Ni90: 1 Timothy 4-6, Proverbs 8

Today is Day 68. In just over three weeks you will have finished the 90 day journey, reading the entire New Testament in only 90 days. AWESOME!!

As we continue in this letter to Timothy regarding instruction on many things…but primarily on church structure and conduct…I find myself reading (of course) as a pastor…as if Paul were writing directly into my context. For others, you may have to apply the texts differently…but you will see how God spoke to me in the text.

• 4:11-12. Our preaching should/must align with our conduct and our conduct must align with our preaching/testimony/witness. We diminish the power of our witness when we are inconsistent with either.
• 4:16. Consistency and example-setting are hard work. Don’t shrink from it…endeavor to fulfill it.
• 5:8. The responsibility for caring for our parents belongs to US…not Social Security, the government, the church, or some civic organization. The same is true for our other family members. To NOT care for our family is to deny the FAITH (that we preach) and makes us worse than an unbeliever (who is already condemned to hell for his lack of faith). Some may say…”How can I care for ___ when I can barely take care of myself?” I don’t know…but my not knowing doesn’t supersede the command. This is CRITICAL to the faith and our testimony of it.
• 5:9-12. A widow who was cared for by the church was very select…based on her life of faithfulness and service. It involved a pledge (v.12) and the pledge was ongoing. Not every widow was to be supported by the church, but those who pledged to serve the Lord through the church and who met the criteria discussed above. [NOTE: This passage makes sense if you have ever been to the East and seen how a community respected and cared for its elders and widows. One of these widows on "the List" would have dedicated her life to ministering within the context of the church to the church both day and night...and ministering before the Lord without ceasing in her actions and in her prayers.
• 5:17-20. Pastors are worthy of honor because of their calling (by God) and their conduct (how they faithfully fulfilled their calling). A pastor is worthy of double honor (lit. means double remuneration/compensation...or in our context...he is worthy of being generously cared for and compensated because he is God's shepherd toward you.) He is not to be maligned or accused of false motives or to endure incendiary attacks from believers unless he is SINNING and continues SINNING. In which case, he is to be REBUKED before the whole assembly (church discipline) so that he becomes an example. The Congregation disciplines according to the will of God. [NOTE: Most pastors who are removed from office/disciplined by the church are done so...not becuase of sin but because of some other reason like personality, people skills, or because they hacked off the "church boss" who no longer tolerated the pastor and threatened to take his money and leave. This is a flagrant example of carnal "Christianity" and lack godliness in any form or substance.]
• 6:12. Ministry is hard work. Pastor…quit whining and embrace the good fight to which you were called. Don’t be a “weenie.” Our enemy has already been defeated at the cross. Just get it done!! To do otherwise…is to diminish the power of the God who called you and to defame your testimony of His calling. LIVES are at stake. He the Man of God you were called to be and serve the King’s Interests…not your own.

Proverbs 8:7 is the takeaway today. Wisdom personified speaks and states, “For my mouth will utter truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips.”

Ni90: 1 Timothy 1-3, Proverbs 7

1 Timothy is one of those books (along with 2 Timothy and Titus) that I refer to often. They reflect wisdom for the pastor and give some of the most pointed instruction about church leadership. I return to these often and simply read them through, allowing God to just saturate my soul. [Now, just because they speak of church leadership doesn't mean they are less appropriate for other members of the Body of Christ to soak in.]

