Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 71

Paul Gives Timothy a Message to the Rich in the Church Part 1

1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; KJV

Now the Apostle Paul turns to give Brother Timothy a message addressed to  those in the Church of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ that are rich during their sojourn or pilgrimage on the earth (before they reach their real home in heaven) with these words first, "Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;" (1 Timothy 6:17) (KJV). Again we see another documentation that our Lord Jesus Christ came to this world to save sinners of every ethnicity and every socio-economic background because all have sinned and are sinners falling short of the Glory of God. The Apostle Paul wants to make sure that Timothy instruct the rich Christians that it is not our Lord Jesus' will for them to build their own earthly kingdoms, but to be a part of His building His kingdom of priest (1 Peter 2:9) being prepared to rule and rein with Him, so Paul makes his emphasis emphatic by use of the English word 'charge' at the very beginning of this verse which is translated by the Greek word paraggellō meaning as used here to transmit a message by way of giving a commandment. The little English phrase 'them that are rich' is translated by the Greek word plousios meaning wealthy; figuratively abounding with: - rich. The little English phrase 'this world' is translated by two Greek words nun and aion meaning the present time or the now age as opposed to or in contrast to the future.

In other words, the Apostle Paul commands Timothy to command the rich or wealthy Christians in the Church of Jesus Christ and he first wants them commanded 'that they be not highminded' and this English phrase is translated by the Greek word hupsēlophroneō (used only one other time in the New Testament) and it means to be lofty in mind, that is, arrogant: - be highminded. That is, not to think better of themselves than others in the Church who had less than they did, for with our Lord Jesus Christ all members of His Mystical Body are equally loved, important, and useful to Him in building His Church. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning the rich in the Church being not highminded, "One of the evils to which they are particularly exposed. The idea is, that they should not value themselves on account of their wealth, or look down with pride and arrogance on their inferiors. They should not suppose that they are any better people or any nearer heaven, because they are wealthy. Property really makes no distinction in the great things that pertain to character and salvation, It does not necessarily make one wise, or learned, or great, or good. In all these things, the man who has not wealth may be vastly the superior of him who has; and for so slight and unimportant a distinction as gold can confer, no man should be proud. Besides, let such a man reflect that his property is the gift of God; that he is made rich because God has chosen to arrange things so that he should be; that it is not primarily owing to any skill or wisdom which he has; that his property only increases his responsibility, and that it must all soon be left, and he be as poor as the 'beggar that lies at his gate;' and he will see ample reason why he should not be proud."

When Paul writes, 'nor trust in uncertain riches', he simply means that earthly money is temporary and will be gone at some point, so no person belonging to our Lord Jesus Christ should rest their trust upon them over our Lord Jesus who owns all that we have and He has just made us stewards over His things for our use and for His glory. Our Lord Jesus says this concerning earthly riches in this Proverb, "Will you set your eyes upon wealth, when [suddenly] it is gone? For riches certainly make themselves wings, like an eagle that flies toward the heavens." (Proverbs 23:5) (Amplified Bible). Therefore, to have your trust resting on temporal things is foolish, futility, and folly, but instead they are to be used here for the glory of God to help in building His kingdom and to live on the earth during our sojourn until they have been used up, nothing more nothing less. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about not trusting in uncertain riches, "The uncertainty of riches; things which are never at a stay, are ever changing, and seldom continue long with one proprietor; therefore, as well as on many other accounts, they are not to be trusted in: they cannot give happiness, because they are not fixed and permanent; neither can they meet the wishes of an immortal spirit."

When Paul writes, 'but in the living God', he is simply contrasting where our trust should be placed instead of in uncertain earthly riches. It was our Lord Jesus Himself who told us not to worry about these things; what we shall eat, what we shall drink, or what we shall wear (Matthew 6:25-34), for all things are His and He will provide and supply His sons and daughters what they need to live down here on His earth. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning our trust being only in the living God (Jesus Christ our Lord), "He is able to supply all our needs, and to do for us what riches cannot do; and, he never changes, or leaves those who put their trust in Him. He is able to meet our needs if in the flames, or in a storm at sea, or when a friend dies, or when we lie down on a bed of death, or wherever we may be in the eternal world."

When Paul writes, 'who giveth us richly all things to enjoy', he means that this earth is His (Jesus) and the fullness thereof, so He wants us to take care of and enjoy the things that He alone has made us steward over while we live down here on this His earth. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about God giving us richly all things to enjoy, "Who not only has all good, but dispenses it liberally for the supply of the wants of all His creatures; and He does not give merely what is necessary, but He gives what tends to render life comfortable. The comforts of life come from God, as well as the necessaries. He not only gives us a bare subsistence, but He gives us enjoyments. Were it not for the oppression and rapine of wicked men, every situation and state in life would be comparatively comfortable. God gives liberally; man divides it badly."

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…





Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 70

Paul Encourages Timothy to Continue in the True Gospel Part 5

1 Timothy 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. KJV

Lastly, Paul takes his declaration to Brother Timothy of who our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ truly is to the highest heights as he says this concerning Him, "Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen." (1 Timothy 6:16) (KJV). When Paul writes this first part of this verse saying, 'who only hath immortality', he means that our Lord Jesus Christ (the One True God) is the only One who has underived or original immortality, that is, immortality that was not given to Him by creation or a creator, for He is The Creator of heaven and earth and all things just as this same Apostle Paul wrote to the believers in the Colossian Church with these words, "For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created {and} exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in {and} for Him. And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together)." (Colossians 1:16-17) (Amplified Bible).

