(12) Let no one despise your youth, but rather, be an example for the believers in speech, in manner of life, in love, in trust, in purity.
Timothy was a young pastor. Here, Paul gives him instructions about how to live based on two facts:
1) The Gospel should be heard and heeded, unhindered by human preconceived notions, by the people of God.
2) Certain aspects of a person can hinder the reception of the Gospel by even the people of God - like being young.
Paul's concern here is not that people despise Timothy for being young - but that they tune out God's word because Timothy is young! And if they do that, they will fail to be nourished and fail to enjoy God's presence.
Now, youth is attended by certain sins - 2 Timothy 2:22 commands, "Flee youthful passions." As people get older, their sins change. However, when we see somebody younger and think that they must be less spiritually mature than us, we err - because we fail to give God credit for what he can do - and we fail to realize that growth is from him through his Scriptures.
Paul is concerned that people will tune out the word because of Timothy's youth, so he tells him not to let people do it! How? By being an example, or a type. In other words - by having a truly transformed life.
He gives categories for this young pastor to think through: speech, manner of life, love, trust and purity. A young pastor especially must embrace living like Jesus publicly in those things.
Why? Because God's nourishing and satisfying word transforms people. If a pastor's life is transformed, it gives evidence for the reliability of the word he is preaching. It at least alleviates skepticism based on other, human factors. See the previous part of the chapter.
There are some danger signs we must look out for!
Pastors must be careful to let not anything they are or do externally be a hindrance to someone understanding God's word. If they can change something about themselves, they must change it!
Pastors can fail to really strive to nourish themselves on God's word - and be stagnant in their character growth.
People can criticize pastors - not for their faithfulness to God's word - but rather, based on external, human understanding.
People can fail to heed God's word as preached through his servants.
It really all boils down to paying attention to people rather than to God and his word.
Yet, God has rescued us from this situation. He has given us his word, ordained that his presence be made known in and through it, and has given us pastors. He has given us good churches! Jesus ultimately is our type and example and savior and teacher. We must together look to him to learn to obey him - through pastors put in place by him to communicate his word.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for giving us your Scriptures. You have communicated to us the words that bring life - words about your Son dying in our place, rising for our justification, and returning to bring us to himself. Cause us to not think of people as the world does - but as you would have us - thinking of your sovereign grace in the delivery of your word. Feed us on your word. Cause us to enjoy and abide in Christ - so that we'll bear fruit for your glory.
In Christ I pray,
amen
Monday, June 14, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
The two distinct things that must be in sermons. If they're not, pastor, repent. If he won't, dude, get another church. 1 Timothy 4:11
(11) Command and teach these things.
In this verse, the apostle Paul commands Timothy, a young pastor, to command teach the things that he’s just been writing about.
What has he been writing about?
1) The Holy Spirit says that these ‘last days’ will be characterized by teachers in the church who are teachings things which contradict the implications of the Gospel
2) The Gospel is that Jesus Christ died for our sins, rose for our justification, and reigns – and that our justification is by belief in him.
3) The implications of that Gospel include that this physical world can be used for the glory of God – as we are hearing the Gospel and in prayer.
4) As people are nourished by the Scriptures, the Spirit produces godliness in them, and this godliness draws us nearer to the presence of God – and ultimately is the path of the Christian towards heaven and the full experience of God’s presence.
5) These things, particularly starting with nourishment through the Scriptures, are worth working hard for.
These are the things that Timothy, as a pastor, is to command and teach.
Paul used two words, didn’t he? ‘Command AND teach.’ Why is that? Well, the things he’s been writing about include both exhortation and doctrine – or commands and theology. Thus, Christians need both truth/doctrine/theology AND exhortation/commandments/practical implications of that theology. Pastors are thus required to give it. Neither must be assumed. We are in dangerous territory if either are assumed – being heady and forgetting we live in the world – OR – trying to be practical – and doing so for reasons not in accordance with truth. These heretics in 1 Timothy 4 looked very ‘godly’ by the worlds’ standards – and even in Christian eyes.
The Greek words ‘command and teach’ are in a verbal tense that is explicit about when these things are to be done – and that is, all the time, on a continuous basis. Pastors must, must, must be always presenting the Gospel, the truths of Scripture, and contradicting those things that contradict them – and they must, must, must always be giving Jesus’ sheep commands that flow out of the Gospel and the Scriptures.
And that’s because we need it. God has created us, as we’ve seen, to be nourished, just as one is nourished by foods. Pastors must continuously be nourishing themselves, and they must be continuously nourishing the sheep of God.
And the sheep must run to nourishment – they must run from false teachers, false preachers – preachers who are failing to preach the Gospel – and preaching things not from Scripture – and they must run to preachers who are preaching the words of God.
And when they get there, they must pay attention. They must not expect to be like babies being fed – but they must pay attention to the Word of God.
This is grace – that God has spoken to us promises. Jesus came in the flesh, into our world. His deeds, his death, his resurrection are recorded for us. The implications of those events are recorded for us. His commands are recorded for us. When he said ‘make disciples of the nations’ he was talking about making disciples of himself – teaching them to obey what HE has commanded.
And as his people hear his promises through the preacher, he produces godliness and we receive the presence of God, in part now, and in full when he returns to bring us home to him forever.
SUMMARY:
1) Preachers are to give both doctrine and its practical implications all the time, as well as contradicting things in the church that are in opposition to write doctrine. That is, what is in 1 Timothy 3:15-4:10.
2) Preachers must continuously be nourishing themselves on the word of God.
3) Sheep need nourishment from the word of God regularly, and must pay attention to the preachers.
4) God in his love has given us his word and pastors to communicate it to us.
PRAYER:
Holy God, set your name apart in us as holy!!! You are worthy of all praise, loving and gracious God. Help our pastors to regularly be nourished by the word, to regularly feed your sheep. Help us to feed on your word! Make it clear to us, implant it in us, and produce godliness in us. We yearn for you and want your promises. Thank you for the grace you’ve given to us in giving us the good news about Jesus – in giving us faith – in giving us all that accompanies salvation – and in giving us preachers. Cause us to pay attention to your word. Cause us to honor you here on earth.
Because Jesus stands vindicated before you, we pray confidently – amen.
In this verse, the apostle Paul commands Timothy, a young pastor, to command teach the things that he’s just been writing about.
What has he been writing about?
1) The Holy Spirit says that these ‘last days’ will be characterized by teachers in the church who are teachings things which contradict the implications of the Gospel
2) The Gospel is that Jesus Christ died for our sins, rose for our justification, and reigns – and that our justification is by belief in him.
3) The implications of that Gospel include that this physical world can be used for the glory of God – as we are hearing the Gospel and in prayer.
4) As people are nourished by the Scriptures, the Spirit produces godliness in them, and this godliness draws us nearer to the presence of God – and ultimately is the path of the Christian towards heaven and the full experience of God’s presence.
5) These things, particularly starting with nourishment through the Scriptures, are worth working hard for.
These are the things that Timothy, as a pastor, is to command and teach.
Paul used two words, didn’t he? ‘Command AND teach.’ Why is that? Well, the things he’s been writing about include both exhortation and doctrine – or commands and theology. Thus, Christians need both truth/doctrine/theology AND exhortation/commandments/practical implications of that theology. Pastors are thus required to give it. Neither must be assumed. We are in dangerous territory if either are assumed – being heady and forgetting we live in the world – OR – trying to be practical – and doing so for reasons not in accordance with truth. These heretics in 1 Timothy 4 looked very ‘godly’ by the worlds’ standards – and even in Christian eyes.
