The Most Important Question You'll ever be Asked:

The Most Important Question You'll ever be Asked:

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Tuesday, December 31, 2013

1 Timothy 5:1-2


Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.


    The Body of Christ is meant to be a spiritual family. When you have a grievance or know that an older man is in error, entreat him as you would your father. Webster’s 1828 defines entreat as “to ask earnestly ; to beseech ; to petition or pray with urgency….” Treat older men as fathers. Treat younger men as brothers. Treat older women as mothers and younger women as sisters. With what? All purity. A young man may treat older men as fathers, younger men as brothers, and older women as mothers; yet lustfully chase the younger women in the Church. A young woman may treat older men as fathers, older women as mothers and younger women as sisters; yet flirt with many of the young men in the Body of Christ. Likewise older men and women can fail to conduct themselves with purity toward one another or those younger. This a grave error. We are to treat all with purity.

1 Tim 5:1-2 (KJV)

Monday, December 30, 2013

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.

 

     Take yourself seriously. Examine your life and doctrine (teaching and beliefs you hold to) and continue in the truth. In doing this you not only “save” yourself by staying on the straight and narrow and not falling away; but likewise you become a hedge for those that hear you. Titus 2:6-8 reiterates this principle: “Young men likewise exhort to be sober minded. In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”

 

     Take some time to sit still and meditate on these verses today.

1 Tim 4:16 (KJV)

Sunday, December 29, 2013

1 Timothy 4:14-15


 Neglect not the gift that is in thee,

 

    God has given every Christian a gift to minister to others the multi-faceted grace of God. Peter puts it this way: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen (1 Peter 4:10-11, KJV).”

 
 which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
 

      The Holy Spirit is the one that bestows gifts to the Believer. Some Believers have one gift, some a few, and some many, but each one has been given his gift(s) by the will of the Lord. Timothy was given his gift at a time when the presbytery, that is a group of elders, laid their hands on him and prayed. Scripture warns about being hasty about laying on hands, most likely because laying on hands is meant to be a time when God blesses, sends out, and equips as well as comforts (James, Acts, 1 Timothy).

 

15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.

 

      The things that Paul has written, he bids Timothy to meditate upon. It is meditation, not memorization that is powerful (Joshua 1:8); therefore, Paul tells Timothy to meditate, contemplate, chew on, ponder the things that have been written to him and to give himself wholly to them, not holding back in fear or reservation. And if he does this, Paul guarantees that Timothy’s profiting from mediation (a close walk with the Lord, a wise walk, and Holy Spirit anointed) will appear to all.

1 Tim 4:14-15 (KJV)


 

Saturday, December 28, 2013

1 Timothy 4:12-13


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.


    Can a man despise your youthfulness? Don’t give them opportunity to. In the strength of Christ’s Spirit, the very Spirit who raised Christ from the dead and dwells within the Believer, be an example to all the Believers. Be an example, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit (attitude), in faith and in purity. Seek the Lord, He will reveal how you are to do all these things.
 

13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.

 
 Notice the things that Paul says to do:

1) give attendance to reading what? The Word of God. I don’t know about you, but I have never been in a Church service where only the Words of Scripture were read and everyone else listened, but that seems to be what Paul is saying to do.

2) To exhortation—now this word carries with it two ideas. The first is the idea of warning, admonishing, and “taking someone to the side” to counsel them about the consequences of their actions if they do not pay attention and stay alert. The other is encouraging. Notice how both warning and encouraging someone are wrapped up in the same word—that tells us something about what encouragement should be, doesn’t it? Biblical encouragement is far more than giving a pat on the back and saying “good job.”

 3) to doctrine. What is doctrine? Doctrine simply means teaching on a subject/theme.

    So Paul tells Timothy, keep reading the Bible, admonishing/encouraging, and teaching sound doctrine till I come. May we live lives continuing in these things as well.

1 Tim 4:12-13 (KJV)

Friday, December 27, 2013

1 Timothy 4:10-11


10 For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. 11 These things command and teach.

     We are to labor to live a life of godliness: a life that is simply focused on Christ. And out of our love for Christ, we will obey Him and we will love others as He did for our heart is in tune with His heart. As we labor for this type of life, we will suffer reproach, but don’t be disheartened, for we trust in the living God, who has laid down His life to save all men and is especially regarded as Savior by those who Believe on His Name.

