Advent Week 1: Hope

HOPE IN CHRIST!

The Light of Hope

ADVENT: It’s all about getting ready for; then celebrating the birth of Christ [Jesus of nazareth] Advent = Arrival. The Messiah, Jesus Christ has made one arrival…He will make another. The traditional celebration of Advent focuses on the first & second coming of Christ! Advent started in the late 5th century as a series of fasts to prepare for Christmas. Advent liturgy is found in the late 6th century Homilies of Pope Gregory The Great. By the late 8th century the term ‘Advent’ we used and celebrated around Europe. In the 14th century it becomes the custom to celebrate Advent the five weeks before Christmas [not tied to dates] The five weeks correspond to five themes: HOPE / JOY / FAITH / LOVE / PEACE

TODAY WE BEGIN WITH HOPE! Multiple dimensions of Hope! Hope prior to the Advent of the Messiah: The Jews placed their hope in Messiah. Hope Now for a life transformed by Messiah: Christ followers have Hope in HIM! Hope for the return of Messiah and eternity with Him: Our Hope: Eternity With Christ!

We need hope…real hope, not the false hope found in this world [money, politics, career]. Real hope is found in the truth about and a relationship with OUR CREATOR. Part of discovering real hope [JESUS CHRIST] recognizing this world is hopeless, apart from God and the Messiah Jesus Christ! OUR HOPE IS IN A PERSON!

For us it begins with THE PROMISE OF HOPE! That the people of God had through His prophets. God had promised them A Messiah, A Deliverer, A Savior. Our 1st Scripture today is a passage about this future hope. For them and US.

Understanding Biblical Prophecy is challenging; Some parts are for the people then, some are for future readers, some are for both…

Isaiah 9:2-7 NLT

2 The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

  • The people who walk in darkness & live in a land of deep dark [can’t avoid it]
  • The light is sent for those who inhabit a world where darkness rules [You & me]
  • God planned [from the beginning] to shine the light…to oppose the darkness

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it. ~ John 1:1-5 [CSB]

THE HOPE OF LIGHT OVERCOMING DARKNESS

Why was Christmas fixed by the church on December 25th? Around but not on the darkest day of the year…replacing Roman festivities?.. That date was tied to the idea of LIGHT breaking through darkness: it’s a big deal!!! Let’s make the most of these 5 weeks [ADVENT] to prepare our hearts to celebrate!

3 You will enlarge the nation of Israel, and its people will rejoice. They will rejoice before You as people rejoice at the harvest and like warriors dividing the plunder.

  • The Nation of Israel = God’s People
  • The Nation of Israel received from God security, purpose, justice, mercy, love
  • Somewhat match the themes of advent: Hope, Joy, Faith, Love & Peace
  • God is going to include everyone else in the blessing of being HIS
  • It is going to be ‘As Good as it Gets’…[Life & Death] Winning @ Harvest & War

4 For You will break the yoke of their slavery and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders. You will break the oppressor’s rod, just as you did when You destroyed the army of Midian.

  • Why is everyone going to celebrate full out?
  • The destruction of the army of Midian was carried out by Gideon & 300 men
  • Gideon, the ultimate underdog
  • God delivered all of His People [at the time] with that victory
  • There was no way that 300 men could do what happened, ONLY GOD could
  • God’s people have hope in the God of Gideon to do what only HE can do

5 The boots of the warrior and the uniforms bloodstained by war will all be burned. They will be fuel for the fire.

  • The things of war will no longer have use [future / 2nd coming]
  • The fire is God creating a new heaven and a new earth when christ returns

Things present & future we can place our HOPE in…but who can make this happen?

6 For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

  • A child…who’s child? A Son…who’s son?
  • He will be in total control…because He is God
  • The Man of God known as Isaiah tells us about Him, His Place & Name
  • Wonderful Counselor: The bringer of all wisdom [Holy Spirit]
  • Mighty God: Creator / Ruler of The Universe
  • Everlasting Father: Eternal Love, the unconditional love of a parent. [Father]
  • Prince of Peace: The bringer of true peace [right relationship with God] [Son]

7 His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of His ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

  • The never ending part begins with the SECOND ADVENT OF CHRIST
  • Christ is full of Grace & Truth = Fairness & Justice
  • The continuing of what God showed shadows of thru David [human element]
  • This last line is amazing! That is a ‘Power Title’ /
  • He can make it happen…He is absolutely committed to making it happen

God made it happen…He sent His only Son [Christ Jesus] Because He has come we have HOPE FOR TODAY! Jesus proclaimed it Himself!

Isiah 61:1 [CJB]

The Spirit of The Lord God is upon me, because The Lord has anointed Me

to announce good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted; to proclaim freedom to the captives, to let out into light those bound in the dark.

  • Christ is both the announcer and enactor of ‘THE GOOD NEWS’ [Messiah]
  • HIS Mission: Freedom, Healing & Release from the power of SIN aka Darkness
  • Christ came to offers this to YOU… NOW! TODAY!
  • He came to release YOU from a dungeon of sin & shame
  • He came to heal your broken heart and bring you the good news about eternity

We have Hope for Today… We also have HOPE FOR ETERNITY!

