1 Timothy 1-3 God Wants All Saved and True
TMS 1 Peter 5:7 Put Your Whole World in His Hands
1 Peter 5:7 “Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for " God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,
7 casting all your care upon Him,
for He cares for you.
8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour."
Observations: 5:7 This is an easy verse to memorize, and not that difficult to start doing. The difficulty lies in refraining from taking back your cares and concerns from God's hand. The word for casting is used only one other time in the NT (Lk 19:35) of the disciples tossing their cloaks upon the Psalm Sunday colt. “Cares” are the concerns for things of this world which choke the word and make it unfruitful (Mt 13:22; Mk 4:19; Lk 8:14). In the context of 1Peter 5 (see comments there), it describes the concern for one's status and reputation, and what will happen if one actually does submit. Whatever makes you anxious is legitimate from the broader context of the gospels and other passages (i.e., Phil 4:6-7). Failure to obey this admonition, particularly as it relates to pride and humility, is an open invitation for the devil to devour you (5:8).
Application: Step one: Know that God is far better able to care for us, and the things that concern us, than we are. Express that conviction to God in prayer.
Step two: Tell God that you are trusting Him to take care of each specific item that concerns you, and visualize yourself placing it in His hands.
Step three: Ask God what He wants you to do, this day, about any of the items.
Step four: Do whatever He reveals, and leave all the cares in His capable hands.
Step five: Enjoy His peace, and thank Him.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I praise You that You are so mighty and capable of taking care of all that concerns me; I trust that You will take care of X, Y, Z, and work it out for good; please show me whatever You want me to do about these things; thanks for Your promises of peace. Amen.
1 Timothy 1-3 The letters to Timothy and Titus comprise the Pastoral Epistles, giving advice on issues of church life. Each letter gives qualifications for church leadership (elders) and there is a practical guide to those marks of godliness under Digging Deeper. Paul writes to encourage and empower Timothy in his task of building up the churches so they function as God desires. Both corporate and individual applications appear, as well as truth designed to encourage those who serve God.
1 Timothy 1 The Goal of Instruction
1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the authoritative order of God our Savior, and Christ Jesus our hope; 2 to Timothy, my true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 As I urged you when I was going into Macedonia, stay at Ephesus that you might command certain men not to teach a different doctrine, 4 neither to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than godly edification, which is in/by faith—
5 but the goal of this command is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith; 6 from which things some, having missed the mark, have turned aside to vain talking; 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor about what they strongly affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good, if a man uses it lawfully, 9 as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine; 11 according to the Good News of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.
12 And I thank him who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he counted me faithful, appointing me to service; 13 although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith/trust and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all his patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in him for eternal/of the Age life/dominion. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
18 This instruction I commit to you, my son Timothy, according to the prophecies made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare; 19 holding faith and a good conscience; which some having cast away have suffered shipwreck concerning the faith; 20 of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
Observations: 1:1-4 Paul write to his “true born” son in the faith, Timothy, giving him written authority to set the Ephesian church plant in order. Like any growing plant, some pruning and structure is necessary for proper growth. Too much structure stifles growth, too little results in lack of fruit. Paul tells Timothy to ensure purity and priority of sound teaching, by confronting those who teach inaccurately or major on the minors. Biblical teaching builds faithful reproductive disciples. Anything less is not God's will. The edification of which Paul speaks is that which follows upon faith in the revelation of Christ (about Him and by Him), rather than the law (Judaizers are everywhere). Paul is an apostle by God's authoritative order/command Acts 26:17 I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you, 18 to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me.'
Note God as Savior -Ps 24:5. He wishes Timothy the usual blessings of grace and peace, but adds mercy (which is the Greek translation of the Hebrew hesed), God's loyal covenantal love. As Timothy combats the enemies of truth, an awareness of God's loyalty to those who do His will would be energizing and encouraging.
