2 Timothy 1-2 Pass It On

TMS Philippians 4:18-20 Needs Met Richly

Phil 4:18 "Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God.

19 And my God shall supply all your need

according to His riches in glory

by/in Christ Jesus.

20 Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen."

Observations: 4:19 Paul had learned the secret of contentment, that God would supply all his needs, giving what's best when it's best (see Philippians 4:13). He knew how to be satisfied/abound with little or a lot. His life wasn't about getting his needs met, much less his desires, but rather doing the desire of God in serving the needs of others. In the context of Philippians, they had supplied his financial needs, and now he was promising that because of their sacrificial giving, God was pleased, and would meet their needs (not wants, although in retrospect that frequently happens). The word for supply means “fill to the full” which implies abundance (2 Corinthians 9:8; Hebrews 13:21) Those who live to please God can expect His provision and prosperity (a major theme of the OT, usually applicable in NT times, unless God has something better planned). The storehouse from which their needs would be met, as they were in union with Christ, would be the riches in glory, where God keeps all His limitless treasure.

Application: We can trust that God will richly meet our needs, as we seek to meet the needs of others; all we need to do is being in union with Christ and trust Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You that You display Your glory on behalf of Your servants so they can do Your will; I am trusting You to meet all my needs in my relationship with Christ. Thanks. Amen.

2 Timothy 1-2 Paul would be executed shortly after he wrote this final letter to Timothy, who was still at Ephesus. In it, he continues to encourage Timothy to be faithful to the tasks God had for him to do in building up the church, and making reproductive disciples (2:2). Paul gives personal advice on maintaining holiness, gaining glory, and combating the agents of Satan in the church. For you theological buffs, Paul gives a pretty decisive statement of what happens if a believer denies Christ and is unfaithful.

2 Timothy 1 Be a Good Steward of the Truth

2:1 "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus, 2 to Timothy, my beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day 4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy; 5 having been reminded of the sincere faith that is in you; which lived/dwelt first in your grandmother Lois, and your mother Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.

6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit of fear/timidity, but of power, love, and self-control. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God, 9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal/of the age, 10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality/incorruptibility to light through the Good News.

11 For this, I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this cause I also suffer these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know Him whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to guard that which I have committed to Him against that day. 13 Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, with faith, and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14 That good trust/deposit which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

15 This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain, 17 but when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me 18 (the Lord grant to him to find the Lord’s mercy/hesed in that day); and in how many things he served at Ephesus, you know very well."

Observations: 1:1-5 Paul reminds Timothy of the promise of life/dominion in Christ, for which he is an apostle according to God's will (despite the opposition to it). The promise is not a present possession, thus this is a reference to the future glory/dominion given to faithful servants. Paul wishes Timothy the covenantal blessings of grace, mercy, and peace. As the next verses will show, Timothy was a little timid in proclaiming truth in the face of opposition, so Paul is encouraging him with the truth that their ministry is the desire of God, and in the footsteps of those who have previously followed Him. Paul emphasizes that his service is with a pure conscience (Acts 24:16), meaning that he has not shirked from any of his responsibilities in serving God but been faithful ("hint, hint"). Faithfulness or faith (not the initial belief in Jesus' atonement which results in forgiveness/justification, but the continued belief in God's promises which results in reward/glorification) is a major theme in the letter, mentioned eleven times. Paul remembers both Timothy's tears, and the faith which dwelt in (controlled) his grandmother and Jewish mother (Acts 16:1), which he is convinced is also in Timothy. The tears most likely refer to sorrow at parting from Paul which would be replaced by joy when reunited (cf. Acts 20:37). Paul is convinced that Timothy also has the same life controlling faith exhibited in his family, although Timothy's timidity might be obscuring its expression. This is obviously not justifying faith (in light of 1 Timothy and Acts 16:1).

1:6- Paul says he's reminding Timothy of the above in order to encourage him to stir up (used of kindling a fire) the gracething that God supernaturally gave him though Paul's hands. In light of 4:5 it was most likely the charisma of evangelism, which Timothy would be hesitant to use in light of opposition. See comments on 4:14, Ephesians 4, and 1 Corinthians 12 for the temporary nature of this charisma. All believers have the privilege and responsibility of sharing good news of Jesus, no special gifting required. All believers also have the responsibility to use all that God has given them for His purposes.

God doesn't give believers a crippling spirit of cowardice/fear, but a spirit (energizing force) of power, and love, and a sound-mind. The word refers to having one's passions under control, governed by objectives, which is why it is frequently translated as self-control. Timothy needed to have God's purposes govern his actions, not his emotional responses to circumstances. See Truthbase.net series on Perception and Performance for how to transform your emotional responses to stimuli. Those who don't undergo emotional transformation wind up being enslaved by inaccurate perceptions of and inappropriate reactions to life.

In light of the Spirit's empowerment, Timothy should not be ashamed or reticent but eager to share both the testimony of the Lord, and in the consequent afflictions, by drawing on God's power. God saved and summons (calls/invites) believers to holy calling (used of a wedding invitation), not on the basis of our works or actions but according to His purpose and plan. Note the order: “calling” follows being saved. The argument is that God's purposes for Timothy are not about him, but about God's plan to use him for His glory. God's purpose and power/grace were given to believers in their union with Christ, before the world began (see comments on Ephesians 1; and 3:10). Those who exercise faith in response to the revelation of Christ enter into that union, obtaining forgiveness for sin, pardon from the death penalty, and all they need to enter into the eternal and incorruptible glory of the Messiah, as long as they remain plugged into the Vine (John 15; Romans 11). In Romans 2:7 and 1 Corinthians 15:42 and 50 Paul indicates that immortality/incorruption is a reward or inheritance. God's plan for believers in Christ to receive glory and immortality is brought to light by the ministry of Christ on earth, and the ministry of those who proclaim it.

