Requirements of a Bishop Part 1 1 Timothy 3:2

Paul the apostle gave instructions to Timothy concerning the church in Ephesus. Paul knew there were certain people who were a part of the church who would need to be guided and directed. Some of these people were men who desired to be “bishops” also known as overseers or pastors. Paul said those who sought after this office were desiring a “good work” and not just a position. In chapter three and verse two of his letter to Timothy, Paul begins to share the requirements for being a “bishop” where we read:

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant,

sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

The verse begins, “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife,...” Paul began, “A bishop” which is the Greek word “episkopas” and means “overseer, superintendent or elder” “then must” or “it is necessary, there is need of, it behooves and is right and proper” “be blameless” or “apprehended, cannot be laid hold of, cannot be reprehended, and is not open to censure and irreproachable”. There was to be no area in which a person could bring blame and reproach against the man who desired to be a “bishop”. Paul added, “the husband of one wife” or “married to only one woman”. The “bishop” was not to have several wives, mistresses or concubines as was the common culture of people of Ephesus.

The verse continues, “...vigilant, sober, of good behavior,...” Paul went on to add, “vigilant” which means “sober, temperate, abstaining from wine, either entirely or at least from its immoderate use and of things free from all wine such as vessels and offerings”. Paul included, “sober” which means “of a sound mind, sane, in one's senses, curbing one's desires and impulses and self-controlled”. Paul continued, “of good behavior” or “well arranged, seemly, modest”. A “bishop” was to live his live in controlled, sound, modest and well arranged manner.

Finally the verse says, “...given to hospitality, apt to teach;” The next requirement given by Paul for a “bishop” was that he be “given to hospitality” which means “hospitable and generous to guests”. If a man was to be an “overseer” he must be prone to welcome, give openly and provide for people. Finally Paul added, “apt to teach” or “skillful in teaching”. If a man was to be one who presided over others in the church, he was not only to know the word of God, but was to be capable of communicating it effectively to others.

We have only begun the list of requirements for “bishops”, and if we examine these qualifications, we might wonder if anyone could measure up to them. Most of us would be disqualified at the first requirement, “blameless”, and although we know the importance of the “work” of a pastor, overseer or bishop, when we examine this portion of the list we don't know anyone who does all these things perfectly. That is the beauty of knowing Jesus Christ as our personal Savior and Lord. We are all a “work” in progress, including “bishops”. The Lord Jesus has a way to bring a man who desires the “good work” of a bishop into the requirements He has revealed through His servant Paul, and we, as was Timothy, can understand that these requirements are good for all of us to follow and grow within. May the Lord Jesus add these qualities to our lives as we meditate upon them, and let us pray for our “overseers” that they too will grow in each of these areas.

Next time Paul continues his list of requirements for a “bishop”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Office of a Bishop 1 Timothy 3:1

As Paul continued his instructions to Timothy his young “son in the faith”, he transitioned in the third chapter from a discourse upon the women in the church to the “bishops” in the church. We discover what Paul wrote to Timothy concerning “bishops” in verse one where we read:

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

The verse begins, “This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop,...” Paul began, “This is a true” or “trusty, faithful and reliable” “saying” which means “speech, word, doctrine, teaching or discourse” “If a man” or “whoever or any man” “desire” which means “to stretch one's self out in order to touch or to grasp or reach after something” “the office of a bishop” which in Greek is “episkope” and literally means “investigation, inspection and visitation” and refers to an “overseer, elder or presiding officer” within a church. Paul wanted Timothy to know that men would desire to grasp the position of a “bishop” or “overseer” within the church in Ephesus. Paul's idea was to guide Timothy when those men revealed themselves.

The verse continues, “...he desires a good work.” Paul went on to add, “he desires” or “turns upon a thing, longs for and covets” “a good” which means “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable, magnificent, good, excellent in its nature and characteristics, genuine, approved, praiseworthy, noble, comforting and confirming” “work” or “business, employment, that which any one is occupied, act, deed or thing done”. Paul wanted to insure Timothy knew just how wonderful the “office of a bishop” was in the kingdom of God, and those who desired to be “bishops” were longing for an excellent position.