1:5 The goal of the command to restrain false and frivolous teaching is for believers to be built up so they manifest agape (loyal Christlike love), which sums up the requirements of the law and obeys the great command given by Christ (John 13:34-35). If teaching doesn't equip believers to love biblically, it isn't biblical. Agape must come from a pure/cleansed heart (whose values reflect God's values, not the world's), a good conscience (a guilt-free consciousness of doing what is pleasing in God's sight, mentioned six times in the Pastorals; see comments on Acts 24:16), and a faith that is unfeigned (also used to modify love). A pure heart is a function of obeying the truth (1Pt 1:22). The faith necessary for agape love (sacrificing oneself to do what is in another's best interest) must be sincere, unfeigned, undisguised, and not hypocritical. This is not a reference to genuineness of belief in Christ's atonement (that is almost never an issue in the NT), nor even that of consistency between belief and behavior (although that is a frequent issue), but in this context is most probably a reference to an unreserved adherence to the revelation about and by Christ (rather than that of the law). Such faith would be consistent with Galatians 5:6 (faith working through love) and Hebrews 11:6 (faith that God rewards those who diligently seek Him).
1 Peter 1:22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit for sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,
1:6-11 The people Timothy needed to shut up were those who had turned aside from love, obedience (conscience) and faith (as delivered by Jesus) to teach the law and its rituals. As many today, they don't understand what they are saying (parroting) and affirming (shouting about). Law (no article in the Greek) is not set in place for the righteous, but to restrain the wicked (see comments on the Law being a guardian until Christ in
Gal 3:23). The list of lawless acts echos Paul's list of the deeds of the flesh (Gal 5:19) and the sins which cause believers to lose their inheritance/reward (1Cor 6:9; Eph 5:5). All these behaviors are contrary to sound teaching/doctrine, and not according to the good news/gospel of the glory that faithful believers will receive. Remember Paul's commission in Acts 26 is so that the Gentiles would obtain an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Christ (not law-keeping).
1:12-17 Paul explains why God entrusted him with the gospel even though formerly he was chief of sinners: God had shown him mercy because he had acted in ignorance, and then considered him faithful with the grace God had shown him (1Cor 15:10), which abounded with the faith/trust and love in/by Christ. It is a trustworthy saying that Jesus came into the world to save sinners, so they might believe and eventually receive dominion in the Messianic Age. Paul considered himself a showcase for God's gracious patience with those who believe. Therefore Paul praises God the King of the Ages, who is incorruptible, and transcendent (beyond the physical realm, thus invisible), the only wise God, to whom belong glory and honor forever. If Paul was entrusted with his ministry because he was faithful with what God had given him, then Timothy must also be faithful (a word used sixteen times in the Pastorals).
1:18-20 Paul commits this instruction to his son in the faith, reminding him of the prophesies made concerning Timothy, (referred to 4:14 and 2Tim. 1:6) to which he too must be faithful. By recalling how God had put him in His service, Timothy could draw encouragement from God's placement of Timothy as Paul's deputy. Believer's today do not need any such prophecy or “call” to service since God has already given them a written invitation and commission (Mt 28:19-20, and all the one-another commands; see 2Tim 2:2). Even though God had specifically designated Timothy as He had Paul, Timothy needed to wage battle against Satan and his agents, holding on to his belief in the truth and a good conscience (obeying what he knows - Acts 24:16). If he abandoned those his faith would suffer shipwreck (as in not get him to his destination of glory -Heb 2:1 miss the destination). A shipwrecked faith doesn't cause one to be unborn again, but does cause one to miss out on inheritance/reward in the Kingdom. Two such shipwrecked saints were Hy and Al, whom Paul delivered to Satan for discipline, so they might not speak against the truth and Paul (1Cor 5:5).
Application: If we hold onto our belief in God's promises, and obey what we know (good conscience) we will sail safely through turbulent waters to future glory.
Prayer: God, thanks that You provide the truth and grace I need to do Your will, particularly in loving others; please help me use it to Your glory. Amen.
1 Timothy 2 Saved and True
2:1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all men: 2 for kings and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; 4 who wills/desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its proper time; 7 to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 I desire therefore that the men in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and disputing.
9 In the same way, that women also adorn themselves in modest clothing, with honor and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing; 10 but (which becomes women professing godliness) with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in quietness with all submission. 12 But I don’t permit a woman to teach, nor to exercise authority over a man, but to be in quietness. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 Adam wasn’t deceived, but the woman, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience; 15 but she will be saved through her childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with soundmindedness.
