This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:20
DailyBibleStudy.Org
20 Them that sin [hamartano] rebuke [elegcho] before [enopion] all, [pas] that [hina] others [loipoy] also [kai] may [echo] fear. [phobos] KJV-Interlinear
20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also may be fearful of sinning. NASB
People in leadership roles, are held to a higher standard than people who are not in leadership roles.
Those leaders or would be leaders, if they are allowed to sin and to continue sinning with impunity, become a disgrace not only to themselves, but to the office in which they serve.
When an office is disgraced and allowed to continue in disgrace, then its credibility and authority become null, and people tend to not recognize it, to disregard it and its occupant. An office that has no authority or respect, has no value, and becomes less dependable and trustworthy to those who view it.
There are many examples of offices with this kind of disgrace. Journalism is generally looked down upon as being deceitful, twisting stories or leaving out information. Politicians have for a long time been held in low esteem because of corruption and various shenanigans that they try to pull. Celebrities are generally viewed with regard to their success or popularity, but receive little respect for their reputation.
And these are just examples of course. There are many folks that do honor to their office.
However, Paul is referring to the office of Bible teacher, or elder, and in that office, the highest of standards must be followed, because the content of what is being taught has an eternal impact on those who hear (or reject) the teaching.
If the office is disgraced, then many will not even listen. And history is not without examples of pastors or priests that have been, shall we say, far less than honorable. What with the many scandals and lewd activities that some have pursued.
And now we come to the handling of these sins or violations of the office.
Anyone can lodge a complaint, but not anyone can investigate or follow up on it. It is left to the church authorities or legal authorities for conducting investigations and pursuing whatever action is appropriate against a violating pastor.
And if the complaint is valid, then the pastor or one who is causing the violation, is to be prosecuted in the appropriate manner.
To be rebuked publically, does not mean verbal abuse, or verbal reprimand in public. This means to be prosecuted in accordance with due process.
If the violation is a crime, then the accused is placed on trial in a court of law. If the violation is a sin of morality of some sort, then the church by-laws and procedures for reprimand, suspension, removal, or whatever, need to be followed.
The congregation, the public, the group whatever it may be made up of, does not have a vigilante right, nor a gossip right, etc. But they do have the right to be informed of the legal or violation proceedings, and results.
To turn a blind eye to violations in covering up, or covering for, someone who causes such violations, always leads to greater distrust and a lack of confidence in the eyes of the congregation or audience.
The reputation of the office is far more important than the reputation of the one who occupies it.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Revelation 4:1
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 4:1
DailyBibleStudy.Org
1 After [meta] this [tauta] I looked, [eido] and, [kai] behold, [idou] a door [thura] was opened [anoigo] in [en] heaven: [ouranos] and [kai] the first [protos] voice [phone] which [hos] I heard [akouo] was as it were of [hos] a trumpet [salpigx] talking [laleo] with [meta] me; [emou] which said, [lego] Come up [anabaino] hither, [hode] and [kai] I will shew [deiknuo] thee [soi] things which [hos] must [dei] be [ginomai] hereafter [meta]. [tauta] KJV-Interlinear
1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things." NASB
The phrase, ‘after these things,’ ‘meta tauta,’ immediately sets up a chronology.
After the events of chapter 1, the resurrected Christ. After the letters to the Churches, chapters 2 and 3, the warnings, the failings, and the promises for believers in our Church Age.
Then after these events of chapters one to three, a door opens in heaven.
Now, this has been often times interpreted as the Rapture, however, nowhere is the church mentioned in Revelation, as being transported into heaven. This is only John being transported into heaven for the purposes of receiving the visions which he will record, and has recorded in this book.
However, that is not the entire picture being presented here in this verse.
The Church is mentioned in chapters 2 and 3. The church has been promised that it will not see the testing (from chapters 6 and after) of the Tribulation, Rev. 3:10. And, after chapter 3, the church is no longer mentioned in the activities that will occur on earth, during the entire period of the Tribulation. Our activities are restricted to those in heaven, with one exception, and that is our accompaniment of Christ at the Second Advent.
Therefore, between chapters 3 and 4, the Church is no longer on the earth. And now there is one more thing to mention that relates here.
In all of the Bible, only two people are mentioned as having visited heaven, only two people.
The first is Paul, 2 Cor. 12:2, and he was forbidden to speak of anything which he saw, 2 Cor. 12:4. And, Paul’s visit occurred many years prior to his writing 2 Cor., before any of the books of the New Testament were written.
The second person is John, which we are studying in Revelation. And John was told to write all that he saw, with only the exception of the seven thunders, Rev. 10:4. And John in fact wrote the final book of the Bible, which indicates that now we are ready to know about and see exactly what is in heaven, where we are going to go, at some time in our future.
The door opening is a door of entrance, the voice of Christ calling (not returning to earth to stay), is a voice of summons, ‘Come up here.’ And that is exactly what will occur when the Rapture occurs, 1 Thess. 4:16, when Christ descends into the clouds, and with a voice calls all Church Age believers to come up to Him. And we will then leave this earth and go off to heaven with Him.
And Christ repeats again, ‘After these things.’ And after the events of chapters 1 through 3, after the Church is no longer on planet earth, then we will see events occurring in heaven and on the earth. And the drama of it all, will absolutely overwhelm us.
