Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 3
1 Timothy 5:4-6 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. KJV
Paul goes on in his instruction to Brother Timothy on how he and other leaders in Christ Church should care for and guide widows in Christ Church by declaring that true widows should display, depict, and demonstrate that their priorities are in the right place, so Paul says this should be true of them, "But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God." (1 Timothy 5:4) (KJV). The idea Paul is trying to get over to Brother Timothy is that he (as a leader) should make sure that these widows that are being employed in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ are women who can be trusted by him and the other leaders to care for the sick, shut in, and senior members of Christ Church who are in need of daily care and comfort. The way that Timothy and the other leaders are to tell if these widows are responsible, real, and reliable nurturers would be to see if their own children were well taken care of by them or if instead they were neglected and mistreated by their Mother the now widow. When Paul writes here, 'let them learn first to shew piety at home', he means simply that if the widow has not and is not currently showing an unconditional and caring love for her own blood related children and nieces and nephews in her care (as well as her earthly parents), then how could she ever be trusted and allowed to care for those in need in Christ Church.
The little English phrase 'let them learn' is translated by the Greek word manthanō which means simply to learn something and keep on learning it. The little English phrase 'to shew piety' is translated by the Greek word eusebeō which means to be pious, that is, (towards God) to worship, or (towards parents) to respect (support): - show piety, worship. The little English phrase 'to requite' is translated by the Greek word apodidōmi which means to repay or to give back to. Paul also means this to be directed to the widows children who are old enough to work, that is, that they must learn piety at home by working outside of the home and now taking care of their widowed Mother or Aunt who took care of them when they were babies and young kids. Here is what Dr. John Gill said concerning children showing piety at home, "It is the duty of children to take care of their parents in old age, and provide for them, when they cannot for themselves: this is a lesson they ought to learn in the first place, and a duty which they ought principally to observe; they should not suffer them to come to a Church for relief, but first take care of them themselves, as long as they are in any capacity to do it; and these should be their first care before any others; so to do is an act of piety, a religious action, a pious one; it is doing according to the will and law of God, and is well pleasing to Him."
The true widow who has no family, that is, grown children or grown nieces and nephews that will take care of her Paul declares this of her, "Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." (1 Timothy 5:5) (KJV). Paul means here that the true widow knows that her hope relies entirely on the ever present mercy of God the Father completely confiding in and trusting Him to act on her behalf by awakening, arousing, and authorizing His Church leaders to bring in this widow and employ her in the Church in order that her needs and necessities of this earthly life would be met, just as Paul wrote to the Philippian believers to do when he said this, "Do not fret {or} have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance {and} in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison {and} mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7) (Amplified Bible). The Prophet Jeremiah said these words given to him by the Lord speaking of widows, "Leave your fatherless children; I will [do what is necessary to] preserve them alive. And let [those who have been made] your widows trust {and} confide in Me." (Jeremiah 49:11) (Amplified Bible).
Paul now contrast the true widow who trust in the Lord with the widow who dedicates, desires, and decides to go it on her own not continuing in prayers and supplications to God the Father for her daily needs and necessities of this earthly life, but taking care of her own needs in her own ways as Paul puts it with these words, "But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth." (1 Timothy 4:6) (KJV). The little English phrase 'she that liveth in pleasure' is translated by the Greek word spatalaō and it means (luxury); to be voluptuous: - live in pleasure, be wanton. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning the widow who lived in pleasure, "It properly means to live in luxury, voluptuously; to indulge freely in eating and drinking; to yield to the indulgence of the appetites. It does not indicate grossly criminal pleasures; but the kind of pleasure connected with luxurious living, and with pampering the appetites. It is probable that in the time of the Apostle, there were professedly Christian widows who lived in this manner - as there are such professing Christians of all kinds in every age of the world. To all the proper purposes of life she is as if she were dead. There is great emphasis in this expression, and nothing could convey more forcibly the idea that true happiness is not to be found in the pleasure of sense. There is nothing in them that answers the purposes of life. They are not the objects for which life was given, and as to the great and proper designs of existence, such persons might as well be dead."
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, July 28, 2018
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 46
Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 2
1 Timothy 5:2-3 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. Honor widows that are widows indeed. KJV
Paul now shifts his emphasis to Brother Timothy on how he and all other leaders of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Church should treat women in the Church by first acknowledging the elder women just as he did with the elder men, "The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity." (1 Timothy 5:2) (KJV). The little English phrase 'the elder women' is translated by the Greek word presbuteros (the exact same word used by Paul in the previous verse speaking of the men) which again means senior person, that is, in this case the senior women of Christ Church. Just as Timothy and the other leaders of the Church were to treat the elder men with the same respect and reverence they would an earthly Father, so too were they to treat the elder women with like respect and reverence as they would treat their own earthly Mothers.
The younger women were to be looked upon by Timothy and the other male leaders of Christ Church as their sisters in Christ, but also as they would see their blood sisters in the flesh and in so doing they would then treat them with the respect they would deserve in the congregation. Seeing the women in Christ Church as a 'sister' would also serve to promote the treatment of them with purity, that is, they would refrain from seeing them as sexual objects that they could take advantage of because of their leadership position in Christ Church. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the discipline of elder women and younger women in the Church, "When they offend in any point, they are to be reasoned, and argued, and pleaded with, as children should with their Mothers; see Hosea 2:2 and are to be considered as Mothers in Israel, and to be treated with great tenderness and respect. The younger as sisters; using the freedom as a brother may with a sister; and considering them as sisters in Christ, and in a way becoming the relation, tell them their faults freely and privately, but with all purity: in such manner as to preserve chastity in looks, in words, and actions."
Paul now turns his instruction to the women who have lost their husbands and are now alone by saying, "Honor widows that are widows indeed." (1 Timothy 5:3) (KJV). The English word 'honor' is translated by the Greek word timaō which means to prize, that is, fix a valuation upon; by implication to revere: - honor, value. The valuing of widows in that day was due primarily or for the most part because women did not work outside of the home to support themselves and their children, that was done entirely and only by the man/husband during the time of Paul writing this letter to Timothy, therefore, with that being the reality, the widows in the Church needed not only emotional support and comfort, but they most certainly needed the financial support of the Body of Christ in order that their basic living needs would be taken care of; food, shelter, and clothing. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning the honoring of widows, "Honor them, that is, maintain them, admit them into office. There was in those times an office in the Church in which widows were employed, and that was to tend the sick and the aged, to look to them by the direction of the deacons. We read of the care taken of widows immediately upon the first forming of the Christian Church (Acts 6:1), where the Grecians thought their widows were neglected in the daily ministration and provision made for poor widows. The general rule is to honor widows that are widows indeed, to maintain them, to relieve them with respect and tenderness."
"The treatment of the elder women, the younger women, and the widowed women (of all ages) in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the most important things that takes place in the Church, for any man or woman in leadership who takes advantage of elderly women in Christ Church financially by using their property improperly or taking more money from them than they had planned to give to the Church or by intimidating them to give more money will surely receive perhaps the harshess judgement from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for indeed they should perform their duties as the Apostle Peter instructed with these words, 'Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion {or} constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages {and} profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly {and} cheerfully; Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation).' (1 Peter 5:2-3) (Amplified Bible). Likewise any man in leadership in Christ Church who would use his office of authority to seduce the younger women in the Church will likewise receive harsh judgement from our Lord Jesus. It is the responsibility of the Church leadership to aid those widows in their flock who are true widows and in need of help with the daily necessities of this earthly life away from the heavenly home, for this should be the Church leaderships first priority, not building huge elaborate buildings and taking money from well meaning believers to build their own earthly empire." 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 5:2-3 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. Honor widows that are widows indeed. KJV
Paul now shifts his emphasis to Brother Timothy on how he and all other leaders of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Church should treat women in the Church by first acknowledging the elder women just as he did with the elder men, "The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity." (1 Timothy 5:2) (KJV). The little English phrase 'the elder women' is translated by the Greek word presbuteros (the exact same word used by Paul in the previous verse speaking of the men) which again means senior person, that is, in this case the senior women of Christ Church. Just as Timothy and the other leaders of the Church were to treat the elder men with the same respect and reverence they would an earthly Father, so too were they to treat the elder women with like respect and reverence as they would treat their own earthly Mothers.
The younger women were to be looked upon by Timothy and the other male leaders of Christ Church as their sisters in Christ, but also as they would see their blood sisters in the flesh and in so doing they would then treat them with the respect they would deserve in the congregation. Seeing the women in Christ Church as a 'sister' would also serve to promote the treatment of them with purity, that is, they would refrain from seeing them as sexual objects that they could take advantage of because of their leadership position in Christ Church. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning the discipline of elder women and younger women in the Church, "When they offend in any point, they are to be reasoned, and argued, and pleaded with, as children should with their Mothers; see Hosea 2:2 and are to be considered as Mothers in Israel, and to be treated with great tenderness and respect. The younger as sisters; using the freedom as a brother may with a sister; and considering them as sisters in Christ, and in a way becoming the relation, tell them their faults freely and privately, but with all purity: in such manner as to preserve chastity in looks, in words, and actions."