Observations: 2:1-4 In light of the spiritual battle believers face, Paul emphasizes the priority of prayer for all, especially those in authority, so that believers may live in peace and dignity. This is good and right in the sight of God our Savior, who desires that all people be saved, and (wait there's more!) come to an experiential knowledge of the truth (see comments on Titus 1:1). God's desires/wills (Strong's #2309 thelo: resolve, determine, purpose) for all to be saved is based on the fact that Jesus was given as a ransom for all people (not just the Jews or a select few -2Pt 3:9). There is only one way to God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12) and that is through the one mediator (middle man) between God and men, Jesus, and only Him. This eliminates all other mediators or need for one. Those who don't have a relationship with Jesus will think that praying to someone else to intercede for them will help, but that's idolatry. Praying to anyone else but God, in the name of Jesus, is to ignore God's revelation, which is a guaranteed way to have God ignore you. The God-Man Jesus is the only provision/ransom (Mt 20:29; Lk 10:45) God has provided for man's sin, and the only death He'll accept in our place.
Don't miss the other desire/will of God, which is experiential knowledge of the truth, an intimate, sanctified relationship with Him, based upon the truth (rather than tradition). God's will is that people go beyond justification and walk in the revealed truth of the Spirit.
Lot's of deceived people miss these three truths, so here they are again:
There is only one Mediator, Jesus (that's you-Jesus-Father) no one else in-between;
God wills all people to be saved (not just a select few);
God wills for saved people experience and walk in the truth/light.
Anything other than the above is not God's will, although people are free to refuse His will and do their own thing, but they will suffer the sovereign consequences He's attached to their choices. Paul was appointed to give testimony to the Gentiles, teaching them the will of God in the sphere of faith and in the sphere of truth (corresponding to the will of God in verse 4). Paul indeed brought the Gentiles to both faith in Christ, and transformation in the truth (cf Titus 1:1). Therefore he asks for prayer for the fulfillment of his purpose. The admonition to pray without anger or disputing is a counter to the disunity in 1:5, and stresses the need for righteous relationships with others if we expect God to answer what we request (Mt 5:24). Men frequently seek worth and value by being better than other men, rather than being better than they used to be in God's sight.
2:9 Similarly, women frequently compete with other women, to get worth and value by being attractive from a human rather than Divine perspective. It's not mere appearance which is attractive in the sight of God (and a godly man), but an honorable character, engaged in good works (God's purpose in saving us -Eph 2:10). Braiding the bristles of a pig, and dressing it in jewels and silk, doesn't make it beautiful. Paul addresses the role of women in the church in a manner similar to 1Corinthians 14:34 (see observations there). It might be worth noting that both the OT and NT elevated the status of women far above cultural norms, and it was the Woman's Christian Temperance Unions that led to women's right to vote. As mentioned previously, function makes no comment about worth or value of a person (see
Submission: The S Word on Truthbase.net). Paul says that women should learn in quietness and submission, should not teach, nor exercise authority over men (in the church is the context 3:15). According to the Holy Spirit inspired apostle, women are to be under authority (as are all believers). In they church they are not to teach, nor serve as authoritative leadership (as a governing board). The reason Paul gives is not cultural (see comments on 1Cor 11) but universal. Doing what is right in God's sight is far more important, than human recognition, and the source of eternal worth and value. In contrast to leadership roles in the church, the sphere in which a woman reaps rewards is in the family, through the raising of the next godly generation (not just having babies). Saved in this context is not justification, but glorification, dependent also upon continuance in faith, love, sanctification/holiness, with soundmindedness (a Greek term for a life governed by principled objectives). See more on this subject on Trustbase.net and the upcoming Catacomb Church. A woman can serve in “official” capacity, even on a church board, under the delegation of Biblically qualified men (see next chapter). She could be asked or given permission to share things that build up the Body, even from a public platform (such as a missionary or ministry experience), and still fit under Paul's injunction. Women encouraging men in the truth ( Aquila and Priscilla -Acts 18:26) would be a good idea, but publicly leading men in churches in matters of truth would not.
Application: God desires that all people not just be justified, but experience all His communicated truth in their lives.