The Greek words ‘command and teach’ are in a verbal tense that is explicit about when these things are to be done – and that is, all the time, on a continuous basis. Pastors must, must, must be always presenting the Gospel, the truths of Scripture, and contradicting those things that contradict them – and they must, must, must always be giving Jesus’ sheep commands that flow out of the Gospel and the Scriptures.
And that’s because we need it. God has created us, as we’ve seen, to be nourished, just as one is nourished by foods. Pastors must continuously be nourishing themselves, and they must be continuously nourishing the sheep of God.
And the sheep must run to nourishment – they must run from false teachers, false preachers – preachers who are failing to preach the Gospel – and preaching things not from Scripture – and they must run to preachers who are preaching the words of God.
And when they get there, they must pay attention. They must not expect to be like babies being fed – but they must pay attention to the Word of God.
This is grace – that God has spoken to us promises. Jesus came in the flesh, into our world. His deeds, his death, his resurrection are recorded for us. The implications of those events are recorded for us. His commands are recorded for us. When he said ‘make disciples of the nations’ he was talking about making disciples of himself – teaching them to obey what HE has commanded.
And as his people hear his promises through the preacher, he produces godliness and we receive the presence of God, in part now, and in full when he returns to bring us home to him forever.
SUMMARY:
1) Preachers are to give both doctrine and its practical implications all the time, as well as contradicting things in the church that are in opposition to write doctrine. That is, what is in 1 Timothy 3:15-4:10.
2) Preachers must continuously be nourishing themselves on the word of God.
3) Sheep need nourishment from the word of God regularly, and must pay attention to the preachers.
4) God in his love has given us his word and pastors to communicate it to us.
PRAYER:
Holy God, set your name apart in us as holy!!! You are worthy of all praise, loving and gracious God. Help our pastors to regularly be nourished by the word, to regularly feed your sheep. Help us to feed on your word! Make it clear to us, implant it in us, and produce godliness in us. We yearn for you and want your promises. Thank you for the grace you’ve given to us in giving us the good news about Jesus – in giving us faith – in giving us all that accompanies salvation – and in giving us preachers. Cause us to pay attention to your word. Cause us to honor you here on earth.
Because Jesus stands vindicated before you, we pray confidently – amen.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
You need evidence for trusting God's promises? Here ya go. 1 Timothy 4:10
(10) For unto this we work and we struggle, since we have set our expectation on the living God, who is savior of all people, especially believers.
Paul was always toiling for the sake of the Gospel. He was preaching, engaging in conversations – even when it meant he’d be beaten, imprisoned, tortured, rejected, and hated.
And he makes note of this in a section of Scripture talking about one’s personally being nourished by God, being holy before God, and experiencing the presence of God. He clearly did not disjoin his personal walk with God from his ministry, preaching, leading to his own martyrdom. We should learn from that. Service to God is connected to, not distinct from, our walks with him. Pastors should toil, being fed by God’s word.
But why does Paul bring it up? He begins the verse saying, ‘for unto this.’ He’s justifying a statement – he’s backing a statement up. Which statement? The previous one – he just got done saying that the statement is trustworthy. Which statement?
Nourishing oneself on the word of God brings about godliness which brings about the experience of the presence of God here in part and full in the future when Jesus returns. Jesus has sent his Spirit to give us glimpses of him now – and will come full later and we will see him.
Paul is talking about his hard work to give evidence for the promise of God. Why on earth would some work themselves, literally, to death? There must be a reason! In Paul’s case, it was because of the promise of God – his presence, in the Spirit now, and in the fullness of Christ at his return.
Toil – hard work as if the things of this world and happiness here doesn’t matter - comes from being fed by God’s word.
He gives a related reason for his toil as well: “since we have set our expectation on the living God, who is savior of all men, especially believers.”
There was a point in the past at which Paul made a decision – to commit his future to the promises of God about Christ’s return – and forgiveness through his death, received by faith.
Why can he strive and struggle? Because he has an expectation for the future based on God’s promises.
This future is both near future and distant future. We get God’s presence in part through the Spirit now, and in the fullness of the Spirit when Christ returns later.
This is why Paul describes God as the living God. He is active. He is sovereign. He reigns over all things. His promises are true and can be trusted. If we obey his word, we will suffer – but his promises are true. We will never be willing to suffer unless we believe his promises!
This is also why Paul describes God as savior of all men, especially believers. If anyone is saved in this world – from an early childhood death, from a motorcycle accident, from cancer – it is by God’s sovereign and merciful hand. Every time someone is saved, God is showing off his great grace.
And those things are happening now! God is sovereign, living, and active now. And so we can trust his promises – and thus strive and toil and suffer for the Gospel – now.
But God is savior of believers in a particular way – we will be in the new creation with him, experiencing the fullness of his love and glory, forever.
God is the savior, all of the time, in every circumstance, and so we can trust him, fix our expectations on what he has promised us in Scripture, and move forward to serve him in this world – announcing Christ as King and Savior despite what happens.
The end of all this is that pastors fix their hopes on the great promises of God so that they will nourish themselves on the word and be filled with God’s fullness, as the Spirit glorifies Christ among us and in us for our joy and his glory – and as this happens, we speak the good news to others, and we depose falsehood – so that all will hope in Christ – and glorify God forever.
SUMMARY:
1) Paul worked really hard all the time for the sake of the Gospel.
2) His personal life with God was not distinguishable in practice from his ministry.
3) His life should be an example to us – striving because of God’s promises.
4) His life gives evidence for the reality of God’s promise – his gracious presence.
5) That gracious presence is now through the Spirit, and in the future in Jesus’ return to earth.
6) Toil must come from a decision to place one’s expectations on, and trust in, God’s word.
7) God is sovereign savior in all ways, at all times, now and forever.
8) Pastors must nourish themselves on the word, trust God’s promises in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and move forward in proclamation of the Gospel.
9) All believers should imitate this, being nourished on the proclaimed Gospel.
PRAYER:
God, you are Holy. You are so gracious. You are sovereign over all things. You control everything, now, and in the future. You are trustworthy. You have given us a glimpse of your glory in your word. Help us to see it, to trust you. Give us great delight in your presence. Cause us to become more like you, being convinced that the promises of your presence are greater than anything this world can offer. Cause us to reflect Christ in word and deed in this world, for his glory. Save your people through the word communicated by these means.
Thank you for your promises – that you’ve forgiven us in Christ, declared us righteous, and are sending him to gather us as your children to yourself. In Him we pray, amen.
Paul was always toiling for the sake of the Gospel. He was preaching, engaging in conversations – even when it meant he’d be beaten, imprisoned, tortured, rejected, and hated.
And he makes note of this in a section of Scripture talking about one’s personally being nourished by God, being holy before God, and experiencing the presence of God. He clearly did not disjoin his personal walk with God from his ministry, preaching, leading to his own martyrdom. We should learn from that. Service to God is connected to, not distinct from, our walks with him. Pastors should toil, being fed by God’s word.
But why does Paul bring it up? He begins the verse saying, ‘for unto this.’ He’s justifying a statement – he’s backing a statement up. Which statement? The previous one – he just got done saying that the statement is trustworthy. Which statement?
