." Note: "Then why have in the past and are in the present many men over the centuries seeking to use the money that comes into the Church from the Body of Believers to build great swelling Cathedrals and Buildings that will crumble, corrupt, and collapse over time, instead of using it for exactly what Paul told Timothy to do earlier in this letter and that is to take care of widows and other parts of Christ spiritual body that are unable to care physically and financially for themselves, huh?"

Finally, when Paul writes, 'and to the doctrine which is according to godliness', he means that all the teachings of Christ Jesus our Lord were to make men and women more like God the Father and less like the sinful creatures we human beings were born to be because of Adam's fall in the Garden of Eden. The English word 'godliness' is translated by the Greek word eusebeia which means piety; specifically the gospel scheme: - godliness, holiness. The Apostle Peter wrote these words speaking of what Christ Divine Power has done for us now when we submit ourselves completely to Him, "For His divine power has bestowed upon us all things that [are requisite and suited] to life and godliness, through the [full, personal] knowledge of Him Who called us by {and} to His own glory and excellence (virtue)." (2 Peter 1:3) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning the doctrine which is according to godliness, "Which tends to produce piety or religion; that is, the doctrine which would be most favorable to an easy and rapid propagation of the Gospel. The idea seems to be, that such a state of insubordination and discontent as they would produce, would be unfavorable to the promotion of religion. Who can doubt it?"

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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 59

Paul Tells Timothy that he should Teach other Believers to Honor their Masters

1 Timothy 6:1-2 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. KJV

Paul now introduces yet another topic for Brother Timothy to consider as he leads or shepherds a flock of sheep in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and that being the ugly reality of that day, slavery. It might surprise some people to know that our Lord Jesus Christ never preached a sermon condemning slavery or directing the people of that day to rise up and revolt against slavery or did He ever chastise the Romans and other Gentiles or the Jews who were the owners of human slaves, yet He did not. Paul likewise walking as our Lord Jesus walked, never instructed Timothy or any other disciple of Jesus Christ to protest against slavery by marching on Rome or marching on the city of Jerusalem, but instead he declared these words to Brother Timothy just as he had already done to the believers in the Church @ Ephesus & the Church @ Colosse, "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed." (1 Timothy 6:1) (KJV). Christianity was not a religion and certainly it was not nor should it ever be a political organization, but Christianity is a relationship that is personal with the Creator God (Jesus Christ) who is solely in control of all things here on the earth and everywhere else in His Universes, as it is written again by the Apostle Paul to the Colossian Church with these words, "For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created {and} exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in {and} for Him. And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together)." (Colossians 1:16-17) (Amplified Bible).

The English word 'servants' Paul uses at the beginning of 1 Timothy 6:1 is translated by the Greek word doulos which means (as it is used here) a slave literally and  involuntarily. When Paul writes, 'as are under the yoke', he means those that are bought and owned slaves (with no rights as a citizen where they reside) of unjust and even abusive slave masters. The little English phrase 'the yoke' is translated by the Greek word zugos which means (as it is used here)  (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation), it is living under a very hard and disagreeable condition and circumstance. Paul's desire here is that Christians who are slaves living under this heavy burden seek grace from our Lord Jesus Christ that they might not act out in violent revolt, rising up, or rebellion against their slave masters, but instead do the opposite and live in servitude under them, even as Paul instructed the Colossian believers to do with these words, "Servants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you as pleasers of men, but in simplicity of purpose [with all your heart] because of your reverence for the Lord {and} as a sincere expression of your devotion to Him. Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah)." (Colossians 3:22-24) (Amplified Bible). And this (what he wrote here to the Colossian Church) is what the Apostle means when he writes this to Timothy right now, 'count their own masters worthy of all honor'. Not that they actually are worthy of all honor, because they are not, but for Christ sake the Christian slave should do so, knowing that his or her honoring of their earthly masters is in reality their honoring of their Heavenly Master our Lord Jesus Christ.