Prayer: God, may I fulfill Your desire for me by walking today, and everyday in Your truth; show me where I'm missing it, and please guide me into it. Thanks. Amen.
1 Timothy 3 Models of Godliness.
3:1 This is a faithful saying: if a man seeks the office of an overseer/bishop, he desires a good work. 2 The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, apt to teaching; 3 not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; 4 one who rules his own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence; 5 (but if a man doesn’t know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the assembly of God?) 6 not a new convert, lest being puffed up he fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7 Moreover he must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.
8 Servants/deacons, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money; 9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 Let them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless. 11 Their wives in the same way must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Let servants be husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
14 These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly; 15 but if I wait long, that you may know how men ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.
Observations: 3:1-13 God's plan for church leadership are mature models of godliness, who have been receptive to the objective will of the Holy Spirit in their own lives, and thus able to discern His will in church matters. No gifting or calling is specified nor required. Paul gives Timothy this list (compare the similar list in Titus), so Timothy has the authority to recognize those people in whom the Holy Spirit has been working, and who he can appoint to lead the church. Eventually as the Body matures, they would be able to use this list to recognize the godly leaders without direct apostolic appointment. These are not just requirements for elders, but for all believers, hence the title “Models of Godliness.” All believers should strive to have these qualities in their lives (this is more obvious in Titus), because they form the basis of gaining eternal reward (3:13). The list below under Digging Deeper is written so any individual can evaluate their own life, and that of a prospective elder. You'll find a lot more on this topic in the Catacomb Church, since Biblical leadership is the defining mark of a Biblical church. There you'll also find out suggestions for what to do if there is no godly male leadership.
The general requirement for an elder is to be above reproach (un-indictable, not enough pattern of evidence of wrongdoing for a conviction), but not perfect. The “disqualifications” are explained in the list below, but a comment about marriage is worth noting. Church leaders should be married with godly kids (although the list below could be used for evaluating someone not in that position). The reason for godly kids, is one needs to manage one's household well (proof in the pudding) before one can manage God's household. Parenting is a team sport, and if a guy can't have a unified approach to parenting with his wife, he's not going to be capable of reaching consensus with other leaders about more subjective church issues. The secret to godly kids is vigilant, loving confrontation and correction of sin. (See Parenting resources on Truthbase.net, especially the Proverbial Parent.) This is the skill necessary to be a good shepherd of God's sheep. “Husband of one wife” translates “one woman man,” which means that a guy's sexual attention is directed solely toward his wife. The need for a good reputation with outsiders is so one doesn't try to get worth and value at the expense of others in the church. Anyone who wants the job for status is unqualified to do it.
Deacons (the Greek word is “servant”) are not necessarily a permanent office, but more ad hoc ministers to needs in the Body (see comments on Acts 6). Requirements for their wives are mentioned, because deacons are often involved in meeting personal needs and gossip could ruin the reputation of folks.
See comments on
Leadership in Acts 20 for more on the tasks of shepherding/pastoring and overseeing/bishoping being entrusted solely to elders (also 1 Peter 5:1-5). See the evaluative compilation of this list and Titus 1 in
Marks and Models of Godliness below under Digging Deeper.
3:14-16 Paul gives his purpose in writing, so that Timothy would have an authoritative basis for correcting the church. Paul describes the Body/assembly of believers (not the building) as the household of the living God, the supporting pillar of the truth. Paul then elaborates on that truth which the church upholds, calling it the mystery (previously unrevealed information) of godliness (knowing and doing what God requires -see Titus 1). The mystery consists of the incarnation, (death), resurrection, glorification, revelation to the nations, reception by the world, and enthronement of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. This the foundation on which every Biblical church rests.
Application: Go through the marks of godliness under Digging Deeper and honestly evaluate yourself (male or female, young or old) and see what kind of model you are for others. Take any corrective action necessary.
Prayer: God, thanks that You make possible all You expect me to do and be; may I draw upon Your grace to obey and serve You, for Your glory. Amen.
Digging Deeper
God in a nutshell: God wants all to be saved and come to an experiential knowledge of the truth.
Build-a-Jesus: Jesus is the only ransom and mediator between God and man (no intermediaries). He is God in the flesh, now enthroned in glory.
