In works they deny Him

They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. – Titus 1v16 

We talk a lot, and rightfully so, about the fact that our works have nothing to do with our salvation. We are saved totally, absolutely, completely, and totally by the grace of God. Nothing can ever change that. 

It is important though to remember that we are not saved by our good works, but we are saved in order to do good works, because God ordained before the foundation of the world that his children would do good works. Those who are saved will show it by their works. 

Here Paul talks about some false professors. The evidence of their false profession is this – ‘they profess to know God, but their works deny Him. Then he goes on to use some pretty harsh words. 

No one expects us to be perfect. We are going to battle with sin and we are going to blow it at times. We all have to grow in Christ with the accompanying ‘growth pains.’ But when it is all said and done, our works must match up with our words. People must see the power of Christ working in me through my works. If not, then I am the ultimate hypocrite. My words say I follow Christ. Do my works deny Him? 

The next time we are tempted to sin, we must remember that in so doing we are denying the Saviour who hung on he cross for us. We say that we would never deny Him with our lips, but the more important daily truth is that we must nit deny Him with our walk. 

By sound doctrine

…holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. – Titus 1v9 

How do we answer our critics? We have all kinds of choices in how to respond. A common method is get real loud and brusque. Another way is to get angry and go on a personal attack. Another is to launch a tirade about the false teachings and how this kind of thinking leads to this and that and so and so. A favourite in my traditional circle of associates is to simply call the person a liberal and a compromiser. Usually this kind of debate leads to conflict, fighting, and a ‘never back down’ mentality. Nothing is solved, feelings are hurt, divisions are started, and the cause of Christ is damaged. 

So what do we do when we encounter those who contradict? There is only one proper response. We hold true to the word of God and use sound doctrine to answer. After all, no reasonable believer can argue with God’s word taught as sound doctrine. If a person still argues they are no longer arguing with us, but with God Himself. When that comes to pass we have done all we can do and then simply can leave it. 

Saying it loud enough and often enough does not make it true. That will not exhort or convict. Only God’s word has the power to do that. 

God, who cannot lie

Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began,  - Titus 1v1-2 

This is a simple little phrase, but what a great promise and great reminder. Its context alone is a blessing. Paul served God based on his hope of eternal life which God had planned before the foundation of the world. The great comfort of that is that the God who did all this cannot lie. His promise is true and valid. My eternal life is not based on my whim and fancy, but on the promises of a God who cannot lie. 

That whole truth about God is blessed and comforting. The very fact that God cannot lie means that every promise in His word is trustworthy. His promise of eternal life is true, and so is His promise that He will not forsake us, that He loves us, that He will take care of us, that we can cast all of our cares and concerns on Him, and that He will keep His promises and care for us. 

I don’t have to wonder if God will keep His promises. He will, because He cannot lie. His promise of eternal life is not conditioned on anything. Some of His promises are based on our trust, but they all are valid and unchangeable. 

God cannot lie. If He says it, it is true. All we have to do is accept it, believe it, and trust it. 

The Lord stood with me…and will deliver me

But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! - 2 Timothy  4v17-18 

In spite of everything Paul’s faith did not waver. He saw the reality of the opposition, be could not play that down. He did not paint a rosy picture for Timothy, but as he had earlier told Timothy did not have a spirit of he had to remind him of the practicality of that truth. 

Paul knew how he got through the difficulties. ‘The Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached.’ He also knew what the future held even if he didn’t know what the future held. He knew that no matter what came his way, the Lord would deliver him preserve him for his heavenly reward. 

Our brothers and sisters in Christ have suffered through the years. We may very well be coming to a time when we will join them and our Saviour in suffering. If and when it happens we need to remember that the Lord has stood with us and given us strength through the years and He is not going to stop now. 

How did Paul respond to his pending doom? ‘To Him be glory forever and ever, amen!’ 

Oh for heart like Paul’s when facing struggles, trials, and persecution. 

May it not be charged against them

At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. - 2 Timothy 4v16 

This whole section makes me cry every time I read it. ‘Demas has forsaken me because he loved the world too much. He went to Thessalinica. Crescens went to Galatia. Titus went to Dalmatia. I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. Only Luke has stayed with me. Bring John Mark when you come (the same John Mark that Paul once rejected). Bring my coat; bring the books and my parchments. Beware of Alexander the coppersmith, he did a lot of damage to the ministry. At my first trial no one stood by my side.’ 

You can sense Paul’s true heart here. He is the great missionary evangelist. He has been through it all. He has seen so many struggles and trials. But now he is feeling alone. His co-workers have gone on their own way, at least some for wrong reasons. Some have even opposed him and his ministry and done damage to them. My heart hurts when I see him standing all alone before Caesar’s court.

 

I can easily see myself in ‘pity party pit’ if I were Paul. I can also see myself angry and maybe even seeking revenge. I can see my feelings being hurt. I can see myself asking God why. 

Paul leaves it is God’s hands. For Alexander, who caused much damage, Paul just said – ‘may the Lord reward him according to his work. 

I love closing remarks about these men though. Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’ As Paul held the cloaks of the stoners he had heard Stephen say, ‘Lord, don’t lay this sin to their charge.’ Now Paul says something very similar – “may it not be charged against them.’ 

What kind of heart does it take to say this kind of thing? Abandoned, betrayed, and alone Paul could say – ‘don’t hold it against them.’ Paul, in quite possibly his last hours, was truly conformed to the image of Christ. 

What a heart. What an example. What a challenge. 

I have kept the faith

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. - 2 Timothy 4v6-7

Paul’s closing words and testimonial are both challenging and convicting. In this section he describes his life as it nears its end with thee phrases”

I have fought the good fight
I have finished the race
I have kept the faith

I personally think Paul wrote Hebrews (if you disagree that is fine). One of the reasons, since I know almost no Greek, is the way the same things are discussed both in Hebrews and other letters. These words from 2 Timothy seem to be the other end of the words in Hebrews – ‘…let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God...”

In Hebrews the race is yet to be run. In 2 Timothy it has been run. The race is over for Paul. He ran the race, he fought the fight, and all along the way he kept the faith. Paul has heeded the advice of Hebrews as he endured in the race.

Whenever I read these words I have to ask myself what I will be able to say about my own life when I come to the end of the race. I don’t even know sometimes if I can say, ‘I am fighting the good fight, I am running the race, and I am keeping the faith.’ If I can’t do it now, what will I say at the end?

Too often my flesh drags me off course, fear keeps me from fighting the fight, and only at the end will I know if I have faithfully held to the course.

By God’s grace alone may I be able to say one day:

I have fought a good fight
I have finished the race
I have kept the faith

Be ready

Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. - 2 Timothy 4v2

How powerful two little words can be. ‘Be ready,’ Paul writes. He then goes on to explain that we need always be ready – in season and out of season we need to be ready to convince, rebuke, and exhort and to do so with all longsuffering and teaching.

We don’t have time for a spiritual holiday where we can just kick back and take off our servant hat. Even in our leisure time we need to be ready to share God’s word.

Be ready always. Never let down your guard. No matter what is going on always be diligent.

We cannot afford to be lulled into lethargy, especially in these days.

Duct tape and baling wire

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. - 2 Timothy 3v16-17

There are some of us who think we can fix anything with three basic tools; a hammer, some baling wire, and some duct tape. It is amazing the patch up job you can do. The tales I could tell…

The thing is that those jobs do not work in the long run or really solve any problems. Not having the right tools can not only leave the situation unresolved, it can make things worse. It often requires more cleaning up and more repairs.

Sadly, if we don’t have the right tools spiritually we can try to patch things up using spiritual duct tape, baling wire, and a hammer. If we are not equipped with God’s word we are going make a mess of things.

God gave us the proper set of tools in our spiritual toolbox. The Holy Spirit breathed out His word. It alone is profitable to do the job right. Lets quit doing a patch up job and use the tools God has provided for us.

You must continue

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, - 2 Timothy 3v14

This is a tough sounding passage with things like, ‘evil men and seducers will increase,’ and, ‘all those who desire to live godly will suffer persecution.’ These are not very encouraging words for the servant of God. In response we are told that we are not to quarrel but to be gentle to all.’ One would think that the response to this kind of evil would be to grab a sword (or gun), stock up the provisions, and be ready to fight till they pry the gun from our cold hard fingers instead of ‘be gentle to all.’

