Day 54
1 Timothy 6:1-10 NIV
1 All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God's name and our teaching may not be slandered. 2 Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers. Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them. These are the things you are to teach and urge on them. 3 If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching,4 he is conceited and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions 5 and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.9 People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.
Work Relations -
This title might seem like a stretch when Paul is actually speaking about slaves and owners but it is worth mentioning that the advice given here would be very appropriate for employees and managers. Slaves/workers respect your master/boss! Show the respect your superior deserves and remember you are working for the Lord regardless of your job. When we, as employees, demonstrate a good work ethic we glorify God. On the other side of this issue supervisors should treat employees with respect and compassion again showing the goodness of God with their actions. I have worked with both kinds of "Christian" the one who gave all they had understanding who they were working for and the complaining poor witness that hurt the cause of Christ. Matters like this one today and several Paul has addressed here in the book of 1 Timothy has Paul stepping on some toes.
False Doctrines -
The Apostle Paul did not pull any punches and I wonder if his methods would be received by today's church. Paul's greatest concern was obviously pleasing God and not pleasing men. Paul demonstrates this care for God's direction and word in verse 3 "If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, 4 he is conceited and understands nothing. As you know this isn't the first mention we have seen of false teachings. Obviously there was a great issue with individuals trying to corrupt the gospel that Paul had presented so effectively. It's almost as though Paul was followed by those trying to cause dissension. The Apostle here speaks very harshly of these false teachers who claim to be followers of God, he says they are conceited and have no true understanding. They quarrel, are full of envy, cause strife, use corrupt speech, they are suspicious, and they use their religious practices as a means of financial gain. The Apostle Paul doesn't dispute the right of these and other ministers to make a living from their ministry he is disputing their use of God's name to make themselves rich. They love money and things more than they love God and they pollute the truth with their greed. He concludes this section with "some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith". This message is not just for ministers, preachers and teachers but for all believers. Money isn't the only thing that should be mentioned in this list because many things can come between us and God. Paul is reminded Timothy and other believers to keep our focus on Christ and the truth of the Word of God.
Conclusion -
I pray you have been enjoying each of these teachings and devotional writings. Some times we get caught up in a very short list of biblical items but this book shows the diversity of God's Word and demonstrates that there are answers in the Word for every matter we deal with. God's Word was and is meant to be used as a guide. This Word never gets out of date though it was written so long ago. This living Word still teaches, changes, and transforms just as it did two thousand years ago. As we read God's Word today and do so prayerfully it speaks to every area of our life. I have always been amazed as to how the Holy Spirit can take one passage or one sermon and say so many different things to so many different people. We can usually find something that changes us in any sermon we here if we are attentive to the Spirit and are seeking to be more like Christ.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Daily Reading March 4 2010 from 1 Timothy 5:16-25 NIV
Day 53
1 Timothy 5:16-25 NIV
16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need. 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 24 The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.
Wages-
Next the Apostle Paul turns to elders, teachers, and preachers. He first begins with honor and wages and how a servant of the church is due both honor and pay for the work they do. The Apostles were full time ministers and were committed to prayer and teaching, the other duties of the church were handled by the elders and deacons. There is no question the church has changed greatly since that time and I like most ministers don't mind working and contributing to the financial goals of the church. However, I believe it should be the desire of any minister's heart to be able to minister full time and give ourselves over to preaching the Word and caring for the people we minister to. I know this is the burden of my heart. This brings up the issue of being able to trust God for our provision which is always a key of success in ministry. Ministers rely on God for pay but it takes individuals giving to God to make this possible. This is not something I personally like to bring up before my people as I believe God will move upon the hearts of the faithful and my family will be taken care of either by giving me work to do or through the church and it's people.
Deeds-
Now Paul goes to deeds whether good or bad. He begins with a warning not to accuse someone without multiple witnesses. Don't react to every rumor that is circulating wait until there is adequate evidence before accusing anyone. Paul next says that those who sin should be publicly rebuked. This is not the entirety of this teaching in other scripture Paul gives complete instruction as to how to discipline leaders in the church. He begins by saying to go to the individual in question alone, then take someone with you, and finally after exhausting all other measures go to the church and publicly rebuke the individual. It should never be our intent to expose someone or hurt someone's character. We should discipline publicly only as a last resort. Paul says we should treat everyone without partiality and not show any sort of favoritism. Paul concludes with "the sins of some are obvious reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them" God has a way of handling issues within the church. God will expose the secret things as necessary as we have seen with many ministry leaders over the past couple of decades. We generally don't have to deal with these issues because God is much more conscious of wrongdoing than we are. Finally, good deeds are also quite obvious, people will realize and respect our good deeds and recognize God in our lives when we bear fruit. God will bless and favor the faithful, the anointing will be evident in these lives and God will use them mightily for His glory.
