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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Women in Church

Roles in Church (Part 2)

1 Timothy 2:9-15

Everyone should be in church. Men, women, and children should be active in church. But not everyone will be active in the same ways.

Paul continues his teaching on church meetings with instruction for women in church.

Women, be an Example of Christian Character

“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;” 
1 Timothy 2:9

This is the instruction to women while in church meetings. The “Church Service” or “Worship Time.” How each person takes their place in church meetings communicates to others their willingness to follow God’s way in worship.

Women are to be examples in:

1. Appropriateness

Verse nine could be summed up with the the word “appropriateness.”

Clothing

The ideas of the greek words behind “adorn” and “modest” are more about order and appropriateness than modesty. We often use the word “modest” meaning the opposite of “immodest”. And that thought would be included in this, but the main point of the verse is to wear things are fitting for church meetings.

Sure! There’s a place for hiking clothes. But is that place at a church meeting? Usually not. Paul seems to be making the point that even the fanciest outfits might not be the best fit for church meetings.

Women can and should be a vital example of appropriateness to the church and the world outside the church.

Persona

How a woman carries herself is part of this appropriateness. “Shamefacedness and sobriety” aren’t used here to mean that a women is an underling, or that she can’t smile in church.

The woman Paul has in mind will be conscious of how her persona, the way she acts and lives reflect on her, her church, and most importantly her Savior.

2. Good works

“But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.”
1 Timothy 2:10

At some point do a Bible search for the phrase “good works.”

You’ll find that: God created us “unto good works” (Eph 2:10), Paul prayed that the church at Colossi would be “fruitful in every good work” (Col 1:10), that we are to look for ways to encourage our fellow believers to “good works” (Heb 10:24), along with many other things.

In this passage we see Paul simply encouraging women to be an example of good works. These good works will be becoming. Though you shouldn’t flaunt them, others will see them.

Some of the greatest lessons I’ve learned about service are from the women God has placed in my life. The grace and joy they show as they serve God, are very pleasing to Him. These good works also reflect well on these wonderful women.

3. Submission

“11 Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection.  
12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence.  
13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve.  
14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.  
15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.”
1 Timothy 2:11–15

The word “subjection” is from a word family meaning to rank under. This is often seen in military contexts, one person submits to the orders of another, not because he or she is less intelligent or capable, but because they are of a different rank.

Again, in a church meeting context this means two things: the women are to learn in silence, and to submit to the authority of church leaders. Paul also gives a couple reasons for this.

Learning Quietly

The greek word has a broader meaning that “silence” as we usually think of it (absence of noise). You could also think of this as “active listening.” To maintain order women are to learn quietly.

Submitting

Women aren’t to teach men, or to usurp authority over men. This is a demonstration of order not as a value indicator of women.

There are times in my church where women speak in church meetings, this isn’t a usurpation of authority, they are acting under the authority of our pastor (as are all the men that speak in church).

Reasons

Paul gives to main reasons for this order: Adam was created before Eve (v.13), and Eve was deceived by the serpent and Adam wasn’t (v.14).

You are An Example!

So much more could be said about this passage but I don’t want to lose our main point, a point that Paul brings the conversation back to in the last verse of this chapter.

“Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety.”
1 Timothy 2:15

Women, you are an example. You teach through how you live. You change the world by how you care for the youngest and most impressionable of us. Many times women work in children’s ministries in churches, don’t ever view this as a second-rate job. The future of the spread of the Gospel is sitting in those nurseries and classrooms.

Your Turn

I recommend doing word studies in this passage. Pray through how to apply it.

Consider what kind of an example your Appropriateness, Good works, and Submission are to those around you.

Seek out an older woman to give you counsel and instruction as you apply these truths (Titus 2:3-5).

Men in Church

Roles in Church (Part 1)

1 Timothy 2:8

Ever get done with a training time just to realize the resulting action wasn’t clear? You know there is something for you there, you’re just not sure what it was. This passages jumps straight from teaching on prayer right into how the family works in church.

Let’s not forget how practical God’s Word really is. Teaching is given in this passage for both men and women in church (we’ll look at the part for women next week).

Men, Pray!

“I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.” 
1 Timothy 2:8

Here again we see the word “therefore”. This is pointing us back to the previous passage, this thought build on that one.