The purpose Paul has for instructing Timothy to instruct Christian slaves is what he writes here at the end of this verse, 'that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed', which means that Paul sees the honor of Christ above the dishonor of any unruly, unholy, and unsaved tyrannical earthly master. The dependability of the Christian slave to his earthly master should be greater than that of the non-Christian slave. The Christian slave should so work, serve, and obey his earthly master, that it would cause the unjust master to stand up and take notice, which might cause him to come to Christ for salvation and eternal life, which is far greater than the temporary discomfort, disgrace, and damage done to the Christian slave. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the relationship of Christian slaves to their masters, "Even these, in such circumstances, and under such domination, are commanded to treat their masters with all honor and respect, that the name of God, by which they were called, and the doctrine of God, Christianity, which they had professed, might not be blasphemed - might not be evilly spoken of in consequence of their improper conduct. Civil rights are never abolished by any communications from God’s Spirit. The civil state in which a man was before his conversion is not altered by that conversion; nor does the grace of God absolve him from any claims, which either the state or his neighbor may have on him. All these outward things continue unaltered."  Note: Paul never instructs or commands Brother Timothy to command all Christians who owned slaves to release them or remove their yoke or resolve them of their duties as their slaves." Instead Paul writes this to Timothy on how Christian slaves should conduct themselves with their Christian masters, "And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort." (1 Timothy 6:2) (KJV).

When Paul writes this in the first half of this verse, 'And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren', he means this exactly as it is written, for it would have been understandable (during this early time in the Church) that some of the Christian slaves would wonder why their Christian masters would not just release them or free them from their slavery, but Paul understood the time having grew up as a Jew seeing many Jewish religious rulers own slaves for personal and business purposes. So, Paul knew that many of the Christian masters could not afford to release or free their slaves, for it would have caused them and their family financial hardship to do so. Therefore, Paul instructs Timothy to exhort, encourage, and explain to Christian slaves these very facts, so that they would see their Christian master as a brother 'in Christ' and not as a slave master or owner. The little English phrase 'do them service' is translated by the Greek word douleuō which means (as used here) to be a slave to (literally and figuratively, but voluntarily so for Christ's sake, honor, and glory. Paul wanted Brother Timothy to teach and instruct and encourage this behavior to the Christian slaves with their Christian masters. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say in regard to the relationship between Christian slaves and their Christian masters, "They must think themselves the more obliged to serve them because the faith and love that bespeak men Christians oblige them to do good; and that is all wherein their service consists. Observe, It is a great encouragement to us in doing our duty to our relations if we have reason to think they are faithful and beloved, and partakers of the benefit, that is, of the benefit of Christianity. Again, Believing masters and servants are brethren, and partakers of the benefit; for in Christ Jesus there is neither bond nor free, for you are all one in Christ Jesus, Galatians 3:28. Timothy is appointed to teach and exhort these things. Ministers must preach not only the general duties of all, but the duties of particular relations."

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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 58

Paul Expounds to Timothy on the Sin's of Men and on the Good Works of Men in the Church of Jesus Christ

1 Timothy 5:24-25 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. KJV

Paul concludes this Chapter of his discourse to Brother Timothy by delineating, describing, and detailing for him and to him the sin's and the good works of men in the Church and he wants Timothy to use this knowledge and truth wisely in making his selections of which men are presently and in the future qualified to be a bondservant for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ as he writes first these words, "Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after." (1 Timothy 5:24) (KJV). Surely Timothy was aware of the distinction between some sin's of men, for it is very clear and evident that a man is an alcoholic if he is seen visibly intoxicated or drunk on many occasions, however, it is not so evident that a man is involved in an adulteress affair with another woman not his wife, for this sin can be hidden from public view and is done so by all men who have and are participating in said sin. Therefore, it is not Paul's purpose here so much as to educate Timothy on the different sin's of men, but to make him aware of his responsibility in weighing these facts in his selection of men to serve in leadership in Christ Church. The little English phrase 'open beforehand' is translated by the Greek word prodēlos which means plain before all men, that is, obvious: - evident, manifest (open) beforehand.

When Paul writes, 'going before to judgment', he means that those sins that are open beforehand of men in the Church who would be candidates for office should cause Timothy to act decisively in determining them not suitable for office because he has his evidence clearly present before him to analyze. However, when he writes, 'and some men they follow after', he is saying just the opposite of above and he means that the sins of some men who are candidates for office in the Church have their sin hidden from public view (but of course not from God's viewing) which makes it much more difficult for him to determine their suitability for office in the Church. So Paul wants Timothy's knowledge of these facts to help him in his decision making process. Note: "Paul is not asking Timothy then or any leader in Christ Church now or at any time to look for perfect men (for there are none), however, he is asking him to be discerning, distinguishing, and discreet in his selections choosing men who will not be greedy for filthy lucre/money or be filled with an inflated ego that would cause them to hurt the Body of Believers because these men will be the ones looking out for the spiritual welfare of every member of Christ Body under their Stewardship (Hebrews 13:17)."

Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning this verse, "Some men are such open and notorious sinners, that there is no need of any inquiry about them, or any examination of them; or any witnesses to be called to their character, in order to pass judgment concerning them; they even prevent and supersede any formal process about them. With such persons, the Apostle intimates, Timothy could have no difficulty upon him, what to do with them; should they be proposed for the ministry, he would know at once what to do with them; namely, reject them. There would be no danger of his laying hands suddenly on such; for the following phrase, going before to judgment, is not to be understood of God's judgment, or of the last and future judgment of the great day, but of human judgment: it is true indeed that some men's sins are manifest and barefaced, before that day comes; while others are so private, that they will not be known till that day declares them, and brings to light the hidden things of darkness: and much such a way of speaking is used by the Jews; who say 'whoever committeth one transgression, (a notorious one,) in this world, it joins to him, and goes before him to the day of judgment.' And some men they follow after; that is, some men's sins follow after, is to be understood of their following after human judgment; or of their appearing in the light after judgment has been passed upon them, which before were hid: and the sense of the whole is this, that the characters of some men are so well known, and it is so plain a case, that they are destitute of the grace of God; have not ministerial gifts; or are unsound in the faith; or are men of immoral lives and conversations; so that there can be no dispute about them, whether they are to be admitted into the ministry of the Word or rejected. But there are other persons who may be proposed, whose sins or errors are so private, that they may not be known; and yet may appear afterwards; wherefore it is proper to take time, and not be too hasty, or lay hands suddenly on men."

Paul now declares the same thing concerning the 'good works' of men in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ as he writes these words, "Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid." (1 Timothy 5:25) (KJV). The English word 'Likewise' at the very beginning of this verse is translated by the Greek word proagō which means as thus, that is, in the same way: - even so, likewise, after the same (in like) manner. The English word 'good' is translated by the Greek word kalos meaning beautiful, valuable, or virtuous spiritually and morally. The English word 'works' is translated by the Greek word ergon meaning deeds or actions performed. The little English phrase 'manifest beforehand' is translated by the Greek word prodēlos which means plain before all men, that is, obvious: - evident, manifest (open) beforehand. Therefore, we see then that Paul declares that just as the sins of some men in the Church are clearly visible, so too are the good works or the good deeds of some men clearly visible for all to see. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the clear visibility of some men's good works, "The characters of some men, on the other hand, are so fair and bright; and it is so clear a point, that they have received the grace of God in truth; and have a rich furniture for the ministry; and are sound in the doctrine of faith; and are men of such godly lives and conversations, that they prevent any formal inquiry, examination, and judgment; and there can be no difficulty in admitting them at once: and therefore the above rule is not designed for such persons, but to guard against those with whom things do not appear so very clear and manifest." When Paul writes, 'and they that are otherwise cannot be hid', he is declaring that the good deeds done by those who do not shout it from the mountain top will be made known by those that have and are benefiting from them in some way just as the Psalmist King David declared with these words, "Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass. And He will make your uprightness {and} right standing with God go forth as the light, and your justice {and} right as [the shining sun of] the noonday." (Psalm 37:5-6) (Amplified Bible).

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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 57

Paul Gives Timothy Personal Instruction

1 Timothy 5:22-23 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. KJV

Paul completed his instruction to Brother Timothy on how the members of Christ Body should be treated by the leadership of Christ Church and now Paul turns to Timothy (the individual man and Christian) to give him some personal counsel for his own spiritual health and welfare, as well as his physical health and welfare by beginning with these words, "Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure." (1 Timothy 5:22) (KJV). When Paul writes here, 'Lay hands suddenly on no man', he is directing Timothy to be cautious, conservative, and careful about any man (in the visible Church) being ordained into a leadership office in the Church. Some commentators have ascribed, assigned, or attributed these words written here by Paul to Timothy to attest to the laying on of hands for healing or to absolve sins, however, in keeping with all of Paul's earlier instructions to Timothy above concerning elders in the Church (1 Timothy 5:17-20) it should be clear that Paul means that Timothy should be very careful in his selection of elders in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Here is what John Wesley had to say concerning the laying on of hands suddenly, "That is, appoint no man to Church offices without full trial and examination; else thou wilt be accessary to, and accountable for, his misbehavior in his office."

