"He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)"
I really enjoyed this walk it gave me quite a bit of time to reflect on family and what it means to be a father. It was quite encouraging and challenging.
To me this sometimes seems to be one of the most obvious qualification for leadership in the church. The idea of family, big or small. Your family, God's family. The prinicples of leadership in both are very similar. The things that should drive a father in the home should also drive a leader in the church.
A man must care enough to invest his life in his family. If a man is not investing in his natural children, there is no reason to believe he will care enough to invest in his spiritual children.
A father must have a heart of dedication. He should be willing to sacrifice, to even die for his children. This much is expected in a leader of the church. The issue of obedience of children is a moot point I believe when kids know how dedicated their parents are to their welfare above all else.
A father should desire above all else that his children know and desire to follow Christ. If he fails to have this desire for his kids, it will not magically appear for others.
A father must teach his children in Biblical truth, therefore setting a precedent for his leadership of others in the church.
Church leadership should never cause a man to lose his family. If it does, the whole point has been lost.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
1 Timothy 3:2-3
" Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. "
I linked these verses because I think they all had one thing. A leader in the church must be a "winner". Now before we go to far into worldly connotations associated with the idea of a winner, what I mean is a spiritual winner. One who fights the battles against the true enemies of believers "the powers of the dark world and the spiritual forces of evil". A man who is tested in battle, has on many occasions sent Satan and his minions away defeated. A man who, under God, "fights the good fight". A man who knows how to put on the Ephesians 6 armor of God and "Stand Firm".
All of the qualifications in these two verses (with the possible exception of teaching) have to do with controlling the desires of the flesh that generally wreak havoc on men. They go from lust, to violence, to anger, to greed, to selfishness, and even alcohol addiction. When put together, this becomes a pretty comprehensive list of the passions of the flesh that wage against men soles. Notice, that while the passions above are true of both sexes, some of the things that are unique to women are not listed here. This is a comprehensive list of men's struggles.
Men worthy of leading God's church have fought these battles and they are winners! They have "overcome this world". They are God's men. I think this is where teaching fits into this verse. Because these men have overcome the desires of their flesh, they are men capable of teaching with a clear conscience from a position of victory. God's leaders are winners.
I linked these verses because I think they all had one thing. A leader in the church must be a "winner". Now before we go to far into worldly connotations associated with the idea of a winner, what I mean is a spiritual winner. One who fights the battles against the true enemies of believers "the powers of the dark world and the spiritual forces of evil". A man who is tested in battle, has on many occasions sent Satan and his minions away defeated. A man who, under God, "fights the good fight". A man who knows how to put on the Ephesians 6 armor of God and "Stand Firm".
All of the qualifications in these two verses (with the possible exception of teaching) have to do with controlling the desires of the flesh that generally wreak havoc on men. They go from lust, to violence, to anger, to greed, to selfishness, and even alcohol addiction. When put together, this becomes a pretty comprehensive list of the passions of the flesh that wage against men soles. Notice, that while the passions above are true of both sexes, some of the things that are unique to women are not listed here. This is a comprehensive list of men's struggles.
Men worthy of leading God's church have fought these battles and they are winners! They have "overcome this world". They are God's men. I think this is where teaching fits into this verse. Because these men have overcome the desires of their flesh, they are men capable of teaching with a clear conscience from a position of victory. God's leaders are winners.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
1 Timothy 3:2-12
Before, I did a verse by verse meditation on these, I wanted to think about these verses in the big picture context. These verses are those that describe the qualifications for elders and deacons in the church.
I personally thought, I have no desire to be a church leader, but I do desire to follow God and so I do desire my life to match the scrutiny of these verses also.
As I started to walk it was hard not to tally a mental checklist as I went through the verses. This character trait (check), next character trait (uncheck), this trait (check back in a month). As I thought about it, regretfully I started to see it as a to do list I would put on my refrigerator. Must be gentle (Will do next week), hospitable (tomorrow), not a lover of money (Maybe I can buy a book about that at the store later today). Anyway it became rather daunting.
Instead of any answers all I got were questions in my head. "Is this possible?" "Does such a man exist?" How do you become such a man?
Then it hit me, you can't "become such a man". Such a natural man does not exist. If I treated this like a checklist of traits to add to my shopping cart, this task would never be acheivable and I would never become "such a man".
I then thought about C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity Here is a rather long quote from the book.
"Already the new men are dotted here and there all over the earth....Every now and then one meets them. Their very voices and faces are different from ours; stronger, quieter, happier, more radiant. They begin werhe most of us leave off. They are, I say, recognisable; but you must know what to look for. They will not be very like the idea of "religious people" which you have formed from your general reading. They do not draw attention to themselves. You tend to think that you are being kind to them when they are really being kind to you. They love you more than other men do, but they need you less......They will usually seem to have a lot of time; you will wonder where it comes from. When you have recognised one of them, you will recognise the next one much more easily. And I strongly suspect that they recognise one another immediately and infallibly,........In that way to be holy is like joining a secret society. To put it at the very lowest, it must be great fun..............To become new men means losing what we now call "ourselves." Out of ourselves, into Christ, we must go. His will is to become ours and we are to think His thoughts, to "have the mind of Christ" as the Bible says."
This is how I think we become these "new men". Set apart to lead Christ's church. Not to follow a checklist of character to do's, but to become more Christ like. To put on his mind. To be more, not to do more. As Paul prayed for the Ephesians "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being" This is how you become "such a man".
I personally thought, I have no desire to be a church leader, but I do desire to follow God and so I do desire my life to match the scrutiny of these verses also.
As I started to walk it was hard not to tally a mental checklist as I went through the verses. This character trait (check), next character trait (uncheck), this trait (check back in a month). As I thought about it, regretfully I started to see it as a to do list I would put on my refrigerator. Must be gentle (Will do next week), hospitable (tomorrow), not a lover of money (Maybe I can buy a book about that at the store later today). Anyway it became rather daunting.
Instead of any answers all I got were questions in my head. "Is this possible?" "Does such a man exist?" How do you become such a man?
Then it hit me, you can't "become such a man". Such a natural man does not exist. If I treated this like a checklist of traits to add to my shopping cart, this task would never be acheivable and I would never become "such a man".
I then thought about C.S. Lewis in Mere Christianity Here is a rather long quote from the book.
"Already the new men are dotted here and there all over the earth....Every now and then one meets them. Their very voices and faces are different from ours; stronger, quieter, happier, more radiant. They begin werhe most of us leave off. They are, I say, recognisable; but you must know what to look for. They will not be very like the idea of "religious people" which you have formed from your general reading. They do not draw attention to themselves. You tend to think that you are being kind to them when they are really being kind to you. They love you more than other men do, but they need you less......They will usually seem to have a lot of time; you will wonder where it comes from. When you have recognised one of them, you will recognise the next one much more easily. And I strongly suspect that they recognise one another immediately and infallibly,........In that way to be holy is like joining a secret society. To put it at the very lowest, it must be great fun..............To become new men means losing what we now call "ourselves." Out of ourselves, into Christ, we must go. His will is to become ours and we are to think His thoughts, to "have the mind of Christ" as the Bible says."
This is how I think we become these "new men". Set apart to lead Christ's church. Not to follow a checklist of character to do's, but to become more Christ like. To put on his mind. To be more, not to do more. As Paul prayed for the Ephesians "I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being" This is how you become "such a man".
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
1 Tim 3:2
"Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach."
In a short note, this might be my last walking meditation in a while as I sprained my ankle (for the first time ever, never thought it would happen to me) while playing soccer with the boys. I realize what people talk about when they feel their ankle pop. Mine did and it was horrible. I get to write this while I sit home with a day off unable to walk. My wife encouraged me to rename the blog "Laying with Timothy", but then we both realized this was probably not appropriate!
The moment I read this verse, this thought popped into my head. "This is where desire meets reality." The last verse we looked at the nobility of setting your thoughts on such a high position, a position of such responsibility, a position of such service. It is good that men have these desires, but here Paul reminds Timothy, the desire is good, but it takes more then desire to lead in Christ's Church. Here is what it takes........
While Christ of course, gives all of his believers freedom to make choices, free to make mistakes, free even to decide to choose sin against him. Here is something I believe in which he does not want to give Timothy and for that matter any church freedom. Here Paul spends the next 10 or so verses be very specific on the qualifications for leaders within Christ's church. Here the rubber hits the road. It is great to desire, it is better to deliver. Believers who desire to lead in the church need to deliver a godly character. Here Paul tells Timothy what that looks like and he leaves little room for Timothy to move within his established desires. Here is what a leader after my heart looks like, the only type of leader who should follow after me in leadership. This is what I hear the Lord saying through Paul.
In this verse, Christ through Paul eliminates all "wordly" standards for leadership. Even all "churchly" standards that regretfully mingle in ever so gently into our evaluation of individuals. He never talks about money. Being a "VP" of a company has no bearing to the Lord.(Though management skills are valued) He's not a fishing buddy of the pastor or someone who has a great sense of humor (Even though the church needs more who do at times!) God says, your standards, because of your nature tend to be flawed. My standards are never flawed. Use Them!
One more noble thing about this process is the noble task of being one who selects God's leaders. As Timothy is hearing this, I imagine him reading with a great sense of almost foreboding responsibility hanging over him. This is quite a list. Does such a man exist! Either way it is my responsibility to do my do diligence in searching for them. Finding the men who will lead God's church along with him is a task of utmost importance. A task that will forever effect the church and forever effect him as he serves with these men.
In a short note, this might be my last walking meditation in a while as I sprained my ankle (for the first time ever, never thought it would happen to me) while playing soccer with the boys. I realize what people talk about when they feel their ankle pop. Mine did and it was horrible. I get to write this while I sit home with a day off unable to walk. My wife encouraged me to rename the blog "Laying with Timothy", but then we both realized this was probably not appropriate!
The moment I read this verse, this thought popped into my head. "This is where desire meets reality." The last verse we looked at the nobility of setting your thoughts on such a high position, a position of such responsibility, a position of such service. It is good that men have these desires, but here Paul reminds Timothy, the desire is good, but it takes more then desire to lead in Christ's Church. Here is what it takes........
While Christ of course, gives all of his believers freedom to make choices, free to make mistakes, free even to decide to choose sin against him. Here is something I believe in which he does not want to give Timothy and for that matter any church freedom. Here Paul spends the next 10 or so verses be very specific on the qualifications for leaders within Christ's church. Here the rubber hits the road. It is great to desire, it is better to deliver. Believers who desire to lead in the church need to deliver a godly character. Here Paul tells Timothy what that looks like and he leaves little room for Timothy to move within his established desires. Here is what a leader after my heart looks like, the only type of leader who should follow after me in leadership. This is what I hear the Lord saying through Paul.