Paul now turns his instruction to the women who have lost their husbands and are now alone by saying, "Honor widows that are widows indeed." (1 Timothy 5:3) (KJV). The English word 'honor' is translated by the Greek word timaō which means to prize, that is, fix a valuation upon; by implication to revere: - honor, value. The valuing of widows in that day was due primarily or for the most part because women did not work outside of the home to support themselves and their children, that was done entirely and only by the man/husband during the time of Paul writing this letter to Timothy, therefore, with that being the reality, the widows in the Church needed not only emotional support and comfort, but they most certainly needed the financial support of the Body of Christ in order that their basic living needs would be taken care of; food, shelter, and clothing. Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning the honoring of widows, "Honor them, that is, maintain them, admit them into office. There was in those times an office in the Church in which widows were employed, and that was to tend the sick and the aged, to look to them by the direction of the deacons. We read of the care taken of widows immediately upon the first forming of the Christian Church (Acts 6:1), where the Grecians thought their widows were neglected in the daily ministration and provision made for poor widows. The general rule is to honor widows that are widows indeed, to maintain them, to relieve them with respect and tenderness."
"The treatment of the elder women, the younger women, and the widowed women (of all ages) in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ is one of the most important things that takes place in the Church, for any man or woman in leadership who takes advantage of elderly women in Christ Church financially by using their property improperly or taking more money from them than they had planned to give to the Church or by intimidating them to give more money will surely receive perhaps the harshess judgement from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for indeed they should perform their duties as the Apostle Peter instructed with these words, 'Tend (nurture, guard, guide, and fold) the flock of God that is [your responsibility], not by coercion {or} constraint, but willingly; not dishonorably motivated by the advantages {and} profits [belonging to the office], but eagerly {and} cheerfully; Not domineering [as arrogant, dictatorial, and overbearing persons] over those in your charge, but being examples (patterns and models of Christian living) to the flock (the congregation).' (1 Peter 5:2-3) (Amplified Bible). Likewise any man in leadership in Christ Church who would use his office of authority to seduce the younger women in the Church will likewise receive harsh judgement from our Lord Jesus. It is the responsibility of the Church leadership to aid those widows in their flock who are true widows and in need of help with the daily necessities of this earthly life away from the heavenly home, for this should be the Church leaderships first priority, not building huge elaborate buildings and taking money from well meaning believers to build their own earthly empire." 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, July 21, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 45
Paul Instructs Timothy on how Members of Christ Body should be Treated in Christ Church Part 1
1 Timothy 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; KJV
Paul now shifts his attention, assistance, and admonition to Brother Timothy with the emphasis and focus on a brief bit of instruction to him on how he (as the leader or one of the leaders in Ephesus) should treat members of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Body in the assembly of saints by saying first, "Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;" (1 Timothy 5:1) (KJV). All in the Church of Christ were not cut out of a cookie mold, meaning they are not all the same and they all require different ways in which they are to be cared for, censured, and counseled by Brother Timothy. The English word 'Rebuke' that begins this 1st verse is translated by the Greek word epiplēssō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning to chastise, that is, (with words) to upbraid: - that is, express criticism towards or reproach. The little English phrase 'an elder' is translated by the Greek word presbuteros meaning (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian “presbyter”: - elder , older person.
In other words, Paul wanted to see Timothy and all the other leaders of Christ Church pay very close attention to their treatment of the senior or elder members of Christ Body, paying them the respect they would to their own earthly Fathers. Paul growing up as a Jewish boy attending regularly the Jewish animal sacrifices and the other ceremonies in the Synagogue knew how important showing respect to the Jewish elders was regarded by all and even though our Lord Jesus Christ sinless perfect life and then His subsequent death on the Cross, burial and resurrection from the dead has satisfied all of the Mosaic Law and the Moral Law of God, yet Paul still sees that certain Jewish policy, procedure, and practice was in no way disavowed, or denied, or destroyed by our Lord's sacrifice. It is still Christ will that just as the elders in the Jewish Synagogues were reverenced, revered, and respected highly by the younger members, so too should be the practice in Christ Body (the Church). Paul begin as a little Jewish boy and ended as a Jewish man who sat as an elder in the Jewish Sanhedrin, so he saw this profound honoring of the Jewish elders from both perspectives.
The Apostle Paul uses this noun 'elder' here in the dative case, that is, it serves as the indirect object of the verb 'rebuke', therefore, detailing that Paul is here referring to the older persons of the Church and not specifically 'the elder' who is in leadership in the Church. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning rebuking not an elder, "The word 'elder' here is not used in the sense in which it often is, to denote an officer of the Church, a Presbyter, but in its proper and usual sense, to denote an aged man. This is evident, because the Apostle immediately mentions in contradistinction from the elder, 'the younger men,' where it cannot be supposed that he refers to them as officers. The command to treat the 'elder' as a 'father,' also shows the same thing. By the direction not to rebuke, it is not to be supposed that the minister of the Gospel is not to admonish the aged, or that he is not to show them their sins when they go astray, but that he is to do this as he would to a father. He is not to assume a harsh, dictatorial, and denunciatory manner. The precepts of religion always respect the proprieties of life, and never allow us to transgress them, even when the object is to reclaim a soul from error, and to save one who is wandering. Besides, when this is the aim, it will always be most certainly accomplished by observing the respect due to others on account of office, relation, rank, or age."
The English word 'intreat' is translated by the Greek word parakaleō meaning to call near, that is, invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation): - beseech, call for, comfort, exhort, intreat, pray. In other words, Paul instructs Timothy to exhort and call near the elders in the Church, even when they need admonishing for their sin and error as one would show reverence and respect to a Father and also as Paul directed the Galatian believers with these words, "BRETHREN, IF any person is overtaken in misconduct {or} sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right {and} restore {and} reinstate him, without any sense of superiority {and} with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also." (Galatians 6:1) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes here, 'and the younger men as brethren', he means simply that Timothy is to interact with the younger men as his equal, even though he is a leader in the Church and again this does not mean he must not hand down discipline for wrong, wayward, or wicked behavior, but he is not to lord over them his position of authority. Here again is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning treating the younger men as brethren, "That is, treat them as you would your own brothers. Do not consider them as aliens, strangers, or enemies, but entertain toward them, even when they go astray, the kindly feelings of a brother. This refers more particularly to his private conversation with them, and to his personal efforts to reclaim them when they had fallen into sin. When these efforts were ineffectual, and they sinned openly, he was to 'rebuke them before all' 1 Timothy 5:20, that others might be deterred from following their example."
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 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; KJV
Paul now shifts his attention, assistance, and admonition to Brother Timothy with the emphasis and focus on a brief bit of instruction to him on how he (as the leader or one of the leaders in Ephesus) should treat members of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Body in the assembly of saints by saying first, "Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;" (1 Timothy 5:1) (KJV). All in the Church of Christ were not cut out of a cookie mold, meaning they are not all the same and they all require different ways in which they are to be cared for, censured, and counseled by Brother Timothy. The English word 'Rebuke' that begins this 1st verse is translated by the Greek word epiplēssō (used this one time only in the entire New Testament) meaning to chastise, that is, (with words) to upbraid: - that is, express criticism towards or reproach. The little English phrase 'an elder' is translated by the Greek word presbuteros meaning (elderly); older; as noun, a senior; specifically an Israelite Sanhedrist (also figuratively, member of the celestial council) or Christian “presbyter”: - elder , older person.
In other words, Paul wanted to see Timothy and all the other leaders of Christ Church pay very close attention to their treatment of the senior or elder members of Christ Body, paying them the respect they would to their own earthly Fathers. Paul growing up as a Jewish boy attending regularly the Jewish animal sacrifices and the other ceremonies in the Synagogue knew how important showing respect to the Jewish elders was regarded by all and even though our Lord Jesus Christ sinless perfect life and then His subsequent death on the Cross, burial and resurrection from the dead has satisfied all of the Mosaic Law and the Moral Law of God, yet Paul still sees that certain Jewish policy, procedure, and practice was in no way disavowed, or denied, or destroyed by our Lord's sacrifice. It is still Christ will that just as the elders in the Jewish Synagogues were reverenced, revered, and respected highly by the younger members, so too should be the practice in Christ Body (the Church). Paul begin as a little Jewish boy and ended as a Jewish man who sat as an elder in the Jewish Sanhedrin, so he saw this profound honoring of the Jewish elders from both perspectives.
The Apostle Paul uses this noun 'elder' here in the dative case, that is, it serves as the indirect object of the verb 'rebuke', therefore, detailing that Paul is here referring to the older persons of the Church and not specifically 'the elder' who is in leadership in the Church. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning rebuking not an elder, "The word 'elder' here is not used in the sense in which it often is, to denote an officer of the Church, a Presbyter, but in its proper and usual sense, to denote an aged man. This is evident, because the Apostle immediately mentions in contradistinction from the elder, 'the younger men,' where it cannot be supposed that he refers to them as officers. The command to treat the 'elder' as a 'father,' also shows the same thing. By the direction not to rebuke, it is not to be supposed that the minister of the Gospel is not to admonish the aged, or that he is not to show them their sins when they go astray, but that he is to do this as he would to a father. He is not to assume a harsh, dictatorial, and denunciatory manner. The precepts of religion always respect the proprieties of life, and never allow us to transgress them, even when the object is to reclaim a soul from error, and to save one who is wandering. Besides, when this is the aim, it will always be most certainly accomplished by observing the respect due to others on account of office, relation, rank, or age."
