Thursday, August 31, 2017

2 TIMOTHY 1:1-7 KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

2 TIMOTHY 1:1-7
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK

2 Timothy 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus,

Susan: The path which Paul is on was not of his own choosing; it was chosen for him by Jesus.

Susie: In fact, you may remember that Paul who was called Saul at the time had been diametrically opposed to Christianity to the point of arresting Christians to be imprisoned or executed. Jesus accosted Him on his way to Damascus to persecute believers and totally turned his life upside down. You may want to read the story of Paul’s conversion in Acts 9.

Susan: On the way to Damascus Saul/Paul was arrested, stopped dead in his tracks, by the blinding light of the glory of Jesus. Jesus confronted Saul about his persecution of those who believed in Jesus as the Messiah. Saul was left blind with instructions to go into the city and wait.

Susie: Meanwhile, the Lord spoke to a man named Ananias, telling him to witness to, to share the good news of salvation in Jesus with, a man named Saul. Ananias was reluctant because Saul’s reputation preceded him. But God assured Ananias that He had a special plan for Saul’s life:

Acts 9:15-16 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel.  For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

Susan: When Ananias obediently visited Saul, he shared the gospel with him and prayed for him. The scales which had caused his blindness miraculously fell from his eyes. His sight was gloriously restored. Jesus’ message began transforming him Saul the persecutor into Paul the persecuted preacher.

Susie: Paul continued to powerfully preach the message of salvation through Jesus Christ alone and is responsible for being the human vessel God used to write much of the New Testament.

2 Timothy 1:2 To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace5485, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

Susie: Paul not only preached, but he discipled many believers training them to share the good news of Jesus’ grace as well. Timothy was not Paul’s biological son but was his “son in the faith,” a young man he had guided and nurtured in understanding God’s word and the gospel message and whom he loved deeply. At the writing of this letter, Paul had entrusted Timothy to pastor the believers in Ephesus.

New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:

5485 Charis – graciousness of manner or act: lit. fig., or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life

Susan: Grace and peace was a greeting used by Paul in all his letters. Grace as defined above was asking the Lord to effect change in Timothy’s life. With the word peace, Paul was indicating his desire that the Lord set Timothy’s life in order, make him whole, and give him rest. Peace refers back to the Hebrew word shalom which has the connotation of “Nothing missing, nothing broken.” Paul also prays mercy for Timothy. God is merciful, compassionate, slow to anger, toward those who place their trust in His Son, Jesus.

2 Timothy 1:3 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;

Susie: Paul was thankful that God had called him, saved him, and given him a clean conscience to serve Him faithfully. Paul had a strong heritage in the Jewish faith. Paul had quite a pedigree:

Philippians 3:4-7 Though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the flesh, I more: Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ.

Susie: His forefathers had worship the true God and anticipated the Messiah, the Anointed One, to come. Paul had now met the Messiah in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and was following His calling to serve Him as His ambassador.

Susan: Paul, Timothy’s father in the faith, nurtured Timothy relentlessly by way of intercessory prayer.

2 Timothy 1:4-5 Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

Susie: Paul longed for Timothy to visit him in person again and remembered that at their previous parting, Timothy had wept. The love between them was mutual, the deep bond of love that the Holy Spirit gives to the family of faith. Paul knew they would experience great joy when they saw each other again. He would love to observe again Timothy’s sincere faith in action.

Susan: Timothy’s heritage of faith stemmed from the maternal influence of both his mother and grandmother. They were devout Jewish women who had converted to Christianity and were strong in their faith in their Messiah, Jesus. Paul that same hunger for righteousness and sincere faith reflected in Timothy as well. Paul eagerly, joyfully accepted his role as Timothy’s spiritual father. Timothy’s biological father was Greek, and as far as we know, was not a Christian.

Acts 16:1 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek:

2 Timothy 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.

Susan: Paul urged Timothy to fan the flame of the faith and continue to pursue his calling to shepherd and teach the believers at Ephesus with fervency. Paul had placed his hands upon Timothy ordaining him, confirming the gift which the Holy Spirit had given him and Paul had recognized and nurtured.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power1411, and of love26, and of a sound4995 mind.

Susie: Perhaps Timothy had been timid, and most certainly he was in the midst of persecution of believers, so Paul reminded him that fear is not from God. Trust in our sovereign Lord overcomes fear.