In this verse, Christ through Paul eliminates all "wordly" standards for leadership. Even all "churchly" standards that regretfully mingle in ever so gently into our evaluation of individuals. He never talks about money. Being a "VP" of a company has no bearing to the Lord.(Though management skills are valued) He's not a fishing buddy of the pastor or someone who has a great sense of humor (Even though the church needs more who do at times!) God says, your standards, because of your nature tend to be flawed. My standards are never flawed. Use Them!
One more noble thing about this process is the noble task of being one who selects God's leaders. As Timothy is hearing this, I imagine him reading with a great sense of almost foreboding responsibility hanging over him. This is quite a list. Does such a man exist! Either way it is my responsibility to do my do diligence in searching for them. Finding the men who will lead God's church along with him is a task of utmost importance. A task that will forever effect the church and forever effect him as he serves with these men.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
1 Tim 3:1
"Here is a trustworthy saying, whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task."
I spent three days walking on this verse and nothing really hit me about it. There were several things I was thinking through, but nothing really came to me. I wondered why Paul felt the need to declare another statement trustworthy as he had done about a chapter earlier. I wondered what was so noble about the task. ( The coming verses explain much of the nobility of the desire so I will not spend time with that here). I also spent time thinking about what it means to aspire to this role. Is this a calling or simply a desire to serve. I think both.
Then something hit me as to the nobility to this desire, ignobility! There are so many ignoble things in this world to pursue and regretfully most men, even many in the church, pursue these desires. They have said no to money, no to power, no to pleasure. They have refused to focus on filling their storehouses with earthly treasure. They have and are working to beat lesser pleasures, lesser gods into the ground. They have rejected what man values for what God values. This is noble!
Col 3:1-3 tells us to set our hearts on things above where Christ our hope sits. This is noble. This is where we are to set our vision and striving to be men who can lead the church these men have truly set their hearts on things above. They have decided not to store up treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy. They have openly said I forsake the pleasures of the world to the greater reward. They have said as Jim Elliott did "he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
I wanted to come back and share two other thought that hit me about the nobility of this desire. First, is the understanding of the great scrutiny you are about to go through. Following this verse, Paul spends the rest of the chapter outlining the standards such a man match up to. By desiring such a task, you desire the scrutiny that comes with the process. You in essence are saying, open my life up bear, and test it.
Secondly, leading in the church in the first century (and still today in many countries) means the first to suffer persecution, danger, and possibly death for Christ. You put yourself on the frontlines as a symbol for the church. For those who desire to destroy the church, the leader is often the first mark. We have seen that here even in Mexico as pastors have been threatened by Narcos who see that they have Americans in the congregation and think they can get money from the church because of them. You are saying, I can stand for Christ through pressure.
I spent three days walking on this verse and nothing really hit me about it. There were several things I was thinking through, but nothing really came to me. I wondered why Paul felt the need to declare another statement trustworthy as he had done about a chapter earlier. I wondered what was so noble about the task. ( The coming verses explain much of the nobility of the desire so I will not spend time with that here). I also spent time thinking about what it means to aspire to this role. Is this a calling or simply a desire to serve. I think both.
Then something hit me as to the nobility to this desire, ignobility! There are so many ignoble things in this world to pursue and regretfully most men, even many in the church, pursue these desires. They have said no to money, no to power, no to pleasure. They have refused to focus on filling their storehouses with earthly treasure. They have and are working to beat lesser pleasures, lesser gods into the ground. They have rejected what man values for what God values. This is noble!
Col 3:1-3 tells us to set our hearts on things above where Christ our hope sits. This is noble. This is where we are to set our vision and striving to be men who can lead the church these men have truly set their hearts on things above. They have decided not to store up treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy. They have openly said I forsake the pleasures of the world to the greater reward. They have said as Jim Elliott did "he is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose."
I wanted to come back and share two other thought that hit me about the nobility of this desire. First, is the understanding of the great scrutiny you are about to go through. Following this verse, Paul spends the rest of the chapter outlining the standards such a man match up to. By desiring such a task, you desire the scrutiny that comes with the process. You in essence are saying, open my life up bear, and test it.
Secondly, leading in the church in the first century (and still today in many countries) means the first to suffer persecution, danger, and possibly death for Christ. You put yourself on the frontlines as a symbol for the church. For those who desire to destroy the church, the leader is often the first mark. We have seen that here even in Mexico as pastors have been threatened by Narcos who see that they have Americans in the congregation and think they can get money from the church because of them. You are saying, I can stand for Christ through pressure.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
1 Timothy 2:11-14
"A woman should learn in quiteness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner."
Wow! You read verses and sometimes a first you are a little taken back as to what to do with them. My first inclination it do what I have heard at times, declare this a local verse that only pertains to the issues in Timothy's congregation. Regretfully to do that seems to allow believers to much freedom to decide what Scripture is allowed to come out of its original context and which Scripture should stay in its place. All Scripture is originally local, but then likewise universal in scope.
Something that did jump out at me from these verses, which had never happened before in reading, is the organization of God. This chapter addressed to Timothy is littered with God's great desire for order and organization. He is a God of order and those who try to deny this simply do themselves harm. He started off the chapter urging Timothy to first pray for rulers so that societies might be peaceful and dignified so that the gospel might spread fruitfully. He has spent the last couple verse cautioning against things that destroy fellowship and order in worship. This verse continues the theme of God's great desire for order in the church.
No doubt, their is a local issue here. There obviously are women with the congregation causing issues by their behavior in meetings. This might even be linked to wealth of some wome as hinted at in the last set of verses. Anyway, their behavior is leading to a lack of local order. God desires that within his body, all of his attributes will be reflected in the world. One of these is his desire for order. That is not being done in this congregation.
It would be skirting an issue to not talk about roles here. Yesterday, in my bible class with the boys. I established 4 principles for Manhood. I took these from Raising A Modern Day Knight and I think they are wonderful. 1) Reject Passivity 2) Accepts Responsibility 3) Leads Courageously 4) Expects a Greater Reward. When discussing point 3 with the kids, the book and I used 1 Corinthians 11:3 "the head of every man is Christ, so man is the head of the woman." While explaining it carefully to avoid misinterpretation, I made the point that men were created to be leaders. Every man is created in some aspect to be a leader. Men need to embrace this.
I have a feeling that within this church men are not embracing their roles. When their is a power vacuum caused by men vacating their roles within the church or the home, naturally the women in these areas will step in and satisfy them. This is a problem in Timothy's church. Men need to reestablish them. While this verse does seem to be an indictment on women (actually rather harsh), I think implicitly it is critical of men. The first point above is "Reject Passivity". No greater show of male passivity has been seen then what was experienced in the garden of Eden. Here Adam sat by and watched passively as Eve chose to give into temptation. So while the Scripture says that Adam was formed first (putting him in a leadership role) he was also not first to stand up to Satan. He allowed his wife to sin, by being passive in leadership no setting guidelines for his family and his faith in God's command.
This church is suffering in the same way and I believe Paul is trying to remind Timothy of the natural order created by God. While the verse seems to be very critical of women, (No one ever accused Paul of tiptoeing issues), it is actually very critical of the lack of God ordained structure that this church is displaying.
Wow! You read verses and sometimes a first you are a little taken back as to what to do with them. My first inclination it do what I have heard at times, declare this a local verse that only pertains to the issues in Timothy's congregation. Regretfully to do that seems to allow believers to much freedom to decide what Scripture is allowed to come out of its original context and which Scripture should stay in its place. All Scripture is originally local, but then likewise universal in scope.
Something that did jump out at me from these verses, which had never happened before in reading, is the organization of God. This chapter addressed to Timothy is littered with God's great desire for order and organization. He is a God of order and those who try to deny this simply do themselves harm. He started off the chapter urging Timothy to first pray for rulers so that societies might be peaceful and dignified so that the gospel might spread fruitfully. He has spent the last couple verse cautioning against things that destroy fellowship and order in worship. This verse continues the theme of God's great desire for order in the church.
No doubt, their is a local issue here. There obviously are women with the congregation causing issues by their behavior in meetings. This might even be linked to wealth of some wome as hinted at in the last set of verses. Anyway, their behavior is leading to a lack of local order. God desires that within his body, all of his attributes will be reflected in the world. One of these is his desire for order. That is not being done in this congregation.
It would be skirting an issue to not talk about roles here. Yesterday, in my bible class with the boys. I established 4 principles for Manhood. I took these from Raising A Modern Day Knight and I think they are wonderful. 1) Reject Passivity 2) Accepts Responsibility 3) Leads Courageously 4) Expects a Greater Reward. When discussing point 3 with the kids, the book and I used 1 Corinthians 11:3 "the head of every man is Christ, so man is the head of the woman." While explaining it carefully to avoid misinterpretation, I made the point that men were created to be leaders. Every man is created in some aspect to be a leader. Men need to embrace this.
I have a feeling that within this church men are not embracing their roles. When their is a power vacuum caused by men vacating their roles within the church or the home, naturally the women in these areas will step in and satisfy them. This is a problem in Timothy's church. Men need to reestablish them. While this verse does seem to be an indictment on women (actually rather harsh), I think implicitly it is critical of men. The first point above is "Reject Passivity". No greater show of male passivity has been seen then what was experienced in the garden of Eden. Here Adam sat by and watched passively as Eve chose to give into temptation. So while the Scripture says that Adam was formed first (putting him in a leadership role) he was also not first to stand up to Satan. He allowed his wife to sin, by being passive in leadership no setting guidelines for his family and his faith in God's command.
This church is suffering in the same way and I believe Paul is trying to remind Timothy of the natural order created by God. While the verse seems to be very critical of women, (No one ever accused Paul of tiptoeing issues), it is actually very critical of the lack of God ordained structure that this church is displaying.
1 Timothy 2:9-10
"I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God."
As I read through this, verse I hesitated to dive in as we are moving into a discussion on gender roles in the church. It is funny how you don't even want to think, little lone talk through some of these verses sometimes. Despite that, I memorized on.
The first thing I noticed as I began the verse is that the wording is identical to the start of verse 8, "I also want". This puts this statement on par with the statement before it. Its like saying I want a hamburger and I want a milkshake. They all make up the same thought that composes a meal. Likewise this verse, isn't really so much about women's roles, but like verse 8, about worship.
The goal focus of these verses is avoiding hindrances to worship. Verse 8 wants men to engage in worship together and put aside all disputes and anger. Verse 9 also wants women to engage in that same worship, but they need to avoid the desire to outwardly adorn themselves. I personally think Paul understands what men and women both struggle with. He understands in the church, and definitely in Timothy's church, that men often struggle with disputes and disagreements which often lead to anger over issues within the church. I think Paul is also making a statement here that women's desire to adorn themselves outwardly can also be a hindrance to women in a worshipping community.
