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…
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.
Wednesday, July 18, 2018
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…
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 39
Paul Instructs Timothy on being a Good Servant of our Lord Jesus Christ Part 3
1 Timothy 4:10-11 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. KJV
Paul concludes this brief but well informative discourse to Brother Timothy concerning his being a good faithful servant to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ with these powerful words that are true of every non-compromising, non-bending, or non-yielding Christian who will not succumb to the relentless pressure exerted by the devil upon them/us through the human instruments used by him to apostatize the visible church turning many of them into a mockery of what Christ true Church truly is, Paul writes this now to Timothy, "For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe." (1 Timothy 4:10) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes here, 'for therefore we both labor and suffer reproach', first of all he is saying to this end or conclusion, that is, the end or conclusion of being a good faithful servant of Christ no matter what we do, these things speaking of himself and Timothy wanting to reassure him that he (Paul) has and is currently under the same pressure, problems, and persecution as Timothy because of both their stances for the truth of the Gospel of Christ.
The English word 'labor' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word kopiaō which means to feel fatigue; by implication to work hard: - (bestow) labour, toil, be wearied. The little English phrase 'suffer reproach' used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word oneidezō which means to defame, that is, rail at, chide, taunt: - or disgrace. In other words, Paul declares to Timothy that both their lives (as faithful servants of Christ) have been and will continue to be marked by defamation, that is, abusive attacks on their character and good name simply because of their stance for the truth of Christ being the One True and Only God and the acceptance and belief in the Gospel of Christ as the only way for sinful man to see heaven, for Paul spoke of his laboring and suffering for the truth of the Gospel of Grace with these words to the Colossian Church, "Him we preach {and} proclaim, warning {and} admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One). For this I labor [unto weariness], striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles {and} works within me." (Colossians 1:28-29) (Amplified Bible).
However, this railing and taunting, and shaming was not all that each of these men endured, for the Apostle Paul was literally stoned to death, beaten with rods, and imprisoned many times simply and only for preaching and proclaiming the Gospel everywhere he went, yet this was not a strange or foreign thing to Paul and he wanted young Timothy to be empowered, encouraged, and even energized by what he has witnessed Paul endure in order that he would always stand for the truth no matter what, remembering these words of our Lord Jesus when He said, "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection {and} would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you. Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word {and} obeyed My teachings, they will also keep {and} obey yours. But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name {and} on My account, for they do not know {or} understand the One Who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin [would be blameless]; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates Me also hates My Father." (John 15:18-23) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning suffering reproach, "Godly people must labor and expect reproach; they must do well, and yet expect at the same time to suffer ill: toil and trouble are to be expected by us in this world, not only as men, but as saints."
When Paul writes these words here to Timothy, 'because we trust in the living God', he means that their is no amount of shaming, threatening, or even physical violence that will dismay, demoralize, or discourage them/us from believing the truth of God and the truth of the Gospel, just as we remember the first disciples doing when they were threatened as documented for us by Dr. Luke, "But in order that it may not spread further among the people {and} the nation, let us warn {and} forbid them with a stern threat to speak any more to anyone in this name [or about this Person]. [So] they summoned them and imperatively instructed them not to converse in any way {or} teach at all in {or} about the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied to them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you {and} obey you rather than God, you must decide (judge). But we [ourselves] cannot help telling what we have seen and heard. Then when [the rulers and council members] had further threatened them, they let them go, not seeing how they could secure a conviction against them because of the people; for everybody was praising {and} glorifying God for what had occurred." (Acts 4:17-21) (Amplified Bible). The little English phrase 'we trust' is translated by the Greek word elpizō meaning to expect or confide: - have hope, trust.