Nourishing oneself on the word of God brings about godliness which brings about the experience of the presence of God here in part and full in the future when Jesus returns. Jesus has sent his Spirit to give us glimpses of him now – and will come full later and we will see him.
Paul is talking about his hard work to give evidence for the promise of God. Why on earth would some work themselves, literally, to death? There must be a reason! In Paul’s case, it was because of the promise of God – his presence, in the Spirit now, and in the fullness of Christ at his return.
Toil – hard work as if the things of this world and happiness here doesn’t matter - comes from being fed by God’s word.
He gives a related reason for his toil as well: “since we have set our expectation on the living God, who is savior of all men, especially believers.”
There was a point in the past at which Paul made a decision – to commit his future to the promises of God about Christ’s return – and forgiveness through his death, received by faith.
Why can he strive and struggle? Because he has an expectation for the future based on God’s promises.
This future is both near future and distant future. We get God’s presence in part through the Spirit now, and in the fullness of the Spirit when Christ returns later.
This is why Paul describes God as the living God. He is active. He is sovereign. He reigns over all things. His promises are true and can be trusted. If we obey his word, we will suffer – but his promises are true. We will never be willing to suffer unless we believe his promises!
This is also why Paul describes God as savior of all men, especially believers. If anyone is saved in this world – from an early childhood death, from a motorcycle accident, from cancer – it is by God’s sovereign and merciful hand. Every time someone is saved, God is showing off his great grace.
And those things are happening now! God is sovereign, living, and active now. And so we can trust his promises – and thus strive and toil and suffer for the Gospel – now.
But God is savior of believers in a particular way – we will be in the new creation with him, experiencing the fullness of his love and glory, forever.
God is the savior, all of the time, in every circumstance, and so we can trust him, fix our expectations on what he has promised us in Scripture, and move forward to serve him in this world – announcing Christ as King and Savior despite what happens.
The end of all this is that pastors fix their hopes on the great promises of God so that they will nourish themselves on the word and be filled with God’s fullness, as the Spirit glorifies Christ among us and in us for our joy and his glory – and as this happens, we speak the good news to others, and we depose falsehood – so that all will hope in Christ – and glorify God forever.
SUMMARY:
1) Paul worked really hard all the time for the sake of the Gospel.
2) His personal life with God was not distinguishable in practice from his ministry.
3) His life should be an example to us – striving because of God’s promises.
4) His life gives evidence for the reality of God’s promise – his gracious presence.
5) That gracious presence is now through the Spirit, and in the future in Jesus’ return to earth.
6) Toil must come from a decision to place one’s expectations on, and trust in, God’s word.
7) God is sovereign savior in all ways, at all times, now and forever.
8) Pastors must nourish themselves on the word, trust God’s promises in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and move forward in proclamation of the Gospel.
9) All believers should imitate this, being nourished on the proclaimed Gospel.
PRAYER:
God, you are Holy. You are so gracious. You are sovereign over all things. You control everything, now, and in the future. You are trustworthy. You have given us a glimpse of your glory in your word. Help us to see it, to trust you. Give us great delight in your presence. Cause us to become more like you, being convinced that the promises of your presence are greater than anything this world can offer. Cause us to reflect Christ in word and deed in this world, for his glory. Save your people through the word communicated by these means.
Thank you for your promises – that you’ve forgiven us in Christ, declared us righteous, and are sending him to gather us as your children to yourself. In Him we pray, amen.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Preaching for the Presence of God - 1 Timothy 4:7-9
Paul has just finished giving Timothy the pastor commands about correcting teachings that contradict the Gospel in his church. He is to function as Christ’s representative, caring for his people, celebrating that they are saved by his death and resurrection – not by secret knowledge or rules. Timothy is to do this by being nourished by the Scriptures.
(7a) And have nothing to do with godless, silly myths…
We should first observe that there are godless, silly myths. What are they? Well, we should first observe that they are not from God. They are false, being myths. And they’re stupid.
If we go back to the first part of the chapter, we see that they’re satanic in origin.
And if we look at verse 6, we see that they contradict the words of the faith and good doctrine, or teaching, that Timothy has followed.
They are from the enemy of God, in opposition to God, in contradiction of God, and are being used to seek to deceive the people of God.
But they’re stupid and false.
Timothy, the pastor, is to have nothing to do with them. What does that mean? Well, certainly, he is to contradict them in public (v. 6). He is to nourish himself on the Scriptures – not to dwell on these speculations – things that aren’t written about in the Bible. He isn’t to waste energy on these things – except to expose them by the light of the word of God in public!
(7b) Rather, train yourself for godliness…
Here, God gives us the opposite of dwelling on myths and speculations – training oneself for godliness.
How does one do that? Paul gives us the example of training for a physical event: (8a) – for while bodily training is of some value…
Bodily training had an end in mind in those days – an event – something that would take the body to its limits – something that required preparation.
In the same way, godliness takes preparation. It isn’t merely something you can just do, per se.
So how does one train for it? How does one prepare to reflect the glory of God in this life? Well, what is the opposite of having something to do with godless, silly myths? It’s feeding on the words of the faith and doctrines in Scripture, that are from Jesus.
The energy that it takes to produce godliness in someone’s life is found in the Scriptures – and primarily as the Scriptures teach about the person and work of Jesus.
(8b) …for… godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.
And here is the reason that Timothy is to train for godliness – it has value for this life and eternal life.
So while these speculations are based on demonic lies, God’s words, as we are fed on them and godliness is the result, holds promise for now and later.
What promise?
When Paul uses ‘promise’ terminology, he’s typically talking about fellowship with God – relationship. There is a promise of relationship forever to all who are declared righteous in Christ through faith!
There is as well promise of fellowship with God through his Holy Spirit even now, as we wait for Jesus to come back to renew this world and fix it.
We see this in 1 Timothy 6.
What about now? How does it hold promise for us now? Ephesians 1 and Romans 8 tell us that all believers have the Holy Spirit. However, given the commands in Galatians 3 and 5, we see that we can relate to Him more or less. Our relationship with God, seeing Christ’s glory, is through the Holy Spirit – and godliness, cleansing ourselves from sins by faith in Jesus’ blood and repentance, draws us ever nearer to him.
And that is gain, for what does the Spirit do? John 16 says he glorifies Christ – and we want to know Christ – Philippians 3. We want fellowship with God – 1 John 1. And we want to rejoice in him and delight ourselves in him. At his right hand are pleasures forevermore.
So what is this promise? – the joy of knowing Christ, in part now through the Spirit, and fully later. (9) The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. These things are not earned by our godliness – but rather are in agreement with it. The joy of knowing Christ is for us accomplished by Christ – and pastors are to teach for the sake of godliness – for the sake of the fellowship of the saints with their God!
And godliness is accomplished through dwelling on the person and work of Jesus Christ by the Spirit – not on stupid lies that aren’t taught in Scripture – but rather contradict it.
SUMMARY:
1) Pastors are not to be tricked by beliefs that are outside of the Scriptures.
2) Pastors are to expose those falsehoods with Scripture.
3) Pastors are to nourish themselves on Scripture.
4) The effect of nourishing oneself on Scripture is godliness.
5) The effect of godliness is fellowship with God, both in this life and in eternal life.