This made me reflect back to a discussion Paul had on communion where he warned the church, not to show favortism of people of higher rank during communion. This is essence harms any sense of unified worship that is celebrated through the taking of the Lord's supper by elevating some over others. Likewise, in our day, and I would guess in Paul's day we see women trying to define themselves and their station in the world by dress. I don't think Paul is saying that women can never dress nicely, (I love it when my wife puts on a beautiful dress for a nice date). Instead I think he is saying that there is no place for this within a worshipping body. The adorning (which cannot be done evenly by all) seperates people into groups. I have seen this in church before.
Now in no way, am I trying to equate nice clothes with sinful behavior, but I know that we tend to try to define ourselves by what we wear. I know many (in and out of the church) like to look down on others not dressed as nicely. This is a defnite trap of money. God I believe is saying that in this church, and any church, women can sometimes unknownly impede worship by putting a focus on the outward appearance.
I think Paul ends the verse by confirming that within a worshipping body of saints the only thing that should make women (and men) stand out is our deeds done in the faith. I tend to reflect on the many crowns that can be awarded to a believer at the day of judement. These are the only adornments Paul believes should distinguish one believer from another within the worship.
As I read through this, verse I hesitated to dive in as we are moving into a discussion on gender roles in the church. It is funny how you don't even want to think, little lone talk through some of these verses sometimes. Despite that, I memorized on.
The first thing I noticed as I began the verse is that the wording is identical to the start of verse 8, "I also want". This puts this statement on par with the statement before it. Its like saying I want a hamburger and I want a milkshake. They all make up the same thought that composes a meal. Likewise this verse, isn't really so much about women's roles, but like verse 8, about worship.
The goal focus of these verses is avoiding hindrances to worship. Verse 8 wants men to engage in worship together and put aside all disputes and anger. Verse 9 also wants women to engage in that same worship, but they need to avoid the desire to outwardly adorn themselves. I personally think Paul understands what men and women both struggle with. He understands in the church, and definitely in Timothy's church, that men often struggle with disputes and disagreements which often lead to anger over issues within the church. I think Paul is also making a statement here that women's desire to adorn themselves outwardly can also be a hindrance to women in a worshipping community.
This made me reflect back to a discussion Paul had on communion where he warned the church, not to show favortism of people of higher rank during communion. This is essence harms any sense of unified worship that is celebrated through the taking of the Lord's supper by elevating some over others. Likewise, in our day, and I would guess in Paul's day we see women trying to define themselves and their station in the world by dress. I don't think Paul is saying that women can never dress nicely, (I love it when my wife puts on a beautiful dress for a nice date). Instead I think he is saying that there is no place for this within a worshipping body. The adorning (which cannot be done evenly by all) seperates people into groups. I have seen this in church before.
Now in no way, am I trying to equate nice clothes with sinful behavior, but I know that we tend to try to define ourselves by what we wear. I know many (in and out of the church) like to look down on others not dressed as nicely. This is a defnite trap of money. God I believe is saying that in this church, and any church, women can sometimes unknownly impede worship by putting a focus on the outward appearance.
I think Paul ends the verse by confirming that within a worshipping body of saints the only thing that should make women (and men) stand out is our deeds done in the faith. I tend to reflect on the many crowns that can be awarded to a believer at the day of judement. These are the only adornments Paul believes should distinguish one believer from another within the worship.
1 Tim 2:8
"I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger and disputing."
It's been a couple of days since I walked with this one so I forget a little of my time. One thought popped into my head after walking, Martin Luther King. Maybe it was because his birthday was celebrated recently, but more so because of the tone of this verse. I almost hear Paul saying "I have a dream". Doesn't this sound like a monumental Christian verse? "I have a dream, that men everywhere will lift up holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing."
Now, I actually think that is not completely fair as this verse borders, between a dream and command. But just like MLK's dream, this one honestly at times seems farfetched in it's complete attainment. How often do we find churches reaching this perfect unity, especially from the view of a pastor like Timothy who is aware of all of the little things going on. Pastors know the issues in the church unlike anyone else. They know all the little issues happening that are leading to anger and disputing. On top of that, Paul just 10 verses ago spoke about 2 men in the congregation he had to expell completely! This desire of Paul's for this church is still a bit of a dream, as it is regretfully in most churches.
The difference between Paul's dream and MLK's dream is that Paul's has the ability to be fulfilled. MLK's dream was built upon the flimsy presupposition that sinful man on their own would choose to abolish prejudice in their hearts. It is based solely on the desire of sinful man to do right. Paul's desire is built on the knowledge that the Holy Spirit living within man can and will bring about great change if allowed. Monumental change.
I think that is what Paul is asking for. A community so monumentally different from the world that its testimony sings out to all who come in contact. He may know that the church is not there yet, but he knows it's possible. That with God "All things are possible". For those of us who have seen the church work, Paul's statement sometimes strikes a cynical cord in our bodies. We know how hard this is, but Paul is telling Timothy here that it is possible, this is what the Holy Spirit can do in men. It can convict them to put others first, seek not their own, and inspire them to join together in enternal unity of worship to God the Father. With anything less then the empowering of the Holy God this is impossible. Just as it is impossible to "Be Holy, as I am Holy" or "Let no unwholesome talk" come out of your mouth by your own power. So to, this idea is based on man submitting their wills to the Spirit of God in work with them.
Paul, here is throwing out a lofty dream to Timothy. I would argue more lofty then the one MLK espoused 50 years ago. The only difference is that the church has been given the resources to make the impossible a possibility.
It's been a couple of days since I walked with this one so I forget a little of my time. One thought popped into my head after walking, Martin Luther King. Maybe it was because his birthday was celebrated recently, but more so because of the tone of this verse. I almost hear Paul saying "I have a dream". Doesn't this sound like a monumental Christian verse? "I have a dream, that men everywhere will lift up holy hands in prayer without anger and disputing."
Now, I actually think that is not completely fair as this verse borders, between a dream and command. But just like MLK's dream, this one honestly at times seems farfetched in it's complete attainment. How often do we find churches reaching this perfect unity, especially from the view of a pastor like Timothy who is aware of all of the little things going on. Pastors know the issues in the church unlike anyone else. They know all the little issues happening that are leading to anger and disputing. On top of that, Paul just 10 verses ago spoke about 2 men in the congregation he had to expell completely! This desire of Paul's for this church is still a bit of a dream, as it is regretfully in most churches.
The difference between Paul's dream and MLK's dream is that Paul's has the ability to be fulfilled. MLK's dream was built upon the flimsy presupposition that sinful man on their own would choose to abolish prejudice in their hearts. It is based solely on the desire of sinful man to do right. Paul's desire is built on the knowledge that the Holy Spirit living within man can and will bring about great change if allowed. Monumental change.
I think that is what Paul is asking for. A community so monumentally different from the world that its testimony sings out to all who come in contact. He may know that the church is not there yet, but he knows it's possible. That with God "All things are possible". For those of us who have seen the church work, Paul's statement sometimes strikes a cynical cord in our bodies. We know how hard this is, but Paul is telling Timothy here that it is possible, this is what the Holy Spirit can do in men. It can convict them to put others first, seek not their own, and inspire them to join together in enternal unity of worship to God the Father. With anything less then the empowering of the Holy God this is impossible. Just as it is impossible to "Be Holy, as I am Holy" or "Let no unwholesome talk" come out of your mouth by your own power. So to, this idea is based on man submitting their wills to the Spirit of God in work with them.
Paul, here is throwing out a lofty dream to Timothy. I would argue more lofty then the one MLK espoused 50 years ago. The only difference is that the church has been given the resources to make the impossible a possibility.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
1 Timothy 2:7
"And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle--I am telling the truth, I am not lying--and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles."
This verse, is in essence Paul's conclusion to v5-6. In those verses he states a point, and here he gives you the outcome or reason for the point being made as well.
As I walked, I was again struck by the continuation of the idea of "the only". In verse 5, Paul says there is "only" one God, then "only" on mediator. In verse 6 he tells us that there is only "one ransom" for all of man. Here he finished that theme by stating that these things are the "only" purpose to which he was called.
This really had me thinking, Paul is trying to make some absolute, non-debatable points to Timothy. He is lying out the "only truth" "only salvation" and "only mission" to which he has been called and I would arguable all believers have been called to testify. We don't like absolutes much any more. In fact, I know I often try to live my life in general without making to many absolute statements. Paul is saying that belivers need to be absolute about certain things are things are them. Especially to Timothy here, I believe Paul is making the point that while "other" ideas might exist in the world, they should not in the church. In your flock Timothy, these truth really are "only" truths. There is not tolerance in the church for outside opinions. Do not tolerate them. Do not entertain them. Do not let others in your flock entertain them. You are people of "only on God" "one Savior" "one Salvation" "one purpose". This is a great reminder.
To this, Paul was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher. I am going to get back to these, but I wanted to address Pauls strange add in during the middle of the verse.
"I am telling the truth, I am not lying!". At first I read this and I almost hear the voice of my kids. "I didn't punch Joelle. I promise, I'm not lying.". Like any good dad, I generally don't believe them and place them in timeout, but what is Paul doing. This seems like an odd place to throw this in. We know Paul often times had to defend his minsistry. I wouldn't of thought he would have had to do this to Timothy but he thinks he does. Right in the middle of a statment about his calling.
First, it is clear from the first chapter and a half that young Timothy is dealing with a lot of strong, probably older personalities in his flock. Paul starts the book with a warning about false teachers (Probably because Timothy was dealing with them) and then also at the end of the chapter calls out two believers who were leading outwardly sinful lives. As a young pastor, he might even have several older men vying for the ear of the young pastor for various reasons. Here Paul feels the need to defend his trustworthiness and calling so Timothy knows among all the voices, which one to hear.
This got me thinking about the world we live in. Young belivers often hear so many voices, from the world, but even different voices from within the church. I have seen that here at the school. Who should they trust, who do the follow. Regretfully, I think often the one that tells them what they want to hear, the one that involves the least sacrifice, and the one that makes things "the easiest" on them. Paul is telling Timothy to avoid these voices and listen to one he knows who has been called as a "teacher of the true faith". I wish it were so easy, but few of us have a Paul and many are looking for a "true" voice. I think this is a topic for more meditation and Scripture searching later.
Back to Paul's calling. I think this goes right along with Paul's giftedness, but he has been appointed (I like to think of it as hired by the blood of Christ) to be a voice of evangelism, leader in the church, a teacher of what is right and true. What a calling. Not every believer shares the same calling as Paul (especially Apostle), but every believer through his giftedness is called to this same "purpose" Paul describes at the beginning of the verse.
