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293) 1Tim 3:2b . . the husband of one wife

That directive is a bit ambiguous. Some feel it says a pastor can have only
one wife at a time; viz: not a polygamist; while others feel it says he can be
married only once in his lifetime; viz: not a widower or a divorced man.

I tend to think it means one wife at a time. If so; then this passage, and
Titus 1:5-6 have the distinction of being the only places in the entire Bible
prohibiting polygamy.

However; the stipulation is very narrow. It specifically regulates the home
life of a church's big shots, so it would be wrong to use those passages to
justify forcing monogamy upon the rank and file. However, if polygamy
conflicts with the laws of one's state of residence, then of course the State
has the final say in that regard. (cf. Rom 13:1-5)

294) 1Tim 3:2c . . temperate

The koiné Greek word for "temperate" can be either nephaleos (nay-fal'-eh
os); or nephalios (nay-fal'-ee-os) and means: sober. This kind of sobriety
has nothing to do with alcohol rather it relates to an even-keeled
personality: not overly silly, not overly excitable and not overly serious:
right in the middle; viz: well-balanced.

295) 1Tim 3:2d . . prudent

The koiné word for "prudent" is sophron (so'-frone) which means: having a
sound mind; viz: rational, reasonable, and sensible as opposed to emotional
and reactive.

296) 1Tim 3:2e . . respectable

The koiné Greek word for "respectable" is kosmios (kos'-mee-os) which
means: orderly, viz: decorous.

Webster's defines decorous as marked by propriety; viz: correct; and
exhibiting good taste in conduct, language, or appearance. A decorous
person is-- among other things --neat, tidy, well-mannered, well-groomed,
and polite. They bathe often too.

297) 1Tim 3:2f . . hospitable

The koiné word for "hospitable" is philoxenos (fil-ox'-en-os) which means:
fond of guests. In other words, pastors shouldn't be hermit types, or
friendless loners who prefers solitude. Not that there's anything wrong with
hermits and loners; it's just that pastors are supposed to be shepherds,
which requires them to associate with their flock. A man who doesn't mingle
easily and comfortably really should consider another line of work.

298) 1Tim 3:2g . . able to teach

Just because somebody has a head full of knowledge and wisdom doesn't
mean they are able to teach it to others. Teaching is a skill that requires an
aptitude; in point of fact, teaching the Christ's sheep requires a supernatural
aptitude; viz: a gift.

†. Rom 12:6-7 . . Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is
given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion
of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on
teaching

299) 1Tim 3:3a . . not addicted to wine

Pastors aren't prohibited alcohol; just too much alcohol.

†. 1Tim 5:23 . . No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for
the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

A "little" wine can lead to a lot for someone with a predilection to over
imbibe. For pastors like that, it's best to avoid wine altogether rather than
risk becoming a candidate for AA.

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300) 1Tim 3:3b . . not pugnacious

Webster's defines pugnacious as: militant, defensive, warlike, combative,
confrontational, pushy, assertive, scrappy, and belligerent. Some men are
natural-born bullies and others are ready to "take it outside" at every
challenge. You sure don't want one of them in your pulpit. God forbid!

301) 1Tim 3:3c . . gentle, non contentious

A good pastor isn't what might be called shrinking; but rather, he's an
affable, courageous man who selects his conflicts carefully. For some people,
every disagreement is an act of war: they're assertive, reactive, defensive,
and confrontational not just some of the time; but all the time. A gentle man
is not so quick to draw his guns at the slightest provocation. However,
though shepherds walk softly so as not to frighten the sheep; at the same
time; they carry a big stick.

A case in point is Christianity's lord and master. When he was here the first
time, Christ was very gentle. When he returns, Christianity's head won't be
so tolerant. Anyone reading Psalm 2 and the book of Revelation can attest to
that.

302) 1Tim 3:3d . . free from the love of money.

L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, started out as an author of pulp
fiction novels for a penny per word. One day he came to the conclusion that
the real money was in religion, especially if it had a non-profit tax
exemption. Well; today, Scientology's net assets are rumored to be in the
neighborhood of nine billion dollars and it's all tax exempt in the USA.

The personal net worth of David Miscavige, Scientology's current head, is
rumored to be somewhere around fifty million.

A man of avarice simply cannot be trusted with church assets. Just look at
what Judas did to his best friend for the sake of a few coins.

Back in 1988-99, a tel-evangelist named James Orsen Bakker was sentenced
to 45 years in Federal prison (later reduced to 8) for embezzling millions of
dollars from his own ministry and using some of the money to construct an
extravagant mansion-- complete with gold plumbing --for he and wife
Tammy, and a luxurious kennel for their pet dog.

I would highly recommend that a prospective pastor'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 Lexus? 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/or look out for his best
interests.

303) 1Tim 3:4-5 . . He must 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 force. Tyranny doesn't earn
respect; it earns fear, suspicion, mistrust, and dread. Instilling fear into the
hearts of one's children is sure to backfire some day when they're older.

Back in Ephesians, we pointed out that children are discouraged by fathers
that abuse their human rights. Well, abusive pastors are just as bad.
Despots and dictators are certain to discourage their congregations just as
surely as abusive fathers break their children's spirit.

304) 1Tim 3:5-6 . . He must not be a novice, or he may become conceited
and fall under the same judgment as the Devil.