The word for behold, ‘idou,’ means astonishment, something so astonishing that we will not be able to look away from it. Events were going to unfold before John in this vision, and for us, in real time in our future, and they will be phenomenal events. None of us will be prepared for them. No matter what kind of preparation you have or will have in your life, you and I, and all of us, will not be prepared for what is to come.
We have seen many great disasters in many of our lifetimes. Most of the World War Two generation is gone now, but a few remain. And so we have seen world war, tsunami's, ice storms, massive earthquakes, and powerful hurricanes and tornadoes, and so forth. Many disasters and events have killed hundreds and thousands and millions, but the Tribulation will see even greater horrors than anything that has ever occurred on this planet in our history.
This book relates descriptions of many of these disasters from disease to starvation to crime, to natural disasters, but it withholds the descriptions of the seven thunders. We cannot even begin to imagine what those events might be. But rest assured, they will not be good for those who are on this earth.
And in heaven, the events that are described will be phenomenal, and of course that is where we will be while the earth is drowning in its horrors.
John begins with a peak into heaven, and so will we.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 4:1
DailyBibleStudy.Org
1 After [meta] this [tauta] I looked, [eido] and, [kai] behold, [idou] a door [thura] was opened [anoigo] in [en] heaven: [ouranos] and [kai] the first [protos] voice [phone] which [hos] I heard [akouo] was as it were of [hos] a trumpet [salpigx] talking [laleo] with [meta] me; [emou] which said, [lego] Come up [anabaino] hither, [hode] and [kai] I will shew [deiknuo] thee [soi] things which [hos] must [dei] be [ginomai] hereafter [meta]. [tauta] KJV-Interlinear
1 After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven, and the first voice which I had heard, like the sound of a trumpet speaking with me, said, "Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after these things." NASB
The phrase, ‘after these things,’ ‘meta tauta,’ immediately sets up a chronology.
After the events of chapter 1, the resurrected Christ. After the letters to the Churches, chapters 2 and 3, the warnings, the failings, and the promises for believers in our Church Age.
Then after these events of chapters one to three, a door opens in heaven.
Now, this has been often times interpreted as the Rapture, however, nowhere is the church mentioned in Revelation, as being transported into heaven. This is only John being transported into heaven for the purposes of receiving the visions which he will record, and has recorded in this book.
However, that is not the entire picture being presented here in this verse.
The Church is mentioned in chapters 2 and 3. The church has been promised that it will not see the testing (from chapters 6 and after) of the Tribulation, Rev. 3:10. And, after chapter 3, the church is no longer mentioned in the activities that will occur on earth, during the entire period of the Tribulation. Our activities are restricted to those in heaven, with one exception, and that is our accompaniment of Christ at the Second Advent.
Therefore, between chapters 3 and 4, the Church is no longer on the earth. And now there is one more thing to mention that relates here.
In all of the Bible, only two people are mentioned as having visited heaven, only two people.
The first is Paul, 2 Cor. 12:2, and he was forbidden to speak of anything which he saw, 2 Cor. 12:4. And, Paul’s visit occurred many years prior to his writing 2 Cor., before any of the books of the New Testament were written.
The second person is John, which we are studying in Revelation. And John was told to write all that he saw, with only the exception of the seven thunders, Rev. 10:4. And John in fact wrote the final book of the Bible, which indicates that now we are ready to know about and see exactly what is in heaven, where we are going to go, at some time in our future.
The door opening is a door of entrance, the voice of Christ calling (not returning to earth to stay), is a voice of summons, ‘Come up here.’ And that is exactly what will occur when the Rapture occurs, 1 Thess. 4:16, when Christ descends into the clouds, and with a voice calls all Church Age believers to come up to Him. And we will then leave this earth and go off to heaven with Him.
And Christ repeats again, ‘After these things.’ And after the events of chapters 1 through 3, after the Church is no longer on planet earth, then we will see events occurring in heaven and on the earth. And the drama of it all, will absolutely overwhelm us.
The word for behold, ‘idou,’ means astonishment, something so astonishing that we will not be able to look away from it. Events were going to unfold before John in this vision, and for us, in real time in our future, and they will be phenomenal events. None of us will be prepared for them. No matter what kind of preparation you have or will have in your life, you and I, and all of us, will not be prepared for what is to come.
We have seen many great disasters in many of our lifetimes. Most of the World War Two generation is gone now, but a few remain. And so we have seen world war, tsunami's, ice storms, massive earthquakes, and powerful hurricanes and tornadoes, and so forth. Many disasters and events have killed hundreds and thousands and millions, but the Tribulation will see even greater horrors than anything that has ever occurred on this planet in our history.
This book relates descriptions of many of these disasters from disease to starvation to crime, to natural disasters, but it withholds the descriptions of the seven thunders. We cannot even begin to imagine what those events might be. But rest assured, they will not be good for those who are on this earth.
And in heaven, the events that are described will be phenomenal, and of course that is where we will be while the earth is drowning in its horrors.
John begins with a peak into heaven, and so will we.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Friday, February 26, 2010
1 Timothy 5:19
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:19
DailyBibleStudy.Org
19 Against [kata] an elder [presbuteros] receive [paradechomai] not [me] an accusation, [kategoria] but [ei me] [ektos] before [epi] two [duo] or [e] three [treis] witnesses. [martus] KJV-Interlinear
19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. NASB
In every social organization, whether it be a group organized for entertainment, competition, social gatherings, church services, or for some other reason, you will find those who are not in charge, who will resent those who are in charge, and the reverse is true too. This inordinate competition, or social discord leads to gossip and maligning and disruption from within the organization.