A couple of sections stand out to me:

• 1:18-20. Paul instructs Timothy to “fight the good fight .” Sometimes we lose sight of the fact that the Christian life, especially that of the leader, is often wrought with conflict. Here, Paul speaks of the fact that he disfellowshipped two men because of their contentious actions and blasphemous words. Leading the people if God exposes the leader to direct attacks from the front (the enemy) and the back (those who are weak in faith or those who are wolves in sheep clothing). The leader must always be diligent. [Note: If that is true of the leader, then it is also true for followers. A leader for this purpose certainly can include anyone influencing others with the gospel.]
•  2:1-8. We ought to…NO MUST…be people who pray for others…for their salvation and yieldedness to the will of God. For those in authority (The President, Congress, Governor, denominational/mission leaders, and pastors), and for those who are lost. Why? because God desires for them to be saved! You might ask, why do I pray to God for something He already wants? SImply put…prayer is not about informing God or conforming Him to our will. It is about conforming us to His. We ought to pray listening and seeking to be used by Him to fulfill whatever He commands.
• 3:4 hit me strange today. I was thinking about the RCC teaching that Priests should remain celibate. This is because it is preferred by God for His workers. If that is so…why is there a specific qualification about a Bishop’s (elder/pastor’s)  children? If God wanted priests and pastors to be unmarried and unattached to the confines of family…why is there such a qualification as ruling over one’s household and children well? [NOTE: I do not have animosity toward the RCC. To the contrary, I pray that alll peoples whether pagan, Pentecostal, Baptist or Catholic know Jesus as Lord in the way He is revealed in the Scriptures. After all, His autobiographical sketch and manifesto for His followers should be our primary source of knowledge about Him.]
• 3:15. This letter is intended to be INSTRUCTIONAL for structure and function of the local church. It is self-attesting; therefore, if we are faithful people of the Book…then we must conduct our affairs in accord with these instructions.

Proverbs 7:25 is the takeaway today. Regarding the enticement and temptation of the one who tempts with all sensuality: “Do not let your heart turn aside to her ways, do not stray into her paths.” [Falling into sin can be avoided often times by simply resisting the draw from our primary path. When we become distracted, we drift. When we fail to be diligent, we stray down a wrong path. We ought to ask the question of every relationship, activity, and interest: "how does this ___ get me closer to my goal?"]

Take Two: 1 Timothy 6, Proverbs 21

In this final chapter, Paul gives a “laundry list” of instructions regarding the application of the truths of God’s gospel in our lives. He opens with the instruction to slaves/servants to serve with great diligence…particularly when they serve believing masters. (Sort of makes you wonder if there weren’t a few servants who said, “Why do I need to serve him…aren’t we all Christians…aren’t we all free…He should release me from my obligation!” )

The second instruction is to avoid false teachings and pointless teachings that distract from the main issues of the gospel. ( NOTE: He is dealing with an element of gnosticism rising up within the church at this point.)

Third, we find the instruction of contentment. One of the enemies of the church being effective in its mission is the desire for MORE.. (vv.6-10),

We see an admonition to Timothy to persevere in the good fight, to pursue godliness and sanctification…and to look forward to the hope that is in Christ as our only great reward.

Vv. 17ff are pretty interesting too. He tells Timothy to instruct those who are RICH in this present world (by that standard and not my Donald Trump’s standard…meaning that had food and clothing and then some sort of excess) to not be greedy but to be GENEROUS. [NOTE: Generosity is the antidote to covetousness and greed. When we give away, we don't long to keep.]

The instruction toward generosity is positioned as a complete change of mindset for the person with possessions. Notice v.19 where he is told to see his possessions as a vehicle to build up/store up treasure in heaven. To see STUFF as a vehicle for our eternal reward is the idea. It is positioned AGAINST seeing stuff as our STUFF and intended to make us more comfortable in this life. We LIVE to GIVE and we GIVE to LIVE.

Proverbs 21:21 is the takeaway today. “He who pursues righteousness and loyalty finds life, righteousness, and honor.”

Take Two: 1 Timothy 5, Proverbs 20

This chapter contains some practical instruction about administration and conduct of the church. In vv.1-16 we find instruction regarding the care for widows. I find it interesting that Paul took such a different view of ministry than many I know today. Notice that the church was admonished to care for a “widow indeed” (vv.3, 5,16). This person is identified as at least 60 years old, having served faithfully in the church, without children or grandchildren, and is NOW fully committed (by vow- v.12) solely to the ministry of prayer and service to the congregation daily (v.5). She has sworn off all wanton pleasure and is fully and wholly dependent on the church for her every need.

