Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith
"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm."
Paul herein sets forth the need for Timothy to hold to the faith once delivered to the saints. This faith embodies the basic doctrines of the true church which are written in the pure heart, conscience of every true disciple of Christ. It is the all things found in Rom 8:28,29, and referred to in 1Jh 2:20: therein defining the completed work of God as he was in Christ (2 Cor 5:19) in the last three hours of darkness on the cross. It is by grace and grace alone ~ plus nothing. If one must believe in Jesus then it is not grace and they have swerved from the truth and their teaching has became but vain jangling. In reality they are again requiring their listeners to return unto will worship, which the law required, for they do not understand the perfection of the flesh, which the law required of them.
"But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust."
Paul simply states if we have added any thing of the flesh to the gospel: it ceases to be the good news of the redemptive work of Christ. In doing so we find ourselves under the bondage of the law, having made null and void the work of Christ, and done despite unto the new covenant of grace Heb 10:29. The purpose of the law was to define sin, unto those under the curse of the sin of Adam, and could never have been kept in perfection, by sinful man.
"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me, faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus: for this is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."
Paul tells us here that God has made him a pattern for those who as he was a blasphemer. How? He, being without the (nc) witness of the Holy Ghost, ignorantly (Nu 15:22,24) opposed the truth. He also (Acts 26:11) "compelled others to blaspheme" by requiring them to deny the truth. Mark 3:28 "All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith so ever they shall blaspheme: but he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness." The lesson here is: if one oppose the truth ignorantly, they can received forgiveness for it. In other words mercy is extended to them; but to deny the truth in the face of creditable evidence to the contrary of such evidence is not forgivable (Heb 6:4). It is a sin unto death (1 Jh 5:17). In this case we are told in Gal 6:7 ‘whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." If one continues in this rebellion to the tenth time, as did the children of Israel in Nu 14:22, having sinned the sin unto death they are blinded to the truth (Jh 12:40) and shall die in the sin of unbelief. (Nu 27:3, Jh 8:24, Heb 6:4, 10:29)
"This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them (the prophecies), mightest war a good warfare; holding (Rm 12:3, 1 Jh 5:4) faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith (2 Pet 1:5) have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme." Paul tells Timothy that "he had turned Alexander over to Satan that he may learn not to blaspheme ." 1 Cor 5:5
These two brethren had denied the truth by failing to "Hold the (new covenant) faith, in a pure conscience (Heb 9:14); which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck." In other words, these two brethren had perverted the truth in opposition to that which was written in their hearts (new covenant dealt faith) to the extent that others followed them in their error, and their faith (understanding of the truth) was destroyed. This sound like those among us today who teach the false doctrine of perseverance and in do so is dividing the kingdom (Mt 12:25 - 45, LK 11:20,26).
"As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned: from which some having swerved have turned aside unto vain jangling; desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm."
Paul herein sets forth the need for Timothy to hold to the faith once delivered to the saints. This faith embodies the basic doctrines of the true church which are written in the pure heart, conscience of every true disciple of Christ. It is the all things found in Rom 8:28,29, and referred to in 1Jh 2:20: therein defining the completed work of God as he was in Christ (2 Cor 5:19) in the last three hours of darkness on the cross. It is by grace and grace alone ~ plus nothing. If one must believe in Jesus then it is not grace and they have swerved from the truth and their teaching has became but vain jangling. In reality they are again requiring their listeners to return unto will worship, which the law required, for they do not understand the perfection of the flesh, which the law required of them.
"But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully; Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; According to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust."
Paul simply states if we have added any thing of the flesh to the gospel: it ceases to be the good news of the redemptive work of Christ. In doing so we find ourselves under the bondage of the law, having made null and void the work of Christ, and done despite unto the new covenant of grace Heb 10:29. The purpose of the law was to define sin, unto those under the curse of the sin of Adam, and could never have been kept in perfection, by sinful man.
"And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me, faithful, putting me into the ministry; who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus: for this is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting."
Paul tells us here that God has made him a pattern for those who as he was a blasphemer. How? He, being without the (nc) witness of the Holy Ghost, ignorantly (Nu 15:22,24) opposed the truth. He also (Acts 26:11) "compelled others to blaspheme" by requiring them to deny the truth. Mark 3:28 "All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men, and blasphemies wherewith so ever they shall blaspheme: but he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness." The lesson here is: if one oppose the truth ignorantly, they can received forgiveness for it. In other words mercy is extended to them; but to deny the truth in the face of creditable evidence to the contrary of such evidence is not forgivable (Heb 6:4). It is a sin unto death (1 Jh 5:17). In this case we are told in Gal 6:7 ‘whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." If one continues in this rebellion to the tenth time, as did the children of Israel in Nu 14:22, having sinned the sin unto death they are blinded to the truth (Jh 12:40) and shall die in the sin of unbelief. (Nu 27:3, Jh 8:24, Heb 6:4, 10:29)
"This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them (the prophecies), mightest war a good warfare; holding (Rm 12:3, 1 Jh 5:4) faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith (2 Pet 1:5) have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme." Paul tells Timothy that "he had turned Alexander over to Satan that he may learn not to blaspheme ." 1 Cor 5:5
These two brethren had denied the truth by failing to "Hold the (new covenant) faith, in a pure conscience (Heb 9:14); which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck." In other words, these two brethren had perverted the truth in opposition to that which was written in their hearts (new covenant dealt faith) to the extent that others followed them in their error, and their faith (understanding of the truth) was destroyed. This sound like those among us today who teach the false doctrine of perseverance and in do so is dividing the kingdom (Mt 12:25 - 45, LK 11:20,26).
1 Timothy 2
"God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity."