What is God’s advice in the midst of all this seeming bad news in the previous verses? ‘You must continue on…’ Let me parrowphrase this if I might. ‘It is just going to get worse and worse Timothy, but you can’t respond in the flesh. Don’t argue, be gentle, and realise that persecution is going to happen if you want to live a godly life. So just keep on keeping on with what you are doing. Find your strength and assurance in the scriptures you have known since you were little. Stay at it Timothy, don’t give up.’

I need those words sometimes. ‘You must continue.’ That’s pretty straightforward isn’t it?

Will suffer persecution

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. - 2 Timothy 3v12

I must be honest; sometimes passages of scripture bring up more questions than answers for me. This is one of those – ‘All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.’ I look at this say, ‘I desire to live godly, but I don’t think I have ever really suffered persecution.’

When I think of persecution I think of Fox’s Book of Martyrs and that kind of thing. I think of open opposition. Maybe I need to consider a broader definition of what persecution is.

Any way – I think the key here is this. The world is getting worse and worse. We are supposed to be getting closer and closer to the Lord. We are going in two opposite direction and somewhere along the way there is going to be a problem. We are going to come in to conflict with each other.

The problem is that we often are shocked and surprised when things don’t go our way. We need to understand that this is the norm. The world should not be willing to accept us. One of two things is wrong if they do. Either our culture has been influenced by our views and therefore has some measure of right and wrong or we have things in us that make us accept them. In other words they are like us, or, we are like them.

But the Bible says that things are getting worse – if we continue to be accepted as they do, who are the ones too much like the other?

In humility correcting

in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will.
- 2 Timothy 2v25-26

How do we handle opposition to God’s work? What do we do about people who are against what we are doing? It is going to happen. People are going to oppose our work, oppose us, or oppose how we do things. The natural result for most of us is to get angry, blow up, and lash out. We think that loudness and brashness makes us right and will get them sorted out.

God’s word has a different approach – ‘In humility correcting those who oppose. With the goal that God will grant them repentance. They will know the truth, come to their senses, and escape the devil’s snare. They are his captives and doing his will.’

We keep coming back to the same spirit expected of God’s servants. It is never the bully, tough guy, ready to fight at the drop of a hat attitude that is so often reflected in action. God’s attitude, as reflected in His word, is seen in these few verses. No quarrels, gentleness, and humility are God’s plans, even towards those in opposition, is God’s way. These traits are our greatest tools. We persuade those in error, not by threats and violence, but by a gentle and humble spirit. No one can argue with those things.

What happens when we try to correct with loud and harsh words? Loud and harsh words come back to us. The only answer is, the only godly answer, to opposition is gentleness and humility.

Perhaps it is time to think of a change of tactic in our battle as we earnestly contend for the faith.

Must not quarrel

And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, - 2 Timothy 2v24

I was really hit by this today. It was so simple and so deeply profound. I don’t think I have ever seen this in this way before.

Here we have a requirement for servants of the Lord that is not often preached about. ‘The servant of the Lord must not quarrel…’

To be honest, this really flies in the face of so much that I have been taught and believed. The group I am associated with often prides themselves in being fighters. The great ‘heroes of the faith’ are the tough guys. Spirituality is far too often measured by toughness.

And yet, over and over again we find some hints that we might just have something wrong here. Here is one of those times – The servant of the Lord must not quarrel. Instead, he must be gentle to all.

Wow! I am really stuck, challenged, and convicted by that simple statement. No quarrel, but gentle.

I don’t know what to say here. I need to stop and mull this over.

Not quarrelsome, gentle, apt to teach, patient. There are some goals to set my eyes and heart on.

Flee…pursue…with those who call on the Lord

Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. - 2 Timothy 2v22

It is tough to stand alone, isn’t it? From these words it is obvious that times were not all that different for us than they were in Paul’s day.

‘Flee youthful lusts,’ Paul says. Get away just as fast as you can. Don’t linger, don’t look, don’t wonder, don’t contemplate – just put on your running shoes and get out of there. Run like a scared chicken. Don’t play games. Don’t try to prove you are worldly wise and up to date. Naiveté is a good word.

The problem is that we have to live in a world which constantly encourages youthful lusts. So what do we do? Not only do we run from it, but we also chase after righteousness, faith, love, and peace. We run from one thing to another.

But we don’t do it alone. We do it with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. It is a team event. We work together. We are unified in our pursuit of these things. If we had to do it alone we would always fail. There would be no success.

This is why a local assembly of the body of Christ is so important. We need help in our fleeing and we need help in our pursuing. As an author put it a few years ago, ‘We Really Do Need Each Other.’

Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." - 2 Timothy 2v19

Now we come to our part of the great foundational truth sealed forever by God. ‘Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.’

God know all those that are His and all those that are His and bear His name are to forever depart from iniquity. He makes no provision for error or excuses here. I don’t know how much clearer he could have made it. In spite of all that is going on. In spite of fear, uncertainty, and even pending death two things don’t change, and one of those two things is that God’s children depart from iniquity.

There is not really a whole lot to say about this is there? If we are His children sin cannot be a part of our lives, no matter what happens.

Serious stuff for us isn’t it? Our departing from iniquity is so important that God calls it a foundation truth sealed forever by Him. I ‘reckon we oughta’ consider that the next time sin rears its ugly head.

The Lord knows them that are His

Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His," and, "Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity." - 2 Timothy 2v19

In spite of all this stuff Paul talks about, there is a foundation that stands sure and it is sealed with two truths:

The Lord knows those who are His
Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity

There are certain unshakeables of the faith. These are the things we cling on to during time of raw faith. In passage one relates to God and one relates to us.

Lets first examine an unshakeable foundational, and sealed truth relating to God. “The Lord knows them that are His.” From the “You have searched me and you know me of’ the Psalms to ‘The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows them who trust in Him’ of the prophets we constantly are reminded of the God who knows us.

What is astounding about this is that He also loves us – He knows us and yet He still loves us. He knows all my weaknesses, faults, and frailties, and yet He still loves me.

My Lord knows me. He knows all about my failings. I can’t hide anything from me, and yet He still loves me.

On the other hand He knows everything I am going through. He knows my struggles, my temptations, and my hard times. He knows how bad the economy is, He knows all about political situations. He promises over and over that He is right there with me.

Unchangeable, foundational, and sealed. ‘The Lord knows them that are His.’

Unashamed worker

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. - 2 Timothy 2v15

We have all been there. We have all heard preachers who have gone to the pulpit with something they wanted to preach about and then found a ‘proof text’ to back it up. Most of us who preach have probably done it ourselves. It is unfortunate when we try to use God’s word to fit our agenda. Ultimately it is going to bring shame on us when a more diligent student points out the error.

Faithful diligent study and application of God’s word is hard work. It requires persistent and dedicated prayerful investigation. It is not something to be entered into lightly.

There are all kinds of descriptions for a faithful servant. Soldier, athlete, farmer, and now student are some examples. Isn’t it interesting that none of these allow for a life of leisure?

Striving with no profit

Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord not to strive about words to no profit, to the ruin of the hearers. - 2 Timothy 2v14

I like to talk about just about anything. I really enjoy talking politics and there have been several weeks where there has been plenty to talk about there. After this morning I am a little concerned that I need to control some of that talk.

Little is more volatile than politics when it comes to conversation. There are other topics that trigger other people though.

Paul has a simple warning here – don’t fight about things that are of no profit, it can ruin the lives of those who hear the words. We need to be very careful about our conversations, especially about those topics that don’t really mean anything.

It is the closing words that concern me – ‘to the ruin of the hearers.’ I wonder if my words have contributed to the ruin of those who have heard them.

Very convicting and challenging words today.

The word of God is not chained!

for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word of God is not chained. - 2 Timothy 2v9

Paul was in a bad fix. Whether the chains he speaks of were physical or figurative, he was in deep trouble. He was awaiting trial before Caesar. He knew that he could very well be facing execution. He had focused on himself he would have been in a real dilemma. ‘Oh my,’ he might have said, ‘I am going to die and no one is going to be here to carry on God’s work! What is the church going to do without me?’

However Paul’s perspective was different, he knew what was important. ‘I may be in chains – but God’s word is still free and unfettered!’ Nothing was going to chain the word of God, nit trials, persecution, or even his own death.

Sometimes Christians have an inflated view of self importance. We think that we are going to suffer so that means that somehow God’s work is going to be restricted or inhibited.

Our condition and our freedoms and liberties are not going to impact of the freedom of God’s word. God’s word will go forth. It is more important than banks collapsing or political leaders.

