The Pastoral Epistles – How to strengthen our witness

2. The Pastoral Epistles – How to strengthen our witness Q: How many people in this room tonight are in the full time ministry? A: All the people in this room are. If you are a Christian, you are in the full time ministry whether you know it or not!! Ever feel overwhelmed? From Paul’s letter to his closest companion we can gather that Timothy was not having a lot of success in his ministerial efforts in Ephesus. Timothy was not happy that he had been left behind in Ephesus instead of traveling around with Paul, and was having difficulty with the church in Ephesus. Timothy was feeling like he was not making any headway, and was constantly buried. He was even getting ulcers from it!! He may have even been a little timid or unsure of himself. Titus was in a situation where nobody would listen to him, and everyone was lying about things he did. Paul’s one sentence summary of all three books: “Be faithful, hang in there, it is too soon to quit!”

3. As we have gone through Paul’s first letter to his protégé Timothy, we have seen Paul emphasize things Timothy should be doing: Q: What was the first, primary, central thing on Paul’s heart that he emphasized to Timothy as the first and most important thing in his letter? What was it he told Timothy he had to do right up front? A: Teach the Word! – not fables, not stories, not genealogies, or anything else. So, how are we (the church at large, or even here) doing on that admonition? I went to www.lifeway.com to see for myself how many bible studies they offer were based upon the bible, specifically. I went to their small group studies. They had 352 available small group bible studies, complete with learner books and leadership guides.2 out of 352 actually taught God’s Word. That’s 0.0057% were specifically on teaching God’s Word. Biblical Illiteracy is Church's Dirty Little Secret(www.christianpost.com) This week, the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life released the results of a nationwide survey that measured how knowledgeable Americans are when it comes to religion. The poll found that compared to other faith groups, atheists and agnostics knew more about the Bible, church history, world religions and religion in public life than Protestants. In fact, Protestants trailed in religious knowledge behind not only atheists but also Jews and Mormons. Q:In what book of the Old Testament contains the record of the Israelites leaving Egypt? A: Exodus. (6 out of 10 people claiming to be Christians who attend church regularly couldn’t answer that question) %40 Grade: FAILURE Q:What did the people demand from Samuel that ended the time of the judges? A: A king. (8 out of 10 people claiming to be Christians who attended church regularly couldn’t answer that question) %20 Grade: FAILURE Q:Who was taken up to heaven in a chariot of fire? A: Elijah. (6 out of 10 people claiming to be Christians who attend church regularly couldn’t answer that question) %40 Grade: FAILURE 2Ti 2:14 Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers. 2Ti 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2Ti 2:16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.

4. Teach the Word: Grade: F – Failure What was the second admonition, the very next thing Paul mentions in the letter to Timothy as the next most important thing Timothy should be doing? • Prayer! – In fact there are many admonitions for this: • Pray without ceasing 1 Thes 5:15 • In everything give thanks with prayers and supplications 1 Thes 5:18 • Pray for ALL MEN – including those in office 1 Tim 2:1-3 • There are scientists that spend their entire lives trying to understand some of the basic • principles of creation and are frustrated in their efforts. You and I can talk to the creator • himself at any time, and he is anxious to hear from you!! Prayer is the most intimate time you • can have with the creator. It’s God’s way of personally interacting with you. How many of us • take full advantage of this incredible opportunity called prayer? • There is a popular book that I threw out of our library back here that was called • “Prayers that work” and it lists things you should say in order to get what you want from God. • Those same people who couldn’t answer the questions about God’s Word, could all tell you • what the “Prayer of Jabez” was: • 1Ch 4:9 And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow. • 1Ch 4:10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. • Grade: F – Failure

