#1timothy

The Bible tells us that because of a possible delay, the Apostle Paul wrote some important instructions to Timothy. He had concerns about the church leadership's conduct. In my opinion, I prefer talking to someone in person instead of texting them. Especially when communicating an important or delicate matter, as a potential loss in communication can occur. I am writing these things to you now, even though I hope to be with you soon, so that if I am delayed, you will know how people must conduct themselves in the household of God. This is the church of the living God, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth. 1 Timothy 3:14-15 Free eBook Whether he experienced a delay or not, Paul did his version of texting, which became apart of the Bible. Therefore, today we have become beneficiaries of his inspired wisdom. Jesus, our master teacher, did and taught many things while He lived on earth. John, in his gospel, wrote the following statement about Him. Jesus also did many other things. If they were all written down, I suppose the whole world could not contain the books that would be written. John 21:25 Jesus did those "many things" in the span of 3 years. Paul, on the other hand, spent most of his adult life teaching the teachings of Jesus. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, his writings have also guided many Christians in their walk with the Lord. Counting the book of Hebrews, Paul wrote 14 of the 27 books in the New Testament. Have you ever wondered how the Holy Spirit inspired the biblical text? Or how the writers received the inspirational words written in the Bible pages. These instructions, which Paul wrote because of his delay, came in the second half of this letter. Did he think of this concern earlier, but decide he would rather tell them instead of writing it? Did the Holy Spirit plant the word 'delay' in him, prompting him to add these instructions to the Bible? However it happened, I'm thankful for Paul's obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading.

Because of a Delay, the Bible Includes these Instructions

With all this talk about these instructions making it into the Bible, let's not delay in looking at them. Paul began by referring to what he expected of those in church leadership. So a church leader must be a man whose life is above reproach. 1 Timothy 3:2 The "church leader" in that verse refers to an "overseer" or "elder." Paul expected specific character qualities of these experienced Christian men. Also, they must live above reproach. The word reproach often signifies a loss of honor or reputation, bringing shame upon oneself or one's group. Church leaders must rise above that. He continued with the following requirements. - He must be faithful to his wife. - He must exercise self-control, - live wisely, and have a good reputation. - He must enjoy having guests in his home, - and he must be able to teach. - He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. - He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money. - Also, he must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. 1 Timothy 3:2-4 As he continued, he noted that new Christians cannot serve as church leaders. They must have the respect of people not only in the church, but also outside the church. I, for one, am thankful for Paul's possible delay, which sparked their inclusion in the Bible. Without them, many church leaders could face disgrace and fall into the devil's trap.

Deacons in the Church

He continued by discussing other leaders, specifically those called deacons. Some churches call them by other names. The biblical definition of a deacon simply means a servant or minister. In the same way, deacons must be well respected and have integrity. 1 Timothy 3:8 Like the church leaders, Paul included a list of requirements for these church workers also. - They must not be heavy drinkers or dishonest with money. - They must be committed to the mystery of the faith now revealed - And they must live with a clear conscience. 1 Timothy 3:8-9 - A deacon must be faithful to his wife, - And he must manage his children and household well. 1 Timothy 3:12 While church leaders usually fulfill their calling in a paid position, deacons often serve as volunteers. Look at what the next verse says about the ones who do a good job. Those who do well as deacons will be rewarded with respect from others and will have increased confidence in their faith in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:13

The Mystery of Our Faith

God wants every person to experience His freedom. And everyone can because Jesus paid the price that God required. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 1 Timothy 2:6 God gave us freedom at just the right time. How do we know that? Because God’s timing always occurs at the right time. The question we must first entertain concerns the definition of freedom. In America, we live in the home of the brave and the land of the free. That freedom, however, didn’t come without a price. We celebrate days throughout the year to remember those killed and honor those who fought for our freedom. As much as we enjoy our freedom, that’s not what this verse is talking about. Let’s read the biblical definition of the freedom afforded us by God. Freedom in Christ is not the right to do what we want. But it gives us freedom to live in obedience to the will of God. Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin. So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. John 8:34,36 Early on, the disciples thought that Jesus would free Israel from the bondage of the Roman Empire. But He came to free from sin those who call upon Him and give them eternal life.

The Freedom to Pray

Paul wrote to Timothy, encouraging him in light of the freedom we have from God to pray. I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 1 Timothy 2:1 He needed, however, to also pray the same way for those in authority. In the Psalms, David often prayed that God would strike his enemies down. Now, we pray for and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:2 The apostle went on to say that it pleases God when we pray that way. He wants everyone to come to know Christ and to understand the truth. Because there’s only one path they can take. For, there is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5 After you read the next verse, think about the tremendous spiritual impact that would happen across our nation. Especially if men from every church in America did what this verse says. In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. 1 Timothy 2:8

Instructions for the Women

Paul also gave some instructions to the women as well. Keep in mind, though, that some of what he said addressed the culture of that day. But he also spoke to women of all cultures as well. And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes. 1 Timothy 2:9 Ok, ladies, before this becomes a turn-off to you, let’s look at what the apostle meant. He did not say you can’t dress stylishly, but he did begin the paragraph by emphasizing modesty. Neither did he say that you can’t fix your hair in a way that would add to your beauty. He didn’t say wearing nice jewelry in any form was off-limits. Paul didn’t emphasize any of those things. He said, don’t use them to draw attention to yourself. I want to share an example of an experience my wife and I had once. One day, a young lady came into the office for counseling. She was attractive, and she knew it. She told us she dressed and created an appearance so heads would turn her way. In fact, she was disappointed if men didn’t look at her. Reading a little further in this chapter, the apostle encouraged women to become attractive. But to do it by their devotion to God, not the way women of the world do. For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do. 1 Timothy 2:10

Take Your God Given Freedom

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