1 Timothy 4 v 6 - 10 - Body Building

Again, a misleading engage title. It's all about spiritual growth, and is called "Be a good servant of Christ" in my bible!


v6
Paul starts off by saying that if Timmy says to his brothers and sisters about false teachers, then Timmy will be a good servant of J.C because he's telling the truth and warning which may ultimately save people. But he has to;

REFUTE BAD TEACHING + TEACH GOOD TEACHING 

 or it will be pointless. Interestingly enough Paul calls him a minister which means servant. Just reminds me of what an old youth leader told me, that great leaders are even better servant, and that totally applies here. Timmy will be made strong by words of faith, and sound doctrine which has he has been following, basis of a healthy ministry and good teachings. 


v7-8
Here, Paul talks of training. He says to not allow foolish stories (kinda like gossip really) that disagree with God but train yourself to serve God. So, when you have a marathon race, you have to train for it. Christianity also has spiritual training. Sometimes it can feel like a battle, especially when you have something major in your life to fight against. And like a race as well. Even Paul sees it as a race: I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.2 Timothy 4 v 7.


 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize. 1 Corinthians 9 v 24 - 27. 


Spiritually training will make us completely healthy, in body soul and spirit and it's not just in our earthly lives, but when we're up in heaven. I was looking up how to "spiritually train" to see what Google said, and I thought I'd share, because some it's kinda amusing!


Anything that controls you beats you.Start to do something that you do not want to do but that you know you should.Stop from doing something that you do not want to stop from doing but that you know you should.


Teach convincingly
Teach creatively
Teach consistently
Teach conversationally
Teach conspicuously


our focus is on the mysteries; life produces so many of them: life and death, who and what is God, how does this universe work, etc.. Perhaps most important is helping you to crack the mystery of the self. We work to fill the gaping hole of absent knowledge for our students, in the hope - proven time and time again - that they will completely shed the old self and emerge empowered, knowledgeable, and at peace with the world. We do this not just through training but essentially through experience itself. 


Okay, so Paul doesn't mean this kind of spiritual training. He's talking about seeking to become more holy, and have honour from God. Paul uses the contrast that training your body helps in some ways, but serving God helps in every way, giving you blessing in both lives.


v9-10
Paul reiterates that what he says is true, and Timmy should accept it. This is why they work for JC, and suffer and struggle. because of HOPE. they hope in living God who is the savior for all who believe. But savior here means the preserver and sustainer of all living things. God preserves and sustains us physically but spiritually too! 


Application
How do you spiritually train yourself? How often do you read the bible, pray, help out at Church, meet with other Christians, etc. 
And how often do you do things that are pointless? How many hours do you sit on facebook? how often do you watch tv for? 
I'm not saying you should become Amish or anything, but what's more important to you, facebook, or God?

1 Timothy 4 v 1 - 5 - Don't eat that, Don't marry him

So, I found a commentary I didn't know I had, so will go back at some point and add more stuff in about Timothy. And in my bible, today's title is A warning about false teachers, i have no idea what Don't eat that, Don't marry him is about. We shall see!

v1-2

verse 1 talks about how the HS says that in "later times" some people will stop believing. Later times is referring to after Paul's time. So, people will stop believing because of false teachers trying to deceive Christians and lead them astray. Mark 13:22 False Christs and false prophets will come and perform great wonders and miracles. They will try to fool even the people God has chosen, if that is possible. There are many warnings about false teachers in Acts and 1 John and stuff, cause it was a big problem. The teaching is appeared as "truth" and it ultimately destroys faith. Paul calls these teachers "hypocritical liars" and they don't have clear consciences. He uses an analogy of a hot iron on their consciences - ma bible commentary uses a great example;

The analogy used in 1 Timothy is of a hot iron, when a hot iron first touches, it hurts. After a while the pain grows less because the nerve endings have died. In the end, the hot iron causes no pain at all. When you sin, at first our conscience can feel everything. After a while, if the sin remains within us, our conscience stops feeling that sin. Eventually our conscience no longer feels anything, it's destroyed, seared. When a situation now occurs a man can no longer tell right from wrong, and he no longer cares. He goes further and further into sin.

v3

These people say that their are forbidden to marry, and they can't eat certain foods to be acceptable to God[this is where the engage title is from!] But we know you can only be acceptable to God through JC's death and faith. But God created this food, to be eaten with thanks by people who believe and know the truth. God made marriage and food to be enjoyed, not to to be forbidden! But obviously not everyone marries, God calls people to be single too. Paul and Jesus were single, it's not a bad thing to not be married, but it's not forbidden!

