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The Purpose of Paul’s Writing

1 Timothy 3:14-15

Ever run late? 

We all do it occasionally. What type of person are you when you’re running late?

Do you text ahead? Leave them guessing? Call and talk to them the whole time you finish your trip there?

We can be thankful that Paul was the type to write ahead. Even though he wasn’t late yet, he wanted Timothy to have the instruction in this letter, just in case.

“These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly:” 
1 Timothy 3:14

Paul wanted to come to see Timothy and be with the Church at Ephesus. This letter was his way of helping Timothy know how to handle things in the church if he couldn’t come as soon as he hoped.

This is how Timothy was to Conduct Himself

"But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." 
1 Timothy 3:15

Paul wanted Timothy to know how to carry on with the church in Ephesus if he should be delayed from coming. The idea of “behave” in verse 15 isn’t meant to read as the opposite of misbehave. Paul wanted Timothy to know what to do, how he should carry on in the work of God in that place.

So far this instruction has included encouragement to stay true to Biblical doctrine, instruction for church meetings, and teaching for how to select church officials. There will be more as we go through this letter.

In committing these things to Timothy, Paul is setting a very important precedent: The work of God is bigger than one person. Timothy was gifted to do all of these things. God was with him to help him. 

You and I can learn how we are to “behave” in the house of God. In church meets God wants more from us than to just sit and listen. The word “behave” includes the idea of “keep busy”. How are you going to productively keep yourself busy in your local church?

What the Church is:

The last part of verse 15 is a powerful statement of what the church is. These 3 things give us some further insight into how we are to behave, after all the value of something can change how we treat it.

House of God

Here think “the family of God.”

If you are a believer, when you meet with your church you are gathering with God’s family. Look around you. Everyone you see is family. God cares from them, He cares for you… a lot!

You belong here. Whether you feel it all the time or not, you belong when you are with God’s people.

Church of the Living God

The Church (gk: ekklesia) is a group of people that are called out by God. Throughout the New Testament this term is used mostly to refer to local churches.

The church at Ephesus wasn’t just any assembly of people, neither is your church. It is the “church of the living God”. Is there life in your church meetings? How can you contribute to that life?

Pillar and Ground of the Church

The church is the “pillar and ground of the truth”. We could think of this like the strong pillars of an ancient building, standing on a solid foundation. Your church is to bear the weight of truth and stand strong in it. As time passes erosion may threaten below and wild storms above, but the church is the pillar and ground of truth

Verse 16 helps us see the significance of the truth we stand for.

"And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." 
1 Timothy 3:16

How well do you know and stand in the truth of God?

Your Turn

Church Member:

  • Learn how you are to “behave” in church. Don’t just attend meetings. Be the vital part of God’s work that He has called you to be.
  • Illustrate the truth of God alongside your brothers and sisters in Christ.

Non-Church Member:

This post isn’t directly about church membership, but… You need a church. I know that there are church out there that don’t always show the life of the “living God”, churches that have given in to the storms and erosion that seeks to overthrow truth. But these aren’t every church.

Find a solid church, one with life and joy. Become an active and vital part of what God is doing there. 

This may mean going back to where you have previously attended. It might be hard, it’ll probably require some humility, but it’ll be worth it.

El Olam – The Eternal God (Everlasting God)

Does anything last anymore?

You get home from the store and take your brand new purchase out of it’s box. For the next bit of time you put it together, set it up, and anticipate using it for years to come.

We don’t buy things to underserve their purpose. We want them to last. In fact very often we want them to out last what’s expected. I know a man who has a vehicle that has far out served its expected life. It’s a 2002 Chevy Tracker with nearly 400,000 miles! He is religious with maintenance and jokes that he’ll “trade it in when it hits 400k.” But even though there are examples like this of things lasting far beyond what is expected, for the most part we are disappointed when the things we use break, wear out, or fail to meet useful requirements. 

I’m not bringing this up as a charge against manufacturing. This is how our world works. Possessions decay. Things break. People die. But not everything is this way.

Everlasting God

By the time we reach Genesis 21 Abraham has been through a lot. He has aged a lot. Though he is 100 years old his promised son has just been born. Imagine how aware he must have been of his age related to his sons youth.

After Isaac’s birth Abraham had to send away his first born Ishmael and his mother Hagar. Then further on in the chapter Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelek

“Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.”
Genesis 21:23

Abimelek was was making arrangements for his son and grandson. They witnessed the agreement with an exchange of sheep and Abraham planted a grove of trees.

