Bible Word Study Tools

Doing word studies is one of the basic skills for studying the Bible. I have gone over a few things about this skill in a previous post. Today I would like to get a few of these tools into your hands so that you can begin to work with them.

Electronic Word Study Tools

There are many apps and websites where you can use Strong’s Dictionary and other resources for free. Some of the paid options will have both.

Here are my recommendations for ‘electronic’ Bible word study tools.

Tecarta Bible

https://tecartabible.com/home

I have found the Tecarta Bible App to be particularly helpful. It was recommended to me by a friend years ago. I have it on my phone and iPad and use it often, their website is also very helpful.

The Strong’s dictionary in Tecarta includes the Brown-Driver-Briggs (OT) and Thayer’s (NT) definitions to Hebrew and Greek words.

When I downloaded this app I was able to get Strong’s for free, and have chosen to purchase a couple other helps from them since. The web app will let you use Strong’s for free.

Blue Letter Bible

blueletterbible.org

Blue letter bible is a resource that has encouraged many in their Study of God’s word over the years. They have many helpful tools included in the platform: Strong’s, Thayer’s, and Brown-Driver-Briggs. Along with other helps like Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, and Matthew Henry’s commentary.

The interface of the web app can present a bit of learning curve, though after a few minutes you should be well on your way to some great Bible study.

E-Sword

e-sword.net

For the PC there is no free tool that can compare to what E-Sword offers. This app will give you access to MANY tools and resources that will not only get you started but will also take you deep into Bible study (all at an unbeatable price: free)

E-sword also has paid iOS and MacOS apps that I think are worth the money. They currently have no official Android app.

If you use this app and find it helpful, please consider donating to the continued development of this tool.

Logos Bible Software

logos.com

At the other end of the price spectrum is Logos Bible Software. This study tool system is anything but free, though it currently offers the broadest catalog for study tools, and it you are starting from scratch you may be able to build a library with them digitally for less than physical books.

I have used the software for several years now and it has been invaluable in sermon and lesson preparation.

You can start with around 40 resources for free (Logos 9 basic), including Treasury of Scripture Knowledge, Matthew Henry’s Concise commentary and a couple Bible dictionaries. Though you will have to pay some more to get Strong’s or Vine’s Dictionary.

Your Turn

Start looking into the word meanings of significant words in your bible reading time tonight or tomorrow morning.

Pick a tool from the list above, and give it a try.

If you already use a tool that I didn’t mention above, leave me a comment so that I can check it out.

Comparing Scripture with Scripture

Treasure Hunt

The thrill of discovery. This is why we all love a good treasure hunt, word-search puzzle, or Sudoku game. We LOVE making connections and seeing things in other contexts. Our brains are hardwired to reward us when we make these connections.

Our study time in God’s word is the greatest of great Treasure Hunts. With time and a few helpful tools, we can make connections and unearth treasures that will enrich our lives through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Cross References

One of the best, if not the best tools we have for Bible Study are cross-references. These are references that preachers, teachers, bible publishers, and book authors supply to aid in the study of a particular passage or topic.

The best ones though are the ones you find yourself. After years of reading your bible, I’m sure you’ve seen connections that didn’t make it into the center column of your Bible.

Where to Find Cross References

Center-Column References

The easiest place to find cross-references, if you have a center-column reference bible is right there next to the words of Scripture. Not all cross-reference systems are created equally, but they are an excellent place to start. I have found almost every reference bible I have owned to be helpful.

Concordance

Many Bibles have some kind of concordance in the back. This can be helpful if you are looking into a particular topic or you know at least a word or two of the verse you are trying to find.

“The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge”

This single volume of my library is the most important to me. I have the physical book and don’t consider an electronic Bible study platform complete if they don’t offer it (and preferably include it for free, the original is now in the public domain).

The value of this resource is the number and quality of references. It lists references in the context of the verse, making it very space conscious. And it will most often catch both related verses and sources for quotations.

How to Use Cross References

The use of cross-references will depend on your tool, but most will have an indicator next to the word or phrase that points you to the center column for the references. In “The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge” you would look up the verse in the text then find related references in line with the text of the verse.

Read the Related Verse

It’s a simple as that. Find the reference, look up the verse, connections made. The power of this tool isn’t in complexity but in connection. Being able to connect a quote with its scriptural source can give some valuable context, and finding other usages of the same word or places where the topic is mentioned will bring depth to your study of God’s Word.

Look at the Context.