Us in a nutshell: Believers are the household of God, and must operate according to His organizational structure, in unity and harmony.
Models of Godliness - Elder Qualifications
1Tim 4:7 train yourself to be godly 6:11 pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love... Titus1:1 apostle for faith...and experiential knowledge of the truth which leads to godliness, 2Pt 1:3 add to your faith...perseverance, godliness...not unfruitful...rich welcome
Titus 1:6 elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe & are not open to the charge of being wild & disobedient.
I Timothy 3:2-5 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife... 4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect. 5 (If anyone doesn't know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)
I. BLAMELESS (Above reproach, Unindictable)
A. Is there anything in his life that has not been dealt with in a biblical manner? Could you charge him with any uncorrected wrongdoing? Is there any way in which he is not a model of godliness?
B. If so, follow the principle of Matthew 18.
C. Can he limit his natural desires to do what God desires or what is best for others?
D. Is he a model of godliness, in the sense that he is characterized by consistent experiential knowledge (application) of truth?
E. Does his behavior indicate that his actions are based upon a strong hope or expectation of eternal rewards? (Titus 1:2)
II. HUSBAND-OF ONE WIFE (One woman man)
A. Are his attentions and delights focused solely on his wife?
B. Do his interactions with other women indicate that he is a one-woman man?
C. Does his relationship with his wife indicate that he would not drift towards an actual or fantasized affair?
D .Do the observable parts of his life provide evidence that he has control of his desires?
E. Does he limit his desires, for the benefit of his wife?
III. BELIEVING CHILDREN (Passing on the faith)
A. Has he passed on his faith to his children (and others)?
B. Is his relationship with Jesus such that it is attractive to others?
C. Is he free from hypocrisy so that he's the same at church and at home?
IV. BEHAVING CHILDREN (Passing on the lifestyle)
A. Has he passed on the sound-minded control of his emotions and desires to his children?
B. Do his children (disciples) demonstrate the ability to limit their desires for a higher objective (wild = not saving)?
C. Has he passed on the lifestyle of submission to authority? Or are his children rebellious?
D. Do his children obey him with God-fearing respect?
E. Do his children honor their parents?
V. MANAGING FAMILY WELL
A. Does his family exhibit the Biblical pattern for families (Eph 5-6; Col 3) Is it a model for others?
B. Does his wife respond to his leadership with respect and submission?
C. Is he disciplining and training his children to fear the Lord?
D. Would you want the church to be like his family life?
E. Does he take the initiative in solving family difficulties or does he let things smolder until things explode?
F. Is his home in such an order that it can be used as a base for ministry?
Titus 1:7 Since an overseer is entrusted with God's work, he must be blameless--not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. I Timothy -3:3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.
VI. STEWARD/ENTRUSTED WITH GOD'S WORK
A. If you were God. would you hire him and entrust him with your property or business? B. Why or why not?
VII. NOT OVERBEARING (Self-willed, Self-pleasing)
A. Does he insist on having his own way?
B. Does he patiently persuade or force his opinion on others?
C. Is he open to new ideas?
D. Does he nit-pick the little things under the guise of being right?
E. Does he make decisions based on what's right or what pleases him?./
F. Is he sensitive to what is in another's best interest as well as their feelings and preferences?
IX. NOT QUICK-TEMPERED
A. Can he endure injustice and ill-treatment?
B. Does he insist on being right?
C. Does he have to tell you what he thinks or can he control his anger?
D. In the face of sheer stupidity can he channel his outrage constructively?
E. Does irritation quickly flare up into anger?
X. NOT BESIDE WINE (Escapism)
A. Does he avoid or escape his responsibilities through procrastination?
B. Does he comfort himself or alter his experience or reality through alcohol, food, TV, travel, computer games or other forms of amusement?
C. Can he face and do the unpleasant?
D. Does he avoid and run away from failure or overcome and learn from it?
XI. NOT VIOLENT (Hasty in striking an opponent)
A. When wronged, does he lash out or seek to get even or get revenge?
B. Can he attack a position without attacking the person?
C. Has he freed himself from unrighteous anger, hate or hostility?
D. Can he disagree without being disagreeable?
E. Would you call him a peacemaker who can reconcile relationships?
F. Does he seek to understand another's position and the reasoning (or lack thereof) behind it before attacking the position?