The English word 'only' is translated by the Greek word monos meaning remaining, that is, sole or single; by implication mere: - alone, only, by themselves. The English word 'immortality' is translated by the Greek word athanasia meaning deathlessness: - immortality. Note: "The Apostle Paul uses this Greek word 'monos' referring to our Lord Jesus Christ here in this first letter to Timothy because during his time there were earthly men who had made or declared themselves to be god. Domitian (the Roman Emperor during this time) had decided, determined, and declared himself to be lord and god on the earth and was to be at all times and in all ways addressed as such." Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning our Lord Jesus Christ (God) as being the only One who has immortality, "God, in His own nature, enjoys a perfect and certain exemption from death. Creatures have immortality only as they derive it from Him, and of course are dependent on Him for it. He has it by His very nature, and it is in His case underived, and He cannot be deprived of it. It is one of the essential attributes of His being, that He will always exist, and that death cannot reach Him; compare the expression in John 5:26."

When Paul writes, 'dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto', he is saying that just as the Sun (created by God) is unapproachable due to the great intensity of the fire and heat exerted from it, so is our Lord Jesus Christ (God) even more so because of His Great Power, Properties, and Purity can no sinful man/woman approach Him unless they have been born again, remember what our Lord Jesus (while covering His Glory on the earth) said to Nicodemus, "Jesus answered him, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that unless a person is born again (anew, from above), he cannot ever see (know, be acquainted with, and experience) the kingdom of God. Nicodemus said to Him, How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter his mother's womb again and be born? Jesus answered, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, unless a man is born of water and [even] the Spirit, he cannot [ever] enter the kingdom of God." (John 3:3-5) (Amplified Bible). Therefore, this is step one in our being able to approach God who is unapproachable by us sinners, however, the final step is for us to have our mortality done away with and given over to immortality.

Paul declared this to the believers in the Corinthian Church with these words, "But I tell you this, brethren, flesh and blood cannot [become partakers of eternal salvation and] inherit {or} share in the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable (that which is decaying) inherit {or} share in the imperishable (the immortal). Take notice! I tell you a mystery (a secret truth, an event decreed by the hidden purpose or counsel of God). We shall not all fall asleep [in death], but we shall all be changed (transformed) In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the [sound of the] last trumpet call. For a trumpet will sound, and the dead [in Christ] will be raised imperishable (free and immune from decay), and we shall be changed (transformed). For this perishable [part of us] must put on the imperishable [nature], and this mortal [part of us, this nature that is capable of dying] must put on immortality (freedom from death)." (1 Corinthians 15:50-53) (Amplified Bible). Here again is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning the light that God dwells in, "'Inhabiting inapproachable light.' The light where He dwells is so brilliant and dazzling that mortal eyes could not endure it. This is a very common representation of the dwelling place of God. Heaven is constantly represented as a place of the most pure and brilliant light, needing not the light of the sun, or the moon, or the stars Revelation 21:23-24; Revelation 22:5, and God is represented as dwelling in that light, surrounded by amazing and inapproachable glory."

When Paul writes, 'whom no man hath seen, nor can see', he is referring to the very Nature of God being so Pure and so Powerful, that no sinful unredeemed man could see or be in the presence of such Purity and Power and live, but those of us who have been redeemed will see a part or portion of His Glory in heaven with Him for we shall be changed and transformed in the likeness of Him just as the Apostle John declared we would when he wrote these words, "See what [an incredible] quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should [be permitted to] be named {and} called {and} counted the children of God! And so we are! The reason that the world does not know (recognize, acknowledge) us is that it does not know (recognize, acknowledge) Him. Beloved, we are [even here and] now God's children; it is not yet disclosed (made clear) what we shall be [hereafter], but we know that when He comes {and} is manifested, we shall [as God's children] resemble {and} be like Him, for we shall see Him just as He [really] is." (1 John 3:1-2) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning seeing God, "Nowhere but in Christ, at least spiritually and savingly; and that but very imperfectly in the present state: the sin, frailty, and mortality of human nature must be taken away, in order to inherit the Kingdom of God, and enjoy the beatific vision of Him; which saints in heaven have, who see Him as He is, and in such sort as no man now does, or can see Him." To our Lord Jesus Christ alone is Honor, that is, esteem especially of the highest degree; Power, that is, great vigor and dominion and strength; Everlasting, that is, perpetual continuing forever or indefinitely. Amen or so be it!

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…






Saturday, October 20, 2018

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 69

Paul Encourages Timothy to Continue in the True Gospel Part 4

1 Timothy 6:15 Which in His times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; KJV

In concluding this discourse of encouragement to Brother Timothy, Paul reminds him who our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ truly is and how unbreakable, unpenetrable, and unshakable are His power, plans, and programs on the earth and in heaven and throughout all of the many universes He created for Himself and for our enjoyment eternally with Him. Despite the chaos forged, formed, and fashioned now on the earth by the devil through evil men and women, it is futile chaos because all things are still under the control and order of Christ Jesus our Lord, just as it has always been before time and just as it was during His time on the earth carrying out His prepared plan of salvation for you and me and all who have come to the foot of His Cross in repentance and faith believing that He is who He has said He is and waiting for His 2nd coming to the earth, therefore, Paul cements this truth by what he writes here to Brother Timothy then and to you and me now who believe and to all true believers of every era and generation, "Which in His times He shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;" (1 Timothy 6:15) (KJV). When Paul writes here, 'which in His times He shall shew', he is doing what Paul did in all of his epistles/letters and that is to declare a point or fact repeatedly, just as he wrote this same truth to Timothy before (1 Timothy 2:6) and he means that our Lord Jesus Christ knows the time of His 2nd coming to the earth and the actual time or year of His coming He will not disclose to anyone, not even the Apostle Paul or Timothy, so Paul wants Timothy to understand this and not allow this absence of revelation to deter him from caring out the will of God in and for His life during his sojourn on the earth. Here is a brief but very insightful view of what Paul means with this statement by John Wesley, "Which - Appearing. In His own times - The power, the knowledge, and the revelation of which, remain in His eternal mind."