While we think about Paul's words, we may be inclined to think about those who have held the “office of a bishop” or “overseer” in our lives. Many of them are called “Pastors” rather than “bishops”, but they still “oversee” a group of people. Paul told Timothy these men “desire” a “good work”, and though their works are often unseen, the Lord Jesus is watching every one of them. It was Jesus who began the church, and the “office of a bishop” was one of the ways order and care was established within it. We would do well to pray for our Pastors and “Bishops” as we conclude this study and thank the Lord for placing the “desire” for the “good work” that they do.

Next time Paul begins to list the qualities a “bishop” must contain, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Saved in Childbearing 1 Timothy 2:15

In explaining why he had instructions for women in the church, Paul the apostle wrote to Timothy that “Adam was first formed, then Eve”, and “Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” We have understood that Adam knew what he was doing when he transgressed in the garden of Eden, Eve was tricked or fooled into it. In chapter two and verse fifteen, Paul shared a blessing “in childbearing” if a woman continues “in faith”, “charity”, and “holiness with sobriety” where we read:

Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing,

if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.

The verse begins, “Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing,...” As it pertains to women Paul wrote, “Notwithstanding” which means “but, moreover and now” “she shall be saved” or “kept safe and sound and rescued from danger or destruction” “in childbearing” which refers to “maternity or childbirth”. The woman who keep the directives laid down by Paul would have an additional blessing of being “kept safe” in childbearing.

The verse continues, “...if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.” Being “saved in childbearing” was conditional according to Paul as he wrote “if” which means “in case or provided that” “they continue” or “remain, abide and tarry” in three different spiritual qualities. The first listed is“in faith” which is “conviction of the truth of anything and belief”. The second is “and charity” which is the Greek word “agape” and means “affection, good will, benevolence, brotherly and unconditional love”. The final spiritual quality listed by Paul is “and holiness with sobriety” or “consecration, purification and the sanctification of heart and life with soundness of mind and self-control”. If a woman continued in “faith, charity and holiness with sobriety” she was promised to be kept during “childbearing”.

As we think through Paul's words, we cannot help but think of the terrible pain that is associated with childbirth. It was the Lord God who told the woman in the book of Genesis in chapter three and verse sixteen:

...I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in sorrow you shall bring forth children; and your desire shall be to your husband, and he shall rule over you.

According to Paul the apostle, there is a way for women to be “saved in childbearing”, and it is associated with their ability to live “in faith, charity and holiness with sobriety”. Though these traits are directed toward women, all of us are benefitted by having them in our lives. Let us ask the Lord to help us to live “in faith”, “in charity” and in “holiness with sobriety”, and may the women who fulfill these qualities in their lives capitalize upon the promise of God for keeping them.

Next time we begin a new chapter where Paul instructs Timothy concerning “bishops”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Adam not Deceived 1 Timothy 2:14

As Paul the apostle continued his discourse concerning women in the church, he told young Timothy his “son in the faith” they should “adorn themselves” modestly, profess “godliness with good works”, “learn in silence” and “not teach or usurp authority over the man”, because “Adam was first formed, then Eve”. At first glance we may not understand why Adam being formed first was significant, however in chapter two and verse fourteen of his letter Paul lets Timothy know why. We read:

And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.

The verse begins, “And Adam was not deceived,...” As a continuation of Paul's thought concerning Adam, he employed the word “And” and wrote, “Adam” whose name means “the red earth” “was not deceived” or “apatao ou apatao” in the Greek which means “not cheated or beguiled”. In other words, Adam knew exactly what he was doing. No one fooled or cheated him. He deliberately knew what he was about to do.

The verse continues, “...but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” Paul then addressed how Eve was in the transgression by writing, “but” which is the disassociation conjunction which means what is about to be stated takes precedence over the previously stated one, “the woman” which means “a woman of any age, whether a virgin, or married or a widow” and in this case “Eve”, “being deceived” which is the same Greek word “apatao” used earlier and means “cheated or beguiled” “was in the transgression” which literally means “a going over” or “breach or violating of a definite, promulgated and ratified law”. In other words, “Eve” was deceived into violating God's law, Adam was not.