“And Abraham planted a grove in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.”
Genesis 21:33

“Everlasting God” translates the Hebrew words “El” referring to God (See previous post) and “Olam” which Strong defines as “time out of mind… eternity.” Abraham must have been thinking of all that was happening around him and thinking that God is really the only thing he could count on to last.

What Lasts?

Many of God’s names force us to look at things from a perspective that is very different from our own. “El Olam” pushes us to attempt to look into the realm of eternity. God is Everlasting, we have a beginning and an end. What does this perspective of God mean to us? What implications could this hold for the follower of God?

Another passage that uses a phrase similar to this is Isaiah 40:28-31. While this will be familiar to some, lets see this name of God, and the role it plays in this context that we know and love.

28 Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, 
That the everlasting God, the Lord, 
The Creator of the ends of the earth,
Fainteth not, neither is weary?
There is no searching of his understanding.
29 He giveth power to the faint;
And to them that have no might he increaseth strength.
30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary,
And the young men shall utterly fall:
31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;
They shall mount up with wings as eagles;
They shall run, and not be weary;
And they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28–31

Pastor Ken Spilger outlines this chapter as follows:

  • We should wait on the Lord because of Who God Is (v. 1-29)
  • We should wait on the Lord because of our weakness (v. 30)
  • We should wait on the Lord because of His promise (v. 31)

Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming Messiah paints such a beautiful picture of the power of God. But not just His power, we hear also of His care for His people and His warnings against underestimating His power. The passage closes with a statement of His absolute Everlasting Power (v. 28) and His condescension to mankind in our weakness (v.29). We are reminded of our weakness in verse 30. Even the strongest of human beings eventually wear down.

But those who wait on the Lord… “renew their strength;” they soar, run, and walk without wearing down, or wearing out. And all of this tremendous promise is sure because the God on whom it is based is the EVERLASTING GOD.

Studying and Application:

  1. When did you realize the constraints of time?
    • What are some ways that you feel especially weak or time-bound today? Pray about these things.
  2. Research the biblical theme of “waiting on the Lord.” What other application can you make to your prayer life and your walk with God?
  3. Review your prayer list. Take a minute to add any new requests now.

Deacons and their Wives

1 Timothy 3:8-13

It just makes sense that an overqualified servant would have a family that measures up to his character. Paul’s description of a deacon continues to include the deacon’s family and his perspective of reward.

The Deacon’s Wife

Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 
1 Timothy 3:11

The presence of these qualifications for the deacons wife are a further indication of the importance of this office in the church.

The Deacons wife must be:

  • Grave: (Same as with deacons) honorable, viewing important things as important.
  • Not slanderous: She won’t tell lies about others to make people think badly of them. This slander would also include gossip.
  • Sober: She is well balanced, has a steadiness about her.
  • Faithful in all things: She is trustworthy and faithful. 

The Deacon’s Family

Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 
1 Timothy 3:12

He is to be the husband of one wife. A one woman man.

This verse compares interestingly with verses 4-5. Just as a pastor must have an orderly household, the deacon must as well. When a pastor’s kids aren’t terrors it’s one thing, but when the deacons kids are walking in God’s way the testimony of the church increases greatly.

The Deacon’s Reward

For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 
1 Timothy 3:13

A deacons service isn’t in vain. Those who serve well have received two things: “a good degree”, and “great boldness in the faith”. 

A Good Degree

The phrase “good degree” has the idea of a favorable rise in standing.

Though a deacons focus must be on true service, there will be a many who see that service and respect him greatly in it. The surest way to influence is through service.

In Matthew 23 Jesus taught about the importance of service.

10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.  
11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.  
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. 
Matthew 23:10–12

Jesus words on Service show that the way to true greatness is through service.

Great Boldness

In this is think of Stephen and Philip. I also think of the many deacons I have known who have had great boldness in witnessing.

Just this last Sunday one of the deacons shared about the opportunities God has given him to witness in the last few weeks. These come only with boldness.

Boldness only comes from sincerity and confidence. The deacon who is true to who God has called him to be in and out of church meeting times and is grounded in God’s word will know great boldness in the faith.

Your Turn

Serve: Jesus called all of us to serve. You don’t need a special office. You don’t need a vote. Be a person of character, and serve.

Study: Search the gospels for where Jesus talks about service and greatness.

(Here are some passages to get you started: Matt 18:1-11, Matt 20:20-28, Luke 9:46-48, Luke 22:24-27)

Are you a deacon? Read and pray through this passage. God has given you a great opportunity in the place you serve. Seek only Him for the good standing and boldness.

Are you looking for a deacon? Consider the family of the man being considered before appointing him to this very important role.