If this type of social disruption is allowed to go unchecked, then the entire organization will fall apart or even split apart, or cease altogether.
Therefore, Paul applies the principle of Deut 19:15 and Matt 18:16, wherein two or three witnesses with first hand knowledge of some sort of infringement, must come forward before any accusation may be brought against the church leadership.
The word for receive, ‘paradechomai,’ means to receive, or to entertain, or to consider. Therefore, if credible evidence is presented, then it is to be investigated. If the evidence proves to be nothing more than gossip, or simply a disagreement of opinion, then it is to be dismissed or ignored.
The accusation is to be of a criminal or immoral nature, which is a violation of duties of the office of the elder.
Just not liking someone or disagreeing with them, is no basis for an accusation.
An accusation, ‘kategoria,’ means complaint, or criminal charge. The magnitude of the accusation needs to be severe enough that legal due process is justified.
Pettiness, gossip, political struggles for control and so forth, do not fit into this scenario. If leadership is to be changed, then the member can either leave the organization, or abide by the rules of change by voting and election, as the organization calls for. This means that any change must be accomplished in an orderly fashion, and not by vigilante force.
As far as churches or study groups are concerned, the content of the scriptures are their first priority. If that is not the case, then you certainly have the right to bring your recommendations before those who are in charge. But, you do not have the right to disrupt the organization by means of unsubstantiated or irrelevant accusations.
If at all possible, always work from within the organization to bring about change. Never try to seize control or force change by means of devious or violent methods.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:19
DailyBibleStudy.Org
19 Against [kata] an elder [presbuteros] receive [paradechomai] not [me] an accusation, [kategoria] but [ei me] [ektos] before [epi] two [duo] or [e] three [treis] witnesses. [martus] KJV-Interlinear
19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. NASB
In every social organization, whether it be a group organized for entertainment, competition, social gatherings, church services, or for some other reason, you will find those who are not in charge, who will resent those who are in charge, and the reverse is true too. This inordinate competition, or social discord leads to gossip and maligning and disruption from within the organization.
If this type of social disruption is allowed to go unchecked, then the entire organization will fall apart or even split apart, or cease altogether.
Therefore, Paul applies the principle of Deut 19:15 and Matt 18:16, wherein two or three witnesses with first hand knowledge of some sort of infringement, must come forward before any accusation may be brought against the church leadership.
The word for receive, ‘paradechomai,’ means to receive, or to entertain, or to consider. Therefore, if credible evidence is presented, then it is to be investigated. If the evidence proves to be nothing more than gossip, or simply a disagreement of opinion, then it is to be dismissed or ignored.
The accusation is to be of a criminal or immoral nature, which is a violation of duties of the office of the elder.
Just not liking someone or disagreeing with them, is no basis for an accusation.
An accusation, ‘kategoria,’ means complaint, or criminal charge. The magnitude of the accusation needs to be severe enough that legal due process is justified.
Pettiness, gossip, political struggles for control and so forth, do not fit into this scenario. If leadership is to be changed, then the member can either leave the organization, or abide by the rules of change by voting and election, as the organization calls for. This means that any change must be accomplished in an orderly fashion, and not by vigilante force.
As far as churches or study groups are concerned, the content of the scriptures are their first priority. If that is not the case, then you certainly have the right to bring your recommendations before those who are in charge. But, you do not have the right to disrupt the organization by means of unsubstantiated or irrelevant accusations.
If at all possible, always work from within the organization to bring about change. Never try to seize control or force change by means of devious or violent methods.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Revelation 3:22
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 3:22
DailyBibleStudy.Org
22 He that hath [echo] an ear, [ous] let him hear [akouo] what [tis] the Spirit [pneuma] saith [lego] unto the churches. [ekklesia] KJV-Interlinear
22 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' " NASB
And now for the seventh time, Christ makes an appeal to you, and to all believers in Christ, to listen, to pay attention, to subordinate your personal opinions and beliefs and set them aside, and learn the truth about life, about your destiny, about yourself, and just how you fit into the greater picture of human history and eternity.
To those Christians who succeed in Gods plan, there is reward and blessing beyond the imagination, and to those who do not succeed, there is heaven at the very least, but the infinite rewards which are intended to make that new home an even greater home and life, there it will not be.
Life is full of symbolic examples. And for one, we have social structure in this world which places the smallest minority at the very top of the wealth category and the greater majority category at the very bottom in the poverty or destitute category.
When you were born into this life, you had no choice as to where you would be born or even end up in life. The world has so many barriers in front of us all that advancement is difficult if not impossible for most.
However, when you were born again, you have every opportunity to define your own destiny, to seize hold of it and to possess it forever. That opportunity requires only a positive attitude from you, and a commitment to learn doctrine and to grow up in your spiritual life.
And look at the world around you. Most will not even make the effort, even though the effort amounts to reading for maybe five to ten minutes of Bible study each day. And that is such a burden placed on a person!!
God gave us Bible doctrine. He gave it to us to read and to understand, and to know.