v4-5

EVERYTHING GOD MADE IS GOOD. wooo :) Nothing should be refused if it's accepted with thanks because it's been made holy through God + prayer. So, when we pray it's because;

1. Whatever we eat is cleansed by prayer + by God's word
2. To giving thanks to God for our food

Application

OKAY. So, again, pray for those GOOD teachers we have, who teach us from the bible, and don't mislead us. But pray for the bad teachers we may have as well. Thank God for everything he's made, cause it's good! (Thank him that marriage and food isn't forbidden too ;) ) And when praying before a meal, there's a reason to do it. It's not to show everyone in the restaurant you're Christian, or wanting your food to get cold. You're thanking God! AND lastly, a good point, about being misled by teachings. When you are being taught something, or told something, how often do you check what is being said is right? How many of you have checked 1 Timothy to know that in my QT's, i'm not spouting complete rubbish and telling you the wrong thing? (okay, i'll let you off, because it's NOT complete rubbish.) But in the same way, people we can trust can mislead us, accidentally or not, and it's not necessarily not trusting them to teach you the wrong thing but double checking!

1 Timothy 3 v 8 - 16 - Serving Suggestions

Right, I have my big bible back! And today's Serving Suggestions isn't to do with food, but deacons!


Remember yesterday the church leaders had a long list of requirements? yep well similarly, so do deacons. They are like 2nd in command. (i made notes on most of these yesterday, so you can just look at that.)

• Respected by others (v8)
• Must not say what they do not mean (v8)
• Not drink too much wine (v8)
• Not get rich by cheating others (v8)
• Follow the secret faith that God has made known (v9)
• Only have one wife (v12)
• Good leaders of their family (v12)

v10

It then says that deacons should be tested, evaluated, observed and approved before being appointed. This is to see if they are blameless. 

v11

then it goes onto women. Now, people do not know if it's women doing similar roles to the deacons, or the wives of the deacons. or just Christian women in general. But these women also have a specification

• Respected by others (v11)
• Must not speak evil by others (v11)
• Self controlled (v11)
• Trustworthy (v11)

So, women have to behave in a certain way as well, they have to be respected, sober, not talk about people behind their back, and trustworthy. I think these are good ones for us women to be living like now, because although its a small spec than the guys, many of us fall down and fail at these. 

v13

Deacons who serve well, are making an honour able place for themselves, (this is talking about like respect within the congregation but also in heaven) and they will be bold in their faith in JC. So this is like a huge benefit for serving and working within the church!

v14 - 15

Paul then says that he is writing this to Timmy now, but he hopes to come and see him soon. So, if Paul can't come, at least Timmy's got these instructions and knows what to do re the local assembly and leadership. The church universal is manifested in local assemblies all around the world, and if the local church is weak, then others will suffer and it will weaken God's truth in the world.

v16

"Without doubt, the secret of our life of worship is great:  

He was shown to us in a human body,    

  proved right in spirit, and seen by angels.   

     He was proclaimed to the nations,   

 believed in by the world    

   and taken up in glory."

Apparently this was an early Christian Hymn! So it talks of when Jesus came down to earth as a baby (John 1 v 14),  the spirit worked in Jesus ministry and his resurrection (Matthew 3 v16), the angelic witness of his ministry and resurrection(Mark 1 v 13, Luke 22 v 39-44). He was proclaimed everywhere (Matthew 28 v 19-20), people believed in him and received salvation (Acts 2 v 38 - 41) and when he was taken to heaven in glory and seated in God's presence in heaven (Mark 16 v 19).How amazing?! 

Application

Okay, so we're all not deacons, or wives of deacons, but in similar ways we serve the church and we should be acting similarly, right? Paul shows the amazing benefits within the serving the church (v13) and WHY we serve within the church, the amazing truth behind everything (v16). Pray that you can help more within the church, or outside the church and that things that are stopping you serving him that you get rid of.

1 Timothy 3 v 1 - 7 - Leading example

Leading example - all about Church leaders today!

So, I did a diagram of what some Christian and non Christian people think church leaders should be like; 

And now we shall see what Paul thinks!

v1

Just to start, your bible may say "overseer, elder, bishop, oversight, pastor, leader, supervision" etc, they all mean church leader. Just a million names for it. Paul says if someone wants to be a church leaders it is a good thing, they desire something good but although they have a calling into ministry, they have a certain specification for what they must be like, which is shown below. Purple for verse reference, orange for explanation, Red for other biblical references.