While we think on Paul's words and particularly the way it relates to the way a woman is “not to teach or usurp authority over the man”, it is important that we realize the difference between a “sin” and a “transgression”. Both of these are violations against God's law, however, a “sin” which literally means “to miss the mark” may be acted upon verdantly or inadvertently. These are called “sins of commission” and “sins of omission”. A “transgression” is a willful violation of God's law. The person who “transgresses” knows what he or she is doing is wrong and does it anyway. We read in the book of Genesis in chapter three and verse six:

And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Both Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit of the tree, however, Eve was deceived and Adam was not. The inference is that Eve had a propensity to be beguiled, and although she was guilty of disobeying God, she was tricked into it. This is why the caution comes from Paul to Timothy concerning women teaching and usurping authority over the man in the church. As we conclude this thought, the idea of value comes to our minds, and in the church Paul wrote in his letter to the Galatians in chapter three and verse twenty-eight:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free,

there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

May the Lord Jesus teach us the full counsel of His word, and the value of every person who reads it.

Next time Paul tells how women will “be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Adam First then Eve 1 Timothy 2:13

As Paul the apostle instructed Timothy concerning the women who were in the church in Ephesus, he told him that women should “adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety”,

“profess godliness with good works”, “learn in silence with all subjection” and “not ... to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man”. Paul had his reason for this, and we learn why in the next two verses of which the first is in chapter two and verse thirteen where we read:

For Adam was first formed, then Eve.

The verse begins, “For Adam was first formed,...” When we read the word “For” we can substitute the meaning “because or since”, and therefore “For Adam” or “Because Adam” whose name means “"the red earth" and was “the first man and the parent of the whole human family” “was first formed” which is “plasso protos plasso” in Greek and means “first in time, place, succession or rank molded like unto clay or wax”. In the book of Genesis chapter two and verse seven we read:

And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

God created Adam, the first man, and He breathed the breath of life into him.

The verse continues, “...then Eve.” As Paul continued his explanation of his directives toward women, he added, “then Eve” whose name means “life” and was the “first woman in the scriptures and mother of the entire human family”. We read in Genesis chapter two and verses twenty-two and twenty-three:

And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.

It was only after Adam was formed that it was possible to take “the rib” from him to make “a woman”, and this woman was “Eve” who was the mother and beginning of everyone else.

While we consider Paul's words, we should think about God's procession of creation. After God had created Adam, He created Eve, and though this seems like a very simple concept to understand, let us keep in mind that Paul is giving his explanation as to why women are to be subject to the ideas he previously stated. Sometimes we are prone to jump to conclusions hastily because we do not like what the Bible has said, but let us continue to study Paul's words and we may change our minds. The Lord God Almighty has a purpose in every verse, directive, and rule in the Bible, and sometimes it takes a little while to discover it. Jesus Christ will indeed help us by the power of His Holy Spirit to know and learn the word of God. We simply have to continue in and enjoy the quest. May the Lord God give us the desire to know His word more and more even unto the most fine detail.

Next time Paul shares about the deception of Eve and Adam being in the transgression, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Women Not Teaching or Usurping Authority 1 Timothy 2:12

As Paul the apostle continued to instruct Timothy his “son in the faith” concerning the church located in Ephesus, he gave him several directions toward the women who attended there. Paul said they should be taught to “adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety” rather than simply displaying their “broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;”. They should be women who are“professing godliness with good works”, and they should“learn in silence with all subjection”. In chapter two and verse twelve of his letter to Timothy, Paul gives another directive concerning women in the church when he addresses women “teaching or usurping authority over the man” where we read:

But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.

The verse begins, “But I suffer not a woman to teach,...” Paul began this verse with the word, “But” which we know is a disassociation conjunction which means what is about to be stated takes precedence and priority over what was previously said. With the idea of women learning in silence in mind, Paul adds, “But I suffer not” or “do not commit, intrust, to permit, allow or give leave” “a woman” which was “a woman of any age, whether a virgin, married or a widow” “to teach” which means “to hold discourse with others in order to instruct them, deliver didactic discourses, to impart instruction, instill doctrine into one or to explain or expound a thing”. If Paul left this statement without the following qualifier, we might all be wondering why he wrote this directive.