The English word 'intreat' is translated by the Greek word parakaleō meaning to call near, that is, invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation): - beseech, call for, comfort, exhort, intreat, pray. In other words, Paul instructs Timothy to exhort and call near the elders in the Church, even when they need admonishing for their sin and error as one would show reverence and respect to a Father and also as Paul directed the Galatian believers with these words, "BRETHREN, IF any person is overtaken in misconduct {or} sin of any sort, you who are spiritual [who are responsive to and controlled by the Spirit] should set him right {and} restore {and} reinstate him, without any sense of superiority {and} with all gentleness, keeping an attentive eye on yourself, lest you should be tempted also." (Galatians 6:1) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes here, 'and the younger men as brethren', he means simply that Timothy is to interact with the younger men as his equal, even though he is a leader in the Church and again this does not mean he must not hand down discipline for wrong, wayward, or wicked behavior, but he is not to lord over them his position of authority. Here again is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning treating the younger men as brethren, "That is, treat them as you would your own brothers. Do not consider them as aliens, strangers, or enemies, but entertain toward them, even when they go astray, the kindly feelings of a brother. This refers more particularly to his private conversation with them, and to his personal efforts to reclaim them when they had fallen into sin. When these efforts were ineffectual, and they sinned openly, he was to 'rebuke them before all' 1 Timothy 5:20, that others might be deterred from following their example."
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, July 18, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 44
Paul Exhorts Timothy to Take Heed to his Ministry Part 5
1 Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. KJV
Paul ends these instructions to Brother Timothy by couseling him to be wary, wakeful, and watchful of himself and of his ministry for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, that is, Timothy should be carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger, that being spiritual danger, for again we must not forget where Paul began this chapter of discourse with Brother Timothy with these words, "BUT THE [Holy] Spirit distinctly {and} expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding {and} seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach" (1 Timothy 4:1) (Amplified Bible), therefore, everything that Paul has written to Timothy after this verse has all been to equip, energize, and empower Timothy to stand firm in 'the faith' (Jude 1:3) and the Apostle Paul just like the Apostle Jude wants to see Timothy and we true believers of all generations built up in our most holy faith (Jude 1:20-21) in order that Timothy and we would be spiritually fit and strong to contend with lies taught by the devil and his seducing spirits through the men and women who have turned away from 'the faith' to have their spiritual ears soothed with a more all inclusive salvation that does not need to surrender to Christ at the Cross and to His Lordship, but instead embraces those many other spiritual paths as leading to God or a higher power (whatever the hell that means).
So, now Paul ends these instructions with these words to Timothy and to we true believers today and of every era and generation, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (1 Timothy 4:16) (KJV), that is, make sure you continue in 'the faith' standing surely, securely, and solidly on 'The Rock' (Matthew 16:18) and that is 'faith in Jesus Christ our Lord' plus nothing else. The little English phrase that begins this verse 'Take heed' is translated by one Greek word epechō which means to hold upon, that is, (by implication) to retain; to pay attention to: - give heed unto, hold forth, mark, stay. In other words, continue in all the things that I (Paul) have instructed you of in the previous verses, making them your own and practicing them constantly that you may be spiritually strong and enabled by so doing to contend with our adversary the devil who never lets up (1 Peter 5:8). When Paul writes here, 'unto thyself, and unto the doctrine', he means simply that he wants Timothy to be cautious about who, what, and where he listens to what is put out as the Word of God; when the material declared is not in accordance with what he has learned from Paul the Apostle and other trusted men of God.
Paul knew that his time was getting shorter (as he will openly declare to Timothy in his second (2) letter to him (2 Timothy 4:6)), so he wanted to encourage, equip, and exhort Timothy into being strong in spiritual discernment, that is, being able to judge wisely the true teachers of Christ from the false teachers. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Timothy taking heed to himself and to his doctrine, "Not as a man, or a Christian only, but as a minister; and as every minister should take heed to his life and conversation, that it be exemplary, as in 1 Timothy 4:12 to his gifts, that they be not lost, or neglected, but used and improved; to the errors and heresies abroad, that he be not infected with them; and to his flock, which is the other part of himself, that he feed it with knowledge and understanding: and to thy doctrine: preached by him, that it be according to the Scriptures, be the doctrine of Christ, and his Apostles, and according to godliness; that it tend to edification, and is pure, incorrupt, and all of a piece; and that it be expressed in the best manner, with all boldness and plainness; and that he defend it against all opposition:"
Paul tells Timothy to continue in the things he has instructed him by, not forgetting where and from who he has learned them (2 Timothy 3:14). Paul was not here putting himself out to be some great man or great intellect or great teacher (however, he was all of that), but he knows from whence his teaching came from, that is, its source was Christ Jesus our Lord Himself, just as Paul declared to the Galatian believers with these words, "For I want you to know, brethren, that the Gospel which was proclaimed {and} made known by me is not man's gospel [a human invention, according to or patterned after any human standard]. For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but [it came to me] through a [direct] revelation [given] by Jesus Christ (the Messiah)." (Galatians 1:11-12) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes 'for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee', he is saying to Timothy that your adherence and attachment to the truth of the Gospel and your declaration of said truth, will serve to ground you in your faith and it will be used by God the Holy Spirit to save/rescue other repentant sinners who hear what you preach and teach.
"Did you know that the devil is teaching a salvation through men and women (some who live in obscurity, but others are popular and well known by millions of people) that is completely opposite to 'the Gospel' handed down form our Lord Jesus Christ to the first disciples? The devil teaches a gospel of works, of baptism, of church membership, of rituals, rites, and religion, of speaking in tongues, and of many other things to have, to do, or to be that are totally apart from 'simple faith only in Jesus Christ', for the Book of Proverbs speaks about this with these words, 'There is a way which seems right to a man {and} appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.' (Proverbs 14:12) (Amplified Bible), also our Lord Jesus Himself warned of this satanic deception when He spoke these words, 'Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious {and} broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened {and} compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it.' (Matthew 7:13-14) (Amplfied Bible). You see the seducing spirits they are teaching the wide and broad gate that is easy and has many paths to God, for they themselves are headed to hell, so they are charged, consigned, and commanded by their leader the devil to deceive as many human beings as possible with these lies." 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 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. KJV
Paul ends these instructions to Brother Timothy by couseling him to be wary, wakeful, and watchful of himself and of his ministry for our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, that is, Timothy should be carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible danger, that being spiritual danger, for again we must not forget where Paul began this chapter of discourse with Brother Timothy with these words, "BUT THE [Holy] Spirit distinctly {and} expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding {and} seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach" (1 Timothy 4:1) (Amplified Bible), therefore, everything that Paul has written to Timothy after this verse has all been to equip, energize, and empower Timothy to stand firm in 'the faith' (Jude 1:3) and the Apostle Paul just like the Apostle Jude wants to see Timothy and we true believers of all generations built up in our most holy faith (Jude 1:20-21) in order that Timothy and we would be spiritually fit and strong to contend with lies taught by the devil and his seducing spirits through the men and women who have turned away from 'the faith' to have their spiritual ears soothed with a more all inclusive salvation that does not need to surrender to Christ at the Cross and to His Lordship, but instead embraces those many other spiritual paths as leading to God or a higher power (whatever the hell that means).
So, now Paul ends these instructions with these words to Timothy and to we true believers today and of every era and generation, "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee." (1 Timothy 4:16) (KJV), that is, make sure you continue in 'the faith' standing surely, securely, and solidly on 'The Rock' (Matthew 16:18) and that is 'faith in Jesus Christ our Lord' plus nothing else. The little English phrase that begins this verse 'Take heed' is translated by one Greek word epechō which means to hold upon, that is, (by implication) to retain; to pay attention to: - give heed unto, hold forth, mark, stay. In other words, continue in all the things that I (Paul) have instructed you of in the previous verses, making them your own and practicing them constantly that you may be spiritually strong and enabled by so doing to contend with our adversary the devil who never lets up (1 Peter 5:8). When Paul writes here, 'unto thyself, and unto the doctrine', he means simply that he wants Timothy to be cautious about who, what, and where he listens to what is put out as the Word of God; when the material declared is not in accordance with what he has learned from Paul the Apostle and other trusted men of God.
Paul knew that his time was getting shorter (as he will openly declare to Timothy in his second (2) letter to him (2 Timothy 4:6)), so he wanted to encourage, equip, and exhort Timothy into being strong in spiritual discernment, that is, being able to judge wisely the true teachers of Christ from the false teachers. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Timothy taking heed to himself and to his doctrine, "Not as a man, or a Christian only, but as a minister; and as every minister should take heed to his life and conversation, that it be exemplary, as in 1 Timothy 4:12 to his gifts, that they be not lost, or neglected, but used and improved; to the errors and heresies abroad, that he be not infected with them; and to his flock, which is the other part of himself, that he feed it with knowledge and understanding: and to thy doctrine: preached by him, that it be according to the Scriptures, be the doctrine of Christ, and his Apostles, and according to godliness; that it tend to edification, and is pure, incorrupt, and all of a piece; and that it be expressed in the best manner, with all boldness and plainness; and that he defend it against all opposition:"
Paul tells Timothy to continue in the things he has instructed him by, not forgetting where and from who he has learned them (2 Timothy 3:14). Paul was not here putting himself out to be some great man or great intellect or great teacher (however, he was all of that), but he knows from whence his teaching came from, that is, its source was Christ Jesus our Lord Himself, just as Paul declared to the Galatian believers with these words, "For I want you to know, brethren, that the Gospel which was proclaimed {and} made known by me is not man's gospel [a human invention, according to or patterned after any human standard]. For indeed I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but [it came to me] through a [direct] revelation [given] by Jesus Christ (the Messiah)." (Galatians 1:11-12) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes 'for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee', he is saying to Timothy that your adherence and attachment to the truth of the Gospel and your declaration of said truth, will serve to ground you in your faith and it will be used by God the Holy Spirit to save/rescue other repentant sinners who hear what you preach and teach.