“However, those the Father has given Me will come to Me, and I will never reject them. For I have come down from heaven to do the will of God who sent Me, not to do My own will. And this is the will of God, that I should not lose even one of all those He has given Me, but that I should raise them up at the last day.” ~ Jesus The Christ @ John 6:37-38 [NLT]

“He who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness. If anyone hears My sayings and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world.” ~ Jesus The Christ @ John 12:45-47 [NASB]

Jesus Christ wants to give you hope! Hope for this life and eternity!

Make The Most of the Gift of Hope

Hope is a person [Jesus]! Is He fully born in YOU?

Hope is available today! Will YOU let God’s light free & heal YOU?

Hope for eternity is in Christ! Will YOU trust Him for all things?

Doing Advent Right

Put all of your HOPE in Christ

Let the JOY of The Lord flow

Take some real steps of FAITH

Make room in your life for LOVE

Bask in a place of PEACE with God

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1st Timothy Pt. 11: Guard the Deposit

1 Timothy 6:11-21 (ESV)

The text this morning is meant to pump us up. It is the end of Paul’s letter, and he wants to leave Timothy with a sense of encouragement and purpose. 

The series title has been “cultural foundations of Christ’s church”. So hopefully you could answer the question, what is church culture founded on?

Paul tells us the purpose of his letter in chapter 3, which is “so you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God.” How should the church operate?

Our text today, Paul comes back around to the same themes he started it with. In chapter 1, the takeaways were (3): everything comes from God, the church should watch out for destructive teaching, and Christians should be prepared to endure for the faith, to run a hard race.

11 But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 

•       The context of this verse is directly following the love of money, that is what Paul is commanding Timothy flee from.
•       True ministry, not false teaching, will NOT be centered around riches and greed. He says as much by calling Timothy a “man of God”.

13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, 14 to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.

•       We get a nice big beautiful run on sentence. I didn’t want to break it up, but let’s pull out some of the key points. Paul commands Timothy to keep his word, to keep the commandment until Jesus returns. 
•       vs 13 Paul calls out Jesus’ confession as an example for us. Look at John 18:37
o       37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 
•       The confession of Jesus is that his life’s purpose is to bear witness to the truth. That should be our similar confession!
•       Ultimately, I think this passage is best seen in the context of what motivates a Christian leader. It is not the riches and material gain that false teachers seek. It is the reality of eternity.

17 As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. 18 They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

•       Do not “set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches”. This point is central. The pitfall of riches is that they delude us into trusting that we are in control. The desire of riches is to think that we’ll have more control over our lives if we could just have more money.
•       To stand with confidence on the things in the life is a fool’s errand. It can all disappear very quickly. Look at the number of celebrities who have had their lives ruined, sometimes rightfully so, because of horrific things they’ve done. Or someone like Muhammed Ali, one of the greatest boxers of all time but 3 years after he retired was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. The riches of the world are uncertain.

20 O Timothy, guard the deposit entrusted to you. Avoid the irreverent babble and contradictions of what is falsely called “knowledge,” 21 for by professing it some have swerved from the faith.
Grace be with you. 

•       The Lord has entrusted a great treasure in us, and we are to watch out over it. That treasure is the gospel. We have been given new life and the church is built of people who use it!
•       Do you know someone who has gone astray? It seldom starts where it ends. It ends with rejection of the true gospel. But it may start with only a small disagreement over doctrine, or a rejection of a certain part of scripture. Eventually that can and does grow until a shipwreck has been made of your faith. 

Before we finish this series let’s revisit some of the main takeaways. What does this church need to know?

Takeaways
There are serious standards for leaders.
–       We read in chapter 3 the qualifications for deacons and elders

Everyone has a role to play
–       Chapters 3 and 5 talk about the roles of church members and leaders. 

The church is entrusted with the gospel. 
–       Chapters 1, 4 and 6 all mention the hope that we uniquely have in Jesus.

The church prays for her leaders.
–       We saw in chapter 2 that the church needs be praying for our leaders. 

The church should be known for riches of good works, not material riches.
–       We saw this in chapter 2 and throughout chapter 6.
–       Do not adorn yourself with wealth but with good works. 

Thankfully this is not a moving target. Our culture is built on scripture, not the prevailing sentiments of the day.

Application

Everything comes from the Lord. How can we be reminded of God’s providence? 
–       What are things you take for granted? 
–       What things do you think you can do on your own? That you’re in charge of?
–       What ways can we demonstrate our dependance on God?

How are you engaging in spiritual training?
–       Do you spend time preparing for the hard spiritual work ahead? 
–       Am I spending time and energy to get ready to fight the good fight?

How am I growing? 
–       Are you in a different place spiritually than you were 6 months ago? 
–       it would be weird to see a Christian sitting in the same pew, not developing.

How do my desires for how church is to run align with the bible?
–       Are your desires based on personal preference? Something you think should be allowed? Or based on what the Bible says.

Sneak preview ahead in to 2 Timothy 2:2 “entrust [what you have heard from me] to faithful men who will be able to teach others also”.