• Must not give people a reason to criticize him (v1) - blameless, honest and upright in general  Titus 1:6a "An elder must be blameless"
• One wife (v2) - not necessarily married though, just not guilty of polygamy.  Titus 1:6b "the husband of but one wife"
• Self controlled (v2) - meaning abstinence from alcohol as they are more likely to be awake, alert and will care for his church better Titus 1:8 "Rather he must be . . . self controlled"
• Wise (v2) - have a good understanding, so he can teach.
• Respected by others  (v2) - good behavior and good manners
• Ready to welcome guests  (v2) - receive strangers into their home, and generally be hospitable.  Romans 12:13 "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."
• Able to teach  (v2) - communicate wisdom to others Titus 2:2 "Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance."
• Not drink too much wine  (v3) - same as before
• Not like to fight, gently and peaceful (v3) - not fight against people who may be against him  2 Timothy 2:24 "And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful."
   
• Not love money (v3) - not love money, but also gain it honestly  1 Timothy 6:10 "For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs"
• Good family leader (v4) - being able to know his place, and put others in theirs by maintaining others respect.  1 Timothy 3:12 "A deacon must be the husband of but one wife and must manage his children and his household well. "
• Having children who are good and respectful (v4) - children reflect the leader, he can't control them, he can't control the church Titus 1:6c  "a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient"
• Not be a new believer (v6) - if he's been a christian longer, he will have more experience. Inferences of new believers are pride and self-conceit. 2 Timothy 3:4 "treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God"
• Must have respect of the people (v7) - doesn't have a former scandalous life, so people can't look at him with disgust. 

v5

Interestingly, Paul says that someone who can't lead their church, how can they possibly lead the church. Good point Paul, good point.

Application

So there's a huge list to fufil as a church leader, it's not an easy job. These guys need special prayer and support and encouragement from us!! 

Teach leaders to serve faithfully, at all times. Magnify the work of the church leaders to meet your objective. Let them lean not on their own understanding, but yours and your strength. Take them where you lead them, and bless them on the way. Give them a passion for serving those who are normally excluded. Help them to listen to those with more experience. Make families and church members supportive of what they do. Convert their plans into Yours. Amen.

(ps i just reworded it from somewhere else, it's not mine!)

1 Timothy 2 v 9 - 15 - Controversial Stuff

okay so today's is called Controversial Stuff, and today will especially be looking at women. If you know me at all, this kinda stuff can really get to me, but we'll see what Paul says!


v9-10
Paul starts by saying women should wear clothes that show respect and self control, not using braids, gold, pearls or expensive clothes. so not adorned by the manner of the world, but of God. This follows on from men lifting their hands in worship, so can mean women's duties within public worship but I think it also applies, like all the time. And the whole self control, respecting clothes isn't to do with being like desirable, but dressing appropriately. So a woman should dress to not distract herself from God. Like "such as to show that her mind is supremely fixed on higher and more important things". This is shown as the next verse talks about women doing good deeds. 


v11-13

1 Timothy 2 v 1 - 8 - Pray for Everyone

MERRY CHRSTMAS!!
first and foremost I hope you've all had a lovely day with your families and celebrating Jesus' birthday :)


secondly, we're on chapter 2 with the title; Pray for Everyone
(oh and I don't have my big bible away with me, so will be shortie!)


v1-2
first off, Paul tells people to pray for all people, asking God for what they need and being thankful. pretty straightforward, pray for all kinds of people. Then Paul says to pray for rulers / those who have an authority figure so that we can have peaceful lives full of worship and respect for God. So much depends on authority figures, within the church, within our towns and within our country. And although they are equal to poor people, their decisions affect thousands more people. The quiet and peaceful bit means that there will be no persecution, i think. 


v3-4
Paul then justifies this by saying that this is what is good, this is what pleases God, who wants everyone to know the truth and be saved. Verse 4 is a good example of how Just and Fair God is, and also when people use the excuse that God isn't a God of love since he sends people to hell, as he WANTS to save people, he wants everyone to know the truth and believe him. God offers salvation to all, but so many choose against it and they are to blame, and it's so sad.


v5-6
"There is one God and one way human beings can reach God. That way is through Christ Jesus, who is himself human. He gave himself as a payment to free all people. He is proof that came at the right time. 1 Timothy 2:5-6"
Just - how amazing is this! There is ONE God, and JESUS is the only way to God. He came free to us, we never have to pay for his sacrifice. 