"Did you know that the devil is teaching a salvation through men and women (some who live in obscurity, but others are popular and well known by millions of people) that is completely opposite to 'the Gospel' handed down form our Lord Jesus Christ to the first disciples? The devil teaches a gospel of works, of baptism, of church membership, of rituals, rites, and religion, of speaking in tongues, and of many other things to have, to do, or to be that are totally apart from 'simple faith only in Jesus Christ', for the Book of Proverbs speaks about this with these words, 'There is a way which seems right to a man {and} appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.' (Proverbs 14:12) (Amplified Bible), also our Lord Jesus Himself warned of this satanic deception when He spoke these words, 'Enter through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and spacious {and} broad is the way that leads away to destruction, and many are those who are entering through it. But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened {and} compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it.' (Matthew 7:13-14) (Amplfied Bible). You see the seducing spirits they are teaching the wide and broad gate that is easy and has many paths to God, for they themselves are headed to hell, so they are charged, consigned, and commanded by their leader the devil to deceive as many human beings as possible with these lies." 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, July 14, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 43
Paul Exhorts Timothy to Take Heed to his Ministry Part 4
1 Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. KJV
Over the many centuries since our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ (after His Resurrection from the dead) ascended back into heaven leaving the first Apostles and disciples to carry His Gospel of Grace to the entire earth (Matthew 28:19-20), the enemy (despite being completely defeated by Christ on the Cross) has continued his work of sowing tares in the earth (Matthew 13:24-30). The evidence of said tares are seen by the many spiritual paths that have captivated, captured, and carried away countless souls into eternal darkness, destruction, and death in hell. Some of these spiritual paths or pathways that the devil has sown include Hinduism, Buddhism, Spiritualism, Witchcraft, Wizardry, Sorcery, Islam, and many many more paths that are actually dead end roads that lead to the edge of a cliff metaphorically speaking. In most of these alternative spiritual paths meditation plays a big role in them. For example here is what the English dictionary says about Buddhism: The teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth. Note, meditation in the definition. These other pathways almost always require the person being introduced to them to empty themselves or open up themselves by meditating on nothing.
However, the Apostle Paul (who is a big fan of meditation) instructs Brother Timothy to meditate, that is, think intently and deeply on and about the things he has just previously written to him in verses 12-14. Paul does not instruct Timothy to empty his mind, but on the contrary he instructs him to fill his mind with love, faith, purity, reading, exhorting, doctrine, and teaching of the Word of God, so he instructs him to this with these words, "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all." (1 Timothy 4:15) (KJV). The little English phrase 'Meditate upon' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word meletaō which means to take care of, that is, (by implication) revolve in the mind. The false spirituality sown by the devil through those things listed above all require people to empty their minds (as if that is possible) in order that he might inhabit their minds through the many demonic principalities and powers under his control. The mind is where all spiritual battles are won or lost by those of us who are redeemed and also by those who are still un-redeemed. The mind is not the brain. The brain is like the CPU of a computer telling the hardware what to do or perform on a repetative loop, that is, a closed circuit if you will. The human brain is just like that, it instructs the hands, feet, eyes, arms, etc. to carry out its function or task. The mind however, is what God has made in man/woman that is invisible (it cannot be taken out of man/woman and analyzed or dissected). Here is what our English dictionary defines the mind to be: That which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings; the seat of the faculty of reason. The Greek word for 'mind' used most often in the New Testament is nous which means the intellect, that is, mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication meaning: - mind, understanding.
The Apostle Paul surely recalls the first part of Proverb 23:7 "For as he thinks in his heart/mind, so is he." (Amplified Bible). Therefore, Paul wants Timothy and we true believers today to spend the bulk of our time meditating or thinking upon the things of God and the Word of Truth the Bible, just as he instructed the Philippian believers with these words, "Do not fret {or} have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance {and} in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison {and} mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence {and} is honorable {and} seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely {and} lovable, whatever is kind {and} winsome {and} gracious, if there is any virtue {and} excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on {and} weigh {and} take account of these things [fix your minds on them]." (Philippians 4:6-8) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes here, 'give thyself wholly to them', he means that Timothy should give himself fully to the exercising of his spiritual gift given to him by God the Holy Spirit and keep on practicing these things Paul has instructed him into. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this phrase, "Occupy thyself wholly with them; make them not only thy chief but thy sole concern. Thou art called to save thy own soul, and the souls of them that hear thee; and God has given thee the Divine gifts for this and no other purpose. To this let all thy reading and study be directed; this is thy great business, and thou must perform it as the servant and steward of the Lord."
When Paul writes here, 'that thy profiting may appear to all', he means that his progression towards maturity in the faith may be evident by all that he has graduated from the milk of the Word of God to now taking in the meat or solid food from the Word of God, just as Paul wrote detailing to the Hebrew Christians with these words, "For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced {and} unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]! But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses {and} mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate {and} distinguish between what is morally good {and} noble and what is evil {and} contrary either to divine or human law. Therefore let us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings {and} doctrine of Christ (the Messiah), advancing steadily toward the completeness {and} perfection that belong to spiritual maturity. Let us not again be laying the foundation of repentance {and} abandonment of dead works (dead formalism) and of the faith [by which you turned] to God, With teachings about purifying, the laying on of hands, the resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment {and} punishment. [These are all matters of which you should have been fully aware long, long ago.]" (Hebrews 5:13-14 & Hebrews 6:1-2) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'profiting' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word prokopē which means progress, that is, advancement (subjectively or objectively): - furtherance, profit. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Timothy's progress, "That it may be manifest to all that attend the ministry of the word that there is an increase in gifts, a growing in spiritual knowledge, an improvement of the talents bestowed: or that this profiting or increase might appear in all things; in every branch of the ministry, both in exhortation or consolation, and in doctrine; or that it might be manifest among all; that is, all that hear might receive some profit, might learn, and be comforted and edified; faith might be increased, and the joy of it be furthered; and all under the ministry visibly thrive and flourish."
"The difference between 'faith in Christ' and those other spiritual paths sown by the devil listed above is simple, sweet, and short and that is, the false spiritual paths are all doctrine, dogma, and dissertations derived from a man or woman that had been or has been deceived by the devil with one of his seducing spirits (1 Timothy 4:1), but true 'faith in Jesus Christ' comes directly from Him through God the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of Truth, just as our Lord Jesus told the first disciples with these words, 'But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce {and} declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. He will honor {and} glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.' (John 16:13-14) (Amplified Bible), for remember this is exactly where Paul the Apostle began in this Chapter to warn Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation of the Apostasy to come by virtue of these seducing spirits declaring and teaching lies to many." 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 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. KJV
Over the many centuries since our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ (after His Resurrection from the dead) ascended back into heaven leaving the first Apostles and disciples to carry His Gospel of Grace to the entire earth (Matthew 28:19-20), the enemy (despite being completely defeated by Christ on the Cross) has continued his work of sowing tares in the earth (Matthew 13:24-30). The evidence of said tares are seen by the many spiritual paths that have captivated, captured, and carried away countless souls into eternal darkness, destruction, and death in hell. Some of these spiritual paths or pathways that the devil has sown include Hinduism, Buddhism, Spiritualism, Witchcraft, Wizardry, Sorcery, Islam, and many many more paths that are actually dead end roads that lead to the edge of a cliff metaphorically speaking. In most of these alternative spiritual paths meditation plays a big role in them. For example here is what the English dictionary says about Buddhism: The teaching of Buddha that life is permeated with suffering caused by desire, that suffering ceases when desire ceases, and that enlightenment obtained through right conduct and wisdom and meditation releases one from desire and suffering and rebirth. Note, meditation in the definition. These other pathways almost always require the person being introduced to them to empty themselves or open up themselves by meditating on nothing.
However, the Apostle Paul (who is a big fan of meditation) instructs Brother Timothy to meditate, that is, think intently and deeply on and about the things he has just previously written to him in verses 12-14. Paul does not instruct Timothy to empty his mind, but on the contrary he instructs him to fill his mind with love, faith, purity, reading, exhorting, doctrine, and teaching of the Word of God, so he instructs him to this with these words, "Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all." (1 Timothy 4:15) (KJV). The little English phrase 'Meditate upon' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word meletaō which means to take care of, that is, (by implication) revolve in the mind. The false spirituality sown by the devil through those things listed above all require people to empty their minds (as if that is possible) in order that he might inhabit their minds through the many demonic principalities and powers under his control. The mind is where all spiritual battles are won or lost by those of us who are redeemed and also by those who are still un-redeemed. The mind is not the brain. The brain is like the CPU of a computer telling the hardware what to do or perform on a repetative loop, that is, a closed circuit if you will. The human brain is just like that, it instructs the hands, feet, eyes, arms, etc. to carry out its function or task. The mind however, is what God has made in man/woman that is invisible (it cannot be taken out of man/woman and analyzed or dissected). Here is what our English dictionary defines the mind to be: That which is responsible for one's thoughts and feelings; the seat of the faculty of reason. The Greek word for 'mind' used most often in the New Testament is nous which means the intellect, that is, mind (divine or human; in thought, feeling, or will); by implication meaning: - mind, understanding.