6) Pastors must believe these truths and preach these truths.
PRAYER:
Holy God, I praise you! You are holy, and yet, you’ve entered into relationship with us. You have spoken in your word – cause us to believe and submit to it! Cause us to yearn for it and feed on it! Cause us to proclaim it. You have justified us in Christ – cause us to rejoice in it! Cause us to glorify you for it! You have given us your Holy Spirit – cause us to depend on him! Cause us to seek his presence through your word! You have given us the promise of fellowship with you forever – God, give us expectation and trust that your promises are true – to live for that moment when we see your Son face to face – and to glorify you on earth now.
Because Jesus lived for us, died for us, rose for us, intercedes for us, and is coming again to gather us –
And for the sake of his glory we pray – amen.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
A life of eating and feeding - 1 Timothy 4:6
God just finished giving Timothy via Paul, and us who are ministers, details of false teachings that would spring up in the visible Church on earth.
Verse 6 says, "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."
Timothy's job as a pastor is to warn them about these false teachings. Why? Because these false teachings deny the Gospel.
People were making up rules that didn't exist and treating God's world as if it were evil.
Rather, God says in verse 5, that as Christians dwell in the Gospel and respond in prayer, they put God's world to holy use. After all, Jesus came in the flesh to die for our sins, and was raised in a physical body! Now, reconciliation with God is through faith in him.
So when people make up rules that make this physical world 'evil' - make all pleasures sinful - rather than fountains of thanksgiving and praise to God - they rob God of glory and deny the good news that Jesus saves sinners.
Now, the job of a pastor is to continuously teach right doctrine and warn against false doctrine. Or 'teaching' if you prefer that word. We're not talking about some stuffy, passionless systematic theology - but rather the teachings from God!
The teaching is to be continuous, which implies that the danger is continuous until Christ returns.
Now, Paul says that if Timothy does this he'll be a good servant of Christ. This implies several things - first, that Christ will be pleased with Timothy's service. Think of it! The God of the universe happy because of us communicating his words! Second, that pastors doing this are representing Christ, doing his bidding on earth, serving as his representatives. And this is a massively important calling.
So the pastor's call is to represent Jesus' teachings such that Jesus will be pleased, as he should be, since he is King, God, Loving Savior, forever.
How's that for a motive at promoting right teaching? The pleasure of Christ? Not bad, huh?
In the next phrase, Paul instructs Timothy on the foundation for that continuous teaching - continuous feeding or 'being trained.'
The word here indicates 'eating' - and it is a continuous action - not something that one does once or even once in a while - this is a lifestyle. He is feasting, savoring, getting strength to work.
What is he eating? The words of the faith and good doctrine. It could be that here he has in mind the distinction between Jesus' commands and Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
However, that distinction doesn't matter for us; both are in the Bible and the Bible consists of both. Pastor, get soaked in the Bible. Saturate yourself with it. Feast on it. Starve for it, yearn for it, take it and eat it. Then, you will have a foundation for your continual proclamation of it to others.
Paul takes a moment to note that Timothy made a choice in the past to follow this 'doctrine' - really, to become a Christian - to bend his knee to Christ Jesus. We did this in the past - and we are to continually return to those truths and the teachings of Christ. He is our loving savior and holy king.
So, ministers of the Gospel, feed on the Scriptures all the time and communicate the Scriptures all the time. And Christ himself will be represented to his beloved bride, his Church, and he will be pleased.
Verse 6 says, "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."
Timothy's job as a pastor is to warn them about these false teachings. Why? Because these false teachings deny the Gospel.
People were making up rules that didn't exist and treating God's world as if it were evil.
Rather, God says in verse 5, that as Christians dwell in the Gospel and respond in prayer, they put God's world to holy use. After all, Jesus came in the flesh to die for our sins, and was raised in a physical body! Now, reconciliation with God is through faith in him.
So when people make up rules that make this physical world 'evil' - make all pleasures sinful - rather than fountains of thanksgiving and praise to God - they rob God of glory and deny the good news that Jesus saves sinners.
Now, the job of a pastor is to continuously teach right doctrine and warn against false doctrine. Or 'teaching' if you prefer that word. We're not talking about some stuffy, passionless systematic theology - but rather the teachings from God!
The teaching is to be continuous, which implies that the danger is continuous until Christ returns.
Now, Paul says that if Timothy does this he'll be a good servant of Christ. This implies several things - first, that Christ will be pleased with Timothy's service. Think of it! The God of the universe happy because of us communicating his words! Second, that pastors doing this are representing Christ, doing his bidding on earth, serving as his representatives. And this is a massively important calling.
So the pastor's call is to represent Jesus' teachings such that Jesus will be pleased, as he should be, since he is King, God, Loving Savior, forever.
How's that for a motive at promoting right teaching? The pleasure of Christ? Not bad, huh?
In the next phrase, Paul instructs Timothy on the foundation for that continuous teaching - continuous feeding or 'being trained.'
The word here indicates 'eating' - and it is a continuous action - not something that one does once or even once in a while - this is a lifestyle. He is feasting, savoring, getting strength to work.
What is he eating? The words of the faith and good doctrine. It could be that here he has in mind the distinction between Jesus' commands and Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.
However, that distinction doesn't matter for us; both are in the Bible and the Bible consists of both. Pastor, get soaked in the Bible. Saturate yourself with it. Feast on it. Starve for it, yearn for it, take it and eat it. Then, you will have a foundation for your continual proclamation of it to others.
Paul takes a moment to note that Timothy made a choice in the past to follow this 'doctrine' - really, to become a Christian - to bend his knee to Christ Jesus. We did this in the past - and we are to continually return to those truths and the teachings of Christ. He is our loving savior and holy king.
So, ministers of the Gospel, feed on the Scriptures all the time and communicate the Scriptures all the time. And Christ himself will be represented to his beloved bride, his Church, and he will be pleased.
Thoughts after eye surgery....
Yesterday I had a minor eye surgery. I was told that I might experience slight burning afterwards, but that I'd probably not experience any pain at all.
That was drastically incorrect.
My eyes were killing me. I couldn't stop crying - couldn't even open my eyes. I wanted something to bite down on, to grip on to, to hit.
Have you ever experienced something that put you in that much pain? Maybe an illness? A surgery? An injury? Childbirth (which I hear hurts a lot)?
Recall those moments and how you felt.
God brought to my mind that in hell there is 'weeping and gnashing of teeth.' I realized then that the intense pain that I so desired rescue from was so much less than what people are experiencing and will experience in hell.
And like the rich man in the story of Lazarus , in hell there is no reprieve. No alleviation. Continuous torment.
I can think of several proper ways to respond to these truths. What do you think?
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Satan doesn't want you to enjoy sex. 1 Timothy 4:3-5
So let’s get a little recap.
The Christian Good News, or Gospel, is the message that Jesus Christ died on a cross, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is returning to judge the world and to establish his kingdom forever.
That’s the news part. The response part is faith in Jesus and a seeking to obey his commands.
Everyone who does that, because of what Jesus did, will enter Jesus’ eternal kingdom rather than being judged by it.
As people believed this message, they began to get together to celebrate it. Those gatherings we call ‘churches.’ Churches exist to proclaim that message.
There are people within these churches that will teach things that contradict the Christian Gospel and try to persuade people to leave it – and thus, to ultimately leave their church.