A novice doesn't have enough spiritual experience under his belt to shepherd
Christ's people. Youngsters coming out of seminaries these days think
they're ready to take the reins? They haven't a clue.

Webster's defines "conceit" as: excessive appreciation of one's own worth or
virtue

There's nothing wrong with a healthy self-image; but a conceited person is
above and beyond; actually to the point of narcissism. They're infected with
unbearable superiority complexes. But let me tell those fat heads
something: the world was getting by just fine before you came along, and it
will get by just fine after you're gone. Don't even think for a minute that you
can't be replaced.

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305) 1Tim 3:6-7 . . He must also have a good reputation with outsiders

Paul lists that qualification as a must rather than an option. You know; that's
all a church needs is to install a new pastor only to find out later he's the
classic neighbor from Hell. Your new pastor 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 McDonald's, 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 the pulpit
whom Christ does not approve, and with whom he does not care to
associate.

306) 1Tim 3:8-9 . . Deacons likewise must be men of dignity; etc, etc.

That's another must.

The koiné 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). A deacon's duties and responsibilities are typically lower on
the glamour scale than pastors.

Deacons are supposed to serve as the pastors' go-fers; viz: his support.

307) 1Tim 3:10 . . And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as
deacons if they are beyond reproach.

The very same interview process and background checks utilized in pastor
selection is supposed to be applied to deacons. Paul cautioned his friend to
lay hands on no man suddenly" in other words; avoid being too hasty in
appointing support staff.

308) 1Tim 3:11 . . Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips,
but temperate, faithful in all things.

Yes, there are female deacons and it's perfectly alright just so long as they
accept the fact that they are in no way exempt from 1Cor 14:33-35, 1Tim
2:9-10, 1Tim 2:12-15, and 1Tim 3:10.

The koiné Greek word for "malicious gossips" is diabolos (dee-ab'-ol-os)
which means: a traducer; which Webster's defines as someone who exposes
others to shame or blame by means of falsehood and/or misrepresentation.

Deaconesses are in a position to become privy to some sensitive information
about their church and its members. It would be a serious violation of trust
to blab about those things to people for whom those things are none of their
business. We expect baby sitters to be mum about things that they see in
our homes. Shouldn't the congregation have a right to expect as much from
deaconesses?

309) 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 pastors they
serve. (cf. 1Tim 3:2, 1Tim 3:4-6)

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310) 1Tim 4:7 . . Have nothing to do with the worldly fantasies of withered
old women.

Paul isn't speaking of action comics and/or pulp novels that can be
purchased at venders like Barnes & Noble and Borders; but rather, of the
religious traditions that the seniors of every generation customarily pass
down to the young; thus perpetuating heathen, pagan beliefs and practices.
The USA's native American folklore would be a good example of this. When a
native American becomes a Christian, the Bible's God expects them to
disown their spiritual heritage, and let it go; not entirely of course; but
certain elements like praying to one's deceased ancestors would have to be
scrubbed for sure.

311) 1Tim 4:7-8 . .Rather, train yourself to be reverent. For physical
training is of some value, but reverence has value for all things, holding
promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Physical training like baseball practice makes a player like Derek Jeter a whiz
at short stop. While his mind is deciding what best to do with the ball, his
body's reflexes automatically carry out its decision without Derek having to
think about it. That comes from conditioning. But Jeter's baseball ability is
only good for when he's playing baseball, not for everything he does in life;
while reverence moderates everything, including one's conduct on the
playing field.

312) 1Tim 4:11 . . Command and teach these things.

I believe Paul was referring to everything he wrote in his letter; not just the
last few verses.

313) 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.

There is nothing a young-ish pastor can do to stop some members of his
congregation from despising him for being younger than they are, but there
is plenty he can do to prevent their attitude from dictating the spirit of his
ministry. Like a man once said: You can please some of the people some of
the time, but you cannot please all of the people all of the time. So then,
please Christ, and leave the attitude adjustments to the Almighty.

314) 1Tim 4:14 . . Focus upon the public reading of scripture, and to
preaching and teaching.

Had Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. complied with that directive instead of getting
involved in political activism; he might still be alive today.

There are scholars who specialize in debunking cults and isms; for example
Walter Martin, whose excellent work "The Kingdom Of The Cults" should be
in every Christian's collection. However, it is not a pastor's responsibility to
debunk cults and isms nor is it in the best interests of his congregation for
him to do so. His responsibility is to ensure the scriptures are read aloud,
and that preaching and teaching are the norm because by doing so, his flock
will grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Bible's God. (cf. Eph 4:11-16)

Public reading was necessary because of the scarcity of Bibles in those days.
All of them were hand-written, and none were mass-produced like now.

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, 2Tim
3:15-17, Rom 15:4)

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315) 1Tim 4:15-16 . . Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to
them, so that everyone may see your progress.

