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Be
Ministers of Godliness
INTRODUCTION
The Books of 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy along with Titus belong to that group of Paul’s writing, known as the ‘Pastoral Epistles’. They are so called, because Paul wrote them to two young men who had been fellow workers with him on several of his missionary journeys. Paul had sent them as apostolic legates or representatives to establish and ensure or put in place the proper procedures for these local churches. Timothy was not really a pastor in the modern sense of the word but had in fact apostolic authority to do specific things. Now because these letters deal with instructions for orderly procedures in the local church, they are particularly relevant to young pastors and also to older pastors, for they give extremely pertinent information for the ancient as well as the present-day church. It is generally felt that Paul had been imprisoned at Rome somewhere between A.D. 64 and A.D. 67, and that it was during this time that he wrote this first letter to encourage and assist Timothy, whom he had left in Ephesus. Some however believe that this letter was written from Macedonia. Accordingly, the main theme of this book has to do with church governance, that is, government and order in the local church. It is therefore definitive instruction for a local assembly of believers organized for a common purpose. This can be contrasted with the book of Ephesians, which deals with the invisible church, and therefore presents the Church as the Body of Christ. We must remember that Timothy's first century world, abounded with mystery religions which taught perverted sexual immorality; “distorted values, misleading commitments, confused thinking, and dangerous misconceptions”, says one writer. The Apostle Paul therefore in one of his instructions to Timothy charged him to: “
Hold fast therefore the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me,
in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That
good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which
dwelleth in us”. There were particular circumstances at the church in Ephesus, which is extremely relevant for us today, for we live in a similar kind of age, and as well, the same set of circumstances exist, sad to say, in most of modern Christianity’s institutions. The immediate occasion for his writing of 1 Timothy deals with the importance of Godly leadership in the face of internal opposition. Paul and his travelling companions while on their way to Macedonia by way of Ephesus, found that false and immoral teachers had practically taken over the church. He found it necessary to excommunicate two of the false teachers (1Tim.1:19-20) and then left Timothy in charge to provide some interim leadership, until a local structure was put in place. Of necessity, the situation at Ephesus demanded that instructions relating to godly leadership be provided and in the succeeding centuries the Church of Christ has benefited greatly from Paul’s instructions to Timothy on this subject. Timothy is said to have been a young man and certainly his task would have been daunting, even for the matured and experienced. Thus it was appropriate and fitting that the Apostle would have much to say in the way of instruction, exhortation and encouragement to his young charge. Once again Paul’s words to Timothy have wide application in the lives of all believers. It appears Timothy faced stiff opposition in his attempts to re-establish godly leadership in the Ephesian Church and so personal piety, integrity, courage, perseverance, holiness and a diligent application of the word was to be his daily routine. Note, like Timothy, all Christians are to consistently display these same qualities, for in the things pertaining to God, our personal behaviour must be a testimony to the things we teach and profess. The
result of the false teaching had left the Ephesian church in some
disarray, as the atmosphere of public worship was damaged (2:1-7), the
false teachers had distorted the scriptures, stolen from the coffers of
the church (6:3-10) and had especially influenced some of the women in the
church for the worse (5:11-15). Then
as now, false teaching proved to be an effective tool of the enemy, and
those who would oppose such deceit, must live a life of godliness, which
will be a contrast to that lived by the false teachers. The
servant of God is urged to; “Watch
your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them…”
(4:16). Further
Timothy is charged with guarding “the truths of the faith”, a
must in any strategy dealing with false teaching. False teachers are to be
so identified and their teachings confronted and repudiated. The danger to
the church, posed by false teachers cannot be overstated and clearly Paul
was cognizant of this fact, as throughout the epistle, the problem
of the false teachers is always in the background, (explicitly in 4:1-5;
5:20-25; 6:3-10, 20-21; implicitly permeating the rest of the epistle). In
light of Timothy’s youth, lack of experience and the task at hand, Paul
addressed the need for him to learn some pastoral skills in addressing
certain groups inside the church. Clearly, there are offices in the church
for which people need to be trained and qualified. In
today’s lesson, Paul’s directs instructions and exhortations to
Timothy, regarding his personal responsibilities and the things of which
he should continually remind the church. Importantly, these will provide a
formula, a ‘how to’ in dealing with such and similar situations that
are very likely to be part of our Christian experience. As
we look at this lesson, it is important to know that this departure from
the faith, a proliferation of apostasy, deception, and false teaching, is
something that the Holy Spirit has always been warning believers about. The nation of Israel had always been very susceptible to this
problem, but even after Christ's coming and the institution of the New
Covenant, unfortunately the problem seemed to be ongoing. There
have been periodic waves of apostasy through Christian history.