The verse continues, “...nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.” Paul continued with “nor to usurp authority” which means “one who with his own hands kills another or himself, one who acts on his own authority, autocratic, an absolute master or governs and exercises dominion over one” “over the man” which is a reference to “males, husbands or a betrothed or future husband”. Paul then states once again, “but to be in silence” which means “in quietness which is a description of the life of one who stays at home doing his own work, and does not officiously meddle with the affairs of others”. Rather than being teachers who “usurp authority” over men, women were to study to be quiet within the church.

As we think through these words of Paul, we, especially in our day, may have those who recoil at the thought of women not teaching and usurping authority over men. Questions, arguments, disputations and reactions are certainly to come from many who read Paul's words. We must keep in mind the setting of Paul's day and particularly the way the men sat on one side of the church while the women sat on the other. Ciaos and disruption were certain inside the church if men and women were talking back and forth across the isle as the teacher or preacher was speaking. The idea was for women to ask their questions at home or in another setting which would allow order to be inside the church. Paul gives no prohibition for women being teachers or usurping authority over other women or children. He only gives the qualifying group as “the men”, and oh how grateful we are for those women who give themselves to teaching other women and children in the church. Jesus Christ's church must have order, and for that to take place, there must be authorities and subjects. In this case, Paul has given Timothy and us one area where order must be established.

Next time Paul gives Timothy the reason why women are not “to teach” or “usurp authority over the man”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Women Learning In Silence 1 Timothy 2:11

As Paul the apostle continued to instruct Timothy in ways concerning the church, not only did he desire that Timothy be a man of prayer, but it was equally important that he insure women would be adorned modestly who professed “godliness with good works”. In chapter two and verse eleven of his letter to Timothy, Paul shares more concerning women and their learning in silence. We read:

Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.

The verse begins, “Let the woman learn in silence...” Paul begins this verse with the word, “Let” which means “allow, permit and accept” “the woman learn” which in the Greek is “manthano gyne manthano” and means “be apprised, increase in one's knowledge, be informed by use, habit and practice” “in silence” or “in quietness” which is a “description of the life of one who stays at home doing his own work, and does not officiously meddle with the affairs of others”. Timothy was to instruct the women in the church of Ephesus to “increase in their knowledge in quietness”.

The verse continues, “...with all subjection.” Paul added to his directive by including, “with all” which means “each, every, any, all and the whole” “subjection” or “obedience, compliance and submission”. The idea is for the women to submit to learning in a quiet and non officious manner.

As we think through these words of Paul, we may have an initial reaction that is defensive and protective especially if there are women who read these words. It is important to understand the culture of the day when we read these verses. In the church setting, men and women did not sit together but rather sat on opposite sides of the church. In other words, the men sat on one side and the women sat on the other. Sometimes while a speaker was preaching or teaching a woman would not understand the point he was making, and she would yell out to her husband on the other side of the church, “What did he mean by that?” We can understand how this would be a great distraction particularly if the husband answered back. Can we imagine a church full of people asking and answering questions back and forth during the teaching time? Paul knew the church service was to be in “order”, and for this to take place, women needed to “learn in silence”. If we think about this long enough, not only will we be grateful for the Godly women who have practiced this directive of Paul, but many of us know that if it were not for a woman learning in this manner, we might not know Jesus Christ as our Savior.

Next time Paul writes to Timothy about women teaching, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Women Who Profess Godliness 1 Timothy 2:10

As Paul the apostle began to teach Timothy specifically concerning some issues within the church in Ephesus, he began by instructing him to be a man of prayer. Timothy was to pray for “all men” and particularly those who were “kings and all who are in authority”. Paul went on to address the adornment of women within the church who rather than dress in ostentatious ways were to dress modestly and with “shamefacedness and sobriety”. Paul continued his discussion concerning women in chapter two and verse ten of his letter to Timothy where he wrote:

But (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works.