[When you look at these characteristics, you realize how few people today actually fit this description.]

If she has children or grandchildren she is NOT to be treated as a widow indeed, because her family must care for her. (This is good for the widow, for her family, and for the church…so that it will not be burdened and may minister where there is real need.) If she has not served the church and gained a reputation as hospitable to strangers, a good worker, and faithful to ministry, she does not qualify.

[Now...we may read this and think "this is a hard word. What if she truly needs help from the church?" Notice that this is not a command for exclusion to charitable action or benevolence, but speaks of who will be wholly dependent on the church and who would minister exclusively, daily within the congregation.]

[SIDENOTE: Having traveled other places, let me go on record and say that we, as an American culture, have lost the wonder and respect intended for the old. We do not honor old women and old men as we ought. Now we ought not honor unworthy people...but as a general rule...we don't even honor the worthy.]

There is also a danger mentioned if we do not keep these instructions…we can actually set the stage for a young widow’s failure…or worse…HELP her fall into temptation and condemnation. (Certainly we would never intend this…but it is a real consequence to departing from the counsel of Scripture.) [cf. vv.11-15].

vv.17-21 relate to how the church is to treat its elders. [This is not a reference to older men...but to pastors, regardless of age]. A church should financially compensate their pastors well (vv.17-18). A church should not even HEAR an accusation of sin against a pastor unless the OFFENSE has multiple witnesses to confirm it. [Some have tried to say that if you don't have multiple witnesses but that you have a "clear pattern" of individual complaints...then you can rebuke a pastor. That is not the counsel of this text or any other text. It is the fantastical imagination of impurely motivated men.]

[NOTE: The point of the compensation and accusation instructions is to demonstrate HONOR toward a God-called man who is charged by God to lead God's people. As with the older people I just mentioned, there is a lack of honor toward pastors in our culture. Actually...I think....there is a rebellion against all real or perceived authority in our lives. We just want to be God! Now some would say...if we did all of this that the Bible requires...some pastors would get away with everything. "They" would live "fat and lazy." My response: "What a small view of God you have. Obviously you have never had to give an account to God! Leave the God-like judgment job to God. He is ultimately qualified and is actively working in the life of a pastor.

Notice also…that Paul addresses the heart of Timothy who appears to want to live so high above reproach, that he has suffered physically. Paul has to tell Timothy to purify his water with wine lest he continue to suffer physical consequences (v.23). [This is one fo the strongest pieces of evidence that while drinking may be “lawful,” godly men and women desire to exemplify godliness and choose to refrain from it rather than to cause people to stumble spiritually.

Proverbs 20:3 is the takeaway today. “Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel.” (It is ok to avoid a verbal street fight. Just walk on by. Not everything needs to be defended or addressed. Some people just want to slash you.)

Take Two: 1 Timothy 4, Proverbs 19

In this chapter, we find two pointed instructional themes that are intended to promote effectiveness in ministry. First, the instruction about those things which trip up the church…and the leader of the church (vv.1-5). The great danger mentioned here is the danger of errant beliefs due to false teachings. False teachings ONLY have power when they fall on the ears of the unregenerate and ignorant (i.e. the lost and the undiscipled). False teachings are tools of the devil and are perpetrated by demons and people who have become hardened/seared in their consciences.

Notice that the specific false teachings given as an example here are not teachings that permit some flagrant sin; rather, they are teachings that undermine grace …by applying dietary and cultic restrictions on the lives of believers. Stated differently…these teachings add religion to the gracious relationship with Jesus. Now there is nothing patently “evil” about the things added. Avoiding certain foods does not consign one to hell. Observing traditional feasts from Judaism do not consign people to hell. The danger with these is twofold. First, they pervert the grace of God by adding requirements to the finished work of Christ. Secondly, they offer “something else” for a person to place trust in…something they can control. Now a person can trust that they are a “good religious person…” who goes to meeting every week and observes certain rituals. The problem is…none of this religious activity is worthy of our trust. It may be good…it may be helpful…if may even be a tradition…but it is unable to save (either eternally or in a present tense sense of sanctification.)

