Christ's Instructions

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293) 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must not be a novice, or he may become
conceited and fall under the same judgment as the Devil.

According to Ezek 28:12-19, the Devil's fall was due to his insufferable
superiority complex; roughly defined as a sort of master-race mentality.

● Rom 12:3 . . By the grace given me; I say to every one of you: Do not
think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself
with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given
you.

If an inexperienced Christian is advanced too soon in church, they could
easily become so proud of themselves that they regard their position as an
achievement instead of a sacred trust.

When someone is promoted to a position in church they ought not celebrate
as if they won valedictorian in their senior graduating class; no; they really
ought to be nervous because God will be holding them to a higher standard
than the rank and file. (Luke 12:48, cf. Jas 3:1)
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294) 1Tim 3:2 . . An overseer must have a good reputation with outsiders

Paul lists that qualification as a requirement, as opposed to merely a good
idea.

You know; that's all a church needs is to install a new officer only to find out
later he's his neighborhood's worst nightmare.

The new guy might be a one-eyed Jack in church, but the kids on his street,
and the people whose property adjoins his, the post man, the convenience
store, the gas station, the super market, the department store, the drive-up
at Burger King, the trick-or-treaters, the bank, the paperboy, etc, have all
seen the other side of his face.

It had better match the one he's shown you or your church's overall
influence in the community will be in the tank; and you will have a man in a
key spot whom Christ does not approve, and with whom he does not care to
associate.
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295) 1Tim 3:8-9 . . Deacons likewise must be men of dignity; etc, etc.

"dignity" is from a Greek word that means venerable, i.e. deserving honor
and respect, especially by reason of age; viz: esteemed.

The Greek word for "deacons" means an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a
waiter (at table or in other menial duties).

Deacons aren't necessarily clergy. In point of fact, many are laymen because
theirs is a support role rather than a leading role. And "deacon" isn't a
career track, rather, deacons are typically uncompensated volunteers.

It would be very difficult, if not impossible, for a church's officers to run the
operation all by themselves without a ready pool of reliable grunts and go-fers;
viz: men who'll step up to unglamorous tasks. (a.k.a. scut).
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296) 1Tim 3:10 . . And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as
deacons if they are beyond reproach.

The vetting process must of necessity include interviewing people who've
had experience with a candidate; for example:

● Acts 6:1-4 . . Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in
number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because
their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

. . And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, "It
is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve
tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good
repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.

The men considered for deacons in that passage were not only above
average spiritually, but also "of good repute". In other words: men being
considered for deacons really ought to be required to provide some
character references from among the congregation.
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297) 1Tim 3:11 . . In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of
respect; not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

Though an applicant for deacon may himself be a pious man, he's to be
disqualified if his wife's piety isn't on a par with his own.

I think that may be based upon Gen 2:18; where it's stated that a wife's
purpose is a supporting role rather than a co-starring role. An impious wife
is probably not going to be very enthusiastic about her pious husband's
devotion to the care and function of a church.
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298) 1Tim 3:12-13 . . Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good
managers of their children and their own households.

Qualifications for deacons are very similar to those for the officers they
assist. (cf. 1Tim 3:2 & 1Tim 3:4-6)

Monogamy is a practical consideration. Keeping it down to one wife, rather
than more, results in fewer distractions and less misery for church men to
cope with. Sister wives don't always make for a peaceful home; and in some
areas polygamy is illegal so let's be careful out there. (Rom 13:1-5 & 1Pet
2:11-15)
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299) 1Tim 4:7a . . Have nothing to do with the worldly fantasies of withered
old women.

I think this refers to spiritual traditions that the seniors and elders of every
generation customarily pass down to the young; thus perpetuating cultural
beliefs and practices rather than those in the Bible.
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300) 1Tim 4:7b-8 . .Train yourself to be pious. For physical training is of
some value, but piety has value for all things, holding promise for both the
present life and the life to come.

The Greek word translated "train" refers to the conditioning that athletes
underwent in order to be in top form during competition, i.e. practice.

Webster's defines piety as devoutness, i.e. committed or devoted to religion
or to religious duties or exercises; also: devoted to a pursuit, belief, or mode
of behavior.