The verse begins, “But (which becomes women professing godliness)...” Paul employed the word “but” which is a disassociation conjunction meaning that what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was previously said. Paul was on the verge of relating his exception when he parenthetically wrote “which becomes” or “stands out, is conspicuous, eminent, becoming, seemly and fit” “women professing” which means “women who announce and promise” “godliness” which refers to “reverence towards God's goodness”. Rather than bringing attention to themselves by their outerwear, the women were to continually live their lives pointing to God.

The verse continues, “with good works.” Paul continued his disassociation conjunction “with” which means “through, by means of and by reason of” “good” or “useful, salutary, good, pleasant, agreeable, joyful, happy, excellent, distinguished, upright and honorable” “works” or “any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry, or mind, an act, deed or thing done”. Paul's idea was for women to adorn themselves with “good works” for others rather than the showy outward appearance that generally leads only to worship and adoration of one's self.

As we think through Paul's words, let us remember once again that Ephesus was a church where women were attempting to outdo one another with their fashions. Rather than being a place of worship, the church became a runway for the latest trends. Paul assured Timothy this should not be so. The church was to be filled with women who adorned themselves in godliness by accomplishing joyful, excellent and happy works for others. For Paul there was no greater adornment for women than they endeavor to act on behalf of others rather than themselves.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how women are to learn, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Women Adorned Modestly 1 Timothy 2:9

Paul the apostle was “ordained a preacher, an apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles”. Because of this he was commissioned to instruct the church and young Timothy his “son in the faith” who was to be the pastor over the church located in Ephesus. Paul desired that “men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting”, and in chapter two and verse nine of his letter addressed to Timothy, Paul shares how women adorning themselves modestly is equally important where we read:

In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;

The verse begins, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety;” Paul began with the words, “In like manner” which means “likewise or after the same way” “also” or “and, indeed and even” “that women” which refers to “women of any age, whether virgins, married, or widows” “adorn” which means “put in order, arrange, make ready and prepare” “themselves in modest” or “well arranged, seemly and well ordered” “apparel” which is the Greek word “katastolē” and literally means “lowering down or letting down” and refers to “a garment let down, dress or attire”. They were to wear this modest adornment “with shamefacedness” which means “a sense of shame or honour, modesty, bashfulness, reverence, regard for others and respect” “and sobriety” or “soundness of mind and self-control”.

The verse continues, “not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;” Paul went on to add, “not with broided hair” which means “what is woven, plaited, or twisted together like a web, plait, braid, net or basket” or “braided hair”. Paul added, “or gold” which refers to “precious things made of gold or golden ornaments” “or pearls” which means things made of pearls “or costly” meaning “precious, that which requires a great outlay, very costly, excellent, of surpassing value” “array” or “clothing and apparel”. The idea is that the women were not to be ostentatious, flaunty and showy with their outward dress and adornment.

As we think through these words of Paul, it is important to understand the background of his idea concerning women's adornment. The case in Ephesus, which was a wealthy port city, was for women to come to church with the idea of showing off their new wares. They braided their hair with trinkets of gold and pearls, and they wore the finest materials in their clothing. Church had become a showplace for women to demonstrate their wealth and ability to know the finer things in life. Paul knowing this told Timothy to address this issue because this behavior was more of a distraction and a spectacle for fleshly and carnal things rather than the things of God. People were not coming to church to worship the Lord, but were rather using church as a fashion runway. It is interesting to note that Paul gives this directive as an equal basis to prayer. He saw this aberration as an impediment to what the church was to be, and any distraction to the gospel of Jesus Christ was to be addressed. More than likely a good measure of what a woman should wear should be “what would she like to be wearing if Jesus were to enter the church and sit beside her?” Let each person who reads Paul's words determine what the Lord means by “with shamefacedness and sobriety”.

Next time Paul tells Timothy more about how women in the church should adorn themselves, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Men Pray Everywhere 1 Timothy 2:8

Paul the apostle was “ordained a preacher”, “apostle” and “a teacher of the Gentiles” of the gospel of Jesus Christ which declared Jesus to be the “one mediator between God and men”. Jesus gave Himself a “ransom for all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” therefore Paul instructed Timothy to be a man of prayer for “all men”. In chapter two and verse eight of his letter to Timothy, Paul expanded his prayer circle by inviting men everywhere to pray where we read:

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

The verse begins, “I will therefore that men pray every where,...” Paul declared, “I will” or “deliberately have a purpose, am minded and desire” “therefore” which is a conclusion word and refers to what what just stated concerning Paul being a preacher, apostle and teacher, “that men pray” or “supplicate or make prayer” “every where” which refers to “each, any, all, and the whole place where they are located”. Because Paul was ordained to share the gospel, he instructed Timothy to have every person in prayer concerning the promotion of the same.