5. Teach the Word: Grade: F – Failure Prayer: Grade: F – Failure What was the third item Paul mentions in the letter to Timothy as the next most important thing Timothy should be combating, emphasizing, or keeping watch for? Anyone stepping in-between God and Man. Do we need to go to ANYONE else to get access to the throne of God? No! Be careful when anyone even starts to hint that you must go through them, or their organization in order to be righteous. That’s the definition of a “cult”. 2Pe 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. In fact, Paul later on in Timothy (chapter 4) emphasizes that these cults can be identified by their admonitions of forbidding to marry, and emphasis on abstaining from meat. God did it all, and doesn’t need anyone to do anything for Him down here. We get the privilege of getting opportunities to serve God while we are here, and He is going to reward those who take advantage of those opportunities, but God’s will is going to be accomplished despite our successes or failures, not because of. Do we have groups in the popular “Christian” culture that fit these admonitions? Grade: F – Failure

6. Teach the Word: Grade: F – Failure Prayer: Grade: F – Failure One Mediator: Grade: F – Failure What was the fourth item Paul mentions in the letter to Timothy as the next most important thing Timothy should be combating, emphasizing, or keeping watch for? The role of women in the church; specifically, not to cause disruptions in the service with their dress, or with questions, but to wait until the service was over to ask questions if they had any. God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor 14:33) and the services should be done decently and in order. Paul did NOT emphasize that women should not be involved in the church; in fact Timothy was taught the scriptures by his Mother Eunice and his Grandmother Lois, and Paul emphasizes elsewhere that women ought to be teaching and holding women’s bible studies, and teaching other women in general. Paul does emphasize that when possible, a position in the church should be held by a man, but allowed that women could hold the position if a man was not answering God’s call to do so. Example: Lydia at Philippi Do we have churches that ordain women preachers (or bishops) regardless of whether or not men are available for the positions? Yes. Anglican, Baptists (including a few Southern Baptist Affiliates), Mennonites, Methodist, Presbyterian, Church of Christ, Lutheran, Some Catholic, Salvation Army, Seventh-day Adventist, United Church of Christ, etc. Grade: F – Failure

7. Teach the Word: Grade: F – Failure Prayer: Grade: F – Failure One Mediator: Grade: F – Failure Role of Women: Grade: F – Failure • The next two chapters Paul emphasizes the attributes that need to be present in men holding the offices of a bishop (Senior Pastor), or a Deacon (Deacon or Elder) (chapters 3-4). • Bishop’s attributes include: • Blameless, monogamy (only one wife), vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, Not a drunkard, not looking for a fight, not greedy of money, patient, doesn’t pick fights (physical or theological), not covetous (of anything), has his house in order, his children give him the proper respect, honor, and are obedient, not new to the faith, and must have a good report among the community (unsaved). • Deacons also should be: • Serious, truthful, not “blowing around with every wind of doctrine”, not a drunkard, not greedy for money, understand the mysteries of God, and be found pure (blameless). He must be these things PRIOR to being installed into the office. • Women: • At this point Paul adds a “subset” of additional requirements for women that hold this office. They must be Serious, not slanderers (or gossipers), sober, faithful in all things • Paul then continues the list of requirements for deacons: Monogamy (only one wife), ruling their houses well. • Do we have churches where their Pastor’s preach for money? Fall into sex related scandals? Have their houses in disarray? Are subjected to divorces? • Grade: F – Failure

8. Fits Revelation 2-3!! 7 letters to 7 churches; 3 churches are gone by the time of the rapture; 4 churches remain unto the tribulation. Only 1 church is promised to be removed prior to the tribulation, the other 3 are promised to go into the tribulation (as a whole, individuals are promised to be raptured). We can see that positioning itself now, which means we are not far off from that time period!! Teach the Word: Grade: F – Failure Prayer: Grade: F – Failure One Mediator: Grade: F – Failure Role of Women: Grade: F – Failure Requirements: Grade: F – Failure From here on in Paul’s first letter to Timothy we are going to see some general admonitions for church conduct, but the items pertain to all of us, and we know this was Paul’s intent when writing, because he ends the letter with a phrase “Grace be with thee”, but in the Greek, the “thee” is plural, meaning he was addressing everyone. He expected Timothy to read this letter to everyone in the church and spread the letter around to other churches. 1Ti 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 1Ti 5:2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.