El Elyon – The Most High God

We live a world that is largely monotheistic, in other words, most people believe that there is just one God. But in the time when Abraham, Moses, the kings, prophets, and even through Jesus’ and the apostles’ time polytheism was a normal view of diety.

There were always some through all of this time that looked to the One True God. But great power was often consolidated under people who served a pantheon of false “gods”. Priests to these various gods would have held a certain amount of sway in culture and society. 

One name of God, “El Elyon”, seems to point to the Absolute Sovereignty of Jehovah. He is God (El) Most High (Elyon). 

A couple of the contexts where this name of God is used make the point of God’s Absolute Sovereignty very clear. Then a few others point to God’s “highness” as a position of advantage for those who call on Him. Let’s take a look at a few of these and then draw some applications for our prayer life.

Melchizedek

In Genesis 14 Abram’s nephew, Lot, is captured in a raid on Sodom. When Abram hears about this he gets the men in his camp together and they go and rescue all the people and stuff that were taken in the raids.  In the recovery from this battle a priest enters the scene as the “priest of the most high God”

Genesis 14:18-24

“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God (El Elyon).” 
Genesis 14:18

Melchizedek holds a special place as priest and king. While not a lot is known of him as a person the Bible shows that he is significant in the truths that this encounter illustrate (Hebrews 5-7).

Melchizedek uses this name twice in talking to Abram (v. 19-20). Then Abram uses God’s names, El Elyon, clarifying what is this means in verse 22. Abram makes it clear that Jehovah is the El Elyon, “most high God.”

“And Abram said to the king of Sodom, I have lift up mine hand unto the LORD (Jehovah), the most high God (El Elyon), the possessor of heaven and earth,” 
Genesis 14:22

No one could claim this victory for their “god”, this victory belonged to Jehovah alone.

Nebuchadnezzar

This name for God is used a number of other places in scripture. But one of the most interesting is when it is used by and around king Nebuchadnezzar. 

Nebuchadnezzar had just commissioned an idol to be made of himself so that all the land could worship him. But after watching God’s faithful servants survive the furnace he had intended for their death, he went as close to the furnace as he dared and said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, ye servants of the most high God, come forth⁠” Dan 3:26

After all he had seen he had to admit that the God these Hebrews served was El Elyon.

Rival gods

This name of God leaves no question about God’s claim to be greater than any idol.

God’s works are real and powerful.

God’s competition is imaginary and inanimate.

Psalm 135 includes this claim about God:

“5 For I know that the LORD is great, And that our Lord is above all gods. 
6 Whatsoever the LORD pleased, That did he in heaven, and in earth, In the seas, and all deep places.” 
Psalm 135:5–6

Verse 5 uses a different word for “above” than “Elyon” but the idea is clear. This is made even more clear in some of the passage that follows.

“15 The idols of the heathen are silver and gold, 
The work of men’s hands. 
16 They have mouths, but they speak not; 
Eyes have they, but they see not; 
17 They have ears, but they hear not; 
Neither is there any breath in their mouths. 
18 They that make them are like unto them: 
So is every one that trusteth in them.” 
Psalm 135:15–18

There is no rival to God. He is “God Most High”. There is no help greater than His help. 

Praying to The Most High God

Psalm 57 is a prayer of David that catches hold of the pictures of this name of God and uses them in prayer in a way that I think we can take inspiration from for our prayer.

Verses 1, 4 and 6 of this psalm show that David is overwhelmed and needs help. David is hiding in a cave from the anger and instability of King Saul. And though his is in a cave David is calling out to God Most High. In verse 2 he boldly says,

“I will cry unto God most high (El Elyon) ; Unto God that performeth all things for me.” 
Psalm 57:2

He is confident in God’s help (v3). His heart is fixed on God and he purposes to praise Him. Though he is in great peril, his main concern is that God is praised. Notice the sentiment of verses 5 (verse 11 repeats these words) and 7:

“Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens; 
Let thy glory be above all the earth.” 
Psalm 57:5
“My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: 
I will sing and give praise.” 
Psalm 57:7

Application:

God is above our solutions:

There is no greater help for us than the One True God. There is no more sure person or “god” to put our trust in than the one true God.

We can plot and strategize but there is no substitute for God’s perspective or His solutions. We risk setting up idols in our lives when we seek help from others that should only be sought from God.

God is above our problems:

Look for your answered prayer to come only from on high, and feel free to praise God for Who He Is even before the answer comes.

There is no problem that God cannot solve, no battle He cannot win, no need He cannot meet.