The Apostle Paul surely recalls the first part of Proverb 23:7 "For as he thinks in his heart/mind, so is he." (Amplified Bible). Therefore, Paul wants Timothy and we true believers today to spend the bulk of our time meditating or thinking upon the things of God and the Word of Truth the Bible, just as he instructed the Philippian believers with these words, "Do not fret {or} have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance {and} in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God's peace [shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall garrison {and} mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. For the rest, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence {and} is honorable {and} seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely {and} lovable, whatever is kind {and} winsome {and} gracious, if there is any virtue {and} excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think on {and} weigh {and} take account of these things [fix your minds on them]." (Philippians 4:6-8) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes here, 'give thyself wholly to them', he means that Timothy should give himself fully to the exercising of his spiritual gift given to him by God the Holy Spirit and keep on practicing these things Paul has instructed him into. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning this phrase, "Occupy thyself wholly with them; make them not only thy chief but thy sole concern. Thou art called to save thy own soul, and the souls of them that hear thee; and God has given thee the Divine gifts for this and no other purpose. To this let all thy reading and study be directed; this is thy great business, and thou must perform it as the servant and steward of the Lord."
When Paul writes here, 'that thy profiting may appear to all', he means that his progression towards maturity in the faith may be evident by all that he has graduated from the milk of the Word of God to now taking in the meat or solid food from the Word of God, just as Paul wrote detailing to the Hebrew Christians with these words, "For everyone who continues to feed on milk is obviously inexperienced {and} unskilled in the doctrine of righteousness (of conformity to the divine will in purpose, thought, and action), for he is a mere infant [not able to talk yet]! But solid food is for full-grown men, for those whose senses {and} mental faculties are trained by practice to discriminate {and} distinguish between what is morally good {and} noble and what is evil {and} contrary either to divine or human law. Therefore let us go on and get past the elementary stage in the teachings {and} doctrine of Christ (the Messiah), advancing steadily toward the completeness {and} perfection that belong to spiritual maturity. Let us not again be laying the foundation of repentance {and} abandonment of dead works (dead formalism) and of the faith [by which you turned] to God, With teachings about purifying, the laying on of hands, the resurrection from the dead, and eternal judgment {and} punishment. [These are all matters of which you should have been fully aware long, long ago.]" (Hebrews 5:13-14 & Hebrews 6:1-2) (Amplified Bible). The English word 'profiting' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word prokopē which means progress, that is, advancement (subjectively or objectively): - furtherance, profit. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning Timothy's progress, "That it may be manifest to all that attend the ministry of the word that there is an increase in gifts, a growing in spiritual knowledge, an improvement of the talents bestowed: or that this profiting or increase might appear in all things; in every branch of the ministry, both in exhortation or consolation, and in doctrine; or that it might be manifest among all; that is, all that hear might receive some profit, might learn, and be comforted and edified; faith might be increased, and the joy of it be furthered; and all under the ministry visibly thrive and flourish."
"The difference between 'faith in Christ' and those other spiritual paths sown by the devil listed above is simple, sweet, and short and that is, the false spiritual paths are all doctrine, dogma, and dissertations derived from a man or woman that had been or has been deceived by the devil with one of his seducing spirits (1 Timothy 4:1), but true 'faith in Jesus Christ' comes directly from Him through God the Holy Spirit who is the Spirit of Truth, just as our Lord Jesus told the first disciples with these words, 'But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce {and} declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future]. He will honor {and} glorify Me, because He will take of (receive, draw upon) what is Mine and will reveal (declare, disclose, transmit) it to you.' (John 16:13-14) (Amplified Bible), for remember this is exactly where Paul the Apostle began in this Chapter to warn Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation of the Apostasy to come by virtue of these seducing spirits declaring and teaching lies to many." 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…
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 42
Paul Exhorts Timothy to Take Heed to his Ministry Part 3
1 Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. KJV
Paul's previous instruction to Brother Timothy to reading, exhorting, and teaching doctrine would have been pointless if Paul had not joined it with these following words, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." (1 Timothy 4:14) (KJV). No Christian man or woman is competent, capable, or certified for any Christian work until or unless God the Holy Spirit has endowed, equipped, energized, and empowered him or her to whatever work He has employed them to for the Kingdom of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. The grace of God is not something that you grow (like a flower) or that is plucked out of nowhere (like plucking a plum from a tree), but grace is power and strength that is humbly received from God the Holy Spirit to give power and strength to the son or daughter of God the Father to carry out His will for us as we sojourn and pilgrim or navigate our way in the earth that is no longer our true or real home making our way to that true home in heaven needing grace in this foreign and strange land of the earth since our redemption, regeneration, and rebirth.
Timothy was (like everyone of us true believers) given at least one gift by God the Holy Spirit and the Apostle Paul knew that he (Timothy) must invigorate that gift within him in order to do the things Paul has previously exhorted him to do, for let us remember these words Paul wrote to the Church @ Corinth when he said this to them, "But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads {and} makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved {and} among those who are perishing: To the latter it is an aroma [wafted] from death to death [a fatal odor, the smell of doom]; to the former it is an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is qualified (fit and sufficient) for these things? [Who is able for such a ministry? We?]." (2 Corinthians 2:14-16) (Amplified Bible). The very last sentence in verse 16 is the reason Paul wants Timothy to not neglect the gift of God given to him by God the Holy Spirit, because no Christian man or woman is sufficient for such a tremendous responsibility to and in the world then and today.
The English phrase 'Neglect not the gift that is in thee' begins with the little English word 'neglect' in this exhortation to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:14 and it is translated by the Greek word ameleo meaning to be careless of: - make light of, neglect, be negligent, not regard. In other words, Paul deems it to be a bad thing for Timothy or any of us believers to make light of what God the Holy Spirit has gifted us with to accomplish the work of Christ on the earth. In the parable of the Wedding Feast our Lord Jesus told of many people who made light of the King's invitation to said feast and went their way to do other things they decided, deemed, and determined to be more important to them than going to a boring dinner, as we know this parable was an illustration of how men and women allow the temporary excitements, exhilarations, and engagements of this world keep them from the Cross of Jesus Christ and salvation, "AND AGAIN Jesus spoke to them in parables (comparisons, stories used to illustrate and explain), saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a King who gave a wedding banquet for His Son and sent His servants to summon those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they refused to come. Again He sent other servants, saying, Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have prepared my banquet; my bullocks and my fat calves are killed, and everything is prepared; come to the wedding feast. But they were not concerned {and} paid no attention [they ignored and made light of the summons, treating it with contempt] and they went away--one to his farm, another to his business, While the others seized His servants, treated them shamefully, and put them to death." (Matthew 22:1-6) (Amplified Bible).
Timothy then and we true believers today who have come to the foot of the Cross of Christ bringing nothing but our guilty sin and sinfulness need not worry about our salvation, but we do need to worry that we not be ashamed in His presence when we are finally face to face with Him alone if we neglect the gift we have been given for His service, just as the Psalmist wrote with these words speaking of himself, "Let my heart be sound (sincere and wholehearted and blameless) in Your statutes, that I may not be ashamed." (Psalms 119:80) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning not neglecting the gift of God, "What qualifies men for the work of the ministry is a gift from God: it is not of nature, nor is it mere natural abilities and capacity; nor is it any thing acquired, it is not human learning, or the knowledge of languages, arts, and sciences; nor is it special saving grace; for a man may have all these, and yet not be apt to teach, or fit for the ministry; but it is a peculiar and distinct gift, it is a gift of interpreting the Scriptures, and of dispensing the mysteries of grace to the edification of others; which, when it meets in a man with all the rest before mentioned, makes him very considerable: and this gift is in a man; it is a treasure put into earthen vessels, a good treasure in the heart, out of which a good minister of Christ brings forth many good things, things new and old, both for the delight and profit of men: and this gift is by no means to be neglected; this talent should not be hid in the earth, or wrapped up in a napkin; it should not lie dormant and useless, but should be stirred up, cultivated, and improved, as it may by reading, meditation, and prayer."
The English phrase 'which was given thee by prophecy' is summed up with the English word 'prophecy' in this phrase and it is translated by the Greek word prophēteia meaning prediction (scriptural or other): That is, some of the elders had before predicted that the young boy Timothy would be supplied with a special gift from God to do a mighty work for God as Paul reminded Timothy with these words at the very beginning of this letter to him, "This charge {and} admonition I commit in trust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with prophetic intimations which I formerly received concerning you, so that inspired {and} aided by them you may wage the good warfare" (1 Timothy 1:18) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Vincent's Word Studies had to say concerning this prophesy of Brother Timothy, "The reference is to prophetic intimation given to Paul concerning the selection of Timothy for the ministerial office. These prophecies were given by the Holy Spirit who bestowed the 'gift', so that the gift itself and the prophecy concurred in attesting the candidate for ordination." The English phrase 'with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery' is summed up with the English word 'presbytery' in this phrase and it is translated by the Greek word presbuterion which means the order of elders, that is, (specifically) Israelite Sanhedrim or Christian “presbytery”. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the laying on of hands and the presbytery, "It has already been conjectured that there had been some remarkable prediction relative to the future destiny and usefulness of Timothy. And probably it was in consequence of this that he was set apart to the office of Evangelist and Bishop in the Church at Ephesus. When Apostles laid their hands on men, they ordinarily received the Holy Spirit with this imposition. This may be what the Apostle calls to the remembrance of Timothy, and tells him not to neglect what he had received, nor the purpose for which he had received it."