Susan: Power is the Greek word dunamis indicating a miraculous power.

Susie: Believers are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit Himself. We serve God, not in our own might, but with His.

Philippians 4:13 (AMPC) I have strength for all things in Christ Who empowers me [I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him Who infuses inner strength into me; I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency].

Susan: The Greek word for love is agape, the God kind of love that we are instructed to share. It is a choice to love someone unconditionally.

Susie: The Greek word translated “sound mind” means disciplined and self-controlled. The Lord replaces our fear and timidity with His power, His love, and the mind of Christ which is definitely sound.
Philippians 2:5 (KJV) Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus

Philippians 2:5 (CJB) Let your attitude toward one another be governed by your being in union with the Messiah Yeshua

Philippians 2:5 (VOICE)   In other words, adopt the mind-set of Jesus the Anointed. Live with His attitude in your hearts.



QUESTIONS

1.        Who appointed Paul as an apostle?
2.        What did God show Paul? (Acts 9:15-16)
3.        In what sense was timothy Paul’s son?
4.        What did Paul do day and night concerning Timothy?
5.        Is there someone for whom you are interceding consistently? Are you blessed to have someone who prays that way for you?
6.        What two women were an instrumental, positive influence in Timothy’s life?

7.        God replaces our fear with what attributes?

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

1 TIMOTHY 6:17-21 - RIGHTEOUS WITH RICHES, ETERNAL REWARDS

1 TIMOTHY 6:17-21
RIGHTEOUS WITH RICHES,
ETERNAL REWARDS

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

Susie: Paul does not condemn those who are rich in earthly goods. However, he gives Timothy instructions to pass on to them.

Susan: The rich should not think of themselves as above others just because they are in a higher financial bracket.

Susie: They should not be proud but rather humbly thank God for His blessings.

Susan: This does not just apply to those that have more money than others. Those who a spiritually mature should not have an attitude of “Lording it over” others but should be willing to serve.

Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

Susie: Basically, Christians should not have an attitude of superiority toward their brothers and sisters in the Lord.

Susan: The wealthy should not put their faith and trust in riches of this life which are temporal. Instead they should put their hope in riches of eternal value, number one being salvation by trusting the Lord Jesus.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

1 Timothy 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Susie: Paul encourages the rich to use what God has given them to bless others, to be generous in both good deeds and sharing with others. Nowhere does he say they must give up everything they own, only that they should share generously.

Susan: The rich, and all believers, need to realize, focus on, and trust in those things which are of eternal significance.

Susie: They must invest their time, energy, and money in what really matters—the kingdom and people of God.

The MacArthur Study Bible notes:

Those who make eternal investments will be content to receive their dividends in heaven.

1 Timothy 6:20-21 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace5485 be with thee. Amen.

Susan: Timothy was to keep or guard the truth, the scripture, the revelation from God, the authentic message. He was to make sure his connection, his relationship with the Lord, the source of all truth, was solid. His bond with the Lord should be so strong it could not be severed or unraveled by false teaching. He was to make sure his teaching was built on the true foundation of Jesus.

Susie: He was to avoid those who taught they had some type of “superior knowledge” beyond the gospel message. Those false teachers were leading people astray. Timothy was to consistently lead people back to the truth of salvation by faith in Jesus by the grace of God alone.

Susan: Paul ends his letter with the words, “Grace5485 be with you.” According to Strong’s, grace is “the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life.”

Susie: That is our benediction to you as well: May the Lord’s influence be upon your heart and reflected in your life!




QUESTIONS

1.       What instructions should wealthy Christians follow?
2.       Where should we be building treasure? How do we do that?
3.       What was entrusted to Timothy that he was to guard?
4.       What definition of “grace” was given in this less?

5.       What other definitions or explanations of God’s grace have you learned?

Sunday, August 27, 2017

1 TIMOTHY 6:9-16 FERVENTLY FOLLOW AFTER FAITH

1 TIMOTHY 6:9-16
FERVENTLY FOLLOW AFTER FAITH

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

Susie: Paul is talking about people who have a consuming desire for more and more wealth. In the context, this refers back to the false teachers who see religion as a means to line their own pockets. However, the principle remains the same for all people— Greed leads to temptation.