Even if we end up broke and in political chains God’s word will not be restricted or fettered.

Endure hardship

You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No one engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who enlisted him as a soldier. - 2 Timothy 2v3-4

Passage after passage in this little epistle reminds us that following Christ is not going to be easy. Paul knew what this was very likely his last correspondence with Timothy. He knew the end was coming. In many ways this was his farewell address. It was way past time to being painting a rosy picture of what was to come.

You must endure hardship as a good soldier. Though raised in a military family I never had the privilege of serving my country in a military capacity. I planned on it and trained for it, but God had other ideas. There were many times, even in training, where being a soldier was tough. I can only imagine the difficulties of being a real soldier in a time of warfare. Every moment your life is threatened. Your enemy is all around you. There really is no comfort zone. I think ‘endure’ is the perfect word here. It’s just something you have to do.

A true soldier must also be focused on his task. The greatest danger lies in getting distracted. If you can’t stay focused chances are you will not survive.

It is this picture that Paul paints of the Christian life. We are not on a great spiritual holiday with room service and a swimming pool. We are not going to get breakfast in bed. In fact, we are blessed when we get breakfast at all. The enemy is always out firing just above our heads. We have to watch our every move. The slightest distraction could spell destruction for us or our fellow soldiers.

The church in many places has been out of the battle so long that we have forgotten that we are in a real war. It is not just the little skirmishes that most of us face, but it is a real, full scale war. We are not soldiers safely at base camp or on R&R, but we are at the battle front. The war, in many ways appears to be intensifying. The enemy is advancing. He is carrying the battle to base camp.

Have we grown so lazy and out of shape that we are not fit for the battle now? Did we forget while we were on R&R that the battle still had to be fought? Have we become so soft that we don’t even know what hardness is?

These are questions that we all need to face up to. What kind of soldiers are we? Are we willing to put up with the hardship?

I know whom I have believed

For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. - 2 Timothy 1v12

Most church historians and Bible scholars agree that Paul wrote this letter to Timothy during his second imprisonment in Rome while awaiting trial. From internal evidence later in the letter he knew that he was probably approaching the end of his life.

Yet Paul had a confidence that is rare today. No matter what Paul faced in his suffering he knew a couple of things with and therefore was not ashamed at his suffering.

I know Whom I believed
I know He is able to keep me

Paul could not have confident about his surroundings. They were in a mess, but he had the faith and the ability and the willingness to overlook that to the One who was in control of him and His life. There he could place His absolute trust.

I know there are times in my life when I tend to forget that it is not about me and my circumstances. Situations change constantly – circumstances are fragile and fleeting.

We face challenging times. It looks like it is only going to get worse. We must not allow our faith to be shaken. Do we believe the One in Whom we have believed? Do we trust that He is able to keep it together for us? Are we truly persuaded that He is able?

A spirit of fear

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. - 2 Timothy 1v7

This day last week we awoke to the news that America had elected Barack Obama as her president. Too many American Christians, and those associated with them around the world, there could not have been worse news. After the news of the last few weeks about the world-wide financial collapse this lead to more fear and panic. The build up to the election has been all about fear. Obama is a Muslim born in Kenya and he is going to impose Sharia law on January 20th. He wants to rewrite the constitution. And so on and so on and so on. It made great preaching in American pulpits for weeks before the election.

The world economy is apparently in collapse. Barack Obama is about to become president. There is a lot to be afraid of, right? I even saw one comment on a Baptist discussion forum that read, ‘be afraid, be very afraid.’

How do we reconcile that to, ‘God has not given you a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind?’ It seems like some believers, especially in America at the moment, have lost the plot. Where does that fear come from? How can so many of God’s children be so afraid of a new president? How can believers all over the world be so afraid of the world economy? Has fear replaced faith?

God doesn’t give us a fearful spirit. Instead He gives us a powerful spirit, and sound spirit, and a sound mind. It is up to us whether we go forth in fear, or go forth in power.

Stir up the gift

Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. - 2 Timothy 1v6

Though we don’t do it very often I love good fire in the fireplace. We like a mixture of wood and turf for our fire. It gives a lovely ambiance to a cold dark winter’s night. If I don’t tend to the fire (because no one else will) it grows cold and eventually goes out.

The words that Paul uses to Timothy draw that image to mind. There are times in all of our lives and ministries where the embers grow cold. There is still there some warmth in there, but is we grow cold and the ashes over the world cover over that warmth.

So what do we do when the fire grows cold? Do we just sit back and let it go out? No, we do what Paul told Timothy to do. We ‘stir up’ that gift. We get up off our, uh seats, and stir that fire back up! We don’t let it go dead. We stir up the coals, blow on the embers, add some more kindling, and get the fire blazing again.

We can’t afford to let the fires go cold – stoke them, stir them, get them burning again. Get that blazing fire back!

To meet urgent needs

And let our people also learn to maintain good works, to meet urgent needs, that they may not be unfruitful. – Titus 3v14

I am grateful for the training and instruction I received in my early days. It laid a strong and solid foundation that has blessed me greatly. I am glad for the rock solid foundation of the word of God and a love for people.

There is one area that was not big though, and an area that I still need to work on, simply because I don’t think about it. Paul reminds Titus to ‘let our people learn to maintain good works.’ I have to say I honestly strive to do that. I want my works to glorify God and point to the Saviour.

But there is another way to be fruitful – ‘meet urgent needs.’ I am afraid that too often I am not quick to meet these urgent needs. I just don’t make myself aware of them. It is an area that was not a big part of most of the churches I have attended. We left that to the liberal churches.

I know that my lack of training is no excuse though. The word of God is clear; we must be aware of and quick to meet these urgent needs. May I allow God to open my eyes to these ‘urgent needs’ and give me the wisdom to meet them.

Genuine Faith

when I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also. - 2 Timothy 1v5

Being a dad, and now a grampy, this passage is special. Paul commends Timothy for what he calls his ‘genuine faith,’ which was first practiced by his grandmother and also by his mother. This cross generational genuine faith is a blessing in a couple of ways.

First, Timothy’s faith was genuine – it was, in the words of the King James, unfeigned. I like that word – unfeigned. People feign an illness to get out of work. Feign implies deception and trickery. Feigned faith is true hypocrisy; it is saying one thing and even acting a certain way, while the reality is quite different. Sadly, there is far too much feigned faith in the church and amongst professed believers.

Timothy’s faith was pure, genuine, real, and unfeigned. What a blessed testimony.

Secondly was Timothy’s godly heritage. I love the fact that the importance of godly women is stressed here. Timothy saw the pattern for unfeigned faith from his mother and grandmother. I love this concept of genuine faith in grandchildren. Nanna Lois passed her faith on to her daughter Eunice and Eunice passed it on to her son Timothy. This is how real faith passes from generation to generation. The church has its role, of course. Teachers and pastors have their roles, of course. But the reality of faith passes from grandparents to parents to children and on and on and on.

My prayer is that my godly wife and I will pass our unfeigned faith on to our children and that they will pass it on to their children. I pray that one day we may speak of the unfeigned faith of Morgann, Maddie, AJ, and others that come along. There is no greater joy than hearing of our children walking in the truth.

Avoid babblings

O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen. - 1 Timothy 6v20-21

I have to say I am deeply convicted today. Paul told Timothy, in so many words, to guard that which was committed to him by the Lord and forget all the other nonsense.

One of my greatest flaws is my love of politics. I absolutely love it. I like it in every location and at every level. If I hear a political discussion going on I always find myself drifting in that direction. I like Irish politics and I like American politics and in both countries it has been an exciting political year.

Here I am reminded that there is one thing that I really must guard, and that is the gospel which has been committed to my trust. The other stuff, like the politics that I love so much, can become the ‘profane and foolish babblings’ that Paul addresses here.

I don’t think that means that we can never discuss the weather, sports, politics, or the economy. I think it means that when it goes beyond a casual friendly chat and becomes contentious have move into babblings.

Paul is specifically addressing false teaching here, but the point is valid that we need to guard the task we are giving, glorifying God and drawing men to Him.

Ready to give, willing to share

Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, - 1 Timothy 6v17-18

Sometimes as we read the word of God we can almost get the impression that God is anti-wealth. The truth is that God is opposed not to wealth, but to the love of wealth. In the same chapter that says, ‘the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil,’ also tells those who do have money to deal with it. From that alone it is obvious that some Christians are going to be rich.