In modern times, in the latter part of the 19th-century we see
several cults exploding onto the Christian scene with the birth of
Mormonism, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Christian Science, all claiming to be
Christian, but distorting biblical Christianity. After
a period of quiet, in the middle of the 20th century there was another
flood with groups like the Moonies, the Hare Krishnas, Scientology,
Transcendental Meditation, and Eastern mysticism cults invading North
America, denying that Jesus is Lord, and attacking his Deity, his
Messiahship, and the Atonement. Into
the last ten years, several groups have appeared preaching doctrines based
on an exaggerated view of the goodness and spiritual nature of man,
emphasizing materialism and the blessings of chasing after wealth,
claiming to give people divine powers, altering the age old beliefs about
the person of Jesus Christ and the centrality of his work. The
Apostle Paul instructed Timothy on several of these deviations. THE
TEXT. Verses
1-6. Apostasy isn't an
unintentional departure or someone struggling with doubt. It characterizes
someone who deliberately abandons truth once affirmed for erroneous
teaching. "The
faith" refers
specifically to the body of Christian doctrine, not the act of believing In
Light of the Holy Spirit’s explicit revelation of a coming ‘departure
from the faith’, Timothy was to put the church on constant alert and
guard them against the doctrines, that would accompany that apostasy. The
period would be characterized by; a giving heed to seducing spirits,
and doctrines of devils. The
purveyors of this deceit would knowingly and hypocritically teach lies,
typical of those whose consciences had become as hard as stone. Note,
we should not naively think that a false religion is simply a collection
of misguided ideas. All false religion propagates doctrine energized by
seducing spirits, (2 Corinthians 11:14-15). The Word of God clearly teaches that apostasy is a demonic seduction….and that false teachers are the agents of demons. Men are not the ones who originate or invent these errors but they are willing accomplices. The battle is between God and His truth and the devil and his lies. It is in the very nature of these spirit enemies of God to lie, and so they are called deceitful spirits, lying spirits, who distort reality about our Lord. We should never forget that even before the world was created, these fallen angels led by Lucifer, the highest of the angels of God, had rebelled against the will and purposes of God. One writer summarizes the result of this and warns us: “
Yet that being, that strange, malevolent being who is by nature a liar and
by intent a murderer, is called everywhere in Scripture, “ the god of
this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4).
That is a frightening thought.
The god which the world ignorantly, and innocently, in many ways,
for those blindly, like an animal being led to the slaughter, is a
murderer and a liar. These hosts of spiritual beings, which Paul recognizes in
Ephesians 6 as the ones with whom we Christians wrestle, are the very ones
who originate these false and twisted ideas about Jesus. We
learn from Scripture that these spirits have access to the inner thoughts
and feelings of men, including Christians.
We are all affected by strange urges, feelings, and desires that
arise within us. But these
desires do not always originate with us….. These
strange, sinister, unseen beings who have access to the minds and hearts
of men, mislead and misdirect by what seems to us and to many to be
logical and essential things that human nature should accept and even
require. All that becomes
expanded and supported by intricate arguments and rationalizations until
it takes the form of what Paul called, doctrines, that is, formerly
reasoned presentations. But
Paul clearly called these, “doctrines of demons”…. We
are in a deep and abiding war that is being fought with spiritual weapons.
We are up against these spiritual “principalities and
powers”, these “rulers of the darkness of this world”. The
doctrines of the faith are to be instilled in the minds of the people, as
a bulwark against apostasy and this is a charge those in authority must
execute. Verse
7-8. Diligent
pastoral care was enjoined in verse 6, where Timothy was told to instruct
the brethren so that they, like him, would remain anchored in God's Word.