There is a real danger in using cross-references without consulting the context. In fact, unless I know the passage well, I will not use a reference in preaching or teaching unless I have reread the context to make sure I am staying true to the Bible in how I use it.

Demonstration

This week I was reading in Luke 19, and verses 45 and 46 jumped out at me.

45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought;
46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer: but ye have made it a den of thieves.
Luke 19:45–46

I knew this account was in at least one of the other gospels but I couldn’t remember for sure which one, and I thought there were at least one of the gospel accounts that mentioned Jesus cleansing the temple earlier in His ministry.

So, I went to my center column and found a note mentioning Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; and John 2:13-17.

Matthew and Mark record the same event as Luke, but John recorded the first cleansing. Nothing had changed in how the Jews treated God’s “house of prayer” from the first year of Jesus’ ministry to the last.

The center column also mentioned what passages Jesus was quoting in His rebuke. Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11 are the sources. I’ll leave it to you to study these passages for further insights.

I give this illustration to show that without even having to open another tool or search google for anything cross-references can be helpful in gaining insight into a biblical account, quotation, or topic.

There are many more buried treasures waiting to be uncovered as you faithfully search the scriptures.

Your Turn

Tomorrow morning in your Bible reading time, pay attention to the cross-references in your Bible if you have them. Take a minute to look up a few of them and get an idea of what they are saying in context.

If you don’t have a reference bible, look at E-Sword for the computer or Tecarta Bible online. Both of these resources (and many others) have some cross-references to help get you started.

Don’t leave the treasure buried. Record any thoughts that you have in a notebook or bible note on your phone where you can find them easily to help you in your future study.

In the Comments let me know some connections you’ve found in cross-references.

Final Challenge to Timothy

20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:
21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:20–21

I often smile to myself when I see ring bearers at weddings. Though the rings are usually fake, the idea of entrusting an expensive and important piece of jewelry to a toddler is just funny. They can’t yet understand how important the deposit they are holding is worth.

What is the most important thing you have ever been trusted with?

Stand Guard

“Keep” in this verse means to watch over something or stand guard. The mental picture this should bring to mind is like the Sentinels at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. They pace back and forth alert to any change in the situation.

Timothy was to guard the truth. The truth has been entrusted to his care and now he is to guard it, alert to any threat or change.

His Charge

Timothy is to keep the charge of the gospel that Paul had (1 Tim 1:11) and that Paul had passed on to Timothy (1 Tim 1:18).

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is summarized by Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; Christ died for our sins, He was buried and He rose again. This is our hope for fellowship with God in this life and confidence for eternity. This is a sacred responsibility. Paul felt its weight heavily, now it was Timothy’s turn to carry it on.

The Distractions

Most things that are guarded are never attacked. In fact, most of the guards at stores, banks, federal buildings, and jewelry stores will never even see an attempted robbery.

The guards’ main opposition then isn’t an attack or robbery, but a distraction. If he can be distracted then an attacker might gain the upper hand more easily, and make away with the goods, or break the secured area.

Timothy had several possible distractions, things that if they caught him off guard may in fact spoil his charge.

Profane and Vain Babbling

These would be worldly-wise conversations and endless useless talk.

Believers are sometimes accused of a lack of understanding of the things of this world. I think this would be preferred over entering into a profane conversation.

Often when discussions in Sunday school classes or small group bible studies start to show a lack of scriptural depth, it is the worldly nature of the conversation and the multiplication of words without any depth of meaning.

We must be on guard because of these things. Proverbs warns: “In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: But he that refraineth his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19) Sometimes the best thing we can do for the sake of the gospel is to be quiet.

Words can be the vehicle of truth, even the Gospel. When the Words of Life are mixed with the words of the world or diluted with endless meaningless words the message can be lost. I think this truth is why David prayed, “Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)

Oppositions of Science

The flip-side of worldly and endless useless talk is “oppositions of science.” Paul is referring to the “special knowledge” that some would claim oppose the teachings of scripture.

Anyone claiming “special knowledge” of God or scripture that you cannot see in scripture should be viewed with skepticism. Be on guard against those who with pride claim special knowledge with or without study. Those with much training can try to set bounds of what they think others can understand. Those without much training can overemphasize their experience as a new standard of truth.

These are falsely called knowledge. Paul makes a point to say this. We know the Gospel because God gave us this knowledge and confirmed the authority of it in His word.

Like with anything else, know your Bible.

Grace

And with the words “Grace be with thee. Amen.” Paul finishes this letter. Timothy would need grace just as Paul needed grace. God’s grace will sustain and enable all who stand guard for the sake of the gospel.

