August in 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, and Hebrews

1. Introduction to the Pastoral Epistles & 1 Tim 1
2. 1 Tim 2
3. 1 Tim 3
4. 1 Tim 4
5. 1 Tim 5
6. 1 Tim 6
7. 2 Tim 1
8. 2 Tim 2:1-13
9. 2 Tim 2:14-26
10. 2 Tim 3:1-13
11. 2 Tim 3:14-17
12. 2 Tim 4
13. Titus 1
14. Titus 2
15. Titus 3
16. Philemon
17. Hebrews 1
18. Hebrews 2
19. Hebrews 3
20. Hebrews 4
21. Hebrews 5
22. Hebrews 6
23. Hebrews 7
24. Hebrews 8
25. Hebrews 9
26. Hebrews 10:1-18
27. Hebrews 10:19-39
28. Hebrews 11:1-16
29. Hebrews 11:17-39
30. Hebrews 12
31. Hebrews 13

Put 2 Timothy Back on the New Testament Shelf

2 Timothy 4 - Parting Exhortations and Instructions

LINK: 2 Timothy 4

Just a reminder: 
This is not the last Pauline epistle in the New Testament order,
but it is the last book Paul wrote chronologically,

BACKGROUND

Paul's days were numbered. He wrote this letter from prison in Rome in about A.D. 66 or 67. He would soon be executed by Emperor Nero. These are his parting exhortations as he passed the torch to the next generation of believers. 

His solemn charge to Timothy was that he would . . . 

• Preach the Word - This follows on the heels of what he had just exhorted in 2 Timothy 3. Timothy was to correct (2:25), rebuke (1 Timothy 5:20; 2 Timothy 3:16; Titus 1:13; 2:15), and encourage in his ministry at all times regardless of whether it was "popular" at the time and despite any persecution that might ensue because of it. This was important so that the Gospel would spread. 
• Fulfill His Ministry - He was to do this with serious purpose ("sober" is used several times in these letters). Behind all of this was the overarching goal of people coming into the kingdom as Paul exhorted him to "Do the work of an evangelist" (see Acts 20:17-21). Paul had definitely fulfilled his ministry. He had been "poured out like a drink offering (see Numbers 28:4-7 for the libation connected with the daily offering of the lambs) and had "fought the good fight and finished the race" of faith. He wanted Timothy to do so also.
• Be diligent and faithful - Faithfulness is a theme throughout the whole letter. In Roman athletic games, winners were given a laurel wreath. It was a sought-after prize and a symbol of triumph and glory. Paul knew that he would receive the "imperishable wreath" of righteousness because of his faithfulness (see 2 Corinthians 5:10 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

Paul longed for Timothy to come to him because some had deserted him, and he was at the end of his life.  Here are some cross-references for the people mentioned in the closing comments of his letter:

• Demas - Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:9-10; Philemon 23,24
• Luke - Luke 1:1-4; Acts. 1:1-2; 16:10-13; 20:5-6; 21:1-18; 27:1-28:31; Colossians 4:14; 2 Timothy 4:11
• Mark or John Mark - Acts 12:12,25; 13:5,13; 15:36-40; Colossians 4:10-11; 2 Timothy 4:11; Philippians 24; 1 Peter 5:13
• Tychicus - Acts 20:4; Ephesians 6:21-22; Colossians 4:7-8; 2 Timothy 4:12; Titus 3:12
• Alexander - Acts 19:33; 1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 4:14-15 
• Prisca and Aquila - Acts 18:1-3; 18-19; 24-26; Rom. 16:3-5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19

Paul's closing benediction indicates that it was not only for Timothy but also for a wider audience because the "you" in 4:22 is plural.

It is believed that these were the last words of Paul to have survived before his death. Sobering.

REFLECTION

Recently, I had a melanoma skin cancer scare. It is the deadliest form. I went through Christmas waiting for the results of two biopsies wondering if this would be my last Christmas on earth. One was benign, but the one on my jawline was melanoma.

It was good to evaluate what I would do differently if I knew I only had months to live and guess what? There was not one thing I would change! My biggest goal was to finish the editing of this Bible Book Club and the group of young people we are investing in for Kingdom purposes (including our two young adult sons). 

APPLICATION

Take some time to review the whole book of 2 Timothy. What did you glean from it that you can put into practice in your own life? Do you want to end your life knowing that you have "fought the good fight"?  Are you in the process of doing that now? Do you know the ministry that He has called you to? Are you fulfilling your calling?