This verse, is in essence Paul's conclusion to v5-6. In those verses he states a point, and here he gives you the outcome or reason for the point being made as well.
As I walked, I was again struck by the continuation of the idea of "the only". In verse 5, Paul says there is "only" one God, then "only" on mediator. In verse 6 he tells us that there is only "one ransom" for all of man. Here he finished that theme by stating that these things are the "only" purpose to which he was called.
This really had me thinking, Paul is trying to make some absolute, non-debatable points to Timothy. He is lying out the "only truth" "only salvation" and "only mission" to which he has been called and I would arguable all believers have been called to testify. We don't like absolutes much any more. In fact, I know I often try to live my life in general without making to many absolute statements. Paul is saying that belivers need to be absolute about certain things are things are them. Especially to Timothy here, I believe Paul is making the point that while "other" ideas might exist in the world, they should not in the church. In your flock Timothy, these truth really are "only" truths. There is not tolerance in the church for outside opinions. Do not tolerate them. Do not entertain them. Do not let others in your flock entertain them. You are people of "only on God" "one Savior" "one Salvation" "one purpose". This is a great reminder.
To this, Paul was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher. I am going to get back to these, but I wanted to address Pauls strange add in during the middle of the verse.
"I am telling the truth, I am not lying!". At first I read this and I almost hear the voice of my kids. "I didn't punch Joelle. I promise, I'm not lying.". Like any good dad, I generally don't believe them and place them in timeout, but what is Paul doing. This seems like an odd place to throw this in. We know Paul often times had to defend his minsistry. I wouldn't of thought he would have had to do this to Timothy but he thinks he does. Right in the middle of a statment about his calling.
First, it is clear from the first chapter and a half that young Timothy is dealing with a lot of strong, probably older personalities in his flock. Paul starts the book with a warning about false teachers (Probably because Timothy was dealing with them) and then also at the end of the chapter calls out two believers who were leading outwardly sinful lives. As a young pastor, he might even have several older men vying for the ear of the young pastor for various reasons. Here Paul feels the need to defend his trustworthiness and calling so Timothy knows among all the voices, which one to hear.
This got me thinking about the world we live in. Young belivers often hear so many voices, from the world, but even different voices from within the church. I have seen that here at the school. Who should they trust, who do the follow. Regretfully, I think often the one that tells them what they want to hear, the one that involves the least sacrifice, and the one that makes things "the easiest" on them. Paul is telling Timothy to avoid these voices and listen to one he knows who has been called as a "teacher of the true faith". I wish it were so easy, but few of us have a Paul and many are looking for a "true" voice. I think this is a topic for more meditation and Scripture searching later.
Back to Paul's calling. I think this goes right along with Paul's giftedness, but he has been appointed (I like to think of it as hired by the blood of Christ) to be a voice of evangelism, leader in the church, a teacher of what is right and true. What a calling. Not every believer shares the same calling as Paul (especially Apostle), but every believer through his giftedness is called to this same "purpose" Paul describes at the beginning of the verse.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
1 Timothy 2:5-6
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men--the testimony given in its proper time."
I put these verses together as I think they tend to flow together in Paul's line of thinking and are really creating a general point of Christ as the "only". These verses follow Paul's urging to pray for kings and those in charge so that a society of peace might be created that the gospel might flow through readily. This is desireable as God desires that all men be saved. Paul, then again emphasizes to Timothy how they are saved through "the only".
This was one of those great days were I went over the verse as I left and was actually quite discouraged. The verse (6) was one I knew well and I recited it I had little belief I would be "awed" during this walk. Boy, was I wrong and felt bad for my attitude towards Scripture. I think a believer needs to always approach the Word of God with a feeling that God has something great to share. I didn't leave the house that way, but I did return so.
As I walked, the first word I found my self stuck on was "gave". I thought a lot about this verb and eventually ended up thinking about the idea of a gift. I felt this fit the context well and in exchange, I read the verse to myself "he gifted himself as a ransom for all men". His sacrifice truly was a gift for all mankind. We tend to think of gift when we think of the baby Jesus at Christmas and the "sacrifice" of Christ on the cross. The whole of God's sending from birth, to teaching ministry, to death on the cross and ressurection was all part of the "gift" that God offered up to man. In fact, I would argue that the "gift" of greatest value was his taking my sins on the cross. This idea just wrung with me as I walked. The idea of a gift for every man.
What was the essence of this gift, "a ransom". I did not want to get stuck on all of the issues surrounded with this word in the verse, but I did spend a great deal of time thinking about this word. Luckily, I just finished the book "Downfall, of the Crusader Kingdom". In this book, continually Muslims or Christians were capturing one another and ransoming freedom for money or land. Because of this, the idea of ransom was fresh in my mind. As I thought through this, a story from the book struck very close to home.
During the time of the Crusades, there was a man named Baldwin of Iberia. During a time he had been selected as the proper husband to be for the would be Queen of Jerusalem. In essence, he was eventually going to become the next king of Jerusalem. But then, during a skirmish with the Muslim army he was taken captive. Saladin new the treasure he had in Baldwin and asked for a ransom that literally was unobtainable in the kingdom. Despite this problem, Baldwin promised to find the money and on this promise Saladin released him. He searched the entire kingdom of Outremer and could only come up with a small portion of the needed money. So what did he do? The only thing he could, he sailed to a faraway kingdom, invoking the highest power he knew (The King of England). Because of his place as heir, the King asked Baldwin to sit in a chair, the story then goes that the King had endless sacks of gold brought in and dropped on Baldwin until it covered him head to toe. Because of his place as heir, the King of England was happy to not just provide, but provide above and beyond. Ultimately, he rescued a Baldwin from a life of slavery and he was the only one who could of done so.
This reminded me of the ransom given on our behalf. Of course it is not a perfect analogy and there are limitations, but here is what I found to hold true.
1) This world does not hold the means of our salvation. There is nothing we can do or find here on earth that will free us from our sins and the slavery they have led us to.
2) We to should ultimately come to the conclusion that there is only one place we can look to for our "freedom". The highest power we know.
3) We are "heirs" to a great kingdom and the true king wants to help us realize our rightful, created position.
4) The King (God) doesn't just provide for our need, but lavishes us with more then we could ask. We don't just receive ransom from our sins, but the giving of the Holy Spirit as a sign of our redemption.
5) This ransom rescues us from a life of slavery to sin and an eternity in hell.
Of course, this analogy also has limitations. In truth, the ransom paid by Christ is not to any external foe who owns us, God's creation. He pays the ransom to God the Father himself. He ultimately pays it to uphold the righteousness and justice that Holy God demands as recompense for sin against him. Christ, was the "only mediator" that could possible do this. The only place man has to turn for hope. In every way, the freedom that he provides, is much greater then even that experienced by Baldwin.
I then spent a few minutes on the end of verse 6. Here we are told that God waited until the perfect time to reveal Christ to man. This is interesting because Revelation tells us that he was the "Lamb" slain before the foundation of the world. We also know from Hebrews 11 that many men such as Abraham were counted as "Righteous" before God many years before God chose to reveal Christ to humankind. They were counted righteous because of their "faith" in God and God alone for the promises given to them.
God was working in selected men, producing faith, and salvation through Christ before he even came. Yet there was a time that was perfect for his revelation to all men and God chose it specifically. We should never forget that God is working out a great plan with great timing. Not just in our lives, but throughout History.
We often ask questions about all of those who never heard the name of Christ and sometimes God is questioned in His justice. Yet God assures us here his timing was perfect for all of mankind to best fulfill HIS PURPOSE on earth.
I put these verses together as I think they tend to flow together in Paul's line of thinking and are really creating a general point of Christ as the "only". These verses follow Paul's urging to pray for kings and those in charge so that a society of peace might be created that the gospel might flow through readily. This is desireable as God desires that all men be saved. Paul, then again emphasizes to Timothy how they are saved through "the only".
This was one of those great days were I went over the verse as I left and was actually quite discouraged. The verse (6) was one I knew well and I recited it I had little belief I would be "awed" during this walk. Boy, was I wrong and felt bad for my attitude towards Scripture. I think a believer needs to always approach the Word of God with a feeling that God has something great to share. I didn't leave the house that way, but I did return so.
As I walked, the first word I found my self stuck on was "gave". I thought a lot about this verb and eventually ended up thinking about the idea of a gift. I felt this fit the context well and in exchange, I read the verse to myself "he gifted himself as a ransom for all men". His sacrifice truly was a gift for all mankind. We tend to think of gift when we think of the baby Jesus at Christmas and the "sacrifice" of Christ on the cross. The whole of God's sending from birth, to teaching ministry, to death on the cross and ressurection was all part of the "gift" that God offered up to man. In fact, I would argue that the "gift" of greatest value was his taking my sins on the cross. This idea just wrung with me as I walked. The idea of a gift for every man.
What was the essence of this gift, "a ransom". I did not want to get stuck on all of the issues surrounded with this word in the verse, but I did spend a great deal of time thinking about this word. Luckily, I just finished the book "Downfall, of the Crusader Kingdom". In this book, continually Muslims or Christians were capturing one another and ransoming freedom for money or land. Because of this, the idea of ransom was fresh in my mind. As I thought through this, a story from the book struck very close to home.
During the time of the Crusades, there was a man named Baldwin of Iberia. During a time he had been selected as the proper husband to be for the would be Queen of Jerusalem. In essence, he was eventually going to become the next king of Jerusalem. But then, during a skirmish with the Muslim army he was taken captive. Saladin new the treasure he had in Baldwin and asked for a ransom that literally was unobtainable in the kingdom. Despite this problem, Baldwin promised to find the money and on this promise Saladin released him. He searched the entire kingdom of Outremer and could only come up with a small portion of the needed money. So what did he do? The only thing he could, he sailed to a faraway kingdom, invoking the highest power he knew (The King of England). Because of his place as heir, the King asked Baldwin to sit in a chair, the story then goes that the King had endless sacks of gold brought in and dropped on Baldwin until it covered him head to toe. Because of his place as heir, the King of England was happy to not just provide, but provide above and beyond. Ultimately, he rescued a Baldwin from a life of slavery and he was the only one who could of done so.
This reminded me of the ransom given on our behalf. Of course it is not a perfect analogy and there are limitations, but here is what I found to hold true.
1) This world does not hold the means of our salvation. There is nothing we can do or find here on earth that will free us from our sins and the slavery they have led us to.
2) We to should ultimately come to the conclusion that there is only one place we can look to for our "freedom". The highest power we know.
3) We are "heirs" to a great kingdom and the true king wants to help us realize our rightful, created position.
4) The King (God) doesn't just provide for our need, but lavishes us with more then we could ask. We don't just receive ransom from our sins, but the giving of the Holy Spirit as a sign of our redemption.