A pastor can progress in only one of two directions. If he goes downwards,
as the Laodicean pastor of Rev 4:14-20; that's not progress, that's regress;
which Webster's defines as: movement backward to a previous, and
especially worse, or more primitive, state or condition. This doesn't mean
that a church's facility needs paint and its weeds sprayed with Roundup.
We're talking about a pastor's personal spiritual condition. He may be the
head honcho of an illustrious, impressive, big-city church campus, and still
be in a condition of regression because it's not the outside of a church that
testifies to a pastor's true spiritual condition, but rather, his own insides; for
example:

†. Matt 23:27-28 . . You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful
on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and all kinds of
impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous
but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

The koiné Greek word for "hypocrisy" is hupokrisis (hoop-ok'-ree-sis) which
means acting under a feigned part. Hypocrisy is a lucrative profession for
people employed in movies, sit-coms, and soaps. But that's okay because
it's all above board. We know they're just playing roles and they're not
trying to get by with anything; but a pastor is not supposed to be an actor;
he's supposed to be a man of integrity: which roughly means for somebody
to be the same on the inside as they are on the outside.

316) 1Tim 5:1 . . 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 one of their college beer buddies.

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
judgmental attitude, 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 those reprimand-ish, undeserved glares.

317) 1Tim 5:1 . .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 un-cool nerds and morons who are
beneath their dignity to be seen with.

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318) 1Tim 5:2 . . Speak to the older women as mothers, and the younger
women as sisters, in all purity.

The koiné 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

Pastors are in an advantageous position for meeting women; thus
opportunities for trysts abound; as the news media often attests. That's just
what every church needs is a pastor who uses his position as a means to
cruise chicks isn't it? According to 1Tim 5:2, a man who does that is, in all
practicality, an incestuous older brother.

Speaking to older women as mothers means doing so in deference to the
fourth of the Ten Commandments. Is there benefit to a pastor who keeps
a civil tongue in his head and respects the feelings of the older women in
his congregation? Yes.

†. Eph 6:1-3 . . Honor your father and mother-- which is the first of the
commandments that contains a promise; which is: that it may go well with
you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.

There's really not much that's more hurtful to a mother than an insolent child.

319) 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's Christian offspring have a sacred obligation to provide for their
aging ancestors.

†. 1Tim 5:8 . .Those who won't care for their own kin, especially those living
in the same household, have disregarded what we believe. Such people are
worse than infidels.

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 for senior citizens. So you can see that in
those circumstances a widow's church may be the only thing between her
and grinding poverty.

320) 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 New Testament 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 people 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.

Paul says to decline widows whose goal is to satisfy their appetite for the
best that life has to offer. As it's said that one cannot serve God and money,
well neither can one serve God and one's inherent cravings. True, you can't
stop yourself from having cravings for the best that life has to offer; but you
can choose whether to let them be the dominant force in your life.

†. Mark 4:18-19 . . Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the
word; but the concerns of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth, and the
desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful.

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321) 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 directive is a good way to avoid being victimized by one of
them. (cf. Ruth 2:11)

322) 1Tim 5:11-12 . . As for younger widows, do not put them on such a
list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they
want to marry. Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have
broken their first pledge.

The words "sensual desires" are translated from a Greek word that means
voluptuous against. In other words; their craving for the good things in life
will outweigh any importance that they might put upon serving Christ
faithfully, loyally, and effectively.

The koiné Greek word for "widow" in this section is chera (khay'-rah) which
doesn't necessarily indicate a woman whose husband died. It simply
indicates a woman that's lost her man; by either by divorce or death; viz: a
grass widow.

The "first pledge" is a woman's wedding vows. If a married Christian woman
doesn't want to live with her husband anymore; fine: don't. But if she
divorces her husband in order to take up with a man she likes better; that's
not fine; no, that's totally wrong.

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323) 1Tim 5:14 . . So I will that younger widows marry, have children,
manage their homes, and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.

That almost seems to contradict a previous verse condemning young widows
for remarrying; but in this case, it's assumed she hasn't broken her first
pledge; viz: she has a legitimate right to remarry.

According to Paul's criteria, a widow qualifies as "younger" if she's not yet
undergone menopause. A young ex-wife still has a good supply of active
hormones, and a very lively libido that needs an outlet. This is just a fact of
life and all the religion in the world is not going to make it go away. A few
women are okay with celibacy, but not all that many are. Even women that
some men might evaluate as "frigid" will melt in the right man's arms, so
don't be too quick to write them off.

Dr. Laura Schlesinger tells her divorced female callers to forget about even
so much as dating till their children are at least 18. Well, that's easy for
Laura to say because she's a tomboy, but real women are going to find that
restriction unbearable; and besides, Paul's instructions are Christ's rules for
Christian women, not Laura's rules.

†. 1Cor 14:37 . . If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let
him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the
commandments of The Lord.

Unattached ex-wives need to think rationally and objectively about their
future; and ask themselves: Can I really live out the rest of my life without a
man to share it? Can I bear up without a nervous break-down and/or turning
to alcohol, Prozac, and overeating? Will I become irritable and difficult, and/or
a chronic man-hater like aunt Lucy? Have to be brutally honest here because
this is pretty serious stuff.

†. 1Cor 7:8-9 . . Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for
them to stay unmarried, as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, they
should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.

Another danger of an ex-wife going too long without a man is immorality.
Desire, loneliness, and longings for appreciation, have a way of building up
to unbearable levels in people who live by themselves and just about that
time, along comes a really great somebody who maybe breaks down their
defenses and gets a little too close. That can be a difficult moment. It's for
this very reason that Paul discouraged couples from avoiding each other for
too long a time.

†. 1Cor 7:2 . . To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and
let every woman have her own husband.