James wrote that faith without works is dead, and encouraged his readers to
put Christ's ways into practice rather than just study them in Sunday school.
(Jas 1:22-25)

I'm pretty sure that one of the things "promise for the present life" refers to
is providence, which works to our best advantage when we're pious rather
than worldly. (John 14:21-23, 1John 1:6)

NOTE: There was a Christian formula circulating back in the day that went
something like this: "Practice the presence of Christ." Well that's all well and
good as far as it goes, but I would rather encourage practicing piety instead.
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301) 1Tim 4:11 . . Command and teach these things.

The Greek word translated "command" basically refers to a teaching method
that not only gives instructions, but also urges the hearers to comply. It's a
kind of teaching that makes demands on folks. For example:

● Matt 7:24-27 . . Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them
into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain
came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that
house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

. . But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into
practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came
down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house,
and it fell with a great crash.

● Luke 12:47-48 . .That servant who knows his master's will and does not
get ready, or does not do what his master wants, will be beaten with many
blows. But the one who does not know, and does things deserving
punishment, will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been
given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been
entrusted with much, much more will be required.

● John 13:17 . . Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you
do them.
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302) 1Tim 4:12 . . Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in
speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those
who believe.

It's commonly assumed that Paul's instructions were in reference to
Timothy's age; but I suspect it had more to do with his looks.

Some men age well; for instance the actor Rob Lowe. As of today, he's 60
years old; but honestly doesn't look it. Rob is one of those lucky guys who
seem to be forever 21; and handsome too.

I think Timothy may have been like that. He just didn't look old enough to
take the reins of a church, let alone an entire diocese. In other words: it
could be that Timothy didn't look the part so he was going to have to really
mean business if he was to win people's respect. I would say that preventing
folks from looking down on one's youthfulness means: don't give 'em a
reason to.
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303) 1Tim 4:13 . . Focus upon the public reading of scripture, and to
preaching and teaching.

Public reading was necessary because of the scarcity of Bibles in print those
days. All were hand-written; none were mass-produced like now. But even
with the ease of access to Bibles nowadays, the danger lies in Christians
becoming self-taught if church officers neglect to preach and teach. (cf. Eph
4:11-16)

Scripture in those days would have been pretty much limited to the Old
Testament since the new testament's canon had not yet been compiled. The
old testament is very important because it is impossible for believers to
obtain a full understanding of The Lord's mission and purpose without a
comprehensive knowledge of the old testament.

● Luke 24:44-45 . . And he said unto them, These are the words which I
spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled,
which were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the
Psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they
might understand the scriptures.

The old testament is also very useful for other purposes too.

● 2Tim 3:15-17 . . The holy scriptures are able to make thee wise unto
salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

● Rom 15:4 . . For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our
instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the
scriptures we might have hope.
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304) 1Tim 4:15-16 . . Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to
them, so that everyone may see your progress.

Goods and services are often advertised by means of comparisons; i.e.
before and after, e.g. weight loss programs, age-resisting cosmetics,
hormone replacements, house paints, etc.

Well; Christianity is reputed to be not only a life-changing religion, but also a
person-changing religion. For example:

● Rom 8:11 . . If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living
in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal
bodies through His spirit, who lives in you.

● 2Cor 4:16 . .Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are
being renewed day by day.

Of all the people in church, its officers really ought to be living exhibits of
before & after results of their own religion.

* I should think it needless to say: when a church officer is involved in
political activism and/or civil disobedience; he will fail to be diligent in these
matters and give himself wholly to them.
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305) 1Tim 5:1a . . When speaking to an older man, appeal to him respectfully
as though he were your own father.

Children are not their parents' peers; no, parents are their children's betters.
It's an insolent demonic dunce who treats their parents with no more respect
than a college beer buddy.

I was in a Sunday school class one morning where a young fellow
substituted for the regular teacher. After practically every sentence during
his lecture, the fellow would pause, tighten his lips, turn down the corners of
his mouth, squint his eyes into narrow slits, and look around the room with a
fierce scowl on his face; and better than half that room was older than he
was. I don't know about the rest of the group, but as a man easily twice his
age; I deeply resented the looks that youngster was giving us.

NOTE: Disrespect for elders, especially one's own parents; was very
prevalent during Mao Zedong's so-called cultural revolution.