Susan: Greed—having this world’s riches as one’s primary goal—promotes an endless cycle of gluttony. This results in sin in attitudes and actions that separates them from God. Money becomes their master. Therefore, their ultimate end is destruction.

Matthew 6:24 (AMP) No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].

Susie: This describes a person who is putting their trust in money and things rather than in the Lord Jesus Christ. Trusting their own ability to produce wealth and failing to acknowledge that everything is a gift from God is straying from the truth that Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

Deuteronomy 8:18 But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

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

Susie: Money itself is not evil because as we saw in the cross references from Deuteronomy and James above, God gives us the ability to earn and every good gift is from Him. It is the LOVE of money that causes the problem.

Notes from The MacArthur Study Bible:

Verse 10: Gold has replaced God for these apostates, who have turned away from pursuing the things of God in favor of money.

Susan: We learned in the previous lesson, that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” The opposite is true as well. Godlessness is fed by a gluttonous, greedy attitude. Discontent results from the delusion that grandeur can buy happiness.

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

Notes from The MacArthur Study Bible:

Verses 11-15 The man of God is known by what he: 1) flees from (v. 11); 2) follows after (v. 11); 3) fights for (v. 12); and 4) is faithful to (vv. 13, 14).

Susie: Timothy, and all who desire to live godly, contented lives, should flee these attitudes of greed and gluttony and their by-product of being willing to do anything, even sin, to gain more.

Susan: Instead, they are to passionately pursue the following:

·     Righteousness – having right relationship with God and people
·     Godliness – being set apart by God to be like Jesus in thought, word, and deed
·     Faith – having trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation and being consistent (faithful) in that conviction and testimony
·     Love – loving in a social or moral sense rather than a response to emotion alone, choosing to love
·     Patience – to have perseverance, endurance, fortitude, wait with hope
·     Meekness – a humble attitude and demeanor

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

Susan: Paul encouraged Timothy to be tenacious in his faith in the fact that Jesus had called him to salvation. He was to continue testifying to eternal life through Jesus as he had already been doing. His perseverance in preaching the gospel was evidence of his calling from God.

Susie: Someone who has truly entrusted themselves to the Lord Jesus will exhibit a changed life and will continue to testify, to tell others how to have eternal life.

1 Timothy 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

Susie: Jesus Himself set the example of persevering in true testimony when He proclaimed Himself to be King of the Jews and therefore Messiah before Pontius Pilate even knowing this would lead to His death.

Susan: Paul exhorted Timothy not to be concerned with the consequences of his confession of faith in Jesus. Instead he was to proclaim the gospel, the good news of the scripture, boldly as God’s megaphone.

Susie: This instruction, though given directly to Timothy, applies to all who trust in Jesus. We are to faithfully share the gospel and proclaim the word of God found in the Bible until we die or the Lord returns.

Susan: Jesus who is God in the flesh is the Sovereign to whom Christians should give supreme allegiance.

Susie: God is the true King over all other kings.

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

Exodus 33:20 And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

John 4:24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

Susan: Except in the person of Jesus Christ, God is a spirit and, therefore, invisible. He is too magnificent, awesome, and otherworldly for human eyes to experience.




QUESTIONS

1.       Is it sinful to be rich? Why or why not?
2.       Can a person depend on their money to make them happy? How is true contentment obtained?
3.       What should a Christian pursue more than wealth?
4.       Who is our example of fearlessly testifying to the truth of the Gospel?

5.       Why are we unable to see God with earthly eyes?

Thursday, August 24, 2017

1 TIMOTHY 6:1-8 - GODLLINESS = TRUE CONTENTMENT

1 Timothy 6:1-8
GODLINESS = TRUE CONTENTMENT

1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.

Susie: The word for “servants” can be translated slave but in the Roman society, they were more like indentured servants. Under the yoke does not necessarily imply mistreatment but simply that they were indebted to and bound to their master. Many times, these servants were better off than free men of the working class because their housing, clothing, and food needs were taken care of by their masters. In fact, Jesus uses the illustration that we need to come under His yoke and allow Him to carry our burdens with us.
Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

Susie: Paul also addresses the servant and master relationship in Ephesians 6:5–9 and Colossians 3:22–25.

Susan: Believers should be faithful, diligent, respectful workers, eager to do our best. This is a positive witness those within our influence, fellow employees as well as employers.