Your Turn

Though Timothy may have received a special call in the service of the gospel, each of us is called to “preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15) You have the same charge that Timothy had.

This is a sacred charge.

Set your focus and train yourself to not let distractions spoil your charge. Make your words count, choose words that go with the truth of the gospel. Focus on the truth of God’s word not any special or different teaching others may be peddling.

Live in God’s grace.

You need it. God is offering it to you. Live in it.

Get Ready

As you read this I am in the middle of VBS week at Grace Baptist Church.

Though I don’t have a new post for you today, I would encourage you to go back through the blog and catch up on any of the post from 1 Timothy that you may have missed. Next week will be the last of the 1 Timothy series.

I have really enjoyed this study, thanks for coming along!

Final Word to the Rich

1 Timothy 6:17-19

A Charge to Rich Believers

Though Paul had brought the teaching about money out to an application for Timothy (1 Tim 6:11-16), he again zeros in on the rich, giving them one final “charge” about how they are to live for Christ.

Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 
1 Timothy 6:17

“Charge” in this verse isn’t a calm recommendation. It’s an impassioned command. Paul wanted them to be urgently warned of these things. This was a commandment of warning. The “gain is godliness” teaching would lay waste to these believers if they didn’t heed these words of warning and instruction.

Trust in God, Not in Money

Money has false security about it. It’s nice to look at your bank accounts and investment portfolios and see large numbers. It’s easy to think that those numbers will insulate you from hardship. But they can’t, and they won’t.

Those that have money will be tempted to think it will save them, just as the healthy may think they are protected by their health from hardship. They may become “high-minded” (arrogant) in the substance they enjoy and put their trust in their riches.

We too often get pulled away from our trust in God. We can hold money, gather things, talk with people face to face, and yet none of them are as trustworthy as our God. Even in the things we claim we see His goodness and not our own.

Do Good Works

Verse 18 paints a picture of the happiest rich person.

That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 
1 Timothy 6:18

They do good. Riches are often associated with those that use them selfishly or hoard them obsessively. Paul doesn’t want that for these believers.

They are unselfish with their actions. Here’s a new kind of wealth to build, good works. Our money won’t last, but the good works we do for the glory of our Savior will last. This is a different way to look at life: “Who’s glory will I seek?” The resounding answer should be “Jesus’ glory!”

They are unselfish with their substance. Paul used two phrases here: “ready to distribute” and “willing to communicate.” By these statements, he means to be a person who gives and lives a giving lifestyle. Being a giving person doesn’t mean that you have to walk around all the time handing out $20 bills. You can, and should, be giving with your money. But you should also share the time God has given you, the food on your table, and the hope of eternal life.

The only way for our money to not control us is to put it into the service of God. Jesus said; “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21) Our good works and loving deeds and gifts that are given to others will outlast us, that is why eternity must still be our focus.

Look to Eternity

Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 
1 Timothy 6:19

Scripture is clear that life on this earth is about more than life on this earth. (Matthew 6:20, Matthew 19:21) We look with anticipation to an eternity away from sin and in perfect fellowship with The Heavenly Father.

We won’t need money in heaven and yet how we use the physical things of this earth can be laid “up in store… against the time to come”.

As we use the things and money God has entrusted to our care for His glory, we will see more clearly the value of eternity and lay up treasure in preparation for eternity.

Your Turn

Are you rich in this world?

Many of us are more wealthy than we realize. God blesses us with many things that we take for granted, or even selfishly use for our own pleasure instead of His glory.

Begin with Trust.

Keep your focus on God. Whether your bank account has $5 or 5 Million in it, you can’t trust it. And you shouldn’t discount God’s faithfulness if He doesn’t provide the way you want Him to provide.

He is trustworthy, trust in Him.

Get to work.

As we trust in God, the next logical step is to do what He says. So pray, be in church, witness to your coworkers and friends. Serve God.

Use whatever you have for God’s glory.

What ever you have, in large quantity or small, lay it daily at the Savior’s feet. Beg Him to use it and You for His glory.

How Does the “Man of God” Act?

1 Timothy 6:11-16

“But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
1 Timothy 6:11

“Man of God”

The term “man of God” in the Bible is mostly an Old Testament expression. Moses was called “the man of God” several times, as well as David, Elijah, Elisha, and several other lesser-known men. It was used to refer to prophets and others called and dedicated to the service of God. These were usually men who had to deliver hard truths but did it because they valued the truth.