I don't know about anyone else but I want to be used of God. I want my life to be acceptable, I want my offerings of praise to be received as a sacrifice of praise, I want my life to reflect His glory.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
1 Timothy 5:16-25 NIV
16 If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need. 17 The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading out the grain,” and “The worker deserves his wages.”19 Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses. 20 Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning. 21 I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism. 22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others. Keep yourself pure. 23 Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. 24 The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. 25 In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.
Wages-
Next the Apostle Paul turns to elders, teachers, and preachers. He first begins with honor and wages and how a servant of the church is due both honor and pay for the work they do. The Apostles were full time ministers and were committed to prayer and teaching, the other duties of the church were handled by the elders and deacons. There is no question the church has changed greatly since that time and I like most ministers don't mind working and contributing to the financial goals of the church. However, I believe it should be the desire of any minister's heart to be able to minister full time and give ourselves over to preaching the Word and caring for the people we minister to. I know this is the burden of my heart. This brings up the issue of being able to trust God for our provision which is always a key of success in ministry. Ministers rely on God for pay but it takes individuals giving to God to make this possible. This is not something I personally like to bring up before my people as I believe God will move upon the hearts of the faithful and my family will be taken care of either by giving me work to do or through the church and it's people.
Deeds-
Now Paul goes to deeds whether good or bad. He begins with a warning not to accuse someone without multiple witnesses. Don't react to every rumor that is circulating wait until there is adequate evidence before accusing anyone. Paul next says that those who sin should be publicly rebuked. This is not the entirety of this teaching in other scripture Paul gives complete instruction as to how to discipline leaders in the church. He begins by saying to go to the individual in question alone, then take someone with you, and finally after exhausting all other measures go to the church and publicly rebuke the individual. It should never be our intent to expose someone or hurt someone's character. We should discipline publicly only as a last resort. Paul says we should treat everyone without partiality and not show any sort of favoritism. Paul concludes with "the sins of some are obvious reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them" God has a way of handling issues within the church. God will expose the secret things as necessary as we have seen with many ministry leaders over the past couple of decades. We generally don't have to deal with these issues because God is much more conscious of wrongdoing than we are. Finally, good deeds are also quite obvious, people will realize and respect our good deeds and recognize God in our lives when we bear fruit. God will bless and favor the faithful, the anointing will be evident in these lives and God will use them mightily for His glory.
I don't know about anyone else but I want to be used of God. I want my life to be acceptable, I want my offerings of praise to be received as a sacrifice of praise, I want my life to reflect His glory.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Daily Reading March 3 2010 from 1 Timothy 5:1-15 NIV
Day 52
1 Timothy 5:1-15 NIV
1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.7 Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. 11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry.12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge.13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.
Today, Paul gets detailed about relationships within the church focusing a great deal on widows. In the first part of these verses he is clearly calling for respect between brothers and sisters within the church. He tells us to treat older men as fathers, younger me as our brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters. There are so many things that can be learned from developing relationships and seeking counsel from our elders. Many of these older saints have walked where we are now and therefore are able to empathize with our situation. Treating one another with great respect is a part of the love we have been commanded to demonstrate toward one another. The remainder of today's reading focuses on relationships with widows and caring for their needs. Paul gives strict stipulations on when and how to assist widows. This entire passage deals with family like relationships within our church walls. We have an obligation to treat one another with love and respect. Paul is exhorting us to love one another and be as a family unit. A church united in care for one another with older people acting as fathers, mothers, grandmothers, and grandfathers to the younger men, women and children. Where younger members know to respect and honor the older saints, to treat them with admiration because of the endurance they show us as they continue in their faith, and for all to uphold our peers in prayer weeping when others weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
1 Timothy 5:1-15 NIV
1 Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. 3 Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.4 But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.5 The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help.6 But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.7 Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. 8 If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, 10 and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds. 11 As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry.12 Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge.13 Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.14 So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander. 15 Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.