Our earthbound perspective tends to lead us to earthbound solutions or earthbound depression. God reigns on High. High above our biggest concerns.

Studying and Application:

  1. What is the definition of an idol?
    • What people or resources do you go to when you’re overwhelmed? Do you ever go to them when you should be going to God Most High?
  2. Purpose to praise God. Even when the answer to what overwhelms you hasn’t come. 
  3. Review your prayer list. Take a minute to add any new requests now.

Deacons (Part 1)

1 Timothy 3:8-13

The role of deacons in the Bible and in churches is very interesting. In many churches deacons are part of the legal structure of the church and the accountability of the ministry. They are often very resourceful men of God, leaders of faith. 

But what is a deacon according to the Bible? And what does the Bible say about what kind of men should be deacons?

What is a Deacon?

A Servant

The word deacon is translated here from a word meaning “servant”. The idea is strange.  The “deacons” (plural) were to be a group of men with very specific and very high qualifications. Their purpose was to serve the church.

The first group of deacons (Acts 6:1-7) were among the most overqualified group of servants ever.

The First Deacons

The Apostles saw that the needs of the widows in the church’s care were too great for them to meet and to continue to be faithful in prayer and active in the ministry of the word. So they asked for men to be nominated for this ministry…

“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.” 
Acts 6:3

A Bold Example

These men didn’t just serve tables, their faithfulness led them to testify of Christ with boldness. Stephen, one of these men, was martyred for his faith at the end of Acts 7 after giving irrefutable testimony of Christ. Philip, another of the deacons from Acts 6, was instrumental in seeing the gospel spread to Samaria and then, through an Ethiopian official, into North Africa (Acts 8:4-13, 26-40). Philip is later referred to as “Philip the evangelist” in Acts 8:8.

Like these great men of the faith, our deacons today must be chosen carefully, they must be men of humility and service, but they must also be men who are bold in the faith.

In 1 Timothy 3 Paul gives the qualifications of this office with some guidance about their families, and how they can use the office of a deacon.

Qualifications of a Deacon

8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre;  
9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.  
10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. 
1 Timothy 3:8–10

Paul lists these qualifications for a servant of the church. He must be:

Grave: A man who is honorable. He isn’t flippant about important things.

Not double-tongued: He speaks the truth to whoever he is talking with. Gossip and lies are not the way of a deacon.

Not given to much wine: as with the pastor, he isn’t given to the use alcohol.

Not greedy of filthy lucre: His goal isn’t money, this is key as some of the roles of a deacon will involve the use of money for ministry. He won’t neglect the role of a deacon to pursue personal wealth.

Hold to the gospel with a pure conscience: The Mystery of the gospel is the revealed gospel and its implications for all peoples. Deacons need to be grounded in God’s Word.

Proven and found blameless: Time must be given to observe someone being considered for appointment as a Deacon. Great damage could be done by one man who would misuse this office.

Overqualified?

Many of these qualifications overlap with those given earlier in the chapter for Pastors. There is a good reason for this. In the early church Pastors would mostly come from within the church. They would likely be saved, baptized, trained and ordained to minister in the same church.

The deacons would have been instrumental in this process and potentially have been men that would later be called to pastor whether in that church or in another church in the same city.

The rest of this passage (which we’ll look at next week) bear this out even more, talking about the deacons wife, family and the implications of his service.

Your Turn

Serve: Jesus called all of us to serve. You don’t need a special office. You don’t need a vote. Be a person of character, and serve.

Study: Compare the qualifications of a Pastor (1 Tim 3:1-7) with those of a deacon (1 Tim 3:8-13). How are they similar? How are they different?

Are you a deacon? Read and pray through this passage. God has given you a great opportunity in the place you serve. Seek only Him for good standing and boldness.

Are you looking for a deacon? Give time to prove a man before appointing him to be a deacon. We sometimes see potential in people and try to help them reach it. This is good, but appointing someone as a deacon too soon can be very damaging.

Jehovah Ra-ah – The Lord is My Shepherd

This name of The LORD is the last one of those combined with Jehovah. The rest have been organized by when they are introduced in Scripture, this one was saved for last.

Psalm 23 begins with some of the most loved words in all of Scripture:

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

This wonderful psalm goes on to describe the care of Jehovah for His sheep, the people He takes care of so well.

In his commentary on this Psalm Warren Wiersbe writes:

“The Lord” is Jehovah God, the covenant making God of Israel. The compound names of Jehovah in the Old Testament reflect the contents of this psalm.