/by

1st Timothy Pt. 10: Leadership Standards

1st Timothy 6:2b-10 [ESV]

The making of a Biblical Church leader takes time…and focus… and humility and trust in God’s Word and in God’s people…God has given those who He calls to lead HIS people clear standards, in both the Old Testament and in the writing of the New Testament, by which to live and to govern the church. Thank God for standards!

A part of any people’s culture are the standards to which their leaders are held accountable to. Integrity. Character. Contentment. New Testament Church leaders are called to a high standard!

2b. Teach and urge these things.

  • This is regarding what he has written so far…
  • It is also about what he is going to close up this letter with [Character]

3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, 4 he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing.

  • A different doctrine = A different Gospel
  • Sound doctrine = the VERIFIED words of our Lord
  • Teaching that accords with godliness = Old Testament Scriptures

He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words, which produce envy, dissension, slander, evil suspicions, 5 and constant friction among people who are depraved in mind and deprived of the truth, imagining that godliness is a means of gain.

  • This paragraph is about those who disagree with the teachings of Christ
  • This is describing such people who claim special knowledge, or the secret…
  • They pray on lost people by fostering emotional upheaval: ‘stirring the pot’
  • This is the ‘Religious Scam Artist’…One Big Confidence Con [The Sting]

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain, 7 for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. 8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

  • There is a way for religion to be of great gain: Faith that produces contentment!
  • “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” ~ Job @ Job 1:21 [ESV]
  • When your hope is set on the next world. you don’t need stuff in this world
  • Righteousness that is fully experienced makes for material contentment
  • GOSPEL OPERTUNITY!!!

9 But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.

  • In contrast: those who desire wealth over all else, set their hope on…what?
  • God’s Word says if you desire to be rich you will be tempted by STUFF…
  • God’s Word says if you long for material things you will get caught in a trap!
  • God’s Word says if you are captivated by money…it will lead to destruction!

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.

  • Not Money itself… it is the LOVE of money that is a gateway to evil, why?
  • Money is an idol / Money makes us self-reliant / Money makes us Proud
  • This ‘Craving’… what one is devoted to / an indulgence / an uncontrollable urge
  • Love of Money = Covetousness [Wanting what is not yours] 10th commandment
  • The pursuit of money distracts you from ‘The Faith’ [Salvation OR Discipleship]
  • If you are interested in ‘Godliness’, the love of money will hinder your walk

3 BIBLICAL STANDARDS 4 CHRISTIAN LEADERS

1. Adhere to Doctrinal Orthodoxy: Humbly trust in what has been passed down

2. Unite The Body: Focus on the application of what Scripture has always taught

3. Be Content with Modest Lifestyle: Avoiding occupation with money & other evils

3 Responses of Midtown Covenant Members to this passage

DO NOT Tolerate un-Biblical doctrine or teaching [Beware the ‘NEW’]

DO NOT Tolerate the dividing of the Body with controversy and drama

DO NOT Tolerate leaders who are more occupied with money than the Body

/by

1 Timothy Pt. 9: Honor To Whom Honor Is Due

I Timothy 5:17-6:2b (ESV)

Having previously written the qualifications for elders (chapter 3), Paul wrote about the relationship and responsibilities between elders and the flock, with the focus on how the members treat their pastors. Timothy was charged with restoring something that was broken, in 5 key areas: honor, care/provision, protection, public rebuke (when necessary), and careful selection.

Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching. For the Scripture says, “You shall not muzzle an ox when it treads out the grain,” and “The laborer deserves his wages.” Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest stand in fear. In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality. Do not be hasty in laying on of hands, nor take part in the sins of others; keep yourself pure. (No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.) The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later. So also good works are conspicuous, and even those that are not cannot remain hidden.

Let all who are under a yoke as bondservants regard their own masters as worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and the teaching may not be reviled. Those who have believing masters must not be disrespectful on the ground that they are brothers; rather they must serve all the better since those who benefit by their good service are believers and beloved.

If you are a Christian, then you too are under the yoke of Christ, a bondservant of the Lord. Our testimony is more important that any personal liberty. As Gal 3:28 reminds us there is no “bond or free….for we are all one in Christ.” We still live in a world of owners and employees, supervisors and workers. Why live in the manner Paul describes? So that God and His Word will not be slandered. Eternity matters in the work place. Do your work unto the Lord. The truth of the gospel rests on you as you work.

Summary Points:

-Healthy relationships between pastors and members is essential to being a healthy flock. We are in this kingdom work together. Otherwise, we devolve into an “us” v. “them” divide, with the clergy distinct and separate from parishioners.

-Honor (provide/care) your pastors, especially those who labor in the Word. Whether here or if the Lord plants you elsewhere, you will be apart of a healthy gospel ministry, if you do this. Hebrews 13:17 indicates this is important and in the members’ best interests. Disregarding or dishonoring pastors inflicts significant injuries throughout the flock.

-Wherever the Lord plants you, wherever you live, learn, work, or play, the gospel rests on you and me. It is not for others to live and to declare. It is for you and me.