      After all the things in spoken Paul’s letter up to this point, he commands Timothy to command and teach. It is very interesting that he uses the word command. We live in an American culture today that almost rebels against the idea of commanding anyone to do anything; yet Paul said to Timothy: Command and teach these things to the Body of Christ—the flock—under your care. Go and do likewise.

1 Tim 4:10-11 (KJV)

Thursday, December 26, 2013

1 Timothy 2:7-8


 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.

     As we saw earlier on in Chapter 1, Paul was commissioned by the Lord, to be an Apostle to the Gentiles to declare the Gospel. Here, Paul states this fact again. Adding that he is a teacher of Faith and Truth and ordained to be a preacher. This “ordination” carries with it some significance. First of all, Paul was ordained to be a preacher. In Romans 10, the Word says how shall they (Gentiles, Lost) hear (the Gospel, Truth) without a Preacher?

        In Noah Webster’s 1828 dictionary, ordain is defined as to appoint, to prepare, so set apart for an office. Ordainable as “appointable” and ordained  as appointed, instituted, established, invested with ministerial or pastoral functions, settled.
 
         Paul was not ordained by mere men, although the local church did send them out as missionaries; but was ordained (appointed, set apart) by God to be minster. Here we see the important principle of a God-ordained calling. God can call a man to anything, not just “ministry.” Have you sought God and asked Him what your calling is?

 8 I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.

1 Tim 2:7-8 (KJV)

     In the time period Paul lived in, it was common for men to pray standing with their hands lifted toward heaven. Even pagan idol worshipers would do this. Paul says, that he wants Christian men everywhere to lift up their hands (a sign of surrender and trust in the Lord) without wrath (anger) or doubting. Something just happens, men, when you lift your hands to the Lord and pray. It is like a burden is lifted, anger disciples, and doubt flees as your full attention is on the Lord. I encourage you as Paul did, lift up your hands in prayer.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

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. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation.

       Bodily exercise seems the focus of our culture. Getting slim and trim does not mean that you are healthy thought. It is far more important, to be balanced spiritually. When you are at peace with God through Jesus Christ and in relationship with Him and in fellowship with the Body of Christ, your life will be much better than a stressed out struggle for success. It is a faithful saying that we should accept: bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable unto all things; having a promise of life with Christ now and eternal life that is to come.

1 Tim 4:8-9 (KJV)

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

1 Timothy 4:6-7


If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ,


      A large part of the minister’s work is to simply remind the brethren of the Truth of Scripture. Likewise, a father should remind his family of the Word of God over and over again throughout the time that he has been given the privilege of being with them. It is not about fancy speech or clever analogies that make a good minister. No, it is simply teaching and reiterating the truth of God!

 nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness

      As the Body of Christ is reminded of the Word, they are nourished by words of faith, sound doctrine (teaching, in line with the whole counsel of God). But profane and old wives fables refuse! Refuse profanity and mere homespun wisdom that carries with it superstition and not the truth! Rather, exercise, devote yourself, invest in godliness. Focus your attention on Christ and living a life of holiness serving the Lord. Without holiness no one will see the Lord.

1 Tim 4:6-7 (KJV)

Monday, December 23, 2013

1 Timothy 4:3-5



 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: 5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

     Today, we see these signs of the times that the Holy Spirit revealed through Paul: people are forbidding young people to marry. The common philosophy is wait till you’ve been on your own a while, gone to college and been independent, then get married in your mid to late twenties or even early thirties. This is causing a huge birth decline in our country and possibly even being a large contributor to divorce (since people expect to be independent and married instead of sacrificing their own desires for their spouse). In addition, many choose to simply co-habitate as opposed to marriage.

     Likewise, new “diets” and health plans are everywhere forbidding people to eat this and that. What does God have to say about all of it: everything (food) God created is to be received with thanksgiving and prayer—it sanctified (made holy). Now I am not saying that someone with a food allergy should eat what causes an allergic reaction, what I am saying is that we do not need to raise questions of conscience about everything we eat. Today, many are so concerned and worried about their heath that they cannot really enjoy their food. As a matter of fact, when one is constantly stressed out, bitter, or questioning, it has harmful affects on the body: osteoporosis, ulcers, anxiety disorders, insomnia, etc… God’s Word reveals that these things will happen, mostly through the Proverbs, and medical science has caught up with the truth of God’s Word today to see that how people perceive things really does affect them. As I read one doctor say some time ago in a Bible Study text, “It isn’t what you eat, but what eats you.”