1 Timothy 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.

Susie: Christians should not take advantage of a master (supervisor, boss) who is a believer. We should work all the more diligently because the person benefiting from our efforts is a brother or sister in Christ.

Susan: Paul advises Timothy to teach these principles to the believers under his leadership in Ephesus.

Susie: A strong work ethic (being on time, putting forth one’s best effort, not wasting time, having integrity, etc.) is a strong testimony in the workplace.

1 Timothy 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;

Susie: Paul identifies the marks of false teachers in this and the following two verses. False teachers espouse things that are not true to the word of God and refuse to listen to those who teach according to the Scripture. Their teachings and their lives do not line up with godliness. In other words, they will be caught in sin.

Susan: Sin is words, thoughts, or deeds that do not line up with God’s word, will, and ways.

Susie: False teachers often take Bible verses out of context or twist their meaning. One can prove almost any point of view by cherry-picking verses and putting them together. Always look up the verse quoted and its surrounding context to make sure what is being taught is in line with the whole counsel of God.  

Susan: A wise professor once taught me, “A text without a context is a pretext. It is worthless.”

Susie: This is why Susan and I prefer to study an entire book of the Bible or at least an entire passage, rather than a topical study. When we do a topical study, we strive not to base anything on isolated verses.

1 Timothy 6:4-5 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

Susie: Paul lists several characteristics of these false teachers in verses four and five—most of which speak for themselves—and some of the results of those kinds of teachings. One of them jumped out at me for the first time: “supposing that gain is godliness.”

1 Timothy 6:4-5 (CJB) he is swollen with conceit and understands nothing. Instead, he has a morbid desire for controversies and word-battles, out of which come jealousy, dissension, insults, evil suspicions, and constant wrangling among people whose minds no longer function properly and who have been deprived of the truth, so that they imagine that religion is a road to riches.

Susie: Most commentators and other translations see this statement as indicating that false teachers are only in it for the money. That is one aspect. But I believe another is the teaching that if a person is pursuing godliness, he or she will be blessed with worldly riches. God is not obligated to make us wealthy in this life as we will see in subsequent verses.

Susan: All that these teachers would gain is short-lived, self-gratification, filling their lust-filled, worldly minded appetites. They would be missing out on the true blessings of knowing God Himself intimately and being the Father’s own special treasure. The false teachers would be far better off being bartenders than posing as ministers of the gospel.

Susie: Or they would make great motivational speakers teaching self-talk, self-assurance, self-awareness, and self-made success. Note what word is used! SELF! Any teaching that puts a human in charge rather than trusting in God’s sovereign plan for us is not true to scripture.

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

Susan: Godliness is being separated out to be God’s treasure, His precious jewel.

Susie: Godliness is being identified with Jesus not only in our speech but in our lives.

Susan: What does contentment mean? 1 Timothy 6:6 is the only place in the entire Bible that this specific Greek word is used:
The New Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible:

841 – autarkÄ“s – self-satisfaction, i.e. contentedness, or a competence. Contentment, sufficiency.

Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language:

Content; a resting or satisfaction of mind without disquiet; acquiescence.

CONTENTMENT, without external honor, is humility.

Godliness with contentment is great gain. 1 Timothy 6:6.

Susan: Contentment means being at peace.

Susie: Godliness may not lead to monetary riches, but it provides something much more valuable—peace of mind.

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Susan: Godliness leads to our own inner peace, but it also enables us to live at peace with others:

Romans 12:18 (CJB) If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people.

1 Timothy 6:7-8 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

Susie: A baby is born naked, owning nothing except what parents bestow. Ultimately, we have nothing that has not been provided by God. When we leave our earth-suits behind, we will take no worldly goods with us.

Matthew 6:20-21 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Susan: One’s finances reveal where their heart and their treasure are.
Susie: Paul says to be content with food and clothing. Does that mean we should never buy other things such as books, TVs, cars, etc.?

Susan: No, no, no, no, no! It only means Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last (JOY).

Susie: Ask yourself, “If I suddenly lost everything and was left with only food, shelter, clothing, and Jesus, could I be content?”



QUESTIONS

1.       Why should Christians exhibit a strong work ethic?
2.       List some characteristics of a false teacher.
3.       Against what standard should we check all teaching/preaching?
4.       What is a major red flag if seen in a “Christian” teacher?

