An Apostle By The Commandment Of God
We have lived to see the Church virtually taken over by laity. A typical Church may have a dozen "leaders" on the platform. The difference in a laity-led Church and a true Church is that God intended it to be led by called, chosen, anointed and ordained ministers of the Gospel; by holy men who have mastery of the word of God and who speak authoritatively with doctrinal integrity and the very highest standards of godliness. God commanded Paul to do the work of an apostle.
1 Timothy 1:1 - "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God."
Timothy, My Own Son In The Faith
God has no grandchildren. Every born-again believer is a first-generation, true-born child of God, born of the Spirit of God. But on earth, the Church is the womb of God. God conceives children in the Church. The Church is the mother of all the saints. "Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all," Galatians 4:26. "Jerusalem which is above" refers to all the saints who have already died and gone to heaven.
1 Timothy 1:1-2 - "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ ...Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith."
Charge Them To Teach No Other Doctrine
At the first, Paul spent about three years establishing the Church at Ephesus. Almost ten years later, he and Timothy returned there to find that many false doctrines were infiltrating the Ephesian Church. Paul needed to go into Macedonia, so he left Timothy in Ephesus, "that thou mightest charge some that they TEACH NO OTHER DOCTRINE." It can happen in any church. In ten years, a parade of different voices can infiltrate a congregation and spoil it. Apostolic elders MUST monitor and enforce doctrinal integrity in the Church.
1 Timothy 1:4 - "Neither give heed to fables and endless genealogies."
The End Of The Commandment Is Love
Moses taught Israel, "Thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might," Deuteronomy 6:5. In Matthew 22, a lawyer asked Jesus, "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?" Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." The first, last and highest of all laws? "Love God!"
1 Timothy 1:5 - "Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned."
Swerving Aside From Pure Motives To Legal Force
We should be purely motivated to do righteousness by our LOVE for God, a good CONSCIENCE, and FAITH in God (v.5). Without pure motivation, some "having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; Desiring to be teachers of the law." Laws force unmotivated people to do right, but voluntary right-doing from a willing heart is the New Testament way.
1 Timothy 1:8-10 - "The law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, ...ungodly ...sinners, ...unholy ...profane, ...murderers ...whoremongers, ...them that defile themselves with mankind, ...menstealers, ...liars, ....any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine."
I Thank Christ Jesus For Putting Me Into The Ministry
No matter how far God raises you from your sinful past, it is hard to forget where you really came from. Paul admitted that he had been "a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief." He rejoiced that the grace of God had been "exceeding abundant." Your awful past need not hinder God. He can save to the uttermost. Thank Him for redeeming you.
1 Timothy 1:12 - "And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry."
Unto The King Eternal Be Honor And Glory Forever
As Paul remembered how evil he had once been, he declared that God had saved him as a lesson to other gross sinners. "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting." Jesus will save the vilest sinner. He deserves all glory!
1 Timothy 1:17 - "Unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
I Charge You According To Prophecies You Received
Three times in this chapter, Paul used the word "charge" (Greek: paraggello, or paraggellia). A CHARGE is a mandate, a command, and specifically in this case, a message from God delivered by the man of God. "Charge some that they teach no other doctrine," "The end of the commandment [charge - same root] is charity..." and this charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy." Paul acknowledged the divine mandate behind his message and doctrine. Our message is not our own, but God's.
1 Timothy 1:18 - "...according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare."
Hymenaeus, Alexander, Shipwreck Concerning Faith
Saul was a blasphemer, persecutor, and a chief of sinners, but obtained saving mercy, "that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him." Divine grace abounds for those who will believe. Paul told Timothy to "war a good warfare; Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck." Without faith, it is impossible to please God.
1 Timothy 1:20 - "Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme."
Pray For Everyone, Even Kings And Rulers
Paul exhorted Timothy "that, ...supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God." God said, "I sought for a man among them, that should make up the hedge, and stand in the gap before me for the land," Ezekiel 22:30. Will YOU?
1 Timothy 2:4 - "[God] will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth."
One Mediator Between God And Men, The Man Christ
"Emmanuel" means "God with us," (Matthew 1:23). "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself," 2 Corinthians 5:19. The eternal Spirit incarnated Himself in His only begotten man-child, Jesus. Jesus was the invisible God wrapped in the body of a man. If we had never seen Christ, we could never have seen God - because He is invisible. "God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him," 1 John 4:9.