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1st Timothy Pt. 8: The Family of God

A Culture of Family Care

As Jesus Christ’s followers formed into communities they created culture, traditions, social norms and ways of life. They had the teaching of Jesus, O.T. Scriptures and some letters written by Apostles that were copied & circulated. In these letters, early communities of believers were given guidance by Apostles.

Theology: Revealed truth about God, His purpose, nature and how we relate to Him

Doxology: How WE respond to the revealed truth about God

Beliefs that lead to actions…which create and sustain culture. In Scripture you find belief statements with corresponding actions: Guidelines for the early church. Letters such as 1st Timothy are full of guidelines for them and for US!

Today we have: Guidelines for:

  • How leaders in Christ’s church are to correct people
  • How the Body of Christ will care for Widows

‘The List’ Acts Ch 2. Back then, The Church was the ONLY social safety net for their members. The ‘Widows’ list was the way members of Christ’s body who were without support, were taken care of.

1 Timothy 5:1-16 NASB 1995

1 Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, 2 the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

  • This is guidance to Timothy and all who lead in Christ’s Body
  • This sentence, 2 verses, serves as a guide to ‘Christ-Like Correction’
  • When you have something hard to communicate, do it with respect
  • The idea is to treat people like they are family: be honest, yet kind
  • The end: ‘in all purity’… this is our motivation while correcting others

3 Honor widows who are widows indeed; 4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

  • Criteria for the ‘Widow’ designation as it pertained to the N.T. Church
  • There must have been women getting help by faking widowhood…
  • This Scripture puts the responsibility on the family FIRST…then church
  • In Christ’s Body, the cultural is that widows are cared for, one way or another

5 Now she who is a widow indeed and who has been left alone, has fixed her hope on God and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. 6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives.

  • Widows without family live in a state of dependence on God
  • They do not take it for granted that God is their only hope and source of life
  • In contrast, a focus on self-pleasure is a sign of spiritual deadness

7 Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. 8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

  • Prescribe is to ‘command’, or to ‘insist on’….why?
  • These rules protect individuals reputations AND Christ’s reputation
  • Biblical Christians live out their faith in Christ by caring for the ‘least of these’

9 A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.

  • Old age is a requirement
  • One marriage is a requirement
  • A reputation in the community of Christ followers for being ‘others-focused’
  • It was an expectation for women who lived godly lives to be care for

11 But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, 12 thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. 13 At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention.

  • If they are young they are still going to want male companionship
  • It’s bad if they pledge to be dependent then change their mind…
  • The reason old was a requirement… they didn’t want to remove them
  • If on the list too young: they learn to be unproductive, & unhealthy relationally

14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; 15 for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. 16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed.

  • If you husband dies, keep keeping on…to avoid falling into sin [it happens]
  • The burden for family falls on men & women alike
  • The principal is to share the burden between families and the church
  • If families do their part, the church will have resources to care for the needy

Biblical Principals:

In the Body of Christ, correction of others is to be done respectfully, appealing to them as if they were family.

Christian communities have always placed a high value on honoring and financially supporting widows; first at the family level, then as a church body.

Widowhood is a place to live in dependence on God and His people, not the pursuit of whatever makes you happy.

It is unacceptable for Biblical Christians not to care for widows.

The Body of Christ has criteria for who is to be supported as a Widow. These rules are there so that all parties may honor God.

Application Questions:

Do you view other members of the Body as family and treat them as such?

Do you support widows within your family? How?

How should we support widows as a church?

Why are the correction others and the treatment of widows important to Christ’s Body?

/by

1 Timothy Pt. 7: Lifestyles of the Christian Leader

1 Timothy 4:6-16 (ESV)

20 October 2024

What is in our text this morning? Paul hits on several topics, some key themes describing how God’s leaders should act, how they should conduct themselves.
–       Instructions for godly living. He tells us what we should be doing in order to honor God with our lives.
–       He connects that to an encouragement to Timothy to be an example for others to follow.
–       Paul clarifies the mindset of a believer. He’s going to tell us why we do all this, to build a strong spiritual investment with each day, and the hope that we have in Christ.

[4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.] 6 If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. 

•       Paul is asking Timothy to be obedient and to share “these things” with the rest of the church. I believe Paul is referencing the last bit of what Todd preached last week. 

7 Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; 8 for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. 9 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. 

•       These are instructions on how Timothy can focus his ministry and teaching. Not on silly things that are irreverent, disrespecting to God. Focus instead on Godliness.  
•       Paul uses the word “train”. he’s saying you have difficult work to do, and you need to prepare to do it. 
•       Paul’s point is that those preparations and the value of physically training ourselves pale in comparison to building up the character of godliness. 
•       It is important because of its lasting value. Important now and later. It is NOT just important today. 
•       This is another trustworthy saying, that Godliness will hold its value both in this life and the one to come. It is a good investment

10 For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these things. 

•       He finishes the thought on Godliness by describing it as our end goal. It is “to this end” that we work hard, toil, sweat. Make your life about THIS. 
•       Paul tells us the motivation for why believers can do it. Simply, we have hope in the true and living God
•       This radically transforms our priorities and motivations. It allows us to pursue godliness
•       1 John 4:19
o       19 We love because he first loved us.
•       (vs 11) Timothy is instructed to teach the church this essential fact, that we have our hope set in Jesus, and that becoming more like him is THE goal

12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 

•       Not to be looked down upon. Also, can read this as a rebuttal to giving ourselves excuses. I’m young, my age precludes me from doing something. Paul was telling Timothy at least that was not a legitimate reason to ignore the call.
•       Paul tells him instead to be a well-rounded example, both through words and the way he acts. Three specific ways: love, faith, purity.
John 13:35
o       35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
•       His faith is to be an example, a Godly leader shows how we trust and depend on God with our lives.
•       In purity, we set ourselves apart. As Christians we are not full of the things of this world. We live distinctly different.