What does this verse say? ‘Let him hear…’
Hearing is accompanied with comprehension and understanding, if you allow it, if you want it bad enough. But then most folks give only lip service to God, and don’t really want to do as He instructs.
Only a few will make it all of the way to spiritual maturity. Only a very few. Even though spiritual success is available to everyone.
Many believe that the Bible contains too may obscure things, never intended to be understood. And they are wrong. Everything in the Bible is there to be understood, and is easily understood, when you listen to its teaching.
Many have their own beliefs, have their own views on life, and reject instruction to their own detriment.
We have just concluded, in these last two chapters, the study of all of the possible attitudes that Christians can and will have in life. It would serve you well to go back over them slowly and make notes of the complaints, of the warnings, and of the blessings promised.
And although I do not give out homework as a general rule from this study, I could ask you to send me an email with your study summary of chapters two and three. Just label your email, Revelation Homework. Of course you will have to find my email address. Ugh! More work! And no I won’t be grading them. I will probably just glance at them and delete them. You are doing this for your benefit and of no other reason. So keep your notes in your notebook. Are you keeping a notebook, as I suggested on the web site?
I wonder just how many will even be interested, and how many will even make the effort?
Remember, those who are proactive in their spiritual life, will succeed. Those who are not, won’t.
Life of a very serious matter. What is on the line, is your entire eternal future. How good do you want your life to be? How bad do you want it? And are you willing to stick with a daily study for everyday of your life, even when the studies get boring, even when life becomes tough for you, even when there are better things to do, than reading a Bible study?
Most folks would answer this with a resounding, ‘Yes.’ But most won’t follow through.
Where is your life going to end up when it is all said and done? Said and done by God, not by you.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 3:22
DailyBibleStudy.Org
22 He that hath [echo] an ear, [ous] let him hear [akouo] what [tis] the Spirit [pneuma] saith [lego] unto the churches. [ekklesia] KJV-Interlinear
22 'He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.' " NASB
And now for the seventh time, Christ makes an appeal to you, and to all believers in Christ, to listen, to pay attention, to subordinate your personal opinions and beliefs and set them aside, and learn the truth about life, about your destiny, about yourself, and just how you fit into the greater picture of human history and eternity.
To those Christians who succeed in Gods plan, there is reward and blessing beyond the imagination, and to those who do not succeed, there is heaven at the very least, but the infinite rewards which are intended to make that new home an even greater home and life, there it will not be.
Life is full of symbolic examples. And for one, we have social structure in this world which places the smallest minority at the very top of the wealth category and the greater majority category at the very bottom in the poverty or destitute category.
When you were born into this life, you had no choice as to where you would be born or even end up in life. The world has so many barriers in front of us all that advancement is difficult if not impossible for most.
However, when you were born again, you have every opportunity to define your own destiny, to seize hold of it and to possess it forever. That opportunity requires only a positive attitude from you, and a commitment to learn doctrine and to grow up in your spiritual life.
And look at the world around you. Most will not even make the effort, even though the effort amounts to reading for maybe five to ten minutes of Bible study each day. And that is such a burden placed on a person!!
God gave us Bible doctrine. He gave it to us to read and to understand, and to know.
What does this verse say? ‘Let him hear…’
Hearing is accompanied with comprehension and understanding, if you allow it, if you want it bad enough. But then most folks give only lip service to God, and don’t really want to do as He instructs.
Only a few will make it all of the way to spiritual maturity. Only a very few. Even though spiritual success is available to everyone.
Many believe that the Bible contains too may obscure things, never intended to be understood. And they are wrong. Everything in the Bible is there to be understood, and is easily understood, when you listen to its teaching.
Many have their own beliefs, have their own views on life, and reject instruction to their own detriment.
We have just concluded, in these last two chapters, the study of all of the possible attitudes that Christians can and will have in life. It would serve you well to go back over them slowly and make notes of the complaints, of the warnings, and of the blessings promised.
And although I do not give out homework as a general rule from this study, I could ask you to send me an email with your study summary of chapters two and three. Just label your email, Revelation Homework. Of course you will have to find my email address. Ugh! More work! And no I won’t be grading them. I will probably just glance at them and delete them. You are doing this for your benefit and of no other reason. So keep your notes in your notebook. Are you keeping a notebook, as I suggested on the web site?
I wonder just how many will even be interested, and how many will even make the effort?
Remember, those who are proactive in their spiritual life, will succeed. Those who are not, won’t.
Life of a very serious matter. What is on the line, is your entire eternal future. How good do you want your life to be? How bad do you want it? And are you willing to stick with a daily study for everyday of your life, even when the studies get boring, even when life becomes tough for you, even when there are better things to do, than reading a Bible study?
Most folks would answer this with a resounding, ‘Yes.’ But most won’t follow through.
Where is your life going to end up when it is all said and done? Said and done by God, not by you.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
1 Timothy 5:18
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:18
DailyBibleStudy.Org
18 For [gar] the scripture [graphe] saith, [lego] Thou shalt [phimoo] not [ou] muzzle [phimoo] the ox [bous] that treadeth out the corn. [aloao] And, [kai] The labourer [ergates] is worthy [axios] of his [autos] reward. [misthos] KJV-Interlinear
18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." NASB
The ‘ox’ and the ‘laborer’ are quotes from both the Old Testament and the New Testament books, specifically Deu. 25:4 and Matt. 10:10, and Luke 10:7.