v7-8
This is why Paul has been chosen to tell the good news, and why he was an apostle. Interestingly enough he adds (I am telling the truth, I am not lying) I don't know if this has any underlying significance, or just a clarification. Paul was chosen to tell those who are not Jews to believe and know the truth - truth about J.C. And to end, Paul says he wants men everywhere to pray (i don't know if he just means men, i'm going onto men + women stuff tommorow), lifting up their hands, without anger and arguments.  Not just in the temple, or at home, God wants them to pray EVERYWHERE. And in a situation, without getting angry or aggressive, they should pray. Casting Crowns do an amazing song called " What if his people prayed?" And it's about turning to God instead of ourselves.  My favorite line is "What if the family turned to Jesus, Stopped asking Oprah what to do!" After you've finished reading have a listen --> What if his people prayed - Casting Crowns


Mini engage recap on why we should pray

1. It pleases God (v3)
2. He wants everyone to be saved (v4)
3. There is only one God and people need to know this (v5)
4. There is only one way to God which is Jesus (v5)
5. Jesus died for everyone (v5)
6. Paul preached to gentiles and Jews - the gospel is for everyone (v7)

Application

Just like Paul tells Timmy, we need to pray for everyone, especially people we don't like. Many times I've been coerced to pray for people I didn't like, and actually it made things better, 100% of the time. So now, when I'm annoyed at someone, I pray for them. Good tip that. We need to pray for authority, just like in Titus, people above us have so much more responsibility, and we need to pray for them. Paul gives us great reasons why we should pray, so what's stopping you? Go. Now. We have God on speed dial, now use it! 

1 Timothy 1 v 18 - 20 - Fighting Talk

'Fighting Talk'


(PS - sorry if today's isn't good, I've messed my arm up, kind of hard to type!)


v18 
so yesterday Paul was getting excited over Jesus and his faith in him, he's now back to telling Timmy what to do. Paul says that he is commanding Timmy like the prophecies that had been made about him, and his role within the church. Reading up online, there's no formal prophecies of Timothy but more of a hope and anticipation of what Timmy could achieve.  "A virtuous young man will not willingly disappoint the long-cherished hopes of his friends. He will be likely to be made more diligent by the remembrance of all their fond anticipations of his future success."There also is a lot of expectations on Timmy, to serve God, fight God's enemies and false teachers. He says this to Timmy so he can follow the "predictions" and fight the good fight.


v19 - 20
Paul urges Timmy to keep hold of his faith and keep a good conscience by living a way that will please God. Paul then gives examples of those who weren't fighting the good fight, who had rejected and their faith had been shipwrecked. He uses the example of Hymenaeus & Alexander who had not fought the good fight, and Paul had given them to Satan so they will not speak against God. "Alexander the metalworker did many harmful things against me. The Lord will punish him for what he did" 2 Timothy 4:14 - supposedly the same Alexander. They had both given up on their faith, and Paul might have meant by handing them over to Satan, he threw them out of church. This kinda meant they can't do any other harm to other Christians. 


Application
In our world there are many different temptations and distractions. We need to pray for ourselves that we're fighting with God, not against God. and for our friends that they'll keep fighting, holding onto their faith and living God's way. But also for those who have had "shipwrecked" faith, like yesterdays QT, we don't know God's plan, just keep praying and trusting him.

1 Timothy 1 v 12 - 17 - Amazing Grace

"Thanks for God's mercy"


v12-13
Paul starts off by thanking Jesus, who gave him strength, as Jesus trusted and gave Paul work of serving God. Before Paul knew God he was a persecutor, violent and acted out of pride. 
(In Jerusalem Saul was still threatening the followers of the Lord by saying he would kill them Act 9:1). Paul talks of when he was a sinner and that God showed him mercy. And now he was all fired up for God, and he had been transformed.
If God can save Paul, he can bring salvation to ANYONE. Always good to remember, especially on mission trips like we don't know who has an open heart. 


v14
"But the grace of our Lord was fully given to me, and with that grace came the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus." 1 Timothy 1:14
Paul never deserved God's grace, and neither do we. We can't ever earn it, and I think that's what sometimes non-christian's (and maybe sometimes Christians) don't understand, they think you have to work in order to get grace. In that case, we'd be screwed, so thank God everyday for his amazing grace!


v15 - 17
Paul summarisizes the heart of the gospel, that JC came into the world to save sinners. Paul says he was the worst of sinners, but  he was given mercy and doesn't this again show that God has no limit! Paul is the perfect example of God's love, patience and mercy. Paul ends this with "To the King that rules forever, who will never die, who cannot be seen, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen."