The next little section of this verse has caused much confusion throughout many centuries and it has caused many to believe in the Universal Fatherhood of God to all men/women declaring that everyone will be saved or is already saved, it is these words, 'who is the Savior of all men'. Now the message Paul is here transmitting to Brother Timothy is not that God has saved all of humanity, for if that were the case then why would Paul have just written how much he labored and strived to declare the Gospel of Christ, for if God were already the Savior of all sinful men/women then Christ coming to the earth and dying on the Cross would have not been necessary, but it was and it remains the only way sinful men/women can ever be reconciled back to God. So, then what does Paul mean here with these words, 'who is the Savior of all men', he simply means that by virtue of Christ Incarnation and His living of a sinless life satisfying the perfection of God and His willingness to sacrifice His perfect sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21) for humanities wicked sinful life by His death on the Cross (shedding His Blood) and then His resurrrection from the dead, God has provided a Sacrifice, a Savior for all men/women (John 3:16), but sinful men/women must believe the Gospel to receive the salvation that is on the table for all men/women, that is, only those that believe are actually saved and this belief is not just head belief, but a surrender and trusting in Jesus Christ as the only sacrifice for sin and as the only way to heaven (John 14:6). Paul then instructs Timothy with these words concerning all that he wrote earlier, "These things command and teach." (1 Timothy 4:11) (KJV). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this short and simple instruction to Timothy, "Let it be the sum and substance of thy preaching, that true religion is profitable for both worlds; that vice destroys both body and soul; that Christ tasted death for every man; and that He saves to the uttermost all them that believe in His name."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 4:10-11 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. KJV
Paul concludes this brief but well informative discourse to Brother Timothy concerning his being a good faithful servant to our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ with these powerful words that are true of every non-compromising, non-bending, or non-yielding Christian who will not succumb to the relentless pressure exerted by the devil upon them/us through the human instruments used by him to apostatize the visible church turning many of them into a mockery of what Christ true Church truly is, Paul writes this now to Timothy, "For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, specially of those that believe." (1 Timothy 4:10) (Amplified Bible). When Paul writes here, 'for therefore we both labor and suffer reproach', first of all he is saying to this end or conclusion, that is, the end or conclusion of being a good faithful servant of Christ no matter what we do, these things speaking of himself and Timothy wanting to reassure him that he (Paul) has and is currently under the same pressure, problems, and persecution as Timothy because of both their stances for the truth of the Gospel of Christ.
The English word 'labor' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word kopiaō which means to feel fatigue; by implication to work hard: - (bestow) labour, toil, be wearied. The little English phrase 'suffer reproach' used here by Paul is translated by the Greek word oneidezō which means to defame, that is, rail at, chide, taunt: - or disgrace. In other words, Paul declares to Timothy that both their lives (as faithful servants of Christ) have been and will continue to be marked by defamation, that is, abusive attacks on their character and good name simply because of their stance for the truth of Christ being the One True and Only God and the acceptance and belief in the Gospel of Christ as the only way for sinful man to see heaven, for Paul spoke of his laboring and suffering for the truth of the Gospel of Grace with these words to the Colossian Church, "Him we preach {and} proclaim, warning {and} admonishing everyone and instructing everyone in all wisdom (comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God), that we may present every person mature (full-grown, fully initiated, complete, and perfect) in Christ (the Anointed One). For this I labor [unto weariness], striving with all the superhuman energy which He so mightily enkindles {and} works within me." (Colossians 1:28-29) (Amplified Bible).
However, this railing and taunting, and shaming was not all that each of these men endured, for the Apostle Paul was literally stoned to death, beaten with rods, and imprisoned many times simply and only for preaching and proclaiming the Gospel everywhere he went, yet this was not a strange or foreign thing to Paul and he wanted young Timothy to be empowered, encouraged, and even energized by what he has witnessed Paul endure in order that he would always stand for the truth no matter what, remembering these words of our Lord Jesus when He said, "If the world hates you, know that it hated Me before it hated you. If you belonged to the world, the world would treat you with affection {and} would love you as its own. But because you are not of the world [no longer one with it], but I have chosen (selected) you out of the world, the world hates (detests) you. Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word {and} obeyed My teachings, they will also keep {and} obey yours. But they will do all this to you [inflict all this suffering on you] because of [your bearing] My name {and} on My account, for they do not know {or} understand the One Who sent Me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin [would be blameless]; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates Me also hates My Father." (John 15:18-23) (Amplified Bible). Here is what Matthew Henry had to say concerning suffering reproach, "Godly people must labor and expect reproach; they must do well, and yet expect at the same time to suffer ill: toil and trouble are to be expected by us in this world, not only as men, but as saints."