Paul is calling on Timothy’s jewish training, essentially telling him: “You are God’s man now, Timothy. This is how God’s man acts.”

Flee

“But thou, O man of God, flee these things;…”
1 Timothy 6:11a

The pull of money is very strong. In our day money is a god. Even among Christians, money is viewed as the sign of God’s blessing. While God does bless with money, Paul has made it very clear in 1 Tim 6:3-10 that money isn’t the goal; godliness with contentment is the greatest gain. (See last week’s post for more on this.)

Timothy will need to flee the fascination of being rich and the love of money. The meaning of “flee” isn’t vague here: run away! The Man of God cannot be true to the message God has given him if he is seeking personal wealth.

Jesus said,

“No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (deified money).”
Matthew 6:24

The application is clear to any that would be people of God today. You cannot worship money and be faithful to the call of God in your life. Flee the “gain is godliness” mentality.

But just as there was something for Timothy to flee, there would also be some things to follow.

Follow

“…and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.”
1 Timothy 6:11b

Follow after righteousness. We have God’s righteousness counted to us when we are saved. This righteousness will change how we live.

Follow after godliness. Here it is again, godliness. This is acting toward God and others in a way that shows the change God has made in us.

Follow after faith. Faith involves all of what it means to be a Christian. Simply: Faith is obedience to God based on trust in His person and character.

Follow after love. The Christ-like words and actions of love.

Follow after patience. Cheerfully facing each and every hardship of life.

Follow after meekness. Approaching life with humility and gentleness.

While these virtues may not lead you to more money or prestige, they are the indicators of a Man or Woman of God. They are also inseparably tied to the character of Jesus Christ.

This character is generally peaceful, though not passive. Make no mistake, in following these things the Man or Woman of God will still have a fight on their hands.

Fight

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.”
1 Timothy 6:12

The words “fight the good fight of faith” may bring different things to mind: The Crusades, debating with friends “who are wrong,” or like is meant here: to struggle for the right teaching of God’s word.

The cause of truth is a battle. The enemy has drawn lines of battle and has made no mystery of his intent. The desire to be rich and the love of money will draw people from the truth, and they will be aggressive about it. And though the “gain is godliness” myth will draw some away, the cause of truth has the greatest champion: Christ. Notice the next several verses.

Jesus is the Example

13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:
15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:13–16

As you read these words I hope you feel the weight behind them, the deep care Paul felt for this young preacher. And even more, the adoration that Paul felt for his Savior.

This charge for Timothy to stay true to the teaching of Christ ends with a Song of praise to Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb 12:2). We fight because we know we can win, we know we can win because Jesus won. We can be confident because He is faithful and powerful.

Your Turn

Are you a Person of God?

How is this shown in your Fleeing?

Do you run away from the “gain is godliness” scam?

How is this shown in your Following?

Are you seeking these Christlike attitudes?

And in your Fighting?

Do you fight like Jesus HAS won? Or do you fight like you might win?

Pray for God to reveal any ground that desire of riches and love of money hold in your devotion and turn that ground back over to God.

Read the Gospels again to see the character of Jesus and then, by God’s grace, devote yourself to emulating that character.

Money and Sound Doctrine

1 Timothy 6:3-10

Money

What is the relationship of the man (or woman) of God to money? Do we think of our spirituality being showcased by our use of money? Even then, what does money have to do with having good Doctrine?

These are all great questions. When you look among those who have abandoned scriptural doctrine you almost always see people who have decided to go after money.

“Supposing Gain is Godliness”

3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,
5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
1 Timothy 6:3–5

These are harsh words. Necessary, but harsh.

Paul’s teaching in this letter so far has been to get Timothy ready for the hard road ahead of serving churches, and constantly knocking heads with people who either don’t know the truth or who oppose the truth. Many of those who oppose the truth will do it under the banner of “gain is godliness.”

This idea of “gain is godliness” is everywhere. Our book stores are filled with those who teach that virtue is obvious in those who have money. Your news feeds will be full of articles about how the “25 richest people live.” Even among believers we have to be careful to not look at those who have less and think that God is punishing them.

And yet the question stands: What is the relationship of the faithful believer to money?

Godliness with Contentment

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
1 Timothy 6:6–8

We ought to pursue godliness even at the cost of other, worldly, gain, because “godliness with contentment is great gain.”