He and everyone else was to watch what they were feeding on, for
they were always to be nourished on the Word of faith and good doctrine,
that he had given and which he followed. The
Apostle then began discussing this matter of nourishment, for there was a
priority to be followed and efforts made to maintain orthodoxy. Every
believer should ask themselves what it is they feed on daily, or in
another words, what they put into their minds. Is our daily food the
sports pages, soap operas, TV movies, best selling novels, the stock
market averages? If
that is what we put into our minds daily, without very significant
regulation, we will always be spiritually undernourished, for what we feed
on determines how effective we are as servants of God. Timothy
was instructed to pay attention to those things that would greatly nourish
his spiritual life. These were the priorities. He
was told to be dismissive of unfounded stories, superstition, traditions
and other trifling tales, that might have been making the rounds at the
time. The Christian faith is rooted in history. These
godless and silly things are really distractions riddled with
superstitions, and adversely damage every generation. Some
of these myths are obviously silly, but some of them such as
reincarnation, the hidden secrets of the great pyramids of Egypt, the many
covered up inventions and knowledge that the government of the day does
not want you to know, are more serious kinds of worthless claptrap, that
will only waste our time, and keep us away from the truth to be found in
Jesus Christ. Rather
than wasting time delving into the trite, Timothy is advised to
consciously and habitually establish a regimen of godly behaviour, piety
and holiness. He
is to grow through: 1.exertion
and 2.
proper feeding The
mere care of the body is contrasted with the care of the soul and while
abstinence, self-denial and rigor might provide temporal benefits (for a
little time), these austerities contribute little to holiness; it is the
far more important spiritual exercise of the heart that is being stressed.
…Is
profitable unto all things…manifestly
true. One writer comments in part: “In
every respect. There is not an interest of man, in reference to this life,
or to the life to come, which it would not promote. It is favourable to
health of body, by promoting temperance, industry, and frugality; to
clearness and rigour of intellect, by giving just views of truth, and of
the relative value of objects; to peace of conscience, by leading to the
faithful performance of duty; to prosperity in business, by making a man
sober, honest, prudent, and industrious; to a good name, by leading a man
to pursue such a course of life as shall deserve it; and to comfort in
trial, calmness in death, and immortal peace beyond the grave”.
Having
promise of the life that is now…Even
a cursory look at the Scriptures will provide a plethora
of promises that meet every healthy need of man in this life. There is a
great deal to be had by godliness; it will be of use to us through the
whole of our lives. The
benefit of godliness lies in it’s promise, for the promises made to
godly people do relate to the present life, but especially they relate to
the life that is to come. Under the Old Testament the promises were mostly
of temporal blessings stressed to the nation, but under the New Testament,
or when the nation and all men are under the New Covenant, they are of
spiritual and eternal blessings. That which is to come…The only resource that furnishes that future life. Only in the life of holiness, one spawned by the new birth, is there promise and hope for the life to come. Verse
9. The immediate
foregoing is a maxim, a truism and
is to be believed, that godliness holds such promises. The statement has a
natural and worthy appeal and is to be accepted by all godly persons, to
encourage them in the exercise of godliness. (See 1 Peter 3:10-11; Matthew 6:33) It underscores Paul's advice, for what he is saying is very important. Timothy must keep on training in godliness, for godliness profits in this life and in the life to come. Verse 10. This
truth is what motivated Paul, and would motivate Timothy.
It would stop any drifting into godlessness. Encouragement
for Timothy, as a result of their acceptance of the ‘faithful’ saying;
they labour, that is they toil in spreading the gospel and in the
daily exercise of godliness. Though they suffer reproach, their belief,
hope and trust in the Living God sustains them, for He is the
Saviour of all believers. The hope of the Apostles was set on the
living God. This was a
decision, a commitment, and this led to energy in effort and action.