What we learned last time, is that these people are the devil’s instruments. What we’ll see today is what they were teaching in Paul’s day.
(3) who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.
These false teachers forbade marriage and required people to not eat certain foods. You know, like meat on Fridays.
I’m not exactly sure where these people were getting their ideas. It could’ve been partially from Judaism – in which case they were missing the point that the ceremonial laws – the laws that set Jews apart from everyone else – had been fulfilled in the person of Jesus.
It’s perhaps more probable that these teachers got their ideas from an ancient religion called ‘gnosticism’ - which taught that people would be ultimately saved by secret knowledge. Some forms of Gnosticism taught that to gain this knowledge, you had to separate yourself from the physical world – because physical pleasure, they thought, was bad.
Hence, marriage – more accurately, sex - was bad. Good food was bad.
The problem with this thinking is that God created the world. And he created it to be good and to be enjoyed. And he deserves to be thanked for it! He is good and the giver of good gifts – and he deserves thanks. To rob God of thanks is to blaspheme his name.
Now, obviously, all good things can be perverted. Sex and food can be used for sin. But that doesn’t mean they’re bad. They’re good, and God deserves to be honored with and for them.
Furthermore, making physical pleasure forbidden contradicts the Gospel of Christ. The Good News is that we’re not saved by attaining secret knowledge – but simply by trusting Jesus Christ. If we are trying to cut ourselves off from pleasure to save ourselves, we blaspheme Jesus. Not good.
Paul next gives some rationale for his argument – that these things are to be thankfully received.
(4) For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving…
That should sound familiar. God created this world – and it’s good. Sure, it’s affected by sin – but ultimately, it isn’t sinful. It’s good. So to knock God’s world is to knock God. If you’re doing so, knock it off.
By the way, some people use this verse to justify drug use. First, ‘mishandling’ God’s world has already been covered here. You can’t genuinely thank God for giving you something your use of which results in your disobeying God. So don’t be stupid. The idea is that you shouldn’t reject things on the basis of their being enjoyable. God is enjoyable. So don’t dishonor God by saying he made bad things.
(5) for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.
There’s another reason we are to not reject physical things that are pleasurable on the basis of their being pleasurable: God has set that thing apart for use to honor himself. That’s what the apostle means when he says that that thing has been made holy.
How does it get made holy? By God’s word and prayer. What does that mean? Perhaps John 17:17 sheds some light on this: Jesus prayed for his disciples – he prayed that God would set them apart, make them holy, by means of the word, the truth.
God has given us a book. That book contains words, and those words point to a singular message – the Gospel. See above. Jesus was praying that God would set us apart to serve him, to honor him. The means that God uses to do that is his word. And prayer – note that Jesus is praying in John 17.
So as Christians hold fast to the word of God and pray for God’s strength to be set apart for his glory, God will cause them to do so – even with regard to things on this world that are pleasurable.
Summary:
1) Satan’s human messengers were making up rules that weren’t in the Bible.
2) Their doing so made God evil and contradicted the Gospel.
3) We’re to treat this world by setting things apart, trusting in the Gospel, and through prayer.
4) We’re to also thank God for good things. He is to get glory by how we use his world and glory for being good to us.
5) We must beware people who would teach false things!
Prayer:
God, you’re so good to us. You’ve given us all we need on this earth – and so much to enjoy besides. And more than that, you’ve given us your Kingdom through Jesus. Thank you! Cause us to use this world for your glory and to be thankful. You deserve it – and we desire your gracious presence. In Christ I pray- amen.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Parody of a Modern Worship Service
This is at the same time hysterical, and yet, sad.
Make sure to link to 'how to write a bad worship song' at the end there.
Make sure to link to 'how to write a bad worship song' at the end there.
People the devil uses - 1 Timothy 4:2
The Church is founded on and exists to proclaim these truths about Jesus Christ:
“He was manifested in the flesh
vindicated by the Spirit
seen by angels
proclaimed among the nations
believed on in the world
taken up in glory” 1 Timothy 3:16b
Everything that happens in Church is based on the word and for the word. The section we’re about to look at is therefore, both based on that message about Jesus and for the sake of that message about Jesus.
Actually, these things are what pastors are charged with putting before their congregations. We see in 1 Timothy 4:1 that, even though Christ has come and has been raised from the dead, some will leave the Church, showing themselves damned. They will do so because of satanic lies. That brings us to our section today.
(2) through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared…
These demonic lies come through people. People will persuade people to leave Christ’s Church. And since they say demonic things, they speak lies.
And so what must we do but test all things with the truth of God’s word? What other foundation do we have but the Bible? If we would know truth, we must know God’s word. And we must test things by God’s word.
The foundation of these lies is what leads many astray – it is insincerity, or hypocrisy. These people aren’t merely deceived – they are hypocrites. They never reveal their whole hand. They seek to persuade bit by bit, never honest about all of what they believe. They are actors. They play along. They speak enough truth to convince people of lies.
These liars have ‘seared consciences.’ To be seared is to be burnt and disfigured. It is to be damaged beyond recognition. The conscience is the thing in a person that helps distinguish right from wrong. And so these people have perverted senses of right and wrong. Their intrinsic ability to tell the difference has been grotesquely disfigured. They no longer feel the ugliness of sin nor the beauty of holiness like they should.
And so they believe and speak satanic lies – seeking to persuade people away from the truths of the Gospel.
We must beware. Right doctrine and righteous living go hand in hand. If a doctrine or deed doesn’t accord with the Gospel, we must recognize it as such and deal with it appropriately.
Pastors are to put these things before their congregations – and we are to beware heretical teachers.
Summary:
1) Satanic teaching will come through human liars.
2) These false teachers will be hypocrites, and have a perverse sense of right and wrong.
3) We are to beware of such people; pastors are to warn the churches about such people.
Prayer:
Holy God! You are sovereign over all things, even over heresy. And you are the truth. Whatever doesn’t come from you is not truth – and not only is unrighteous, but results in hell for people. God, imprint the Gospel of Jesus Christ on our consciences. Let us be discerning about the teachings and teachers we receive. Cause us to cling unswervingly to your word. In Christ I pray, amen.
“He was manifested in the flesh
vindicated by the Spirit
seen by angels
proclaimed among the nations
believed on in the world
taken up in glory” 1 Timothy 3:16b
Everything that happens in Church is based on the word and for the word. The section we’re about to look at is therefore, both based on that message about Jesus and for the sake of that message about Jesus.
Actually, these things are what pastors are charged with putting before their congregations. We see in 1 Timothy 4:1 that, even though Christ has come and has been raised from the dead, some will leave the Church, showing themselves damned. They will do so because of satanic lies. That brings us to our section today.
(2) through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared…
These demonic lies come through people. People will persuade people to leave Christ’s Church. And since they say demonic things, they speak lies.
And so what must we do but test all things with the truth of God’s word? What other foundation do we have but the Bible? If we would know truth, we must know God’s word. And we must test things by God’s word.
The foundation of these lies is what leads many astray – it is insincerity, or hypocrisy. These people aren’t merely deceived – they are hypocrites. They never reveal their whole hand. They seek to persuade bit by bit, never honest about all of what they believe. They are actors. They play along. They speak enough truth to convince people of lies.