1 Timothy 2:5-6 - "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all."
Lift Up Holy Hands And Pray Everywhere
Jesus Christ is the mediator between God and men. "He gave Himself a ransom for all." That is the message that Paul was ordained to preach, and the reason why he was called to be an Apostle and a teacher of faith and "verity" (truth). The message of truth demands consecration from its ministers. Paul considered both the message and the ministry to be sacred, and called for all men to live holy, prayerful lives, free of anger and unbelief.
1 Timothy 2:8 - "I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting."
A Woman's Modest Apparel
Society casually accepts ANY dress code short of outright nudity. But GODLY people must wear "modest apparel." MODEST means "orderly, of good behavior, having decorum." Decorum is dignity and respectability in conduct, manners, appearance and character. Unnecessarily exposing flesh is undignified, inappropriate. Furthermore, "Costly [lavish, extravagant] array," (v9) is not modest. "The woman shall not wear that which pertaineth unto a man, ...all that do so are ABOMINATION unto the LORD," Deut. 22:5. Women should display femininity; men, masculinity. NO UNISEX LOOK. Christians must dress in modest, dignified, non-extravagant, clearly gender-specific clothes.
1 Timothy 2:9 - "...women adorn themselves in modest apparel."
A Shamefaced And Sober Woman
Along with her modest clothes, Paul said that a godly woman should adorn herself with "SHAMEFACEDNESS and SOBRIETY." The word shamefaced is derived from a Greek word meaning, "to look down, bashful, reverent." She should be SOBER. Painted lips, faces and eyes utterly betray shamefacedness. Never in the history of the Church have women been as painted, bejeweled, flamboyant, extrovertish, skimpily dressed, and perceived as "sexy" and "attractive" as many now are. Every Biblical example of a painted and jeweled ("decked") woman speaks of her evil traits.
1 Timothy 2:9 - "That women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety."
Broided Hair
In his instructions about modest apparel on women, Paul censured broided hair. 1 Peter 3:3 also forbids "plaiting the hair." Barnes' commentary explains: "plaited ...ornamented with spangles or silver wire or tissue," adding, "It cannot be supposed that the mere braiding of the hair is forbidden, but only that careful attention to the manner of doing it, and to the ornaments usually worn in it, which characterized worldly females." Evidence abounds that women in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Persia, and other nations often plaited their hair with gold, silver and various ornaments. Gaudy hairdos ooze with vanity, pride, sensuality and excess.
1 Timothy 2:9 - "Not with broided hair"
Gold, Pearls, Costly Array
Gold, Pearls, Costly Array
Modern Christians just don't get it. They paint and decorate their flesh to look more appealing and enticing, when God has said, in virtually every New Testament precept and principle that born-again believers must CRUCIFY the flesh, DENY its lusts, SUBDUE the carnal mind, LOVE NOT the world and be SPIRITUALLY-minded instead. Wearing ornaments, jewelry and paint grossly contradicts the entire premise of modesty, sobriety, death to self, and godliness.
1 Timothy 2:9-10 - "...women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works."
Let The Woman Learn In Silence With All Subjection
Paul addressed this matter in 1 Corinthians 14. "Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." Women are subject to men in the Church.
1 Timothy 2:11-12 - "Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence."
A Woman Must Not Usurp Authority Over The Man
Eve condemned the human race by her disobedience in the Garden of Eden. She not only yielded to the temptation, but also turned around and perpetrated the same deception upon Adam. God permanently and irrevocably subordinated the woman to the man.
1 Timothy 2:12 - "I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety."
Desiring The Office Of A Bishop
Prayer and desire are more than companions. Prayer and desire are very nearly the same thing. God knows the desires of your heart, and knows what you need before you ask. If you desire to be in the ministry, especially if you are praying for a place in the ministry, such as a Bishop or Pastor, Paul said that you are desiring or praying for a good work. Pray the prayer. God will answer according to His will.
1 Timothy 3:1 - "This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work."
The Bishop
A Bishop oversees Pastors and Churches. The root is "episcopate," meaning inspector or superintendent. Timothy was Bishop over the Ephesians; Titus was Bishop over Crete.
1 Timothy 3:2-7 - "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; ...Not a novice, ...he must have a good report of them which are without."