"This section of Paul's letter to Timothy in so many ways rebukes today and for all time the so-called prophets that require money from people before they can give them a prophesy concerning their lives here on the earth. This type of prophesy is very easily defined, for it is nothing but con-artistry and it makes me remember what the Apostle Peter told the sorcerer who wanted the power of laying on of hands and imparting the Holy Spirit to willing repentant sinners when he said this to him, 'Then [the Apostles] laid their hands on them one by one, and they received the Holy Spirit. However, when Simon (the sorcerer) saw that the [Holy] Spirit was imparted through the laying on of the Apostles' hands, he brought money {and} offered it to them, Saying, Grant me also this power {and} authority, in order that anyone on whom I place my hands may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said to him, Destruction overtake your money and you, because you imagined you could obtain the [free] gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is all wrong in God's sight [it is not straightforward or right or true before God]. So repent of this depravity {and} wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that, if possible, this contriving thought {and} purpose of your heart may be removed {and} disregarded {and} forgiven you.' (Acts 8:17-22) (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 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. KJV
Paul's previous instruction to Brother Timothy to reading, exhorting, and teaching doctrine would have been pointless if Paul had not joined it with these following words, "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery." (1 Timothy 4:14) (KJV). No Christian man or woman is competent, capable, or certified for any Christian work until or unless God the Holy Spirit has endowed, equipped, energized, and empowered him or her to whatever work He has employed them to for the Kingdom of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. The grace of God is not something that you grow (like a flower) or that is plucked out of nowhere (like plucking a plum from a tree), but grace is power and strength that is humbly received from God the Holy Spirit to give power and strength to the son or daughter of God the Father to carry out His will for us as we sojourn and pilgrim or navigate our way in the earth that is no longer our true or real home making our way to that true home in heaven needing grace in this foreign and strange land of the earth since our redemption, regeneration, and rebirth.
Timothy was (like everyone of us true believers) given at least one gift by God the Holy Spirit and the Apostle Paul knew that he (Timothy) must invigorate that gift within him in order to do the things Paul has previously exhorted him to do, for let us remember these words Paul wrote to the Church @ Corinth when he said this to them, "But thanks be to God, Who in Christ always leads us in triumph [as trophies of Christ's victory] and through us spreads {and} makes evident the fragrance of the knowledge of God everywhere, For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ [which exhales] unto God, [discernible alike] among those who are being saved {and} among those who are perishing: To the latter it is an aroma [wafted] from death to death [a fatal odor, the smell of doom]; to the former it is an aroma from life to life [a vital fragrance, living and fresh]. And who is qualified (fit and sufficient) for these things? [Who is able for such a ministry? We?]." (2 Corinthians 2:14-16) (Amplified Bible). The very last sentence in verse 16 is the reason Paul wants Timothy to not neglect the gift of God given to him by God the Holy Spirit, because no Christian man or woman is sufficient for such a tremendous responsibility to and in the world then and today.
The English phrase 'Neglect not the gift that is in thee' begins with the little English word 'neglect' in this exhortation to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:14 and it is translated by the Greek word ameleo meaning to be careless of: - make light of, neglect, be negligent, not regard. In other words, Paul deems it to be a bad thing for Timothy or any of us believers to make light of what God the Holy Spirit has gifted us with to accomplish the work of Christ on the earth. In the parable of the Wedding Feast our Lord Jesus told of many people who made light of the King's invitation to said feast and went their way to do other things they decided, deemed, and determined to be more important to them than going to a boring dinner, as we know this parable was an illustration of how men and women allow the temporary excitements, exhilarations, and engagements of this world keep them from the Cross of Jesus Christ and salvation, "AND AGAIN Jesus spoke to them in parables (comparisons, stories used to illustrate and explain), saying, The kingdom of heaven is like a King who gave a wedding banquet for His Son and sent His servants to summon those who had been invited to the wedding banquet, but they refused to come. Again He sent other servants, saying, Tell those who are invited, Behold, I have prepared my banquet; my bullocks and my fat calves are killed, and everything is prepared; come to the wedding feast. But they were not concerned {and} paid no attention [they ignored and made light of the summons, treating it with contempt] and they went away--one to his farm, another to his business, While the others seized His servants, treated them shamefully, and put them to death." (Matthew 22:1-6) (Amplified Bible).
Timothy then and we true believers today who have come to the foot of the Cross of Christ bringing nothing but our guilty sin and sinfulness need not worry about our salvation, but we do need to worry that we not be ashamed in His presence when we are finally face to face with Him alone if we neglect the gift we have been given for His service, just as the Psalmist wrote with these words speaking of himself, "Let my heart be sound (sincere and wholehearted and blameless) in Your statutes, that I may not be ashamed." (Psalms 119:80) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning not neglecting the gift of God, "What qualifies men for the work of the ministry is a gift from God: it is not of nature, nor is it mere natural abilities and capacity; nor is it any thing acquired, it is not human learning, or the knowledge of languages, arts, and sciences; nor is it special saving grace; for a man may have all these, and yet not be apt to teach, or fit for the ministry; but it is a peculiar and distinct gift, it is a gift of interpreting the Scriptures, and of dispensing the mysteries of grace to the edification of others; which, when it meets in a man with all the rest before mentioned, makes him very considerable: and this gift is in a man; it is a treasure put into earthen vessels, a good treasure in the heart, out of which a good minister of Christ brings forth many good things, things new and old, both for the delight and profit of men: and this gift is by no means to be neglected; this talent should not be hid in the earth, or wrapped up in a napkin; it should not lie dormant and useless, but should be stirred up, cultivated, and improved, as it may by reading, meditation, and prayer."
The English phrase 'which was given thee by prophecy' is summed up with the English word 'prophecy' in this phrase and it is translated by the Greek word prophēteia meaning prediction (scriptural or other): That is, some of the elders had before predicted that the young boy Timothy would be supplied with a special gift from God to do a mighty work for God as Paul reminded Timothy with these words at the very beginning of this letter to him, "This charge {and} admonition I commit in trust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with prophetic intimations which I formerly received concerning you, so that inspired {and} aided by them you may wage the good warfare" (1 Timothy 1:18) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Vincent's Word Studies had to say concerning this prophesy of Brother Timothy, "The reference is to prophetic intimation given to Paul concerning the selection of Timothy for the ministerial office. These prophecies were given by the Holy Spirit who bestowed the 'gift', so that the gift itself and the prophecy concurred in attesting the candidate for ordination." The English phrase 'with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery' is summed up with the English word 'presbytery' in this phrase and it is translated by the Greek word presbuterion which means the order of elders, that is, (specifically) Israelite Sanhedrim or Christian “presbytery”. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the laying on of hands and the presbytery, "It has already been conjectured that there had been some remarkable prediction relative to the future destiny and usefulness of Timothy. And probably it was in consequence of this that he was set apart to the office of Evangelist and Bishop in the Church at Ephesus. When Apostles laid their hands on men, they ordinarily received the Holy Spirit with this imposition. This may be what the Apostle calls to the remembrance of Timothy, and tells him not to neglect what he had received, nor the purpose for which he had received it."
"This section of Paul's letter to Timothy in so many ways rebukes today and for all time the so-called prophets that require money from people before they can give them a prophesy concerning their lives here on the earth. This type of prophesy is very easily defined, for it is nothing but con-artistry and it makes me remember what the Apostle Peter told the sorcerer who wanted the power of laying on of hands and imparting the Holy Spirit to willing repentant sinners when he said this to him, 'Then [the Apostles] laid their hands on them one by one, and they received the Holy Spirit. However, when Simon (the sorcerer) saw that the [Holy] Spirit was imparted through the laying on of the Apostles' hands, he brought money {and} offered it to them, Saying, Grant me also this power {and} authority, in order that anyone on whom I place my hands may receive the Holy Spirit. But Peter said to him, Destruction overtake your money and you, because you imagined you could obtain the [free] gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is all wrong in God's sight [it is not straightforward or right or true before God]. So repent of this depravity {and} wickedness of yours and pray to the Lord that, if possible, this contriving thought {and} purpose of your heart may be removed {and} disregarded {and} forgiven you.' (Acts 8:17-22) (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, July 7, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 41
Paul Exhorts Timothy to Take Heed to his Ministry Part 2
1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. KJV
Again as we emphasized in the previous study/commentary, Paul knew that Timothy was called to this ministry by our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, yet Paul also knew the persistence, the power, and the persuasiveness that the devil could exude and exert on any man or woman and especially young men and women, so Paul once again wanted to see Brother Timothy shored up, or supported, or strengthened with might (Ephesians 3:16), therefore, Paul encourages Timothy to do the following things that he writes here, "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." (1 Timothy 4:13) (KJV). The little English phrase 'give attendance' is translated by one Greek word prosechō which means (figuratively) to hold the mind towards (the thoughts, the feelings, and the will), that is, pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to: - give attendance to, beware, take heed or have regard for anything.