†. 1Cor 7:4-6 . . Do not deprive each other of intimacy. The only exception
to this rule would be the agreement of both husband and wife to refrain from
intimacy for a limited time, so they can give themselves more completely to
prayer. Afterward they should come together again so that Satan won't be
able to tempt them because of their lack of self-control.

They say a man has his needs. Well; a woman has her needs too. Let's not
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324) 1 Tim 5:16 . . If any believing man or woman have widows, let them
relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them
that are widows indeed.

It's awful to think that a religion based upon love, has to command its
adherents to extend kindness to their own kin.

But in all fairness, I should point out that Paul's directive only impacts
believing widows, not unbelieving, because a Christian church is under zero
obligation to support ex-wives who fail to meet all the requirements of a
"widow indeed" as per 1Tim 5:9-10.

What we're talking about here are specifically Christian widows; so if the ex
wives among your relatives are say, Atheist, Agnostic, Muslim, Buddhist,
Bahái, Hindu, Jehovah's Witness, Scientology, or Mormon, et al; then don't
even think about asking your church to help support them. If you want to
help them, okay, but leave your church out of it.

325) 1Tim 5:17-19 . .The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are
worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and
teaching. For the scripture says: "Do not muzzle the ox while it is treading
out the grain" and "The laborer is worthy of his hire."

The koiné Greek word for "elder" is presbuteros (pres-boo'-ter-os). It
corresponds to aldermen; which Webster's defines as: members of a
legislative body. In other words; elders enact and enforce the proprietary
rules and bylaws that govern everybody in a local church; including its
pastor. In some churches those rules and bylaws are called a covenant;
which new members have to accept. The aldermen are also responsible for
settling disputes between church members (1Cor 6:1-5) so that they
correspond to "the church" the Lord spoke of at Matt 18:15-18.

Aldermen aren't peculiar to Christianity. Councils pre-existed amongst
Yhvh's people prior to Moses' commission (Ex 3:16). Anon, seventy of
Israel's elders were established by God as a supreme council (Num 11:16
17). One's failure to submit to their church's aldermen is grounds for
removing their name from the role. (Matt 18:15-18)

Since Christian aldermen sometimes wear more than one hat as preachers
and teachers; then it's very possible in a large church for them to have time
for nothing else, like for instance holding down a job. For that reason, their
constituents should try and compensate them with a decent standard of
living. I mean, after all, if their service to a local church is invaluable, then
by all means the congregation should do whatever it takes to keep them on
staff where they can devote all of their time and energy towards governing
(that is; if you feel your church is a worthwhile endeavor).

Let's say for example, that one of your church's aldermen is a retiree trying
to survive on Social Security and a diminished 401K. He'll be a lot more
effective towards your church's good if the congregation, whatever its size,
pitches in to help him make ends meet; and the outside world surely won't
blame your church for doing so unless of course they're as callous towards
the needs of a senior citizen as the bottom of a soldier's boot.

But beware that the congregation doesn't overcompensate its aldermen to
the point where they can afford to drive a Cadillac Escalade, wear a Rolex,
and own an expensive home in an up-scale district. That will really make
Christianity look bad, and actually work against Christ's best interests.

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326) 1Tim 5:19 . . Do not accept an accusation against an elder except
before two or three witnesses.

It isn't required that two or three witnesses accuse the elder, but that an
accuser do so in the hearing of two or three witnesses. The witnesses are
not there to testify against the elder; no, they are there to testify against
the accuser in the event it's discovered that he's the perpetrator of a
slander.

In the event an accuser's accusations prove false, then Israel's covenanted
law requires that they be punished with the very punishment that they
wished for the victim of their slander (Deut 19:16-21). In a Christian
environment; I should think it wise to at least ostracize, and/or
excommunicate the slanderer because nobody's reputation is safe in the
hands of someone like that.

†. 1Cor 5:11-13 . . I am writing you that you must not associate with
anyone who calls himself a brother but is a slanderer. With such a man do
not even eat. Expel the wicked man from among you.

327) 1Tim 5:20 . .Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may
fear.

Once it's discovered that an accuser's allegations are libelous, then it's time
to get up in front of the entire congregation and expose him for the cheap
goods he really is. This is where the testimony of the aforementioned two or
three witnesses comes into play.

A roast of this nature can be a very humiliating experience for a church
member, and when the others see how it goes, they'll think twice before
making spurious allegations against aldermen.

However, if the accusations prove to be true, then the shoe is on the other
foot. Then it's time to expose the elder.

328) 1Tim 5:21 . . I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and
the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one
before another, doing nothing by partiality.

I seriously doubt that very many modern Christian churches are following
Paul's instructions in regards to spurious accusations against elders. They
probably find it much easier to just gloss over issues rather than comply
with the mandated procedure for roasting and expelling. (as if any of this is
ever optional)

Another thing that modern churches are very good at these days is covering
up an elder's indiscretions when what they really deserve is a public
hanging, so to speak. Happens all the time.

†. Matt 23:27-28 . . Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you
hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the
outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything
unclean. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous
but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.

How very true that is of the staff of some of the churches in this day and
age.

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329) 1Tim 5:22 . . Do not lay hands upon anyone too hastily

That ruling seems primarily concerned with the avoidance of fast-tracking
candidates for aldermen, senior pastors, associate pastors, deacons, and
deaconesses; in other words: church officials; whether high ranking or low
ranking.