“I shall not want”—Jehovah-Jireh, the Lord will provide” (Gen. 22:14)

“still waters”- Jehovah-Shalom, “the Lord our peace” (Judg. 6:24)

“restores my soul”—Jehovah-Rophe, “the Lord who heals” (Ex. 15:26)

“paths of righteousness”—Jehovah-Tsidkenu, “the Lord our righteousness” (Jer. 33:16)

“you are with me”—Jehovah-Shammah, “the Lord is there” (Ezek. 48:35)

“presence of my enemies”—“Jehovah-Nissi, “the Lord our banner” (Ex. 17:15)

“anoint my head”—Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, “the Lord who sanctifies” (Lev. 20:8)”1⁠1

In the words of this psalm it is impossible to miss how much God cares for His people.

The LORD is My Shepherd

Jehovah as we’ve seen before means:  “self-Existent or Eternal” (And really the full meaning is beyond human comprehension)

“Shepherd” here is the Hebrew word “Ra-ah” which has the idea of tending a flock, ruling, or even associating with someone.

David no doubt remembered the long hours he spent with his father’s sheep as he penned this psalm. He would have known them by name, noted what their strengths and weaknesses were, and learned patience through their idiosyncrasies.

“Ra-ah” is used largely in contexts of caring for sheep or where a mental picture of caring for sheep is being painted, but is also used a few times talking about association or friendship: Proverbs 22:24

“Make no friendship with an angry man; 
And with a furious man thou shalt not go:”

Here it’s translated “friendship”, showing that the Hebrew speaking person when hearing this word understood the connotations of friendship and association and not just shepherd.

Our Shepherd

“The LORD is my Shepherd”

As we read this psalm it’s more than just a beautiful expression about how David felt about God. It’s words directly apply us. “How?” you might ask… “this is an Old Testament passage.” While that’s true, I would assert that we, as believers, have an even closer association with our shepherd. This becomes clear as we turn to look at John 10. 

In John 10:10-15 Jesus makes a couple of statements that relate to this discussion:

“I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” 
John 10:11
“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.”
John 10:14

So we see, Jesus is the Good Shepherd. But who are His sheep? In this conversation He is talking to a group of Jewish believers, but in verse 16 He says:

“And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”
John 10:16

Jews, as the people of God, have a claim to being part of God’s flock first, but Praise the Lord, Jesus has other sheep that are welcomed by His grace into the fold of His care! He is our shepherd. We (all believers) have the awesome opportunity to say “The LORD is my Shepherd” and our Good Shepherd has proven His care by giving His life for us.

Praying to Our Shepherd

When we are praying to God as “The LORD our Shepherd” don’t miss His desire to know you and to be known by you. He is willing to associate with You. There can be no doubt in our minds that our Good Shepherd cares about our needs and the needs of others that we present to Him.

Our Good Shepherd gave His life for us, proving His care. He did this before we were even His sheep.

He leads us and provides for our needs all the while patiently enduring our particular idiosyncrasies. And even though we are stuck on the needs and issues right in front of us, He is preparing for our eternal good.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: 
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” 
Psalm 23:6 

Studying and Application:

  1. When was the last time you listed all the ways God has blessed and provided for you? Make a gratitude list now… Don’t stop with just the first 2 or 3 things that come to mind think carefully and be thorough. 
  2. What are some of your fears that show you that you need comfort from the Good Shepherd? List a few of these and pray casting these cares on the Lord. (1 Peter 5:7)
  3. Review your prayer list. Take a minute to add any new requests now.
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1 Wiersbe, W. W. (2004). Be worshipful (1st ed., pp. 94–95). Colorado Springs, CO: Cook Communications Ministries.

Who’s the Pastor? (Part 2)

1 Timothy 3:1-7

Last week we looked at the desire for ministry and the needed character of a pastor. Today we’re going to carry that on into how that desire and character are applied and evidenced in their family, maturity, and testimony.

Family Life

A pastors family life shows just how well his character is lining up with the characteristics Paul gave in verses 2 and 3. Here’s what he says about the Pastor and his family:

4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;  5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 
1 Timothy 3:4–5

I am blest to be a PK. As a kid, I knew my dad wasn’t caught up in seeking his own glory. He always worked to lead us, my family and my church, to a real walk with God. This meant that we talked about the Bible like it was real and practical at home, and we heard the same thing from the pulpit every time the church doors were open.

How a pastor leads his family will show how he is leading the church. A man who doesn’t have his own house in order probably isn’t the best choice to lead a church.

Pastor, don’t lose track of how you are leading your family. This is one of the greatest ministries you have. 

Maturity

A pastor cannot properly lead a church if he is a novice.

Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 
1 Timothy 3:6

A novice is a new christian. There is NOTHING wrong with being a new christian! In fact I think some of us who have been saved a while could learn from the zeal of the newly saved. But that zeal isn’t always accompanied by the maturity needed to lead a church.

In this Paul is calling on the spiritually mature to pastor. The new Christian should learn and grow and be encouraged in his desire to be a pastor, but appointing him to that role before he is ready would lead to his own destruction and the harm of that local church.

Testimony

A pastors character, family life and maturity must be seen by the world outside the church.

Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 
1 Timothy 3:7

This refers to the reputation that a pastor has in a community, among unsaved people. How does he conduct business? Is he kind? Fair? What skeletons do they see in his closet that are hidden from those in his church?

Why does this matter?

Why would the opinions and perspectives of the unsaved world matter in a case like this?

Let me answer that with some questions. Would you go to a church pastored by a man who was given to road rage? who frequently broke “minor” laws to get what he wanted? Or, who had addictions he was unwilling to deal with?

My unsaved friends see all of these kinds of things in pastors as reasons to not trust churches and christians.

In short: Testimony matters.

Your Turn

Are you a pastor? 

Pay attention to the needs of your family. They are a precious responsibility from God.

Let your family and the world around you see you walk with God for real. Be the example of character and maturity that our world needs.

Are you called to be a pastor? 

Grow in your spiritual maturity. Read God’s word daily, memorize, meditate on it and apply it to the world around you. Make yourself accountable to a trusted friend, your pastor or others to growth and maturity. 

Maybe you are neither of the people mentioned so far.

Pray for your pastor. Your pastor needs your prayer and support.

Be your pastor’s encourager. Too often we criticize without any attempt to encourage. Don’t fall into this trap. As we go along there will be instruction for how to approach your pastor with concerns, and there may be a place for these, but in it all be an encourager.

Jehovah Sabaoth – The LORD of Hosts

Israel was in the land, she had been there for some time, but things weren’t as great as expected. This was to be a place of blessing and peace, but Israel had known years and years of famine and oppression. They had sinned against God over and over again, but then God would raise up judges who usually with the backing of one or two tribes would deliver them and lead them in the way of the LORD for a time, but after the death of the judge they would fall back into their sinful ways.

What if they had a leader who would command their armies, who’s house would lead Israel even after the king’s death? What if they could look to this leader for the military prominence needed to keep them out of trouble.

It’s at this time in Israel’s history when we see a name of God come to the foreground: “The LORD of Hosts.”

The Name

“The LORD of Hosts” is made up of two Hebrew words Jehovah – “self-Existent or Eternal” and “Sabaoth” meaning “vast amount, usually alluding an army or military force.” When this name of God is used it should bring to mind the innumerable multitude of God’s servants both angelic and human.

“Lord of Host” is used in scripture 259 times in the Old Testament. Beginning in 1 Samuel, seeing especially heavy use in the Samuels, Kings, Isaiah, Jeremiah and some of the other prophets. We are familiar with a few of these usages including some in the Psalms, Psalm 46:7 and 11 are well known for saying: 

“The Lord of hosts is with us; 
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.”

For our study we’ll focus on the first usage of this name of God in the Bible. The first two times this expression is used are in 1 Samuel 1, 1 Samuel 1:3 and 1 Samuel 1:11.

The Story

1 Samuel 1 gives the story leading up to Samuels birth. His father (Elkanah) and mother (Hannah) and his fathers other wife went to Shiloh as they did every year. 

“And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there.” 
1 Samuel 1:3

This visit however Hannah was particularly upset by the fact that she had no children. Peninnah, the other wife, provoked her about not being able to have children to the point that Hannah couldn’t eat. She went to the tabernacle to pray…

“And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no rasor come upon his head.” 
1 Samuel 1:11

Eli the priest saw her praying quietly and tried to chase her away thinking she was drunk, but when she told him about her request he said that God would grant it.

Her prayer was answered and she fulfilled her vow, giving Samuel to be a servant in the Temple. Samuel grew up to be a prophet, judge and priest in Israel.

Samuel would go on to crown Israel’s first two kings, Saul and David. He would see the nation go through military victories and defeats. 

Application

While all of the names of God point to His ultimate authority, the contexts of this name seem to be where people are aware of the authority that God holds because of all that He commands.

This name of God is used beginning in the times of the kings. One of the key roles of kings is to be the ultimate commander of the army. God is the Ultimate Commander of the Ultimate Army.

Angels 

The number of the angels loyal to God are impossible to comprehend.

“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,” 
Hebrews 12:22

Jesus said in Matthew 26:53: 

“Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?”