The instructions given to the members of the early Church in seeking men to serve in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ in the daily distribution of material goods to the widows in the Church from the twelve (12) Apostles was this concerning the men who would do such a job, "NOW ABOUT this time, when the number of the disciples was greatly increasing, complaint was made by the Hellenists (the Greek-speaking Jews) against the [native] Hebrews because their widows were being overlooked {and} neglected in the daily ministration (distribution of relief). So the Twelve [apostles] convened the multitude of the disciples and said, It is not seemly {or} desirable {or} right that we should have to give up {or} neglect [preaching] the Word of God in order to attend to serving at tables {and} superintending the distribution of food. Therefore select out from among yourselves, brethren, seven men of good {and} attested character {and} repute, full of the [Holy] Spirit and wisdom, whom we may assign to look after this business {and} duty." (Acts 6:1-3) (Amplified Bible). Now surely if this was (and still should be today) the criteria for those who served food in the Church of Jesus Christ, then certainly we must believe that Paul here is referring to the laying on of hands in the ordination of men to a leadership office in the Church.

When Paul writes, 'neither be partaker of other men's sins', he does not mean that Timothy was participating or taking actual physical part in the sin's of others, but what he is saying here to him is that if you are hasty, that is, if you do it without the proper deliberation such decisions derserve in your selection of any man or woman to an office in Christ Church, then if they are proven to be a detriment, a danger, and cause great damage to the members of Christ Body spiritually and even physically, then Brother Timothy it will be as if you commited the very same sins against Christ and His Church as your appointee was found guilty of by all the leadership. The Apostle John warned of such similar behavior by believers when he wrote these words in one of his epistles, "Anyone who runs on ahead [of God] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ [who is not content with what He taught] does not have God; but he who continues to live in the doctrine (teaching) of Christ [does have God], he has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine [is disloyal to what Jesus Christ taught], do not receive him [do not accept him, do not welcome or admit him] into [your] house or bid him Godspeed {or} give him any encouragement. For he who wishes him success [who encourages him, wishing him Godspeed] is a partaker in his evil doings." (2 John 1:9-11) (Amplified Bible).

Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning not participating in the sins of other men, "It is a sin for any improper person to thrust himself into the sacred office; and he partakes of that sin who introduces, helps him forward, or sanctions him in it. O, what an account will rash, undiscerning, and prejudiced bishops, presbyters, and others, have to render to God for their ordinations! Their laying rash or careless hands 'on skulls that cannot teach, and will not learn;' while probably they refuse inducting others well qualified for the Christian ministry." Note: "Can we say see what some in the Catholic Church have done, according to the hundreds and thousands of then children, now adults who were victims of ill suited Priest's rape and molestation, as well as those other Priest in higher leadership positions who covered up these sins in order to protect the reputation of the Catholic Church while neglecting the welfare and well being of helpless children." Paul wanted Timothy and all believers with this authority and responsibility to keep themselves pure from these things. The English word 'pure' Paul uses here testifies to this being his meaning as it is translated by the Greek word hagnos which means properly clean, that is, (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect: - chaste, clean, pure. Paul wanted Timothy then and all true believers now and of every era and generation to be innocent of appointing such men or women to leadership positions who will do spiritual and even physical hurt and harm to members of Christ Body.

Paul now counsels Timothy about taking care of himself physically as he writes, "Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities." (1 Timothy 5:23) (KJV). Paul knew of Timothy's ailments and directs him on what he must do to help keep himself physically strong to do the work of the ministry he was called by God the Father to do for His Church. Wine (fermented wine) back then was used by many people for medicinal purposes, so Paul wanted Timothy to use this medicine for his stomach trouble and other things that would afflict him along the way. The idea that Paul was giving Timothy and all other believers a license to drink alcohol in reckless abandonment is ridiculous and not even worth discussion, remember these words, "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but ever be filled {and} stimulated with the [Holy] Spirit." (Ephesians 5:18) (Amplified Bible). Paul was a man filled with the Holy Spirit of God, but at the same time he was a practical man and a man who exercised common sense, therefore, he told Timothy to use the medicine available then that most people used for their infirmities and this English word 'infirmities' is translated by the Greek word astheneia meaning feebleness (of body or mind); by implication malady; - disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness. Let us not come to the Bible with only our expectations of receiving some great spiritual revelations from God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit and miss out on the wealth of practical knowledge found in this Book good for every day living and sojourning here on the earth.