PRAYER

I feel the death of a friend. I cannot imagine Paul in that prison cell writing down his last words. Thank You for his faithful ministry. May we be faithful also to preach Your Word and fulfill the ministry You have called us to. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

2 Timothy 3:14-17 -- The Hothouse of Transforming Discipleship

LINK: 2 Timothy 3:14-17

BACKGROUND

This is a very short passage, but it is packed with power!  

The whole of the Holy Scriptures revealed to and written down by the apostles and prophets, is "God-breathed" in that it comes directly from and is inspired by God (2 Peter 1:20-21). Greek definitions from the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament help elaborate on 2 Timothy 3:16: Scripture contains the "wisdom and dreams of God." It has "advantage, benefit and gain" in the areas of . . . 

• Teaching - This is the "handing down" of the essential teachings of the Christian life. "In the word of God, the Spirit of God has revealed the true nature of the world we live in, the true nature of man and of God, the ultimate consummation of history, the pattern of relationships and responses to God and to life which corresponds with the way things really are" (Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time, p. 163). In his book, Greg Ogden states that most potential disciples have "bits and pieces of Christian teaching interspersed with worldviews from contemporary culture." The Scriptures give us the "body of teaching [that] gives us the set of glasses through which to view reality" (p. 164). 

• Reproof - Once we have that new reality, we can see the changes we need to make in our lives. Reproof means to "show people their sins and summon them to repentance" (Theological Dictionary of the New Testament). In the context of love, it need not be a scary or horrible thing. 

• Correction - Once we have been reproved, we should not be left to wallow in our guilt and self-condemnation! The Greek word literally means "a restoration to an upright or right state." Jesus said to the adulterous woman, 
  “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more" (John 8:11). Isn't that beautiful! God is all about restoration. We saw that throughout the whole Old Testament, didn't we?

• Training in Righteousness - Once we have been restored, we need to stay on the right path. The Greek words here imply a "curbing of passions" and establishing ongoing patterns of Christlikeness.  

Warren Wiersbe summarizes this beautifully:

They are profitable . . .

for doctrine (what is right),
for reproof (what is not right),
for correction (how to get right), and
for instruction in righteousness (how to stay right) (Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, 2 Tim 3:16b, p. 253)

For you visual learners, here is something I learned during my junior year in college that I always see in my mind when I read this passage:

©Carol Ann Weaver, 
adapted from Design for Discipleship: Book 2, p. 7

And the whole goal of all of this is so that we might all be mature in Christ and equipped to serve Him!

REFLECTION 

Transformation can only occur in an environment where we are feeding on God's Word in a context of transparent and accountable intimacy with God and other loving believers. I tell the honest truth that I wrote this before I read the book I am going to refer to below.

This conviction was really solidified for me when I read Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time by Greg Ogden.  He points out the three ingredients that converge to release the Holy Spirit in bringing about the rapid growth toward Christlikeness he calls a "hothouse of transformation":

• Opening our hearts in transparent trust to each other - This includes affirming one another through encouragement, walking with one another through difficult times, being a reflective listener who assists another to hear God's guidance in life's complexities, and confessing our sins to one another that we may be healed. (Notice all the "one another" statements. This is a Bible study all in itself!)

• Around the truth of God's Word - This is the heart of 2 Timothy 3:14-17 and what I just talked about in the BACKGROUND section.

• In the spirit of mutual accountability - This helps us put the above "path of righteousness" pattern in place. It means covenanting together with other believers and giving each other permission to hold each other to the covenant. It is a "willing decision to abide by certain standards and a voluntary submission of oneself to a review by others in which one's performance is evaluated in light of these standards." This may sound legalistic, but in the climate of #1 above, it is a win-win for everybody.

Greg and I are on the same page because I LIVED this in my early years of growing as a believer!  I feel very blessed to have been part of this kind of transformational environment and was shocked to find most people do not grow up in the Lord this way. These people are my lifelong friends and siblings in Christ. (In fact, I just went backpacking with one of those friends from my first discipleship Bible Study in 1979!)

Many small groups are big on intimacy but small on centering it on God's Word and holding each other accountable. Much of the teaching and preaching in the church is big on teaching truth in a large group but has no accountability or intimacy attached. You attend and leave. It does not mean that those are bad, but transformational discipleship occurs when all three are present (see Ogden, pp. 153-171). 

2023 Update: A newer book, The Other Half of Church, says essentially the same thing with neuroscience to back it up! This book also has wonderful exercises for groups to do together that build trust, love, and attachment. It also has an exercise to evaluate the good soil of your group. These exercises are free on the publisher's website:

The Other Half of Church (scroll down to "Packet for Audiobook" PDF) - There is also a sample chapter from the book on the page. 