XII. NOT PURSUING DISHONEST GAIN
A. Is he free from the love of money? Is he a workaholic?
B. Would he compromise a principle to add to his principal?
C. Does he live within a budget?
D. Does he tithe, recognizing God's ownership of all he has?
E. Will he compromise (not forsake) the truth so others will like him?
F. Does he base his estimate of himself and others on their income?
*G. Does he place his job ahead of his family or spiritual responsibilities, or does he neglect spiritual service for work?
Titus 1:8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined
I Timothy 3:2 temperate self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach
XIII. HOSPITABLE (Lover of strangers)
A. Does he seek out strangers and visitors and make them feel welcome?
B. Can he develop a relationship with a stranger to the point where he can discern & help accomplish God's purposes for that person?
C. Does he use his home as a base for ministering to other's needs?
D. Is he growing in his circle of acquaintances and friendships?
Rom 12:13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality Heb 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained strangers without knowing it. 1Pt 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.
XIV. LOVER OF GOOD
A. Is he attracted toward what is good?
B. What good works have you seen demonstrated in his life?
C. Does he have a disdain for what is not good?
2Tim 3:2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive. disobedient to their parents, ungrateful unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God--5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. 7 always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth.
XV. SOUND MINDED (Self-controlled)
A. Does he govern his life by principles and objectives or by natural drives, appetites, and lusts. (i.e., sex or security)?
B. Is it obvious that he limits what he could be doing in order to do what God wants?
C. Can he explain the thinking behind his actions or does he just go with the flow?
D. Does his mind control his feelings and actions or does he react and then rationalize?
E. Does he think before he acts, making decisions based on accurate information?
F. Does he have grasp of the big picture so that he knows when he has enough information to make a decision that pleases God?
Mk 5:15 When they came to Jesus, they saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, dressed and in his right mind,- and they were afraid. (see also 2 Cor 5:13) Ac 26:25 "I am not insane, most excellent Festus, ' Paul replied. "What I am sayingis true and reasonable. Rm 12:3 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you.- Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. 2Tim 1 7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline. Titus 2:2 each the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Titus 2:5 to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands so that no one will malign the word of God. 12 It teaches us to say "No " to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age,
XVI. JUST (Upright)
A. Has he taught himself to automatically know what is right and just and fair in the common circumstances of life (through steeping his values in Proverbs)?
B. Does he exhibit justice and fairness in dealing even with his opponents?
C. Does he operate according to God's standards and principles in all spheres of his life'?
D. Does he make decisions based on God's perspectives and values?
XVII. HOLY
A. Does he know or seek out what God wants or desires when faced with a decision?
B. Could you say that he does what Jesus would do in any given situation?
C. Would he be known as devout or pious?
D. Does he exhibit a concern for pleasing God?
E. Is he a model of personal holiness?
F. Do his speech and values indicate that he is in the world but not of the world?
G. Doss he care more about what God thinks than what others think?
Eph 4:22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
]Tim 2:10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.
I Tim 2:81 want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.
Heb 7:26 Such a high priest meets our need-one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.
XVIII. DISCIPLINED (Power under control)
A. Does his will control his life so that he does what God wants even when his emotions and past experiences point in another direction?
B. Is there evidence that he can make or break a habit?
C. Does he consistently practice the disciplines of the Christian life: devotional time, Scripture memory, Bible study, and prayer?
D. Is self-control evident in his eating, exercise, and speech habits?
E. Can he inhibit or exhibit a desire at will?
F. Is it obvious that he is in training for the prize?
G. Is he controlling his life or are others or circumstances ruling it?
Ac 24:25 As Paul discoursed on righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and said 'that's enough for now! You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you. "
1Co 7:9 But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to bum.
1Co 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. 7hey do it to get a crown that will not last,- but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Gal 5.-22 But the fruit of the Spirit is ..self-control.
2Pe 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge, and to knowledge, self-control, and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness
I Timothy 3:2 ...able to teach… Titus 1:9 He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. 10 For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. 11 They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach--and that for the sake of dishonest gain.