The Deacon
The Greek word "diakonos" (attendant, waiter) appears thirty times in the New Testament. Eighteen times, it is rendered "minister," seven times, "servant," and five times, "deacon." Deacons are minister-servants.
1 Timothy 3:8-13 - "Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; ...blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well."
Church Of The Living God, Pillar And Ground Of The Truth
One of several reasons why Paul elaborated on the qualifications of Bishops and Deacons was that we might know how we should behave in the house of God. Without vetting - qualifying - ministers of the Gospel - the Church could not possibly survive as "the pillar and ground of the truth." Only sober, godly men whose personal lives are scripturally exemplary can faithfully guide the rest of the body.
1 Timothy 3:15 - "...that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth."
The Great Mystery Of Religion: God Was In Christ
Great controversy surrounds this verse, but the meaning is clear. The great mystery of godliness (religion, piety) is that the invisible God was made apparent, seen in the flesh, in the form of Jesus Christ. He was justified by the works of the Holy Spirit in His life. Angels bore witness, men preached of Him, and multitudes believed. Then He ascended to His Throne.
1 Timothy 3:16 - "Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory."
Seducing Spirits Will Deceive Many In The Last Days
First, God is the Father of all spirits. Second, His holy angels are ministering spirits. Third, humans have spirits. Fourthly, fallen angels - those who sinned - are devils, or unclean spirits. Lying devils work continuously in these last days to seduce saints of God into false religions and beliefs. Lying spirits work through every person who does not genuinely love Truth. You must tenaciously adhere to the pure Word of God. Recognize and repudiate seducing spirits.
1 Timothy 4:1 - "The Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils."
Doctrines Of Devils, And A Seared Conscience
In the last days, many are departing from the faith because they are influenced by seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. What doctrines do devils teach? "Speaking lies in hypocrisy." LIES! The most popular preaching nowadays is NOT biblical! Hypocrisy (phony spirituality) is the order of the day. Satan said to Eve, "Hath God said...?" Ancient truth is being subverted in pulpits everywhere. Men have no conscience, no conviction against their lies. Multitudes are going to hell because of it.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 - "...seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron."
Speaking Lies In Hypocrisy, Forbidding To Marry
Grave, malignant errors and deceptions disease Christianity during these last days. Seducing spirits, doctrines of devils, lying hypocrites, and men whose consciences are seared will delude men and women who are not diligent students of the Word of God. Anyone can plainly see this evidence in our time. Catholicism leads the way with its perverted celibates, followed by Spiritless Protestantism, Ecumenism, the ill-defined Charismatic Movement, the Emerging Church Movement, and more. Christianity is NOT what the Bible prescribes it to be. Reject every lie. Demand the pure, unadulterated Gospel.
1 Timothy 4:3 - "Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats."
Sanctify Your Food By Thanksgiving And Prayer
The Old Testament law listed many animals that were not to be eaten, because they were called unclean. However, Paul taught us that we no longer have to observe those restrictions in the New Testament. "Every creature ...is good." Give thanks, and bless it in Jesus' name.
1 Timothy 4:3-5 - "Commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."
Remind The Brethren Of Prophecies About Apostasy
The elder Apostle admonished the younger Bishop to "put the brethren in remembrance of these things," (warnings against apostasy in the last days). We should be quite alarmed today that almost nobody is sounding a clarion warning against evil men, seducers, deceivers, and their kind. A truly good minister of Christ will diligently strive to protect the flock of God from wolves.
1 Timothy 4:6 - "If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained."
Exercise Yourself Rather To Godliness
Refuse to believe profane (secular) fables (fiction, myths). The lessons of fiction, fantasy, anime, movies, TV, etc. can be tragically misleading or deceptive. The Bible is full of perfectly legitimate stories, proverbs and wise sayings. A godly lifestyle will serve you better than any worldly way. Many people do physical exercises and workouts to get in shape, yet they do little or nothing to fortify themselves spiritually. Practice being godly instead. Get in shape spiritually.
1 Timothy 4:7-8 - "But refuse profane and old wives' fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things."
Godliness Is Profitable To Everything, Even Life To Come
Godliness is profitable to everything. A lifestyle of godliness promises a better life now, and it promises a life to come. Being carnal and worldly does not give you a promise like that. Most of the so-called Church today is worldlier, more carnal, and less godly than it has been in CENTURIES. Never believe that is better than it was. Godliness is ALWAYS better.
