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Friday, May 31, 2024
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Bible Study 1 Timothy 4: 1-16
A Commentary of the Book of 1 Timothy
By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins
Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible
Bible Study 1 Timothy 4: 1-16
Text:
Some Will Fall Away
4 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will [a]fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by the hypocrisy of liars, who have been seared in their own conscience, 3 who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God created to be shared in with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
A Good Minister’s Discipline
6 In pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being nourished on the words of the faith and of the [b]sound doctrine which you have been following. 7 But refuse godless myths fit only for old women. On the other hand, train yourself for the purpose of godliness, 8 for bodily training is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 It is a trustworthy saying and deserving full acceptance. 10 For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.
11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but show yourself as a model to those who believe in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity. 13 Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift within you, which was given to you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
Verse by verse commentary:
Verse 1: “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,”
The Holy Spirit states specifically “that in later times some will fall away from the faith.” The “later times” refers to the days of Paul through today. We know from reading chapters 3 and 4 of the Book of Revelation, that churches were struggling with falling away. To “fall away” literally means to apostatize. Apostatizing means to renounce a political or religious belief. When involving a religious belief, it means to rebel against God. “Deceitful spirits” means wandering, roving, and it comes from the word vagabond or deceiver or seducer. In fact, Satan is all those things. They shall give heed to satanic spirits. In our day, the world is full of demonic spirits that are doing their best to corrupt the morals of our young people with sin, pornography, homosexuality, transgenderism and sexual promiscuity. “Doctrines of demons” includes anything that deifies man and reduces God to an ineffective bystander subject to the “free will” of man. The evil doctrines make man’s free will the ultimate power in the universe. This began in Bible times but has grown so much that there are more false Christian churches than legitimate in our day.
Verse 2: “by the hypocrisy of liars, who have been seared in their own conscience,”
“By the hypocrisy of liars” refers to the human false teachers who propagate demon doctrine. Conscience refers to that inward voice that helps one know the difference between right and wrong. Searing is a medical term referring to cauterization. False teachers can teach their hypocritical lies because their consciences have been desensitized. The old time preachers referred to someone who has consistently resisted the gospel message as having “crossed the deadline.” This is someone who no longer has an inner voice wanting to be saved. They are lost and without hope. Paul is warning Timothy about these liars who do so without hesitation.
Verse 3: “who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God created to be shared in with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.”
Neither celibacy nor any form of diet saves or sanctifies. That was the essence of the false teaching. It was perhaps a joint effort of the Jewish sect of the Essenes and Greek gnostics which described the body as evil and the spirit good. False teachers have a tendency to promote a works-based righteousness. They focus on the flesh and not on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Verse 4: “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving,”
The false teachers’ asceticism contradicted Scripture, which teaches that since God created both marriage and food they are good for mankind. Both food and marriage are gifts from God and intended to be enjoyed.
Verse 5: “for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”
“Sanctified” means set apart or dedicated to God for holy use. The means of sanctification are being thankful in prayer and an understanding of the Word of God.
Verse 6: “In pointing out these things to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being nourished on the words of the faith and of the sound doctrine which you have been following.”
Continual feeding on the truths of Scripture is essential to the spiritual health of all Christians. There are parallels between taking care of the physical body and the spirit. The body needs nourishment and exercise to be in good physical health. Likewise, the spirit man needs to feed on the Word of God and exercise. Spiritual exercises include worship, prayer and communion. As we tell others the truth from the Word, you will be a good servant. We are slaves to Christ, but servants to our brothers and sisters.
Verse 7: “But refuse godless myths fit only for old women. On the other hand, train yourself for the purpose of godliness,”
There are a number of home remedies based more on fables than fact. Remember, there was a time that leeches were used to cure blood disorders and remove evil from the body. We want to train ourselves for spiritual war by practicing holiness, righteousness and sanctification. Just like in the physical you exercise, in the spiritual you exercise as well, e.g., prayer, worship, Bible study. Too many people emphasize the don’ts more than they do the exercise of godliness. Don’t neglect the do’s.
Verse 8: “for bodily training is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.”
Bodily exercise is limited both in extent and duration; it affects only the physical body during this earthly life. However, godliness lasts forever throughout all eternity.
Verse 9: “It is a trustworthy saying and deserving full acceptance.”
Paul is emphasizing the point he has just made in the previous verses. In other words, he says, “Here’s something you can count on.” You could count on it in the first century in Ephesus, and you can count on it today. We have a modern saying, “You can take that to the bank.” It is a guarantee.
Verse 10: “For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers.”
Paul provides his reason for his efforts to preach the gospel. The last phrase, “God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers,” can create issues if taken out of context. The verse indicates that God is the Savior of all men, however, it is clear from the Scriptures that not all will be saved. The correct answer is that all men to some extent enjoy a type of salvation, e.g., food, air, a planet that is our home. Believers have the general sense of salvation as non believers, but we have so much more. We have a substitute for our sins, Christ’s imputation of righteousness on our lives, and a promise of eternity with Him.