In fact, the vast majority of us are rich in comparison to others. I will never be what the world causes rich. I doubt that I will ever even own my own home, but I have far more than others. I have a nice place to live, more than enough food to eat, plenty of clothing, and on and on. I can afford an occasional holiday, I have all kinds of ‘stuff’ that I really don’t need. So in some ways, I would have to say that I am ‘rich.’

So what do we do with it? First of we are not to be haughty about our money. For someone like me that is not a big deal, though I am not broke, I certainly don’t have enough to brag about. Secondly, we are to put our faith in God, and not our bank accounts. That’s a little more challenging. Unless we are flat broke we do have a tendency to trust in what we do have. Instead, our faith should be in God who ‘gives us richly all things to enjoy.’

Finally, God tells us what to do with what we have in relation to others. ‘Be rich in good works, be ready to give and willing to share.’ Those two little phrases really summarise the Christian’s view of wealth. ‘Be ready to give and willing to share.’ We can so caught up in ourselves that it is easy to forget about others.

Our stuff is not our stuff at all; it is all God’s stuff. As God’s stuff we cannot treat it foolishly and wastefully, but we also cannot selfishly hold on to it. Sharing is what it is all about!

Sharing – that’s what Christians do.

Fight the fight

Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. - 1 Timothy 6v12

There is a lot of talk, especially amongst American Christians today, about the results of this week’s election. I was going to just ignore it, but I think today’s passage is relevant.

I do not swallow the line that the election of Senator Obama means the end to freedom as we know it. I don’t think it sounds America’s death knell. I suspect that the natural secularisation of society will continue on as it has, slowly but surely growing more and more opposed to God’s people. I fear that the slowness will allow Christian in America to continue on in Laodiceanism.

But let’s say the doom and gloomers are right. Let’s say that the next four years bring oppression and opposition on an official level. Let’s say that widespread persecution of true believers does come to America.

Then what? Would it really be a bad thing? Might we finally be forced to ‘fight the good fight of faith?’

I realise that there are two aspects to this fight of faith. On is internal, my daily battle with my flesh. But the other is external. All through history our brothers and sisters in Christ have had to stand and fight for their faith. It is our calling; it is our opportunity to make our confession before others. It may be what is required for the world to see the difference between us and them.

If this battle does come, are we willing to lay aside of the temporal nonsense that consumes us and lay hold of our eternal life instead. We will be able to have a good confession before many witnesses?

Are we even ready for the fight?

In their greediness

For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, for which some have strayed from the faith in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - 1 Timothy 6v10

This must be an area that I need to deal with. It just keeps popping up in my devotions.

Jesus told us back in the gospels that we can’t serve God and money. It is impossible, it simple can’t be done. Through the rest of the New Testament we are reminded of the same truth. The quickest way to destroy a walk of faith is to continue to have a love for money.

Greediness can often be the cause of straying from a walk of faith. I think it is interesting that Paul uses the word. ‘strayed’ here. It doesn’t look like it is a headlong rush or a momentary decision. It appears that it is a gradual drifting away instead. We start out all dedicated to service and walking by faith, but the allure of stuff excites our greediness and we gradually drift away.

Sadly, at the end of the day, the result will not be what we hoped for. Paul says that those who have strayed away from their walk of faith because of greediness have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

Loving money and the stuff it buys will bring many temporal pleasures, but will it be worth it all when we see what we might have done by walking in faith?

Nothing in – nothing out

…useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. - 1 Timothy 6v5-7

There were some in Paul’s day indeed there are some today, who actually try to believe that godliness is a way of personal gain. They measure godliness by material and financial benefits. They say that blessings in the way of stuff are proof that God is blessing.

Paul turns that on its heels. ‘Godliness with contentment is the true great gain. After all when you were born you had nothing and when you die you can’t take anything with you.’

The problem is that many Christians are so focused on the here and now that they want all they can get while they are here. They don’t really care if they can’t take it with them as long as they have it now.

The problem with that is that too often our service is not motivated my true godliness, but by the ‘stuff’ we want. We act because we are not content. The great gain is the ability to have true godliness with contentment. They can’t go hand is hand, because if we are not content, then we really are not trusting the God who gave us what we have.

They cannot be hidden

Likewise, the good works of some are clearly evident, and those that are otherwise cannot be hidden. - 1 Timothy 5v25

Just a little blessing, comfort, and encouragement this morning. I don’t think I have ever noticed this verse before. But I found a blessing there this morning.

It is clear that some people’s good works are obvious. Every one sees them. They are in forefront and highly visible. If we are not careful we can wish that our works had had the same high visibility. Why? Simply because we all like to be recognised.

But in the same verse we read that those whose works are not clearly seen can be comforted in the fact that their works also cannot be hidden. Those who are hidden away some place, simply plugging away and being faithful can be assured that their work is not in vain. The work cannot be hidden forever. One day it will be seen.

Getting credit for our service should never me our motivation, but it is nice to know that someday some one will know about it.

Without prejudice, no partiality

I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing with partiality. - 1 Timothy 5v21

I recently saw, for the umpteenth time, the Andy Griffith episode (The Andy Griffith Show is an American comedy from the 60s set in a small North Carolina town called Mayberry. The story line focuses around the small time sheriff, Andy, and his loveable, but often inept deputy, Barney) where Barney arrests the entire town while Andy is gone for the day. When Andy gets back Barney has both cells completely filled with his victims, packed like, as Andy puts it, sardines.

As the victims are paraded before Andy for sentencing we see that all the arrests are dubious at best. Barney has even arrested Andy’s Aunt Bea and his son Opie. One of the next victims is the town mayor, who was arrested for vagrancy.

When questioned about the arrests of Aunt Bea and the mayor, they commented about how Barney spouted things like, ‘no partiality or favouritism.’ At the end of the episode, after they had a change of heart from making Barney the butt of their jokes, the town put themselves back in jail. The mayor makes a speech about how lucky they are to have a deputy who does his duty without partiality.

A funny episode, and in another one Barney gives the governor’s car a ticket for parking illegally. It makes for great humour, but in some ways Barney had it right. It didn’t matter to him who it was, if a law was broken, they had to pay the price.

Paul addresses that issue here. Though he was writing to a young pastor, the truth is still truth in dealing with people. We all have family and friends and people we tend to like more than others, even in the body of Christ and even in our local assemblies. When conflicts or issues arise we are tempted to side with either the first side of the story we hear, or the party who we ‘like’ the best.

Paul makes it clear, do the things you are called to do without any prejudice and without any partiality. We can’t let our bias affect how we deal with things. It makes no difference if it my best friend or the brother I have to choose to love, we apply the word of God as our measuring rod.

It is tempting to ‘go after’ those we disagree with and protect those on ‘our side.’ When we allow this kind of thinking to creep in we are fleshly, proud, ungodly, and wicked. In our dealings, we must deal from God’s perspective. He shows partiality to no one, and we don’t follow His example.

The labourer is worthy

For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle and ox while it treads out the grain," and, "The labourer is worthy of its wages." - 1 Timothy 5v18

When we have a leaky pipe we have no problem paying someone to come out and fix it. If we need wiring done or car repairs we may gripe, but we know we have to pay to get it sorted. When we go out to eat we pay the extra to have someone set the table, prepare and serve our meal, and clean up the mess. We are all accustomed to paying for services rendered.

There is an area of service provided that we sometimes forget about, at least on an individual level. When an elder who ministers in doctrine and the word does so, we need to remember that he too is worthy of his hire. Sometimes, when a special speaker ministers, or even when a pastor has a need, we can forget the work he puts forth. We think, well, ‘he has his salary, that ought to sort him.’

But there is something more to it than that. I am not sure what the phrase ‘double honour’ means in verse 17, but there is something about making sure that a preaching or teaching elder is properly taken care of. While he need not be wealthy or have an abundance, he is going to have a hard time ministering with financial troubles hanging over our heads.

Let’s be sure, as churches and individuals, that we remember that this labourer is worthy of his hire.

Worse than an unbeliever

But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. - 1 Timothy 5v8

If a person did not know this passage and we asked them, ’What kind of person can be described as denying his faith and being worse than an unbeliever?’ what kind of responses would we get?

Someone who commits murder?
Someone who commits suicide?
Someone who cheats on his wife?

Possible so, but the specific words are applied to a specific situation that may not be the first one to come to mind. The man who is described as one who denies his faith and is worse than an unbeliever is the man who does not take care of those who depend on him.