5) This ransom rescues us from a life of slavery to sin and an eternity in hell.
Of course, this analogy also has limitations. In truth, the ransom paid by Christ is not to any external foe who owns us, God's creation. He pays the ransom to God the Father himself. He ultimately pays it to uphold the righteousness and justice that Holy God demands as recompense for sin against him. Christ, was the "only mediator" that could possible do this. The only place man has to turn for hope. In every way, the freedom that he provides, is much greater then even that experienced by Baldwin.
I then spent a few minutes on the end of verse 6. Here we are told that God waited until the perfect time to reveal Christ to man. This is interesting because Revelation tells us that he was the "Lamb" slain before the foundation of the world. We also know from Hebrews 11 that many men such as Abraham were counted as "Righteous" before God many years before God chose to reveal Christ to humankind. They were counted righteous because of their "faith" in God and God alone for the promises given to them.
God was working in selected men, producing faith, and salvation through Christ before he even came. Yet there was a time that was perfect for his revelation to all men and God chose it specifically. We should never forget that God is working out a great plan with great timing. Not just in our lives, but throughout History.
We often ask questions about all of those who never heard the name of Christ and sometimes God is questioned in His justice. Yet God assures us here his timing was perfect for all of mankind to best fulfill HIS PURPOSE on earth.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
1 Timothy 2:2-4
"for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
Since I have not gotten a chance to blog in the last couple of days, I have decided to combing my thoughts on these three verses that are part of the same though train by Paul.
After, urging Timothy to offer all types of prayers for all types of people, Paul gets a little more pointed. He tells Timothy to first pray for rulers and kings. As I thought about this, it was rather unexpected. Honestly I have to admit that I rarely pray for my President or the President of Mexico. Generally, only when I am reminded to do so by some verse or some well meaning believer. I of course in stead always pray first for my loved ones (family, then friends and aquaintences).
Now, I don't think this is a command that the first prayers you offer up on a daily basis need to always be for the rulers of countries, but Paul is placing these prayers in a position of upmost importance. Why?
1) Because Prayer Can Change Countries--As citizens (democracy or no) we rarely feel like we can change the direction of our countries. God is saying in essence "I Can, Just Ask Me!"
2) God Can Change the Hearts of Rulers (ex Nebuchanezzer) I have learned in life that we as people generally struggle to take criticism (constructive or not) from people that we consider to be "lower" then ourselves. Right or not, I think this tends to be our prideful human response to being corrected by someone for which we have little respect. Kings I think are no different, but God can change kings.
3) The Gospel spreads best in a society where order and human dignity are prevalent (There are exceptions), but verse 3 tends to be telling us this very thing. Now this does not mean Government and Societies open to the gospel, but societies where general human dignity is allowed. (Ex China no ways promotes the gospel or freedom of speech, but does promote a society of order and general human dignity, on the other hand Afghanistan promotes neither, including a society where women have little to no dignity.) Within this order (peace), yet no support, the gospel has flurished. This as I said is not the case every time, but order, peace, and dignity are desired greatly by God and in some sense can better aid the spread of his gospel. Only rulers can truly work to create such a peace and that allows believers to live a godly and holy life free of persecution.
4) God desires that all men be saved (verse 4). God can accomplish this in many ways, but he knows that changes in rulers can open up doors for the gospel that never existed (Ex. Fall of Communism/Berlin Wall and the doors that were opened for the gospel following).
Since I have not gotten a chance to blog in the last couple of days, I have decided to combing my thoughts on these three verses that are part of the same though train by Paul.
After, urging Timothy to offer all types of prayers for all types of people, Paul gets a little more pointed. He tells Timothy to first pray for rulers and kings. As I thought about this, it was rather unexpected. Honestly I have to admit that I rarely pray for my President or the President of Mexico. Generally, only when I am reminded to do so by some verse or some well meaning believer. I of course in stead always pray first for my loved ones (family, then friends and aquaintences).
Now, I don't think this is a command that the first prayers you offer up on a daily basis need to always be for the rulers of countries, but Paul is placing these prayers in a position of upmost importance. Why?
1) Because Prayer Can Change Countries--As citizens (democracy or no) we rarely feel like we can change the direction of our countries. God is saying in essence "I Can, Just Ask Me!"
2) God Can Change the Hearts of Rulers (ex Nebuchanezzer) I have learned in life that we as people generally struggle to take criticism (constructive or not) from people that we consider to be "lower" then ourselves. Right or not, I think this tends to be our prideful human response to being corrected by someone for which we have little respect. Kings I think are no different, but God can change kings.
3) The Gospel spreads best in a society where order and human dignity are prevalent (There are exceptions), but verse 3 tends to be telling us this very thing. Now this does not mean Government and Societies open to the gospel, but societies where general human dignity is allowed. (Ex China no ways promotes the gospel or freedom of speech, but does promote a society of order and general human dignity, on the other hand Afghanistan promotes neither, including a society where women have little to no dignity.) Within this order (peace), yet no support, the gospel has flurished. This as I said is not the case every time, but order, peace, and dignity are desired greatly by God and in some sense can better aid the spread of his gospel. Only rulers can truly work to create such a peace and that allows believers to live a godly and holy life free of persecution.
4) God desires that all men be saved (verse 4). God can accomplish this in many ways, but he knows that changes in rulers can open up doors for the gospel that never existed (Ex. Fall of Communism/Berlin Wall and the doors that were opened for the gospel following).
Sunday, January 30, 2011
1 Tim 2:1
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone"
Paul spent all of the first chapter telling Timothy about the Source, Strength, and Focus of Minstry (Christ and His Call To Sinners). He also spent the time warning him about the danger of ministry (False Teachers and Yourself). Here he starts chapter 2 with practical advice of how "To Do" ministry. And what does he say first....
He says PRAY! He doesn't just say pray, he URGES Timothy to passionately pray for all men. As shepherd of the flock the first thing he wants him to remember is to pray at all time for "all men". Paul urges Timothy to intercede before the throne of God daily for those within his church and those outside he desires to reach. He encourages him to continually lift up thanksgiving to our Lord. He desires that all types of supplication and prayers be offered up that he might see the faithfulness of the Lord.
This really struck me. There are a 1000 important things that Paul could have started his instructions to Timothy with (Word Study, Counseling, Discipleship, Worship, etc), but the first thing he says is "PRAY!" It made me think, he could of told Timothy "to do" anything first, but in essence he said "Let God Do" and then join alongside.
I think Paul is saying that power of ministry comes from God, not man. In no way does a believer more unleash the power of God then through prayer. Paul is saying, ssk the Lord and watch, He will do great things.
I have to admit this was convicting. No doubt the life of a Pastor like Timothy needs to be filled with continual prayer, but I don't think this urging is any less true for every believer. The source of our strength and the strength for ministry lies not in ourselves, but God. When we pray, we confirm this is true. Men and Women who don't pray ultimately are saying that they can handle ministry all by themselves.
As I asked God to reveal more to me about the truth of this verse, I heard him say just one more thing, "Pray". So I spent the rest of the walk in prayer for family, friends, the school, my students and anything else that crossed my mind. I too like Timothy hope to unleash the power in my life and the lives of those around me.
Paul spent all of the first chapter telling Timothy about the Source, Strength, and Focus of Minstry (Christ and His Call To Sinners). He also spent the time warning him about the danger of ministry (False Teachers and Yourself). Here he starts chapter 2 with practical advice of how "To Do" ministry. And what does he say first....
He says PRAY! He doesn't just say pray, he URGES Timothy to passionately pray for all men. As shepherd of the flock the first thing he wants him to remember is to pray at all time for "all men". Paul urges Timothy to intercede before the throne of God daily for those within his church and those outside he desires to reach. He encourages him to continually lift up thanksgiving to our Lord. He desires that all types of supplication and prayers be offered up that he might see the faithfulness of the Lord.
This really struck me. There are a 1000 important things that Paul could have started his instructions to Timothy with (Word Study, Counseling, Discipleship, Worship, etc), but the first thing he says is "PRAY!" It made me think, he could of told Timothy "to do" anything first, but in essence he said "Let God Do" and then join alongside.
I think Paul is saying that power of ministry comes from God, not man. In no way does a believer more unleash the power of God then through prayer. Paul is saying, ssk the Lord and watch, He will do great things.
I have to admit this was convicting. No doubt the life of a Pastor like Timothy needs to be filled with continual prayer, but I don't think this urging is any less true for every believer. The source of our strength and the strength for ministry lies not in ourselves, but God. When we pray, we confirm this is true. Men and Women who don't pray ultimately are saying that they can handle ministry all by themselves.
As I asked God to reveal more to me about the truth of this verse, I heard him say just one more thing, "Pray". So I spent the rest of the walk in prayer for family, friends, the school, my students and anything else that crossed my mind. I too like Timothy hope to unleash the power in my life and the lives of those around me.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
1 Tim 19b-20
"Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme."
Then following the charge, comes the warning.
But if you don't......"some have shipwrecked their faith".
I spent a lot of time dwelling on this shipwrecked metaphor trying to bring it to life. What picture does Paul want Timothy to see here? What picture should I see? What type of shipwreck is this?
I want to be clear, this is not the type of possible shipwreck discussed in James 1:2-6. This is not a trial of life that comes along. We all know that life in and of itself for a believer is filled with endless trials. There are enough icebergs, shallow sand bars, and pirate ships that continually stand in our path. We know people who have been faced with trials that literally feel as if their faith has been shipwrecked. Despite that pain, hopefully the beleiver grows from the experience.
The shipwreck Paul is talking about is self imposed. Landmines that we have willfully placed in our own path. Land mines that we have created in life by not keeping the faith and a good conscience. There is no need to list these. Every believer could list these and probably list the ones they struggle to avoid creating for themself. This is what Paul warns.
When thinking about this a scene from the movie Ghostbusters popped into my head. At the end, they are told that their own thoughts will destroy them. They try to clear their head of thoughts, but Ray thinks of the Staypuft Marshmallow Man. Now real life is not intended to be a comedy, and the results of our thoughts and actions are more serious then that of a movie. But the idea remains, don't destroy yourself. By not keeping the faith and a good conscience, you shipwreck yourself Timothy!
As I thought about the idea of a shipwreck 5 things come came to mind.
1) Loss of Valuable Cargo--Willfully choosing to live a life of disobedience in sin will cause us to lose things. This can range from respect, trust, jobs, or family. A shipwreck always has serious loss of unreemable carge.
2) Loss of Life--My guess is rarely did a 1st century shipwreck happen without loss of life. We know of Paul's shipwreck at the end of Acts and the only way everyone survived in that situation was by the direct working of God. Now, you might not die, but there is a sense that we are destroying something sacred by willfull disobedience.
