DECEMBER 14, 2021 READINGS... 1 Timothy 3:1-6:10
I remind you as you read both first and second Timothy and Titus, you are reading instruction from the Apostle to a Pastor. It is Paul’s intent to help Timothy lead his congregation in a biblical manner. We need to be reminded that the church is the physical representative of Jesus in the world. The church needs to be inline and biblical in all that it does. We do not want to teach anything, or practice anything that is contrary in any way. Therefore, Paul gives Timothy instruction on the selection of both elders and deacons in the church. These are the only two official appointed offices of spiritual leadership and service in the church. This is not to say they are the only ones in the church that can give spiritual insight and service…but these two groups of men are responsible before God and to the church to carry out these biblical ministries. Yes, I said men…you may ask why? The answer is a simple one…because that is what the Bible teaches. Paul makes this crystal clear, and one must ignore or change the Scripture to expand this to mean men and women. An elder MUST be a man whose life is above reproach, the husband of one wife to whom he is faithful, self-controlled, wise, having a good reputation, hospitable, able to teach, not given over to alcohol, gentle, not able to be bought, leader of his household. He cannot be a novice of the faith. Likewise, the deacon must meet these qualifications. The church is required to examined these men to make sure they are ready to both lead and serve the church of Jesus Christ.
Paul gives Timothy, and I believe all pastors, a warning concerning properly teaching the Word of God. He also warns of the false teachers who are, and would come, in the church. Pastors should exercise the spiritual gift that has been given to them…as they are God’s gift to the church where He places them. Always show respect to the older men of God in the church. Paul speaks to the widows, especially the widows who have no family to take care of them. If a woman is truly alone in the world, it is the place of the church family to take care of her needs. He encourages the younger widows to remarry and to continue not to be a strain on the ministry of the church. He put the onus of taking care of widows in the church first upon the family of the widow…and if there are none, then the church. The pastor is required to teach the things of God, and to encourage the whole church to be obedient to the Scripture. Paul says to be careful of those who teach and promote that which is different than the Scripture, for they are arrogant and are attempting to stir up strife and get people to follow them. Pastors are to remain content with where God has put them, and with what He has provided…always being careful to not be enticed by money, for it leads to their own ruin.
Please share your thoughts from today’s readings.
TOMORROW’S READINGS… 1 Timothy 6:11-21 & Titus 1:1-3:15 & 2 Timothy 1:1-18
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