Pretty severe words, but there they are. Paul uses the illustration of caring for a needy widow to move to a more general statement. People depend on us in many ways. This applies to much more than meeting monetary needs. If we are not meeting all the needs of those who depend on us, especially our own family, we are telling people that our faith is not real. We are acting worse than a lost man. We destroy our testimony before the world.

How important is caring for our own? So important that not doing it earns us some of the strongest invectives in Scripture.

Don’t rebuke an older man

Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, - 1 Timothy 5v1

We find a lot in the word of God about older people, and virtually every instance that I know of it mentions wisdom, respect, and honour. Here Paul addresses Timothy on how to deal with people of different age groups in the church. He starts out with the older men.

Don’t rebuke an older man. That seems simple enough doesn’t it? Does that mean that older men can just do whatever they want and never be questioned or called up, even when they sin? No, of course not, but Paul addresses that as well. Instead of rebuking an older man, exhort him as you would a father.

The difference here is one of attitude. We rebuke with one spirit and we exhort with another. Older people earn our respect because of their age. We cannot let an older person simply walk in sin, but when we confront them we should do it with same spirit that a father is due, and that is always with respect and honour.

We need to be careful in our fervency to deal with sin, that we don’t miss the method of dealing with it, and older people deserve our respect.

Continue

Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. - 1 Timothy 4v16

I am so glad for the constant reminders in the word of God to stay at the task. It is no accident that a recurring theme in Paul’s letters to churches and to people is to just continue on. Why? Well, I think it is obvious. At times we are all tempted to quit.

Paul’s reminders here are simply brilliant in their simplicity. Keep a grip on yourself and the doctrine you hold. Don’t let them slip. Keep at it. Stay at the stuff. Because at the end of the day your will grow in your sanctification and draw others to salvation by dong so.

When I read passages I like this I am reminded of William Carey. He is one of my true heroes (if I believed in heroes). He was pure and simply a plodder. Year after year went by and he saw ‘nothing’ happening. He had doubts and fears about his calling. He had opposition on the field and back ‘home.’ He had physical and family struggles, but he just could not bring himself to quit. He just continued on keeping his life right and staying true to the scriptures. Eventually, after many years, he was able to see the results of just staying at it.

May have a, if I may coin a neologism, carian heart of service.

Give yourself wholly

Meditate on these things; give yourself entirely to them, that your progress may be evident to all. - 1 Timothy 4v15

Today’s verse is a follow on to the yesterday. Yesterday we were reminded of the importance of giving ourselves to reading, exhortation, and doctrine. All through this section Paul is talking about the importance of diligence in serve with phrases like ‘stir up the gift,’ and ‘don’t neglect the gift.’

Here is tells Timothy how to do all of this – mediate on these things and throw yourself into them. Give yourself wholly, give yourself entirely, there is no room for half-heartedness.

I know some avid sports fans. These guys go crazy for their team. They have all the clothing, accessories, knick knacks, toys and gadgets to go with their team. Their emotions wise and fall with how their team plays. They throw themselves headlong into supporting their team.

Others throw themselves into their work. They seem almost workaholic at times ans everything in their lives goes into work.

Athletes can do the same, becoming obsessed with the next big game, match, or event, All that matters is succeeding in their sport.

This is the kind of intensity Paul encourages Timothy to have in his walk with the Lord. Give yourself fully Timothy, throw yourself into the ministry. Stay at the stuff, give it your all, don’t back off, and keep the fires burning.

I am challenged by this. Too often my ministry is just what I do. May I learn to throw myself into with the kind of fervour and intensity God desires.

Reading, Exhortation, and Doctrine

Till I come give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 1 Timothy 4v13

I like how Paul fills in the gaps. "Okay Tim, I have told you all this stuff, and I am coming, but in the meantime, keep yourself busy. Pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to doctrine.'

I am away for home and my tools, so don't know if he is talking about exhorting yourself, or exhorting others. But either way - he tells Timothy to keep himself busy.

We all have idle times, and I think it is clear that the Bible indicates that we do need to take time to come away and rest, but for me that is not the problem. My problem is that when I have idle time I tend to idle it away.

I am challanged to day about what to do with that time. Read, exhort myself or others, and study doctrine. I don't think Paul intended these words for a young preacher first century named Timothy, but also for a middle aged twenty-first century preacher named Roger.

We don't have time to waste. When we do, we have a way to fill it.

Praise God for filling in the gaps.

Be an example

Let no man despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4v11

Sadly I am no longer a youth. However the truth here applies to everyone. No one likes to he despised. We all hate that. But we rarely relate being despised to our behaviour.

Here God says that we have an option and a waybto avoid being despised. We make sure that our lives a the right example. We must make sure that our words, our conduct, our love, our faith, and our purity are so far above reproach that no one fan question them.

Our actions, if right, will always silence the critics.

Godliness is profitable for all things

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. - 1 Timothy 4v8

What do we do to make our lives and ministries profitable? Most of the time ‘profit’ has one meaning and it usually means our own gain. We do not always seek monetary gain. We often seek our own gain through power, popularity, and prestige. The more we have of that the more we are tricked into thinking we have gained.

It appears that God has a different view. God says that godliness is the one thing that is always profitable. No matter what the situation or the circumstances we always profit by choosing godliness.

When we are facing a difficult financial decision – the great profit comes by making the godly choice. The same goes for ethical dilemmas, family choices, and just everyday living. No matter what we try to reason in out own heads, the godly choice is always the most profitable one, even if we know that the choice is going to have a negative immediate effect in our eyes.

Always choose the godly response to insure the best profit.

Exercise yourself with godliness

But reject profane and old wives' fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness.
- 1 Timothy 4v7

We all know the benefits of exercise. Even if we don’t do it, we know we should. If we want to improve our physical health and well being we must be disciplined enough to exercise our bodies. There are no tricks or gimmicks that are going to work. Energy tablets and power drinks are only distractions.

Paul writes of the latter days when false teachers are going to come along and tell us all kinds of gimmicks are going to make us godly. Don’t do this or that and you will be godly. In essence this kind of stuff it rubbish, a bunch of old wives’ fables, even profane. Who are we to prohibit things that God has created for us? Paul uses the example of marriage and foods here, but he also says, ‘For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.’

Clearly Paul is not talking about sinful activities. He is talking about foolish additions that do nothing to make us godly. There is one way to develop godliness. It is not with some kind of spiritual power drink, it is not by taking spiritual vitamins, it is not by sanctimonious self deprivation. Godliness comes with exercise.

Exercise means just what it sounds like. It was used to describe training for the Olympic Games. Exercise is not easy. It is hard work, it is tiring, it requires discipline, and it never comes without pain. Exercise hurts, and whenever you exercise new ‘spiritual muscles’ it hurts again.

For an athlete to stay fit he must keep exercising. To win the competition he must keep finding ways to push his body. For the Christian to develop godliness he too must keep exercising. When opposition comes our way we can either roll over and play dead or we can grab the opportunity to exercise godliness.

Marathoners speak of hitting the wall in training. It is the point when you just can’t go any further. The training is too much, you just can’t do it. But, to succeed you have to push on through the wall. You work through the pain for the ultimate goal of getting to the finish line.

There come times when we all hit the wall spiritually. That is when the call to exercise if difficult. Do we quit? Do we stop the training and leave the race? Or do we press on, exercising new muscles of godliness?

If I want to be godly there is a way – don’t hope for a shortcut, don’t look for a miracle, and don’t try to get it by osmosis.

Exercise. No pain no gain. Push on through the wall. As verse nine says ‘godliness is profitable for all things.’

A good testimony to the outside

Moreover he must have a good testimony among those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. - 1 Timothy 3v7

This is an interesting passage. On one hand we read how we are not going to be accepted by the world, how they are going to reject us, and how we are not citizens of this world. We read about how we are pilgrims and wanderers and strangers in a strange land. We get the impression sometimes that we are going to be totally at odds with the world.

Then we come to a passage like this where we are told that pastors are to have a good testimony to those on the outside. Paul says that if our testimony is not right, we may fall into reproach with them, and the devil may grab us into his trap.

Reconciling these two things might seem difficult. How can we have a good testimony when we are supposed to be despised?

That’s where it gets tough. People may reject me because of my Saviour. They may reject me because of my message. They mat reject me because of my stand. But, God forbid that they ever reject me because of me. One of Satan’s traps, apparently, is for Christians, especially pastors, to have such a rotten reputation that they bring shame to the body of Christ, and bring reproach on His name just by their reputation.