Today, Paul gets detailed about relationships within the church focusing a great deal on widows. In the first part of these verses he is clearly calling for respect between brothers and sisters within the church. He tells us to treat older men as fathers, younger me as our brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters. There are so many things that can be learned from developing relationships and seeking counsel from our elders. Many of these older saints have walked where we are now and therefore are able to empathize with our situation. Treating one another with great respect is a part of the love we have been commanded to demonstrate toward one another. The remainder of today's reading focuses on relationships with widows and caring for their needs. Paul gives strict stipulations on when and how to assist widows. This entire passage deals with family like relationships within our church walls. We have an obligation to treat one another with love and respect. Paul is exhorting us to love one another and be as a family unit. A church united in care for one another with older people acting as fathers, mothers, grandmothers, and grandfathers to the younger men, women and children. Where younger members know to respect and honor the older saints, to treat them with admiration because of the endurance they show us as they continue in their faith, and for all to uphold our peers in prayer weeping when others weep and rejoicing with those who rejoice.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Daily Reading March 2 2010 from 1 Timothy 4:1-16 NIV
Day 51
1 Timothy 4:1-16 NIV
1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance
10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things.12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Committed to Truth
Today although not specifically titled this way Paul deals with the duties and requirements on those who preach and teach God's Word. We should not look at this passage as pertaining on to pastor's or teachers but all believers as it speaks of the truth and the study of the truth. While it is true that those who teach and preach will be held to a high standard all believers need to know the truth of God's Word so none of us are deceived. Paul begins this passage talking about such deception "in the latter times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" Paul goes on to warn about such teachers and their false teachings. These false teachers will, according to Paul, forbid marriage and revert back to teaching about the intake of certain foods. These individuals will apparently do this teaching in a cunning way and deceive some who are in the faith. Obviously from reading this we have to realize that these teachings will be linked to 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." they will teach just close enough to the truth and pervert the word to where some will be convinced of their lies. Paul says not to be afraid to eat anything once you have given thanks for it and prayed over it the meal is consecrated by the word of God. He goes on to say those who preach the truth and combat the lies will be considered a good minister of Christ Jesus.
Wives Tales
Paul goes on to discuss myths and wives tales and tells us to be godly and not superstitious. To put our hope in the living God not in any other place or thing. We are blessed by God and not just lucky. God's goodness isn't just mere coincidence He blesses those who serve Him and are called according to His name. So we are to put our complete hope in Christ our Savior and the Savior of the entire world.
Youth
Next Paul addresses Timothy's age. Most likely since Timothy was being used in leadership at a young age and shortly after coming to serve under the Apostle Paul some had used his age against him. Paul reminds Timothy that he was called of God, he rmeinds him of his calling and gift that came through a prophetic word when the elders laid hands upon him. Paul gives a word of advice that we should all heed whether teachers or not live out an example before men that leaves no question as to whom your God is. Paul says it this way "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. This word is good for us today. Are you devoting your life to being an example? Are you staying away from evil and even the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV)? That's right even the appearance of evil!
Character
People need an example of what it is to be godly. There have been so many false teachers and believers exposes that the world has become cynical of Christianity. We need to be a people of character that live what we believe both privately and publicly. This was Paul's command to his young apprentice and to us today.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
1 Timothy 4:1-16 NIV
1 The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.2 Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.3 They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.7 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives' tales; rather, train yourself to be godly.
8 For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance
10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things.12 Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching. 14 Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through a prophetic message when the body of elders laid their hands on you. 15 Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. 16 Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.
Committed to Truth
Today although not specifically titled this way Paul deals with the duties and requirements on those who preach and teach God's Word. We should not look at this passage as pertaining on to pastor's or teachers but all believers as it speaks of the truth and the study of the truth. While it is true that those who teach and preach will be held to a high standard all believers need to know the truth of God's Word so none of us are deceived. Paul begins this passage talking about such deception "in the latter times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons" Paul goes on to warn about such teachers and their false teachings. These false teachers will, according to Paul, forbid marriage and revert back to teaching about the intake of certain foods. These individuals will apparently do this teaching in a cunning way and deceive some who are in the faith. Obviously from reading this we have to realize that these teachings will be linked to 2 Timothy 3:5 "having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them." they will teach just close enough to the truth and pervert the word to where some will be convinced of their lies. Paul says not to be afraid to eat anything once you have given thanks for it and prayed over it the meal is consecrated by the word of God. He goes on to say those who preach the truth and combat the lies will be considered a good minister of Christ Jesus.
Wives Tales
Paul goes on to discuss myths and wives tales and tells us to be godly and not superstitious. To put our hope in the living God not in any other place or thing. We are blessed by God and not just lucky. God's goodness isn't just mere coincidence He blesses those who serve Him and are called according to His name. So we are to put our complete hope in Christ our Savior and the Savior of the entire world.