The second instruction aids in recognizing the false teachings and provides the minister with a platform of influence (Note: in this sense…it is useful not only for ministers but for all who seek to influence others for Christ.). Paul instruct Timothy to maintain discipline in His ministry. He should seek to be an example of godliness to believers and unbelievers, to develop his spiritual gifts so that his calling and progress in his calling is evident, and to grow in his understanding of doctrine. Let me say something pretty boldly: If you can’t explain the basic doctrines/beliefs of the Christian faith in a coherent way to an unbeliever or undiscipled person…and you have walked with Jesus for more than 6 months…then you are not developing in this area sufficiently. Now your knowledge and ability will continue to grow as you continue to mature…but for a six month old believer to not be able to explain salvation by grace through faith…or the exclusivity of Christ as Savior and Lord…is tragic. How can one trust in God and not explain why he believes what he does?

Now…this is a statement about discipleship…and two parties could be at fault. First…the disciple. It is possible to be satisfied with baby formula and to not desire to grow in the grace and knowledge of God. Secondly…the problem could be the disciple-maker. A pastor is responsible for teaching the people so that they can learn. This is much more than a series of lectures. It is proposition, exposition, explanation, illustration, and application. If the people cannot understand the doctrines of God in a normal and applicable sense…then the people are easy prey for the enemies’ evil agenda. It is one thing if the people will not commit to learn…but I am convinced, as a pastor, that the problem can lie at the feet of the pastor who seeks to inform but not to educate…which involves more than simply transferring information.

Proverbs 19:6 is the takeaway today. “Many will seek the favor of a generous man, and every man is a friend to him who gives gifts.” [Generosity opens the door to influence in a way that stinginess and covetousness will not].

Take Two: 1 Timothy 3, Proverbs 18

To this point in the book, Paul instructs Timothy to admonish men to hold firmly to the faith…considering their service to God as a high honor,privilege, and responsibility (CH 1). Then, Paul instructs that a primary focus of the church should be on prayer. We pray, not to inform God but to demonstrate our reliance upon Him for His help…and to gain clarity for direction. Our prayer is a statement of faith. In vv. 9 we see a shift from the activity performed by the church to a focus on the conduct within the church (with the instruction on women leading in the church with authority). Now in CH 3, we find the positive role of leadership (Note: Paul already expressed who could not/should not lead…now He instructs on who can). See…it is not enough to simply be a male…or an older male…or a wealthy male…or even an influential, old, wealthy, male. Those who are called to be overseers (bishops/elders/pastors…all the same office) will always possess these qualities.

Paul states unequivocably that the office of Pastor (using our common term of venacular…even though the word used here is bishop. I do this because the terms refer to different roles of the same office…and in my church tradition, we refer to these men as pastors) is a worthy and honorable aspiration.

NOTE: Sometimes we talk so much about being “called” into ministry that we miss that it is a worthy place to aspire to. We think that if we “want” to be a pastor, then we must have issues of pride or desires for power! A pastor friend told me years ago…”when you get your desire set on God, you find that He gives you all that you desire” (PS 37:4-5). Desiring or aspiring to serve as a pastor is honorable and worthy. [Have you noticed how this has changed over a few generations. My grandmother would have prayed fro her children to be "called to preach." My parents generation would have looked at the ministry as good, but not as significant as maybe some other professions. My generation...looks at the ministry as something you do if you "have to" or can't do anything else. The generation of my sons...wonders why anyone would pastor at all!]