When Paul writes these words here to Timothy, 'because we trust in the living God', he means that their is no amount of shaming, threatening, or even physical violence that will dismay, demoralize, or discourage them/us from believing the truth of God and the truth of the Gospel, just as we remember the first disciples doing when they were threatened as documented for us by Dr. Luke, "But in order that it may not spread further among the people {and} the nation, let us warn {and} forbid them with a stern threat to speak any more to anyone in this name [or about this Person]. [So] they summoned them and imperatively instructed them not to converse in any way {or} teach at all in {or} about the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied to them, Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you {and} obey you rather than God, you must decide (judge). But we [ourselves] cannot help telling what we have seen and heard. Then when [the rulers and council members] had further threatened them, they let them go, not seeing how they could secure a conviction against them because of the people; for everybody was praising {and} glorifying God for what had occurred." (Acts 4:17-21) (Amplified Bible). The little English phrase 'we trust' is translated by the Greek word elpizō meaning to expect or confide: - have hope, trust.
The next little section of this verse has caused much confusion throughout many centuries and it has caused many to believe in the Universal Fatherhood of God to all men/women declaring that everyone will be saved or is already saved, it is these words, 'who is the Savior of all men'. Now the message Paul is here transmitting to Brother Timothy is not that God has saved all of humanity, for if that were the case then why would Paul have just written how much he labored and strived to declare the Gospel of Christ, for if God were already the Savior of all sinful men/women then Christ coming to the earth and dying on the Cross would have not been necessary, but it was and it remains the only way sinful men/women can ever be reconciled back to God. So, then what does Paul mean here with these words, 'who is the Savior of all men', he simply means that by virtue of Christ Incarnation and His living of a sinless life satisfying the perfection of God and His willingness to sacrifice His perfect sinless life (2 Corinthians 5:21) for humanities wicked sinful life by His death on the Cross (shedding His Blood) and then His resurrrection from the dead, God has provided a Sacrifice, a Savior for all men/women (John 3:16), but sinful men/women must believe the Gospel to receive the salvation that is on the table for all men/women, that is, only those that believe are actually saved and this belief is not just head belief, but a surrender and trusting in Jesus Christ as the only sacrifice for sin and as the only way to heaven (John 14:6). Paul then instructs Timothy with these words concerning all that he wrote earlier, "These things command and teach." (1 Timothy 4:11) (KJV). Here is what Adam Clarke had to say about this short and simple instruction to Timothy, "Let it be the sum and substance of thy preaching, that true religion is profitable for both worlds; that vice destroys both body and soul; that Christ tasted death for every man; and that He saves to the uttermost all them that believe in His name."
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Paul's Exhortations & Instructions to Brother Timothy 1st Letter Volume 38
Paul Instructs Timothy on being a Good Servant of our Lord Jesus Christ Part 2
1 Timothy 4:8-9 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. KJV
Exercise today has grown around the world into a multi-billion or even trillion dollar business. You can find today on social media men and women constantly and continually advertising to others that their particular method of weight training and cardio training is the best and that if the person send them money, they will receive a workout plan (with video exercise routines) along with a meal plan that will transform their bodies into the best they have ever been, likewise, many people who are seeking to lose weight are told by each of these exercise gurus that they can have them shedding pounds in large quantity soon after signing up with them. The Apostle Paul knew something about the physical fitness of top athletes, for it is certain that he was a frequent spectator at the Greek games (which at that time were equivalent to our Olympics today). Although, it is not clear from Scripture if the Apostle himself ever participated as an athlete, but it is my opinion as a young man (a young Jewish Pharisee), he was an athlete of some sort by virtue of the way he uses it (in the physical) to compare to his new life 'in Christ' now in the spiritual.
For let us not forget this exhortation to the Church @ Corinth, when he wanted to encourage them and we true believers today to exercise themselves/ourselves spiritually for the imperishable crown of life that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Himself will present to everyone of His sons and daughters, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] {and} make it yours. Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately {and} restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither. Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air {and} striking without an adversary. But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel {and} things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) (Amplified Bible).
The idea that he gave here to the Corinthians is now the same he is giving to Brother Timothy as he writes these words to him, "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (1 Timothy 4:8) (KJV). The English words 'profiteth' and 'profitable' are both translated by the same Greek word ōphelimos which means helpful or serviceable, that is, advantageous: - profitable. In other words, to exercise the physical body is a good thing, a helpful thing, and even profitable to the person who makes it a regular part of their life, however, it is only profitable for a little while, for no matter how much someone exercises their physical body, it will still die and turn back into the dust of the earth from which God the Father formed it in the beginning with the first man Adam, as we are reminded by the Apostle James with these words, "Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such {and} such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air]." (James 4:13-14) (Amplified Bible).