APPLICATION

Memorize 2 Timothy 3:16-17. They are key verses for your spiritual life. Verse 16 is part of the Navigator Topical Memory System (but memorize 17 too). I memorized the 60 verses in 1979, but I come back to them again and again. 

Here is a list with links to the verses and a "mini-sermon" by LeRoy Eims. 

Topical Memory System Audio Library

Are you in a situation where all three components for transformation are in place?  If not, what is stopping you? (Read Ogden's book for more details about the size of these groups. He doesn't recommend one-to-one but meeting in threes and fours. His research shows this is the most effective size for growth, but it is based on the US population, and wonders if it might be different in other cultures.)

PRAYER

Lord, grow us, mold us, put us in the hothouse of transformation so we might glorify You! Amen. 

2 Timothy 3:1-13 -- Ungodly vs.Godly People

LINK: 2 Timothy 3

BACKGROUND

The "last days" referred to in this passage include the time after Jesus' resurrection when the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost (Acts 2) to the time of His return in the future. Paul stated 23 characteristics of people during this difficult time. I will not go into definitions of each characteristic, but I encourage you to look up ones you do not understand by using the great Greek tools at: 

https://thebible.org/gt/index. 

You have to sign in, but you can click on any of the words, and the Greek definition appears below it. It is very cool!  

I do want to comment on one of the characteristics: "Always learning but never able to come to the knowledge of the truth" (3:7). This "knowledge" is epignosis and is the same word we learned about in Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians. It is a true knowledge:

Expressing fuller or a full knowledge, a greater participation by the knower in the object known, thus more powerfully influencing him. (Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words: Volume 2, p. 301)

This implies that the truth has produced an intimacy with God and has affected his or her entire life and will be manifested in godly behavior. (This is also indicative of a relationship with God that is not all left-brained but also right-brained. See yesterday's post about this in the reflection section for 2 Timothy 2:14-26)

Paul exhorted Timothy to have nothing to do with these types of people. He had already instructed Timothy to be kind to everyone (2:24) and to gently correct those in opposition (2:25). Therefore, having "nothing to do with them" probably meant staying clear of them in a ministerial capacity. This exhortation goes right along with Paul's exhortation to separate from "vessels of dishonor" in the previous chapter. 

These 23 characteristics in 3:1-9 can be contrasted with Paul's characteristics in 3:10-14. Paul taught correct doctrine, practiced what he preached, lived his life with purpose, and was willing to suffer.  We should follow these types of spiritual leaders and imitate their faith!  

REFLECTION

In his thoughts about the leadership characteristics of Paul, Warren Wiersbe writes:

I wonder how Paul would match up with today’s concept of a Christian leader. He would probably fail miserably. If he applied for service with a modern mission board, would he be accepted? He had a prison record; he had a physical affliction; he stirred up problems in just about every place he visited. He was poor, and he did not cater to the rich. Yet God used him, and we are being blessed today because Paul was faithful. (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, 2 Ti 3:11-12, p. 251)

APPLICATION

Write out the characteristics of ungodly people versus godly people.

Here are some questions to ponder:

• How do you avoid the pitfalls of ungodliness? 
• How do you discern ungodly leadership? 
• How do you nurture godliness in your life? 
• Do you follow the teaching in the Word? 
• How is your conduct? 
• Do you have a purpose in life that honors God? 
• Are you continuing to be challenged in your faith and believing God for big things? 
• Are you steadfastly persevering amid persecution and suffering? 
• How does God want you to respond to today's reading?

This is also a fascinating read with insight into Christian leadership today:

The Pandora Problem: Facing Narcissism in Leaders and Ourselves

PRAYER

Lord, give us discernment to detect false teachers and to steer clear of them. Lead us to godly leaders whom we can imitate. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen. 

2 Timothy 2:14-26 - An Approved or Ashamed Workman

LINK: 2 Timothy 2

BACKGROUND

The only way to stop foolish arguments, ignorant speculations, worldly chatter, fighting over words, and leaving the path of truth is to be diligent ("zealous, hasten," 2 Timothy 4:9, 21 and Titus 3:12) to present oneself to God as a good workman who handles the truth accurately (literally, "cutting straight"). 

Paul wanted Timothy to be deep in God's Word, and he wanted him to faithfully pass that on (2 Timothy 2:2)! This would result in a young pastor and his flock who would flee youthful lusts, be able to discern the lies of the false teachers (1:20; 2:17), and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with pure hearts! He wants that of us also.