Vv.2-7 relates QUALITIES that are evident in the men who are called by God to serve as pastors. From these qualities we can see some of the key roles of a pastor- a teacher, a leader, a conflict resolution guy, a promoter of holiness, a family leader-having proven himself as a leader in his own family, mature spiritually and emotionally- because He is a spiritual warrior, and a culture influencer.

In the same way, the qualities of those who would serve under His leadership, deacons, are listed in vv.8-13. Yes, we believe that God calls deacons as well…and those whom He calls also bear these qualities…or they are not called. There is a testing (examination/trying) of the deacon before he should serve and then…there is a great reward for those who serve well as deacons.

In vv.14ff, Paul gives the motivation for His instruction here…that Timothy would know how to organize the church in Paul’s absence. No one had “done church” before, so everything had to be taught from the ground up for it to function according to design.

[NOTE: This means that the function of church and the role of leadership is not open to cultural design or private interpretation. We cannot say, "the Bible may say ____, but we live in a culture that thinks _____, so we should live/act/do according to this cultural standard. HEAR THIS: For the church to be effective it must be part of culture. It must be relatable to the culture and give a patient explanation when it (the church) disagrees with cultural bias. The church is not the culture though. It is not to develop its own subculture that is missionally irrelevant. when it does, it has ceased to be useful as an expression of Christ in a community.]

Why? Because of Jesus! (v.16). He is exalted and He is Lord. He then…determines who and how we are as the church and He is worthy of our devotion and praise.

Proverbs 18:13 is the takeaway today. “He who gives an answer before he hears, it is folly and shame to him.”

Take Two: 1 Timothy 2, Proverbs 17

Vv.1-7 should bring deep and real conviction for all of us. Paul opens this chapter with an urging for prayers for all those in authority, indeed for all men, because God desires for all men to be saved and come to know the truth. Through doing this (intentional praying) we bring about a tranquil and quiet life for us.

It is Christ who is the Mediator…and He came at the proper time to save undeserving men by giving His own life as a ransom for ALL.

REFLECT: The call to prayer is just shy of a command…rather it is an urging and the example given is the life of Christ. It is Christ who came and gave Himself for undeserving men. It is good in His sight to pray for undeserving men. Through praying for them, we gain lives of peace. The salvation work of ALL men is done, not by us who pray but by Him who gave His life. Now…as ONE of the ALL men whom He came to save…should I not act to please Him?

This made me reflect…how often do I pray for the LOST to know God? For their Salvation? For the success and humility/yieldedness of civil leaders? I am no more deserving of God’s help than they are…why would I not fervently pray for them? Why would I not seek to please God in this action? Doesn’t my yieldedness in this speak of my own humility before God and my effort to please Him…which is in effect worship?

Vv.9-15 speak of the order expected in the church. Paul calls for women to seek adornment as God prefers, not as the culture directs. His statement is not an admonition against makeup or jewelry…but in these things to the exclusion of true godliness.

Vv.12-13 have caused many emotions in our Equal Rights world…because Paul directs (authoritatively as an Apostle) that a woman shall not be a teacher of men or hold authority over them. This doesn’t mean that a man cannot learn from a woman…but it most certainly means that (if the Scripture is applicable as written today) a woman cannot be in a position of Spiritual authority. Paul is not making a directive about civil authority. The Kingdom surpasses the civil government. He is not concerning Himself with whether a woman can be a General or a Governor. He is stating explicitly that a woman cannot hold spiritual authority over a man…and he appeals to the natural order as rationale. He does not argue that women have inferior minds or that they are naive; rather, that man was created first and that after “the Fall,” part of the consequences was the perpetual “ruling over her” by her husband and her desire to usurp that authority.