Verse 11: “Command and teach these things.”
Paul is making sure that Timothy knows he is under divine constraint to follow the command contained in this letter. Timothy is to teach what he has been taught. All good fellow. This is one reason why it is so important to attend a Bible believing church where the Word of God is preached.
Verse 12: “Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but show yourself as a model to those who believe in word, conduct, love, faith, and purity.”
The negative commands here and in v. 14 may suggest that Timothy may have had a tendency towards shyness. Timothy was to be a model in how he lived his life. Christians are to live a sanctified life above reproach walking in genuine holiness of heart.
Verse 13: “Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching.”
Paul’s instruction to Timothy was to be his way of life. “Reading” refers to the custom of public reading of Scripture during the worship service, followed by the explanation and discussion of the passage’s meaning. “Exhortation” challenges those who hear the Word to apply it in their daily lives. In Hebraic thinking, you don’t “hear” something unless it changes you. The Word must be applied to be “heard.” Exhortation could involve rebuke, warning, encouragement, or comfort. “Doctrine” (teaching) refers to systematic teaching from the Word of God, line upon line, precept upon precept.
Verse 14: “Do not neglect the gift within you, which was given to you through prophetic utterance with the laying on of hands by the council of elders.”
The gift in Timothy was grace. The grace of God is a gift from God and all believers have it. The gift was confirmed by the elders when he was publicly recognized and confirmed by apostolic authority.
Verse 15: “Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all.”
This is a reference to Timothy’s spiritual growth in his personal life, his ministry, or perhaps both. This is the believer’s life of sanctification (being set apart and becoming more Christlike every day). His sanctification should be apparent to all.
Verse 16: “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.”
Paul summarizes his instructions to Timothy in this manner to suggest where the false teachers had gone astray, and, hence, where Christians in general can go astray. While the manner of sin can change over time, the nature of sin does not. Paul’s charge to Timothy is applicable to us today. Regarding saving those who heard Timothy, this is not an offense to the doctrine of grace. Timothy could save no one. Salvation is a divine act, but He does use secondary causes, i.e. people and circumstances, to bring His sheep to salvation. In addition, as Timothy walked in holiness, he would be saved as well. Salvation is a divine act, whereas sanctification is a joint effort between the believer and the Holy Spirit.
Thursday, May 23, 2024
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Sunday, May 19, 2024
The Awakening Series Part 2: Mourning Which Leads to Repentance
https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-3hqr8-1617812
Bible Study 1 Timothy 3: 1-16
A Commentary of the Book of 1 Timothy
By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins
Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible
Bible Study 1 Timothy 3: 1-16
Text:
Overseers and Deacons
3 It is a trustworthy saying: if any man aspires to the office of [a]overseer, he desires a good work. 2 [b]An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, 3 not addicted to wine [c]or pugnacious, but considerate, peaceable, free from the love of money; 4 leading his own household well, having his children in submission with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to lead his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 Deacons likewise must be dignified, not [d]double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not fond of dishonest gain, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 And these men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11 [e]Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, leading their children and their own households well. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a [f]high standing and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you soon, 15 but [g]in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how [h]one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16 And by common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:
He who was manifested in the flesh,
Was [i]vindicated [j]in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory.
Verse by verse commentary:
Verse 1: “ It is a trustworthy saying: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a good work.”
The use of the expression “trustworthy” reflects the importance Paul attaches to the task of the overseer. An “overseer” was a bishop. He, not she, was responsible for the oversight of the church in general.
Verse 2: “An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,”
This verse is setting forth the qualifications for overseer or elder. This expression “above reproach” does not mean “without sin,” which would disqualify everyone, but “above scandalous reproach.” Verses like this one have been used to prohibit polygamy, remarriage after a divorce, or marital infidelity. Given the widespread immorality in the first century, the last interpretation would seem to fit Paul’s focus the best. This is consistent with the view that life begins at the cross. When one is “born again” he or she becomes a new creature in Christ. This would not serve as a defense for past criminal actions committed by the new believer against others, but would serve as a fresh start from a spiritual perspective for offenses against God.
Verse 3: “not addicted to wine or pugnacious, but considerate, peaceable, free from the love of money;”
Paul provides both positive and negative qualifications. On the “do not” side, he is not to be an alcoholic, or one known to allow alcohol to affect his judgment and he is not to be eager to fight, not just physically but also verbally. On the positive side, he is to be considerate of others, one that seeks to be a peacemaker, and free from being greedy and stingy. He is to be willing to sacrifice for the Gospel message. I remember an older minister from Michigan. He would not pay for heat in his home so he could have more money to give to missions. It gets cold in Michigan, but he was committed to spreading the Gospel.