Pauls knowledge of the Old testament scriptures should be obvious, but He was also familiar with the Book of Luke, since he quotes from it, and treats his comment here as a quote. If he was familiar with Luke, then he most probably was familiar with the other gospel books. That is an inference that we can only assume.
These quotes indicate that reward or wages, must accompany labor. There is no such thing (in truth), as slave labor or labor for free or no pay.
Anyone who works, must be compensated. No one has the right to take advantage of anyone else. God made provision for the ox, which is merely an animal, so a person is much more valuable to than any animal. It goes to say that any human being deserves better than what animals receive.
And since people work for wages and compensation of various sorts, in this temporal life, then again, how much more is the value of one who teaches doctrine, which is for the spiritual life and of eternal value to those who hear or read the instruction!
Paul places this burden of obligation on the student of the Word of God.
Whether you accept this obligation or not is between you and God, and no one else.
God can spread the gospel and doctrine around the world without the help of anyone, therefore that aspect of your support and its amount, is not relevant.
What is relevant is your attitude, and then your reasons for accepting or rejecting the responsibility, for supporting or not supporting those who teach the scriptures.
For this, you will either subscribe to Gods expectation of you, or you will not. And likewise, any reward or credit or blessing (or lack of them) related to your effort is due to your decision.
As goes attitude toward God, Christ, doctrine and the mandates contained therein, so goes your life. You have the potential for total control over your success or failure in life through your decisions to comply or ignore that which the Bible teaches.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:18
DailyBibleStudy.Org
18 For [gar] the scripture [graphe] saith, [lego] Thou shalt [phimoo] not [ou] muzzle [phimoo] the ox [bous] that treadeth out the corn. [aloao] And, [kai] The labourer [ergates] is worthy [axios] of his [autos] reward. [misthos] KJV-Interlinear
18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox while he is threshing," and "The laborer is worthy of his wages." NASB
The ‘ox’ and the ‘laborer’ are quotes from both the Old Testament and the New Testament books, specifically Deu. 25:4 and Matt. 10:10, and Luke 10:7.
Pauls knowledge of the Old testament scriptures should be obvious, but He was also familiar with the Book of Luke, since he quotes from it, and treats his comment here as a quote. If he was familiar with Luke, then he most probably was familiar with the other gospel books. That is an inference that we can only assume.
These quotes indicate that reward or wages, must accompany labor. There is no such thing (in truth), as slave labor or labor for free or no pay.
Anyone who works, must be compensated. No one has the right to take advantage of anyone else. God made provision for the ox, which is merely an animal, so a person is much more valuable to than any animal. It goes to say that any human being deserves better than what animals receive.
And since people work for wages and compensation of various sorts, in this temporal life, then again, how much more is the value of one who teaches doctrine, which is for the spiritual life and of eternal value to those who hear or read the instruction!
Paul places this burden of obligation on the student of the Word of God.
Whether you accept this obligation or not is between you and God, and no one else.
God can spread the gospel and doctrine around the world without the help of anyone, therefore that aspect of your support and its amount, is not relevant.
What is relevant is your attitude, and then your reasons for accepting or rejecting the responsibility, for supporting or not supporting those who teach the scriptures.
For this, you will either subscribe to Gods expectation of you, or you will not. And likewise, any reward or credit or blessing (or lack of them) related to your effort is due to your decision.
As goes attitude toward God, Christ, doctrine and the mandates contained therein, so goes your life. You have the potential for total control over your success or failure in life through your decisions to comply or ignore that which the Bible teaches.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Revelation 3:21
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 3:21
DailyBibleStudy.Org
21 To him [autos] that overcometh [nikao] will I grant [didomi] to sit [kathizo] with [meta] me [emou] in [en] my [mou] throne, [thronos] even [kago] as [hos] I also [kago] overcame, [nikao] and [kai] am set down [kathizo] with [meta] my [mou] Father [pater] in [en] his [autos] throne. [thronos] KJV-Interlinear
21 'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. NASB
Verses 18, 19, 20, and 21 all come together to form a picture of the spiritual life. Verse 18 shows the vast blessings that are available. Verse 19 requires you to change your attitude. Verse 20 calls for you to confess and live in a state of fellowship. And verse 21, calls for believers to overcome, or advance to spiritual maturity.
To overcome, ‘nikao,’ means to conquer, prevail, to accomplish a long hard fought victory. This is a sequential or chronological accomplishment and not a momentary single event, but a series. In the previous letters to the churches (except for one), this generally referred to the believer who was successful in attaining spiritual maturity, and staying there. And again, that is the same connotation used here.
However, this being the final letter to the churches, and the final church representing the most departed from Christianity, in apostasy, Christ lists the most spectacular blessing promise of all of the blessings.
And that promise being, that the spiritually mature believer will be invited to sit down with Him (Christ), on His throne. This is not an invitation to sit on a similar throne, or on another throne, or on a throne nearby, but to share His throne, for all of eternity. This is an invitation of promotion and possession of that right.
This promise is made here, in this verse, in the Bible, and nowhere else.
The mother of James and John requested for them, a place on the right hand and the left of Jesus - the highest dignity which she thought possible. The twelve apostles were promised to sit on twelve thrones, to judge the tribes of Israel.