However, Paul declares the exercise of 'godliness' to be profitable for this vapor of a life now and more so for the life that is enduring, endless, and everlasting that we will live in heaven with Christ Jesus our Lord. Again as we declared in the very last study/commentary the English word 'godliness' is translated by the Greek word eusebeia which means piety; specifically the Gospel scheme: - godliness, holiness. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the profitability of godliness for this life and the one to come, "By godliness we are to understand every thing that the Christian religion either promises or prescribes: the life of God in the soul of man; and the glory of God as the object and end of that life. To receive the first, a man must renounce his sins, deny himself, take up his cross, and follow his Lord through evil and through good report. To obtain the latter, a man must labor to enter into that rest which remains for the people of God. The man that fears, loves, and serves God, has God’s blessing all through life. His religion saves him from all those excesses, both in action and passion, which sap the foundations of life, and render existence itself often a burden. The peace and love of God in the heart produces a serenity and calm which cause the lamp of life to burn clear, strong, and permanent. Evil and disorderly passions obscure and stifle the vital spark. Every truly religious man extracts the uttermost good out of life itself, and through the Divine blessing gets the uttermost good that is in life; and, what is better than all, acquires a full preparation here below for an eternal life of glory above. Thus godliness has the promise of, and secures the blessings of, both worlds."
Paul cements this idea of godliness or the exercising of it being more profitable than the temporary exercise of the physical body that is destined to return to the dust of the earth, by writing these words to Timothy and to we believers today declaring the truthfulness and the trustworthiness of what he just wrote in verse 8, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation." (1 Timothy 4:9) (KJV). The little English phrase 'This is a faithful' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word pistos which means objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful: - believing, sure, and true. The English word 'worthy' is translated by the Greek word axios meaning deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise): - due reward, meet. The English word 'acceptation' is translated by the Greek word apodochē which means to take fully, that is, welcome (persons), approve (things): - accept, or acceptance, to receive (gladly). In other words, the Apostle Paul declares to Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation that what he has written concerning bodily exercise and the exercise of godliness is more than worthy of everyone's acceptance because it comes directly from the heart and mind of God and it is sure and true and completely trustworthy, for God cannot lie as it is written by this same Apostle Paul to Brother Titus with these words, "[Resting] in the hope of eternal life, [life] which the ever truthful God Who cannot deceive/lie promised before the world {or} the ages of time began." (Titus 1:2) (Amplified Bible).
"The never ending search by men and women for the supposed fountain of youth has served to make many scammers, scoundrels, and swindlers rich over the centuries because the vainness of men and women throughout time has always been and will always be, however, no matter how hard men and women work to look younger or to stay young, it is only a mirage or an illusion for the physical body is doomed, determined, and destined for decay and no man or woman will escape, therefore, to seek eternal life in the flesh is what people want and desire, so they don't have to deal with this Jesus stuff, but everyone has a one on one interview with Jesus Christ whether they believe it or not for this will happen not maybe or probably but surely, 'That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess {and} acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' (Philippians 2:10-11) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
1 Timothy 4:8-9 For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. KJV
Exercise today has grown around the world into a multi-billion or even trillion dollar business. You can find today on social media men and women constantly and continually advertising to others that their particular method of weight training and cardio training is the best and that if the person send them money, they will receive a workout plan (with video exercise routines) along with a meal plan that will transform their bodies into the best they have ever been, likewise, many people who are seeking to lose weight are told by each of these exercise gurus that they can have them shedding pounds in large quantity soon after signing up with them. The Apostle Paul knew something about the physical fitness of top athletes, for it is certain that he was a frequent spectator at the Greek games (which at that time were equivalent to our Olympics today). Although, it is not clear from Scripture if the Apostle himself ever participated as an athlete, but it is my opinion as a young man (a young Jewish Pharisee), he was an athlete of some sort by virtue of the way he uses it (in the physical) to compare to his new life 'in Christ' now in the spiritual.