And their in the mind of our Lord Jesus Christ will this knowledge remain until He 'shall shew' and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word deiknuō meaning exactly what our English definition declares and that is, to show (literally or figuratively), that is, make visible or noticeable or make clear (e.g. with a sign) which place, direction, person, or thing; either spatially or figuratively: - shew. Our Lord Jesus declared this exclusivity of knowledge then while He was still on the earth just prior or before His ascension back to Heaven to God the Father alone as He said this to the early disciples when they asked about Israel being restored the kingdom, "So when they were assembled, they asked Him, Lord, is this the time when You will reestablish the kingdom {and} restore it to Israel? He said to them, It is not for you to become acquainted with {and} know what time brings [the things and events of time and their definite periods] or fixed years and seasons (their critical niche in time), which the Father has appointed (fixed and reserved) by His own choice {and} authority {and} personal power. But you shall receive power (ability, efficiency, and might) when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you shall be My witnesses in Jerusalem and all Judea and Samaria and to the ends (the very bounds) of the earth." (Acts 1:6-8) (Amplified Bible). In other words, don't concern yourselves with the kingdom being restored to Israel or with when I will return to earth to do that, but you just do what I command you to do down here now by the power of the Holy Spirit and all those things I and the Father will hold onto in our own time. Note: "This section of Holy Scripture is a testimony of how it is only within the will of God to disclose the future to any of His children, despite what many of these 'so-called' spiritual mediums declare to people. Our Lord Jesus Christ is the only One who knows the future and He only can declare it to His children when He deems it appropiate, just as He did with the Apostle Peter when He restored Peter after Peter denied Him three (3) times He said this to him shortly before His ascension back to Heaven, 'I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, when you were young you girded yourself [put on your own belt or girdle] and you walked about wherever you pleased to go. But when you grow old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will put a girdle around you and carry you where you do not wish to go. He said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. And after this, He said to him, Follow Me!'"

When Paul writes here, 'who is the blessed and only Potentate', he declares our Lord Jesus Christ to be not only a ruler, but the Supreme Ruler of all creation in heaven on the earth underneath the earth and all His universes. The English word 'blessed' is translated by the Greek word makarios which means supremely blest (Highly favored); by extension fortunate, well off: - blessed, happy. In other words, Jesus within Himself (as God) is blessed by virtue of the flawlessness of His Nature, and He has all within Himself for His satisfaction, sufficiency, and supply. He needs nothing outside of Himself to be happy or well off, but He chooses to share His own blessedness with all of His Creatures that He made. The earth is the Lord Jesus' and the fullness thereof (Psalm 24:1), yet He allows the humans that He created to live in and on it rent free, breathing His oxygen and eating the food He supplied here all at no cost to humanity. The English word 'Potentate' is translated by the Greek word dunastēs meaning a ruler or officer: - of great authority, mighty, potentate. Here is what the Apostle John wrote concerning Him in the Book of Revelation, "And they sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the song of the Lamb, saying, Mighty and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God the Omnipotent! Righteous (just) and true are Your ways, O Sovereign of the ages (King of the {nations})! Who shall not reverence and glorify Your name, O Lord [giving You honor and praise in worship]? For You only are holy. All the nations shall come and pay homage {and} adoration to You, for Your just judgments (Your righteous sentences and deeds) have been made known {and} displayed." (Revelation 15:3-4) (Amplified Bible). The phrases 'King of kings' and 'Lord of lords', means that all earthly kings have their authority and power from Him whether they acknowledge it or not and it is He (Christ) that brings down kings on the earth and destroys their little paper kingdoms. It wasn't the United States Military that destroyed Sadaam Houisan, but it was the King of kings our Lord Jesus Christ, just as it is written by the Prophet Daniel when he wrote these words, "Daniel answered, Blessed be the name of God forever and ever! For wisdom and might are His! He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding!" (Daniel 2:20-21) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say about the reference of our Lord Jesus as the only Potentate and King of kings and Lord of lords, "That God is the only Potentate; the powers of earthly princes are all derived from Him, and depend upon Him. The powers that exist are ordained of God, Romans 13:1. He is the only Potentate that is Absolute and Sovereign, and Perfectly Independent. He is the blessed and the only Potentate, infinitely happy, and nothing can in the least impair His happiness. He is King of kings, and Lord of lords. All the kings of the earth derive their power from Him; He gave them their crowns, they hold them under Him, and He has a Sovereign Dominion over them. This is Christ's title (Revelation 19:16), upon His vesture and His thigh; for He has a name higher than the kings of the earth."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…


Tuesday, October 16, 2018

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 68

Paul Encourages Timothy to Continue in the True Gospel Part 3

1 Timothy 6:13-14 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: KJV

Paul wants Timothy to have in his mind and his understanding how very sure, secure, and sound his confession and profession of his faith in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ truly is now for him as he continues his sojourn on the earth and how it will be for all eternity when he is in heaven with all we saints before the Throne of God the Father by writing these words to him saying, "I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;" (1 Timothy 6:13) (KJV). The little English phrase 'I give thee charge' is translated by the Greek word paraggellō which means to transmit a message, that is, (by implication) to enjoin: - to give command or to declare. The little English phrase 'in the sight' is translated by the Greek word enōpion meaning in the face of (literally or figuratively): - before, in the presence (sight) of, to. In other words, Timothy had made his confession of faith in the sight of many earthly witnesses, but now the Apostle Paul wants to remind him that their is another witness much Greater than all of those on the earth who have witnessed his profession of faith and that is God the Father who sees all things and knows all things everywhere in His Creation, for He is Omniscient (Infinitely wise) and Omnipotent (Having unlimited power), knowing all who truly belong to Him (2 Timothy 2:19). He (God the Father) is The One who gives life to all things (physical life and spiritual life), therefore, He is The One who has given to Timothy his spiritual life 'in Christ' and this is what the Apostle means by 'who quickeneth all things'. This little English phrase 'who quickeneth' is translated by the Greek word zōopoieō meaning to (re-) vitalize (literally or figuratively): - make alive, give life, quicken, just as it is written by this same Apostle Paul to the Ephesian Church with these words, "And you [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins" (Ephesians 2:1) (Amplified Bible).