    Receive your food with thankfulness and joy! It is consecrated, it is sanctified by the Word of God and prayer. God Himself told Peter to go, kill, and eat snakes, pigs, and other “unclean animals” (Acts). And do not fall prey to the commands of men regarding marriage. Follow the Lord, if you seek Him and Wisdom, He will mature you and guide you to the woman (or man if you are a woman) that you are too marry. He will give you understanding. Follow the Lord!

1 Tim 4:3-5 (KJV)

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Yielded Ground


    Yielded Ground. The Bible tells us not to give place, that is opportunity to the Devil (Eph 4:27). When we do, we yield ground in the domain of our heart. Bitterness, lust, envy, fears, hate, discouragement, and depression our matters of our heart. They are the fruit of Satan getting his foot in the door. When we trust in the Lord, we have peace that passes all understanding. Is there something you’re struggling with? Examine your heart in the a quiet, solitary place before the Lord.

 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:6-7 (KJV)

   Remember the things that you have learned in your Walk. Recall with Joy that your names are written in Heaven! Recall the fact that God is sovereign and reigns over all. There is no logical reason to worry when God holds everything in His hand. Nothing can defeat God’s perfect will.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you

Phil 4:8-9 (KJV)
 

     Have you surrendered “ground” in the domain of your heart to the world, the flesh, or the devil? Examine yourself in a quiet place. Get still before God. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you have violated guarding the gate ways of your soul (your eyes and ears that pave the way to your mind and heart). Some areas to consider if you have given Satan an opportunity in are: the music you listen to, the people you are buddy-buddy with, talk shows, podcasts, false prophets/teachers you sit under, books you read, television programs, advertisements, businesses, organizations/people you are partnered with.

      Re-read the Scriptures mentioned today. Are you letting the Peace of God reign in your life? Whatever is not of Faith is sin (Romans). Let the Peace of God rule (call the shots) in your life.
 
 

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Came as a Baby to be a Savior and Coming to be King


 

 Came as a Baby to be a Savior and Coming to be King  


 Jesus was  born in Bethlehem, fulfilling the prophecy in Micah 5:2. Conceived by the Holy Spirit in a virgin named Mary, He was born fully God and fully man. Jesus came as a baby to be our Savoir, the Messiah!

Messiah Jesus came to bring life to us through His grace. It was His coming which opened the door to the salvation of the gentile masses. However, Jesus was not sent to the gentiles, but the lost sheep of Israel to equip those who were His followers so that they could  evangelize the entire world after He left.

The short story is that Jesus lived a sinless life, was crucified on the cross, died, and rose again! One of the reasons Jesus came was to set the captive free, and to open the eyes of the spiritually blind and the ears of the spiritually deaf (both were symbolized in His healing of physical blindness and deafness).  

Jesus Christ came as a Savior, but He’s coming back again as King! One day, He will return to destroy this evil world and set up a new kingdom. He is coming in power and glory; whereas, last time He came in servanthood, humility, and suffering. Be Prepared—Christ is King and He is coming back!

My Soul Return to Rest, for the Lord hath dealt Bountifully with thee!


Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the Lord hath

dealt bountifully with thee. Psalms 116:7 (KJV)

 

     In Christ, we have peace that passes all understanding. In the Hand of the Almighty, our soul can rest in peace in the presence of the Lord amidst horrendous circumstances and persecution. Did not David have God’s fellowship and rest in the midst of running for his life for years? Did not Paul rejoice in spite of his beatings and sing at midnight hymns of praise though being bound hand and foot? Return unto they rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee!

Friday, December 20, 2013

Christ-mas


Christ-mas

The Word puts Christ’s coming so clearly:

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6-7 (KJV)

Do not place your confidence in Princes (leaders, rulers)


It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes.  Psalms 118:9 (KJV)

 

       Our confidence is not placed in princes—government officials, leaders or those who guide us. For we know that the men we place our hopes in inevitably will fall for they are finite. Even the most righteous man on the earth is not perfect and is a sinner. But our hope is not in man or in a ruler, it is in God! The Almighty! Our Father! Our King! Our Provider! Our Salvation! Our Refuge!