1 Timothy 4:8-9 - "Godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation."
We Suffer Reproach Because We Trust In God
The Church will NEVER be popular with the world. Pastors and Christians have perverted and compromised the Gospel in their arrogant, foolish attempts to make it more widely accepted. But, "All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution," 2 Timothy 3:12. Why? Because the true Church convicts sinners of sin. They hate you for that. "Everyone that doeth evil hateth the light," John 3:20. Stop playing to the crowd. Sacrifice your popularity to the One who died for you. Bear His reproach.
1 Timothy 4:10 - "Therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God."
The Gift Which Was Given Thee By Prophecy
For the second time, Paul reminded Timothy how his ministry was inaugurated by the laying on of hands of the presbytery, and by certain prophecies that were given him. "This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare," 1 Timothy 1:18. Young ministers still desperately need presbyters to ordain and impart true spiritual gifts to them.
1 Timothy 4:14 - "Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery."
The Young Minister, Example Of The Believers
Paul told Timothy to "command and teach" the things he had given him. "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. ...give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. ...Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all." Young ministers must seriously, studiously acquire mastery of Bible doctrines.
1 Timothy 4:16 - "Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
Brothers And Sisters In The Lord
Born-again people are true spiritual kindred - the family of God. They are "Brothers" and "Sisters." Paul told Timothy to treat the younger men as brethren and the younger women as sisters. Jesus taught that the family of God is not flesh-and-blood relatives, but spiritual relations. "For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."
1 Timothy 5:1-2 - "Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity."
Honor Prayerful Widows Who Trust God
Paul instructed the saints to intreat the elder women as mothers, younger women as sisters, and honor the widows. But He qualified the widows that the Church should care for. "She that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day." Paul did not ask the Church to be burdened with widows who were worldly, and not attempting to live godly. We should look after those who are in need, who trust in God and live prayerfully.
1 Timothy 5:6 - "But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth."
A Man Must Provide For His Household
Paul was setting down ageless and timeless precedents for the Church when he told Timothy, "These things give in charge, that they may be blameless." Men who are the head of a household are responsible before God to provide for the needs of his own house [oikeois: relative]. Paul included destitute widows among those who should be supported. "If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them," 5:16.
1 Timothy 5:8 - "If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."
Damnation For Casting Off Their First Faith
Paul was concerned that the destitute widows were properly taken care of, but he did not want the saints to be responsible for younger widows who "wax wanton against Christ," that is, those who forsook the Lord to marry a husband. If a person refuses to be accountable to Christ, the Church cannot be liable for their upkeep. If she forsakes the Lord, she will be condemned on Judgment Day.
1 Timothy 5:11-12 - "But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith."
The Younger Widows
Evidently, many of the younger widows were falling away from Christ and the Church. Paul was not happy about what he had seen. "They learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not." He admonished them to marry, raise a family, resist the devil, and be faithful to God.
1 Timothy 5:14-15 - "I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan."
The Laborer Is Worthy Of His Reward
I know of no other occupation where people begrudge a man's wage more than Gospel ministers. I sorrow over all the complaints I have heard from people who resent preacher's salaries. A tiny percentage of ministers are overpaid. Most work for less than other workers. Saints should rejoice when men of God are blessed.
1 Timothy 5:17-18 - "Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward."
The Elders
One of the most alarming indicators of trouble in the modern Church is the absence of elders. An arrogant, foolish younger generation chastises their elders, and refuses to hear or give place to them. Paul taught that elders in the Church are to be treated with the highest honor and respect. "Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; ...elder women as mothers. ...Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine."
1 Timothy 5:19 - "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses."
Them That Sin Rebuke Before All, That Others May Fear
Timothy became the Bishop of the Ephesian Church, culminating years of tutelage under Paul's mentoring. As their overseer, Timothy was responsible for the guidance of ministers, and tending to Church discipline. Paul had instructed him, "Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." Sometimes, an errant leader must be rebuked in public.
1 Timothy 5:21-22 - "Observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure."
Sin And Good Works Will Go To The Judgment
"Be sure your sin will find you out," Numbers 32:23. You may have hidden your sins for years, but unless you have obeyed the Gospel, your sins will testify against you on Judgment Day. If you are truly born-again, "there is a reward for the righteous," Psalm 58:11. Even if nobody ever noticed your good deeds, they will finally be revealed.