It was our Lord Jesus Christ that also made this good confession before He was about to be crucified in the presence of Pontius Pilate as it is written and recorded for us by the Apostle John, "So Pilate went back again into the judgment hall and called Jesus and asked Him, Are You the King of the Jews? Jesus replied, Are you saying this of yourself [on your own initiative], or have others told you about Me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Your [own] people {and} nation and their chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?Jesus answered, My kingdom (kingship, royal power) belongs not to this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My followers would have been fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, My kingdom is not from here (this world); [it has no such origin or source]. Pilate said to Him, Then You are a King? Jesus answered, You say it! [You speak correctly!] For I am a King. [Certainly I am a King!] This is why I was born, and for this I have come into the world, to bear witness to the Truth. Everyone who is of the Truth [who is a friend of the Truth, who belongs to the Truth] hears {and} listens to My voice." (John 18:33-37) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this verse, "God, who is the fountain of life, and who is the resurrection; and who will raise thee up at the last day to a life of ineffable glory, if thou be faithful unto death. And should thy life fall a sacrifice to the performance of thy duty, all will be safe; for thy life is hid with Christ in God, and when He who is thy life shall appear, then shalt thou also appear with Him in glory! Thy kingdom is not of this world; remember that this good confession was made by thy Master before Pilate. Keep disentangled from all earthly things, live to and for God, and all will be well."

The Apostle Paul wants Timothy to treasure and store up these words written to him and guard them from neglect and from loss, therefore, he writes this to him in the very next verse, "That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:" (1 Timothy 6:14) (KJV). The little English word 'keep' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word tēreō meaning as used here to guard (from loss or injury, properly by keeping the eye upon. The English word 'commandment' is translated by the Greek word entolē which means as used here injunction, that is, an authoritative prescription: - commandment, precept. The little English phrase 'without spot' is translated by the Greek word aspilos meaning as used here unblemished (physically or morally): - without spot, unspotted. The English word 'unrebukeable' is translated by the Greek word anepilēptos meaning as used here (by implication) inculpable: - blameless, unrebukeable. In other words, Paul is calling on Brother Timothy to be vigilant in his adherence, that is, his faithfulness to the truth of the Gospel of Christ, the Gospel of Grace guarding it in his inner man free from moral corruption or compromise of it being free in his mind/soul that he has stayed true to the true Gospel during his entire pilgrimage on the earth marching to his heavenly home.

When Paul writes these words at the end of this verse, 'until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ', he means until the 2nd Coming of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ to the earth to do away with sin, time, the devil, the beast, the false prophet, and all human beings who did not love His 2nd Coming to the earth and remain clothed with their sin and not clothed with His righteousness, just as our Lord Jesus declared to the Jews with these words during His earthly ministry before His death on the Cross, "Therefore He said again to them, I am going away, and you will be looking for Me, and you will die in (under the curse of) your sin. Where I am going, it is not possible for you to come. At this the Jews began to ask among themselves, Will He kill Himself? Is that why He says, Where I am going, it is not possible for you to come? He said to them, You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world (of this earthly order); I am not of this world. That is why I told you that you will die in (under the curse of) your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He [Whom I claim to be--if you do not adhere to, trust in, and rely on Me], you will die in your sins." (John 8:21-24) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning this verse, "Keep it as long as thou live, till Christ come at death to give thee a discharge. Keep it with an eye to His Second Coming, when we must all give an account of the talents we have been entrusted with,' Luke 16:2. Observe, The Lord Jesus Christ will appear, and it will be a glorious appearing, not like His first appearing in the days of His humiliation. Ministers should have an eye to this appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ in all their ministrations, and, till His appearing, they are to keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable. Mentioning the appearing of Christ, as one that loved it, Paul loves to speak of it, and loves to speak of Him who shall then appear. The appearing of Christ is certain (He shall show it), but it is not for us to know the time and season of it, which the Father has kept in His own power: let this suffice us, that in time He will show it, in the time that He thinks fit for it."

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…






Saturday, October 13, 2018

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 67

Paul Encourages Timothy to Continue in the True Gospel Part 2

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. KJV

Next, Paul wants Timothy to be strong in his faith in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, for perhaps better than or more than any of the other early disciples, Paul knew what it was to fight against the enemy of his and our faith in Jesus Christ because even being only a believer for a short period of time this is what Paul encounterd directly from the devil (through the human instruments, i.e. two-legged devils) when he was declaring the Gospel of Christ in Damascus, "But Saul increased all the more in strength, and continued to confound {and} put to confusion the Jews who lived in Damascus by comparing {and} examining evidence {and} proving that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah). After considerable time had elapsed, the Jews conspired to put Saul out of the way by slaying him, But [the knowledge of] their plot was made known to Saul. They were guarding the [city's] gates day and night to kill him, But his disciples took him at night and let him down through the [city's] wall, lowering him in a basket {or} hamper." (Acts 9:22-25) (Amplified Bible). Note: "I just don't understand much of this popular Christianity that is found in most of the people that have built many of the very popular Mega-Churches that are growing like wildflowers in this time and era we live in today. They are well received and accepted by the city in which they reside, their many campuses and other buildings are not being vandalized or desecrated. All in all they are living their lives with not much opposition from the world and even in many cases applauded by the world, but I just don't see and read this happening in the New Testament in the life of our Lord Jesus Christ or the Apostle Paul, but I do remember these words of warning from our Lord Jesus Christ when He said, 'Woe to (alas for) you when everyone speaks fairly {and} handsomely of you {and} praises you, for even so their forefathers did to the false prophets.' (Luke 6:26) (Amplified Bible)."