Jesus could have an army of angels with a prayer. This army wasn’t just a figure of speech either it had fought battles before. (See 2 Kings 6:17)

His servants

Once in a while, we can get tunnel vision and only see the relatively few believers that we have the privilege of meeting with in our local church. But remember, zoom out, God commands the actions of every believer in all places of this world and has for all of time. This is a vast army of volunteers who exercise themselves with faith and courage daily for the cause of their beloved king.

We fit into the larger plan of our Great Omniscient Commander in Chief. The armies of heaven and earth are at His beck and call.

As we pray we can appeal to God with the knowledge that His authority is infinite. We are checking in with the Commander in Chief of all the universe.

Studying and Application:

  1. Pray for missionaries and churches you know overseas. They need prayer and praying for them will help you maintain a focus of God’s wide influence and broad-reaching plan.
  2. Does being part of the “host” God commands change how you ought to pray? Read Ephesians 6:10-20 and look for instruction in your prayer plan.
  3. Review your prayer list. Take a minute to add any new requests now.

Who’s the Pastor? (Part 1)

1 Timothy 3:1-7

When you think of a Pastor, what are some of the first thoughts that come to mind? (Take a minute and put these in the comment section below.)

Following some general instruction for Timothy about church meetings, Paul goes on to explain the offices of Church Leadership. These offices are Pastor (Bishop) and Deacon.

Bishop is one of the office names for a Pastor used in scripture. We most commonly use the more personal term “Pastor” these days, so that’s how we’ll be referring to this office in the paragraphs that follow.

What are the qualifications of a pastor?

The Desire to Be a Pastor

“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.” 
1 Timothy 3:1

The words “desire” and “desireth” carry the idea of something that you long for and are reaching after. God places that desire to be a pastor in the hearts of some. This should be encouraged.

Let me repeat this: The desire to be a pastor is a good thing! Looking after God’s people is a “good work.” This is an effort that is pleasing to God.

I was challenged about my call to pastor just after I turned 19. I was eating a meal with an older pastor and was asking questions trying to learn from his experience and wisdom. He must have caught on, he stopped the conversation and very curtly asked me, “How do you know that you’re called to be a pastor? Lots of people start on this without actually being called. Are you REALLY called to it? Don’t tell people you are then quit later.”

I was blown away. 

I can understand this man’s reason for concern, I’m sure many men have been pastors who weren’t called.

The Ministry leader I was with took me aside later and showed me 1 Timothy 3:1, he told me that if God had given me this desire I was after a good work. I walked away from this experience more sure of my calling than I ever before.

Wanting something isn’t enough, without the Personal Character, Family life, Maturity, and Testimony to carry it out.

Personal Character

2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;  3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
1 Timothy 3:2–3

Following desire a pastor must have a high degree of personal character.

For brevities sake, I’ll summarize these. I highly recommend that you take the time to do a personal study on these characteristics.

A pastor must be: 

  • Blameless: above reproach
  • The husband of one wife: a one-woman man
  • Vigilant: Will keep his head when things are out of wack, alert to the dangers surrounding the flock
  • Sober: He isn’t controlled by his own emotions
  • Of good behavior: has established order in his own life.
  • Given to hospitality: willing to open his home to strangers.
  • Apt to teach: simply able to teach, this includes knowledge and wisdom to apply truth to the needs of the church.
  • Not given to wine: he doesn’t allow for misuse of alcohol. The simplest way to accomplish this is to not consume alcohol at all. 
  • No Striker: He isn’t ready to attack others.
  • Not greedy of filthy lucre: His goal isn’t money.
  • Patient: He is gracious and patient in interactions. 
  • Not a brawler: A peacemaker not a fight-starter. Not quick to anger, or violent in self-defense.
  • Not Covetous: He isn’t primarily after personal gain in any form. This selflessness of character allows him to put God and others first.

So much application could be made on each of these points. In fact, I’m sure as you read them you thought of pastors that were examples of these things in either a positive or negative way.

Your Character

God hasn’t called everyone in every church to be a pastor, but imagine how it would benefit a church if every member strove for this character.

Reread that list, how does your character line up? Maybe you struggle in a couple of these areas. I know some of these points are not natural for me. Seek God’s help to have this quality of character.

Your Turn

Are you a pastor? 

Reconnect with the desire that God put in you heart to minister to His church.

Meditate through this list again, and seek to grow even more in your personal character, family life, maturity and testimony.

Are you called to be a pastor? 

Has God given you the desire to pastor?