In other words, Paul wanted Timothy (while he (Paul) was absent in the flesh) to be very careful in what he did or exposed himself to in the world and in the Church. Paul did not want Timothy to listen to every man who claimed to be a teacher of the Word of God or a minister of Christ, that is, because the devil disguised his ministers (2 Corinthians 11:15) as such in order to deceive, delude, then destroy. We must remember that this entire discourse to Brother Timothy is to warn him of the great apostasy that God the Holy Spirit has revealed to the Apostle Paul that will come to the visible church (1 Timothy 4:1-5), so Timothy needs his mind, that is, his thoughts, feelings, and his will fed continuously with the truth of the Gospel of Grace and of the Word of God as he has been taught by Paul the Apostle. Timothy needs to pay close attention to the teaching that Paul has already grounded him in, so that he will not become compromised with another gospel that is no gospel at all.
Therefore, Paul instructs Brother Timothy to be diligent in doing three (3) things until he comes back to where Timothy was located. The first thing Paul instructs Timothy is 'to read' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word anagnōsis and it means exactly what our English dictionary declares, and that is, (the act of) reading: - the process of understanding a written message, that is, to know again by learning and reasoning. This reading was to be done by Brother Timothy privately and publicly. Reading of the Word of God is the way we learn and understand the desire and will of God and allow the reasoning of God to seep or ooze into our inner man or inner woman shaping our understanding, which then shapes our beliefs and then our actions, just as the Lord Jesus instructed Joshua with these words, "This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe {and} do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely {and} have good success." (Joshua 1:8) (Amplified Bible).
Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning reading of the Scripture, "And this is to be understood, not of the reading of the Scriptures in public, for the advantage of others, a custom which obtained in the Jewish synagogues; but in private, for his own use and service, that he might be more perfect, and more thoroughly furnished to the work and office to which he was called; for the Scriptures are the fund of spiritual knowledge, as well as the test and standard of doctrine, out of which all must be fetched, and by which it must be tried; and if Timothy, who had known the Scriptures from a child, had been trained up in them, and was always conversant with them, had need to give diligent attention to the reading of them, then much more others." The second thing Paul instructs Timothy is 'to exhortation' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word paraklēsis meaning imploration, hortation, solace: - comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty. In other words, exhortation is addressed to the peoples feelings and they will with the intention of shaping the conduct and behavior along the right path.
Here again is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning exhortation to believers in Christ, "'Exhortation' intends the stirring up of believers to the exercise of grace, and the discharge of duty; and is a considerable part of the work of the ministry, and on which a minister of Christ should much insist; and it becomes the saints to suffer every word of exhortation from them, and receive it kindly, 2 Timothy 4:2, Romans 12:8, Hebrews 13:22. The word signifies also 'consolation', and which is another branch of the ministry. Believers are oftentimes disconsolate through the prevalence of corruptions, the power of Satan's temptations, and the hidings of God's face, and need comfort; when the ministers of the Gospel should be Barnabases, sons of consolation, and should speak comfortably to them; for which they are qualified by the God of all comfort, who comforts them in all their tribulations, that they might be capable of speaking good and comfortable words to others." The third thing Paul instructs Timothy is 'to doctrine' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word didaskalia which means instruction (the function or the information): - doctrine, learning, teaching.
In other words, Timothy must teach the truth of the Gospel of Christ and the Word of God, which he has learned to the entire body of believers under his charge and he must also be ready at all times to give an answer to non-believers concerning the hope that is within him (1 Peter 3:15). To teach others the truth of the Word of God is like planting a seed in a garden or a pot and then nurturing it with water and sunlight, then seeing it slowly grow up vibrantly into a strong plant producing that which it was made to produce. Man was created to glorify God and this is impossible without Jesus Christ in the heart and His Word taught and learned from Him (through His true ministers) as it is written, "Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] {and} dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish {and} train one another in all insight {and} intelligence {and} wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts. And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus {and} in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:16-17) (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…
1 Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. KJV
Again as we emphasized in the previous study/commentary, Paul knew that Timothy was called to this ministry by our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, yet Paul also knew the persistence, the power, and the persuasiveness that the devil could exude and exert on any man or woman and especially young men and women, so Paul once again wanted to see Brother Timothy shored up, or supported, or strengthened with might (Ephesians 3:16), therefore, Paul encourages Timothy to do the following things that he writes here, "Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." (1 Timothy 4:13) (KJV). The little English phrase 'give attendance' is translated by one Greek word prosechō which means (figuratively) to hold the mind towards (the thoughts, the feelings, and the will), that is, pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to: - give attendance to, beware, take heed or have regard for anything.
In other words, Paul wanted Timothy (while he (Paul) was absent in the flesh) to be very careful in what he did or exposed himself to in the world and in the Church. Paul did not want Timothy to listen to every man who claimed to be a teacher of the Word of God or a minister of Christ, that is, because the devil disguised his ministers (2 Corinthians 11:15) as such in order to deceive, delude, then destroy. We must remember that this entire discourse to Brother Timothy is to warn him of the great apostasy that God the Holy Spirit has revealed to the Apostle Paul that will come to the visible church (1 Timothy 4:1-5), so Timothy needs his mind, that is, his thoughts, feelings, and his will fed continuously with the truth of the Gospel of Grace and of the Word of God as he has been taught by Paul the Apostle. Timothy needs to pay close attention to the teaching that Paul has already grounded him in, so that he will not become compromised with another gospel that is no gospel at all.
Therefore, Paul instructs Brother Timothy to be diligent in doing three (3) things until he comes back to where Timothy was located. The first thing Paul instructs Timothy is 'to read' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word anagnōsis and it means exactly what our English dictionary declares, and that is, (the act of) reading: - the process of understanding a written message, that is, to know again by learning and reasoning. This reading was to be done by Brother Timothy privately and publicly. Reading of the Word of God is the way we learn and understand the desire and will of God and allow the reasoning of God to seep or ooze into our inner man or inner woman shaping our understanding, which then shapes our beliefs and then our actions, just as the Lord Jesus instructed Joshua with these words, "This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe {and} do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely {and} have good success." (Joshua 1:8) (Amplified Bible).
Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning reading of the Scripture, "And this is to be understood, not of the reading of the Scriptures in public, for the advantage of others, a custom which obtained in the Jewish synagogues; but in private, for his own use and service, that he might be more perfect, and more thoroughly furnished to the work and office to which he was called; for the Scriptures are the fund of spiritual knowledge, as well as the test and standard of doctrine, out of which all must be fetched, and by which it must be tried; and if Timothy, who had known the Scriptures from a child, had been trained up in them, and was always conversant with them, had need to give diligent attention to the reading of them, then much more others." The second thing Paul instructs Timothy is 'to exhortation' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word paraklēsis meaning imploration, hortation, solace: - comfort, consolation, exhortation, intreaty. In other words, exhortation is addressed to the peoples feelings and they will with the intention of shaping the conduct and behavior along the right path.
Here again is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning exhortation to believers in Christ, "'Exhortation' intends the stirring up of believers to the exercise of grace, and the discharge of duty; and is a considerable part of the work of the ministry, and on which a minister of Christ should much insist; and it becomes the saints to suffer every word of exhortation from them, and receive it kindly, 2 Timothy 4:2, Romans 12:8, Hebrews 13:22. The word signifies also 'consolation', and which is another branch of the ministry. Believers are oftentimes disconsolate through the prevalence of corruptions, the power of Satan's temptations, and the hidings of God's face, and need comfort; when the ministers of the Gospel should be Barnabases, sons of consolation, and should speak comfortably to them; for which they are qualified by the God of all comfort, who comforts them in all their tribulations, that they might be capable of speaking good and comfortable words to others." The third thing Paul instructs Timothy is 'to doctrine' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word didaskalia which means instruction (the function or the information): - doctrine, learning, teaching.
In other words, Timothy must teach the truth of the Gospel of Christ and the Word of God, which he has learned to the entire body of believers under his charge and he must also be ready at all times to give an answer to non-believers concerning the hope that is within him (1 Peter 3:15). To teach others the truth of the Word of God is like planting a seed in a garden or a pot and then nurturing it with water and sunlight, then seeing it slowly grow up vibrantly into a strong plant producing that which it was made to produce. Man was created to glorify God and this is impossible without Jesus Christ in the heart and His Word taught and learned from Him (through His true ministers) as it is written, "Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] {and} dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish {and} train one another in all insight {and} intelligence {and} wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts. And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus {and} in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him." (Colossians 3:16-17) (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…
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 40
Paul Exhorts Timothy to Take Heed to his Ministry Part 1
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. KJV
Now the Apostle Paul wants to see Brother Timothy be empowered to fulfill all that God the Father has ordained for him to be and to do, so Paul writes these words to Timothy, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12) (KJV). Paul begins by embolding Brother Timothy to not suck up or bow down to any of the so called more senior members of the congregation, especially if what they believe and teach is contrary to what he has been taught by Paul (who received all his teaching directly from our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ). The little English phrase 'let no man' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word mēdemia which means not even one or not anyone or no one. Paul is here being emphatic to Timothy, that is, sudden and strong, even forceful because Timothy has believed the truth of the Gospel and Paul wanted Timothy to not be compromised with those in the visible church who would be the instruments of the devil in the apostatizing of the visible church leading many men, women, and children astray.