330) 1Tim 5:23 . . No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for the
sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

In the days prior to the proliferation of antiseptics, antibiotics, inoculations,
and a host of other mass-produced medications; wine was an important
remedy for just about everything from indigestion to open wounds. (e.g.
Mark 15:23, and Luke 10:34)

Medicine has come a long ways in the last 2,000 years so that even if a little
wine would still help whatever ailed Timothy's tummy, there's probably
much better over-the-counter, non-alcoholic remedies available for his
condition in our day.

Paul mentioned that his friend had other problems too. I have no clue what
those might have been; but I have to ask: Why didn't Paul utilize his
apostolic gift of healing to cure his friend? My answer is: probably because
Timothy's problems didn’t require a miracle. I think that Timothy simply
wasn't taking proper care of himself and/or getting enough rest. His diet
may have been inadequate too. The old adage-- God helps those who help
themselves --is very true in some cases. My view is: if you can fix your own
flat tire, then don't expect God to fix it for you. Like when a farmer prays for
a good crop, he really needs to say amen with a hoe.

What else might be taken from 1Tim 5:23? Well; I would say do NOT rely
upon so-called faith healing. Too many children are being lost these days to
treatable conditions because their parents are putting so much trust in their
church's interpretation of passages like Jas 5:14-15. If Paul recommended a
remedy for Timothy's tummy; don't you think he would recommend a
remedy for your child's treatable condition? Yes; of course he would. In
many, many cases; people don't need a miracle; they just need a doctor.

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331) 1Tim 6:1-2 . . Let all who are under the yoke as slaves regard their
own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our
doctrine may not be spoken against. And let those who have believers as
their masters not be disrespectful to them because they are brethren, but let
them serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are
believers and beloved.

I've heard that Masons practice favoritism; but Christians should never
impose upon a fellow believer in that manner. Give your Christian employer
the respect and subordination due his position; and give him a full day's
work for a full days' pay. People are watching, and they pick up on things
like disparity.

332) 1Tim 6:2 . .Teach and preach these principles.

A pastor should ensure his congregation is taught these things even when
they don't care to hear them. He should never let the indifference of his flock
suppress Christ's wishes.

†. 2Tim 4:1-2 . . I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ
Jesus-- who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and
His kingdom --preach the word; be ready in season and out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time
will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but desiring to have
their ears massaged, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in
accordance with their own longings; and will turn away their ears from the
truth, and will turn aside to fiction.

You know what's really sad? When the pastors themselves turn away their
ears from the truth and turn aside to fiction.

333) 1 Tim 6:3-6 . . If anyone advocates a different doctrine, and does not
agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the
doctrine conforming to godliness; he is conceited and understands nothing;
but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about
words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and
constant friction between men of depraved minds and deprived of the truth.

Some day, just out of curiosity, peruse the discussions taking place on a
variety of internet Christian forums. What will you see? You will see a morbid
interest in controversial questions; and disputes about words, out of which
arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction.
Forums are the armpit of Christianity and cesspools of apostasy, heresy,
humanistic theories, and universalism where the attitude is: nobody's going
to Hell; and everybody's a Christian if they say so.

334) 1Tim 6:8 . . And having food and raiment let us be content therewith.

The koiné Greek word for content is sometimes translated "sufficient". In
other words, when good is adequate, better isn't necessary. Good is easier
on your budget than better too.

Madison Avenue's mad men make their living by convincing consumers that
better is always to be preferred. No, it isn't. You can easily get by on
something that's less than best. Technophiles especially are constantly
falling victim to new upgrades of electronic products. I remember when
Apple's second generation iPhone was introduced, techies lined up for blocks
to get one even though their first iPhones were still working just fine!

†. 1Tim 6:6 . . Piety with contentment is great gain.

The desire to have more than enough and/or to have better, is a mark of
covetousness; which Christ lists right up there with evil thoughts, adultery,
fornication, murder, theft, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye,
and blaspheme. (Mark 7:21-23)

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335) 1Tim 6:11 . . But you-- O man of God --flee these things and pursue
righteousness, piety, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

The koiné Greek word for "flee" is pheugo (fyoo'-go) which means: not to
walk away; but rather, to run away; as if for your life.

Q: What is a man of God?

A: Men of God are typically inspired individuals; for example: Moses was a
man of God (Deut 33:1) and David was a man of God (Neh 12:24).
Numerous passages in the Old Testament identify men of God as prophets.
In that respect; Abraham was a man of God (Gen 20:7) and a whole bunch
of other people too, including women; e.g. Miriam (Ex 15:20) Deborah (Judg
4:4) Asahiah (2Kgs 22:14) and Huldah (2Chrn 24:32).

Obviously then, if your pastor isn't an inspired man; then he isn't a man of
God. He's just another church manager on a career path.

336) 1Tim 6:12a . . Fight the good fight of the faith.

The first koine Greek word for "fight" in that verse is agonizomai (ag-o-nid'
zom-ahee) which means: to struggle; literally to compete for a prize. This is
the kind of conflict played out in competitive sports.

The second word for "fight" is agon (ag-one') which means: a place of
assembly; viz: the field of completion; viz : an arena; e.g. boxing rings,
football and soccer fields, baseball diamonds, horse racing tracks, and
hockey rinks.

The object of a Christian's struggle is not so much conquest, but rather, a
prize. In Paul's day athletes won wreaths. In our day, they win medals and
lucrative contracts for product endorsements.