These liars have ‘seared consciences.’ To be seared is to be burnt and disfigured. It is to be damaged beyond recognition. The conscience is the thing in a person that helps distinguish right from wrong. And so these people have perverted senses of right and wrong. Their intrinsic ability to tell the difference has been grotesquely disfigured. They no longer feel the ugliness of sin nor the beauty of holiness like they should.
And so they believe and speak satanic lies – seeking to persuade people away from the truths of the Gospel.
We must beware. Right doctrine and righteous living go hand in hand. If a doctrine or deed doesn’t accord with the Gospel, we must recognize it as such and deal with it appropriately.
Pastors are to put these things before their congregations – and we are to beware heretical teachers.
Summary:
1) Satanic teaching will come through human liars.
2) These false teachers will be hypocrites, and have a perverse sense of right and wrong.
3) We are to beware of such people; pastors are to warn the churches about such people.
Prayer:
Holy God! You are sovereign over all things, even over heresy. And you are the truth. Whatever doesn’t come from you is not truth – and not only is unrighteous, but results in hell for people. God, imprint the Gospel of Jesus Christ on our consciences. Let us be discerning about the teachings and teachers we receive. Cause us to cling unswervingly to your word. In Christ I pray, amen.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Some in church will end up in hell - 1 Timothy 4:1
(1a) Now, the Spirit expressly says…
God has just finished showing us the purpose of the Church and of its government – worship of Jesus Christ, founded and based on God’s own words. In Chapter 4, God, through Paul, begins to give Pastor Timothy more instructions on how to lead Christ’s Church.
He transitions, and then tells us that the Spirit expressly says some things. We must take note of several things here. First, this is God who is talking. He is the vindicator of Christ – He who raised him from the dead. We need to pay attention – this isn’t advice from a human – but rather, God’s own words – God’s own warning.
We learn that the Spirit is speaking clearly through what Paul writes. There is no confusion about God’s message. It’s understandable. Make no mistake! This word, ‘expressly,’ serves as a sober warning to us: we’re to pay attention!
We also learn that through Paul the Spirit was speaking in words. Paul wasn’t getting spiritual vibes – the Holy Spirit of God was giving him words to speak – actual words – particular words – clear words. See 1 Corinthians 2.
And so we should pay attention.
(1b) …that in later times some will depart from the faith…
This is what God himself was telling Paul – that some would depart from the faith after receiving the Gospel.
‘In later times’ reflects that it is subsequent to their joining a church – hence, ‘the faith.’ But it also reflects that this activity is by the sovereign hand of God. Even though Christ has been vindicated and the Spirit has been poured out – and redemption is happening through the word of God – yet, people will leave God.
That is to say, the Spirit wants us to not have a false confidence. Even though Christ has been vindicated by his resurrection, we still live in an era in which people who we thought knew Christ may abandon his word and his people.
This is a terrible thought. Some that were visibly part of God’s community are not saved. They give assent to ‘the faith’ – yet, they will eventually leave it.
God does not want us to have a false confidence that would lead us to give up an earnest pursuit of him and his words. There is a danger, even in the church, of damnation.
Truly, Christ has been vindicated, believed upon, and has saved those who genuinely have trusted in him. Yet – some who we think do do not. And so we must proclaim the Gospel with white-hot earnestness within the local church – and outside of it.
(1c) …by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons…
How will some abandon the teaching of Christ? By devoting themselves to something else – by being persuaded of contrary teachings. It begins with paying attention and curiosity and ends in belief.
And these things are lies! They come from deceitful spirits – lying spirits. They are demons – Satan’s angels. They are here to lie and to make sure people are damned (see John 10).
This is a grave warning. Satan is active, seeking to persuade people of lies – even in churches- such that they will abandon the faith and be damned.
And by the sovereign hand of God, he’ll have some success.
This is a solemn warning for us to pay attention to God’s words. To speak God’s words. To dedicate ourselves to the Gospel and to test all things by God’s words, lest we be deceived and proved false – and lest others be deceived and fail to enter life.
Summary
1) God spoke directly and clearly to and through Paul – we must pay attention.
2) God is sovereign over all things, even over the activities of the evil one.
3) We live in a time in which it is still possible to abandon the truth, even though Christ is vindicated.
4) We must devote ourselves to knowing, loving, and proclaiming the Gospel with white-hot devotion that comes from these warnings.
Prayer:
Father, this is scary. Yet, we confess that you are sovereign, that you are reigning over history, and one day, by your will and work, we’ll appear with Christ in glory. Yet even now, falling away from the truth is possible – and the evil one wants us to. O God, only you can preserve us. We thank you for giving us your word which is how you preserve us. Give us hearts that pay attention and eschew all things which contradict it. Help us examine ourselves and our thoughts and other messages in light of it. Vindicate us with Christ we pray, in whose blood we ask – amen.
Friday, April 30, 2010
How Far is Too Far?
The CCEF has released part of their 'mini-book' - which is article length - about how far one can 'go' sexually before marriage. Good stuff.
http://www.ccef.org/sex-marriage-how-far-too-far
http://www.ccef.org/sex-marriage-how-far-too-far
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Page CXVI
Some of you may remember a post of mine a while back bemoaning the state of modern Christian music - both for its lyrical content and for its lack of musical creativity and complexity.
You may remember I mentioned a band called Page CXVI that redoes hymns - and brilliantly at that.
There's a free download of one of their songs at http://www.pagecxvi.com
It is definitely worth your time to check out.
You may remember I mentioned a band called Page CXVI that redoes hymns - and brilliantly at that.
There's a free download of one of their songs at http://www.pagecxvi.com
It is definitely worth your time to check out.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Church Government is about Worship, Part IV - 1 Timothy 3:16
(16f) …(he was) taken up in glory.
This is the last phrase in the ancient Christian hymn that Paul writes in 1 Timothy 3:16. Before we get to its meaning, its worth remembering that this hymn is worship. God in this section gives us a declaration of his own glory in the midst of talking about how the local church is to be governed.
Why? Because the Church is to support and hold up the truth – and not merely to hold up the truth as true, but to hold up the truth as glorious and meaningful and holy and awesome.
And so everything Paul’s been saying about the ministry of the local church serves this point – worship.
Now, to turn to the phrase, ‘he was taken up in glory.’ This is a clear reference to Christ’s ascension into heaven after his resurrection. The same word, ‘to take up,’ is even used multiple times in Acts to describe this event; for example, “This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven”(Acts 1:11).
This event has multiple implications.
First, it, as we see in the Acts verse, leads us to the fact that Christ will return to judge the world and to be marveled at among those who believed in him (see 2 Thessalonians 1). And that is our great hope!
Second, the phrase points to Christ’s position. Since he’s been raised from the dead, he now has authority to govern all things. He is the Sovereign King, ruling over all creation. Consider Hebrews 1:3 – “After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high.” Since he reigns over all things, should we not honor him as such, taking comfort in his sovereignty despite our circumstances? And should we not worship him because of his position?
Third, the phrase points to Christ’s continuous intercession on our behalf. “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised- who is at the right hand of God – who is interceding for us”(Romans 8:34).
“For Christ has entered… into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf”(Hebrews 9:24).
It is Christ’s death and resurrection and exaltation that result in our perseverance – in the proof of our justification. He is now praying for us – and he is now securing for us perseverance and glory at his return – on the basis of his exaltation to the right hand of God. Sovereign God and sovereign savior! How great is Jesus Christ, Creator, Sustainer, Savior, Restorer!