1 Timothy 5:24-25 - "Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid."
Servants Who Are Under The Yoke
Although slavery was practiced in many places of the world in Bible times, Paul put forth many new and controversial teachings on the subject. "Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed." Servants and masters were taught to treat each other with kindness and respect, as brethren.
1 Timothy 6:2 - "And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit."
Teach And Exhort The Doctrine According To Godliness
The Pauline epistles relentlessly juxtapose wrong against right. Paul unceasingly painted a picture of the dichotomies of life, contrasting the flesh against the Spirit, the earthly against the heavenly, the evil against the godly, etc. It is the preacher's sacred and solemn duty to paint the world, the flesh and the devil as the enemies of Christ and His kingdom, and preach godliness in their place.
1 Timothy 6:2-3 - "These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness..."
He Who Will Not Teach Godliness
Any man who will not teach wholesome words, especially the words of Jesus, and the doctrine according to godliness, is full of pride. He knows nothing. He has a doting (sick) mind. He breeds envy, strife, villifications, blasphemies, evil quarrels and suspicions. His wicked mind cannot see the truth. He thinks religion is about prosperity and success. Godliness and holiness is just not important to him. "WITHDRAW thyself" from him.
1 Timothy 6:5 - "Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain."
Godliness With Contentment Is Great Gain
Can you be happy just living a godly life, or are you addicted to the world's sugar-coated poisons? Do you find that God, Church, and the Bible do not satisfy you, or furnish a level of excitement you have come to expect? Contentment is "a perfect condition of life in which no aid or support is needed." No aid or support needed? Are you addicted
to entertainment, recreation, sports, or anything else? If you are bored with God, you are in big trouble.
1 Timothy 6:6 - "But godliness with contentment is great gain."
Having Food And Raiment, Let Us Be Therewith Content
I watch with incredulity those who abandon the teachings of holiness and godliness, to enjoy the pleasures of the world. And I wonder... Is football, baseball, basketball, hunting, fishing, racing, movie-going, dancing, partying, drinking, drugs, make-up, jewelry, money, cars, boats, RVs, sexiness, dirty jokes, carnal living, etc... Is WORLDLINESS better than godliness?
1 Timothy 6:5-8 - "...supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content."
The Snares Of Wealth Drown Men In Destruction
You cannot desire worldly things AND desire God at the same time. Impossible. If you want to be rich, you will "fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."
1 Timothy 6:8,11 - "Having food and raiment let us be therewith content. ...But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness."
The Only Potentate
A king is said to be sovereign, autonomous, controlled by no one. Truthfully, no earthly king is sovereign so long as Almighty God is in His heaven. There is only one Sovereign Potentate and that is the Lord God Himself. He can be seen incarnate in the body of His human son, Jesus Christ. Is this true? Jesus said, "All power is given unto me in
heaven and earth."
1 Timothy 6:15 - "Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords."
The Blessed And Only Potentate, King, And Lord
"Keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate [great authority, mighty, ruler], the King of kings, and Lord of lords." Our Potentate is an invisible Spirit who dwells in a terrible light which no man can approach, nor can see. We can only see Him bodily in Christ.
1 Timothy 6:16 - "Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting."
Them That Are Rich In This World
Jesus said, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!" Luke 18:25. If you happen to be rich, God has a message for you. Do not be high-minded. Do not trust in uncertain riches. Trust in the living God. Do good. Be rich in good works. Distribute and communicate to others. Lay up treasures in heaven.
1 Timothy 6:17 - "Charge them that are rich in this world, ...[trust] in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; ...Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come."
Lay Hold On Eternal Life
Talk about the world to come. That is the stuff of religion. "Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called. ...Keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ." No other religion has such a clearly-defined concept of eternity: Jesus is coming back, and when He comes, His saints will be changed from mortals to immortals, and live forever in His presence.
1 Timothy 6:19 - "Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."
Bible-Bashing
Civilization is gangrenous with Bible-bashing. "Scientific" discoveries froth with conjecture and opinion "refuting" Bible story after Bible story. Darwin's "Origin of the Species," the theory of evolution, History Channel "documentaries," even ACLU lawsuits, and volumes and volumes of published but unproven opinions and theories are being peddled brazenly in the name of scientific fact. But if you tamper with even one story in the Bible, beware! There are many hundreds of others that will never be explained away.
1 Timothy 6:20 - "...avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called."
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Ken Raggio
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