13 Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. 14 Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. 

•       Instructions for how Timothy is to lead the church. He is to read scripture publicly. It was meant for all to hear.
•       These are standards for the church. The leaders should do these things. Members should demand them. We should be a church that publicly reads the scripture.
•       Paul assigns Timothy to “exhortation”. This is encouragement, urging on the body. Christian leaders are to provide encouragement and direction
•       vs14 Paul tells Timothy not to neglect his gift. the instructions here are for him to use what he’s got. 
•       God’s leaders use the gifts, skills, situations and relational capital that God has given them.

15 Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. 16 Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching. Persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.

•       Timothy is told to immerse himself in these things. Make it his lifestyle. It is not something he does on the side, or in his spare time. But he is to be immersed.
•       It is central and the thing that everything else orbits around
•       He’s telling us that Godly leaders should live this way outwardly, all the time, so that they are accountable to the church. 
•       Matthew 5:16
o       let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
•       It’s going to require diligence. A leader diligently watches his or her own lifestyle and what they are teaching.
•       Persist we save others. Reading scripture in context we know that we don’t save people, and that’s not what Paul is saying here.
•       Paul is saying that a Christian leader has a more credible witness when he practices what he preaches. That is a heavily worn expression, but this scripture is where it comes from. 

Paul is telling Timothy that Christians are to focus on godliness. That aim will be hard, but because of the hope we have in Jesus, it is possible. Practically, when we focus on godliness our lives will look a certain way, and we will have a strong witness because of it.

Takeaway Points

Expectations for Christian leaders.
The church should be led specifically through:
–       Publicly reading scripture
–       Leaders that practice what they preach

Age is a number, not an excuse.
–       Timothy was not to and likewise we should not make an excuse out of our age. 
–       As a young person you can say I’ll get to it. As an older person you can say, I’ve done my time. age isn’t an excuse, aim higher.

A Christian leader uses the gifts he or she has got. 
–       We need to answer our calling. We don’t hide them or play our gifts down

We are to surround ourselves with Godly influences, with the things of God. 
–       Being a Christian should not be cultural. But it should absolutely be our culture. 
–       It should influence what we watch and read, the things we spend our time on, the company we keep. 
–       Is Jesus your identity?

Application Questions

Who keeps me accountable? Am I keeping my leaders accountable?
–       Am I growing, and can people tell?
Are my leaders devoted to the things of God? Public reading, exhorting others?
–       In case you think this question isn’t about you, remember that our leaders are to be good examples of this.
–       so are YOU devoted to this too?
What about my calling am I afraid of?
–       We are all called to something. Do not neglect it. Is it laziness? Fear of getting it wrong?

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1st Timothy Pt. 6: Conduct Based On Christ

1 Timothy 3:14-4:5 [NASB1995]

The big picture of this letter: Cultural Norms & Values based on God’s Word. Jesus is the author & perfecter of our faith: THE TRUTH ABOUT JESUS. Paul was given the job of laying the foundation of Christ Jesus’ church. This letter was and is so important to a church like ours

14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long;

All Spirit indwelt believers must be on guard for false teachings by diligent study of Scripture and persistent prayer. We must reject legalism and focus on heart condition.

  • So far these things being written are:
    • Charge certain persons not to teach different doctrine
    • The need in Christ’s Body of a vibrant, Biblical prayer culture
    • To focus on what the goals are of Christ discipleship are:
      • A Pure Heart / A Good Conscience / A Sincere Faith
    • The purpose of the Law / Torah is to reveal our need for God to us
    • Christ’s role as Mediator between God and humanity
    • Gender roles in the church’s gatherings based on creation
    • Qualifications for Elders and Deacons [Christ-Like Leadership]

15 in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

  • Paul wants to come to see Timothy in Ephesus, but must go where God leads
  • Conduct = Culture
  • What we DO flows from what we believe and value
  • The Body of Christ is those who have been ‘Set Apart’ for God / ADOPTION
  • This community is to become what supports ‘The TRUTH’ about Christ
  • This letter sought to lay foundations for how Christ’s church was to function

16 By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness [faith in Christ]: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.