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…

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 56

Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 12

1 Timothy 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. KJV

As the Apostle Paul heads into the home stretch of revealing to Brother Timothy the things that should be allowed and disallowed in the Body of Believers in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, he now wants to remind Timothy of his authority as an Apostle and of his words carrying the weight that they do, so he writes this to Timothy, "I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality." (1 Timothy 5:21) (KJV). The little English phrase that begins this verse 'I charge' is translated by the Greek word diamarturomai meaning to attest or protest earnestly, or (by implication) hortatively, that is, giving strong encouragement: - charge, testify (unto), witness. The English word 'before' is translated by the Greek word enōpion meaning in the face of (literally or figuratively): - before, in the presence of. And of course 'God' is the Supreme Ruler and Controller, the Maker of all things the heavens and the earth, the Creator, the One and Only True God.

And our 'Lord Jesus Christ' is the God Man who is the Word of God become flesh as it is written by the Apostle John of Him with these words, "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) and "And the Word (Christ) became flesh (human, incarnate) and tabernacled (fixed His tent of flesh, lived awhile) among us; and we [actually] saw His glory (His honor, His majesty), such glory as an only begotten son receives from his father, full of grace (favor, loving-kindness) and truth." (John 1:14) (Amplified Bible). And 'the elect angels' are those 2/3 of the angels that did not disobey God the Father and rise up against Him in heaven with the angel (lucifer) and the other 1/3 of the angels (Revelation 12:7-12). The English word 'elect' is translated by the Greek word eklektos meaning select; by implication favorite: - chosen, elect. Therefore, Paul is hear reminding Timothy of all the things he has instructed him upon and declaring to him that everything he has given to Timothy has been in the open right in the sight of God the Father, the Almighty One, our Lord Jesus Christ, and all the obedient angels in heaven.

When Paul writes, 'that thou observe these things without preferring one before another', here he is saying to Timothy and to we true believers today that there should not be any prejudgement or prejudice upon his/our part on declaring some of these instructions/commands good or no good and this is why he just stated to Timothy that all these things have been given to you for your implementation in the very presence of God, that is, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit approve and have given these to me to give to you for your execution, therefore, don't waiver, but do them without partiality and this English word 'partiality' is translated by the Greek word prosklisis (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning a leaning towards, that is, (figuratively) proclivity (favoritism): - partiality. Note: "Timothy was not to be a leader who would look favorably upon one brother or sister in Christ while looking down upon others because of their status in the community or any other such outward meaningless thing, for it is not the ministers fear of men that should direct his words and his teaching and his preaching, but it must be his understanding that he has in reality an audience of One, that is, our Lord Jesus Christ to please and if pleasing Him causes others to be displeased, then this is desirable for Timothy and for we true believers today and of every era and generation."

Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this verse written to Brother Timothy and to all believers of every era and generation, "The Apostle would have Timothy to consider that all he did should be done as in the sight of God, the Father of the spirits of all flesh; in the sight of Christ, the Savior of sinners, who purchased the Church with His own blood; and in the sight of the most holy, approved, and eminent angels, whose office it was to minister to the heirs of salvation. The word elect, applied to the angels here, is supposed to distinguish those who stood, when others fell from their first estate. The former were elect, or approved; the latter reprobate, or disapproved. This is not an unfrequent sense of the word elect. Perhaps there is nothing else meant than the angels that are chosen out from among others, by the Lord Himself, to be ministering servants to the Church. Without preferring one before another - Without prejudice. Promote no man’s cause; make not up thy mind on any case, till thou hast weighed both sides, and heard both parties, with their respective witnesses; and then act impartially, as the matter may appear to be proved. Do not treat any man, in religious matters, according to the rank he holds in life, or according to any personal attachment thou mayest have for him. Every man should be dealt with in the Church as he will be dealt with at the judgment-seat of Christ. A minister of the Gospel, who, in the exercise of discipline in the Church, is swayed and warped by secular considerations, will be a curse rather than a blessing to the people of God. Accepting the persons of the rich, in ecclesiastical matters, has been a source of corruption in Christianity. With some ministers the show of piety in a rich man goes farther than the soundest Christian experience in the poor. What account can such persons give of their stewardship?"

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…