3) Great Peril--As I thought of this point while walking, suddenly a scene from the movie Jaws popped into my head. Where the old battered sea captain tells of the fate of the crew of the USS Indianapolis. I don't remember it verbatim, but it in essence he says (100 men went into the water, 20 men came out). His story was about shark attack, but the idea stays the same. A shipwrecking of your faith leads to numerous life perils and troubles that follow.
4) Public Spectacle--There is definitely a sense where I think Paul intends to give this meaning the the shipwreck as he lists two such members of the church who have shipwrecked their faith. No doubt, choosing a life of sin can possible lead you to be a public spectacle. I think we all know such people. Those whose sin has caught them and exposed them before all. Often these are people in leadership, especially a Pastor like Timothy faces this if he chooses a life of sin.
5) Permanent Mark--I can't imagine any sea captain who wrecks a ship gets many opportunities to pilot another. Now, our God is perfect in mercy and their is always restoration. Even the brothers mentioned at the end of the verse were given over to Satan in the hope of restoring their place and fellowship in the body. This is always the goal, but the mark/memory always remains.
Paul finishes this warning with an example. Timothy no doubt knows these men and their fate well. This is a very personal example for him. Just as his calling should always encourage him to live a Godly life, the example of these men should always warn him against choosing sin. I see this as a passionate plea by Paul, remember the pain they caused and the regretful punishment I had to give. Please, Please Timothy don't let this happen to you. Please, Please God don't let this happen to me.
Then following the charge, comes the warning.
But if you don't......"some have shipwrecked their faith".
I spent a lot of time dwelling on this shipwrecked metaphor trying to bring it to life. What picture does Paul want Timothy to see here? What picture should I see? What type of shipwreck is this?
I want to be clear, this is not the type of possible shipwreck discussed in James 1:2-6. This is not a trial of life that comes along. We all know that life in and of itself for a believer is filled with endless trials. There are enough icebergs, shallow sand bars, and pirate ships that continually stand in our path. We know people who have been faced with trials that literally feel as if their faith has been shipwrecked. Despite that pain, hopefully the beleiver grows from the experience.
The shipwreck Paul is talking about is self imposed. Landmines that we have willfully placed in our own path. Land mines that we have created in life by not keeping the faith and a good conscience. There is no need to list these. Every believer could list these and probably list the ones they struggle to avoid creating for themself. This is what Paul warns.
When thinking about this a scene from the movie Ghostbusters popped into my head. At the end, they are told that their own thoughts will destroy them. They try to clear their head of thoughts, but Ray thinks of the Staypuft Marshmallow Man. Now real life is not intended to be a comedy, and the results of our thoughts and actions are more serious then that of a movie. But the idea remains, don't destroy yourself. By not keeping the faith and a good conscience, you shipwreck yourself Timothy!
As I thought about the idea of a shipwreck 5 things come came to mind.
1) Loss of Valuable Cargo--Willfully choosing to live a life of disobedience in sin will cause us to lose things. This can range from respect, trust, jobs, or family. A shipwreck always has serious loss of unreemable carge.
2) Loss of Life--My guess is rarely did a 1st century shipwreck happen without loss of life. We know of Paul's shipwreck at the end of Acts and the only way everyone survived in that situation was by the direct working of God. Now, you might not die, but there is a sense that we are destroying something sacred by willfull disobedience.
3) Great Peril--As I thought of this point while walking, suddenly a scene from the movie Jaws popped into my head. Where the old battered sea captain tells of the fate of the crew of the USS Indianapolis. I don't remember it verbatim, but it in essence he says (100 men went into the water, 20 men came out). His story was about shark attack, but the idea stays the same. A shipwrecking of your faith leads to numerous life perils and troubles that follow.
4) Public Spectacle--There is definitely a sense where I think Paul intends to give this meaning the the shipwreck as he lists two such members of the church who have shipwrecked their faith. No doubt, choosing a life of sin can possible lead you to be a public spectacle. I think we all know such people. Those whose sin has caught them and exposed them before all. Often these are people in leadership, especially a Pastor like Timothy faces this if he chooses a life of sin.
5) Permanent Mark--I can't imagine any sea captain who wrecks a ship gets many opportunities to pilot another. Now, our God is perfect in mercy and their is always restoration. Even the brothers mentioned at the end of the verse were given over to Satan in the hope of restoring their place and fellowship in the body. This is always the goal, but the mark/memory always remains.
Paul finishes this warning with an example. Timothy no doubt knows these men and their fate well. This is a very personal example for him. Just as his calling should always encourage him to live a Godly life, the example of these men should always warn him against choosing sin. I see this as a passionate plea by Paul, remember the pain they caused and the regretful punishment I had to give. Please, Please Timothy don't let this happen to you. Please, Please God don't let this happen to me.
1 Tim1:18-19a.
"Timothy, my son, I give you this instruction in keeping with the prophecies once made about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight."
This is one of those verses where you wonder why they chose to split the verse this way. They stop mid thought. It's like a cliffhanger, a to be continued episode of your favorite TV show, and then you cross to the next verse and "ah hah" holding faith and a good conscience. Got it!
I read through this verse a couple of times and just struggled with managing the part about the prophecy. Really couldn't see what I could get out of something so specific to Timothy. So I did what any good bible scholar would do, I took it out. In many ways the verse could be summed up by saying "This charge I entrust to you that you wage a good war holding faith and a good conscience." That makes complete sense to me.
When I do look at the verse this way, you see a real simplicity. Sometimes I make Christianity so complicated. Sometimes I get stuck looking at all of the bars I have to jump over. I get discouraged when I get into these ruts. Downright depression ridden at times when I see myself knocking down these "self created spiritual hurdles". The ones I think I need to clear to live a truly spiritual life.
Paul encourages Timothy to do two things to wage the good war. Just 2 THINGS! Hold the Faith and Keep a Good Conscience. This reminded me of when Christ was asked about the greatest commandment and he simply said "Love the Lord, Love your Neighbor (paraphrase)". Here in essence Paul is restating that same point. Hold the Faith (Love the Lord) Keep a Good Conscience (Honor God in Your Actions to All). The beauty about our God and our faith is that it does not burden us with laws, but encourages us to live a new, beautiful, renewed life of loving the Lord and loving others. This is what I want to embrace.
After thinking through this, I realized I couldn't really leave out a whole section of this Scripture so I went back to the part about Timothy's prophecy. I realized that if I was trying to look a this passage through Timothy's lense, this part would have been the most meaningful to Timothy. I don't know what the prophecies contained, but that doesn't really matter. I looked again at this part and I realized that this was Timothy's "HOW". This was how he was going to going to accomplish this simple yet daunting charge given by Paul. By hanging on to the calling that God has given him.
Only some of us as believers can say we have been prophesized over, but I think all of us can lay hold to a calling that God has laid upon our hearts and our lives. Paul is saying, when this charge to wage the good war seems hard, remember your calling. Remember what you were and how God called you out of the darkness of your previous life. Remember the great calling of opportunity given to you to be in service in the army of the Lord. Waging the Good War. Remember the great position you have been given as a child of God, prince of this world, royal priest, a member of a holy nation. When you remember this, fight for what is good. Then do just two things, "Keep the Faith and a Good Conscience."
This is one of those verses where you wonder why they chose to split the verse this way. They stop mid thought. It's like a cliffhanger, a to be continued episode of your favorite TV show, and then you cross to the next verse and "ah hah" holding faith and a good conscience. Got it!
I read through this verse a couple of times and just struggled with managing the part about the prophecy. Really couldn't see what I could get out of something so specific to Timothy. So I did what any good bible scholar would do, I took it out. In many ways the verse could be summed up by saying "This charge I entrust to you that you wage a good war holding faith and a good conscience." That makes complete sense to me.
When I do look at the verse this way, you see a real simplicity. Sometimes I make Christianity so complicated. Sometimes I get stuck looking at all of the bars I have to jump over. I get discouraged when I get into these ruts. Downright depression ridden at times when I see myself knocking down these "self created spiritual hurdles". The ones I think I need to clear to live a truly spiritual life.
Paul encourages Timothy to do two things to wage the good war. Just 2 THINGS! Hold the Faith and Keep a Good Conscience. This reminded me of when Christ was asked about the greatest commandment and he simply said "Love the Lord, Love your Neighbor (paraphrase)". Here in essence Paul is restating that same point. Hold the Faith (Love the Lord) Keep a Good Conscience (Honor God in Your Actions to All). The beauty about our God and our faith is that it does not burden us with laws, but encourages us to live a new, beautiful, renewed life of loving the Lord and loving others. This is what I want to embrace.
After thinking through this, I realized I couldn't really leave out a whole section of this Scripture so I went back to the part about Timothy's prophecy. I realized that if I was trying to look a this passage through Timothy's lense, this part would have been the most meaningful to Timothy. I don't know what the prophecies contained, but that doesn't really matter. I looked again at this part and I realized that this was Timothy's "HOW". This was how he was going to going to accomplish this simple yet daunting charge given by Paul. By hanging on to the calling that God has given him.
Only some of us as believers can say we have been prophesized over, but I think all of us can lay hold to a calling that God has laid upon our hearts and our lives. Paul is saying, when this charge to wage the good war seems hard, remember your calling. Remember what you were and how God called you out of the darkness of your previous life. Remember the great calling of opportunity given to you to be in service in the army of the Lord. Waging the Good War. Remember the great position you have been given as a child of God, prince of this world, royal priest, a member of a holy nation. When you remember this, fight for what is good. Then do just two things, "Keep the Faith and a Good Conscience."
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
1 Tim 1:17
"Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever, Amen."
Here Paul is finishing off this previous thought to Timothy with a Doxology. Sometimes it can be so difficult to engaget Doloxology like statements. Today, I was trying to help myself by thinking of the emotion that Paul would have had when he wrote. So today I actually tried to think about saying this in different voices. First, I did chant it in a very Gregorian style a couple of times. Regretfully, this is often how we view these in a very traditional systematic manner. I chuckled more then anything as I did this walking down the street. Secondly, I tried to say it in an attitude of prayer, trying to find a sincerity in the verse. After this, my mind wandered to Tom Hanks in saving Private Ryan. For some reason, I pictured him saying it just before he blew up the bridge at the end of the movie. Funny enough, I think it would have been a great ending line for him.
I tried to think of this verse in terms of all that Paul said and I found myself repeating again and again, "King of Ages, immortal, invisble, the only God.". After a while, the verses seemed to make a little more sense with Paul's context. Paul, had in a very simple way gone about laying out the redemptive plan of God. Overflowing mercy, His purpose to save sinners, his redemption for the worst, his faithful appointing to service, and His daily strengthening. This is the work of the eternal God. It has been his plan throughout the ages and He carefully worked it out for His "honor and glory".