Some and/or all of Mao's principles are still practiced in various societies
around the globe where the powers that be encourage children to spy on
their parents-- to rat them out as enemies of the State --thus effectively
breaking up family solidarity; which can result in frightful consequences. (cf.
Matt 10:34-36 & Malachi 4:5-6)
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306) 1Tim 5:1b . .Speak to the younger men as you would to your own
kindred.

In this case, the kindred would be sort of like a man's younger siblings; viz:
his kid brothers. Young boys look up to their big brothers; who by all rights
should be setting the example as role models that a growing boy can be
proud of. Big brothers ought to be available too, and not treat their younger
siblings as excess baggage and/or uncool nerds and morons beneath their
dignity to be seen with.

* Church officers who grew up in dysfunctional homes, where human
relationships were an ongoing cold war, are going to find that 1Tim 5:1b is
very difficult to practice in a manner that cultivates peace, love, and
understanding. But were they to speak to the younger men in church the
very same way that they're accustomed to speaking to their own families; it
would produce disastrous results.
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307) 1Tim 5:2a . . Speak to the older women as mothers,

Honoring one's mother means giving her the respect that her age and her
maternal position deserve. It means watching your language, and it means
keeping a civil tongue in your head. It means speaking to her as a grown-up
instead of a child. It means treating her as one's better instead of lesser. It
means deferring to her wishes instead of demanding your own.

NOTE: In some cultures, elders have to earn respect, i.e. they have to
deserve it; whereas in Christianity their respect is taken for granted; they
don't have to earn it. For example: according to Lev 19:32 the younger
generation is expected to honor the older; not because they deserve it, but
because God requires it. Why? Because He too is an elder, viz: disrespect for
an elder on earth is felt by the elder on the throne in Heaven.
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308) 1Tim 5:2b . . Speak to the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

Officers should especially avoid speaking to the young women in church as if
they've met in a beer joint or a bowling alley. There are some forms of
language, and figures of speech, that no sensible man would ever use
around his real sister, so officers should keep that in mind when around girls
who aren't.
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309) 1Tim 5:3-4 . . Give proper recognition to those widows who are really
in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, her kin should learn
first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and
so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

A widow in real need would be one who is unable to work and has no one of
her own to look out after her. Here in modern America that situation isn't
nearly as serious as it is in third world countries where there are no
government assistance programs. So in those circumstances a widow's church
may be the only thing between her and grinding poverty and/or a homeless
life on the streets.

A widow's Christian progeny have a sacred obligation to provide for their
ancestors.

● 1Tim 5:8 . . If any provide not for his own, especially for those of his own
house, he has repudiated the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
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310) 1Tim 5:5-7 . .The widow who is really in need, and left all alone, puts
her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for
help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give
the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame.

The Greek word for "pleasure" means voluptuous; which Webster's defines
as luxury and/or sensual gratification.

People who live only for the best that life has to offer generally regard
religion as a ball and chain holding them back from living their lives to the
fullest. Well; not everyone has access to either the means or the
wherewithal to live life to the fullest. For some, life offers no options other
than a tin shack, a dirt floor, and a bowl of white rice; if that.

However; basic necessities aren't the issue here, rather, the goal to satisfy
one's appetite for the best that life has to offer. It's said that one cannot
serve God and money, well neither can one serve God and one's inherent
cravings. True, it's difficult to stop one's self from craving the best that life
has to offer; but one can choose whether to let the satisfaction of those
cravings be the dominant force in their life.
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311) 1Tim 5:9-10 . . No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she
is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, and is well known for her
good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the
feet of the saints, helping those in trouble, and devoting herself to all kinds
of good deeds.

There are unprincipled individuals out there who love nothing better than
taking advantage of a church's good nature and its desire to be helpful.
Following Paul's instructions is a good way to avoid being victimized by one
of them. (cf. Ruth 2:11)
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312) 1Tim 5:11 . . Refuse the younger widows; for when they have begun to
grow wanton against Christ, they desire to marry, having condemnation
because they have cast off their first faith.

The Greek words for "first faith" don't necessarily have to do with
chronology. They also can refer to priority, i.e. order of importance.

The passage seems to me a caution that there's always the possibility that
young widows will want to get married bad enough to do so contrary to
Christ's wishes (2Cor 6:14, 1Cor 7:39) thus failing to maintain their
submission to a higher power. (cf. Luke 14:26-27)
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