1 Timothy 4
first couple of verses talk about Joel Osteen and the like. although it does say these teachers of these days will teach people not to marry.
this isn’t true but they have contributed to a culture where people disregard marriage,murder the fruit of the marriage and throw out a marriage as if it was garbage if it is
not quite to their liking.Paul says to point out to all that everything God created is good. He said so Himself, so
sayeth the Lord in Genesis 1.We are to receive it with prayer and gratitude.He says to devote ourselves to the public reading of scripture.
there was a time where I used to sit in common area at Lynnhaven Mall and read the Bible just so people would see, not me, but a person, reading the Bible.
Paul tells us to live pure lives, appreciative of God’s gifts and to be diligent and persevere.This is a saving action for us and whoever might hear and see us living in such a fashion.
Now with some they will chastise you. There are a handful who fit into that category at the open mic I minister to on Tuesday and Thursday nights. And so for that reason and others
I continue pressing on.
1 Timothy 5
Paul instructs us to provide to their relatives has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. We are all guilty of this to some degree. In my case my mom still provides to me
and this comes through her from a rich uncle so I guess I am worse than an unbeliever.However, while the implication is provision financially he doesn’t actually say that. I count it
as righteous that I provide to my 87 year old mother because she is mostly alone at this point in her life and we speak several times per day. She irritates me but I love her and sometimes
her wisdom is off the charts so it is a matter of mutual provision. Paul goes on to be honoring of church leaders and directors and this goes down like a kind
of righteous pyramid. Those who help and honor the church leaders by actually providing services, talents, advise, information about observations (not gossip) and the like are to
be honored in turn while everyone has some part in these joyous and righteous duties.Paul also reminds us that no sin is ever truly hidden. We should all keep that in mind if needful.
Better yet, live a pure and righteous life. Even if one screws up it should not be hidden but repented and offered to the Lord as a kind of burnt offering while we seek our relationship and salvation in
Jesus.
1 Timothy 6
Paul says that if these teachings he is relaying from God are not followed and worse if someone teaches contrary then they are conceited and they understand nothing. Although
I add they certainly put on a good show of being wiser than all others. Paul points out how these stir things up. This is often a kind of hidden sin but not truly hidden.
people can perceive the stench.This is the verse where Paul specifically speaks of the love of money being the root of all kinds of
evil. Some people though are evil and always have been and for its own sake.Finally here, Paul tells Timothy to flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,
endurance and gentleness. And he attributes this life to Jesus and the demonstration he gave us ofrighteousness and to do these things in the sight of God.
and Paul ends with this sendoff…. Grace be with you all. So shall I as well.