This was a deliberate action of the will to pursue godliness, and
this daily encounter with God, ensured continued motivation and growth in
Christ, in the middle of the pressures and problems. God has provided and made known a way of
salvation that is sufficient to more than compensate them and us for all
our services and sufferings. One writer comments in part: “…that all our labours and losses in the service of God and the work
of religion will be abundantly recompensed, so that though we lose for
Christ we shall not lose by him. Therefore we labour and suffer
reproach, because we trust in the living God…” It is not to be understood that God will
save every individual without exception, but rather salvation has not been
limited to any one class of men. Of course God is able and willing to save
all men, and all who are ever saved will be saved by him; and it is in
this sense that- "he is the Saviour of all men."..Those
that believe qualifies the ‘saviour of all men’ phrase. The hope of the Apostle in the Living God, is a contrast to the lifeless idols and deities of the pagans, some of whom likely champion an austere lifestyle as an end in itself. Verse 11. Paul
regarded his letter to Timothy as sound Christian doctrine and as such,
Timothy is commanded to teach them and insist on their observance. Note that Timothy is instructed not just to
teach these things as theory, but to authoritatively command, because he
has authority based on the revelation of God. Similarly all believers are to adhere to
these teachings. Clearly,
the contents of this book should not be regarded as applying only to the
church at Ephesus in the times of Paul and Timothy nor should it be
regarded as only reflecting the culture of that day. Paul's instructions
were not merely personal advice to Timothy, but solid doctrinal guidelines
for the church in all ages. We
should always remember the words of the song My
hope is built on nothing less Than
Jesus' blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. Verse 12. In
this section Paul gets personal with his charge. Given Timothy’s youth
and the recent leadership failure, some particular instructions and
encouragement was necessary. Note, Timothy’s situation not
withstanding, this is essential teachings for all Christians. Timothy should assert the dignity of his
office though some might consider him too young to hold it. He should act
in such a fashion as to be respected, despite his youth. Note that by this time, Timothy was probably
in his mid-thirties, having spent fifteen years traveling with the Apostle
on his missionary journeys. In
those days, if you were not over forty or close to fifty, you were
considered a youth, and hardly capable of instructing the elders (older
men) of the church. Timothy's
task was therefore a tough assignment.
Of course there was the danger, that
resentment and opposition from the older men could be stirred up by the
normal youthful arrogance and sometimes unwarranted dogmatism of many of
the young, which gives them an appearance of being an authority, though
they lack the basis of experience Timothy’s youth could become an issue, so
he was to give no occasion for that to happen; he should avoid the levity
and indiscretion so typical of the young and rather, his deportment should
be serious and with gravity. By being a good example in speech and
conduct, his love, faithfulness, and purity would be evident, and this
would ensure that no one would believe that he was arrogant, rude,
puffed-up, or unnecessarily dogmatic and assertive, when he gave the
apostolic instructions. Regardless of age, ministers of the gospel
must be examples of what they preach. In word….particularly in
normal and familiar conversation, his usual manner of speech should be
edifying. In conversation…..in
general behaviour, regarding all manner and aspects of daily living. In
charity. Love to the brethren, and to all. One writer elaborates in part: “(1.)
in a general sense, love, benevolence, good-will; (2.)
in theology, it includes supreme love to God, and universal good-will to
men; (3.)
in a more particular sense, it denotes the love and kindness which springs
from the natural relations, as the charities of father, son,
brother; (4.)
liberality to the poor, to the needy, and to objects of beneficence, as we
speak commonly of charity, meaning almsgiving, and of charitable
societies; (5.)
candour, liberality in judging of men's actions; indulgence to their
opinions; attributing to them good motives and intentions; a disposition
to judge of them favourably, and to put on their words and actions the
best construction. (a.)
to love in general; (b.)
to the love of God and of Christ; (c.)
the love which God or Christ exercises towards Christians”. In
spirit. In the control of passions, having a mild, meek, forgiving
disposition. In
faith. At all times, and in all trials, be an example to believers how they
ought to maintain unshaken confidence in God. In purity. ..chastity, there should be nothing in the relations with the other sex that would give rise to scandal. Verse 13. Paul
fully intended to visit Ephesus but in the meantime he is to give
attention to reading…. This may refer to private study, which
would be the Old Testament Scriptures and other beneficial volumes that
might have been available and helpful in his public ministry. Note that
the Scriptures came first and were central. It could also refer to the public reading of
the scriptures. He must read and exhort, that is, read and expound,
by way of exhortation and by way of doctrine; he must teach them both what
to do and what to believe. Note, Christians are to teach people to
observe all things whatsoever Christ has commanded, Matthew 28:20. The
work of ministers involve ongoing and continuous study to better equip
themselves for their work. Exhortation…. He
is to urge and enjoin the practical duties of believers on his
congregation, as distinct from the teaching of doctrine. Proper teachings
of Scripture will make the believer show his faith in practical actions.