This is the reason for church government – the worship of Jesus Christ – our God and Savior.
Summary:
1) Church government exists for the worship of Christ
2) Christ’s ascension means that he is sovereign over all things, including our perseverance in salvation, and that he is returning to restore us to himself.
Prayer:
Holy Christ! You live in glory. You reign over all things! You have all authority and are deserving of all praise! Holy are you, my God and Savior. There is no one like you. And yet – you reign through your death. Your ever present blood has secured a people for yourself. You have glorified yourself in your love to sinners here.
O my God – let us worship you. Give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and lips to sing your praise forever.
Amen.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Saturday, April 17, 2010
But I don't have time...
Turn to Jeremiah 17. Right click here and open it in a new tab if necessary.
Two things are contrasted in the beginning - trusting in human strength for ultimate salvation and satisfaction vs. trusting in the LORD God for salvation and satisfaction in him.
Okay, we know that.
Now, satisfaction in the LORD God is found in a life of faith - but particularly in hearing the word of the LORD preached and responding in worship.
Jeremiah responds in a prayer for salvation to the LORD, honoring him.
He is immediately told to go rebuke Israel, by the words of the LORD, about their working on the Sabbath.
Think about that. They were doing things they needed to do to get by on the day God had appointed to rest in him - to worship, hear the word, and to fellowship - without working for their livelihood. The mark of faith in God was a day spent trusting that worship, prayer, the word, and fellowship were more important to life than 'all the stuff I have to get done.'
They lived in an agrarian society without modern conveniences.
And yet - how much do we give up time for God because 'we have too much to do'?
Two things are contrasted in the beginning - trusting in human strength for ultimate salvation and satisfaction vs. trusting in the LORD God for salvation and satisfaction in him.
Okay, we know that.
Now, satisfaction in the LORD God is found in a life of faith - but particularly in hearing the word of the LORD preached and responding in worship.
Jeremiah responds in a prayer for salvation to the LORD, honoring him.
He is immediately told to go rebuke Israel, by the words of the LORD, about their working on the Sabbath.
Think about that. They were doing things they needed to do to get by on the day God had appointed to rest in him - to worship, hear the word, and to fellowship - without working for their livelihood. The mark of faith in God was a day spent trusting that worship, prayer, the word, and fellowship were more important to life than 'all the stuff I have to get done.'
They lived in an agrarian society without modern conveniences.
And yet - how much do we give up time for God because 'we have too much to do'?
The danger in celebrity preachers...
I just got back from a conference called Together for the Gospel. There were many big name speakers. They were all excellent. They communicated God's word with clarity and zeal. They are men whose podcasts I listen to, and who I obviously traveled and paid to hear.
I just read Jeremiah 17:5. "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength..."
God has surely ordained the office of preacher for the communication of his very message to us, the Gospel, written in the pages of Scripture.
Yet - I think we may be tempted to trust the messenger at times - even more than the message. How will this preacher convict me today? What turn of phrase will he use to cut to my heart? What new knowledge will he impart to me?
And it can be easy to forget - this merely is a man who is explaining God's words in Scripture. God's word, empowered by his Spirit, is the only thing that saves us from this evil age. We must be careful lest we put our trust in a fallible man - and not in the infallible words he is charged with teaching.
There is a flipside to this - that we turn to the LORD. Read the rest of Jeremiah 17. The LORD is the lifegiver - and that life comes through his word - and his word results in prayer, faith, and worship.
I just read Jeremiah 17:5. "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength..."
God has surely ordained the office of preacher for the communication of his very message to us, the Gospel, written in the pages of Scripture.
Yet - I think we may be tempted to trust the messenger at times - even more than the message. How will this preacher convict me today? What turn of phrase will he use to cut to my heart? What new knowledge will he impart to me?
And it can be easy to forget - this merely is a man who is explaining God's words in Scripture. God's word, empowered by his Spirit, is the only thing that saves us from this evil age. We must be careful lest we put our trust in a fallible man - and not in the infallible words he is charged with teaching.
There is a flipside to this - that we turn to the LORD. Read the rest of Jeremiah 17. The LORD is the lifegiver - and that life comes through his word - and his word results in prayer, faith, and worship.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Church Government is about Worship, Part III - 1 Timothy 3:16
(16e) … (he was) proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world…
Verse 16 is an early Christian hymn that Paul inserted in the midst of a section about how the church is to govern itself. Why? Because church governance and structure exists for the worship of God.
And particularly, this hymn is about Jesus. It’s about what he did in the world and what he accomplished – and how that brings about godliness in and among God’s people. He has secured a people for himself – and he has secured worship for the Father.
In these two phrases we see something particular about Jesus’ ministry. The Jews expected a savior from the nations of the world. They were oppressed, constantly attacked, and enslaved.
Now, that is in part their own fault. God told them unless they repented, those things would happen. And yet, God had promised salvation from the God-hating nations of the world.
Yet here we see the victory of Jesus proclaimed among the nations. And what is the victory of Jesus but the victory over sin and death? The hold of the devil over all humanity has been broken, the guilt of sin over the nations has been done away with, and the necessity of death and hell for the whole of mankind has been erased completely and forever for all who believe, who are called, who are set apart by Jesus’ blood.
And so Jesus’ proclamation among the nations was not merely a proclamation of victory for himself, though it was that, it was a proclamation of his victory for the world and for the glory of the Father – because his victory meant the godliness of the nations through mercy freely bestowed by God.
And we who believe in Christ are among those nations. Christ is mercy for us. His victory is our victory, his resurrection is our godliness, his entrance into life is our entrance into the Kingdom of God. And so we come to the next phrase – ‘believed on in the world.’
Christ has been believed on in the world – among the nations. He is God over all things, not just a national God. There is no room for relativism here. There is no room for ‘truth’ meaning ‘whatever works for you’ or ‘whatever religion you grew up with’ – Jesus is Lord over everyone and everything.
And in his mercy he has brought saving faith to the world. His death and resurrection haven’t merely secured the proclamation of God’s glory in the whole world – but belief in it. Jesus has gotten a people from every nation for himself to the glory of the Father.
And this is why we have church government.
Summary:
1) Jesus’ victory over death is for a proclamation to all nations, in his mercy.
2) Jesus’ victory over death secures saving faith among all nations, not just certain ones.
3) We thus, are responsible for the proclamation of his name to all nations.
4) This is the foundation for church governance: the mercy of Christ through his death and resurrection, saving all who believe for the glory of God.
Prayer:
Holy God! What can I think of now but your great mercy. You have given your Son into this world and over to a brutal and violent death – but to vindicate him. He was and is righteous, and so you rewarded him with a Kingdom which will never pass away. And you have through him given us the mercy of the Bible – and the grace to believe – and therefore, you have saved us – and you are saving people from the whole world.
Father, this is a glorious thing – and it shows your greatness. O give me a sensitivity to your glory in your word and let us respond appropriately in the Church in thanksgiving and honor to your name.
In Christ I pray, amen.
Verse 16 is an early Christian hymn that Paul inserted in the midst of a section about how the church is to govern itself. Why? Because church governance and structure exists for the worship of God.
And particularly, this hymn is about Jesus. It’s about what he did in the world and what he accomplished – and how that brings about godliness in and among God’s people. He has secured a people for himself – and he has secured worship for the Father.