1:11-14 For the cause of bringing the light of the good news to the Gentiles, Paul was appointed a preacher, apostle, and teacher, which is also the cause of his sufferings. As the author of Hebrews (2:10) noted, that in bringing many sons to glory, it was appropriate for Christ to be brought to the completion/fulfillment of His Messianic mission through suffering, because that's also the route we must take (Mt 10:45; cf. Rm 8:17). But Paul is not ashamed because he knows that his trust in Christ is well placed, and that Christ will guard Paul's interests (desire for power, pleasure and possession) which Paul has committed to Him in view of the coming Day of the Lord (and rewarding of faithful servants). Trust in Christ's trustworthiness is wise, therefore Timothy needs to hold fast to the truth (pattern/scheme of healthy words/teaching) he had heard from Paul, exercising faith (in its veracity and in its promises), and loyal love which is experienced and expressed in union with Christ. The article “which” at the end of verse 13 is in the singular, referring only to the agape love, which Christ modeled, and energizes for those in union with Him. The good trust (used of a deposit committed to someone for safe keeping, I.e., the deposit of teaching – see 2:2), Timothy needed to guard by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit of Truth, from the evil false twistings and distortions by Satan's agents.

1:15-18 News flash! Everyone, as in all the laboring believers who were following him in Asia, turned away from Paul (cf 4:16 -no one stood with him when he was imprisoned), except Onesiphorus. Paul prays that Onesiphorus and his family (4:19) would receive mercy which is used to translate the LXX hesed covenantal love/blessings, because he was not ashamed of Paul's chain, but diligently sought out Paul in his Roman imprisonment to comfort and encourage him. These verses form a chiasm centered around the end of verse 16 “and was not ashamed of my chains,” an example Timothy should follow.

Application: We should never be ashamed of the truth of God's revelation, because it is the only certain light in a dark world, but we should thoroughly believe it, and love others with it, drawing on the power we have in our relationship with Christ to do so.

Prayer: God, may I be a good steward of all You've entrusted to me, manifesting the spirit You've given me, so that others may be blessed by You life. Amen.

2Timothy 2 Passing on the Truth

2:1 You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses,

commit the same to faithful men,

who will be able to teach others also.

3 You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier on duty entangles himself in the affairs of life, that he may please him who enrolled him as a soldier.

5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, he isn’t crowned unless he has competed by the rules.

6 The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops. 7 Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my Good News, 9 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God’s word isn’t chained. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 This saying is faithful:

A. "For if we died with him, we will also live with him.

  B. 12 If we endure, we will also reign with him.

  b'  If we deny him, he also will deny us.

a' 13 If we are faithless, he remains faithful. He can’t deny himself."

14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Lord, that they don’t argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear. 15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth. 16 But shun empty chatter, for it will develop into greater ungodliness, 17 and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus; 18 men who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.

19 However God’s firm foundation stands, having this seal, "The Lord knows those who are his," and, "Let every one who names the name of the Lord depart from unrighteousness." 20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor. 21 If anyone therefore purges himself from these, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master’s use, prepared for every good work.

22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife. 24 The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient, 25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose him: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may recover themselves out of the devil’s snare, having been taken captive by him to his will.

Observations: 2:1-2 These two verses describe the essentials of the methodology of reproductive discipleship. Don't miss the importance of being strong in the grace/power that is found in union with Christ (4:17). A person who seeks to pass on what they don't own is a phoney. Timothy heard Paul teach (he learned the truth), and lived it (by obeying the truth to maintain fellowship with Christ (in verse 1; cf John 14:15; Ex 20:6) and then he was to love others with the truth by passing it on to faithful men, in such a way that they could teach others also. Truth should be reproductive: Paul to Timothy, to faithful men/women, to others, to.... The 7PASSAGES in the sidebar are designed to help you learn and own seven passages that relate to the seven key relationships a believer needs to have a fruitful relationship with God. The objective is to learn them completely, mining them for all the truth and implications they contain, incorporate the application of the passage into one's life. Once you know what it says and how it works, only then are you in a position to pass it on to someone else. The number of people who can actually do this, is minuscule, despite the years they've “sat under” Bible teaching, the scores of studies and Sunday School classes, and shelves of books they've read. It should be a simple proposition to learn them, live them, and love others with them. We're only talking about seven passages. They serve as the seed for the Christian life, so when you finish the blog, start learning them.

Passing on the truth to faithful men and women is the most difficult part, since these critters are rarer than those who know and live seven passages. When I was a young believer, I learned to look for FAT people (Faithful, Available, and Teachable). I changed the acrostic to FIT (Involved) for the athletic types. But being “available” to learn at the level required for mastery is a difficulty in our culture. The half faithful, and half teachable get roped into teaching others (parroting the party line), so there is little opportunity for the word to take deep root in their lives; nor are they available to train, because they are committed to much that is good, but not much that is best (reproductive disciplemaking -Mt 28:20). Being teachable is another rare trait, because once someone starts teaching others, they think they know enough, and have neither time nor inclination to learn more. Sigh. So what do you do if there are no faithful, available, and teachable people? From an organizational perspective, the answer is to structure church so individual quiet times and personal and small group inductive study is front and center. And teaching from the front and center (pulpit) is geared to motivating and encouraging people to get into learning, living, and loving others with the truth. See more on this topic in the upcoming Catacomb Church Blog. From a personal perspective, prayerfully invest in relationships to help people move from Curious to Convinced to Committed, and then Conformed (see Survey of Discipleship on Truthbase.net). The objective is to model how Biblical truth meets real needs in your life. Tap into their felt needs, and discuss how truth meets those needs. Then you can move from felt needs to real needs (a number of the evangelism and disciple-making sermons on Truthbase.net consider this strategy). Not everyone paid attention to Jesus and Paul, nor followed them (and they could do miracles)! Hence the need to be strong in the grace that is in Christ, and be able to draw endurance from the following verses. View those who walk away from the claims of Christ on their life as educational practice; you can't win them all (John 6:66), but you can gain skill from your losses. In seeking to minister to others, you are demonstrating the faithfulness that God rewards.

2:3-7 Paul reminds Timothy that as a soldier engaged in the service of the Lord Jesus, he must endure hardship and avoid entanglements that hinder his ability to please his Master and Commander (cf Lk 9:23-26 call to discipleship and glory; 2Cor 5:9-10). Switching metaphors to athletics and farming, Paul points out the necessity to be blameless if one wants a reward. In the games, when a person came in first, they wouldn't crown him victorious until they first checked with all the judges and coaches to see if there were any violations of the rules; then they would be called upward for the prize (Phil 3:14). As assurance, the farmer who labors and sweats is the one who participates in the fruits of that labor. Paul tells Timothy to ponder what he said, and that as he meditates, the Lord will help him gain insight. The point is that serving God as a disciple-maker is the most significant and difficult thing they will do on earth (because Satan particularly hinders obedience to the Great Commission), but it is the best use of their time on earth. Don't lose the focus.