 

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Don't place your confidence in Man


It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. Psalms 118:8 (KJV)

 

      How vain it is for us to place our confidence—our trust, our hope, our security, our encouragement, our support in man. Man will fail us, it is inevitable for he is finite. Plus, fearing man produces no freedom, but only bondage and a hindrance to obediently following the Lord. Instead of fearing man, may you trust in the Lord and serve (fear) Him only. Place your confidence in His! Place your trust.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

1 Timothy 4:1-2


Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith,

     We see a great departure of those who have grown up in the church and claim Faith in Christ departing not only from local congregations, but from sound doctrines.

 giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

       There are people who may be in “a church” but are not following the Word, they are following Satan and his minions that “come as an angel of light.” This is seen through “small” compromises at first like the social gospel and watering down of Scriptural truth. But it can progress much, much farther—even to the point where “churches” select homosexual pastors and approve of sensual activity in the congregation.

 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

       These who have departed from the Faith, may not have departed from our churches. We do not need to be fearful, but we do need to be alert, sober, and discerning. Those who have given heed to theses seducing spirits and even doctrines (teachings) of demons speak lies hypocritically. Many times they claim equality for all and tolerance while they viscously attack groups that they hate. In addition, their consciences become seared with a hot iron—they have hard hearts, have pushed away the Spirit of God who came many times pleading with them to come to Jesus (the Way, the Truth, and the Life). Take heed, if Paul, Jesus, and Peter dealt with those who had departed from the Faith and become false teachers and false prophets, what exemption will you have? Draw close to the Lord, focus on Him and remain humble.

 1 Tim 4:1-2 (KJV)

Monday, December 16, 2013

1 Timothy 3:16



And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

1 Tim 3:16 (KJV)

     The Gospel—the mystery of a new life of godliness—is without controversy. The evidences for Jesus existence, His fulfillment of prophecies and His miraculous resurrection are all historical facts. The Gospel and its power is without controversy! Christ (the God-man) was made manifest to mankind in flesh and blood; Christ paid the price for our sin, justifying us in the Spirit so that we can have fellowship (relationship) with God; Christ was seen of angels; Christ is preached to the Gentiles (non-Jews that He did not really minister to during His time with us, but His followers have); Christ is believed on throughout the world; and Jesus Christ has been raptured up in Glory to heaven! And He is returning again for us! Until then, we are to remain ready, alert and occupying the earth as servants of the Lord and putting economics, business, education, government, churches, and everything else under the Lordship of Christ and His Word as we are placed in spheres of influence by the Lord. We do not by violence take over these areas, we lead by truth and set the example by clearly setting up Biblical guidelines in our spheres of influence and authority.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

1 Timothy 3:14-15


These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:

      Paul hoped to come to Timothy very soon—after all Timothy was his spiritual son and encouraged him greatly. Think of someone who is a very dear and close spiritual friend of yours. This is similar to the type of relationship that Paul had with Timothy.

15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God,

       Paul is writing to Timothy so that if he is not able to get there for a long time, that Timothy may be reminded of how he is to behave himself as the leader of the church he is at. Spiritual leadership is not something to take lightly, no, it must be taken seriously and understanding the power and personal responsibility one has—a man in leadership is accountable to God not only for how he leads, but on what he teaches and how he influences those under his care.

which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

       The Church, not the world or the university, or professor so and so is the pillar and ground of truth! It is not philosophy, psychology, sociology, biology that is the pillar of truth! Nor is it chemistry, social sciences, evolution, Marxism, socialism, capitalism, education, or government that is the answer! The answer is Jesus! He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life! And He is represented by His Body, His Church, His Bride! The Church should take seriously its position of influencing culture with truth, not backing away from the challenge. As Paul reminded Timothy of the true impact of the Church, may we also remember and live with a full conviction that God’s house is the pillar and ground of truth!

1 Tim 3:14-15 (KJV)

Saturday, December 14, 2013

1 Timothy 3:12-13


Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.

        The deacon is to be the husband of one wife and faithful to her. He is to rule their children well. This means that he is to train them, spiritually lead them, and guide and protect them in the fear and admonition of the Lord. Again, I think we should ask Paul’s question, How can a man be a minister—leader—in the House of God if he does not manage his own household well?