XIX. ABLE TO TEACH
A. KNOWING THE WORD
1. Can he accurately represent what God has said?
2. Is he a diligent student of the Word of God?
3 . Is he on a path which over the course of a lifetime will lead to mastery of the Truth?
4. Is he mining fresh truth or recycling platitudes?
5. Does he know the whole counsel of God, or just ride hobbyhorses?
6. Does he emphasize what God emphasizes?
B. APPLYING THE WORD
1. IN EXAMPLE
a. Is his lifestyle such that he has credibility?
b. Does he practice what he preaches (model godliness)?
c. Is he an embodiment of sound doctrine? (hold firmly to the message)?
2. IN TEACHING
a. Is he able to limit his preferences and overcome obstacles to communicate so others understand?
b. Is his teaching geared to knowledge or obedience?
3. IN ENCOURAGING (calling alongside)
a. Does his teaching provide Biblical motivation for obedience?
b. Does he encourage others with the word (sound doctrine) or what they want to hear (pious platitudes)?
c. Does he encourage others in the Lord or build dependence on himself or other temporal props?
4. IN REPROVING
a. Does he love people enough to confront unbiblical thinking/actions even when he knows he won't be liked or
accepted (and may even be misunderstood and slandered)?
b. Is he more concerned about his reputation with God than with what others think of him?
c. Are his arguments based upon the Scriptures or his preferences?
d. Does he exhibit gentleness and long-suffering in his rebuking?
e. Does he bring things to light (reproof) before rebuke?
f. Does he allow time for repentance?
g. Does he follow up rebuke with encouragement if there's repentance or with initiating church discipline (Mt 18) if not?
h. Is his goal restoration or condemnation?
I Timothy 3:1 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.
XX. ASPIRE/DESIRE
A. Does he seek to be used by God in leading/serving others or does he act like he's doing God and others a favor?
B. Does he approach serving as worshipful service or a holy hobby?
I Timothy 3:6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil.
XXI. MATURE/HUMBLE
A. Has he had time to develop mature fruit of the Spirit in his life?
B. Is he prone to conceit or does he have a proper view of himself'.?
C. Has he eagerly sought service in the shadows as well as in the spotlight?
I Timothy 3:7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap.
XXII GOOD REPUTATION
A. Does he present the same picture at work or at home as he does at church?
B. Are his business practices above reproach?
C. Does his non-church life draw others to church and Christ?
D. Can he handle responsibility without it going to his head?
E. Would his boss fill out a recommendation form for him?
1Tim 3:8 Deacons. likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.
XXIII. RESPECTABLE
A. Is he worthy of respect due to his accomplishments and competence?
B. Has he done anything to undermine his respect?
XXIV. SINCERE (Not slanderers)
A. Does he keep his promises?
XXV. TEMPERATE
A. Can he restrain and control his appetites and desires?
B. See under "Escapism", "Sound-minded", and "Self-control".
XVI. NOT GREEDY FOR A QUICK BUCK
A. See under "Not Pursuing Dishonest Gain".
XXVII. KNOW THE TRUTH & APPLY THE TRUTH A. See under "Able to Teach".
I Timothy 3. 1 0 They must first be tested, and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.
XXVIII. TESTED
A. Has he demonstrated faithfulness in other "unofficial" tasks'?
XXIX. BLAMELESS See above #I.
ITim 3:11 Same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers, but temperate & trustworthy in everything.
XXX. WIFE WASHERS (Ephesians 5)
A. Has he been a stimulus to his wife's Christlikeness by both example and word?
B. Has he helped her grow in her obedience to the word and service?
C. Does his wife exhibit order and respectability'?
D. Is his wife known for her gracious edifying speech rather than indiscreet gossip or critical talk?
E. Can his wife be trusted with a secret or a responsibility?
Questions for Reflection/Discussion/Response:
- Are all believers models of godliness? Is godliness automatic or do we have to do something to achieve it? How do you get it?
- Why the emphasis on family? How does a woman reflect on her husband? What can you tell about a person from their spouse>
- What is “spiritual leadership”? Is it important? Should all men strive to become elders? Should all believers strive to become godly?
- What can you do to increase your GQ (godliness quotient) and that of those around you? Are you a model of godliness?