It will forever remain true that faith without works is dead. To doctrine…to
teaching or to the communication of knowledge.
Ministers should be assiduous, constant and diligent in their teaching. Verse 14. The gift is not identified but as early as his youth there was a prophecy concerning his attainment of this ‘gift’. Clearly his congregation, (Paul himself being a participant 2 Tim. 1:6) concurred with the prophecy, evidenced by their consecration of him to the receiving of the gift, laying on of the hands of the presbytery. One writer comments on this gift: An important question arises here, to what the word gift refers :--whether to natural endowment; to office; or to some supposed virtue which had been conferred by ordination--some transmitted influence which made him holy as a minister of religion, and which was to continue to be transmitted by the imposition of apostolic hands.--The word which is here used, is rendered gift in every place in which it occurs in the New Testament. It is found in the following places, and with the following significations:-- deliverance from peril, 2 Corinthians 1:11; a gift or quality of the mind, 1Co 7:7; gifts of Christian knowledge or consolation, Romans 1:11; 1 Corinthians 1:7; redemption or salvation through Christ, Romans 5:15,16; Romans 6:23; 11:29; the miraculous endowments conferred by the Holy Spirit, Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:4,9,28,30,31; and the special gift or endowment for the work of the ministry, 1 Timothy 4:14; 2 Timothy 1:6; 1 Peter 4:10. The gift then referred to here was that by which Timothy was qualified for the work of the ministry. It relates to his office and qualifications -to every thing that entered into his fitness for the work. It does not refer exclusively to any influence that came upon him in virtue of his ordination, or to any new grace that was infused into him by that act, making him either officially or personally more holy than other men, or than he was before--or to any efficacy in the mere act of ordination--but it comprised the whole train of circumstances by which he had been qualified for the sacred office, and recognised as a minister of religion
Timothy
was not to neglect his gift, given it was from God; he was to use it. The
brethren had observed his
qualifications for such an office and given their sanction and expectations, that he would one day be permitted to serve the Lord in
it. Adding weight to his sense of responsibility and serving to impress the mind of Timothy, was the prophetic element in his endowment and the hopes of the brethren, including Paul’s, that he would rightly fulfill his ministry. With the laying on of the hands…. It was standard practice to ‘lay on the hands” in imparting a
blessing, or in setting one apart to any office. See Matthew 19:15; Mark
6:5; Luke 4:40; 13:13; Leviticus 8:14; Numbers 27:23 Acts 28:8; 6:6.The
reference here is undoubtedly to the act by which Timothy was set apart
to the office of the ministry. The word rendered presbytery, occurs
only in two other places in the New Testament--Luke 22:66, where it is
rendered elders and Acts 22:5, where it is rendered "estate
of the elders." It properly means an assembly of aged men;
council of elders. In Luke 22:66; Acts 22:5, it refers to the Jewish
sanhedrim. In this passage it cannot refer to that body--for they
did not ordain men to the Christian ministry--but to some association, or
council, or body of elders of the Christian church. Everyone has a spiritual gift and this gift
or gifts must be used. When it comes to elders, the different
gifts, give different flavours to individual ministries.
Some pastors have an evangelistic gift and he will teach Scripture
from that point of view. Another
might be able to analyze Scripture and give unusual, penetrating insights
into what the Scriptures say. Another
gift might be the ability to put various Scriptures together, bring the
different passages into focus, and thereby exhort in a powerful way.
Another gift might be putting Scripture in a very logical
step-by-step order. Whatever the gift, God uses them all, and no one should think that their gift is necessarily better than another gift. Verse 15. Timothy
is told to prepare himself thoroughly. He was to consider the
peculiar and God ordained circumstances of his endowment and ordination,
his reaction must be as one directly called by God (give himself
wholly); to the end that the natural expectations and promise of his
ministry come to fruition and to be witnessed by all. He was to seriously and deeply consider the
responsibilities and duties of his office. Implied in all this, is that he
faced a difficult and arduous task. Thy profiting…. his
progress, his going forward, his advancement and maturing in his office
would be manifest to all. Meditating on Scripture is regarded as a
lost practice along Christians.