†. 1Cor 9:24-26 . . Do you not know that those who run in a race all run,
but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. And
everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things.
They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

In Paul's day, there were no second-place winners; only first. When the
competition is that fierce, athletes really go all out. So Paul is saying that
Christians should battle for their reward as if there were only one gold to go
around; in other words; really put their hearts into it.

However, a "good" race is won only when the winner plays by the rules; or
otherwise it's a bad race: they're disqualified and win nothing.

†. 2Tim 2:5 . .When someone competes as an athlete, he does not receive
the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules.

Probably most of us rank and file believers aren't going to win anything, but
at least we're assured of making it to safety.

†. 1Cor 3:12-15 . . If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver,
costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is,
because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire
will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will
receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; though he himself
will be spared, but only as one escaping through the flames.

The picture there is of Christ's believers leaving this life with absolutely
nothing to their credit that honored him. It's like a family suddenly wakened
in the middle of the night with their house so badly on fire that there is
scarcely enough time for them to exit the building. Their entire life's
collection of mementoes, furniture, paintings, valuables, photographs,
clothing, and such, go up in smoke and they escape with nothing but their
lives and the clothes they wore to bed. Their persons are spared, but
everything else is ruined; hence: "he himself will be spared".

Some Christians see in 1Cor 3:12-15 proof of a Purgatory; but a place of
temporary suffering and misery isn't even remotely consistent with either
the activity or the purpose depicted in 1Cor 3:12-15.

Purgatory can be roughly defined as a place, or condition, of temporal
punishment for those who, departing this life in God's grace, are not entirely
free from venial faults and/or have not fully paid the satisfaction due to their
transgressions.

An additional purpose assigned to Purgatory is for teaching the offender a
lesson, e.g. David (2Sam 11:1-12:14) where he was fully absolved of the
heinous sins of premeditated adultery and murder, but still had to go to the
wood shed for what he did (cf. Heb 12:5-11). Absolution and punishment
may seem strange bed fellows; but not so when you regard one as related to
criminal justice, and the other as related to discipline; which Webster's
defines as: training that corrects, molds, or perfects the mental faculties or
moral character.

But does that sound anything like what Paul wrote about in 1Cor 3:12-15?
No, he wrote of works and rewards; not of venial faults, punishment,
discipline, fully paying the satisfaction due one's transgressions; and so
forth. And besides. Paul said that "he" doesn't undergo flame; his works do.
In other words; that depicts very much the way gold ore is assayed to
determine whether the metal in it is real gold or fool's gold. They don't put
the miner of the ore in a crucible; no, just the ore the miner brought in; viz:
that which was the result of his labor.

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337) 1Tim 6:12-13 . .Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called
when you made your good profession in the presence of many witnesses.

Eternal life is the current possession of Christ's believing followers. Note the
grammatical tense of the "have" verb in the passages below. It's in the
present tense; not future; indicating that his believers have eternal life right
now-- no delay, and no waiting period.

†. John 3:36 . . He who believes in the Son has eternal life

†. John 6:47 . .Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes has eternal life.

†. John 5:24 . . I assure you, those who heed my message and trust in God
who sent me, have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins,
but they have already passed from Death into Life.

†. 1John 5:13 . . I write these things to you who believe in the name of the
Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

In addition, believers who correctly ingest the Lord's flesh, and correctly
imbibe his blood, are also in the right-now possession of eternal life.

†. John 6:53 . .Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life,
and I will raise him up at the last day.

So then, why would Paul encourage Timothy to "take hold" of eternal life if
he already had it?

Well; having it, and making use of it, are two very different things. By telling
his friend to lay hold of eternal life, Paul was telling him to lay hold of the
fruit of the Spirit.

†. Gal 5:22-25 . .The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance . . if we live in the
Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

So then, how does one lay hold of the fruit of the Spirit? Well; it's here
where conduct plays a very important role in the lives of Christ's believing
followers.

†. Rom 8:13 . . If you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if
by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live

†. Gal 6:7-8 . . Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man
sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh shall from
the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the
Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due
time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.

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338) 1Tim 6:13-15 . . I charge you in the sight of God-- who gives life to
everything, and of Christ Jesus, who while testifying before Pontius Pilate
made the good confession --to keep this command without spot or blame
until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The koiné Greek word for "commandment" in that passage is entole (en-tol
ay') which means: an injunction, i.e. an authoritative prescription. It's
difficult to tell if Paul had a specific instruction in mind or if he intended
Timothy to accept his entire epistle as the law of Christ. If the latter is the
case, then the NLT's version is the better one; which reads like this:

"And I command you before God, who gives life to all, and before Christ
Jesus, who gave a good testimony before Pontius Pilate, that you obey his
commands with all purity. Then no one can find fault with you from now until
our Lord Jesus Christ returns."

The NLT's version encompasses all of Christ's wishes, which up to this point
has totaled 338; with more to come.

The koiné word for "without spot/purity" is aspilos (as'-pee-loswhich means:
unblemished.