In verses 1-7 Paul makes the case for Prayer in church, now he’s going to give some instruction for this to happen.

Men are to pray.

Some of this instruction is good whether you’re a man or woman. I think there is a reason that Paul focused this to men, and I’ll try to address that as we work through this verse.

Pray Everywhere

This phrase as it would naturally seem means: “Pray wherever you are.”

Wherever you are, men should pray

In the context of church meetings this is instruction for men to pray.

Men need to pray in church. Men need to pray in their homes. This is a NEED.

I don’t personally see that this excludes women from praying in church meetings, but there may be cultural contexts where that is necessary. This passage is calling out men to lead in church (more on this is as we progress through the epistle).

Pray Lifting up Holy Hands

Lifting Hands

The outstretched arm is an instinctive expression of trust, a child won’t reach out to someone they don’t trust. Prayer is reaching out to God in trust. It calls out to His strength and waits on Him for a response.

From what I read raising hands in prayer was culturally normal is some of these regions, as it is in some places even now. However we pray: with hands raised, without them raised, our hearts must be reaching for God. We must know that we have reached the end of ourselves, and wait on Him for His perfect strength.

Lifting Holy Hands

18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, The Lord will not hear me: 
19 But verily God hath heard me; He hath attended to the voice of my prayer. 
20 Blessed be God, which hath not turned away my prayer, Nor his mercy from me. 
Psalm 66:18–20

God is interested in our holiness. So much is said about this in scripture (see Isa 6:1-8, 1 Pet 1:15-16 and others).

When we regard iniquity in our hearts our prayers are only surface deep. We are bringing God just the words of this prayer, not our devotion. Our hands are the main way we act on things. How we use them is a direct expression of out intentions and priorities.

Think through how you’ve used your hands today. Are they able to be lifted to God as Holy?

God is very merciful and will forgive sin as His children confess it to Him. (1 John 1:9)

Pray without Wrath

In the movie “Inside Out” the character, Anger, was male. This wasn’t random. Men are known for greater external indications of anger.

Do you find yourself naturally drawn to prayer when you’re deep in an anger fit? I don’t! Are you able to genuinely pray for someone that you are plotting revenge against? I’m not!

Anger is human. What you do with that anger is where there is a potential for sin (Eph 4:26-27). Don’t harbor that anger when you come to God in prayer.

Pray without Doubting

Doubt is the enemy of Faith. Think back to the Garden of Eden, the serpent brought doubt into Eves mind with the simple phrase “hath God said” (Gen 3:1).

Later in the New Testament James warns against doubt (James 1:6-7).

6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. James 1:6–7

We cannot expect God to answer the prayer we don’t believe in Him to answer.

Your Turn

Pray.

Volunteer to pray, help start prayer teams, and grow in your personal pray life.

Men, take this challenge and lead in prayer.

Pray through the items listed in this verse.

Ask God to show you any sin you’re regarding in your heart, ask Him to show you any anger or doubt.

Pray First

1 Timothy 2:1-7

Timothy was in a war (1 Timothy 1:18). He had been called and gifted by God for ministry in training people in God’s word. He had been trained by Paul for this ministry. And now he is on his mission: teaching truth, calling out error and leading souls to a merciful savior.

Now what?

What’s his first step? How should he get started?

Pray

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;” 
1 Timothy 2:1

Notice the word “therefore”, this word is an arrow pointing us back in the text. It’s telling us “You may have read on, but don’t forget what I just said.”

Yes, Timothy is on a mission. And that mission will involve a lot of interaction with people. But it MUST all begin with prayer.

Pray First

Prayer must be first. Whether this is in priority or in chronology it must be first, not an afterthought. I wrote before on this passage and I’ll refer you to that post for further application of this verse.

Our focus in the ministry of God’s word is often consumed by the words we plan to say. We stress over the order of points, we look up endless lists of words in Thesauruses to find just the right word. This isn’t a bad thing, precision is important. But when we get fixated on our own performance we can miss the power of God.

We must pray first.

Pray for Everyone

Paul encouraged Timothy and the church to pray for “all men”.

Pray for everyone. Don’t hold back your prayers. Don’t assume that someone is beyond help.