We don’t have to compromise our stand for Christ to have a good testimony to the lost. They may hate every thing I stand for, and I when I cannot tolerate sin or false teaching, but I need to stand firm in such a way that I am still the best citizen in my community. They may say of me, ‘There goes one of those crazy born agains,’ but hey had better not be able to say, ‘That guy is a real jerk, if that’s what being a Christian is all about, I want no part.’

God help us from thinking that being an arrogant, pompous, holier than thou jerk is part of standing for Christ.

Ruling his house, caring for the church

one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?); - 1 Timothy 3v4-5

This, admittedly, is a tough one for any pastor. He must rule his own house well, his children, must be in submission, and they must honour his position as their father. I think it is interesting to note that this is the pastor’s responsibility, not the children. There is all kinds of debate about the age of the children, in or out of the home, etc. I think part of this is the phrase ‘his own house.’ That would seem to indicate the children that are in his own dwelling, but I am not sure of that.

Let’s look at the principle here – if a pastor cannot preside over his own household properly, how is he supposed to take care of the church. How can he oversee the church when he can’t even maintain his own family?

It is far too easy to get our priorities backwards here. We tend to think that the church is our important work. If someone from church needs us we will drop everything to run out and do our duty. We have to look good to the church so they will respect us, or so we think.

Meanwhile pastor’s families fall apart at the seams. If we can’t keep our kids in decent shape, what makes us think we are going to do it for the church?

Not greedy…not covetous

not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; - 1 Timothy 3v3

It is interesting that these words about greed and coveting are including right in the words about fighting and brawling. There is clearly a connexion. Those who are greedy of money and not content are going to do what it takes to fulfil their desires.

My heart breaks, and I don’t want to go into a rant here, at how much greed and coveting I have seen in pastors and preachers that I have known. I will admit, I like stuff too and materialism is a battle that we all face, but some seem happy to live in their money hungry ways.

I have seen pastors bring what amounts to wage demands before their churches. I have seen preacher with a minimum fee for speaking engagements. I have seen pastors base their decision on where to pastor on who makes the highest offer. I have seen pastors change churches because they had to do without in a current situation. In many churches the pastor drives the best car(s) and lives in one of the nicest houses in the church.

When a man makes a decision, even in part, on salary and stuff, is does he really meet this qualification? God forbid that I will make such a decision. May I keep sight of my service for Him, and let Him worry about the rest.

Pastor Whitey

not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous; - 1 Timothy 3v3

For most of my saved life, almost 35 years now, I have been convinced that part of being a good pastor was being a tough guy. Most of the pastors I have known have been tough guys. If you are going to lead, you need to be tough, after all. The tough guy image was perpetuated and promoted in my circles. Seeing a pastor angry in the pulpit was a mark of his fire for the Lord.

In my circles we tended to fight at the drop of a hat. We fight over anything and everything. As a matter of fact we like phrases and titles involving fighting and militancy.

That is all well and good. We need to earnestly contend for the faith and we need to fight the good fight of faith. That is all true.

But let’s return to the character of a pastor. What is required of him? As we look at 1 Timothy 3v3 some words stick out. (I find it interesting that they are interspersed with words about covetousness, but I may deal with that later). The words that jump out today are ‘not violent…gentle…not quarrelsome…’ I like the way the KJV translators used the word, ‘not a brawler’ because it draws to mind a particular image that always causes me to stop and reflect.

When I think of a brawler one image comes to mind. Mickey Rooney played a character named ‘Whitey’ in the film ‘Boys’ Town.’ Whitey was a brawler. Inside and outside Boys’ Town he walked about looking for a fight and would lash out, with or without provocation. Everyone had to walk on eggshells around him.

Sadly, I have known far too many ‘Pastor Whiteys’ in my life. Much like the character in the film they seem to be looking for a fight. Everyone is afraid to cross them or stand up to them. Deep down, just like Whitey, they really are decent chaps, but that is not the image they portray.

Why are we caught in that trap? As pastors (and indeed all believers) we should desire to me seen as gentle folks. Gentleness is a not a mark of weakness, it appears instead to be a mark of godliness.

Not violent? Gentle? Not a brawler? How do we measure up to these standards?

A Xenophile

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; - 1 Timothy 3v2

Rather than look at every single topic, I decided to just deal with those qualifications that ‘jump out at me’ and grab me on the day. I hope it is the Holy Spirit directing me, but maybe it is just something I feel the need to pause and consider in my own life.

‘Hospitable’ is the next word that grabbed my attention. The Greek word – philoxenos is easy enough. Xenos is a stranger, an outsider, or an alien. Philos, of course is a word for love. A xenophobe is one who is afraid of strangers. A xenophile is one who loves strangers, guests, or outsides.

It is obvious that the translators could have used the word xenophile here to describe the qualification for a pastor. A pastor must love ‘outsiders.’

This is not always easy, and it does require discernment to know the difference between those with needs and professional takers. I suspect however that most of us tend to ignore strangers than to be taken advantage of by them.

The key here though is a character trait. A pastor’s love must go outside both his own family and his own church. Both our homes and our churches need to have ‘open doors’ to receive those who have needs.

Obviously, there are limits to what we can physically or emotionally do, but being a xenophile must be part of a pastor’s character.

Blameless

A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach; - 1 Timothy 3v2

A bishop, an overseer, a superintendant. All of these words describe part of the role of being a pastor. This is the part of the office for the one who watches over others. Being in this position now it may take me a while to get through this section. These reflections are an honest report though of my personal time with God every day, so we will trust the Holy Spirit to use them as He will.

In the first verse Paul reminds us that the office of a bishop is a good work. In Ephesus he used the title for the pastors of the church there, reminding them to ‘oversee’ the flock. Throughout the New Testament it refers to the leaders in the local churches whose, as part of their task, superintended the church and its people.

Right at the top of the list of qualifications is the word ‘blameless’ Of course, this word cannot mean ‘perfect’ else no one would ever be qualified for the position. The word means that the person is un-rebukeable. There is nothing in his character that disqualifies him or that he can be called out for. It means his identifying character is such that nothing about him can be called into question.

What does all this mean when it comes right down to it? I will apply it to me. When people hear my name, as the pastor of this small local church, what comes to their minds? Is it an angry man? Is it a man who is proud, arrogant, self-centred, and haughty? Is it a man who is greedy or materialistic? Is it a man who is angry and short tempered? Is it a man who is fleshly and enamoured with the things of the world?

If these kinds of things are what people think of then I am not blameless. If this is my reputation I am not qualified to represent Christ or oversee any believers. I am not fit for the good work of a bishop.

What should people see? They should see a man who is Christ-like. Their first thought, inside the church or out, should be something like, ‘he is a decent chap.’

Blameless. Does that really describe my like? If not, it must be my desire and my goal, or else I am not qualified to superintend others.

Without wrath and doubting

I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; - 1 Timothy 2v8

If there is one topic that I need all the help I can get on it is prayer. I pray, of course, but my prayer life is often weak and insipid. My prayer can be half hearted at times. I have been a Christian for more than 34 years, but I still get all the teaching I can on prayer.

Here Paul mentions three things about prayer.

It is to be offered by lifting up holy hands. The lifting up of hands, either physically or symbolically, pictures a helpless, willing supplication. It means we have taken our hands off and we are totally dependent on God. Along with that the hands that are lifted up to God must be holy hands, without spot. We must be able to show that our prayers are offered up from a holy heart, and the only way to show that is with a holy life. Our prayer must be made with a supplicant and holy life.

Prayer should also be offered without wrath. God expects our hearts to be free from anger, wrath, and bitterness toward others. We cannot pray properly when our hearts are occupied with wrong thoughts toward others. Prayer must be made after we are cleared our hearts toward others.

‘Without doubting.’ What good does it do to pray if we don’t believe that God can answer? If fact, in reality what good does it do the doubt God, full stop. Too often we doubt that God knows best and we want God to act according to our thoughts and plans. ‘Without doubt’ means that I don’t doubt that God is going to sort it all out. I trust that He knows best.

Prayer – lifting up holy hands, no wrath, no doubts. How do we measure up?

Prayers…for kings

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. - 1 Timothy 2v1-2

Ouch, and might I say double ouch? I have always love politics and living in one country while holding citizenship in another I get a double dose! There was a change in leadership in government in Ireland this year and of course it is an election year in the US, so I get to debate two different sets of politics!