Therefore, we find Paul now encouraging Brother Timothy as it is written here by him with these words to, "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12) (KJV). The first word of this verse 'fight' is translated by the Greek word agōnizomai which is perhaps where we get our English word (agonize) from and this word means as used here to struggle, figuratively (to contend with an adversary), or generally (to endeavor to accomplish something): - fight, labor fervently, strive. The English word 'good' is translated by the Greek word kalos which means as used here valuable or virtuous or worthy. The English word 'faith' is translated by the Greek word pistis which means as used here the system of (Gospel) truth itself: - assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity. In other words, when the Apostle Paul tells Timothy and all we true believers today and of every era and generatioin to 'fight the good fight of faith', he is essentially saying we are to struggle and strive against and contend with our adversary the devil for the spiritual benefits or more clearly the spiritual fruit of our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, i.e. (love, joy, peace, patience, meekness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) which the devil can rob us of when we allow him to. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concernig fighting the good fight of faith, "The Apostle suggests to Timothy, that he had other business to do than to mind the things of this world; his life was a state of warfare; he was a soldier, and was not to entangle himself with the things of this life; he had many enemies to engage with, as Satan, and his principalities and powers; sin, and the lusts of the flesh; the world, and the men of it, and a great fight of afflictions to endure with them; as also false teachers, with, whom particularly he was to fight the good fight of faith, that so the truth of the Gospel, which they resisted, might continue with the saints."

When Paul writes, 'lay hold on eternal life', he means that Timothy and all we true believers today and of every era and generation are to let the truth that we have all eternity to live in the presence of a loving, pure, and holy God, therefore, this should sink in deeply and affect our attitude, achievements, and aspirations right now as we sojourn in our temporary house/body on the earth. The little English phrase 'lay hold on' is translated by the Greek word epilambanomai which means as used here to seize for attainment (figuratively): - take hold of eternal life right now on the earth. Just as Paul described to the Corinthian Church making the comparison of the participants in the Grecian games striving and fighting to obtain a crown that is perishable putting forth great effort in training their bodies to be at peek performance level, so ought we true believers in Jesus Christ put forth even more spiritual effort in order to lay hold of the eternal life we already have in our Lord Jesus Christ that is inpeneratrable,  incorruptible, and imperishable. Here is what Dr. John Gill had to say concerning laying hold on eternal life, "Eternal life is the prize of the high calling of God, which is held up, and held forth to those who are fighting the Lord's battles; and this they should look unto as the recompense of reward; and this they may lay hold upon, even now by faith, believing their interest in it, their right unto it, and that they shall enjoy it; of which they may be the more assured, because of their effectual calling."

This last part of Dr. Gill's quote here is exactly what the Apostle means when he writes this next part of this verse to Timothy saying, 'whereunto thou art also called', for it is our calling in the belief of the Gospel of Christ, the Gospel of Grace that should make us lay hold of our eternal life 'in Christ' that we already have right now. When Paul writes these very last words of this verse, 'hast professed a good profession before many witnesses', he is ackowledging again Timothy's true conversion to Christ as it (his faith) has been witnessed by many other true believers and his public declaration of his faith 'in Christ' in baptism. His good profession was this or these words the Apostle Paul wrote in his letter to the Roman Church, "Because if you acknowledge {and} confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and in your heart believe (adhere to, trust in, and rely on the truth) that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart a person believes (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Christ) and so is justified (declared righteous, acceptable to God), and with the mouth he confesses (declares openly and speaks out freely his faith) {and} confirms [his] salvation." (Romans 10:9-10) (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…



Tuesday, October 9, 2018

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 66

Paul Encourages Timothy to Continue in the True Gospel Part 1

1 Timothy 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.  KJV

In contrast to the promoters of the false gospel of health, wealth, and prosperity, Paul encourages and exhorts Brother Timothy to continue in 'the faith' once and for all handed down to the saints (Jude 1:3) and never to compromise it for any lie in order to gain things from this decaying and soon to be destroyed earth and all that is in it, so he writes these words first to give him strength to continue in the truth, "But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness." (1 Timothy 6:11) (KJV). When Paul writes to Timothy at the beginning of this verse, 'but thou, O man of God', he is acknowledging Timothy's true redemption 'in Christ' in contrast to those above who have erred from 'the faith' because of their greed and love for the things of this world, just as Paul had experienced first hand with Demas when he wrote these words concerning him which he will declare to Timothy in his second (2) letter, "For Demas has deserted me for love of this present world and has gone to Thessalonica;" (2 Timothy 4:10) (Amplified Bible). The Apostle Paul wants Timothy to stand fast in the truth and not be compromised by the devil and his lies of comfort, consolation, and contentment in the things of this present fleeting world, just as the Apostle John warned all true believers to take heed of with these words, "Do not love {or} cherish the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh [craving for sensual gratification] and the lust of the eyes [greedy longings of the mind] and the pride of life [assurance in one's own resources or in the stability of earthly things]--these do not come from the Father but are from the world [itself]. And the world passes away {and} disappears, and with it the forbidden cravings (the passionate desires, the lust) of it; but he who does the will of God and carries out His purposes in his life abides (remains) forever." (1 John 2:15-17) (Amplified Bible).