The verse goes on to say, “...lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” In addition to prayer, Paul desired “lifting up” or “raising” “holy hands” which means “hands which are undefiled by sin, free from wickedness which religiously observe every moral obligation which is pure and pious”. Paul added, “without wrath” or “separate and apart from anger, natural disposition, temper, and indignation” “and doubting” which means “a deliberating within oneself, questioning about what is true, hesitation, disputing and arguing as to the verity of something”. Paul desired for people not only to pray, but to have “hands” undefiled by sin and to be living in full belief rather than inward questioning and doubting the gospel for which they lived.

As we think about Paul's words, we should consider whether we follow Paul's directive. Do we “pray”? Do we lift up “holy hands” which are undefiled by sin? Do we have “doubts” which only cause questioning and disputing within? Let us allow the Holy Spirit of God to reveal the importance of prayer and lifting holy hands, and let us be “without wrath and doubting” May our prayers lead us to a life which is closer to Jesus Christ as we declare Him throughout our world.

Next time Paul tells Timothy how women should be adorned, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Preacher, Apostle and Teacher 1 Timothy 2:7

Paul declared to Timothy his “son in the faith” “there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” and Jesus “gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” At the exact appointed time, Jesus came and gave His life on the cross which paid our ransom from the bondage or “kidnapping” of sin. In chapter two and verse seven of his letter to Timothy, Paul shares how he was “ordained a preacher” “apostle” and “a teacher” where we read:

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.

The verse begins, “Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle,...” The word “Whereunto” means “into or towards” “I am ordained” or “set, put, placed, fixed or established” “a preacher” which refers to “a herald or messenger vested with public authority, who conveyed the official messages of kings, magistrates, princes, military commanders, or who gave a public summons or demand, and performed various other duties.” “A preacher” is known as “God's ambassador and the herald or proclaimer of the divine word.” Paul went on to add, “and an apostle”. The word “apostle” is “apostolos” and means “a delegate, messenger, one sent forth with orders”. It refers to ones who were “sent out ones” with specific directions and itinerary. Paul was not only established as “a herald and proclaimer” of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but he was also as “one sent out” with a specific mission to share it.

The verse goes on to say, “...(I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.” As though he needed to address his next statement with a qualifying one, Paul wrote parenthetically, “I speak” or “say, affirm, maintain and teach” “the truth” or “what is true and with candor of mind which is free from affection, pretense, simulation, falsehood or deceit” “in Christ” which refers to “the anointed Messiah and Son of God”. As a further declaration of his telling the truth, Paul wrote, “and lie not” which means “to not speak deliberate falsehoods and deceptions”. Paul then stated what he was telling the truth about, “a teacher” or “instructor and guide specifically to those things which pertain to God and the duties of man” “of the Gentiles” who were “people, tribes and nations who were not Jewish” “in faith” or “conviction of the truth of anything and belief;” “and verity” which means “what is true both objectively and subjectively in things appertaining to God and the duties of man.” It is “moral and religious truth”. Paul was commissioned as an instructor and guide to the Gentile people and nations, and it was Jesus Christ who gave him this authority.

While we consider Paul's words, let us wonder to what or to whom the Lord Jesus has commissioned us. Paul was made to be a “preacher, apostle and teacher”, and we are certainly glad he was, but what does the Lord have in mind for us as we live in this world? Are we as ones who are “sent out” with the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ? Are we to be “teachers” of others who do not know the ways of God and the duties of men? One thing is certain, we are to be those who act “in faith and verity”, and whatever the Lord calls us to be and do, let us be sure we hold true to “conviction of the truth both objectively and subjectively” in our lives.

Next time Paul tells men everywhere to pray, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.