We all know what happens in political discussions. When those who love the intrigue of politics I like do debate it is not long till we find something to disagree about, and things get heated. I, for one, can find myself attacking the political systems and the parties, but I can also find myself attacking the leaders and candidates.

For clarity, let me focus on the upcoming election in the US. In January Americans will have a new president. Frankly, I am not thrilled about either choice. I think either man is going to bring more of the same old politics, but at noon on the 20th of January, either Barack Obama or John McCain will be president (barring a tragedy or scandal of some sort).

I know now that I am not going to like a lot of what they are going to do, and that is fine. I even have the right to complain about it. But as a Christian I have another responsibility. First of all, I am to offer up, ‘supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks’ for them as I should for all men. Paul speaks of kings here. When Paul wrote this, probably sometime in the early 60’s A.D. Nero was Caesar in Rome, either Felix or Festus was prefect in Judea, and Agrippa II was king of Galilee. I doubt that any of us would campaign for any of these men, and yet believers are exhorted to pray and give thanks for their kings.

I do not want to stifle debate in a free society, but I wonder what our debates would be like if we had already spent time offering up supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanks for our leaders? What if I came into a discussion about the Taoiseach, or President Bush (or Obama or McCain) after praying and giving thanks for them? Do you think my demeanour would be the same as if I was just launching an attack?

Wage the good warfare

This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, - 1 Timothy 1v18

I don’t know where the church has picked up the idea that the Christian life was going to be easy. Perhaps, in the West at least, it is because we have not seen hard times for many generations. We somehow have adopted the idea that being a Christian is all about safety, security, comfort, and ease. In many parts of the West Christians are well respected, honoured, lifted up, and wined and dined by important people and politicians. Vehicles worth millions of dollars jam into multi-million dollar car parks surrounding opulent megaplexes to hold services in their plush climate controlled surroundings. Persecution means having to work on a Wednesday night and missing a mid-week prayer meeting. Persecution in America means that churches might lose their tax-exempt status. Persecution means being called a ‘Bible thumper, Jesus freak,’ or a ‘holier.’

Yet, in the New Testament we read things like, ‘all those who live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.’ Here we read of the warfare of the Christian life. We are not going to ‘get along’ with this world – if we do there is something wrong. We don’t have to go out and pick the fight. The fight is going to come to us and we had better be ready to fight it.

There are indications now that the easy days may be drawing to a close. We ought not be surprised. The scary thing is that we may have become so comfortable and at ease that we are not able to fight the real fight. We have been infighting and shooting our comrades for so long that we have depleted our ranks. We had better heed Paul’s words and have the ‘faith and good conscience’ required or we too will be made shipwreck like Hymenaeus and Alexander.

Why are we shocked when the world hates us? Why are we surprised when laws threaten us? The warfare is coming; I now suspect it may even be in my own lifetime. Are we ready?

To show all longsuffering

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. - 1 Timothy 1v16

‘Man, if God can save Saul He can save anyone!’ That must have been the attitude of people who knew Saul/Paul. Paul, before salvation, was as bad as they come. Since God can save the chiefest of sinners He can save anyone. Paul was glad that God could save him and use him as an example to others.

This got me to thinking though about my own longsuffering toward others. Since God was longsuffering enough to save Paul, and indeed me, what does that say about my lack of patience toward others?

Since God saved me, and continues to me patient with me, what right do I, an imperfect man, have to be less than patient with those around me?

The law is not for the righteous

knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, - 1 Timothy 1v9

The Law is a fascinating topic. For most of my Christian life I was taught and believed that the Law still had some kind of power over the believer. I have read some things and talked to some who think that the Law is divided into two parts and that we are free from part of it and bound by part of it. I still don’t understand that concept.

Praise God that the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, but now that I am in Christ I have no further need of the Law. Praise God for the truth of 1 Timothy 1v9 – ‘The Law is not made for the righteous person.’ As His children believers are declared righteous in Christ. Christ is our righteousness; therefore the Law is not for us!

P.P. Bliss captured the joy of this marvellous truth:

‘Free from the law,Oh happy condition,Jesus has bledAnd there is remission,Curs'd by the lawAnd bruised by the fall,Grace hath redeemed usOnce for all.’

I am concerned about the ‘law binders’ who seek to contain God’s children by insisting on maintaining the Law. That teaching will rob us of living in God’s grace. .

We have a new law; it is called the law of faith, the law of God according to the inward man, the law of the Spirit of life, the law of Christ, and the law of liberty.

Indeed, with can sing together with Bliss; ‘Free from the Law, oh happy condition!’

Which cause disputes

nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. - 1 Timothy 1v4

I like a good discussion. I like to bounce ideas off other people and challenge traditional thinking. I like discussions where my thoughts are challenged. If we do this right I think it can be a profitable way of forming our thoughts and ideas and a vlaid form of learning. After all, Proverbs tells how friends sharpen each other like iron sharpens iron.

However, there is another area that I have to be careful about. One of my multitude of weaknesses is that I can be what one friend calls a ‘contrarian.’ I can get to the point where I like to argue just to argue. Even if I agree I may express the other side. This is not always bad, because it can help examine more sides of what we are talking about. But, believe it or not, my heart is not always right when I do this.

Paul tells us to pay heed and attention to those areas of doctrine that are important. Those must be defended no matter what. But he also says, ‘Don’t waste your time with fables and endless genealogies that only lead to fights.’

There is a fine line between learning through discussion and fighting over wasteful fables. Yet, I think those who have matured in the faith know the difference. I need to be careful that I don’t fall into the trap of causing disputes by paying attention to the silly stuff.

May the Lord of peace give you peace

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. - 2 Thessalonians 3v16

Many years ago I read a series of political fiction by Alan Drury. He featured headlines as part of this story, and they were always big and bold. I almost feel like we are living in a Drury novel today with the headlines we have seen this week. All over the world banks are being bailed out by governments and economies continue to worsen. Stock markets are on the verge of collapse. No on knows what is going to happen, but it just gets worse and worse and worse.

This has brought things to my own mind. I have been tempted to fret over so much. I have worried about not owning a house. I have worried about how the economy is going to affect our support.

This of course expands to a pattern of worry where I find myself worrying about all kinds of things. Then I get unsettled and that slants everything and I find myself in all kinds of turmoil.

I prayed with a friend yesterday and as we prayed he mentioned the marvellous verse – ‘Be care-ful for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.’

Then this morning I read, ‘May the Lord of peace, Himself, give you peace in every way…’

How can I fret over all this stuff when the Lord of peace, Himself, is my Lord? How can I fret when He tells me to cast ll my cares on Him because He cares for me? How can I fret when He tells me not to be full of cares?

I think it goes back to what my friend prayed yesterday. I fret when I forget to be thankful. I fret when I am not abiding in Him.

The very God of peace Himself will give us peace in the storms of life if we can just trust Him to carry us through.

Admonish him as a brother

And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. - 2 Thessalonians 3v14-15

Today is one of those days when I have been given more food for thought than anything else from my devotional study.

As Paul comes to the end of this short epistle he includes the note above. There is a lot to consider here. First, it seems that the condition for breaking fellowship is those who do not obey the words in this particular epistle. To be fair that may be a misreading on my part. Some scholars say that we should read it this way, ‘If anyone does not obey our word, note that person with a letter.’ That seems to make more sense, for why would a person only have to obey what is in this one letter?

What follows is clear though. Those who do not obey God and refuse to do anything about it are to be separated from. We are not talking about those who we differ from on the non-essentials, but those who refuse to deal with their sin. In that case we are to dis-fellowship so that they are fully aware of how bad their sin is.

Yet, in doing this, we are not to treat them like the enemy – we are to remind and warn them as a brother in Christ.

Obviously, Paul is not talking about the lost here – but erring brethren.

Well, I certainly have a lot to mull over on this one. How does this all play out in the everyday practice of a local assembly? At what point does someone dealing with issues and growing in Christ cross the line into disobedience?

Wow! A lot of things stirred up in my mind on this one.

No work – no food

nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. - 2 Thessalonians 3v8-10

Sometimes the Bible is just so practical. The issue are not always theological or heavy, but sometimes it just gives clear instruction. Here is one example. ‘If a man doesn’t work he doesn’t deserve to eat.’ If we are not careful we get the idea that because the church is charged to take care of each other that at ‘free ride’ is possible where one is able to live off the largesse of others.