Youth
Next Paul addresses Timothy's age. Most likely since Timothy was being used in leadership at a young age and shortly after coming to serve under the Apostle Paul some had used his age against him. Paul reminds Timothy that he was called of God, he rmeinds him of his calling and gift that came through a prophetic word when the elders laid hands upon him. Paul gives a word of advice that we should all heed whether teachers or not live out an example before men that leaves no question as to whom your God is. Paul says it this way "set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity. This word is good for us today. Are you devoting your life to being an example? Are you staying away from evil and even the appearance of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22 KJV)? That's right even the appearance of evil!
Character
People need an example of what it is to be godly. There have been so many false teachers and believers exposes that the world has become cynical of Christianity. We need to be a people of character that live what we believe both privately and publicly. This was Paul's command to his young apprentice and to us today.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Daily Reading March 1 2010 from 1 Timothy 3 NIV
Day 50
1 Timothy 3:1-16 NIV
1 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self‑controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. 8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. 14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
Here the Apostle Paul is teaching about the structure of a church and its government. Not a lot needs to be said about these verses accept to note that Paul holds any one in leadership within a local church to an extremely high standard. Whether an Overseer or a Deacon there are certain stipulations that are extremely important for a leader in a local church.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
1 Timothy 3:1-16 NIV
1 Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.2 Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self‑controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,3 not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.4 He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.5 (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)6 He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the devil. 7 He must also have a good reputation with outsiders, so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil's trap. 8 Deacons, likewise, are to be men worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine, and not pursuing dishonest gain.9 They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons. 11 In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything. 12 A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. 13 Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus. 14 Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that,15 if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God's household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:
He appeared in a body,
was vindicated by the Spirit,
was seen by angels,
was preached among the nations,
was believed on in the world,
was taken up in glory.
Here the Apostle Paul is teaching about the structure of a church and its government. Not a lot needs to be said about these verses accept to note that Paul holds any one in leadership within a local church to an extremely high standard. Whether an Overseer or a Deacon there are certain stipulations that are extremely important for a leader in a local church.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Monday, March 1, 2010
Daily Reading February 28 2010 from 1 Timothy 2:1-15 NIV
Day 49
1 Timothy 2:1-15
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time. 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. 8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. 9 I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. 11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing–if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
1 Timothy 2:1-15
1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone–2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior,4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,6 who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time. 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. 8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. 9 I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, 10 but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. 11 A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent.13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve.14 And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. 15 But women will be saved through childbearing–if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety.
Daily Reading February 27 2010 from 1 Timothy 1:12-20 NIV
Day 48
Sorry for the delay on days 48 & 49 as many of you know I was in Allen, OK. preaching a revival and had no internet access.
1 Timothy 1:12-20 NIV
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 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.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.17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 18 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,19 holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Second Chances!
Our God is a God of second chances. Paul begins today's reading with this statement "Even though I was once a blasphemer and persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy" not only was Paul shown mercy he was called to ministry and even the writing of God's Word. Paul says was shown mercy because he acted out of ignorance and unbelief but God's grace was poured out on him in abundance. Paul goes on to say that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" Paul says in the following verse "I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example" an example for unbelievers. With this kind of example of the love and grace of God every one alive has a hope of a second chance. Remember your second chance! Regardless of your past whether you were one of the worst as Paul described himself or raised in church all your life you are still living by the grace of God. Jesus gave every man a second chance to serve God.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
Sorry for the delay on days 48 & 49 as many of you know I was in Allen, OK. preaching a revival and had no internet access.
1 Timothy 1:12-20 NIV
12 I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 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.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.17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen. 18 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,19 holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith. 20 Among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan to be taught not to blaspheme.
Second Chances!
Our God is a God of second chances. Paul begins today's reading with this statement "Even though I was once a blasphemer and persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy" not only was Paul shown mercy he was called to ministry and even the writing of God's Word. Paul says was shown mercy because he acted out of ignorance and unbelief but God's grace was poured out on him in abundance. Paul goes on to say that "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" Paul says in the following verse "I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His unlimited patience as an example" an example for unbelievers. With this kind of example of the love and grace of God every one alive has a hope of a second chance. Remember your second chance! Regardless of your past whether you were one of the worst as Paul described himself or raised in church all your life you are still living by the grace of God. Jesus gave every man a second chance to serve God.
Blessings,
Pastor Larry
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