When Paul writes to Timothy, 'flee these things', he means exactly what it says and that is to run away from the lies of the devil spoken through men and women declaring that God the Father wants you healthy, wealthy, and to prosper financially at all times or else you are not in the will of God or being blessed by Him. This is hog wash, crap, filth, and flat out non-sense. The English word 'flee' used here by the Apostle Paul is translated by the Greek word pheugō which is a primary verb meaning to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication to shun; by analogy to vanish: - escape, flee (away). Paul wants Timothy and we true Christians of every era and generation to flee away from the love of money promoted by the false gospel of health, wealth, and proserity to 'righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness'. Paul tells Timothy and all of us who are true Christians to 'follow after' these things and this little English phrase is translated by the Greek word diōkō which is a prolonged (and causative) form of a primary verb meaning as used here to pursue (literally or figuratively); follow (after), or press toward. The first of these six (6) things we are to pursue is 'righteousness' and this English word is translated by the Greek word dikaiosunē which means equity (of character or act); specifically (Christian) justification: - righteousness. First of all there is nothing in any of us that even resembles righteousness, but we are made righteous, that is, in right standing with God the Father by virtue of our faith in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ, just as Paul declared to the Corinthian Church with these words, "But it is from Him that you have your life in Christ Jesus, Whom God made our Wisdom from God, [revealed to us a knowledge of the divine plan of salvation previously hidden, manifesting itself as] our Righteousness [thus making us upright and putting us in right standing with God], and our Consecration [making us pure and holy], and our Redemption [providing our ransom from eternal penalty for sin]." (1 Corinthians 1:30) (Amplified Bible).

Therefore, because He (Christ) was made Righteousness for us then our standing before the Throne of God the Father in Heaven is that we are righteous again just as Paul declared to the Corinthian Church with these words, "For our sake He made Christ [virtually] to be sin Who knew no sin, so that in {and} through Him we might become [endued with, viewed as being in, and examples of] the righteousness of God [what we ought to be, approved and acceptable and in right relationship with Him, by His goodness]." (2 Corinthians 5:21) (Amplified Bible). Now because of what He (Christ) has done for us and given to us, we should then yield to Him and His Power and chase after that which is righteous and good in His sight, not out of obligation to Him only or because we owe Him what we can never repay or because He owns us now and He does, but purely because we love Him, for as it is written spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ to us He said, "If you [really] love Me, you will keep (obey) My commands." (John 14:15) (Amplified Bible). In other words, in our dealings with other human beings we are to do that which is just and not swindle or endeavor to take advantage of other people for our own profit or gain. The second (2nd) of these six (6) things we are to pursue is 'godliness' which is translated by the Greek word eusebeia which means piety; specifically the gospel scheme: - godliness, holiness. Paul has already told Timothy that godliness with contentment is great gain and that as we came into this world (with nothing), so shall we leave this world and therefore, we should pursue after godliness instead of the temporary things of this world. The third (3rd) of these six (6) things we are to pursue is 'faith' and again this English word is translated by the Greek word pistis meaning as used here the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself. In other words, Paul wanted Timothy and wants we true believers today to stay away from every wind of doctrine that comes our way and instead to stand fast in the truth of the Gospel of Christ, the Gospel of Grace handed down to us from Paul, Peter, John, and all the other writers used by God the Holy Spirit to declare 'the Truth' to us once and for all.

The fourth (4th) of these six (6) things we are to pursue is 'love' and this English word is translated by the Greek word agape meaning as it is used here love, that is, affection or benevolence; a love feast: or dear love. Love is that which fulfills the law of God and when we are operating in God's love we will not interest ourselves or implicate ourselves or involve ourselves in any business or actions that would cause harm to others by what we do (Romans 8:10), and also as the Apostle John declares with these words, "For this is the message (the announcement) which you have heard from the first, that we should love one another, [And] not be like Cain who [took his nature and got his motivation] from the evil one and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his deeds (activities, works) were wicked {and} malicious and his brother's were righteous (virtuous)." (1 John 3:11-12) (Amplified Bible). For the love of God is not in agreement with the serving of mammon (Luke 16:13), that is, wealth regarded as an evil influence, nor is the love of God in agreement with the love of money, for our Lord Jesus Christ was and is rich in all spiritual and material things, yet He left the Ivory Palaces of Heaven and was born in a dirty smelly animal stable so that we who trusted Him could be rich in faith, now this is the type of love we should pursue after in our own lives.

The fifth (5th) of these six (6) things we are to pursue is 'patience' and this English word is translated by the Greek word hupomonē meaning cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting). We should endure all manner of persecution from the enemy and his invisible demons working through the human instruments (two legged devils) that come against us in various ways, just as the Apostle James put it best with these words, "Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in {or} encounter trials of any sort {or} fall into various temptations. Be assured {and} understand that the trial {and} proving of your faith bring out endurance {and} steadfastness {and} patience. But let endurance {and} steadfastness {and} patience have full play {and} do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing." (James 1:2-4) (Amplified Bible). Lastly the sixth (6th) of these six (6) things we are to pursue after is 'meekness' and this English word is translated by the Greek word praotēs which means as used here gentleness; by implication humility: - meekness. When someone is intent on getting us angry about something it is then we must ask God the Holy Spirit to restrain us with His meekness so that we can remain in perfect peace and continue in our pursuit of all these things that bless God.