Paul would have no part of that. He had every right, as God’s servant, to depend on the church to meet his needs. That was the right thing for them to do. But Paul decided to set an example for them that every one needs to do their bit.

I think the principle is clear. The body of Christ is no place for slackers. Everyone needs to do their part. If you don’t work you don’t deserve the benefits.

So often I have heard, ‘this church is not meeting our needs.’ And yet those same people are far too often not willing to do anything themselves.

We all need to do our part, or we have no right to expect anything in return,

The Lord is Faithful

But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. - 2 Thessalonians 3v3

I fear that today’s thoughts are not going to be of great theological depth and that is nothing profound or anything we don’t already know.

It is simply this – ‘The Lord is faithful. He will be your foundation and He will guard you from Satan’s attacks.’ (a rough parrowphrase)

Isn’t this all we need to know when things get tough? Isn’t this all we need when people or circumstances let us down? Isn’t this all we need when we are tempted to discouragement and despair?

The Lord is faithful, every single day and in every situation. When all else fails, the Lord is faithful.

We need to get over this idea that Christians in this world can expect to be prosperous, successful, and accepted. We need to realise that we re going to be seen as the ‘bad guys’ and the opposition is only going to get worse.

When that happens – remember, ‘The Lord is faithful.’

That the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified

that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. - 2 Thessalonians 1v12

I have to admit I am facing one of those down times that come in serving the Lord. I don’t even know why. We are facing the typical challenges, but we are seeing some great things happening.

Yet, I think I do know the root of the problem. The issue is that what happens to me is far too important. I tend to base my emotions and my feelings and my perceptions on my circumstances and how things relate to me.

What do I mean? Well, it is pretty simple – I like to be praised. I like to be glorified. I like for people to say how wonderfully I am doing. When things don’t move as quickly as I, or others, think they should I don’t get much of that. I want to be a success, even in human terms.

Now, look back over the last couple of paragraphs. Without even thinking about it I have used the word “I” 15-16 times.

When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians he had something else in mind. He told them that trials and testings and hard times and persecution and oppositions and so on and so on were to be a matter of course for believers. How were they to respond? With a pity party? With a ‘woe is me?” No, with an attitude that says ‘patiently, faithfully endure.’ And why faithfully, patiently endure? For one reason – that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified.

At the end of the day I get myself in a royal mess when I want me glorified instead of Him. If my goal is to glorify Him I can endure anything that comes my way. If my goal is to glorify me then I will never get enough, no matter what.

Note to Roger: Endure, stick it, stay at it, be faithful – let the name of Jesus be glorified in your life.

That you endure

so that we ourselves boast of you among the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure, - 2 Thessalonians 1v4

One of Paul’s reasons for ‘bragging on’ the church at Thessalonica was simple enough – they endured. Under severe attacks and intense persecution, they simply endured. They held out, they put up with it, and they plodded along. They endured the challenges and just carried on.

Paul says a little later that this is the evidence of trusting in God’s judgement. I can see the reasoning behind that. If we know that at the end of the day God is going to sort it all out, we can put up with anything. If we have hope, we can endure whatever God allows to come our way.

What is the evidence that we are worthy of the kingdom of God (v5)? The answer is clear – enduring and staying faithful.

Paul praised the Thessalonian believers for their patient, faithful endurance. I hope that he could do the same regarding me.

He will do it

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it. - 1 Thessalonians 5v23-24

One thing I have learned through life is that is hard to depend on people. They constantly let us down. The truth is that we all fail. Sometimes our disappointment with people is not because are purposefully unfaithful, but because they just blow it, mess up, or forget.

I am certain that through the years I have let people down. There is no doubt about it. I have been let down by others over and over again.

But I can know one thing – the One who started my sanctification process will finish it. He will present me blameless.

One, and only One, is truly faithful. Praise God that He will do what He said and that is does not depend on me.

Abstain from all appearance of evil

Abstain from all appearance of evil – 1 Thessalonians 5v22

I have purposefully chosen the KJV rendering of this verse today for a reason. The NKJV renders this is a way that more accurately reflects the meaning for the 21st reader as ‘abstain from every form of evil,’ but that is not what we fundamentalists are accustomed to hearing so I decided to address it in familiar terms.

For most of my life this has been used as the be all and end all, kind of a stop gap measure when there was no Biblical reason for a rule or regulation. We have been told to not go here or there, do this or that, listen to this music or that music, dress this way or that way, and so many other things. When we ask the nearly unaskable question, ‘Why,’ and there is no Bible answer, we have been told – ‘Well, we need to abstain from all appearance of evil.’ I am not going to go into a long list, but those of us who have been there no what I am talking about.

There is a major problem with that though – who decides what has an appearance of evil? Who decides if it is an appearance of evil to listen to a certain Christian song? Who decided if it is an appearance of evil to go to a multiplex cinema? Who decides if it is an appearance of evil wear a certain style of clothes? At the end of the day it comes down to a man deciding that an activity ‘looks like’ it might be evil.

One may say it is an appearance of evil to wear a ball cap backwards. Another may say that it is an appearance of evil for a Christian to be grossly obese because they have no self-control. Who decides?

All of this points out the danger of using this verse the way it have been traditionally used, at least in my circles.

The answer is simple, even in the KJV rendering. Abstain from every appearance of evil. When evil appears, stay away. Don’t dabble with any form of it. Don’t play games with it. How do we know what evil is? God’s word is fully sufficient to tell us what evil is. He really doesn’t need my opinion.

Trust, but verify

Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. - 1 Thessalonians 5v19-21

When I began these ponderings almost 3 ½ years ago I determined that this was going to be an a journey through the word where I would allow God to speak to me without my pre-conceived ideas and notions. I was not going to be bound by things that I have heard preached or things I had been taught. This may put some off, but remember – these thoughts are not a theological treatise, or an attempt to teach anyone, but my thoughts as I proceed through God’s word.

Don’t quench the spirit is a tremendous teaching. We can grab it out and talk about how we quench the spirit in many ways by our lives, actions, and attitudes. That is true and applicable. But look at the context here – ‘Don’t quench the spirit, don’t despise prophecies.’ I wish I could say that this word was the typical word for ‘preaching’ for that would make it so much easier. But that’s not what the word is here. The word means to ‘talk about what is going to happen.’

Maybe it is true that this was one of the sign gifts that God used in the early church and is not applicable to today, but that doesn’t really fit the flow of this passage, does it?

Does that mean that I think we just take to heart any time any ones says, ‘The Lord told me such and such is going to happen?’ That would be just plain silly – we have all seen that fail too many times.

Perhaps there is another answer. The word of God does tell us what is going to happen. If people do not repent and get saved they will suffer an eternity in hell. If we don’t resist the devil he will attack us. If we don’t deny the flesh we will serve it. If we don’t control our thoughts they will control us.

So what do we do? How do we know? Well, fortunately, we have the answer. First though, we need to examine the idea of quenching the Spirit. I think the answer is easy there; we quench the Spirit when we deny His word. When we allow our emotions and feelings to override His word, we exalt ourselves and quench Him.

What do we do then? “Test all things, hold fast to that which is good.’ Listen to what is being said, don’t reject it on the spot, weigh on the balance scales of God’s word, and cling to that which is good. If it doesn’t match up with the word of God we quench the Spirit by holding on to it.

If nothing else, this has given me something to reflect on today.

Rejoice always

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. - 1 Thessalonians 5v16-18

If we are not really careful verse divisions can make an understanding of what God is telling us very difficult. For some reason many of us think that verses are able to stand all alone just because they are listed as a verse.

Here is one such case – ‘Rejoice always.’ Taken all alone it looks like a ridiculous impossibility. Just rejoice, no matter what. Lose your job – just rejoice. A child dies – just rejoice. Worldwide economic collapse coming – hey, rejoice always! Teenage daughter pregnant – rejoice.

It is not quite that simple, and I wish the man-made verse division did not divide the verses here.

There is more to it than just rejoicing. ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks. All of this together is God’s will for you.’

We can’t muster up joy all by ourselves. We choose to thank God that He is the one in control. We choose to accept that He is love itself and that He loves us. We keep the lines of communication with God open and we thank Him. Then, we can rejoice that though we don’t understand it all, the God of Love and the God who loves us is doing what is best.

Whose perspective am I going to trust? Mine, or the Loving All-Perfect Creator and Sustainer?