 13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

       Those men who faithfully serve as deacons, purchase a good degree, and great boldness in their Faith which is vested in Jesus Christ! Amen! Should God ever call you to be a deacon, look forward to the benefit of the boldness that you will be rewarded with! A few Scriptural examples of this are Stephen and Philip which were deacons, yet also mighty preachers following their service in “menial” tasks of taking care of the widows of the church.

1 Tim 3:12-13 (KJV)

Friday, December 13, 2013

1 Timothy 3:10-11


And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.

    A deacon is supposed to be tested, or proven blameless. He must have a record of faithfulness, not just fancy credentials or a passion to help people. I know this goes against a lot of what we hear today, but God’s Word never says that passion alone is enough of a basis for ministerial leadership. No, faithfulness, calling, and anointing by God is the basis of ministry. But if one blows off that calling, like Esau sold his birthright, the chance can be forever lost to redeem it and walk the path that God intended for you. O that we would seek the Lord and walk according to His ways as His people!

 11 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

      A deacon’s wife, must be grave (sober, level-headed), not slanderous (stating untruths about others to destroy their name and reputation), and faithful in what? In all things. The deacon’s wife must also have a record of being faithful in her lifestyle and devotion to the Lord.

1 Tim 3:10-11 (KJV)

Thursday, December 12, 2013

1 Timothy 3:7-8


Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

      He must have a good report of them which are without. This means that he must be well spoken of by unbelievers. Now, some unbelievers will simply hate him for his Faith. But if a man has integrity, is honest, kind, and loving, even unbelievers will notice and will not have bad things to say about him. If the Pastor does not have anyone outside of the Faith that speaks well of him, this Scripture warns that he will fall in to reproach (correction/needing to be corrected) and the snare of the devil.

 8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;

      Deacons, like pastors, are expected to be sober minded/level headed/realistic (grave); and not gossips or deceptive saying one thing to one party and another thing to another party (doubletongued). In addition, they are not to be given to drunkenness and excessive drinking. The Scripture here does not say that they must abstain from all wine. Likewise, they must not be greedy for money, but humble and content.

1 Tim 3:7-8 (KJV)

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Making Decisions


Today I want to share a few thoughts on Time Management and planning that I picked up from my call with my College/Life coach this Monday.

 To help set goals—(big or small)
1.       List out 30-40+ big picture goals you want to complete in your life

2.       Select the top 10 you feel most strongly called to

3.       Write out how these will help fulfill your life calling (this helps focus your vision)

4.       Decide 3-9 “steps” that you can take this week. Set those as goals. Even if you don’t accomplish them all, you can take steps toward the big picture.

5.       For goals that have a lot of components (like building a website or starting a company) consider making a “one sheet” that lists out every activity that needs to be done in order to accomplish the goal and simply work your way down the list check marking stuff off.
 

     What I have found is that without some goals and plans in place, life is #1 pretty confusing and directionless and #2 you can be thrown of course very easily by having an overwhelming amount of decisions to make quickly. I have seen #2 most evident recently. Getting very exhausted mentally, emotionally and even physically because I have had to wrestle with so many decisions. However, having some plans in place (that can be adjusted by the Lord and are held with an open hand) give a lens through which to view the present. A lot my recent decisions have been largely related to what is Biblical Right and how do I respond as the Bible says. Referring to notes and lists from what I learned in the past as I studied the Word of God and recalling principles helps me to “clear away the fog” and proceed with what I know is Biblical. This doesn’t mean that I am absolutely certain of God’s will, but if I make decisions faithful to what I know His Word teaches, and humble in heart to be directed differently if I am in error by the Spirit of truth, then it takes a lot of the anxiety of making decisions away. Instead there is peace and confidence that, “Wait, God’s Word says this, period. Move on to something else.”

      As my coach told me this week, we are only capable of making so many decisions every day, so if we are making too many we are drained. Goals and plans that we work on free us up from making “new” decisions and give us a new energy for the day.

       Daniel settled a decision in his heart ahead of time and look what happened.


But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself.