"Righteousness in his conversation towards men, godliness towards God, faith and love as living principles, to support him and carry him on in the practice both of righteousness and godliness. Those that follow after righteousness and godliness, from a principle of faith and love, have need to put on patience and meekness - patience to bear both the rebukes of Providence and the reproaches of men, and meekness wherewith to instruct gainsayers and pass by the affronts and injuries that are done us. Observe, It is not enough that men of God flee these things, but they must follow after what is directly contrary thereto. Further, What excellent persons men of God are who follow after righteousness! They are the excellent of the earth, and, being acceptable to God, they should be approved of men." Matthew Henry

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…


Saturday, October 6, 2018

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 65

Paul Teaches Timothy to Nulify Error and Greed in the Church Part 6

1 Timothy 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. KJV

Paul concludes this discourse in his first letter to Brother Timothy on the error and greed in the Church with his equating of a persons unrestrained, uncontrolled, and unhinged desire for the temporary wealth of this world with the many sorrows we see round about in this doomed world with these words, "For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows." (1 Timothy 6:10) (KJV). The Apostle Paul begins this verse with the little English word 'for' and it is translated by the Greek word gar which is a primary particle; properly assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles). This word connects what Paul has just written to Timothy in the previous verse 9 and it shows Timothy and every Christian (that has ears to hear) that although money is necessary for our pilgrimage here on the earth away from our eternal home in heaven, yet it is not what we (as Christians) should rely on or trust in for our security, for let us remember these words spoken to the early disciples and to them directly to each and every one of us who will hear our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ and completely trust what He says, "Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat {or what you shall drink;} or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing? Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your Heavenly Father keeps feeding them. Are you not worth much more than they? And who of you by worrying {and} being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature {or} to the span of his life? And why should you be anxious about clothes? Consider the lilies of the field {and} learn thoroughly how they grow; they neither toil nor spin. Yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his magnificence (excellence, dignity, and grace) was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive {and} green and tomorrow is tossed into the furnace, will He not much more surely clothe you, O you of little faith?" (Matthew 6:25-30) (Amplified Bible).

When Paul continues on and writes here, 'love of money is the root of all evil', he is saying that money is good, necessary, and what our Heavenly Father has allowed human beings to use while He patiently holds off from destroying it and the rest of the earth and all who reject His Son Jesus Christ our Lord (2 Peter 3:10), but the ones who have the insatiable appetite to get money at all cost and even at the expense of hurting or harming others are doing so because they have succumbed to a love for it that has turned evil. This little English phrase 'love of money' is translated by the Greek word philarguria (used this one time in the New Testament) and it simply means to be avarice, that is, having an extreme insatiable greed for material wealth. Why many human beings turn down this path of destruction is almost hard to understand, except it is not so hard to understand, especially now when even Pastors, Priests, and Preachers are telling hundreds of thousands and even millions of people that God is not truly blessing them if they don't have a large portion of this world's earthly riches (the heatlh, wealth, and prosperity gospel). Remember when our Lord Jesus told us a parable (which I believe is just a true story of a man who lived on the earth) about a rich man that went like this, "Then He told them a parable, saying, The land of a rich man was fertile {and} yielded plentifully. And he considered {and} debated within himself, What shall I do? I have no place [in which] to gather together my harvest. And he said, I will do this: I will pull down my storehouses and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain {or produce} and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have many good things laid up, [enough] for many years. Take your ease; eat, drink, {and} enjoy yourself merrily. But God said to him, You fool! This very night they [the messengers of God] will demand your soul of you; and all the things that you have prepared, whose will they be? So it is with the one who continues to lay up {and} hoard possessions for himself and is not rich [in his relation] to God [this is how he fares]." (Luke 12:16-21) (Amplified Bible). We see then that not only does the man or woman that says in their heart, 'there is no God' (Psalm 14:1) a fool, but the man or woman that thinks they determine when, where, and what they are going to do tomorrow is a fool, not realizing that it is God the Father that gives them breath and life, not themselves, for these should have heard the words of the Apostle James when he wrote this, "Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such {and} such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air]. You ought instead to say, If the Lord is willing, we shall live and we shall do this or that [thing]. But as it is, you boast [falsely] in your presumption {and} your self-conceit. All such boasting is wrong." (James 4:13-16) (Amplified Bible).

When Paul writes, 'which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith', he means those who have bought into this false gospel of health, wealth, and prosperity have turned our Lord Jesus Christ into their servant and not they being His servant. The little English phrase 'coveted after' is translated by the Greek word oregomai meaning to stretch oneself, that is, reach out after (long for): - covet after, desire. The little English phrase 'they have erred' is translated by the Greek word apoplanaō meaning to lead astray (figuratively); passively to stray (from truth): - err, seduce. In other words, the gospel of health, wealth, and prosperity is a perversion of the true Gospel of Jesus Christ and those who promote, pass around, and preach such lies lead others into error and lead them astray because of their longing for more and more of the temporal things of this world. Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning those who have erred from the faith, "The Greek is, they have been led astray from; that is, they have been so deceived as to depart from the faith. The notion of deception or delusion is in the word, and the sense is, that, deceived by the promises held out by the prospect of wealth, they have apostatized from the faith. It is not implied of necessity that they were ever real Christians. They have been led off from truth and duty, and from all the hopes and joys which religion would have imparted." When Paul writes these words in conclusion of this verse, 'and pierced themselves through with many sorrows', he means that those who have erred from the true Gospel have turned down a path or a road that leads away from all the spiritual blessings in the Heavenly places (Ephesians 1:3) that we true Christians have in our Lord Jesus Christ and have chased after straws or strings that unravel causing them much agony. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning being pierced with many sorrows, "The word peripeirō signifies to be transfixed in every part; and is an allusion to one of those snares, mentioned 1 Timothy 6:9, where a hole is dug in the earth, and filled full of sharp stakes, and, being slightly covered over with turf, is not perceived; and whatever steps on it falls in, and is pierced through and through with these sharp stakes, the many torments, mentioned by the Apostle."