  • Common Confession = What we all are to believe the same about [UNITY]
  • The Mystery being described here is how God saves wretched sinners
  • These are the basics of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
    • Revealed in the flesh = He was born a human, He shared our condition
    • Vindicated in The Spirit = Baptism, Miracles, Transfiguration
    • Seen by Angels = In the desert…at His resurrection
    • Proclaimed among the Nations = [Salvation for all people groups]
    • Believed on in the world = Mass Salvation at Pentecost
    • Taken up in Glory = Ascension after resurrection

THIS TRUTH IS TO BE TRANSFORMATIVE IN THE LIFE OF BODY MEMBERS

4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron,

  • This is referring to Old Testament prophecies and direct revelation to PAUL
  • This is the practice of trying to incorporate the world’s wisdom into Christianity
  • People seeking to follow Christ can be deceived about what that entails
  • There are ‘blind guides’…people so lost they don’t even know they are lost

3 those who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth.

  • These are various types of legalism, rules without a heart for God
  • Focus on Jewish kosher requirements
  • Acts chapter 10:9-16 [Peter’s Vision]
  • God spoke then and here: Gratitude unlocks the vault of God’s blessings

4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

  • For those ‘In Christ’ all of God’s creation is good when used as directed by God
  • Recognition of God’s provision & gratitude for it gives Christ’s people freedom
  • With focus on God’s Word & Prayer we can enjoy all that God has created

GOD BREATHED TRUTH!

SUMMARY & APPLICATION

God has given the Body of Christ guidelines for: conduct, leadership, discipleship, gender roles and other things thru Scripture because His Church is ‘The’ Foundation of Truth.

All Spirit Indwelt followers of Christ Jesus must make God’s standards their standards, God’s values their values and adopt God prescribed attitudes by yielding to His Spirit in us.

SUMMARY & APPLICATION

The Body of Christ is to be united around the Biblical Gospel, sharing in common an understanding of who Christ Jesus is and what He has done.

Every member of Christ’s Body must completely understand and be able to articulate the essentials of the Biblical Gospel.

You must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. ~ 1st Peter 3:15 NLT

SUMMARY & APPLICATION

There will be spiritual and human that will lie and deceive people into focusing on behavior and not belief. But if Jesus’ Body clings to His Word and prayer by His Spirit we can enjoy all God has created with thanksgiving!

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1 Timothy Pt. 5: Spiritual Leadership

I Timothy 3:1-13 (ESV)

There are several different words in Scripture that refer to overseers/pastors. They describe different aspects or characteristics of the same office, e.g. maturity, care, protection, direction, leading, etc. Paul describes the qualifications for the church’s servant leaders, using the phrase “the saying is trustworthy”, meaning that this teaching is crucial to the formation and function of the church. He describes 16 qualities or qualifications for the church’s overseers (“episkopos” or teaching leaders). An overview: personal character is essential; he maintains an orderly, God-honoring home; he must have teaching aptitude; he has a mature experience in the Lord.

The saying is trustworthy: if anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task. Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach, not a drunkard, not violent, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money. He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church? He must not be a recent convert, or he may become puffed up with conceit and fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover, he must be well thought of by outsiders, so that he may not fall into disgrace, and into a snare of the devil. (v.1-7)

He is a “one woman man” in faithfulness, fidelity, purity, and transparency. Marital status is incidental until we reach v.4; that’s where the matter of marriage, divorce, and re-marriage is properly evaluated. His home is orderly. His young children “fall in line”. The larger text reveals how husbands and wives work together in serving the Lord. Additional considerations: (1) the overseer cannot be zealous of his personal reputation, it leads to deception and dishonesty; (2) his thoughts are tempered and careful, unmixed with wine, worldly cleverness counts for nothing when selecting an overseer; (3) he rightly divides the Word, use the Word to edify the church and expose those who lie and deceive, special preaching charisma or giftedness plays no role in this selection; (4) the overseer is not prone to secret indulgences nor the tempers that worldly excesses arouse, he doesn’t hold a grudge, he doesn’t keep a record of offenses, he doesn’t cut people down with verbal or emotional intimidation; (5) winning at all costs is excluded, he cannot love controversy; (6) recent converts are vulnerable to pride and worldly ambitions, to significant shifts in beliefs swayed by others’ opinion or popular consensus, he hasn’t been pruned sufficiently by the cross, he hasn’t demonstrated victory over sin and significant renovation of his life.

Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, nor greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. (v.8-13)

The deacons (“diakonos” or servants) are men and women of high character, serious, considerate. The men are not double tongued (devious). The women are not slanderous (diabolical). Interesting that all 3 servant-leader evaluations caution us to watch our mouths, e.g. guard our hearts! Deacons are temperate, self-controlled, not money-oriented (especially since deacons handle/steward church resources). Deacons cling to gospel truth that has now been fully revealed in Jesus Christ and possess a conscience formed and guided by God’s Word. Deacons are known for managing the affairs of the home well and guiding their children in godliness. Deacons demonstrate faithfulness in small matters, then greater kingdom responsibilities eventually are entrusted to them (e.g. Stephen and Philip). Faithfulness in small matters produces boldness in eternal matters.

In Summary:

– It’s a good thing to desire to serve God and humbly lead His people. You are not out of place nor about to waste your life regardless of what people around you say.

– All of us should be pursuing this walk with the Lord. To say “this is not for me” is a denial of a true salvation confession of Christ.