Dan 1:8 (KJV)

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

1 Timothy 3:5-6


(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)

     One of the primary qualifications for a minister is that he rules (manages, leads) his house well. Just think through Paul’s Biblical argument: how can a man who cannot minister to his own children, teach them, and manage his own life and relationships with the most important people in his life, then how can he care for the people that make up the Church?

 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

        A minister, must not be a novice, that is new to the Faith and immature. If he is put in a position of pastoral leadership as an immature Christian, Satan will attack him with pride and he if he does, he will fall into the condemnation of the devil. Satan himself was in leadership, but was prideful and thought himself better than God, therefore he was kicked out of heaven.

 1 Tim 3:5-6 (KJV)

Monday, December 9, 2013

1 Timothy 3:3-4


Not given to wine,

     This does not mean that the Pastor never takes a drink of wine, but that he is not addicted to it or controlled by it.

 no striker,

      He does not quickly lash out in temper by physically fighting others.

 not greedy of filthy lucre;

       He is not greedy for money. Especially for ill-gotten, questionable monies—such as money coming from supporting abortion, tobacco, etc….that destroy’s others’ lives though profitable.

 but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

        Instead of the three negative character qualities above, the Pastor is patient. Not one to be incited easily to fighting (though fighting is sometimes necessary) and not greedy (covetous, lusting) for material possessions or keeping up with the Joneses.

 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity

         He leads and manages his household well. His children are parented and submissive. They are respectful. This is a quality that seems to be largely overlooked today. A pastor, must meet the Biblical qualifications. While no man is perfect, there are men out there who meet these qualifications.

1 Tim 3:3-4 (KJV)

Sunday, December 8, 2013

1 Timothy 3:1-2


Chapter 3

 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.

      We are now looking at the qualifications for a Pastor/Elder/Bishop/Overseer. All four of these titles really refer to the same office: a ministry of pastoral leadership of a local flock of the Church. Titus 1 and 1 Peter 5 both talk about this office as well, but as we look at 1 Timothy, Paul is saying that it is a good thing if a man (not a woman) desires the office of bishop (pastor/elder/overseer of the house of God). It is a good work, a life of service, that he desires. However, he must meet certain qualifications, not just desire it. Today, we hear a lot of emphasis on experiencing a call and this is good; but it cannot be divorced from Scriptures clear qualifications.

 2 A bishop then must be blameless,

        Being blameless carries with it the idea of being innocent, not deserving reprimand for wrong actions. In short this man is self controlled and is not bring reproach on the name of Christ through living in a questionable fashion. As we will see in all these requirements, God expects the pastor to set an example through his lifestyle that the flock should follow. He is to be an example and a leader.

 the husband of one wife,

      When this man got married, he should stay married for life. He should not be getting divorced upward of 3x’s as many over half in the American church today do. If he was divorced before accepting Christ, this may not apply; however, the Scripture is very clear that God expects the pastor to set an example in his marriage: by clinging fastly to his wife and not getting divorced over unbiblical grounds (the only Biblical grounds is adultery—Matt. 5). If he has problems and conflict with his wife, he is to love her as Christ loves the Church and gave himself for it (Eph. 5).

 vigilant,

    Vigilance carries with it the meaning of being alert, spiritually awake; ready to detect and avoid danger. In short, the pastor should not be lukewarm, but should be “on fire” for the things of God and in relationship with the Lord and in the Word so that he can detect dangers in doctrine, in lifestyle, in national policy, in beliefs, and in the culture for himself and the flock he is an undershepherd of.

sober,

      The pastor is to be seriously minded, sober; and not caught up in pursuing pleasures and a “good time.” Rather, he is to set the example of carefully living a life that honors the Lord. Not be mere willpower, but by continuous humility and trust in God.

 of good behaviour,

       The pastor should be known for his good behavior, not for losing his temper and showing immaturity through his tongue. This applies not only in his words, but his actions. A helpful illustration is this “Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work be pure, and whether it be right”  (Proverbs 20:11, KJV).

 given to hospitality,

      He should know how to be hospitable. This many times may apply by opening his home, caring for people, and practicing kindness.

 apt to teach;

       This is one is very important. Even if he is not naturally talented to teach, he must be able to. For the role of pastor is largely teaching the flock. Yes he is to lead them, but he cannot effectively lead if he cannot effectively teach. Therefore, he must learn how to clearly teach the truth to others.

1 Timothy 3:1-2 (KJV)

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