Application
Couple of things;

1. ANYONE can be changed. Paul talks of the fact he was the biggest sinner and he had been changed and therefore so can anyone. There's so many people in my life who I know are slipping away from God, or slipping towards God or just no where near, but the people you least expect may have a heart open to God, and this is why it's so important to evangelize toEVERYONE, you don't know who might be interested. Keep praying and keep talking to everyone about JC.
2. But, God's mercy isn't for those who have done the worst. When I was writing my testimony back in 2009, I thought I wasn't as good as others, who had come off drugs, were an alcoholic and had made amazing transformations.  In the same way, I tell you there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who changes his heart. Luke 15:7a. This doesn't say and God doesn't say that those with the biggest transformation make more joy in heaven. No. God's mercy is for everyone!

1 Timothy 1 v 8 - 11 - Point of Law

v8
verse 8 says that the law is only good if it is used lawfully, so if the law is used to make sinners aware of their sinfulness (so, all of us!)


Romans 3:20 "because no one can be made right with God by following the law. The law only shows us our sin."


v9 - 10
Then Paul says that the law isn't there for good people (obv, the good people follow the law) but for those who are against it / refuse to follow it. then Paul lists those who violate the law  and he parallel's it to the Old testament commandments pretty much. 

Lawless and insubordinate, Ungodly and sinners, unholy and profane are all about relationship with God; and they link with 

1. no other Gods, 2. no idols, 3. God's name in vain, 4. keep Sabbath holy

 Murderers of parents and other people links with  5. honour your parents 6. you shall not murder

Fornicators and Sodomites links with 7. you shall not commit adultery

Kidnappers, Liars and Perjures links with  } 8. you shall not steal, 9. you shall not give false testimony against your neighbour
Anything else against sound doctrine

So only one that isn't mentioned is not being jealous, so Paul's pretty much covered all of the 10 commandments and in order. don't know if that was meant to be, but anyway!



v11
Paul finally says that teaching is part of the Good news of God that God gave to Paul to tell. the law demonstrates again human's sinfulness and need for the good news of Christ!


Application
Okay, so the OT shows us God's perfect standards and how we should live, and this leads us to the gospels and JC's death. We can't meet God's standards without JC, he's the only one who made it right for us. The OT points us to Jesus! (the back of my engage has a weekly reading plan for reading the OT, i couldn't be bothered to type up, but happy to / will photocopy if anyone wants it.) So, 10 commandments are God's standard, have a chat with God with the ones you find hard, and remember to thank him continually for Jesus making it right for us :)

1 Timothy 1 v 1 - 7 - False Start

Already studied 2 Timothy, going back a couple of steps and doing 1 Timothy!


Background to 1 Timmy
Timmy is a young Christian leader (apparently he's about 30) who's in charge of a church that's got problems. Paul's writing to him to tell him some pretty urgent stuff that requires a lot of hard work. Paul wants Timmy to get the church in order, to get their members behaving, and relating to each other --> sorting God's household out! 


v1-2
Starts off by saying who the letter is from and who it's to. It's from Paul, not just any old Paul but an apostle (sent one, ambassador for Christ) of JC, by the commandof God, savior and Jesus, his hope. Then says its to Timmy who's a true child to Paul because of his faith in JC. So from the start Paul is sorta asserting his authority almost, letting Timmy know he's the boss and he's his fatherly type figure helping and giving him advice. 


v3-4
Paul tells Timmy that he had previously asked him to stay in Ephesus when Paul went to Macedonia so Tim could tell others to stop teaching false things. Straight off, this tells us the confidence Paul has in Timmy. He then tells Tim to tell the others to stop spending time on false stories and family histories as neither help God's work as it just causes arguments. Genealogies would have been a Jewish in nature and they basically weren't showing stewardship because of this. Their teachings were based on myths, and family trees, not on Jesus, and it caused controversy, not faith.


v5
The purpose of the above command and the false teaching is stopping love within the church. Paul says to have love, it comes from:
a pure heart - that's been made clean by Jesus
a good conscience - by avoiding sin, because of love and obeying God
true faith - not just on Sundays, true love and faith towards God

v6-7
Paul then says that people have missed these things of love, and they have turned to"useless talk". But the people who want to be teachers of the law but they don't understand or know anything about what they are talking about, and this is how false teachers develop! 


Application
Okay so Timmy's got to do the tough job of standing up to false teachers and so have we, if teaching isn't based on God's word or based on love! But also it's not just being negative, we also need to praise those who do rightfully teach us and the church. We also need to ask God for a pure heart, a good conscience and true faith in him, because it's possible for everyone, and we need to be Christians of love!