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…




Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 64

Paul Teaches Timothy to Nulify Error and Greed in the Church Part 5

1 Timothy 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. KJV

Paul describes here to Brother Timothy how those who desire, declare, and demand the riches of this world end up when they are willing to do anything (even illegally) and step on or over anyone to get the temporary riches of this dying, disintergrating, and decaying world by what he writes here, "But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition." (1 Timothy 6:9) (KJV). The little English phrase at the beginning of this verse 'they that will' is translated by one Greek word boulomai and it is the middle voice of a primary verb meaning to will, that is, (reflexively) be willing: - be disposed, minded, intend to do something. In other words, this insatiable appetite or desire to get riches will destroy their ability for contentment and bring upon them certain ruin down the road of this earthly life, listen to the Wisdom of God the Father on this matter, "A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who makes haste to be rich [at any cost] shall not go unpunished." (Proverbs 28:20) (Amplified Bible). There are countless true stories of men and women in the past, present, and surely they will continue on into the future (before our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ returns to the earth) who have done violent murders, even some killing their own flesh and blood family members to get their hands on this decaying money of this world, an example is the Menendez brothers in California who killed their Father and Mother to get their money, yet they like many others were lured into a fall and a snare as the Apostle describes it here to Brother Timothy.

The English word 'fall' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word empiptō meaning to fall on, that is, (literally) be entrapped by, or (figuratively) be overwhelmed with: - fall among (into) and the little English pharse 'a snare' is translated by the Greek word pagis meaning a trap (as fastened by a noose or notch); figuratively a trick or stratagem (temptation): - snare. It is the way of the enemy the devil to lure the soul who desires riches at any cost into his trap or snare by never showing him or her the end which will be their destruction, for the Menendez brothers like countless others who killed in order to get wealth never thought they would be caught and held responsible for their despicable scheme. Only if people will here the Words of God and take them in like counsel for their souls, such as these words from our Heavenly Father, "Let destruction befall [my foe] unawares; let the net he hid for me catch him; let him fall into that very destruction." (Psalm 35:8) (Amplified Bible) and these words also, "Let their own table [with all its abundance and luxury] become a snare to them; and when they are secure in peace [or at their sacrificial feasts, let it become] a trap to them." (Psalm 69:22) (Amplified Bible).

Here is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning those who will to be rich, "Further to enforce the duty of contentment, the Apostle refers to some of the evils which necessarily attend a desire to be rich. Those evils have been so great and uniform in all ages, and are so necessary accompaniments of that desire, that, even amidst many inconveniences which may attend the opposite condition, we should be contented with our lot. Indeed, if we could see all, it would only be necessary to see the evils which the desire of wealth produces in the world, to make us contented with a most lowly condition of life. Perhaps nothing more would be necessary to make a poor man satisfied with his lot, and grateful for it, than to be acquainted with the perplexities and cares of a rich man. There is more emphasis to be placed on the word will, here, in the phrase, 'will be rich,' than might be supposed from our translation. It is not the sign of the future tense, but implies an actual 'purpose' or 'design' to become rich - hoi boulomenoi. The reference is to those in whom this becomes the object of earnest desire, and who lay their plans for it."

The devil's snare and trap plunges men and women 'into many foolish and hurtful lusts' and here the Apostle Paul declares that this uncontrolled desire to become rich makes men and women do things to themselves and to others that cause pain (physically in some cases and emotionally in other cases). The English word 'foolish' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word anoētos which means unintelligent; by implication sensual: - foolish, unwise. The English word 'hurtful' (used this one time only in the New Testament) is translated by the Greek word blaberos meaning  injurious: - hurtful. The English word 'lusts' is translated by the Greek word epithumia meaning a longing (especially for what is forbidden): - concupiscence, desire, lust (after). This will to be rich will cause the men and women with it in many cases to do stupid things that will hurt other people because of their greed and even our English dictionary gives us a good definition of greed being excessive desire to acquire or possess more (especially more material wealth) than one needs or deserves (see Psalm 73). Here again is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning many foolish and hurtful lust, "Desires, such as the love of wealth creates. They are foolish - as being not such as an intelligent and immortal being should pursue; and they are hurtful - as being injurious to morals, to health, and to the soul. Among those desires, are the fondness for display; for a magnificent dwelling, a train of menials, and a splendid equipage; for sumptuous living, feasting, the social glass, company, and riotous dissipation."

Finally, when Paul writes, 'which drown men in destruction and perdition', he means in many cases of these men and women they end in the destruction of their temporary bodies and in some case the eternal turmoil of their immortal souls in hell and the lake of fire. The English word 'drown' is translated by the Greek word buthizō which means as it is used here to sink. The English word 'destruction' is translated by the Greek word olethros meaning (to destroy; a prolonged form); ruin, that is, death, punishment: - destruction. The English word 'perdition' is translated by the Greek word apōleia meaning ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal). The men and women who allow their avarice appetite for riches to cause them to do anything to aquire it end up sinking to such low means that it ends in their destruction here on the earth and in many cases their eternal damnation in hell. Here again is what Albert Barnes had to say concerning men and women drowning in destruction and perdition, "The word which is here rendered, 'drown' - buthizō - means, to 'sink in the' deep, or, 'to cause to sink;' and the meaning here is, that they become submerged as a ship that sinks. The idea of drowning is not properly that of the Apostle, but the image is that of a wreck, where a ship and all that is in it go down together. The destruction is complete. There is a total ruin of happiness, of virtue, of reputation, and of the soul. The ruling desire to be rich leads on a train of follies which ruins everything here, and hereafter. How many of the human family have thus been destroyed!"

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…