I once had a student in Victory Club who was very difficult to work with. Rebellious, mean, defiant. I have to admit that when she stopped coming to club, I didn’t miss her. A couple months later I was going through my prayer planning notebook and was just about to strike out her name, when something stopped me. I left it there and prayed for her daily.

About 6 months later she came back to club, out of the blue. I was shocked. Then we invited her to a youth event a couple weeks later, where she was saved! I don’t give any real credit to my prayers, I give credit to the God Who called me to pray.

Don’t stop praying! Pray for everyone!

Pray for Leadership

“For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.” 
1 Timothy 2:2

Pray for your government leaders.

Our government dictates the boundaries of how freely we can present God’s truth. We in the United States are very blessed to have the freedoms we do. God’s influence in governmental affairs is vital for our freedom to carry out His commands. In praying for them we are looking for God to give us peace.

We do not look to government for permission to share God’s word. However government can be a tool in God’s hand for protection as we share his Word.

Pray for Souls to Be Saved

“3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;  4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 
1 Timothy 2:3–4

God wants us to pray this way, because He wants everyone to be saved. This is a powerful reason to pray and to present God’s word boldly.

“5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;  6 Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” 
1 Timothy 2:5–6

Not only does God want people to be saved, but Jesus made the way for us to be saved. Jesus is the mediator between God and mankind. He is uniquely able to ransom sinners.

Your Turn: Pray

My challenge couldn’t be simpler. Pray!

In preparing for this post I remembered someone that I have wanted to be see saved for years, but I haven’t been praying for them. I know how easy it is to want things but never pray, even things that I know God wants.

Think through your prayer list. Are there people who you should be praying for but you aren’t?

Is there anyone you have “given up” on. Let me encourage you to keep praying for them. God isn’t done with them, keep praying.

Hymn of Praise

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” 
1 Timothy 1:17

This is one of my favorite hymns in scripture. From it comes one of my favorite hymns to sing in church.

Immortal, Invisible by: Walter C. Smith

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes, 
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days, 
Almighty, victorious, thy great name we praise.

Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light, 
Nor wanting, nor wasting, Thou rulest in might; 
Thy justice, like mountains, high soaring above 
Thy clouds, which are fountains of goodness and love.

Great Father of glory, pure Father of light, 
Thine angels adore Thee, all veiling their sight; 
All praise we would render- O help us to see 
'Tis only the splendor of light hideth Thee!

Hymns in Paul’s Writing

Paul includes this in his introduction to the letter to Timothy. Right in the middle of his exhortation to doctrinal accuracy, right after his remembrance of the grace and mercy of God given to him in his salvation Paul includes this hymn.

Let’s not miss this. Paul is writing to someone who is to be an apologist, a belief warrior and he writes in the words of this hymn.

I can imagine Paul sitting at a desk, writing this letter to his son in the Faith, his heart overflowing with praise for the God Who saved him. Committing with the words of this song to honor and glorify God for ever and ever.

Music Teaches

This hymn isn’t out of place. Just the opposite. Music teaches. As a teacher of truth Timothy could harness the power of hymns such as this in leading others to stand for truth. We can teach ourselves and others with the music we choose to let into our minds.

The Power of Music

What we sing to ourselves can strengthen or weaken us. We can pump our brains full of the ideology of a world that is against God. Or we can live in the joy of praise to God. These choices exist in every area of life. But none more than in what music you choose today.

I am blown away by the messages of modern music. The selfishness, sensuality, the disregard of God and his ways. Just last week I was exposed to a country song that basically had the message “God stays in his part of my life and I get the rest”. This isn’t a health perspective of God or life!

Our hymns are a different story. These songs are composed of words that move us to praise. Combined with their music, these hymns present a God worthy of praise and worship.

Your Turn

Make music a part of your worship to God.

What are some of the songs and hymns that lift your heart to praise and worship God? In the comments share some of the music that helps keeps your focus on God and His truth.

Be willing to turn off music that is teaching you things you know to be contrary to scripture.

Find some music that will lift the eyes of your heart to God, and motivate you to praise Him.

Here are a few songs and hymns that have been a blessing to me:

Is He Worthy?

You Alone are God

(To my knowledge this song has not been professionally recorded)

Immortal, Invisible