Here Paul is finishing off this previous thought to Timothy with a Doxology. Sometimes it can be so difficult to engaget Doloxology like statements. Today, I was trying to help myself by thinking of the emotion that Paul would have had when he wrote. So today I actually tried to think about saying this in different voices. First, I did chant it in a very Gregorian style a couple of times. Regretfully, this is often how we view these in a very traditional systematic manner. I chuckled more then anything as I did this walking down the street. Secondly, I tried to say it in an attitude of prayer, trying to find a sincerity in the verse. After this, my mind wandered to Tom Hanks in saving Private Ryan. For some reason, I pictured him saying it just before he blew up the bridge at the end of the movie. Funny enough, I think it would have been a great ending line for him.
I tried to think of this verse in terms of all that Paul said and I found myself repeating again and again, "King of Ages, immortal, invisble, the only God.". After a while, the verses seemed to make a little more sense with Paul's context. Paul, had in a very simple way gone about laying out the redemptive plan of God. Overflowing mercy, His purpose to save sinners, his redemption for the worst, his faithful appointing to service, and His daily strengthening. This is the work of the eternal God. It has been his plan throughout the ages and He carefully worked it out for His "honor and glory".
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
1 Timothy 1:16
"But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life."
I would have to say I have not had a better day of walking then today. I was sad to see it end as I arrived at school for my classes.
Today I was hit with several things, but one gigantic thought that carried me through my time of meditation. We have been put on display as the work of the great artist, Christ. This Scripture tells us that Paul was an example to display the patience of Christ so that the genius of the artist might be revealed to those he is preparing for eternity. We are his works of art. We sit on display testifying to his goodness. Now the display of Paul no doubt was a Masterpeice. If we think of it in terms of a gallery, his redemption would be a centerpeice display. But here Paul also wants Timothy to know that he also is on display. As a shepherd of God's flock, he also is a central display before man of the work of God. Christ is glorified in him and his redemption and ministry is daily a testimony to the artist, Christ himself.
In fact we all are on display and are a display. Many of us are given different places in the gallery, but in some sense the work of Christ is on display in all of us. The world and the angels watch in amazement and glorify him at his handywork. This led me to a handful of thoughts.
1) We are ridiculously beatiful.
2) We are an unfinished work.
3) We are meant to stand out. We are meant to be a topic of discussion amongst men and angels. No painter paints a painting the same monotone color as the wall it is displayed on. Even if he did, it would still stand out, yet the conversation around it would not be so flattering. We might be wise to consider this as we think of the type of display we are before a watching world. Paul confirms this thought throughout Scripture.
4) Don't get a big head about this. In an Art Gallery, the artist always get the credit. Not the painting! This Scripture makes it clear that the display of Paul is a glorification of Christ, not Paul.
I would have to say I have not had a better day of walking then today. I was sad to see it end as I arrived at school for my classes.
Today I was hit with several things, but one gigantic thought that carried me through my time of meditation. We have been put on display as the work of the great artist, Christ. This Scripture tells us that Paul was an example to display the patience of Christ so that the genius of the artist might be revealed to those he is preparing for eternity. We are his works of art. We sit on display testifying to his goodness. Now the display of Paul no doubt was a Masterpeice. If we think of it in terms of a gallery, his redemption would be a centerpeice display. But here Paul also wants Timothy to know that he also is on display. As a shepherd of God's flock, he also is a central display before man of the work of God. Christ is glorified in him and his redemption and ministry is daily a testimony to the artist, Christ himself.
In fact we all are on display and are a display. Many of us are given different places in the gallery, but in some sense the work of Christ is on display in all of us. The world and the angels watch in amazement and glorify him at his handywork. This led me to a handful of thoughts.
1) We are ridiculously beatiful.
2) We are an unfinished work.
3) We are meant to stand out. We are meant to be a topic of discussion amongst men and angels. No painter paints a painting the same monotone color as the wall it is displayed on. Even if he did, it would still stand out, yet the conversation around it would not be so flattering. We might be wise to consider this as we think of the type of display we are before a watching world. Paul confirms this thought throughout Scripture.
4) Don't get a big head about this. In an Art Gallery, the artist always get the credit. Not the painting! This Scripture makes it clear that the display of Paul is a glorification of Christ, not Paul.
Monday, January 24, 2011
1 Timothy 1:15
"Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst."
This is a verse I had memorized before I opened this Scripture to start memorizing for the day. Here Paul makes his "boastful" statement of Christ's mission and his position as Christ's most unredeemable case.
Again, as I thought through this I had to keep thinking, but why say this to Timothy. Timothy knows Paul's background. If not from multiple personal hearings, then at least from the testimony of his godly Grandmother and Mother. He doesn't need a refersher.
With the preceding verses, I think Paul is shaping a picture here of the great work of God that Timothy has been called into as a young shepherd over this flock. God's passion for his people is great and no one is out of his reach.
We start with a simple statement that Christ came into the world to save sinners. It couldn't be more straightforward. I know Paul wants Timothy to remember this daily. Not just as he is passionately working to win new souls to Christ, but as he is daily dealing with the at times "stinky" flock. The suffereing of Christ was for the purpose of saving sinners. Paul wants to make sure this is understood emphatically. If Timothy's Lord saw this as so high a calling, it is never to be underestimated by Timothy.
Paul then goes to state his place in the as the most unreedemable of sinners. My inner skeptic kind of cringes when people make general statements of being the best or worst, but it is hard to argue that there are many outwardly "worse" sins then actively trying to kill Christians. Even so, I tend to see such a statment as a boast and I think it was ( 2 Cor 11:30). At the same time I think in the statement there is a sense of extreme thankfulness of Christ reaching down so far, to the depths of the worst. This is what I think he wants Timothy to remember. When you think someone is out of reach, reach harder. No one is too low that the hand of Christ still can't grab. You are that hand Timothy. You are called to all men Timothy. Do not be a judge of who constitutes "the redeemable".
That was an incredible personal lesson. There is only one judge who chooses men. He chose them with his own blood. We are called to all men. No one we encounter is to far away or to "great" a sinner that the hand of our Lord can't reach them. We are that hand. That is our calling to work alongside the God of the universe who came to save sinners. Even the worst.
Let us attempt to be at peace with all men so that we might win some.
This is a verse I had memorized before I opened this Scripture to start memorizing for the day. Here Paul makes his "boastful" statement of Christ's mission and his position as Christ's most unredeemable case.
Again, as I thought through this I had to keep thinking, but why say this to Timothy. Timothy knows Paul's background. If not from multiple personal hearings, then at least from the testimony of his godly Grandmother and Mother. He doesn't need a refersher.
With the preceding verses, I think Paul is shaping a picture here of the great work of God that Timothy has been called into as a young shepherd over this flock. God's passion for his people is great and no one is out of his reach.
We start with a simple statement that Christ came into the world to save sinners. It couldn't be more straightforward. I know Paul wants Timothy to remember this daily. Not just as he is passionately working to win new souls to Christ, but as he is daily dealing with the at times "stinky" flock. The suffereing of Christ was for the purpose of saving sinners. Paul wants to make sure this is understood emphatically. If Timothy's Lord saw this as so high a calling, it is never to be underestimated by Timothy.
Paul then goes to state his place in the as the most unreedemable of sinners. My inner skeptic kind of cringes when people make general statements of being the best or worst, but it is hard to argue that there are many outwardly "worse" sins then actively trying to kill Christians. Even so, I tend to see such a statment as a boast and I think it was ( 2 Cor 11:30). At the same time I think in the statement there is a sense of extreme thankfulness of Christ reaching down so far, to the depths of the worst. This is what I think he wants Timothy to remember. When you think someone is out of reach, reach harder. No one is too low that the hand of Christ still can't grab. You are that hand Timothy. You are called to all men Timothy. Do not be a judge of who constitutes "the redeemable".
That was an incredible personal lesson. There is only one judge who chooses men. He chose them with his own blood. We are called to all men. No one we encounter is to far away or to "great" a sinner that the hand of our Lord can't reach them. We are that hand. That is our calling to work alongside the God of the universe who came to save sinners. Even the worst.
Let us attempt to be at peace with all men so that we might win some.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
1 Timothy 1:14
"The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus."
This morning before I went out I read through verses 12-17 several times to make sure I was memorizing the verses in context. Verses 12-17 is one composed thought of Paul's and I wanted to make sure I was not isolating these verses without understanding the general thought process of Paul. I know this is one of the great dangers of verse memorization.
As I read through this I struggled with just seeing this as a dialogue of Paul explaining his conversion experience. Then I had to remember that this is a letter to Timothy, for the benefit of Timothy. This is not a Op-Ed peice in the New Yorker where he is writing a general to who it may concern article. This is for Timothy to relate to and written so he could gather strength from it. I think I often get lost in Scripture for this reason. I need to remind myself that Paul is making a point for a specific purpose, not just writing an autobiography.
This takes us to verse 14 and "the grace of our Lord overflowed to me". The moment I looked at this and walked out my door this just about knocked me down. I don't know why I have never really taken any time on this verse in all of my readings. Paul is talking about his salvation from his horrible way of life, but he is also teaching Timothy about God's grace. It overflows! It overflowed to me to allow me to lead a faithful life and more importantly Timothy it overflows to you.
I don't think Paul is simply saying that in our conversion experience God's grace overflows, but that it overflows daily. I walked with my head down (you must do that here as the sidewalk is cracked with the roots of trees) and as I did I simply pictured this fountain raining down from heaven all over me. It was covering me with this grace. It was bursting forth and could not be contained. And the most beautfiul thing is that it never stopped. The fountain throughout my walk never shut off. I prayed to God that he would continually let me see this overflowing of grace that daily never ceases for me his child. That this grace would allow me to overcome every obstacle, struggle, and temptation I encountered and that my children and wife would also bathe in this grace daily. This fountain covered every pain and regret and was the source of every victory.
I think Paul wanted Timothy to know that as well. There is an abundant amount of grace overflowing for you Timothy just as it did for me. Know that you are never alone, know that there is always abundant provision.
At first, as I encountered this overflow I was filled with a sense of guilt as I felt like the always disobedient, underserving servant. Part way through my walk I realized that I was missing the whole point. This fountain of grace falling on me has nothing to do with my worthiness. It is solely rooted in the second part of this verse "from the faith and love that is in Jesus Christ". Again, it is about HIM! I still had not learned that from verse 12-13. This unstoppable fire hose of grace has nothing to do with my merit. I didn't turn it on and I can't turn it off as a child of God. He made the decision to let the grace flow freely and there isn't a sense that he is ever going to turn the spicket off.