2:8-13 Paul underscores the certainty of the Lord rewarding faithful believers by reminding Timothy that Jesus the Messiah was risen from the dead, as the seed of David, in fulfillment of the Davidic Covenant (2Sam 7) to rule over the Messianic Kingdom, according to the good news of Isaiah 40-66. For preaching this good news, Paul suffers and is bound, but the truth isn't bound but is free to set men free from the penalty and enslavement of sin (John 8:31-32). Therefore Paul endures all things for the sake of the choice/elect, so that they may obtain the salvation (reversal of the effects of the Fall) that is in Christ, with glory of the Age not just mere forgiveness, but the full glory for which God created them (the bigger purpose of creation -Eph 1). Then Paul recites a faithful saying (worthy of all acceptance) which is one of my favorite chiasms (not only because it's impossible to understand otherwise, but because it deals elegantly with the question of whether or not one can lose their salvation).

The outer two elements (verses 11 and 13, A and a') are concerned with justification. The inner two (verse 12a and 12b, B and b') are concerned with glorification. If we died with Christ (see Romans 6:2-3 or Col 3:3 for this imagery) and are now born again, we will live with Christ in the future. If we deny Him and are faithless (verse 13), He will still be faithful to His promises to give life to those who believe in Him (Jn 5:24, cf. 3:16). He can't deny what He has promised, since He can't lie (Num 23:19).

The two inner elements (verse 12a and 12b) refer to sanctification and the resulting glorification. If we endure, we will reign (Rm 8:17; Rev 3:21). If we deny Christ, the flip side of enduring, He will deny us. Mt 10:33 But whoever denies me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven. See the comments on Matthew 7:21-23 (cf Titus 1:16). Also see Some Rewarding Verses for Contemplation or the Survey of Rewards on Truthbase.net for more elaboration.

2:14-18 Paul exhorts Timothy to remind the believers in Ephesus of the above content, charging them to be faithful and spiritually reproductive in the sight of the Lord who will return to judge (Rom 14:12). They should learn, live, and pass on truth, not argue about words that don't profit by making people Christlike, or godly. Timothy should avoid empty (vain, profitless) chatter, for that develops into ungodliness. Two of Satan's agents erred concerning the truth, teaching that the resurrection already happened, and had managed to overthrow the faith of some (cf Titus 1:11). This is not faith in the substitutionary atonement, but faith that Christ was returning to reward His faithful saints. Those who believed the lie would still have their sins forgiven, and wouldn't be tossed into the lake of fire, but would miss out on the honor and glory God wanted to give them had they been faithful and true. Purposeful conversations are preferable to chatter, but social banter is sometimes necessary to develop relationships. However silence is preferable to unprofitable talk that results in loss of reward.

2:19-21 Despite the fact that some folks had their faith undermined and overturned, the foundation of God (1Cor 3:11; Eph 2:20) stands firm (cf 2:13 above), that of Christ's death for them, which has this seal or confirmation: The Lord knows who have trusted Him, and everyone who names the name of Christ (confess Him) should depart/withdraw from iniquity. In a great house there are vessels used for honorable purposes, and those for chamberpots. The difference between those that will be honored or dishonored in Christ's house/kingdom is the choice one makes/elects to purge (1Cor 5:7) oneself form iniquity (cf 1Pt 1:22 purify oneself). Then he/she will be a vessel fitted for honor, sanctified/holy, and appropriate for the master's use, having been prepared (perfect tense) through their purging, for every good work (see study on Good Works).

2:22-26 Therefore, the honorable ones must flee the desires/lusts of youth, and chase after righteousness (doing what is right in God's sight), faith (diligently seeking God's reward, cf Heb 11:6), love (the great commandment, which we will be evaluated on -1Jn 4:16-18; Rev 4:2) and the covenantal blessing of peace (it could be harmonious relationships). They run with those who also call upon the Lord out of a pure, sanctified/purged heart (1Tim 1:5, the goal of instruction; 4:12 exemplary purity). “Call upon” has meanings of praying, praising, and proclaiming, and all three are a good idea for those who follow God. This points to a change of value system (heart is where one makes decisions) that chooses what is pleasing in God's sight, rather than what is pleasing in the sight of those who don't seek God. Note that one doesn't resist temptation (we're supposed to resist the devil -Js 4:7), but one flees like Joseph did from Potiphar's wife (Gen 39:12). Note too, that holiness is a team sport. Accountability and encouragement from others helps us develop the habits of holiness that erase the habits of sin. See Hallmarks of an Accountability Relationship on Truthbase.net.

There are not just lusts of the flesh, but also of the mind that set up believers for future wrath (Eph 2:3). Vices like pride (significance/success/superiority), ambition, arrogance, vengeance, etc., anything that finds worth and value in power, pleasure, and possessions at the expense of others and apart from God is enough to disqualify us from eternal glory, since it violates Jesus' call to follow Him (Lk 9:23-26).

While fleeing with the holy, one wants to avoid foolish and undisciplined questions often raised for the sake of argument rather than application, and which tend to engender strife. The Lord's servant must not strive but be gentle towards all, patiently instructing the obtuse and oblique. Those who oppose the truth might be given a change of mind/repentance by the convicting work of the Spirit of God, so they might acknowledge/embrace the truth and recover themselves (literally “recover oneself to sobriety”) from the snare of the devil, who had taken them captive (perfect tense) to do his will. This means that believers can be Satan's agents, doing his will rather than God's in the church. This is in accord with what Paul taught the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:

29 For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.

Note that these are believers. The corrective methodology is not to evangelize them but instruct them. The desired outcome is not conversion, but repentance to embracing the experiential knowledge of the truth. The context is believers in the household of God, not outside pagans. Unless leaders understand and recognize the potential for agents of Satan in the church, they are sitting ducks awaiting their own assassination.