The word "lusts" does not carry the same meaning we do in the English language:

There are many lusts from which our greatest safety is in flight (Ge 39:12). Avoid occasions of sin. From the abstemious character of Timothy (1Ti 5:23) it is likely that not animal indulgences, but the impetuosity, rash self-confidence, hastiness, strife, and vainglory of young men (1Jn 2:14–16), are what he is here warned against: though the Spirit probably intended the warning to include both in its application to the Church in general.  (A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments, 2 Ti 2:22) 

REFLECTION

In my early 20s, I was eager to attend my first official church Bible Study. I had just left my staff position with a para-church organization. During the four and a half years with this organization, I learned the basics of inductive Bible Study (The Navigator Bible Studies Handbook) and learned how doing this with other like-hearted "approved workman" could be life-transforming. I assumed this church Bible study would be the same, especially since it was comprised of older men and women of God.

I did my homework in eager anticipation of a great discussion over what we had all learned in our study time, but I was greatly disappointed when several in the group got into a two-hour debate about the passage. It turned out that none of the others had done any study preparation. The leader hadn't even prepared. I can relate with Warren Wiersbe who said, "I fear that some "sharing times" do more harm than good as well-meaning people exchange their 'spiritual ignorance'" (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, p.247).

Needless to say, I lasted about three sessions with this group and called it quits. The Lord graciously led me to women who wanted to dig more deeply, and we spent the next seven years engaged in dynamic, life-changing study! All the girls in that study have moved out of town, but many of them lament that they have not found a study quite like it since.  It is hard to find "diligent workmen in the Word" in the Body of Christ these days!

After I got married, one of our pastors decided to separate the Bible studies into levels. We went straight to the level called "Deeper Digger" hoping to find like-hearted people. Sadly, the situation with that first church Bible study repeated itself, but this time all the people in our study were key ministry leaders in the church!  The upside of it was that the leader came prepared because he was my husband! In his gentle way, he challenged these leaders to come prepared for study. The dynamics of the study radically changed when people started coming prepared in heart and mind to discuss what they had learned. We spent a happy two years together!

Fast forward another ten years, and I was asked to come to a meeting at my church about possible changes in how the women's ministry did things. It was noted that some women in our congregation were going out of town to study the Bible because they couldn't find a deeper study at our church or even in our town. I recommended starting a Precept Bible Study so the women didn't have to travel so far!  It was hard to have the "powers that be" make a paradigm shift, but God moved their hearts (after some suffering, but that is another story), and I am happy to say that inductive studies have been an option for the last ten years. The group is small but faithful!

You may note I mentioned in these previous instances that these were older men and women of God and even ministry leaders. These were all committed, responsible, and diligent workers in ministry, but not necessarily diligent workers in God's Word. I distinctly remember being in a hotel room with a group of ministry leaders who "ran the show" at a women's conference. Not ONE of them spent any time alone in God's Word the whole weekend (sadly, the speaker at the conference didn't share anything from God's Word either)! These leaders were very busy all weekend, but only God knows what was fueling them in their ministry.

One of my wise mentors, Fred Wevodau, used to say:

 "If your output exceeds your input, 

your upkeep will be your downfall."  

Ministry has to be out of overflow or eventually, you run out of fuel!  

Here is a video I created that talks about this called Living in the Cycle of Grace 

Living in the Cycle of Grace Handout

Transformation can only occur in an environment where we are feeding on God's Word in a context of transparent and accountable intimacy with God and in loving relationships with other believers. 

We will discuss this more when we get to 2 Timothy 3, but here is a book on this concept: Transforming Discipleship: Making Disciples a Few at a Time. 

2023 Update: Adding to the above. The book, The Pandora Problem: Facing Narcissism in Leaders & Ourselves states that one of the reasons we fail to see transformation in our churches today is that we, "Focus on beliefs (will) over relationships (hesed)" (p. 23). Transformation occurs when we engage both our left brain and our right brain! I loved Precept Studies, but I always had a hard time because they were very much engaged in left brain activity (beliefs, word studies, doctrine). When I led the studies, I tried to balance it out by including the right brain activity (creating an environment that helps foster a loving attachment to God and others, establishing a group identity, meditation on Scripture that engages all your senses, etc.). 

So, In addition to the book just quoted, I heartily recommend:

The Other Half of Church: Christian Community, Brain Science, and Overcoming Spiritual Stagnation

Are you an approved or ashamed workman?

APPLICATION

Are you diligently seeking to be established in God's Word? Are you seeking to lovingly establish others in God's Word also?  