It takes a pretty concentrated, uncompromising effort for a man to finish up
a life of Christian service with an unblemished record. He's really got to mind
his p's and q's the meanwhile maintaining graciousness; which consists of
being honest, trustworthy, reliable, affable, tactful, genial, sociable,
generous, charitable, altruistic, cheerful, reasonable, sensitive, thoughtful,
patient, peaceable, kind, considerate, temperate, tolerant, approachable,
helpful, supportive, unselfish, compassionate, sympathetic, mild, not easily
provoked, humble, and courteous; plus characterized by a lack of
stubbornness, assertiveness, despotism, conceit, and arrogance.

339) 1Tim 6:17-19 . . Command those who are rich in this present world not
to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God,
who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. Command them to do good,
to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, storing up for
themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they
may take hold of that which is life indeed.

Webster's defines "conceit" as an excessive appreciation of one's own worth
and/or virtue. It's is all too common for the rich and famous to exhibit a
masters-of-the-universe demeanor and regard commoners as not just below
themselves; but existing solely to expedite their own selfish ambitions; viz:
the haulers-of-water, and the hewers-of-wood; so to speak.

"that which is life indeed" refers to the divine nature about which Peter
wrote at 2Pet 1:2-11, and the fruit of the Spirit about which Paul wrote at
Gal 5:22-25 which are of far greater value than the fruits of earthly wealth.
The fruit of the Spirit gets a lot of lip service and notoriety, and it should; but
the divine nature is where it's really at because that's the source of the fruit.

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340) 1Tim 6:20a . .Turn away from impious chatter

This probably refers to sophistry, which Webster's defines as the use of
reasoning or arguments that sound correct but are actually false and/or
subtly deceptive.

This isn't the first time that Paul warned about what I call bee-essers. The
same alert was sounded at Eph 4:11-14 where Paul describes people whose
line of bull sounds very convincing but is nevertheless quite untrustworthy.

341) 1Tim 6:20b . . and the opposition of science-- falsely so-called.

Galileo believed that science and religion are allies rather than enemies--
two different languages telling the same story. But the category of "science
- falsely so-called" is not the kind of science Galileo was talking about.
Theoretical physics, theoretical cosmology, theoretical chemistry, theoretical
anthropology, conjecture, and speculation etc; are entertaining, but not yet
proven to be true and reliable. People throw that kind of science up to
Christians all the time as if it's been tested and proven when it's anything
but.

Another thing to take into consideration is that scientific results are
provisional, susceptible to being overturned by some future experiment or
observation. Scientists rarely proclaim an absolute truth or an absolute
certainty. Uncertainty is inevitable at the frontiers of knowledge. (Joel
Achenbach, National Geographic Magazine)

342) 2Tim 1:8a . .Do not be ashamed of our Master's testimony

Everything the Lord ever taught is "testimony" that is; all of his teachings,
preaching, comments, remarks, and lectures can be used as evidence either
by the defense to get people into Heaven, or by the prosecution to put
people behind the bars of Hell.

†. John 12:48 . . He who rejects me, and does not receive my sayings, has
one who judges him: the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day.

How is it that Jesus' words are evidence? Answer: Because he never spoke
for himself; no, he was an ambassador who spoke for a superior.

†. John 8:26 . . He that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those
things which I have heard of Him.

†. John 8:28 . . I do nothing on my own initiative, but I speak these things
as the Father taught Me.

†. John 12:49 . . I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me,
he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

†. John 14:24 . .The word which you hear is not mine, but the Father's who
sent Me.

Timothy was ordained a minister by the laying on of Paul's own hands (2Tim
1:6). At that moment, Timothy became an ambassador for Christ. So then,
he became responsible to speak for Christ just as Christ was responsible to
speak for God.

†. 1Pet 4:11 . . If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God

That is a very heavy responsibility, and anybody who tones down their
message out of insecurity and/or fear of humiliation, mortification, loss of
popularity, loss of cooperation, and/or loss of face is going to regret it. If a
speaker cannot speak as God and for God; then it would be wise if that
speaker didn't speak at all.

†. Jas 3:1 . . Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers,
because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

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343) 2Tim 1:8b . . Join with me in suffering for the Gospel

Suffering for the Gospel doesn't necessarily include martyrdom. The more
common forms of suffering are privation, humiliation, threats, hunger, loss
of friends and family, ostracizing, ridicule, mockery, harsh criticism,
judgmental remarks, insults, intimidation, name calling, demeaning
comments, ugly insinuations, slander, teasing, harassment, bullying,
unfairness, prejudice, intolerance, disassociation, and betrayal; in other
words: the kinds of stuff that really get you right down in the gut.

Suffering because of the Gospel is, believe it or not, a sacred gratuity.

†. Php 1:29 . . For you have been given not only the privilege of trusting in
Christ but also the privilege of suffering for him.

†. John 15:20-21 . . Remember the word that I said unto you? the servant is
not greater than his lord? If they have persecuted me, they will also
persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But
all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they
know not Him that sent me.

NOTE: the Devil and his invisible minions are always at work secretly
pushing the buttons of people all around pastors; and the very ones pastors
really have to look out for are the people under their noses running their
own churches.

An Evangelical Lutheran Church minister named Rev John H. Beck conducted
a three-year study of church conflict; and his findings are not comforting.
According to an article in the Aug 24, 2009 edition of the Oregonian in
Portland OR: the issues that cause congregational conflict are typically (1) a
pastor and his staff not getting along, (2) a board wanting to take a different
direction, and (3) two strong-willed people getting into it; and others in the
congregation taking sides.