All that we have in this life is a gift, or better a stewardship, from our loving creator and redeemer. Would it be showing gratitude to horde these things? Would we honor Him by flaunting wealth? Or worse, can we please Him be merely presenting evidence of a massive bank account?

Contentment is what goes with godliness; not because money isn’t needed, or because God wants us to suffer. But because we can be godly regardless of our physical possessions.

The Love of Money

9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.
10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:9–10

Two phrases should jump out: “they that will be rich” (v. 9) and “the love of money is the root of all evil” (v. 10). Paul is calling out those who are seeking to be rich and those who love money. Having money isn’t wrong. Being rich isn’t condemned in scripture. Loving money and devoting your life to collecting it are what Paul is cautioning against.

Devotion to money means that all the joy you will have in life is when you get more of it. You will serve it as master, you will be a slave to comparisons and growth projections. And miss the eternal gain of walking with God in godliness and contentment.

Working, but Not for Money

It’s fitting that this passage follows one about the believer at work. We are tempted, I think, to work for our pay check. That train of thought may lead us to keep working for an even bigger paycheck. And though we should be rewarded for our efforts at work, we may miss opportunity of our time at work to put into practice the teachings of God’s word. We may miss the reward of serving as unto the Lord.

So work, work hard, but not for money. Or at least not just for money.

Your Turn

Where might you have given yourself to seek money, or love money?

Talk about these things with God. Again, money itself isn’t wrong, but serving it makes it an idol and you won’t know the joy of serving God if you are serving idols.

Are you following teachers that hold up the banner of “gain is godliness”?

Stop it. While we may learn a few good things from these people, their end will be ugly. Don’t get swallowed up in their teaching, charisma, or shallow promises.

How are you seeking godliness?

Seeking godliness is key to having a right relationship with money and, well… anything.

In God’s word read the gospels, but this time read them through to learn the character of Jesus. See His care for others, His contentment, and obedience of The Father.

A Tribute to Tom

Earlier this year I lost one of my few faithful readers.

Talking about my loss seems trivial compared to what his family lost. His wife lost a husband, his children lost their father, his grandchildren a grandfather, and a host of friends an encourager.

To be honest I didn’t know Tom very well, definitely not as well as I would have liked. But I know a few things about him: He consistently “liked” the posts I shared from my blog on social media, and he would comment encouragement or agreement. These may have just been because Facebook algorithms made sure he saw my posts, but I don’t think so. I think Tom was an encourager.

Our world has too many of us who are focused on shouting louder so that everyone hears us. We need people who care enough to listen. To affirm us when we’re on the right track and be honest when we’re not.

The Call to Be an Encourager

I think people like Tom were on the mind and heart of the writer of Hebrews when he penned these words:

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:23–25

We can apply these three thoughts:

Hold onto the Truths of God

When we have the truth and know we have it, we can be a lot more confident and helpful in our dealings with others. We can be consistent because we are looking to a changeless source of wisdom. We can be compassionate because we remember the change God’s word has made in our life. We can be “unwavering” because “he is faithful that promised”.

Hold onto the truths of God.

Carefully plan out How you will prompt others to Love and Good Works

Being an encouragement often falls apart because we aren’t ready to do it. We can plan ahead for how to encourage people to love and prompt them to do good works. This is unnatural for humanity. We don’t naturally love as Jesus loved and serve selflessly.

Part of being an encourager may simply be modeling love and good works.

Be where you can be an encouragement.

“Being where you can be an encouragement” almost seems too obvious to mention. But it’s profound. You will be able to encourage those you know and interact with. You won’t be able to encourage those you don’t know and don’t interact with.

Church meetings are the natural “place” for this encouragement, but with the right intentionality, you can be an encourager anywhere you go.

Tom was all of these things. He was confident and didn’t feel the need to put me down (though he had years of life experience that I don’t). He knew the value of a “like” or a comment, and I got the impression from his comments on others’ posts that he was free and liberal with his encouragement. And HE WAS THERE. I’m sure he had better things to do with his time than read my posts, but he chose to read them. And I am so honored that he did.

Be An Encourager

I almost lost my dad around the time Tom was struggling before his death. In that time of busyness and emotion, I stopped blogging. But now as things have started to return to “normal” I am reminded of my encourager. And I am back at my computer hoping to be that encourager to someone else… even just one person.

This world has lost Tom. But we haven’t lost you.

You can be this kind of encourager to others. Even if it’s one person: show genuine interest, give a word of encouragement, be faithful. You don’t know the difference you could make in a life.