PRAYER

Lord, draw us close to You through Your Word. Lead us to other like-hearted believers who want to be a workman approved by You. Help us to be people who pass on what we learn to faithful men and women who will be able to teach others also. Amen. 

2 Timothy 2:1-13 - Called to Reproduce

LINK: 2 Timothy 2:1-13

BACKGROUND

Paul gives more instructions in this chapter:

• 2:2 Entrust these things (gospel) to faithful men 
• 2:3 Suffer hardship with me 
• 2:8 Remember Jesus Christ . . . according to my gospel 
• 2:9 Suffer hardship (for the gospel) even to imprisonment 
• 2:10 Paul is an example who endures all things (for the sake of those chosen) 
• 2:14 Remind them of these things (gospel) 
• 2:15 Be diligent to accurately handle the Word of truth 
• 2:17,18 H & P went astray from the truth 
• 2:25 Gently correct those in opposition . . . leading them to the knowledge of the truth

Timothy was to entrust ("to put beside, set before one in teaching, commit to one's charge, deposit") to faithful ("can be relied upon") people ("human beings whether male or female") able ("competent with adequate ability or qualities") to pass it on to the next spiritual generation and on and on and on. 

If you struggle with competence and inadequacy, remember that we are “able” because of the promises in 2 Corinthians 2:14 and 3:5!

In addition, Paul was to be a good steward of that truth and execute his responsibility like a Roman soldier, athlete, and farmer.

The Roman soldier sacrificed his whole life for the good of his country. He was wholehearted and single-minded, pleasing his commanding officer. We are in a war, and there is no place for deserters in God's army.

The Olympic and Isthmian games were very important events among the Greeks and Romans. The athletes were to obey all the rules, practicing strict discipline in training. They ran to win a wreath or garland that withers away, but we run for a crown that never withers and is for the glory of God.

The patient farmer works hard and shares in the fruit of the harvest. The joy of the harvest of transformed lives is worth all the effort and hard work! Many commentators believe that Paul is also referring to the support of the faithful pastor by the church (1 Corinthians 9:7; 1 Timothy 5:18) even though Paul did not live on the support of the churches himself (1 Corinthians 9:11ff).

REFLECTION 

The last time I led a study in 2 Timothy, the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City was going on. This is what I wrote:

What an appropriate time to meditate on the athlete metaphor during these two and one-half weeks. I see the "Parade of Nations" coming through and try to envision what heaven will be like, with spiritual "athletes" from every tribe and tongue and people and nation worshiping our King. We have made our pledge to our God to play by the rules, and He is a consuming fire -- like the eternally burning Olympic flame.

Zeus was honored in the Greek games. He was the chief god of the Greek gods and goddesses. The athletes had to swear to him that they had trained for 10 months. And they promised to obey the rules of the game. All fighting and war ceased so people could travel safely to and from the Olympics. Having physically fit bodies was a way to honor God. 

As the Olympic athletes of old, we are running this race to win right to the end. We pledge our allegiance to Yahweh. We commit ourselves to training. This game is played for God's honor. We must be spiritually fit, and we must be dedicated to our God. We must pledge ourselves wholeheartedly to spiritual training and obey the rules. We must run the race with endurance and fix our eyes on Jesus, knowing that we will receive an imperishable crown.

APPLICATION 

Are you wholeheartedly committed to your spiritual training like a soldier and athlete? Are you working hard and waiting patiently for God to work in and through you like the farmer? 

According to Paul, we are to...

• Know the truth (2:15; 3:15)
• Guard it (1:13; 2:14, 16, 23; 3:5)
• Suffer for it (1:8, 12; 2:3, 9-10; 24; 3:11-12)
• Preach it (1:6-8; 2:1-2, 24, 25; 4:2)
• Live it (2:10; 4:6, 7), and 
• PASS IT ON to faithful men and women who will repeat that cycle! (2:2)

If you just keep the truth for yourself, are you really living in the truth? This is something to ponder with God. 

"A bell is no bell 'til you ring it,
A song is no song 'til you sing it,
And love in your heart
Wasn’t put there to stay -
Love isn’t love
'Til you give it away."

Oscar Hammerstein (1895-1960) 
"Sixteen Going on Seventeen" from
The Sound of Music (theatre version)

What is your goal and training plan? The book I recommended yesterday, Sacred Rhythms is excellent for helping you think through this. 

What faithful person are you going to invest in so you can pass on what you learn?

PRAYER

Lord, would you guide each person here to set up a training plane. Also, where is the faithful person we can invest in? Would you lead every Bible Book Club reader to him or her? Amen. 