Application: Flee your old lusts/desires, with the support of fellow saints, and chase after God's desires for you in this world and the next.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may I live Your truth, and pass it on to others who will do the same; help me recognize or develop those to whom you want me to serve. Thanks. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God expects us to use what He's entrusted to us, for His purposes. He's given us a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind, so we need not fear opposition, but can effectively oppose it.

Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is our Master and Commander, whom we should serve with the total allegiance of a loyal soldier. His resurrection to fulfill the promises to David is an encouragement that all God's promises to us will be fulfilled.

Us in a nutshell: Our time on earth is to be spent fleeing temptation, and running the race for future glory. We will be opposed and possibly deserted by all, but can always find strength and encouragement in Christ. We are to hang with the holy and pass on the truth to those who will pass it on to others in making reproductive disciples.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

1 Timothy 4-6 Secrets of Godliness, Contentment, and Great Gain

TMS Romans 8:32 God's Provision

Romans 8:32 “He who did not spare His own Son,

but delivered Him up for us all,

how shall He not with Him

also freely give us all things?”

Observations: 8:32 The fact that God provided Jesus for us, should clue us into the degree to which He wants us to be saved and succeed in the Christian life. This verse is in the context of how much God wants us to experience His plan to bless us (for that's His purpose in creating us, and glorifying Himself -See observations on Romans 8). “Freely give” is the verbal form of grace, so it could be translated as “grace us with all” we need for fulfilling His desire that we go from forgiven, to free/sanctified, to glorified.

Application: God will give us all we need, all we need to do is ask and accept.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I'm so grateful You sent Jesus to die for my sins; thanks too, for Your willingness to make realization of Your perfect will possible by Your grace; may I not receive it in vain. Amen.

1 Timothy 4-6 These chapters describe the behavior of believers who will be blessed when Christ returns. As in the previous chapter, there are a few verses that indicate salvation and eternal life are the result of works done in faith. These are not what secure our justification/forgiveness (which is only by faith in God's provision of Christ), but they are what secure our eternal reward/glorification. Paul warns Timothy against the things and people that might keep him from his faithful service and future reward as well. The secrets of godliness, contentment, and a secure eternal happily ever after are also revealed.

1 Timothy 4 Godliness is Doubly Profitable

4:1 But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will depart from the faith, paying attention to deceiving/seducing spirits and doctrines/teachings of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared as with a hot iron; 3 forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving. 5 For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

6 If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed. 7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables. Exercise/discipline yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come. 9 This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things. 12 Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. 13 Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching. 14 Don’t neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders. 15 Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be evident to all. 16 Pay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Observations: 4:1-5 Paul warns Timothy that some believers will depart from the faith, and teach others to do the same. “Depart” is used in 6:5 of withdrawing from false teachers, and in 2Tim 2:19 of departing from iniquity. The use in Hebrews 3:12 is instructive “Beware, brothers, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unfaithfulness, in departing from the living God.” He's not talking about folks no longer believing that Jesus died for their sins, but of those who no longer believe that Christ is returning to reward those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6).

Those who depart from the faith (who no longer believe the revelation of the Spirit of God) will follow evil spirits and the doctrines of demons (lies that sound pleasing and plausible, but are wickedly calculated to cause people to miss the will and glory of God -Gen 3). Those who abandon truth speak lies insincerely (hypocritically making an outward show of piety to impress, but inwardly are corrupt), and have their consciences seared so as to be totally insensitive to the Spirit. A calloused conscience develops over time by ignoring the truth to do one's own will rather than God's will. A seared conscience, like a brand, occurs more rapidly, when one is seduced by the dark side, and embraces it for the benefits. Those who teach out of a concern for themselves, rather than the eternal benefit of their hearers, are doing the devil's work. Some of the teaching of the devil's agents involved abstaining from certain foods, and forbidding marriage. As God revealed to Peter in Acts 10, no food created by God is unclean, but is made holy (sanctified) by thankful prayer and the revelation of God. Asceticism and Judaizing are just two expressions of demonic doctrine.

4:6-10 God prophesied false teaching would occur (cf Acts 20:29-31), and the planned corrective is Biblical teaching, which Paul exhorts Timothy to do. In teaching and reminding believers of the truth, Timothy will be a good servant of Christ, who nourishes himself on the truth he had learned from Paul and followed. Paul warns him to avoid unprofitable theology, and instead to discipline/train himself for the objective of godliness (knowing and doing all God requires, used of the even pagan priests, who knew and did what the gods wanted -cf Titus 1:1). Godliness is not automatic, but requires blood, sweat and prayers. Bodily exercise has some temporal profit, but godliness has both temporal and eternal profit, resulting in a fulfilled, content life now, and dominion/glory in the future. This promise of life, abundant life, and a glorified life as a result of disciplining oneself for the purpose of knowing and doing all God requires is a faithful saying worthy of all acceptance, but it is amazing how few accept and teach it. Those who don't are teaching the devil's doctrine, for he wants to deprive people of glory (see under Digging Deeper in 2Cor 4-5),

Those who teach the truth about godliness and glory, will suffer opposition, for this is not yet our Father's world (1Pt 5:8 -see outline on Satan is Alive and Well on Planet Earth). However, those who have set their hope on the promises of the living God, know that He is not only the Savior of all men who come to Him, but saves to the uttermost (Heb 7:25), as in glorification, those who continue to believe His promises.

4:11-16 Paul exhorts Timothy to command and teach this truth, because many will oppose it. Some will attempt to discredit the truth by despising the youth of the teacher. Paul tells him not to be affected by their attacks, but instead be an example to the believers in six areas:

• word/speech – convincingly speaking the truth in love so that it edifies others;
• way of life – living the truth;
• love – sacrificing his comfort and ambitions for the eternal benefit of others;
• spirit – zeal and passion for the glory of God;
• faith – confidence in the character and promises of God, including dependent daily trust;
• purity – abstaining from every appearance of evil;
• ministry - public reading, exhortation and teaching of Scripture.