But Christ offers here a yet another and higher honor, to sit in His throne, placing us in the closest relationship with Himself, and exalting us to His own glory. This is the highest possible honor extended to anyone, ever.
Satan wanted to be like the most high, and tried to take that honor by deceit and force. He failed.
Christians who advance to spiritual maturity, by merely reading words written on paper, and living a decent Christian life, in obedience to Christ, will receive a much higher honor. And they will have that honor forever.
By seating on His throne, comes ‘beyond imaginable’ possibilities, none of which are, or ever will be, tainted by evil arrogant selfish motives.
The throne of God is the highest position of sovereignty and authority in all that exists. There is no higher position or authority or honor.
So, from the lowest position of spiritual failure and indifference, God reminds us that what is on the line and in danger of being thrown away, is the highest and greatest blessing of them all.
What kind of person would simply ignore that kind of loss? Only a fool.
And how many people will actually advance in their spiritual life and receive this blessing? Very few.
The big question is, ‘Will you be one of them?’
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
Revelation 3:21
DailyBibleStudy.Org
21 To him [autos] that overcometh [nikao] will I grant [didomi] to sit [kathizo] with [meta] me [emou] in [en] my [mou] throne, [thronos] even [kago] as [hos] I also [kago] overcame, [nikao] and [kai] am set down [kathizo] with [meta] my [mou] Father [pater] in [en] his [autos] throne. [thronos] KJV-Interlinear
21 'He who overcomes, I will grant to him to sit down with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne. NASB
Verses 18, 19, 20, and 21 all come together to form a picture of the spiritual life. Verse 18 shows the vast blessings that are available. Verse 19 requires you to change your attitude. Verse 20 calls for you to confess and live in a state of fellowship. And verse 21, calls for believers to overcome, or advance to spiritual maturity.
To overcome, ‘nikao,’ means to conquer, prevail, to accomplish a long hard fought victory. This is a sequential or chronological accomplishment and not a momentary single event, but a series. In the previous letters to the churches (except for one), this generally referred to the believer who was successful in attaining spiritual maturity, and staying there. And again, that is the same connotation used here.
However, this being the final letter to the churches, and the final church representing the most departed from Christianity, in apostasy, Christ lists the most spectacular blessing promise of all of the blessings.
And that promise being, that the spiritually mature believer will be invited to sit down with Him (Christ), on His throne. This is not an invitation to sit on a similar throne, or on another throne, or on a throne nearby, but to share His throne, for all of eternity. This is an invitation of promotion and possession of that right.
This promise is made here, in this verse, in the Bible, and nowhere else.
The mother of James and John requested for them, a place on the right hand and the left of Jesus - the highest dignity which she thought possible. The twelve apostles were promised to sit on twelve thrones, to judge the tribes of Israel.
But Christ offers here a yet another and higher honor, to sit in His throne, placing us in the closest relationship with Himself, and exalting us to His own glory. This is the highest possible honor extended to anyone, ever.
Satan wanted to be like the most high, and tried to take that honor by deceit and force. He failed.
Christians who advance to spiritual maturity, by merely reading words written on paper, and living a decent Christian life, in obedience to Christ, will receive a much higher honor. And they will have that honor forever.
By seating on His throne, comes ‘beyond imaginable’ possibilities, none of which are, or ever will be, tainted by evil arrogant selfish motives.
The throne of God is the highest position of sovereignty and authority in all that exists. There is no higher position or authority or honor.
So, from the lowest position of spiritual failure and indifference, God reminds us that what is on the line and in danger of being thrown away, is the highest and greatest blessing of them all.
What kind of person would simply ignore that kind of loss? Only a fool.
And how many people will actually advance in their spiritual life and receive this blessing? Very few.
The big question is, ‘Will you be one of them?’
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Monday, February 22, 2010
1 Timothy 5:17
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:17
DailyBibleStudy.Org
17 Let [axioo] the elders [presbuteros] that rule [proistemi] well [kalos] be counted worthy [axioo] of double [diplous] honour, [time] especially [malista] they who labour [kopiao] in [en] the word [logos] and [kai] doctrine. [didaskalia] KJV-Interlinear
17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. NASB
In chapter three, the word for senior instructor was ‘bishop,’ and in the beginning of chapter five, our word here for elder was used for senior men, or men of advanced age.
However here, the word for elder is used in conjunction with, rule, and is a reference to the senior person who is the overseer of the church or organization or study group, the teacher or instructor, as the case may be.
He is the teacher of doctrine, ‘labor in the word and doctrine.’
Paul seemingly switches over from the support of widows, who are represented as being in a helpless state, to that of Bible instructors, worthy of honor or respect. And at first glance it seems to be an odd transition of subjects.
However, just as in general, people do not think of widows and supporting them, so too, people do not think of Bible teachers, and the support that is due to them. Out of sight generally means out of mind. And free access likewise is presumed to be free of obligation.
Remember back in chapter two, when there were several prayer requirements for Christians. One of them was to pray for doctrine and for instructors to teach it. For without doctrine and teachers, you would have nothing with which to build a relationship with God and therefore you would not have a life of any value.
Some might believe that they can learn on their own, but that is a fantasy and a delusion. If teachers were not required, then the subject would not be covered in the scriptures.
However, Christians approach apostasy when they violate several fundamental principles of Christianity, and this is one of them, support of those who teach doctrine.