For let us not forget this exhortation to the Church @ Corinth, when he wanted to encourage them and we true believers today to exercise themselves/ourselves spiritually for the imperishable crown of life that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Himself will present to everyone of His sons and daughters, "Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] {and} make it yours. Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately {and} restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither. Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air {and} striking without an adversary. But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel {and} things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit]." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) (Amplified Bible).
The idea that he gave here to the Corinthians is now the same he is giving to Brother Timothy as he writes these words to him, "For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come." (1 Timothy 4:8) (KJV). The English words 'profiteth' and 'profitable' are both translated by the same Greek word ōphelimos which means helpful or serviceable, that is, advantageous: - profitable. In other words, to exercise the physical body is a good thing, a helpful thing, and even profitable to the person who makes it a regular part of their life, however, it is only profitable for a little while, for no matter how much someone exercises their physical body, it will still die and turn back into the dust of the earth from which God the Father formed it in the beginning with the first man Adam, as we are reminded by the Apostle James with these words, "Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go into such {and} such a city and spend a year there and carry on our business and make money. Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but a wisp of vapor (a puff of smoke, a mist) that is visible for a little while and then disappears [into thin air]." (James 4:13-14) (Amplified Bible).
However, Paul declares the exercise of 'godliness' to be profitable for this vapor of a life now and more so for the life that is enduring, endless, and everlasting that we will live in heaven with Christ Jesus our Lord. Again as we declared in the very last study/commentary the English word 'godliness' is translated by the Greek word eusebeia which means piety; specifically the Gospel scheme: - godliness, holiness. Here is what Adam Clarke had to say concerning the profitability of godliness for this life and the one to come, "By godliness we are to understand every thing that the Christian religion either promises or prescribes: the life of God in the soul of man; and the glory of God as the object and end of that life. To receive the first, a man must renounce his sins, deny himself, take up his cross, and follow his Lord through evil and through good report. To obtain the latter, a man must labor to enter into that rest which remains for the people of God. The man that fears, loves, and serves God, has God’s blessing all through life. His religion saves him from all those excesses, both in action and passion, which sap the foundations of life, and render existence itself often a burden. The peace and love of God in the heart produces a serenity and calm which cause the lamp of life to burn clear, strong, and permanent. Evil and disorderly passions obscure and stifle the vital spark. Every truly religious man extracts the uttermost good out of life itself, and through the Divine blessing gets the uttermost good that is in life; and, what is better than all, acquires a full preparation here below for an eternal life of glory above. Thus godliness has the promise of, and secures the blessings of, both worlds."
Paul cements this idea of godliness or the exercising of it being more profitable than the temporary exercise of the physical body that is destined to return to the dust of the earth, by writing these words to Timothy and to we believers today declaring the truthfulness and the trustworthiness of what he just wrote in verse 8, "This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation." (1 Timothy 4:9) (KJV). The little English phrase 'This is a faithful' that begins this verse is translated by the Greek word pistos which means objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful: - believing, sure, and true. The English word 'worthy' is translated by the Greek word axios meaning deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise): - due reward, meet. The English word 'acceptation' is translated by the Greek word apodochē which means to take fully, that is, welcome (persons), approve (things): - accept, or acceptance, to receive (gladly). In other words, the Apostle Paul declares to Timothy and we true believers today and of every era and generation that what he has written concerning bodily exercise and the exercise of godliness is more than worthy of everyone's acceptance because it comes directly from the heart and mind of God and it is sure and true and completely trustworthy, for God cannot lie as it is written by this same Apostle Paul to Brother Titus with these words, "[Resting] in the hope of eternal life, [life] which the ever truthful God Who cannot deceive/lie promised before the world {or} the ages of time began." (Titus 1:2) (Amplified Bible).
"The never ending search by men and women for the supposed fountain of youth has served to make many scammers, scoundrels, and swindlers rich over the centuries because the vainness of men and women throughout time has always been and will always be, however, no matter how hard men and women work to look younger or to stay young, it is only a mirage or an illusion for the physical body is doomed, determined, and destined for decay and no man or woman will escape, therefore, to seek eternal life in the flesh is what people want and desire, so they don't have to deal with this Jesus stuff, but everyone has a one on one interview with Jesus Christ whether they believe it or not for this will happen not maybe or probably but surely, 'That in (at) the name of Jesus every knee should (must) bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, And every tongue [frankly and openly] confess {and} acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' (Philippians 2:10-11) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...
Sincerely in Christ,
Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…
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