Paul also told him not to neglect the gracething (gift) that was supernaturally bestowed upon him by the elders. We're not told what it was in this letter, but in 2Timothy 1:6 he reminds him of it again, and in 4:5 Paul exhorts him to do the work of an evangelist. This is not the norm for people being equipped for service today (see comments on Ephesians 4 for the limited duration of gifted men). The modern equivalent would be to be a good steward of all that God has entrusted to us. (See the Faithfulness series at the end of the TOYL booklet on Truthbase.net if you're serious about hearing the words “Well done, good and faithful servant:”)

If Timothy is diligent to wholeheartedly give himself to what Paul outlined, his progress/profiting would be obvious to all. We should be different than we were a year ago at this time, and we should be more like Christ a year from now. If not, something isn't working correctly. Paul reminds him to pay attention to (consider and evaluate) his own physical and spiritual needs, as well as his teaching and stick with it, so that he will save both himself and those who hear him. This is another (cf 2:15-16) obvious use of the glorification aspect of salvation. Those who fail to acknowledge that salvation has three aspects (justification/forgiveness, sanctification/holiness, and glorification/reward) would have to interpret this verse as works that are necessary to pay the debt of our sin (rather than justification by faith).

Application: How do you exercise yourself for the purpose of developing godliness in your life? If you don't already have such an exercise program in place, you can develop one from the instructions Paul gave Timothy.

Prayer: God, thanks that You guide and glorify Your godly servants; may my conscience be sensitive to Your Spirit, my life embody Your truth, and my teaching transform lives, for Your glory's sake. Amen.

1Timothy 5 Honoring the Honorable

5:1 Don’t rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father; the younger men as brothers; 2 the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

3 Honor widows who are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay/requite their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God. 5 Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, has her hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day. 6 But she who gives herself to pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 Also command these things, that they may be without reproach. 8 But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Let no one be enrolled as a widow under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 being approved by good works, if she has brought up children, if she has been hospitable to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, and if she has diligently followed every good work. 11 But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry; 12 having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge/faith. 13 Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. 14 I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for insulting. 15 For already some have turned aside after Satan. 16 If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don’t let the assembly be burdened; that it might relieve those who are widows indeed.

17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain." And, "The laborer is worthy of his wages." 19 Don’t receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear. 21 I command you in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen/elect angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be a participant in other men’s sins. Keep yourself pure. 23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. 24 Some men’s sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later. 25 In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can’t be hidden.

Observations: 5:1-2 Paul reminds Timothy that his ministry is to the family of God, and thus should relate to others as family (in a good, not dysfunctional way).

5:3-16 Speaking of family matters, Paul gives direction regarding the care of widows, distinguishing between those whom the church should support, and those they shouldn't. Believers have the responsibility to care for and requite (pay back; it is justice, not charity) their parents for the care they bestowed upon them. This is one of the two major NT commands directed at children (cf Eph 6). This is right in the sight of God (and thus our righteousness). Those who don't have denied the faith (here put for the teaching one professes to believe) and are worse in the sight of others than an unbeliever/infidel (who care for their own).

Widows who serve God rather than their pleasures should be supported by the church if they have no family. The characteristics of a godly woman are noted in the text, and worth emulating, and the characteristics of an ungodly woman are worth eschewing (if one hopes for eternal reward). Younger widows should remarry and raise children. Otherwise they risk the judgment they would receive from either violating a “pledge” to remain single and serve Christ (although there is no clear historical record of such a practice), or perhaps they fulfill their desire for marriage by marrying an unbeliever (since verse 15 indicates that some have turned aside from their faith/pledge in following Satan, this latter option has merit, but not explicitly stated). There might be better third option.

5:17-25 Paul now gives instruction regarding elders (presbuteros, from which we get our word Presbyterian; these are the overseers/bishops of 3:1, episkopos, from which we get Episcopal, the designations of demonstrations based upon polity or structure of church leadership). Those elders (see comments on Acts 20:17,28) who rule well (1Thess 5:12) should be worthy of double honor. “Honor” is a word that means both “price”, and “deference or respect.” The concept of double honor implies both. The verb “honor” was used of meeting the needs of widows in 5:3, and compensation is seen in verse 18 (cf. 1Cor 9:7-14). The giving of monetary gifts is a form of honor (as in honorarium). There are elders who focus on overseeing and shepherding the flock, and some who especially labor in teaching and preaching (cf Acts 6:2). All elders should do both (see qualifications in 3:2; Titus 1:9). Those who do their job well (which implies there are some who don't) should be worthy of both kinds of honor. One thousand five hundred pastors leave the ministry in the USA every month. Half of those who remain would leave if they could! There are numerous reasons for leaving (see study), but failure to be honorable and be honored would encompass many of them. See the Catacomb Church Blog (later this year) for hopefully helpful suggestions.

Those elders who are missing the mark (as in sinning -5:20) should be reproved publicly. This is a specific instruction to Timothy (cf. 5:21). It would probably be prudent (and Biblical) for modern believers to follow the principles of Matthew 18, and Galatians 6 first; however, if the sin of the elder is public, the lack of toleration for it should be public as well, so people don't get complacent about sin, but rather fear it. Paul commands that Timothy follow this command without showing partiality (his future reward depends upon it – 5:23). The elect or choice angels is a better translation than chosen, referring to the group of angels that remained faithful to God rather than siding with Satan. This should have some bearing on how people understand “elect/choice” as it refers to humans who show themselves to be loyal to Christ. Verse 21 consists of three imperatives, the first two contrastive, and the last one a conclusion. It is highly unlikely that the laying on of hands refers to some kind of “ordination” since that would have been mentioned in chapter 3 when Paul instructed Timothy to appoint elders and deacons who were proven. The more obvious reference is to the two previous commands in verses 19 and 20. Timothy should not be hasty to receive an accusation nor slow to carry out the rebuke when warranted. Laying on of hands can be used for attacking someone, especially when combined with “hastily.” Sharing/fellowshipping in one's sin is a function of condoning and enabling it (Rom 1:32). The final imperative to keep himself holy is enabled by judging rightly the cases of erring elders.

Paul commands Timothy to drink a little wine for his health. This is a permissive statement to shield him for those who would accuse him of being a drunkard (cf. Mt 11:19). Rounding out the section on sin, Paul states that some people's sins, which will result in judgment and loss of reward (not forgiveness), are obvious (to everyone but the sinner). Others are hidden, but will be revealed before the bema of Christ (2Cor 5:10). Similarly, some good works are obvious, those that aren't seen in the present, will one day be revealed and rewarded (1Cor 3:13).

Application: Strive to be honorable, and to honor those to whom honor is due.