2 Timothy 1 - Call to Courage

LINK: 2 Timothy 1

BACKGROUND

2 Timothy

The background about Timothy is in the 1 Timothy 1 post.

Paul's second letter to Timothy contains his final instructions and encouragement written about A.D. 66 or 67 from prison in Rome. After a year or two of freedom, Paul was arrested again and executed by Emperor Nero shortly after writing this last epistle. 

During its writing, there was persecution against the gospel, some had turned away from the faith and were deserting, others opposed the truth, and still others were deceiving or being deceived.

It was in this context that Timothy is encouraged to guard the treasure that had been entrusted to him. That treasure was the truth of the gospel. Paul called Timothy to faithfulness in this calling despite his own timidity amidst persecution and hardship. The keywords in this epistle are gospel and suffering.

2 Timothy 1

After Paul's expression of thanksgiving for Timothy's sincere (unhypocritical, genuine) faith (firm conviction or persuasion) and how he "constantly" prays for him, he instructs him. 

Here are the instructions in 2 Timothy 1:

• 1:6 Kindle afresh (fan into flame) the gift of God in you 
• 1:8 Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord 
• 1:8 Join with me in suffering for the gospel 
• 1:13 Retain the standard of sound words 
• 1:14 Guard through the Holy Spirit the treasure

I highlighted the keywords of gospel/truth (and synonyms) and suffering.

It might be helpful to make a list of or underline the instructions Paul gives to Timothy throughout the entire book. 

Timothy obviously needed encouragement to develop his gifts because it appears he was intimidated (1:7).  This whole chapter is a "call to courage" for Timothy to retain the standard/hold fast and guard the truth and keep it from being corrupted through the distortions of false teachers. The Holy Spirit would help him in this. Paul concludes by contrasting the character of those who had fallen away with the shining example of faithful Onesiphorus.

REFLECTION

From the beginning of human history, Satan has opposed God’s Word. “Yea, hath God said?” was Satan’s first word to mankind (Gen. 3:1), and he continues to ask that question. Throughout the history of the church, the Word of God has been attacked, often by people within the church; yet it still stands today. Why? Because dedicated men and women have (like Paul and Timothy) guarded the deposit and faithfully handed it to a new generation of Christians. When a church or any other Christian organization goes liberal, it usually starts with a weakening of their leaders’ convictions about the Word of God. (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, 2 Ti 1:13, p. 243)

It takes courage to stand up to the tide of liberal thinking that is so much "cooler" than guarding the truth. It is not an easy road. My husband and I just spent a few days with a pastor and his wife who have had to leave their mainline denomination because it has gone away from following God's Word. It has been heart-wrenching and EXPENSIVE. Even though they paid for their facility with money raised in their local congregation, they must pay 1.3 million dollars to "buy it" from the denomination.  Isn't that sad?  Many churches are losing their buildings altogether because of the legal loopholes involved with being in a denomination. 

APPLICATION

How can you be established and stand firm in the Truth? 

PRAYER

Help us to know healthy doctrine and apply it to our lives. Amen. 

Put 1 Timothy Back on the New Testament Shelf

Way to go! 

1 Timothy 6 - Flee from These Things

LINK: 1 Timothy 6

We have 4% of reading to go until we are done with the whole Bible!!! Are you doing the happy dance???? 

BACKGROUND 

Paul gives final instructions:

Slaves and Masters (6:1-2)

Paul gave Timothy instructions to slaves but not to masters as he did in Ephesians 6:5-9 and Colossians 3:22-4:1. It is estimated that half of the population of the Roman Empire were slaves and many of them became believers which created a whole new dynamic with both unbelieving and believing masters.  Slaves and masters in the same place on equal footing before God was a totally foreign concept, and they needed instructions on how to behave.

The slaves were to respect their masters so God would not be slandered. Spiritual freedom did not alter their social position. Jesus said we are to be a "servant of all" (Mark 10:42-45). 

False Teachers (6:3-10)

Sound (healthy) doctrine is a key theme of this epistle, and the false teachers were the enemies of this! Paul discussed false teachers at the beginning of his epistle (1:3-11), and he is ending with this same discussion. The false teachers were proud.  Warren Wiersbe says:

A believer who understands the Word will have a burning heart, not a big head (Luke 24:32; and see Daniel. 9:1-20). (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, p. 235)

Since they were proud and lacking in understanding, there were arguments about minor things resulting in division. They were motivated by financial gain. Paul was not motivated in this way and was content with his circumstances. He emphasized that wealth does not lead to contentment and can lead to ruin if one longs for and trusts in it. 