– Insist your elders: (1) have a walk with God (2) maintain an orderly, God-honoring home and personal life (3) can rightly divide the Word (4) have a mature experience in and with the Lord. If not, we are corruptly authorizing everyone in the church to pursue a selfish, worldly life. Peter instructed the elders to be an example to the flock (I Peter 5). Encourage a God-honoring life among all God’s people, by living one ourselves.

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1st Timothy Pt. 4: God Given Roles

The woman’s role in salvation is to create life and reflect God’s love

1st Timothy 2:8-15

This letter is full of instruction in how Christ’s Body is to function. Throughout the New Testament Scripture God speaks to HIS Body…HE tells US how we are to live and relate to HIM.

This letter is full of God establishing ‘Cultural Norms’ for Christian Communities. Through His proven servants [Paul & Timothy] God instructs US…God created this Scripture to instruct the Body of Christ. In our text today we see the establishment of behaviors and standards for Christ’s Body. This reflects the values of the Nation of Israel and the teaching of Christ Jesus. Today we have instruction on roles men and women are to play in worship. God created 2 genders to play 2 different roles in the gatherings of the church. These roles, when played properly, relationally connect the Body to the Head [Christ]. These roles, when played properly, show men and women how BE God honoring.

God made women to feel, think and act in particular ‘God Given’ ways. God made men to feel, think and act in particular ways, again ‘God Given Ways’. We are going to look at Genesis today to help US see these ‘God-Given Roles’. This in not new stuff for God’s people, the Torah is very gender specific. Gender Roles emanate from the created order in Scripture [not norms of the time]

Complimentarism:

God designed men & women to play ‘complimentary’ roles, not the same roles. When we play our roles properly, we properly relate to God as HE intended. In this passage, the context is the Body of Christ gathering for worship. We will see how men and women are to BE in these gatherings…[not just act but BE]

1 Timothy 2:8-15 [NLT]

8 In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.

  • Scripture creates a standard: The role of men in worship
  • Worship gatherings were in various places…
  • No matter where they gather, God’s best for men is a focus on Prayer & Action
  • ‘Holy Hands’ result from a good conscience (1:5 & 1:19)
  • Lifted hands is a sign of submission [prayer is a surrendered act]
  • Right standing with God and humans eliminates anger and controversy
  • Men’s role in gatherings of Christ’s Body: prayerfully accountability for sin
  • Men are accountable for the sin of humanity [Romans 5:12-17]

9 And I want women to be modest in their appearance. They should wear decent and appropriate clothing and not draw attention to themselves by the way they fix their hair or by wearing gold or pearls or expensive clothes.

  • Scripture creates a standard: For Women in places of worship [Body gathering]
  • Modesty is the role Godly women are to play in the gathering of the Body
  • Paying a minimal amount of attention to their appearance
  • Attire that is ‘Decent’ = Occasion Appropriate [and overall modest]
  • Over done Hair / Costly Jewelry / Expensive Clothes = Not for Jesus’ Church
  • Women are to play the role of not creating distraction from God’s revelation

10 For women who claim to be devoted to God should make themselves attractive by the good things they do.

  • Scripture creates a standard: for Women who ‘claim’ to be devoted to God
  • Devotion to God is to be understood as a surrendered life to Christ Jesus
  • For such Women are called to focus on what they do… not how they look
  • Ultimately the attitude and behavior is to focus on God and what HE is doing

11 Women should learn quietly and submissively. 12 I do not let women teach men or have authority over them. Let them listen quietly.

  • Scripture creates a standard: for women who ‘claim’ devotion to God
  • Context of learning that is that of a worship gathering dealing with Scripture
  • Again the role of women is to not distract from God speaking to HIS people
  • God is speaking through Paul [this is not Paul’s idea, it is GOD’S]
  • God’s roles for men and women are different…starting with creation

13 For God made Adam first, and afterward he made Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived by Satan. The woman was deceived, and sin was the result.

  • The Scripture references creation to validate the teaching of different roles
  • God created men to lead in the relationship of humanity with God
  • Because He made men first, they are meant to be the conduit of revelation
  • It was not Adam who was deceived because Eve tried to play his role
  • Eve was deceived because she wanted to be the conduit of revelation
  • The Scripture is connecting the different roles in the church with creation
  • It is not about equality in sameness, it is about different roles of equal value

Then the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. The Lord God commanded the man, saying, “From any tree of the garden you may eat freely; but from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat from it you will surely die.”