Prayer: Lord thanks that You use Your people to meet the needs of Your people so Your love and care can be reflected to others; help me be honorable, as I mirror Your character. Amen.

1 Timothy 6 Rich and Riches

6:1 Let as many as are bondservants under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine/teaching not be blasphemed. 2 Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn’t consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, 4 he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, insulting, evil suspicions, 5 constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can’t carry anything out. 8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown men in ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But you, man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses. 13 I command you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession, 14 that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ; 15 which in its own times he will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.

17 Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; 18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to share; 19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life. 20 Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called; 21 which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.

Observations: 6:1-5 Servants/workers are to consider their masters/employers worthy of all honor so the Christian God and teaching/faith not be viewed unfavorably by others. Lazy Christian workers do not reflect well on God (Col 3:22-25). Those who have Christian bosses, should not diminish the respect and fear that is due them (despise means to treat lightly), because they are fellow-believers. Instead they should serve them and honor their authority so much the more, because they are brothers in Christ. Paul says some pretty unflattering things about those who don't agree with his teaching, which was designed to produce godliness (see 4:8). Those who think otherwise don't know the truth, nor understand godliness, and are only teaching for financial gain (“keep those card$ and letter$ coming in folk$”). From such Timothy was to withdraw (arguing with fools isn't worth it, they don't have the mental nor spiritual equipment to process change -Pr 14:7).

6:6-11 Godliness (knowing and doing what God requires) with contentment (an awareness that God gives what's best when it's best, and will not withhold anything good from those who walk uprightly -Ps 84:11), is great gain. See sermons on Contentment and Lord of the Ringless on Truthbase.net, as well as comments on Philippians 4. God is the one who meets our needs (Mt 6:11, 24-34), therefore we can concern ourselves with His agenda rather than our own. Wanting to be rich is a root of all kinds of evil, which choke the word, and make it unfruitful (Mk 4:19). Love of money competes with our love of God. Which will be your Master?

6:11-16 Men and women of God need to flee the pursuit of temporal value, and chase after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience and gentleness. These don't become part of our lives automatically, we have to go for them with the same gusto worldlings go for wealth (2Pt 1:5-11). What's your plan to get them? How's your progress? Paul also tells Timothy to wage the good fight of faith, against the dark forces that would seek to derail him. In doing so, he will lay hold of the dominion of the Age (glory) to which he was called/invited by Christ (as we all are) when he believed. Paul charges him to keep the commandment/charge blamelessly until the return of Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, (and ruler of the Age to come). The charge would consist of all that Paul just told him.

6:17-21 Timothy is to charge (command) those who are rich in this present age to not be arrogant, nor set their hope for the future on the vagaries of riches, but on the living God. He provides us with all things that we enjoy (see comments on Ecclesiastes 2:24-26). Wealth is a tool, to be used to accomplish God's purposes. Note that the rich are not told to get rid of their wealth, but to use it for the good of others, and their own eternal good as well. They are to do good (which presumes being good -6:11), be rich in good deeds, ready to impart, and willing to share. Then they can lay hold of the dominion/glory of the Age. This is another place where eternal life is not a given, but is given as a result of our works (the glorification aspect of salvation). Paul gives a final reminder to Timothy to guard the truth from distortion and dilution, and avoid those who are only interested in debate, and have departed from the faith as revealed in Christ. He wishes him the covenantal blessing of grace.

Application: God richly provides what we need so we can richly meet the needs of others.

Prayer: God, thanks that You protect and prosper Your people so they can bring You glory though the blessing of others; help me use what You've given me to accomplish all Your intended purposes. Amen.

Digging Deeper

God in a nutshell: God gives us all things to enjoy and use to serve, bless and honor others.

Build-a-Jesus: The Lord Jesus Christ is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who alone has immortality; who dwells in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen, nor can see: to whom belongs all honor and eternal power.

Us in a nutshell: We can be content in God's provision as we seek to do what is right in His sight.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Colossians 3-4 Perfect and Complete in the Will of God

TMS Philippians 4:13 The Strength of Christ

4:13 (“11 Not that I speak in respect to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it. 12 I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.")

13 "I can do all things

through Christ,

Who strengthens me.”

Observations: 4:13 Sometimes doing what God wants seems impossible. However, God will always give us all we need to do His will if we are depending upon Him (Hebrews 13:21; 2 Corinthians 9:8). He is the source of supernatural strength necessary for living the Christian life (John 15:5). An abiding, dependent relationship with the Lord Jesus allows His Spirit/strength to flow into our lives and do all He calls us to do and be. That is not only the secret of accomplishment but also contentment. See context and comments on Philippians 4 for more.

Application: Christ will strengthen us to do His will if we faithfully depend upon Him.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thanks that in You I always have all I need to live the life You desire for me; may I be faithful to walk through today with You. Amen.

Colossians 3-4 In the previous chapter (Colossians 2:12-13), Paul said believers were buried and raised with Christ (on the basis of their faith in the working of God), so they could live a new life. He now tells them how to live that life so they can be rewarded with the glory God has planned. Seeking our future glory gives us the motivation to sacrifice the glory of this life, and be transformed to live in love and wisdom. We can't please God by living like we used to; we need to live as He wants us to. See under Digging Deeper for an audio sermon on Living The Christian Life After The Cross.

Colossians 3 Seek Glory Above and Walk In Love

3:1 "If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with Him in glory.

5 Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry; 6 for which things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 7 You also once walked in those, when you lived in them;

8 but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, 10 and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in/by knowledge after the image of his Creator, 11 where there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. 14 Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly; in/by all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another; with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. 17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through Him.

18 Wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.

22 Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.

23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality."

Observations: 3:1-4 Those raised with Christ are commanded (imperative) to seek as their chief ambition, the things that are above (where Christ is, ie, their eternal reward), not the temporal trinkets on earth. The right hand of the emperor is where the future king of a conquered territory sat at the victory banquet. Christ is seated in the position of honor and glory waiting to take up His Messianic rule in the future kingdom, which He will share with those faithful to Him. That is what we should seek. Those who will miss out on their inheritance will do so because they are disobediently seeking the stupid stuff of earth instead. The overwhelming testimony of the Scripture is that God doesn't bless those who are disobedient. Faithful obedience doesn't happen automatically, but is the result of a mindset. Therefore Paul tells the believers to set their minds on pleasing God, and being blessed by Him. This is parallel to his instruction to the Ephesians that they have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places. But for those blessings to be experienced, believers need to please God (hence the need for writing the epistles). The reason Paul gives for believers obeying is because they have died to their old life and their new life is now bound up or hidden with Christ, as they are in union with Him. If that continues, when He, who is our life (source of every breath we take and action we do, as well as source of future power) is revealed (at His second coming), we who are in union with Him will also be revealed as sons of glory (Matthew 16:27; Matthew 19:28; Matthew 25:31-34; Hebrews 2:10; 1 Peter 1).