Verse 4: “leading his own household well, having his children in submission with all dignity”
The elder’s homelife, like his personal life, must be above reproach. He must be one who “rules” (presides over, has authority over) “his own house” (everything connected with his home, not merely his wife and children) “well” (intrinsically good; excellently). The word “submission” is a military term and means that the elder’s children are walking in the faith as well under his authority. A man with an unsaved child has not ruled his house well. If you can’t take care of your own family, how could you be expected to rule God’s family?
Verse 5: “(but if a man does not know how to lead his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?),”
This is the explanation for the verse above. It is the duty of the husband to lead his wife and children in the ways of God. If the man has done so with his family, we know that he can do the same in the church. However, the contrary is equally true. Failure to produce Godly fruit in the home would disqualify you from a position of authority in the church.
Verse 6: “and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into the condemnation of the devil.”
For a new Christian to move too quickly into a position of authority could be an occasion for pride. The enemy loves to either guilt you or flatter you. The new convert could easily fall into either temptation. The “condemnation of the devil” is the trap of falling into spiritual error and becoming a false teacher. A more mature believer is better equipped for the role of an elder.
Verse 7: “And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.”
A spiritual leader in the church must have an outstanding reputation in the unbelieving community, even though people there may disagree with his stand for Biblical truths. People that don’t respect you will not want to hear what you have to say, especially on matters of religion. This does not mean that an elder is to be liked by everyone, but rather that the elder will give no cause for others to doubt his credibility or honesty.
Verse 8: “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not indulging in much wine, not fond of dishonest gain,”
Deacons are officers in the church alongside overseers or elders. They have similar qualifications, but different roles in the church. Elders deal mostly with spiritual matters and deacons with physical matters, e.g. taking care of widows.
Verse 9: “but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.”
The word “mystery” describes a truth previously hidden, but now revealed, including Christ’s incarnation, Christ’s indwelling of believers by the Holy Spirit, the unification of Jews and Gentiles in the church (one new man), the gospel message of salvation by grace through faith, lawlessness, and the rapture of the church. These things while hidden have now been revealed so as to render all without excuse.
Verse 10: “And these men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.”
This is probably not a specific testing period, but rather a careful examination of their conduct and their commitment to sound teaching over some period of time so that the church leaders would be able to evaluate their suitability for leadership. To be “beyond reproach” is the same Greek synonym used in verse 2 referencing elders. Deacons were held to high moral standards similar to the office of the elder.
Verse 11: “Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.”
Some translations use “wives” instead of “women,” but "women” is the better translation.This verse abruptly interrupts the verses on deacons. Its meaning is contested. The “women” are probably either the wives of the deacons or themselves deacons. Regardless of the intended audience, the point is that women are to live holy lives with dignity and avoid gossip. Both men and women that work in the church are to be faithful in every aspect of their lives.
Verse 12: “Deacons must be husbands of only one wife, leading their children and their own households well.”
I repeat the notes from verse 2: Verses like this one have been used to prohibit polygamy, remarriage after a divorce, or marital infidelity. Given the widespread immorality in the first century, the last interpretation would seem to fit Paul’s focus the best. This is consistent with the view that life begins at the cross. When one is “born again” he or she becomes a new creature in Christ. This would not serve as a defense for past criminal actions committed by the new believer against others, but would serve as a fresh start from a spiritual perspective for offenses against God.
Just like the elders, Deacons have qualifications that must be met to serve in the church. If a man cannot rule his house, he is not qualified to lead in God’s house.
Verse 13: “For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.”
“High standing” means that a deacon who serves well will become known as a man who is to be trusted. “Boldness” means confidence and courage in witnessing. The spiritual requirements should be met by both elders and deacons before they are allowed to represent the church of Christ. Paul was instructing his “son in the faith” on how the church was to be operated, specifically leadership qualifications.
Verse 14: “I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you soon,”
The Greek grammar suggests Paul’s meaning is “These things I write, although I had hoped to come to you sooner.” He was delayed in Macedonia, so Paul sent Timothy this letter. It was important to Paul that Timothy have clear instructions in how to oversee the local church. I find no New Testament Scriptural support for denominations. The only assembly recognized in the New Testament is the local church.
Verse 15: “but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”
Verse 15 explains why he wrote this letter to Timothy, i.e. in case he is delayed. Paul’s intent is to emphasize, to counter the false teachers, that the truth of the gospel is found in and sustained by the body of Christ as manifested in the local church.
Verse 16: “And by common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:
He who was manifested in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory.”
This verse contains part of an early church hymn, as its uniformity, rhythm, and parallelism indicate. Its 6 lines form a concise summary of the truth of the gospel. “Mystery” refers to something hidden in the Old Testament and now revealed in the New Testament. The hymn isd Christ-centered. It speaks of His birth, His message and His ascension. Too many “worship” songs today focus on anything but Christ. Let us commit to sing about and worship the Lord Jesus Christ.
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