What's going on there? Well, that's not too hard to figure out is it? The Devil
is pushing the buttons in those churches while the Lord is outside the
building banging on the door trying to get somebody's attention to let him
in.

344) 2Tim 1:13 . . Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have
heard from me.

The koiné Greek word for "hold fast" is echo (ekh'-o) which means; to
clutch, cling, or adhere to.

The word for "pattern" is hupotuposis (hoop-ot-oop'-o-sis) which means: a
sketch; viz: a blueprint and/or a schematic diagram.

When Noah was commissioned to build the ark, he wasn't left to his own
imagination. God micro-managed construction right from the start. And
when Moses was tasked to fabricate articles of worship, he too was micro
managed; in other words, Moses and Noah both made everything according
to specs; viz: Christianity is no more a man-invented religion than Israel's
covenanted law. Both are God-given religions; and God wishes neither left to
one's own imagination.

Putting this in construction-speak: if the blueprint calls for welding, and the
builder substitutes bolting, he'll have to do it over. If the blueprints call for
oak panels, and the builder substitutes pine, he'll have to do it over; and do
it right the next time or be rejected again. Practically nothing is
manufactured without first planning it out on a drawing. Sometimes
drawings are created on the fly. I've had plans handed to me that were
nothing in the world but a free-hand sketch on a piece of scrap paper; while
others were gorgeous, finely-detailed computer-assisted drawings. Either
way, CAD or free-hand, I was expected to follow specifications to the letter
and not take it upon myself to revise the engineers' instructions without
their consent.

What this boils down to is: modern churches have been handed down from
Paul a God-given pattern for their operations. When they depart from His
pattern, then they are no longer serving Christ; rather, serving their own
ideas and following their own ambitions.

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343) 2Tim 1:8b . . Join with me in suffering for the Gospel................................

Oh crap! You and jason need to start your own site. How many lengthy posts do you have to put up to satisfy your ego? Because no one is reading that stuff. Give me a break. Talk bible. Talk scripture. Want to see your name in print or on the monitor? Then buy another computer and talk to it and to jason.

No one reads posts that long. You posted 3 or 4 times in a row. How many? I don't know. I scrolled past that many and then stopped. Did I read it? No.

Get a life.

 

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no one is reading that stuff.

Internet forums attract people from all over; but it's to be expected that
only a small fraction would be interested in Christ's commandments.

†. Matt 22:14 . . Many are called, but few are chosen.

The main reason that few are chosen is because so few are loyal.

†. John 14:23-24 . . If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching . . He
who does not love me will not obey my teaching.

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345) 2 Tim 1:14 . . With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives within us;
carefully guard what has been entrusted to you.

To put this in construction-speak again: it was Timothy's responsibility as a
project supervisor to ensure no unauthorized person changed anything on
the original plans without his knowledge and especially without first
obtaining approval from the designer-- viz: Christ --and the Holy Spirit is the
duly assigned quality-control specialist; or the White Hat as we used to call
them. Nobody messes with the White Hat. Like the captain of a ship, the
White Hat is God to everyone involved in production: from the top down,

346) 2Tim 2:2 . . And the things you have heard me say (in the presence of
many witnesses) entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach
others.

Paul's instructions were given to Timothy "in the presence of many
witnesses" indicating that his instructions were never intended to be
privileged information for the eyes-only of an elite cadre of super saints. The
things he taught were transferred publicly rather than deep inside a secret
chamber whose access was restricted to a special clique.

I also suspect that Paul sand-bagged Timothy. By instructing him in the
hearing of witnesses, Timothy could never fall back on the tiresome old
excuse of saying "I didn't know I was supposed to do that." Well, witnesses
would certainly testify that he did know what he was supposed to do
because they themselves heard Paul instruct him with their own ears.

It's a wise church that fully understands a pastor's duties, attitudes, and
responsibilities just in case a time comes when they need to hold his feet to
the fire; especially a complacent pastor. If a church doesn't know what a
pastor's duties, attitudes, and responsibilities are, then there's no way they
can know whether or not they're getting their money's worth. In my opinion,
an ignorant church is a private pond stocked with hatchery fish.

Paul's directive in this matter was also a practical consideration as nobody
resides forever on this earthen globe. Pastors die; that's just a fact of life.
And they also get diseases like dementia, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's. It's a
wise pastor busy training his replacements so that all his knowledge and
experience isn't lost to future church generations. Abraham was commended
for this very thing.

†. Gen 18:18-20 . . For I have chosen Abraham, in order that he may
command his children and his household after him to keep the way of Yhvh.

A good example of the result of neglecting to train reliable men in "all the
things you have heard me say" is the church of Laodicea described in Rev
3:14-20.

According to Col 2:1-2 and Col 4:13-16; the Laodicean Christians were at
one time solid believers. But between the time of Paul's writing his letter to
the Colossians, and John writing the 3rd chapter of Revelation, the
congregation meeting in Nymphas' home somehow went dead. It was still
Christian in name, yes; but it no longer followed Christ.

The Laodicean church had all the trappings of a Christian church; except for
one salient feature: the Christ of Christianity wasn't even a member let
alone the captain of its industry. It was literally a christless Christian church.
He's depicted outside the building banging on the door trying to get
somebody's attention to let him in. Not a single member of that church was
one of his believing followers, not one; no, not even the senior pastor.

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