Double honor, means both in respect and in finances. It does not mean double a wage or salary of sorts, but it does refer to generosity through giving. And generosity means to give without hesitation, regret or resentment. It also means to give through paying attention in class as in an academic setting. To attend class or study or church, whichever applies in your case, and to attend on a regular basis.
The Christian has an obligation to go to class, listen, learn, and support the teaching of the scriptures, just as they are under an obligation to participate in the support of widows, helpless persons, etc.
There is no rate or formula for giving. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were under the Levitical code which called for a ten percent tax for the government, a ten percent tithe for the Levitical Priesthood, and in every third year, an additional ten percent donation for the poor of the land. However, that code is no longer valid, and you are no longer under its obligation. Of course a maximum of ten percent to the government (for all taxes would be nice these days).
Anyway, in a spiritually weak society, you will find that the financial support of the church is lacking among Christians, while the financial support that unbelievers offer to their false churches, is busting at the seams. This is one of the many signs that exists or will exist as apostasy increases in the world. You can easily look around you and find examples of this principle, and you can also look at your own life and decide how your beliefs fit into this principle.
Do you feel any obligation to obey Gods mandate, or do you have a list of excuses as long as your arm which justify your avoiding it?
Support has nothing to do with the one receiving the support, nor the amount of the support. It has everything to do with the giver’s attitude.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:17
DailyBibleStudy.Org
17 Let [axioo] the elders [presbuteros] that rule [proistemi] well [kalos] be counted worthy [axioo] of double [diplous] honour, [time] especially [malista] they who labour [kopiao] in [en] the word [logos] and [kai] doctrine. [didaskalia] KJV-Interlinear
17 Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. NASB
In chapter three, the word for senior instructor was ‘bishop,’ and in the beginning of chapter five, our word here for elder was used for senior men, or men of advanced age.
However here, the word for elder is used in conjunction with, rule, and is a reference to the senior person who is the overseer of the church or organization or study group, the teacher or instructor, as the case may be.
He is the teacher of doctrine, ‘labor in the word and doctrine.’
Paul seemingly switches over from the support of widows, who are represented as being in a helpless state, to that of Bible instructors, worthy of honor or respect. And at first glance it seems to be an odd transition of subjects.
However, just as in general, people do not think of widows and supporting them, so too, people do not think of Bible teachers, and the support that is due to them. Out of sight generally means out of mind. And free access likewise is presumed to be free of obligation.
Remember back in chapter two, when there were several prayer requirements for Christians. One of them was to pray for doctrine and for instructors to teach it. For without doctrine and teachers, you would have nothing with which to build a relationship with God and therefore you would not have a life of any value.
Some might believe that they can learn on their own, but that is a fantasy and a delusion. If teachers were not required, then the subject would not be covered in the scriptures.
However, Christians approach apostasy when they violate several fundamental principles of Christianity, and this is one of them, support of those who teach doctrine.
Double honor, means both in respect and in finances. It does not mean double a wage or salary of sorts, but it does refer to generosity through giving. And generosity means to give without hesitation, regret or resentment. It also means to give through paying attention in class as in an academic setting. To attend class or study or church, whichever applies in your case, and to attend on a regular basis.
The Christian has an obligation to go to class, listen, learn, and support the teaching of the scriptures, just as they are under an obligation to participate in the support of widows, helpless persons, etc.
There is no rate or formula for giving. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were under the Levitical code which called for a ten percent tax for the government, a ten percent tithe for the Levitical Priesthood, and in every third year, an additional ten percent donation for the poor of the land. However, that code is no longer valid, and you are no longer under its obligation. Of course a maximum of ten percent to the government (for all taxes would be nice these days).
Anyway, in a spiritually weak society, you will find that the financial support of the church is lacking among Christians, while the financial support that unbelievers offer to their false churches, is busting at the seams. This is one of the many signs that exists or will exist as apostasy increases in the world. You can easily look around you and find examples of this principle, and you can also look at your own life and decide how your beliefs fit into this principle.
Do you feel any obligation to obey Gods mandate, or do you have a list of excuses as long as your arm which justify your avoiding it?
Support has nothing to do with the one receiving the support, nor the amount of the support. It has everything to do with the giver’s attitude.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
1 Timothy 5:16
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:16
DailyBibleStudy.Org
16 If any [ei tis] man [pistos] or [e] woman that believeth [pistos] have [echo] widows, [chera] let them relieve [eparkeo] them, [autos] and [kai] let [bareo] not [me] the church [ekklesia] be charged; [bareo] that [hina] it may relieve [eparkeo] them that are widows [chera] indeed. [ontos] KJV-Interlinear
16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, let her assist them, and let not the church be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed. NASB
Young widows, who are without any means of support, are to be cared for, until they are able to remarry, or otherwise re-establish some means of self support.
Older widows are presumed to be mature, beyond remarrying, and therefore may find a place in the church in some capacity.
Therefore, Paul now comes full circle with regard to the care and maintenance of those who are in desperate need.
In verse four, the children and grandchildren are first in line for being responsible for the care of widows.
In verse ten, the church must fill in the gap if there are no family members available to care for them.
And now, in our current verse, the responsibility for care and support, falls on extended adult family members, either male or female, in whose family a woman becomes a widow.