The English word 'despise' is translated by the Greek word kataphroneō which means to think against, that is, disesteem: - or to think down on. The English word 'youth' is translated by the Greek word neotēs which means exactly what our English dictionary declares of it and that is, newness or youthfulness; a young person (especially a young man or boy). In other words, Timothy was the young man or in the mind of some of the elders of the Churches, he was still just a boy, but Paul knew that despite Timothy's youth or young age, he had been fixed and established by order and command of Almighty God to proclain His Truth to the whole world no matter his young age. So, Paul wanted to embolden, empower, and encourage Timothy to do the will of God and not the will of man, no matter who the men might be. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning Timothy's youth, "That is, do not act in such a manner that any shall despise you on account of your youth. Act as becomes a minister of the Gospel in all things, and in such a way that people will respect you as such, though you are young. It is clear from this that Timothy was then a young man, but his exact age there is no means of determining. It is implied here: that there was danger that, by the levity and indiscretion to which youth are so much exposed, the ministry might be regarded with contempt; and, that it was possible that his deportment should be so grave, serious, and every way appropriate, that the ministry would not be blamed, but honored."
Instead of allowing the older people of the Church to disparage or defame or denigrate him because of his youth, Timothy was to be an example or model to everyone in the Churches, those older than him and those younger than him. The one way Timothy could shut the mouths of the despisers was to do no harm to any man and to repay no one evil for any evil pulled against him or perpetrated against him or perfomed against him, just as the Apsotle Paul was himself to all the Churches even as he wrote these words to the Philippian Church, "Brethren, together follow my example and observe those who live after the pattern we have set for you." (Philippians 3:17) (Amplified Bible). Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to be an example or model in 'word' and hear he means simply in his teaching of the Gospel of Christ and of Grace and of the entire Word of God. Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to be an example or model in his 'conversation' and this English word is translated by the Greek word anastrophē meaning behavior or conduct: - conversation. In other words, Paul wanted Timothy to live in such a manner in front of the other believers as not to bring reproach upon himself by being a violent man or a meddler/busy body in other people's affairs or an adulterer sleeping with other men's wives or a fornicator or a liar or a thief or any other conduct/behavior that would cause him to be despised by others. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning conversation, "In the whole of thy conduct in every department which thou fillest in all thy domestic as well as public relations, behave thyself well."
Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to be an example or model in 'charity' and this English word is translated by the Greek word agape meaning love, that is, the highest form of love which is God's love. Here is what Matthew Henry said concerning this charity, "Love to God and all good men." Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to be an example or model in 'spirit', that is, being spiritually minded and being an example in true spiritual worship of God the Father, God the Son, and in the Power of God the Holy Spirit. In other words, Paul did not want Timothy to do things for our Lord Jesus Christ out of some since of just duty or obligation, but because he loved our Lord Jesus and wanted to see His Kingdom come. Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to be an example or model in 'faith' and again this English word 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. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning being an example in faith, "At all times, and in all trials show to believers by your example, how they ought to maintain unshaken confidence in God."
Lastly, Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to be an example or model in 'purity' and this English word is translated by the Greek word hagneia (used only one other place in the New Testament) meaning cleanliness (the quality), that is, (specifically) chastity: - purity. In other words, Paul wanted to advise a very young man who would be often tempted by the many beautiful young women of the world to yield to fornication, so Paul encourages him here to stay or remain in chastity, that is, abstaining from sexual relations until our Lord Jesus brought to him a wife just as he did with the first man Adam, remember, "And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs {or} a part of his side and closed up the [place with] flesh. And the rib {or} part of his side which the Lord God had taken from the man He built up {and} made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. Then Adam said, This [creature] is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of a man." (Genesis 2:21-23) (Amplfied Bible). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning purity, "There should be nothing in your contact with the other sex that would give rise to scandal. The papists, with great impropriety, understand this as enjoining celibacy - as if there could be no 'purity' in that holy relation which God appointed in Eden, and which He has declared to 'be honorable in all' Hebrews 13:4, and which He has made so essential to the wellbeing of mankind. If the Apostle had wished to produce the highest possible degree of corruption in the Church, he would have enjoined the celibacy of the clergy and the celibacy of an indefinite number of nuns and monks. There are no other institutions on the earth which have done so much to corrupt the chastity of the race, as those which have grown out of the doctrine that celibacy is more honorable than marriage."
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 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. KJV
Now the Apostle Paul wants to see Brother Timothy be empowered to fulfill all that God the Father has ordained for him to be and to do, so Paul writes these words to Timothy, "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12) (KJV). Paul begins by embolding Brother Timothy to not suck up or bow down to any of the so called more senior members of the congregation, especially if what they believe and teach is contrary to what he has been taught by Paul (who received all his teaching directly from our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ). The little English phrase 'let no man' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word mēdemia which means not even one or not anyone or no one. Paul is here being emphatic to Timothy, that is, sudden and strong, even forceful because Timothy has believed the truth of the Gospel and Paul wanted Timothy to not be compromised with those in the visible church who would be the instruments of the devil in the apostatizing of the visible church leading many men, women, and children astray.
The English word 'despise' is translated by the Greek word kataphroneō which means to think against, that is, disesteem: - or to think down on. The English word 'youth' is translated by the Greek word neotēs which means exactly what our English dictionary declares of it and that is, newness or youthfulness; a young person (especially a young man or boy). In other words, Timothy was the young man or in the mind of some of the elders of the Churches, he was still just a boy, but Paul knew that despite Timothy's youth or young age, he had been fixed and established by order and command of Almighty God to proclain His Truth to the whole world no matter his young age. So, Paul wanted to embolden, empower, and encourage Timothy to do the will of God and not the will of man, no matter who the men might be. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning Timothy's youth, "That is, do not act in such a manner that any shall despise you on account of your youth. Act as becomes a minister of the Gospel in all things, and in such a way that people will respect you as such, though you are young. It is clear from this that Timothy was then a young man, but his exact age there is no means of determining. It is implied here: that there was danger that, by the levity and indiscretion to which youth are so much exposed, the ministry might be regarded with contempt; and, that it was possible that his deportment should be so grave, serious, and every way appropriate, that the ministry would not be blamed, but honored."
Instead of allowing the older people of the Church to disparage or defame or denigrate him because of his youth, Timothy was to be an example or model to everyone in the Churches, those older than him and those younger than him. The one way Timothy could shut the mouths of the despisers was to do no harm to any man and to repay no one evil for any evil pulled against him or perpetrated against him or perfomed against him, just as the Apsotle Paul was himself to all the Churches even as he wrote these words to the Philippian Church, "Brethren, together follow my example and observe those who live after the pattern we have set for you." (Philippians 3:17) (Amplified Bible). Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to be an example or model in 'word' and hear he means simply in his teaching of the Gospel of Christ and of Grace and of the entire Word of God. Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to be an example or model in his 'conversation' and this English word is translated by the Greek word anastrophē meaning behavior or conduct: - conversation. In other words, Paul wanted Timothy to live in such a manner in front of the other believers as not to bring reproach upon himself by being a violent man or a meddler/busy body in other people's affairs or an adulterer sleeping with other men's wives or a fornicator or a liar or a thief or any other conduct/behavior that would cause him to be despised by others. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning conversation, "In the whole of thy conduct in every department which thou fillest in all thy domestic as well as public relations, behave thyself well."
Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to be an example or model in 'charity' and this English word is translated by the Greek word agape meaning love, that is, the highest form of love which is God's love. Here is what Matthew Henry said concerning this charity, "Love to God and all good men." Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to be an example or model in 'spirit', that is, being spiritually minded and being an example in true spiritual worship of God the Father, God the Son, and in the Power of God the Holy Spirit. In other words, Paul did not want Timothy to do things for our Lord Jesus Christ out of some since of just duty or obligation, but because he loved our Lord Jesus and wanted to see His Kingdom come. Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to be an example or model in 'faith' and again this English word 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. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning being an example in faith, "At all times, and in all trials show to believers by your example, how they ought to maintain unshaken confidence in God."
Lastly, Paul wanted to encourage Timothy to be an example or model in 'purity' and this English word is translated by the Greek word hagneia (used only one other place in the New Testament) meaning cleanliness (the quality), that is, (specifically) chastity: - purity. In other words, Paul wanted to advise a very young man who would be often tempted by the many beautiful young women of the world to yield to fornication, so Paul encourages him here to stay or remain in chastity, that is, abstaining from sexual relations until our Lord Jesus brought to him a wife just as he did with the first man Adam, remember, "And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam; and while he slept, He took one of his ribs {or} a part of his side and closed up the [place with] flesh. And the rib {or} part of his side which the Lord God had taken from the man He built up {and} made into a woman, and He brought her to the man. Then Adam said, This [creature] is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of a man." (Genesis 2:21-23) (Amplfied Bible). Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning purity, "There should be nothing in your contact with the other sex that would give rise to scandal. The papists, with great impropriety, understand this as enjoining celibacy - as if there could be no 'purity' in that holy relation which God appointed in Eden, and which He has declared to 'be honorable in all' Hebrews 13:4, and which He has made so essential to the wellbeing of mankind. If the Apostle had wished to produce the highest possible degree of corruption in the Church, he would have enjoined the celibacy of the clergy and the celibacy of an indefinite number of nuns and monks. There are no other institutions on the earth which have done so much to corrupt the chastity of the race, as those which have grown out of the doctrine that celibacy is more honorable than marriage."
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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