Man of God (6:11-16, 20-21)

In contrast to the false teachers, Timothy was to flee from longing after anything but God because only He can satisfy. He was called to be a man of God rather than the world. He was to take a stand with sound doctrine and "fight the good fight of faith" by defending Truth and avoiding foolish arguments. 

The Rich (6:17-19)

This is a "parenthesis" in Paul's charge to Timothy. They were not to be conceited, greedy, or trust in their wealth like the false teachers. They were to enjoy riches but be generous with what God had given them, serve others, and understand that riches are uncertain but riches in God through Christ Jesus are everlasting! "Riches can lure a person into a make-believe world of shallow pleasure. But riches plus God's will can introduce a person to life that is real and ministry that is lasting" (The Bible Exposition Commentary: Volume 2, 1 Timothy 6:18-19, p. 238).

REFLECTION/APPLICATION 

"All that man vainly desires here below is perfectly realized in God.

We have all those impossible desires within us as a mark of our destination,

and they are good for us when we no longer hope to accomplish them." 

Waiting for God by Simone Weil, p. 74

Paul urged Timothy to "flee from youthful lusts," but this does not mean "lust" as we think of that term. It is anything we long after other than God.

What are you longing for?

Are you longing for more of God? One of the best chapters on "longing" is in the book Sacred Rhythms by Ruth Hayley Barton. It is on Google Books starting at p. 19. See if this resonates with your heart. I love this book. It is similar to Richard Foster's Celebration of Discipline, but I love hearing all of this in her voice and especially the part about longing. 

PRAYER

Lord, only You can satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. So, we come to You thirsty for more of You this morning knowing You fill us to overflowing. Help us to wait for You. Amen.

1 Timothy 5 - Order in the Church

LINK: 1 Timothy 5

BACKGROUND

Paul exhorted Timothy on how to relate to certain groups in his church:

Older Members (5:1-2)

Timothy was to treat them as they would their mothers and fathers. Since we are exhorted to "honor our mothers and fathers" in the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:12; Ephesians 6:1-3), we should approach these members with a certain amount of respect. We are not to give an attacking rebuke. The Greek word here means "to strike upon, to chastise with words" (Strong's, 1969). We should give older members a gentle exhortation. This Greek word is from the same word for the Holy Spirit and means to "come alongside to help" and is by the "meekness and gentleness of Christ." Older members were to treat younger members like brothers and sisters (and Timothy was to relate to the younger women in purity). 

Older Widows (5:3-10)

God cares for widows (Deuteronomy 14:29; Psalm 94:6; Malachi 3:5). This exhortation was primarily for faithful and believing widows, at least sixty years old, who were desolate and had no other means of human support from relatives so that the church resources could be used for those who have no other help. If relatives did not help, they were considered worse than unbelievers. The care was also designated for those who were believers with a faithful witness to the community (Luke 2:36-37; Acts 9:36-39). 

Younger Widows (5:11-16)

Timothy was to encourage the younger widows to not be idle (which leads to sinful behavior), remarry, and have families. 

Elders (5:17-25)

These people are those who direct the affairs of the church. Paul said that elders should be paid based on their ministries. He quoted Deuteronomy 25:4 to prove his point. Just as it would be cruel for a farmer to bind the mouth of an ox so that he could not eat the grain that he is threshing with his feet, it would be cruel to not let the worker enjoy the material blessing that resulted from his spiritual labor (Matthew 10:10; 1 Corinthians 9:14).

Paul also instructed on the procedure for disciplining an elder.  The purpose was for restoration and not revenge. There was to be no prejudice or partiality. He wanted protection against false accusations of those in authority by requiring two or three witnesses, and he wanted fair judging if an elder was found guilty. 

Paul also instructed that an elder should not be chosen in haste. Criteria should be according to 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9. 

REFLECTION

In my past church situation, I would see one godly pastor after another forced to resign under pressure because of gossip, rumors, and lies. Most of the problems could have been solved by effective Biblical peacemaking and a stern rebuke of the people who were gossiping! That never happened and people were let go based on false assumptions and uncorroborated stories. So sad.

Paul was trying to prevent this kind of thing by establishing order in the church. Now, I am blessed to be in a church environment that follows Biblical principles when it comes to church order and peacemaking!

Stability in the church is a wonderful thing. 

APPLICATION

Does your church help widows who are truly in need? Find out about that. If you know of a needy widow, consider doing something to bless them soon. 

Also, pray for the elders/leaders of your local church. Walk away from those who complain and gossip about them. If you have a concern, go directly to them in a spirit of love and do not complain about them to others. Pray as they select new elders too. 