3:5-7 The means or manner in which believers set their minds and lives toward heavenly objectives is by putting to death the immoral desires and behaviors of their old life. Covetousness, a violation of the tenth commandment, is the desire for more (of that which gives temporal worth, value, and pleasure) and is equated with idolatry. Those believers who don't kill their temporal desires will wish they had come judgment day. Paul uses the coming judgment as the motivation for obedience. This is not a reference to unbelievers being tossed into the lake of fire, but of God's disobedient and displeasing children being judged for behaving badly (cf Ephesians 2:2; Ephesians 5:6 comments). Verse 7 clearly refers to the former behavior of his believing audience.

Ephesians 5:6 "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience."

The reason we sin as believers is because we want to. The reason we want to is because we think that such behavior is beneficial to us. Even when we realize it isn't good for us, we engage in evil because we've developed evil habits. See “It Ain't Gonna Reign No More” on Truthbase.net for help in renewing your values and life. See exposition on Romans 8:13 on how to put to death the deeds of the body by the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:13 "For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live."

3:8-11 Not only are believers to put bad behaviors to death, they are to put off/remove self-centered attitudes and actions from their life as well, and put on/embody other-centered attitudes and actions. The items mentioned are necessary for Biblical Body building, the emphasis in what follows (cf Ephesians 4). The list in verse 8 is self explanatory (see Galatians 5 comments on the works of the flesh for elaboration). The last item, abusive or dishonorable speech is probably, in this context, putting others down to boost one's self-worth, which in reality, diminishes it in God's sight. Lying to others, to pridefully present a more positive perspective of oneself than reality warrants, is a sad self-deception. No one is fooled, except the liar. Paul tries to motivate his audience by saying that such behavior belongs to the old man, not the new man in Christ, which is being renewed into the image of Christ (see comments on Romans 12:1-2 for the renewal process). The new man is composed of renewed individuals who's identity is that of a Christian. What they were before is largely irrelevant. Christ, not ethnicity, religiosity, nor cultural nor social status is the basis of who they are now.

3:12-17 Just like old habits and identities don't go away unless we take appropriate action, God's chosen, holy and beloved children need to choose to learn and put on new behaviors in their interactions with each other. The list in verses 12-13 is also self-explanatory. You might want to think about how you've demonstrated each toward others in the past month. Christ forgave us without our asking (cf Luke 23:34), which is necessary to prevent bitterness (Hebrews 12:15) but brought us into fellowship with Himself when we acknowledged our wrong doing and repented. We are to forgive others, regardless of whether or not they repent, but we don't need to fellowship with them until they do (cf. Matthew 18 and 1 Corinthians 5 on church discipline). It is not in the best interest of a sinning believer to continue to sin against others. Love requires appropriate reproof and restoration. Walking in love is having our actions and attitudes guided by what is in the other person's best interest, not our comfort. If you are tempted to complain about the pain of loving others, remember how Christ loved you. Putting on love is the bond or belt which hold the relationships together. Verse 15 is usually cited out of context as applying to decision making, when in reality, doing God's will, especially involving difficult change can cause initial anxiety (cf Jesus in the Garden). The Colossian context is that of believers living in peace and harmony with each other as the Body of Christ. Like in Ephesians, the Colossians are to be a unified body (temple) in which God dwells. Being thankful for a fellowship of like-minded Christ followers in a self-centered world aids the unity. Letting the word of Christ (His teachings) dwell/abide in us is the key to being able to build up others with wise instruction and admonishment/warning. We speak the truth to each other, but sing with psalms, etc., to God. Such singing isn't just mouthing words, but that which flows from a heart pulsating with the grace of God. Not all who sing joyfully have a good relationship with God, but those who don't sing with their hearts, don't have a heart energized by His grace. In Ephesians Paul reached the climax of Body life in 5:21, submitting to each other in the fear of God. Here he says that whatever we do, in word or deed, should be enabled by a concern for the name/reputation/glory of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him.

3:18-25 Paul now addresses the same three pairs of subordinated relationships as He did in Ephesians 5-6 (see comments there). The command to wives is in the middle voice, in which the subject does something for their own benefit (see 1 Peter 3 comments). “As is fitting” emphasizes the duty/obligation. Husbands are to love their wives, sacrificing themselves to do what is in their wife's best interest. “Bitterness” also has the meaning of “be irritated.” Children are to obey their parents in everything as the means of pleasing the Lord, who will watch out for those who please Him. Fathers are not to provoke their children to anger (KJV) so they won't be discouraged or disheartened. A father who is never satisfied or always angry with his children (because he didn't train them properly) breaks the spirit of the child. The goal is to break the will, and shape the spirit. See Parenting Resources on Truthbase.net and the synopsis in TOYL. 

The bulk of Paul's comments concern servants and masters, because the idea of working for a reward is dominant in the epistle. Servants/employees are to do their work heartily as if they are serving the Lord. Worship is a response to revelation, so responding to this revelation by doing their work fo the Lord, turns it into worship. An employee is not a slave bound to a master. If an employee can't follow the Biblical instructions for work, nor fulfill their other Biblical responsibilities because of work, it's time to trust God for a job in which they can fulfill all their responsibilities. See the Work As Worship sermon on Truthbase.net. Note that this does not mean worshiping work. (Americans have been described as a people who worship work, work at play, and play at worship.) One isn't doing their work as worship nor for the Lord, if they neglect the other things the Lord has commanded, especially relationships and ministry. That would not be fearing God.
See TOYL for how to develop a Biblical balance. We should work not just to fulfill the minimum requirements, but strive to give more service than that for which we are compensated, as long as we don't neglect other responsibilities. Sometimes, people get their worth and value from giving their lives to get praise from their workplace, but lose out on getting praise from God. The person who works for the Lord's approval knows that the Lord will give them the reward of the inheritance. This is a great verse to show that inheritance is a reward, just as it was in the OT. Israel had to work to get and maintain the blessings in the Promised Land. The one who fails to work heartily as for the Lord, does what is wrong and will be repaid with loss of reward (1 Corinthians 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:9-10). This is not justification by works, but glorification by works.