In this “two-pronged” defense of this instruction about church authority…Paul is also addressing a cultural concern and implication of theology. He has taught us that there in no male or female, Jew or Greek…but  that we are all one in Christ. He has extolled us regarding our freedom in Christ. But…he also tells us that we are not to use our freedom as a license to do anything in any manner we desire. Our desire is Christ’s desire. Our Lord is Christ. As such…we are most free when we are most surrendered to Christ and yielded to His leadership and basking in His approval as we seek to honor Him in all things.

[So, no I do not believe God ever calls a woman to pastor, nor do I appoint women to roles as lead teachers in adult men or coed classes. I do not acknowledge female authority in any spiritual forum. At the same time, I honor and cherish my own wife and consider her my closest confidante and advisor. I honor the wisdom of other women who have been anointed in areas of their lives and I may learn from them. God uses them as aids in my own growth and development. Still, this is short of acknowledging them as spiritual authority. If there were a female governor or a woman running for President, I would honor her and obey her orders as my LAWFUL CIVIL Authority in the same manner as with any man in the same office. She would be entitled to and receive my devout allegiance and service without reservation.

Proverbs 17:1 is the takeaway today. “Better is a dry morsel and quietness with it, than a house full of feasting with strife.”

Take Two: 1 Timothy 1, Proverbs 16

There are three themes that jump out with me in this first chapter:

First, Paul urged Timothy to instruct men to avoid fruitless religious discussions that hurt the gospel while doing so in love. The Bible is not a divisive book intended for Christians to beat one another up with. All instruction should stem from a heart of love (not arrogance or superiority). All teaching should demonstrate the shortfalls of man, the preeminence of God and the hope that comes only in the completed work of Christ. To find a spiritual “how-to” list in the Scriptures is to misunderstand the heart of God. [Now, since Paul urged Timothy to instruct men in this, we have a clear testimony that men are prone to looking for checklists and major in minutia as we seek to gain prominence and recognition. This is part of the human condition…a reflection of a fallen nature and is a direct result of living our lives NOT in submission before God.

The second theme is the theme of grace. Paul glorifies God for His grace which saved, set apart, and commissioned Paul to the ministry (vv.12-17). Paul did not consider serving God to be drudgery…but delight.

The third theme is the call to perseverance (vv.18-20). The work of correction, introspection and yielding, repentance and reconciliation…is just that…work. We are called to live faithfully before God who called us…even when doing so is difficult or makes us unpopular. The alternative is to blaspheme the Holy God of Heaven who saved us.

APPLIED: We have to remember that while this is written to a pastor, its application is far more broad than that. Each of us are called to yield to God and His Word…to tell others about God from a heart of love, to recognize the grace He showed us, and to be faithful in the calling He has for us. We are not all called to be pastors, but we are all called.

Those who have “pastors” in their lives (and I hope we all do…because I do) should yield our lives to the authority God places in our lives. If my pastor tells me something…I give it strong consideration and consider it as a Word from God to me through the authority God has given me in my life. When I defer to my pastor, I make his calling a joy and not drudgery. God will keep him straight…and by His grace, will instruct me to “straightness” through him.

Proverbs 16:16 is the takeaway today. “How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen above silver.”

Take Two: 1 Timothy 6, Proverbs 28

As I read this final chapter of this letter, what really stood out to me was the connection between our knowledge/faith/beliefs…and our actions/activity.

If you are a slave…serve your master well…because you believe. If your master is a believer…serve him all the more because a believer is the beneficiary (vv.1-2). What you do not read here…is get free and get comfortable…assert your freedoms in Christ and demand your release! You see a call to contentment and service where you are…trusting in the Lord to bring about a good conclusion…because He alone is Sovereign (vv.14-16).

NOTICE: This is not an affirmation of slavery or a repudiation of it. It is a calling to a mindset that we serve a God who transcends and who saves us where we are. It is implicitly demanded…that we minister where we are.

This outworking of our faith is not nor can it ever be divorced from what we do with our wealth in this world. Yes…Paul tells Timothy to teach that we are to be generous and giving with our wealth as those who fix their hope and their eternity on God…not on ourselves or this world (vv.17-19).