It is good to immerse one's mind in the word of God, for it will
profit the believer immensely. See Psalm 1. In the matter of people who minister by
preaching, it must be clearly understood that given that the Word of God
tells us what life is really like, it requires, as one writer puts it: “ Careful and prolonged handling, and a discipline that refuses
certain diversions in order to give itself to this kind of labour”. Giving out the Word of God requires hard
work, study, research, meditation, posing questions and answering them,
ensuring that one knows the meaning of words, looking for illustrations,
making sure that introduction and the conclusion to the message makes
sense. The heart as well as
the mind must be prepared. To give insightful and analyse Scripture rightly cannot be treated casually, expecting the Holy Spirit to give the lazy all the ability that is needed is not according to Scripture. We are in a serious battle; this is not a picnic, and those who want to minister in any of the many ways laid out by God, must prepare themselves. Verse 16. Though Timothy was young, this injunction would have been equally pertinent even if he were an old man. The Christian walk is one of fidelity and perseverance to the end of life. There is no occasion in the Christian life, no time when the believer may feel free to rest upon his laurels, assume that he "has it made," or cease the faithfulness, that should mark the entirety of his life. "Continuing" is one of the basic words employed, to describe the steadfast walk of a Christian (Galatians 3:10; Hebrews 8:9; James 1:25; Acts 14:22; 14:22 and Colossians 1:23). It carries the same basic meaning as abide in John 15 and 1 John. So Timothy is to have a personal awareness of his Christian walk, duties and responsibilities. He is to be vigilant, search himself daily; (2 Cor.13:5) be attentive to doctrine, to the end his walk, labour and doctrine are in harmony. Paul is not here suggesting that what he has prescribed is meritorious of salvation but rather Timothy’s daily continuance is a constant reminder of that secured salvation. The
faithful minister will be the means whereby many are saved. Faithfulness
and a diligent Christian walk by the minister, will add much weight to his
message of salvation. This also is a source of encouragement to the
devoted preacher, he shall see the fruits of his labour. CHAPTER
5 This section of study is from ‘Paul’s pastoral hand-book’ and advises on how to deal with different groups in the church and certain domestic situations, particularly the treatment of widows. Here Timothy and all ministers by extension,
are gives rules as to how to admonish or reprove. Ministers are reprovers
by office. It is a part, though maybe the least pleasing part of their
office; they are to preach the word, to reprove and rebuke, 2 Timothy
4:2. Distinctions are to be made in our reproofs, according to the age, quality, and other circumstances, of the persons rebuked; thus, an elder in age or office must be entreated as a father Verse 1. Elders should not be rebuked. Elder here refers to an older man and not to one in the church office of elder. This is drawn from the mention of younger men in the same sentence, the distinction being solely based on years. The idea is not that an elder must never be accused, for that provision is in this book. What is in view, is that the proper respect, regard and sensitivity be exercised, when dealing with the elderly. Exhortation will probably be more appropriate and effective than rebuke. One should endeavour to persuade the elderly to Christian conduct. They should be addressed as one’s own father and are not to be dealt with in any harsh and denunciatory manner. Honour and respect of the aged is a Christian principle. There is a studied regard for the family in Scripture and the church is in a sense regarded as a family. Note also throughout all this, that no one is to be treated as if they were a rival, and that one is trying to get the better of them, and to make them feel unwanted or inferior. There is to be openness, honesty, respect and concern for each other. The approach to the younger men should be as to one’s own brother. This would be a case of a personal effort to restore one who had fallen into sin. If these efforts were to fail and that one continued to sin openly, then public rebuke is prescribed in verse twenty.