The second part of the verse confirms that he is perfectly faithful and perfectly loving, but maybe even more it confirms that He is perfectly faithful and perfectly loving to his children. This is to be always remembered by Timothy and should always be remembered by me.
This morning before I went out I read through verses 12-17 several times to make sure I was memorizing the verses in context. Verses 12-17 is one composed thought of Paul's and I wanted to make sure I was not isolating these verses without understanding the general thought process of Paul. I know this is one of the great dangers of verse memorization.
As I read through this I struggled with just seeing this as a dialogue of Paul explaining his conversion experience. Then I had to remember that this is a letter to Timothy, for the benefit of Timothy. This is not a Op-Ed peice in the New Yorker where he is writing a general to who it may concern article. This is for Timothy to relate to and written so he could gather strength from it. I think I often get lost in Scripture for this reason. I need to remind myself that Paul is making a point for a specific purpose, not just writing an autobiography.
This takes us to verse 14 and "the grace of our Lord overflowed to me". The moment I looked at this and walked out my door this just about knocked me down. I don't know why I have never really taken any time on this verse in all of my readings. Paul is talking about his salvation from his horrible way of life, but he is also teaching Timothy about God's grace. It overflows! It overflowed to me to allow me to lead a faithful life and more importantly Timothy it overflows to you.
I don't think Paul is simply saying that in our conversion experience God's grace overflows, but that it overflows daily. I walked with my head down (you must do that here as the sidewalk is cracked with the roots of trees) and as I did I simply pictured this fountain raining down from heaven all over me. It was covering me with this grace. It was bursting forth and could not be contained. And the most beautfiul thing is that it never stopped. The fountain throughout my walk never shut off. I prayed to God that he would continually let me see this overflowing of grace that daily never ceases for me his child. That this grace would allow me to overcome every obstacle, struggle, and temptation I encountered and that my children and wife would also bathe in this grace daily. This fountain covered every pain and regret and was the source of every victory.
I think Paul wanted Timothy to know that as well. There is an abundant amount of grace overflowing for you Timothy just as it did for me. Know that you are never alone, know that there is always abundant provision.
At first, as I encountered this overflow I was filled with a sense of guilt as I felt like the always disobedient, underserving servant. Part way through my walk I realized that I was missing the whole point. This fountain of grace falling on me has nothing to do with my worthiness. It is solely rooted in the second part of this verse "from the faith and love that is in Jesus Christ". Again, it is about HIM! I still had not learned that from verse 12-13. This unstoppable fire hose of grace has nothing to do with my merit. I didn't turn it on and I can't turn it off as a child of God. He made the decision to let the grace flow freely and there isn't a sense that he is ever going to turn the spicket off.
The second part of the verse confirms that he is perfectly faithful and perfectly loving, but maybe even more it confirms that He is perfectly faithful and perfectly loving to his children. This is to be always remembered by Timothy and should always be remembered by me.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
1 Timothy 1:12-13
"I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service. Even thought I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief."
As I set out with my two verses in my head this morning, I didn't think much of them. At first they simply seemed to me another acknowledgement of Paul's sinful past and God's grace to him, but then I started to spend a good deal of time wondering "Why is Paul saying this to Timothy". Paul is not just waxing nostalgic here, he is trying to say something to Timothy. I then realized this statement, while about Paul, wasn't so much for Paul as it was for Timothy. Paul wanted to remind Timothy that God in his great mercy appoints us to his service.
God's appointment to service is not out of our merit (as Paul describes his situation before his call), but out of his good pleasure and mercy. Out of his good pleasure and calling, Timothy has been given this position of leadership.
At first, verse 12 tripped me up a bit as it seems to say that because of Paul's faithfulness, he was given his position of service to God. Yet verse 13 cleared this up for me as Paul is clear that he was in no way deserving of his call and it was only because of God's grace in his condition of ignorance and unbelief. (Paul sees them as the same)
The faithfulness he refers to in verse 12 I think relates to the strengthening God gives as Timothy continues faithfully in his appointed service. Timothy can be guaranteed that the faithful servant will be strengthened as God continues to appoint him to his service. Paul is encouraging Timothy of the abundant strength available for the monumental task set before this young minister as he follows through with his calling.
This was encouraging to me as I realized that my application is that this strength is available to all faithful believers as they pursue God's calling in their life. As we seek to enjoy him daily and seek his glory he will strenghten us for the often monumental tasks set before us.
In these verses, I also think Paul is reminding Timothy why he is in this position. Again it is not because of him. Timothy does not have to rely on or live up to any strengths he has to accomplish this task. God has set him here. Timothy is not here because of Timothy, but because of God. Timothy does not need to worry about his youthfulness or his limitations because it is not about him! Like Paul, before his appointing, there is nothing in Timothy that "qualifies" him for this task other then the calling of God. Paul is saying look at my credentials, be encouraged human credentials are not required here only a faithful heart. There is nothing that allows him to carry out the task other then the daily promise of the daily strength provided for the faithful servant.
Let me remember this God, I never have to live up to the thought of "I was" or "I have" or "I can". It's not about what I bring to the table or expectations I need to live up to as I come to the task. It's not about my strenghts or worthiness. I don't need to live up to any expectations I set on myself or those other set for me. The believer need not bind himself to his own expectations of what he should accomplish. The believer comes empty handeded. Trusting daily strength will be given by him who created the task and whom the task is dedicated.
I find myself so often in life thinking myself an expert in an area or educated to say the least. This is of little importance in your calling. You choose the weak and despised things of the world. You choose the persecutor, You choose the young. You choose me and yet it is only about You. Let me think more of you and less of me daily as I try to live out my great calling.
As I walked, I praised God that for a time he has led me to place where the flowers bloom in Mid-January and the bitterness of cold never prevails!
As I set out with my two verses in my head this morning, I didn't think much of them. At first they simply seemed to me another acknowledgement of Paul's sinful past and God's grace to him, but then I started to spend a good deal of time wondering "Why is Paul saying this to Timothy". Paul is not just waxing nostalgic here, he is trying to say something to Timothy. I then realized this statement, while about Paul, wasn't so much for Paul as it was for Timothy. Paul wanted to remind Timothy that God in his great mercy appoints us to his service.
God's appointment to service is not out of our merit (as Paul describes his situation before his call), but out of his good pleasure and mercy. Out of his good pleasure and calling, Timothy has been given this position of leadership.
At first, verse 12 tripped me up a bit as it seems to say that because of Paul's faithfulness, he was given his position of service to God. Yet verse 13 cleared this up for me as Paul is clear that he was in no way deserving of his call and it was only because of God's grace in his condition of ignorance and unbelief. (Paul sees them as the same)
The faithfulness he refers to in verse 12 I think relates to the strengthening God gives as Timothy continues faithfully in his appointed service. Timothy can be guaranteed that the faithful servant will be strengthened as God continues to appoint him to his service. Paul is encouraging Timothy of the abundant strength available for the monumental task set before this young minister as he follows through with his calling.
This was encouraging to me as I realized that my application is that this strength is available to all faithful believers as they pursue God's calling in their life. As we seek to enjoy him daily and seek his glory he will strenghten us for the often monumental tasks set before us.
In these verses, I also think Paul is reminding Timothy why he is in this position. Again it is not because of him. Timothy does not have to rely on or live up to any strengths he has to accomplish this task. God has set him here. Timothy is not here because of Timothy, but because of God. Timothy does not need to worry about his youthfulness or his limitations because it is not about him! Like Paul, before his appointing, there is nothing in Timothy that "qualifies" him for this task other then the calling of God. Paul is saying look at my credentials, be encouraged human credentials are not required here only a faithful heart. There is nothing that allows him to carry out the task other then the daily promise of the daily strength provided for the faithful servant.
Let me remember this God, I never have to live up to the thought of "I was" or "I have" or "I can". It's not about what I bring to the table or expectations I need to live up to as I come to the task. It's not about my strenghts or worthiness. I don't need to live up to any expectations I set on myself or those other set for me. The believer need not bind himself to his own expectations of what he should accomplish. The believer comes empty handeded. Trusting daily strength will be given by him who created the task and whom the task is dedicated.
I find myself so often in life thinking myself an expert in an area or educated to say the least. This is of little importance in your calling. You choose the weak and despised things of the world. You choose the persecutor, You choose the young. You choose me and yet it is only about You. Let me think more of you and less of me daily as I try to live out my great calling.
As I walked, I praised God that for a time he has led me to place where the flowers bloom in Mid-January and the bitterness of cold never prevails!
Friday, January 21, 2011
The Reason for This Blog
My wife and I live with our children in Guadalajara, Mexico. We both teach at a Christian School in the city. Early on in our transition, I felt God urging me to memorize my way through 1st Timothy. It took me a while to act on this urge, but this time has recently morphed into a daily walk of meditation and memorization as I go verse by verse through the book.
As I have spent a great deal of time walking and thinking about 1st Timothy already, I have come to think about all of the things that God had to say to the young Timothy through Paul. I read through the book several times and realized that He also had these things to say to me.
Many are familiar with the 1 Timothy 4:12 encouragement "Don't let anyone look down upon you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." While we use this to exhort our youth (which we should) most people believe Timothy was probably in his early 30's when Paul gave him this command.
Now that I find my self a generational counterpart of the young pastor, I wonder if these words won't impact my life as they did his. While we sit worlds apart, I can only imagine Timothy dwelling on every word of Paul as he looked for encouragement, exhortation, and guidance. I hope to find the same in my daily walk.
Keep in mind, this is not a scholarly attempt to disect these verses. I leave the house with only a verse on my lips and a context in my mind. Regretfully, the library stays at home! With that said, if you do choose to read feel free to share insights that might even open these verses up for me more!
Walk along if you like, feel free to add comments or disperse truth as God leads you along your path.
As I have spent a great deal of time walking and thinking about 1st Timothy already, I have come to think about all of the things that God had to say to the young Timothy through Paul. I read through the book several times and realized that He also had these things to say to me.
Many are familiar with the 1 Timothy 4:12 encouragement "Don't let anyone look down upon you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity." While we use this to exhort our youth (which we should) most people believe Timothy was probably in his early 30's when Paul gave him this command.
Now that I find my self a generational counterpart of the young pastor, I wonder if these words won't impact my life as they did his. While we sit worlds apart, I can only imagine Timothy dwelling on every word of Paul as he looked for encouragement, exhortation, and guidance. I hope to find the same in my daily walk.
Keep in mind, this is not a scholarly attempt to disect these verses. I leave the house with only a verse on my lips and a context in my mind. Regretfully, the library stays at home! With that said, if you do choose to read feel free to share insights that might even open these verses up for me more!
Walk along if you like, feel free to add comments or disperse truth as God leads you along your path.
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