5.       Define “godliness with contentment” in your own words.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

1 TIMOTHY 5:17-25 - PAUL EXPOUNDS ABOUT ELDERS

1 TIMOTHY 5:17-25
PAUL EXPOUNDS ABOUT ELDERS


1 Timothy 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.

Susie: The word “elders” means bishops/pastors/overseers, the leaders of the churches.

Susan: The pastors that rule well, who invest completely in shepherding their congregation, are to be given double honor. They should be respected and supported by those whom they serve.

Susie: The word for labor implies working to the point of exhaustion. This is not just a person who fills a pulpit on Sunday morning but one who tirelessly strives to meet the spiritual needs of the believers the Lord has entrusted to his care.

1 Timothy 5:18 For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

Susie: Where does the Bible say those things? Glad you asked:

Deuteronomy 25:4 Thou shalt not muzzle the ox when he treadeth out the corn.

Luke 10:7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Susie: Note that Paul is acknowledging Luke’s gospel as scripture.

Susan: If a pastor is serving with their whole heart and being, they should be able to live and eat comfortably. Their physical needs should be met with the same vitality that he or she is meeting the spiritual of those that he or she serves.

Susie: We feed animals domesticated for farm work as payment for their labor. Jesus said that a workman was worthy of his hire in the context of sending out disciples to preach and minister. A pastor should be paid for his services, and one who puts himself entirely into serving the church should be compensated accordingly.

Susan: In times past, barter or trading goods was an acceptable way to pay a doctor or pastor. But unless you are Billy Brown of Alaskan Bush People, bartering not an accepted practice in 2017. Bringing the pastor a chicken dinner will not pay his rent, insurance, car payment, insurance, et.

1 Timothy 5:19-20 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

Susie: A pastor should be given the same benefit of the doubt as any other church member if accused of sin. The accusation should not stand against him unless there are two or more witnesses, and the procedure lined out in Matthew 18 applies.

Matthew 18:15-17 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.

Susan: If the pastor is proven to be in habitual sin, it should be brought before the congregation as a teaching time for all.

Susie: The hope is that all will learn that sin is eventually brought to light no matter who you are.

1 Timothy 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.

Susan: Paul admonished Timothy that no matter who the person was, the instructions in Matthew 18 regarding sin and restoration should be followed to the letter. The pastor or the janitor should be handled in the same manner.

1 Timothy 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Susie: Laying hands on someone to commission them to service as pastor, deacon, missionary, etc. should only be done when a person has been vetted by church leadership and proved themselves worthy and called. No one should be promoted to these positions hastily. Timothy had a great responsibility in being the overseer of the pastors in the entire city of Ephesus.

Susan: If Timothy was not conscientious and careful when he commissioned a person for service in the church, he may place someone in a position that they were not called to or anointed for.

Susie: Or even worse than that, he could be ordaining a false teacher who would lead the congregation astray. Timothy needed to guard his own purity and reputation by installing only those candidates who met the standards set forth in chapter 3.

1 Timothy 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities.

Susie: Apparently Timothy was sickly, perhaps a gastrointestinal malady from water infested with parasites. The wine, being fermented, would combat some of these. Paul was NOT advocating that Timothy drink to excess.

Susan: Paul was suggesting that Timothy use wine medicinally and in moderation.

1 Timothy 5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after.

Susie: Sometimes a person’s sins are obvious, but other times they are not discovered until later. However, they will surface eventually.

Numbers 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out.

Susan: Some sins are covert and others overt. Some are sins of commission and others sins of omission which may not be as noticeable.

1 Timothy 5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.

Susan: Some good works are recognized by all, but others may be known only to a few, the recipients of the good deeds. Other good works may only be known by the Father Himself. An example would be intercessory prayer.

Matthew 6:4 That thine alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.

Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.




QUESTIONS

1.       Should pastors be paid well for their service to the church? Why or why not?
2.       What rules apply to hearing an accusation against a pastor? Are the rules the same or different than for any other church member?
3.       What passage(s) covers dealing with a fellow believer who is sinning/
4.       Why does Paul say, “Lay hands suddenly on no man?”
5.       Are all sins obvious and known immediately?
6.       Are all good deeds obvious and known to others?

7.       List examples of hidden good deeds.