Verse 2. The sense of caring and love continues when dealing with older and younger women. They should be approached as mothers and sisters respectively. The same respect is extended to the older women. What son who had proper feelings for his mother would rebuke her with any severity. This is to be the posture of the minister, if an occasion should arise where he has to address a mother that had erred. The tender feelings for one’s sister should soften the tone in a situation where it became necessary to admonish a younger woman. In purity….this situation is fraught with danger for the young minister and has been the downfall of many, both young and old and the Apostle is careful to alert Timothy. One writer comments in part: “Nothing could be more characteristic of Paul's manner than this
injunction; nothing could show a deeper acquaintance with human nature. He
knew the danger which would beset a youthful minister of the gospel when
it was his duty to admonish and entreat a youthful female; he knew, too,
the scandal to which he might be exposed if, in the performance of the
necessary duties of his office, there should be the slightest departure
from purity and propriety. He was therefore to guard his heart with more
than common vigilance in such circumstances, and was to indulge in no
word, or look, or action, which could by any possibility be construed as
manifesting an improper state of feeling. On nothing else do the fair
character and usefulness of a youthful minister more depend, than on the
observance of this precept. Nowhere else does he more need the grace of
the Lord Jesus, and the exercise of prudence, and the manifestation of
incorruptible integrity, than in the performance of this duty. A youthful
minister who fails here, can never recover the perfect purity of an
unsullied reputation, and never in subsequent life be wholly free from
suspicion”. Verse 3-4. The widow is not merely to be respected but is to be financially assisted as well. Honour is related to our Lord’s command in Matthew 15:4-6, where he decried the practice of circumventing this obligation to support aged parents, on the part of able children. The word widow is associated not only with the loss of a husband but also connotes loneliness, sorrow and wants. The widow here means one who is bereaved and conveys the idea of distressed circumstances. Widows indeed for the Apostle would have no one to depend on, be too old to marry and had lived a long life of trusting God. The first responsibility for their welfare would fall to children, grandchildren and other relatives, who should see this as an opportunity to assume their responsibilities, rather than have the church bear this burden. A child should see this as a sacred obligation to support a needy parent, a point on which the Scriptures are quite vocal.
Verse 5. Further qualifications on those widows that the church should support. They would be ones without children or other kin on whom they might depend for support. Without husband, children or property, they have no earthly reliance and steadfastly look to God for comfort and support. They would be pious women for whom the practice of prayer was a rule of life. The Apostle accords as he often does with the Old Testament, where provisions were made for the care of widows. There is some indication that some of these widows were actually engaged officially in assisting the sick and aged and helping to advise and counsel the younger women, earning their keep as it were.
Verse 6. The pleasure here refers to luxurious living and the pandering to bodily appetites. Seemingly in Paul’s day, as well as in all centuries, there were professed Christian widows who followed this lifestyle. Such behaviour is antithetical to Christian living and likely indicates one dead in sin and trespasses. Verse 7. The duties and responsibilities of children to their widowed mothers are to be publicly declared. As well the proper duty and deportment of widows and the obligations of the church to these women; so all will be appraised regarding these matters. These teachings then, should set right any such contrary practices in the church and remove any excuse of ignorance. Verse 8.
Although the Apostle spoke in a general sense, the obligations
of children to support widowed mothers are certainly in view. The
word 'his own,' refer to those who are naturally dependent on him,
whether living in his own immediate family or not. Also there may be many
distant relatives naturally dependent on our aid, besides those who live
in our own houses. Paul
exposes the gravity of any neglect along these lines as tantamount to a
denial of the faith, for by such an act, one would have practically
renounced Christianity, since it enjoins this duty on all. Anyone
guilty of this is said to be worse than an infidel in his sense of duty,
for even unbelievers care for their own in need. Specially
for those…means those
who live in their own family. They would naturally have higher claims on
him than those who did not. He who neglected his own immediate family
would be more guilty than he who neglected a more remote relative CONCLUSION As
important and crucial as these instructions were to the young minister,
they are scarcely of less importance to the church at large. For the
effectiveness of the church in the spreading of the gospel will depend a
great deal on the character of the ministry. For
any church to prosper, the pulpit must be filled with a pious, learned,
laborious, and devoted ministers. To this end the instructions in this
epistles should be kept before the minds of the members of the church.
All
aspects of life are dealt with in the Scriptures, including the unpleasant
matter of discipline. Note
however that in all things knowledge of the word of God, and commitment to
the word of God, obedience to apostolic admonition will lead to a vastly
beautiful quality of life. Paul
alerted Timothy to the reproach which was sure to come, as he implemented
and insisted on leadership, discipline and personal godliness in his own
life and in that of his congregation. For sure this is the experience of
those who would endeavour to live such a life. Even so, believers are not without comfort, for the life of godliness carries the promise of blessings in this life and in the one to come. Therefore believers should strive for this life of godliness that Christ demands for his church, and we can rest assured, confident in His promises for blessings in this life and in the one to come. |