This sounds like the statement made by Peter in his 2nd epistle 3:9. Yes, God is long suffering, which can be seen under the old covenant in Num 14:22, wherein the children of Israel had tempted him ten time: to the point he told them they would die in their sins (Num 27:4). Here in this time world they had forever loose their enjoyment of the blessings afforded them in the land of Canaan. This can also happen under the new covenant (Jh 8:24, 14:40). The ransom for all is talking about the deliverance from the bondage of the law, wherein the law of faith (Rom 3:27), which is the law of Christ (Gal 6:2) hath made them free (Gal 3:19,26). This law is summed up in Galatians Gal 5:14 "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
"God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity."
This sounds like the statement made by Peter in his 2nd epistle 3:9. Yes, God is long suffering, which can be seen under the old covenant in Num 14:22, wherein the children of Israel had tempted him ten time: to the point he told them they would die in their sins (Num 27:4). Here in this time world they had forever loose their enjoyment of the blessings afforded them in the land of Canaan. This can also happen under the new covenant (Jh 8:24, 14:40). The ransom for all is talking about the deliverance from the bondage of the law, wherein the law of faith (Rom 3:27), which is the law of Christ (Gal 6:2) hath made them free (Gal 3:19,26). This law is summed up in Galatians Gal 5:14 "For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself."
1 Timothy 3
"This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 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. These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: 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."
This chapter is a simple definition of the office work of the Bishop and Deacon. Also that in this body only is found the true followers of their husband, Jesus the man.
1 Timothy 4
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer."
This is a stern warning to those who having known the truth, and departs from the faith once delivered to the saints. It is defined as a sin unto death. (1 Jh 5:17; Heb 6:4) This warning was given to the disciples of Paul's in his day for we are told in Eph 2:2 that this spirit is in the children of disobediemce, and also in 2 Thes 2:7 that this spirit doeth now, at that present time, is working to deceive the weak members of the church. As stated above we find this also working in the church today, for many of the disciples of Jesus is following after the false teachers of perseverance.
"If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained." ~ This is self-explanatory. Seen the last verse of this chapter. (Vs 16)
"This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe. These things command and teach. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee."
Yes, discipleship is definitely a labor of works, which requires sacrificing the desires of the flesh. Although the atonement covered the sins of all of God’s children, there is a special called out bride of Jesus that has received the double portion of the firstborn. Having been called by this special calling (2 Thess 2:13) one must exercise the dealt faith, by adding to it the things defined in 2 Pet 1:5-7. It those so called do so, then they have the assurance of their salvation, having put on the whole armor of God (Eph 6:130 wherewith they are able to stand against the wiles of the devil (1 Timothy 5).
"Rebuke not an elder (older man) but intreat him as a father, and the younger as brethren."
This needs no explanation. Yes it would include an older minister, but the lesson is simply speaking about the respect the young should show to the gray-headed men.
"Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day."
This again is a very simple defines those qualifying for widows indeed and it later says she must be at least sixty years old at this time Paul was writing to Timothy, now day the life span has increased: so would the age of dependence. The needs in that day were not supplied by the government as it is today. Whether or not this has proven to be a blessing or not could be questioned.
"I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house (her children not her husband). Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labor in the word and doctrine"
The tern elder as used here has referring to the officers of the church, some elders labor in the word and doctrine and some do not. The term bishop is use to define the overseers of the congregational (singular) needs, meaning to shepherd, feed the flock (Acts 20:28). They are not the ministers in charge of the church, for the LORD is the one in charge. 1 Peter 5:1 "The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock." Acts 20:17 "From Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church (singular). And when they had come he taught then saying ‘I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock (singular), over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood." We find in Ex 18:19 "Be thou for the people to God ward, that thou mayest bring the causes unto God: and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens." This is the worldly system that Moses father-in-law Jethro, a Midianite pagan priest gave unto Moses to govern the children of Israel. Several months later we find in Num 11:16, "The LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone." Herein we find that the worldly system that the Pagan priest had advised Moses to setup evidently was not working very well. We need to realize also, that it is Moses a judge, not Aaron the priest that is set in judgment of the children of Israel. Even so as a judge over the congregation there need to be more than a one man. This is just a little side note to express my concerns of one minister have the authority over the congregation as the so-called pastor of the church.
"Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some they follow after."
This is speaking of the judgment that is placed in the hand of those that has the responsibility of the welfare of the congregation. When a man’s sin is public knowledge, then the church must set in judgment of the man, but if it is not public knowledge, the Lord will recompence to them their reward. Gal 6:7 "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. He that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. The everlasting life in this context has reference to the life one enjoys in the assembly of the saints (1 Jh 2:27) .
1 Timothy 6
The first part of this chapter is giving Timothy instructions on how those in the church so conduct themselves before those who has authority over them. This is especially true if the master is a member of the church. In verse three he goes on to inform the servant that do other wise is in opposition to our Lord Jesus Christ. In doing other wise he has become proud, not knowing that he is in opposition to his Lord. If they are willingly obedient to their master then they are exercising contentment, which is great gain. Remember that we came into this world as a naked baby, having nothing save what was given to us. You must also realize that you are not going to take anything with your when you leave this world. Paul then closes this epistle to Timothy out with the admonition to simply "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. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee."
The first part of this chapter is giving Timothy instructions on how those in the church so conduct themselves before those who has authority over them. This is especially true if the master is a member of the church. In verse three he goes on to inform the servant that do other wise is in opposition to our Lord Jesus Christ. In doing other wise he has become proud, not knowing that he is in opposition to his Lord. If they are willingly obedient to their master then they are exercising contentment, which is great gain. Remember that we came into this world as a naked baby, having nothing save what was given to us. You must also realize that you are not going to take anything with your when you leave this world. Paul then closes this epistle to Timothy out with the admonition to simply "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. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee."
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