PRAYER

Lord, we want to pray for our pastors and elders. Please bless them today. I ask that You would guard them from the temptations of the world, the flesh, and the devil. Bless our widows. I pray especially for my "younger widow" friend. That you would bless her today. Amen. 

(Update: That younger widow remarried a widower in December 2014. 2023 Update: Sadly, they were divorced last year.) 

1 Timothy 4 - Spiritual Shape Up!

LINK: 1 Timothy 4

After today, there are only 66 more chapters, and we are done with the three years of Bible Book Club. Amazing! Finish well, my friend. You really are on the home stretch!

BACKGROUND

In Paul's farewell to Ephesus in the book of Acts, Paul warned the Ephesian elders about false teachers:

Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them. Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. (Acts 20:28-31)

Sadly, this prophecy was fulfilled. Paul made some good points about false teachers that we can even apply today:

1) They are fueled by Satan, and people listen to the lies of deceitful spirits and demons through these false teachers.  

2) People stray from the basic tenets of the faith when they listen to false teachers.

I said I would discuss 3:14-16 because it fits better with today.  The church is the "household of the living God" and the "pillar and support of the truth" (3:15; Ephesians 2:20-22). We have a "common confession" that comprises the basic tenets of our faith.  These tenets are the pillars of the church that is built on Jesus Christ. The truth about godliness was a mystery but was revealed in Jesus Christ when He . . .  

• Came in the flesh - Jesus was our Immanuel which means "God is with us" (Matthew 1:23; John 14:1-9). He is both God and man. He took on the limitations of humanity so He could live and die for all who would believe in Him. 

He was . . . 

• Vindicated by the Spirit - The Greek word for vindicated means "to declare, pronounce, one to be just, righteous."  The Spirit worked through Jesus to perform many miracles in His life and His resurrection from the dead (Acts 2:24-36, Romans 1:4, 8:11). This proved His righteousness. 
• Exalted in heaven by angels - Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 2:15; Hebrews 1:6. 
• Preached among the nations - God's intention has always been that the nations would be blessed through Jesus Christ (Genesis 3:15; 12:1-3). Jesus commissioned the church to do this until His return (Matthew 28:18-20; Matthew 24:14).
• Believed in the world - This is the result of these truths being preached among the nations, and it is happening (1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5)!
• Taken up in glory - He ascended (Acts 1:2, 22, Ephesians 4:10), is preparing a place for all who believe (John 14:2) and will come again and take His church to that glory (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

3) They are hypocritical liars - they preach legalism but practice another thing. They do not "practice what they preach."  

4) They deny God's Word by adding legalistic demands that clearly contradict Scripture. 

Timothy was to keep his flock on track by "commanding and teaching" sound doctrine and living a godly life, training himself for godliness. He was to be nourished constantly on the Word of God. He was not to let others look down on him just because he was young but was to be an example of Christ-likeness through his conduct. 

REFLECTION

"The 'good minister' preaches the Word that 

he himself feeds on day by day. 

But it is not enough to preach the Word; 

he must practice it."

Warren Wiersbe

I am writing this post 45 minutes before I will go to hear the Word of God preached at my local church. My pastor takes his calling to preach the Word very seriously. He is not afraid to keep us on track just as Paul exhorted Timothy. I know he feeds on the Word daily because he puts out a daily email with his thoughts and reflections from his daily time with God. He not only feeds himself on the Word of God and preaches it, but practices it! I am so grateful. 

(After church note: he preached on legalism today from Galatians 1!)

APPLICATION

Spiritual Shape-Up!


I was a college athlete. I remember the rigorous "daily triples" that we would do at the beginning of the school year. It was a quick way to get ourselves in peak shape for the season. I remember being so sore that I had to hit the wall and slide down it to get into bed at the beginning of those triples. It was intense!

What if we approached our spiritual life with the intensity of an elite athlete? Physical exercise is good and for this temporary life, but spiritual exercise helps us now and prepares us for eternity 1 Cor. 9:24-27). 

Let's get in shape!

These disciplines for godliness might include:

- Prayer
- Meditation on the Word
- Study of the Word
- Fellowship
- Service
- Sharing

Check out the spiritual classic Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster.

2016 Update: Since January, I have been going through this book with two other people. It has been such a wonderful review and the first time through for the other two! There is a nice (but spendy with very spendy shipping and handling) DVD series that goes with the book that has been well worth the investment: 

Celebration of Discipline DVD Kit

2023 Update: The entire video series is online for free now!

Celebration of Discipline Series 

How are you doing?

PRAYER

Lord, teach us to discipline ourselves for godliness. In Jesus' name, Amen.