Walking With Christ

Webers.Home · Jan 2, 2022

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An overseer must also be:

• 1Tim 3:3d . . free from the love of money

I would highly recommend that a prospective church officer's background be
checked before proceeding with the interview process. Is his credit good?
Does he have gambling debts? Does he prefer gourmet foods and
restaurants? Does he wear Armani suits, hand-made shoes, a Cartier wrist
watch, and drive a new Lexus SUV? What's his current home worth? What
part of town does he live in?

Because, unfortunately, there are men out there seeking careers in the
business of religion, and are very good at finding ways to get their fingers in
a church's treasury-- and not a few are looking for lucrative wage and
benefit packages instead of an opportunity to serve Christ faithfully, loyally,
and effectively; and to look out for his best interests instead of their own.
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Webers.Home · Jan 3, 2022

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An overseer must also:

• 1Tim 3:4-5 . . Manage his own family well, and see that his children obey
him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own
family, how can he take care of God's church?)

There's respect, and then there's "proper" respect; which has to be nurtured
because a father cannot get proper respect by coercion and/or intimidation;
which instead earn fear, suspicion, mistrust, and dread. Tyranny might be
good Machiavellian management, but should never be construed as good
Christian management; which the above defines as "care".
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Webers.Home · Jan 4, 2022

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An overseer must also:

• 1Tim 3:6 . . 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
conceit.

Conceited people are usually infected with a superiority complex; which can
be roughly defined as a sort of master-race mentality.

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 is holding them to a higher standard than the rank and file. (Luke
12:48, cf. Jas 3:1)
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Webers.Home · Jan 5, 2022

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An overseer must also:

• 1Tim 3:7 . . Have a good reputation with outsiders

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

You know; that's all a church needs is to install a new church officer only to
find out later he's the classic neighbor from Hell.

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
thru 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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Webers.Home · Jan 6, 2022

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• 1Tim 3:8-9 . . Deacons likewise must be men of dignity; etc, etc.

"dignity" is from the Greek word semnos (sem-nos') which means venerable,
i.e. deserving honor and respect, especially by reason of age; viz: esteemed.

The Greek word for "deacons" is diakonos (dee-ak'-on-os) which 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 shepherd's 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; viz: ones
who step up to routine, unglamorous tasks (a.k.a. scut).
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Webers.Home · Jan 7, 2022

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• 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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Webers.Home · Jan 8, 2022

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• 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 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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Webers.Home · Jan 9, 2022

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• 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, is one less influence for church men to cope with.

NOTE: This rule isn't limited to Christian church men. It's a requirement for
Israel's monarchs too. (Deut 17:17)
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Webers.Home · Jan 10, 2022

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• 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 of every generation
customarily pass down to the young; thus perpetuating man-made beliefs
and practices rather than biblical.

The USA's indigenous cultural traditions would be a good example of this.
When a Native American becomes a Christian, the Bible will expects them
to disown portions of their spiritual heritage, and let them go; not entirely of
course; but certain elements like contacting the spirits of one's deceased
ancestors would have to be scrubbed for sure.

Quite a few Native Americans are satisfied that the cosmos is the result of
intelligent design However, one of their indigenous beliefs is quite in the
reverse of Christianity's. According to the Bible, a man was created first and
from him the woman was constructed. This may seem inconsequential but
it's a very important element in both the plan of salvation and the human
condition. (Rom 5:12-21)

Anyway, native culture is a very sensitive issue and one where non-native
Christians, unschooled in Indigenous culture, seriously need to tread lightly.
The White Man's early attempts to completely wipe out everything Native
American was a terrible mistake that today's non-native Christians have got
to be extra careful not to repeat.
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Webers.Home · Jan 11, 2022

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• 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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Webers.Home · Jan 12, 2022

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• 1Tim 4:11 . . Command and teach these things.

I believe Paul was referring to everything written in his letter; not just the
last few verses.
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Webers.Home · Jan 13, 2022

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• 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 57
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 them a
reason to.
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Webers.Home · Jan 14, 2022

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• 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 Christ's mission and purpose without a
comprehensive knowledge of the Old Testament.

"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."
(Luke 24:44-45)

The Old Testament is also very useful for other purposes too.

"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." (2Tim 3:15-17)

"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." (Rom 15:4)
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Webers.Home · Jan 15, 2022

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• 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:

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

Of all the people in church, its officers really ought to be living exhibits of
the before-and-after results of their own religion; viz: the congregation
really ought to be seeing improvements in their personality, their civility,
their integrity, and their piety because if Christianity doesn't work to
improve its officers, then I believe the rank and file have a justifiable reason
to expect it won't work for them either.
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Webers.Home · Jan 16, 2022

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• 1Tim 5:1a . . When speaking to an older man, appeal to him respectfully as
though he were your own father.

There's probably nothing more humiliating to a parent than to be treated like
dirt by their children-- except maybe to be treated like dirt by a spouse.

Americans have the right to a trial by a jury of their peers. Well, a child is
not a parent's peer; he's not even the parent's equal let alone his peer.
Parents are not children's peers; no, parents are their betters, not their
equals. It's a thoughtless, wicked, insolent 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. (cf. Matt 10:34-36 & Malachi 4:5-6)
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Webers.Home · Jan 17, 2022

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• 1Tim 5:1b . .Speak to the younger men as you would to your own kin.

In this case, the "kin" 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 obey in a manner that exemplifies 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 families growing
up; it would produce disastrous results.
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shittim · Jan 17, 2022

having had a reprobate older brother I agree and see this very clearly

Webers.Home · Jan 18, 2022

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• 1Tim 5:2a . . Speak to the older women as mothers,

Speaking to older women as mothers means doing so in compliance with the
fourth of the Ten Commandments.

"Honor your mother" (Ex 20:12)

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 superior and you as subordinate.
It means deferring to her wishes instead of demanding your own.

NOTE: In some cultures, women 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.
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Webers.Home · Jan 19, 2022

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• 1Tim 5:2b . . Speak the younger women as sisters, in all purity.

The Greek word for "purity" is hagneia (hag-ni'-ah) which means:
cleanliness; viz: chastity

Webster's defines "chastity" as: abstention from unlawful sexual intercourse
and/or purity in conduct and intention

Church officers are sometimes admired as celebrities; ergo: they're in an
advantageous position for meeting star-struck women; thus opportunities for
trysts abound.

Officers should especially avoid speaking to the young women in church as if
hanging out in a beer joint or a bowling alley. These days it's all too easy to
inadvertently pick up inappropriate speech habits due to the proliferation of
vulgar language in television and Hollywood movie scripts. Keep it
professional guys.
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shittim · Jan 19, 2022

Ephesians 4:29

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

King James Version (KJV)

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