In these two phrases we see something particular about Jesus’ ministry. The Jews expected a savior from the nations of the world. They were oppressed, constantly attacked, and enslaved.
Now, that is in part their own fault. God told them unless they repented, those things would happen. And yet, God had promised salvation from the God-hating nations of the world.
Yet here we see the victory of Jesus proclaimed among the nations. And what is the victory of Jesus but the victory over sin and death? The hold of the devil over all humanity has been broken, the guilt of sin over the nations has been done away with, and the necessity of death and hell for the whole of mankind has been erased completely and forever for all who believe, who are called, who are set apart by Jesus’ blood.
And so Jesus’ proclamation among the nations was not merely a proclamation of victory for himself, though it was that, it was a proclamation of his victory for the world and for the glory of the Father – because his victory meant the godliness of the nations through mercy freely bestowed by God.
And we who believe in Christ are among those nations. Christ is mercy for us. His victory is our victory, his resurrection is our godliness, his entrance into life is our entrance into the Kingdom of God. And so we come to the next phrase – ‘believed on in the world.’
Christ has been believed on in the world – among the nations. He is God over all things, not just a national God. There is no room for relativism here. There is no room for ‘truth’ meaning ‘whatever works for you’ or ‘whatever religion you grew up with’ – Jesus is Lord over everyone and everything.
And in his mercy he has brought saving faith to the world. His death and resurrection haven’t merely secured the proclamation of God’s glory in the whole world – but belief in it. Jesus has gotten a people from every nation for himself to the glory of the Father.
And this is why we have church government.
Summary:
1) Jesus’ victory over death is for a proclamation to all nations, in his mercy.
2) Jesus’ victory over death secures saving faith among all nations, not just certain ones.
3) We thus, are responsible for the proclamation of his name to all nations.
4) This is the foundation for church governance: the mercy of Christ through his death and resurrection, saving all who believe for the glory of God.
Prayer:
Holy God! What can I think of now but your great mercy. You have given your Son into this world and over to a brutal and violent death – but to vindicate him. He was and is righteous, and so you rewarded him with a Kingdom which will never pass away. And you have through him given us the mercy of the Bible – and the grace to believe – and therefore, you have saved us – and you are saving people from the whole world.
Father, this is a glorious thing – and it shows your greatness. O give me a sensitivity to your glory in your word and let us respond appropriately in the Church in thanksgiving and honor to your name.
In Christ I pray, amen.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Church Government is about Worship, Part II - 1 Timothy 3:16
(16d) …(he was) seen by angels…
We must remind ourselves that this hymn exists in a context about how the pastors are to govern the church of God. And so we see that the foundation and goal of church government – of teaching, of offices, of correction, of everything – is worship of Jesus the Messiah.
And if you don’t remember the first two phrases, go back and read them and remind yourself of the glory of Christ in his incarnation and resurrection.
And now we see that Jesus, risen from the dead, was seen by the angels.
Why is this significant? Angels spend their time in the presence of God. They do his will. They belong to a whole other realm; one that we can’t see. They behold glory unhindered, and so they cover their faces – see Isaiah 6.
Furthermore, when Jesus rose from the dead, he was granted all authority. 1 Peter 3:22 says that through his resurrection, Christ is “at the right hand of God (the place of authority), with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.”
Speaking of the spiritual realm – though particularly fallen angels, Paul says in Colossians 2 that by Jesus’ death and resurrection, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame…”
1 Peter 3:19 says that Jesus, after his resurrection, made proclamation of his victory to fallen angels as well.
And more, we see that through Jesus’ humiliation and resurrection, he inherited a position much greater than the angels – who are in God’s presence forever, doing his will – see Hebrews 1.
And so we must be careful lest we make a mistake – and behold Jesus as a mere resurrected human. He is certainly a resurrected human. But he is not merely that. He is very God, exercising all authority in the universe – everywhere – eternally. The angels have beheld him. And though much more powerful than us, more wise than us, and certainly seeing God in a way that we don’t yet see him – they have seen the resurrected Son of God – who reigns from heaven over all things forever.
And now, according to Hebrews 2, they serve us at Jesus’ command – since he has perfectly rescued all who are his out of this world.
Summary:
1) The resurrected Jesus was seen by angels – they experienced firsthand his crowning as Ruler of EVERYTHING.
2) Angels are in the presence of God, and are smarter and stronger than us.
3) Jesus reigns over all things now. He is God, reigning forever – and with that authority, rescuing us.
Prayer:
Father, you have exalted Christ by raising him from the dead. He was righteous, and you have rewarded him for it. And because of that righteousness, you will one day reward us, who in your love, you have joined to your Son. You have magnified Christ in the spiritual realms – in realms we can’t see – but you’ve told us about it so we’d know just how great Jesus is. Cause us to have eyes that see how glorious he is, ears that hear with joy, hearts that give thanks, and an undying zeal to honor him who saved us by his blood.
And in that blood we ask, amen.
We must remind ourselves that this hymn exists in a context about how the pastors are to govern the church of God. And so we see that the foundation and goal of church government – of teaching, of offices, of correction, of everything – is worship of Jesus the Messiah.
And if you don’t remember the first two phrases, go back and read them and remind yourself of the glory of Christ in his incarnation and resurrection.
And now we see that Jesus, risen from the dead, was seen by the angels.
Why is this significant? Angels spend their time in the presence of God. They do his will. They belong to a whole other realm; one that we can’t see. They behold glory unhindered, and so they cover their faces – see Isaiah 6.
Furthermore, when Jesus rose from the dead, he was granted all authority. 1 Peter 3:22 says that through his resurrection, Christ is “at the right hand of God (the place of authority), with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.”
Speaking of the spiritual realm – though particularly fallen angels, Paul says in Colossians 2 that by Jesus’ death and resurrection, “He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame…”
1 Peter 3:19 says that Jesus, after his resurrection, made proclamation of his victory to fallen angels as well.
And more, we see that through Jesus’ humiliation and resurrection, he inherited a position much greater than the angels – who are in God’s presence forever, doing his will – see Hebrews 1.
And so we must be careful lest we make a mistake – and behold Jesus as a mere resurrected human. He is certainly a resurrected human. But he is not merely that. He is very God, exercising all authority in the universe – everywhere – eternally. The angels have beheld him. And though much more powerful than us, more wise than us, and certainly seeing God in a way that we don’t yet see him – they have seen the resurrected Son of God – who reigns from heaven over all things forever.
And now, according to Hebrews 2, they serve us at Jesus’ command – since he has perfectly rescued all who are his out of this world.
Summary:
1) The resurrected Jesus was seen by angels – they experienced firsthand his crowning as Ruler of EVERYTHING.
2) Angels are in the presence of God, and are smarter and stronger than us.
3) Jesus reigns over all things now. He is God, reigning forever – and with that authority, rescuing us.
Prayer:
Father, you have exalted Christ by raising him from the dead. He was righteous, and you have rewarded him for it. And because of that righteousness, you will one day reward us, who in your love, you have joined to your Son. You have magnified Christ in the spiritual realms – in realms we can’t see – but you’ve told us about it so we’d know just how great Jesus is. Cause us to have eyes that see how glorious he is, ears that hear with joy, hearts that give thanks, and an undying zeal to honor him who saved us by his blood.
And in that blood we ask, amen.
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