~ Genesis 2:15-17

The man gave names to all the cattle, and to the birds of the sky, and to every beast of the field, but for the man there was not found a helper suitable for him. So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and he slept; then He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh at that place. The Lord God fashioned into a woman the rib which He had taken from the man, and brought her to the man. The man said, “This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; She shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.” ~ Genesis 2:20-23 NLT

15 But women will be saved through childbearing, assuming they continue to live in faith, love, holiness, and modesty.

  • Womenkind will play a role in salvation by giving birth
  • This is not about specific women being saved but the role of women in general
  • They are to reflect God’s love and holiness though their faith & modesty

Then he said to the woman, “I will sharpen the pain of your pregnancy, and in pain you will give birth. And you will desire to control your husband, but he will rule over you.” ~ Genesis 3:16 NLT

SUMMARY & APPLICATION 4 MEN

In worship settings, men play the role of being the conduit of revelation from God

The prayer life of men should be matched with deeds [work of the hands]

Creation Order establishes this role, men sin by abandoning their role [passivity]

The Man’s role in salvation is to pass along God’s love free of anger and controversy

SUMMARY & APPLICATION 4 WOMEN

In worship settings women are to play the role of keeping the focus on God

Rather than a focus on their appearance, they are to focus on kingdom work

Creation Order establishes this role, women sin by taking over the role of men

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1 Timothy Pt. 3: The FUNdamentals of the Christian Faith

1 Timothy 2:1-7 (ESV)

September 22, 2024

If we can’t agree on what we talk about today, the rest of this book is not for us. It does not matter what church leadership looks like, there will be no church to lead. That’s why this is important

(v1-2) First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.

– Paul urges us to give “supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings”

– Right away we can jump in to some theological principles. God is a powerful and capable God. Paul tells us to pray intercessions because God is capable of interceding. We give thanks because it is through him that every good thing comes. 

– God did not make us and forget us; we have a God who we are urged to interact with and to depend on.

– These prayers are to “be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions”

– our prayers of intercession and thanksgiving must have a subject. Paul tells us we are to offer these for all people, specifically those in leadership over us. 

– Not all prayer takes an equal amount of effort.

– Prayer is a muscle, we have to grow it by constantly practicing, sharpening the habit.

– This command comes with a little bit of a purpose, we are told the reason we are to live this way is “that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life”. It is for our benefit!

– How many of you worry about the future of your company? How many hours are collectively spent by the people in this room consumed on the politics of this country? 

– The text doesn’t say everything will be perfect and just the way you want it if only we pray. It’s more about a mindset. Give things over to God, and we do that through prayer.

– This kind of living is called “godly and dignified in every way”. It is how he wants us to live. This letter is straight forward, it says exactly what it means. To live this way is to be Godly. 

(v3-4) This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

– What is good and pleasing? “This is good, and it is pleasing”

– He’s talking about our prayer for others. Prayer for all people is godly, it pleases him, and is connected to the next thought that “God desires all people to be saved”.

– God tells us this is his desire. We should be praying his desires.

– God desires all people to “come to the knowledge of the truth”

– How are people to hear unless someone preaches?

– Romans 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

(v5) For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus

– The truth is that “there is one God”

– This was written to a man living in a world of polytheism where false gods were fighting for relevance. 

– The next part of the truth is that “there is one mediator between God and men”

– Sin is an act of offense, a transgression against Gods law. It is putting our desires in front of what God wants for us. 

– God is a good God who, because of his holiness and perfection, cannot tolerate sin. So, in order for this problem to find some resolution, there had to be this mediator.

– The bible is clear that there is ONE mediator. Only one path, one resolution. 

– There is only one way to set things right between us and God, and that mediator is “the man Christ Jesus”

–       Satan is envious over this advantage that Jesus has over him and the other fallen angels. Jesus knows what you and I are struggling with. He has empathy for our plight because he has lived in flesh like ours.

(v6) who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.

– Jesus was not forced to do anything, he was not forced to take on flesh, and the text tells us “who gave himself” 

– There was no taking his life

– He did this so our imperfection could be reconciled with God’s righteousness.

– There was purpose to his death; it was not accidental.

– Jesus gave his life “as a ransom for all”. 

– That mediator that we talked about earlier, the price that needing paying was the price of our disobedience.

–  Christ Jesus was not on the hook for the bill. He was a man but he was certainly God, he had done no wrong and did not need to pay any price for HIS actions. 

– It was us that needed to be paid for, and we were at his mercy. We were helpless to save ourselves. 

–       It was once and for all for all of his creation that Jesus died.

– This does not mean that all will accept this gift, and that all will be in heaven with us. 

(v7) For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

– Paul concludes our text this morning by reminding Timothy “For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle”

– He has a purpose because of this truth. 

– He was appointed to preach (which is to teach, instruct, proclaim, shepherd) 

– Even though Christ died for everyone, there is still a need for these people to understand. They have to cognitively grasp the truth in order to come to faith. 

– And that is Paul’s business in his mission, and in this letter. To help us comprehend the truth of who God is, what he has done, and what our response to it should be.

Primary teaching points

– We have got to be praying, especially for our leaders

– We pray because God is capable of answering prayers

– God wants to bear our burdens, trust in him through prayer

– Our prayer is rooted in God’s desire for all people to be saved

– There is one God, who died for us, to mend our relationship with himself. 

Application

Where can I add prayer to my life?

–       Find time to get on your knees before the lord. Carve out some serious time.

How is prayer impacting my life?

– Our hearts should be more like the lords, and we should be less worried about stuff

– It is obvious why the enemy does not want us to do it and distracts us from it

Take it upon yourself to learn more about who God is

– Pick up some theology books, get a study bible, read a commentary

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