Talk to your pastor about it. Then study through this set of qualifications and seek God’s help in being a person of character.

Maybe you are neither of the people mentioned so far.

This a challenge to grow in this personal character.

Be a support to your pastor in prayer and encouragement. He is a human being. He’s going to struggle and it’s probably harder for him to have real friends than you know.

We’ll look at the rest of the passage next week.

Jehovah Shammah – The LORD is There

One of the most comforting truths of scripture is the promise of God’s presence. This promise has been given to several people and groups in scripture. In the Old Testament it was given to Isaac (Gen 26:3), Jacob (Gen 31:3), Moses (Ex 3:12), and Joshua (Josh 1:5) among others. 

God was with the children of Israel in the Exodus from Egypt and He traveled with them and led them in the wilderness. God’s glory was in the tabernacle and later the Temple.

God Left

But in Ezekiel’s visions we see the presence of the glory of the Lord  “moving out” (see chpts 10-11). God’s presence would be leaving because of the sins of the people of Judah, the glory of God would no longer be with them as He was before.

This would have been a huge blow to the captives that Ezekiel preached to. Though they were far from home they hoped for a quick return. Which God had told them wasn’t going to happen.

The LORD is There

This section of the book of Ezekiel describes the temple and it’s service during the millennial reign of Christ.

While a lot of details are given, the most important detail is the last one mentioned and is the last verse of the book.

“It was round about eighteen thousand measures: and the name of the city from that day shall be, The LORD is there.” 
Ezekiel 48:35

It’s so subtle you might have missed it. Let me re-emphasize it “…the name of the city from that day shall be, THE LORD IS THERE.” This name is the promise of God of His presence with them again.

Judah had sinned against God. They had rebelled and were now living in the punishment that was promised for that sin. But, in a future time in a future place they are assured of the presence of the Lord with them again, and His full glory.

The LORD is There or Jehovah Shammah is a name for Jerusalem. The meaning is pretty well expressed in the translation. It is a confident statement of a fact: “Jehovah is There” this is the place of Jehovah. This is God’s place of residence.

Where is God now?

In this future time, at this future place they could be sure of God’s presence. What about us? Where is God now? Is He hidden away in Heaven until this time comes to be? The New Testament tells a different story.

Jesus, God the Son, came to earth God was with man again and walked the streets of Jerusalem. But He gave His life, paying the price of the sin of all mankind, and three days later rose again. Then we read that He ascended back to heaven. But we aren’t truly left without Him. 

“5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 
6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.” 
Hebrews 13:5–6

We have Jesus with us. Think about the fullness of this blessing. Let’s look at just a couple of the implications of this truth.

Jesus’ Presence 

Jesus’ Presence prompts: Contentment

In Heb 13:5 Jesus’ presence is the answer to covetousness, believers are to be “content with such things as ye have” because Jesus will never leave us.

Our greatest need is provided in Jesus’ presence with us.

He is the creator, sustainer and king of the universe. With Him right with us, what will we lack?

With our every need provided there isn’t any room left for lust or covetousness. As James 4:3 says, we can’t be praying out of lust and hope to get an answer.

Jesus’ Presence prompts: Courage

With the knowledge that Jesus is with us, we can have great courage in all that God would have us do.

As the creator, sustainer and king of all the universe Jesus can easily defend us from anything men can do to us. This frees us to only consider what God thinks about what we are called to do or say. If it’s pleasing to Him then it doesn’t really matter what another human may think of it.

This can inspire great courage in the spread of the gospel.

Matthew 28:18-20 The great commission is bookended with the facts of Jesus’ power over all things and His presence with us. There is nothing to fear. We charge boldly straight ahead.

Jesus Presence when we Pray

What’s more is the amazing promise Jesus’ gave us about when we pray.

“19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” 
Matthew 18:19-20

What a motivation to pray with our fellow believers! We not only have their agreement and comfort in prayer, but we also have a promise of the very presence of Jesus with us as we pray together.

Conclusion:

Let’s pray with our eyes open to the significance of God’s presence with us. Live in the conscious awareness of His presence. Let it produce in you the contentment, courage and power in prayer that God’s word says it can.

Studying and Application:

1. Where are you discontent in your life?

  • What are some things that you feel like God should give you, but that He hasn’t given you so far?
  • Pray through these things for God’s help in trusting Him for them, or for contentment to live without them.

2. Read Matthew 18:19-20 again, how can you better take advantage of these promises?

  • If your church has a prayer meeting purpose to be there, if they don’t begin planning a time to meet with fellow believers in prayer.

3. Review your prayer list. Take a minute to add any new requests now.