9. Treatment of Widows Act 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Act 6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Act 6:3 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. Act 6:4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word. Act 6:5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: Act 6:6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

10. Treatment of Widows 1Ti 5:3 Honour widows that are widows indeed. 1Ti 5:4 But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. 1Ti 5:5 Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. 1Ti 5:6 But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth. 1Ti 5:7 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. 1Ti 5:8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. 1Ti 5:9 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, 1Ti 5:10 Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work. 1Ti 5:11 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; 1Ti 5:12 Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. 1Ti 5:13 And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not. 1Ti 5:14 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 1Ti 5:15 For some are already turned aside after Satan. 1Ti 5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.

11. 1Ti 5:17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 1Ti 5:18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. Honour: “Teemay” = Money paid. We get our word “honorarium” from this same root; the practice of giving a little something to someone who is a guest speaker or teacher. The implication: Pay for performance. If you have someone who is performing well, compensate them appropriately. Now, this can lead to all kinds of problems with the greed factor mentioned prior, so there is a fine line that has to be walked. 1Ti 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Mat 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Mat 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. Mat 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 1Ti 5:20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. Jas 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

12. 1Ti 5:21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Jas 2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. Jas 2:2 For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; Jas 2:3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Jas 2:4 Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Jas 2:5 Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? Jas 2:6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? Jas 2:7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? Jas 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: Jas 2:9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 1Ti 5:22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. 1Ti 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. 1Ti 5:24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 1Ti 5:25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. You shall know them by their fruit: Some people’s fruit is directly observable, others will appear over time. Num 32:23 But if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the LORD: and be sure your sin will find you out.

13. Don’t be thrown by the terms “Master” and “Slaves”. Paul was speaking in the terms of the economy of those days. Today, we have the same relationship present in “Employee” and “Employer”. The only difference between then and today, is that the “Employee” has the same legal rights as the “Employer” which was not the case back then. Most all skilled workman in any profession were “slaves”. In fact, over 50% of the population of the Roman Empire were considered “slaves”. People who live paycheck to paycheck and attest to the fact that it is akin to slavery. 1Ti 6:1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 1Ti 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 1Ti 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 1Ti 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1Ti 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. Php 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

14. Money is the root of all evil Money is the root of all evil The LOVE of money is a root of all kinds of evil 1Ti 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Mat 6:19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: Mat 6:20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: Mat 6:21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. • How should we view money: • Wealth is not a sin. 1 Sam 2:7; 1 Chr 29:12. Abraham, Job, and Solomon were extremely wealthy • Money is a gift from God. Deut 8:11-18 • Believers should be willing to part with their money when God requires (Mt 19:27; Job 1:21) • The wealthy are not to be given preferential treatment • Money should be used for eternal purposes • Nature of the love of money: • Ignores true gain (6:6). Phil 4:11-13; Psalm 63:1-5, etc. • Focuses on the temporal (6:7). Job 1:21; Eccl 5:15; Mt 6:19-20; Mark 8:36; Luke 12:15-21 • Obscures the simplicity of life (6:8). Eccl 5:11; Mt 6:24-33 • Effects of the love of money: • It results in sinful entrapment and succumbing to harmful desires and eternal judgment (6:9) Deut 7:25. Achan (Josh 7:1-26); Judas (Mt 27:3-5); Acts 8:20-23; James’ warnings (James 5:1-5) 1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

15. 1Ti 6:12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 1Ti 6:13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 1Ti 6:14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1Ti 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 1Ti 6:16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. 1Ti 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 1Ti 6:18 That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 1Ti 6:19 Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 1Ti 6:20 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 1Ti 6:21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. The first letter to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.

16. Next Week Titus!