APPLIED: Do not believe that one can be a faithful follower of Christ who is not also rich in good works and who does not live generously toward others. Out faithfulness toward God demands that we serve Him by allowing Him to minister to others through us. The same God who demands that slaves serve well…also demands that slave owners serve generously. In both cases…Jesus is Sovereign and is the one being served.

Now we may not be slaves or slave-owners…but if we evaluated the outworking of our faith as it impacts our lives…can we say that we are faithful? Do we live joyfully and with contentment…thanful for what we have…even when we have “little”? Do we live generously…giving away what the world calls “wealth” so that the gospel is carried to every tribe, tongue, and people group?

Doing this…living this way…requires great faith and a great fight. Yes…we mist fight to live in this manner. We must resist the allure of the trappings of this world and pursue the mission of God. Why? Because He is Sovereign.

(NOTE: This is also evident in the instruction to avoid false teachings and in repudiating false teachings that are a cancer among God’s people…and have for their end…a desire to distract people for the important things that we have just discussed. See vv.3-10, 20-21).

Proverbs 28:6 is the takeaway today. “Better is the poor who walks in his integrity, than he who is crooked though he be rich.”

Let’s continue our NT readings with 2 Timothy tomorrow!

Take Two: 1 Timothy 5, Proverbs 27

In this chapter we find, as is characteristic of the Apostle Paul’s writings, a list of instructions that preceed the closing of the Letter.

He instructs Timothy to not assert his biblical authority in correcting an older man, but to seek to convince or persuade him (v.1). In the same manner, seek to treat women and those younger with similar approaches so as to protect their dignity as well.

[NOTE: He does not tell Timothy to stop leading or instructing or correcting...but to seek to influence in a manner that does not alienate his audience.]

Vv.3-16 speak to the care for widows. From this section…a few things are apparent. A widow who was to be cared for by the church must be over the age of 60, without children who could provide for her, and have a reputation of having lived honorable and served God faithfully. Others…were not to be taken on as the responsibility of the church.

APPLIED: Not everyone who had needs or who presented needs was to be taken in as a dependent by the church…and those who were…were dedicated day and night to ministering in the Temple to the saints and before God.

Failing to adhere to God’s instructions…might actually HURT the woman, allowing her to become a busy-body and a gossip. (There is value in having work to do and responsibilities before God).

In vv.17-25 we find instruction regarding the identification and conferring authority upon elders…as well as how they were to be cared for.

In vv.17-18, the church is instructed to care for their elders/pastors in a manner defined as “double honor.” This term refers to financial and material provision. [NOTE: Pastors hate to talk about it and some people war against it, but God's instructions are without question]. Interpreting this most accurately is to say that a pastor is to be provided for at double what is necessary…or in abundance. Churches who try to think of pastors as employees or seek to save their organization money by withholding “honor/remuneration/financial provision” from its pastors…takes up a position AGAINST God. This is not a self-serving statement. It is a biblical one. When a man gives his life to minister to people and to lead God’s people in a congregation, he is to be well provided for materially. [OBSERVATION: One of the things I have noticed in my years in ministry...is that sometimes, people try to resist this and say that it cannot be afforded, or substituted by saying that a church really respects/honors its pastors. While a pastor may be (and rightfully should be) respected/honored...that is not the thrust of the instruction. Often times...money is used as a weapon or a form of control. This is the way the world operates...not God's design for the church.]

The closing admonitions are also intriguing. Timothy had to be instructed to purify his water with wine. Apparently…he sought to avoid doing so for some reason… I personally believe it is because he sought to live far above reproach and would rather suffer with occasional disentery than to be called a wine-bibber.

Vv.24-25…one’s sins will ultimately come to light. Without question and without exception. Some sins are obvious at first. Others become obvious later.

Proverbs 27:8 is the takeaway today. “Like a bird that wanders from her nest, is a man who wanders from his home.”