Application: Born again believers need to put away bad behavior and put on new attitudes and actions in order to live the new life which God rewards.

Prayer: God, thanks that You want what's best for me; help me do and be all that You desire. Amen.

Colossians 4 Walk in Wisdom and Be Perfect and Complete

4:1 "Masters, give to your servants that which is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving; 3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds; 4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

7 All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, faithful servant, and fellow bondservant in the Lord. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here. 10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, "if he comes to you, receive him"), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God who are of the circumcision, men who have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I testify about him, that he has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house. 16 When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea. 17 Tell Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it." 18 The salutation of me, Paul, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen."

Observations: 4:1 This is an unfortunate verse division, which clearly belongs in the last chapter. Masters need to give to their employees what is just and fair. God hates injustice and judges those who engage in it.

4:2-4 Paul starts to conclude the epistle with a request for prayer, but reminds the Colossians to be ever vigilant and watchful in prayer against the attacks of the enemy. This is parallel to the end of the spiritual warfare section in Ephesians. This is the fifth admonition to be thankful. Thanksgiving acknowledges that God has given the blessing and circumstances one has, and fosters dependent trust for the future. If I'm aware that God has given all I have needed in the past, then I can trust Him for my present needs, as well as those of the future. Thankfulness also diminishes discontent. You can find a number of outlines on the topic on Truthbase.net, as well as a Biblical Survey of Prayer. Paul requests that they pray for God to open a door for him to boldly speak the mystery of Christ, that the Gentiles are equal heirs with the Jews in the promises of the Messiah. That message is why the Jews sought to kill him (see Acts) and why he was currently in prison. It's also why prayer is needed since the satanically motivated Jews sought to suppress the message.

4:5-6 Paul commands the believers to walk/live in wisdom (choosing the right objectives for their lives, as well as the right means of obtaining them) toward the unbelievers. The means of walking wisely is to redeem (buy back) the fleeting hours of each day by exchanging them for what has eternal value (see comments on Ephesians 5:16). The souls of others rank pretty high on the heavenly value scale. Verse 6 doesn't have a separate finite verb, but it modifies verse 5. The wise believer will learn to cultivate communication that is empowered by grace (God's power), seasoned with salt (used in Greek of wit, which makes people thirst for more), knowing how to respond to each individual person, according to what is appropriate and beneficial.

4:7-11 Paul turns attention to the visit of Tychicus and Onesimus which is for the purpose of sharing news and teaching of Paul, and receiving news about the Colossians for Paul. Note the common characteristic of faithfulness (the major criteria of our future judgment – see Semper Fi at the end of the TOYL booklet). Onesimus was a slave who had robbed his Colossian master Philemon, had met Paul, was converted, and sent back to Philemon with the eponymous epistle. Aristarchus was a companion of Paul on his missionary journey (Acts 19:29; 27:2). Verse 10 gives some insight into the split between Paul and Barnabas over John Mark, Barnabas' cousin in Acts 15:36-41. There were only two fellow Jews working with Paul for the inclusion of the Gentiles in the Kingdom which God promised in the OT (Isaiah 40; see comments on Matthew introduction).

4:12-16 Epaphras, at one time a fellow prisoner with Paul (Philemon 1:23) not only taught the Colossians (1:7) but fervently labored and fought for them in prayer that they would stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. This involves doing what is pleasing in His sight so as to receive the blessing He intends for His loyal and faithful saints. This is the goal of the Christian life on earth. It is not automatic, but a result of teaching to obey (Matthew 28:20) and prayerful ministry. Notice that it is so much more than getting sins forgiven. This passage is the one that tells us that Luke was a physician, and that Demas was a co-laborer. One of the saddest verses in the NT is 2 Timothy 4:10 which tells us that this companion and fellow laborer with Paul, forsook him, because he was seduced by and loved this present world. Not even Paul's teaching and prayers could save Demas from destroying his future. His fate is so much the worse, because, as Dr. Luke recorded, to whom much is given, much is required (Luke 12:48). Paul instructs the Colossians to swap letters with the lukewarm Laodiceans, who Christ said were on track to lose their glory/reward.

Revelation 3:16 “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, 'I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing' --- and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked ---18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."”

4:17-18 Paul ends with an admonition/encouragement to Archippus, a fellow-soldier (Philemon 1:12) who apparently had received a commission from the Lord as had Paul (1 Corinthians 15:3). Nothing else is known of him. The interesting thing is the function of the Body in encouraging such an individual to fulfill or bring to completion the responsibility/ministry the Lord had entrusted to him. Paul signs with his own hand, and asks them to remember his bonds (third reference - Colossians 4:3,10,18). The reminder is of his willingness to suffer for the benefit of others, as they should too. They had life because Christ was willing to suffer. They heard about life because Paul was willing to suffer. They were taught because Epaphras was willing to suffer. The route to glory is through suffering (see comments on Mark 10:45), so the Colossians should be willing to suffer for others on their route to their glorious inheritance. Paul ends with a shorter benediction, wishing them the blessing of grace.

Application: Life is short; make it count for eternity, by using every hour for God's pleasure and the benefit of others.

Prayer: God, may I be perfect and complete in all Your will, as You desire; show me what ever You want me to do, and help me trust You to bring it about. Amen.

Digging Deeper:

God in a nutshell: God will pour out His wrath on His disobedient children who seek to live for just this world rather than His will.

Build-a-Jesus: The Lord Jesus sits at the right hand of God awaiting the inauguration of His Messianic rule, when He will reward His faithful servants in whom His word dwells.

Us in a nutshell: We need to be transformed to be able to live as God desires; that involves choosing to put to death our old self-centered desires and habits, and putting on the Christ-like characteristics that enable us to minister to others.

Where to Go for More:

Truthbase.net

Colossians: Living The Christian Life After The Cross