Workplace Respect

1 Timothy 6:1-2

Historical Context

In this time most of the Christians would probably have been slaves. They would have had little control over their lives, their masters had legal authority over every part of their life. The master would have directed their effort and set plans for their future. This would have been a very difficult existence.

In applying these verses, I’ll be referring to the employer-employee relationship. We don’t live under the conditions the early church did. The moral argument against slavery in the US has been presented and has won. We do however have employers that we answer to every day. With the average American working between 45-50 hours a week, our employers have a great deal of control over how our time is spent, and we have the opportunity in this relationship to illustrate Christ-like character.

Working for an Unbelieving Boss

“Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.”
1 Timothy 6:1

The believing employee is to work for his employer like he is the best boss ever. Notice, this verse doesn’t say anything about how nice the boss is, how good the benefits are, or how skilled a leader the employer is. As far a the believing employee is concerned, they are worthy of our best effort.

What’s at stake here is the name of God and God’s teachings. How the believer handles work reflects on Jesus Christ, and His teachings. If our work ethic doesn’t match up with what they know of the character of Christ we do a disservice to the testimony of Christ. If our attitudes don’t match up with the teachings of God’s word we shine a bad light on the doctrine of God.

When a believer goes to work, works hard, and does it all with a good attitude he paves the way for the gospel to be presented with power.

Working for a Believing Boss

“And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.” 
1 Timothy 6:2

For the believing employee-employer relationship, there should be no less honor given.

In the time when Paul wrote this, the slave and his master being a part of the same church could have made for some awkward workplace dynamics. Imagine a slave is also the pastor of the church and the master is one of the newly saved members. This is not an impossible situation. But what good would it do to the cause of Christ for the Christian slave to slack at his work just because his master was a Christian?

If you work for a believer, give them the day’s labor they are paying you for. Work in a way that shows unbelieving coworkers the character of Christ. You will do nothing for the “name of God and his doctrine” by slacking at work.

Your Turn

We live in one of the most mobile job markets in history. With this mobility comes the flexibility to choose different work, different workplaces, or even promotion within an organization that changes the relationship to people who were supervisors. However, this mobility does not change the teaching of these verses.

Go to work and work hard.

Punctuality and diligence will start you out on a great footing for being a testimony at work.

Serve your employer the way you would serve God.

How you work will reflect on God, so serve in a way that will reflect well on Him. This will need to be a constant focus and goal.

Why Do We Love Santa Claus?

He sees you when you're sleeping 
And he knows when you're awake 
He knows if you've been bad or good 
So be good for goodness sake 

You better watch out! 
You better not cry 
You better not pout, 
I'm telling you why 
Santa Claus is coming to town

— “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie

Christmas time shows how our culture loves Santa. He has songs, movies, jokes, and lore. You learn from these of his many characteristics; he’s loving, forgiving, all-knowing, good, and wise. We love him because of what he stands for: seeing the good in people, rewarding good behavior, and giving selflessly.

Santa is an interesting character. He has some fun movies and songs. We like to see “Santa” hats around, sing songs about reindeer with glowing noses and think about masses of elves making Christmas presents. There is nothing wrong with a good story, sometimes though these stories create a substitute for what we really need.

In movies like “Miracle on 34th Street” you’re confronted by an unfortunate comparison between belief in Santa Clause and belief in God. Santa is seen as an all-knowing, all-loving, and ultimately good being. It’s presented as though all you have to do is believe in Santa and you’ll have a great Christmas.

When you examine the truths of Scripture, you find that these attributes best describe God, not Santa. Here’s a couple that the Bible attributes to God.

God is all-knowing

1 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. 
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. 
Psalm 139:1–2

This is great! God knows everything about you. The understanding that God sees and knows everything about us is the motivation behind the Fear of the Lord.

Being omniscient, He is the best accountability for us to do right. He is also able to be perfectly just based on His perfect knowledge.

God gives all good things

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” 
James 1:17

God is the giver of every good gift. All of the best things in life come from God. He knows the things we need and He even graciously gives us the things we want.

Why Santa and not God?

People seem to like Santa and not God because Santa Clause doesn’t demand any permanent, or eternal accountability. He comes around at Christmas time but is conveniently absent for the rest of the year.

The stereotype of Santa gives us what we want but God gives us what we need all the time. We need God’s perfect gifts all the time, we don’t NEED everything we WANT. We need the accountability that comes with God being all-knowing. We may want to hide things from Him, but the fact that He knows everything about us and still forgives and restores our relationships should bring us great comfort.