This is a mere sequence of responsibility to the church, and Christians in general, so that anyone who falls on extreme hard times, and has no resources for supporting themselves, can not be left out in the cold so to speak, and will have some semblance of a life with stability.
No one has the right to stand by and knowingly allow someone within their own family, fall into desperate straits.
If there is no family member, then the organized church or charity must be available in order to fill in the gap when there is no other means of support available.
The young widow is the example of one who is young, immature, and whose life has been thrown into total chaos because of the loss of her husband, leaving her with nothing.
In other verses in the Bible, young orphans are the example of people in desperate situations, and unable to care for themselves.
To step forward and accept this responsibility is fulfillment of a responsibility, and blessing follows.
Deut 14:29
29 And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance among you, and the alien, the orphan and the widow who are in your town, shall come and eat and be satisfied, in order that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do. NASB
To ignore or resent or knowingly reject this responsibility brings a curse (withheld blessing), on those who are responsible.
Deut 27:19
19 'Cursed is he who distorts the justice due an alien, orphan, and widow.' NASB.
In any and every case, women are viewed as the weak members of society, when widowed, they are potentially the ones in the most desperate situation. They are to never be turned out, or denied, or have barriers put up that would prevent them having any opportunity for re-establishing their life.
In this respect, as in many other examples, Christianity is to take care of its own, as well as others.
Most other religions have a tendency to throw the helpless out onto the street to fend for themselves, and even go so far as to throw up barriers to prevent them from getting help.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:16
DailyBibleStudy.Org
16 If any [ei tis] man [pistos] or [e] woman that believeth [pistos] have [echo] widows, [chera] let them relieve [eparkeo] them, [autos] and [kai] let [bareo] not [me] the church [ekklesia] be charged; [bareo] that [hina] it may relieve [eparkeo] them that are widows [chera] indeed. [ontos] KJV-Interlinear
16 If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, let her assist them, and let not the church be burdened, so that it may assist those who are widows indeed. NASB
Young widows, who are without any means of support, are to be cared for, until they are able to remarry, or otherwise re-establish some means of self support.
Older widows are presumed to be mature, beyond remarrying, and therefore may find a place in the church in some capacity.
Therefore, Paul now comes full circle with regard to the care and maintenance of those who are in desperate need.
In verse four, the children and grandchildren are first in line for being responsible for the care of widows.
In verse ten, the church must fill in the gap if there are no family members available to care for them.
And now, in our current verse, the responsibility for care and support, falls on extended adult family members, either male or female, in whose family a woman becomes a widow.
This is a mere sequence of responsibility to the church, and Christians in general, so that anyone who falls on extreme hard times, and has no resources for supporting themselves, can not be left out in the cold so to speak, and will have some semblance of a life with stability.
No one has the right to stand by and knowingly allow someone within their own family, fall into desperate straits.
If there is no family member, then the organized church or charity must be available in order to fill in the gap when there is no other means of support available.
The young widow is the example of one who is young, immature, and whose life has been thrown into total chaos because of the loss of her husband, leaving her with nothing.
In other verses in the Bible, young orphans are the example of people in desperate situations, and unable to care for themselves.
To step forward and accept this responsibility is fulfillment of a responsibility, and blessing follows.
Deut 14:29
29 And the Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance among you, and the alien, the orphan and the widow who are in your town, shall come and eat and be satisfied, in order that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do. NASB
To ignore or resent or knowingly reject this responsibility brings a curse (withheld blessing), on those who are responsible.
Deut 27:19
19 'Cursed is he who distorts the justice due an alien, orphan, and widow.' NASB.
In any and every case, women are viewed as the weak members of society, when widowed, they are potentially the ones in the most desperate situation. They are to never be turned out, or denied, or have barriers put up that would prevent them having any opportunity for re-establishing their life.
In this respect, as in many other examples, Christianity is to take care of its own, as well as others.
Most other religions have a tendency to throw the helpless out onto the street to fend for themselves, and even go so far as to throw up barriers to prevent them from getting help.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
1 Timothy 5:15
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:15
DailyBibleStudy.Org
15 For [gar] some [tis] are [ektrepo] already [ede] turned aside [ektrepo] after [opiso] Satan. [Satanas] KJV-Interlinear
15 for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. NASB
Turned aside, ‘ektrepo,’ means to turn away, avoid, aside, out of the way. It is a reference to a person turning away from their core values and setting them aside for other values.
After, ‘opiso,’ means to follow a pattern.
Satan, ‘satanas,’ means accuser.
Therefore, without guidance and support and direction, the young widows, will become disoriented to life and turn away from Christian principles and turn to worldly practices, and ultimately living from one complaint after another.
Likewise, anyone who lives in this world, is in effect stranded and without support, unless they turn to God, who provides the support they need, through doctrine.
Widows are our example, but these principles apply to us all.
Without doctrine, any person will turn aside and away from truth, and turn to those things which are false.
Bible doctrine provides orientation to life. Christian principles provide orientation to life. Those in need, for whatever reason, must have doctrine in some form, provided by individual Christians or through some formal academic setting.
If the church is more or less a social networking and activity venue, then those in need do not get what they need, namely the nuts and bolts of truth, with which they can make good decisions in their everyday life.
The world is full of social activities. The function of the church is Bible instruction, word by word, verse by verse, precept upon precept, and so forth.
People fail in life because they are either not interested in the details of a Bible study, or their access to a study does not teach the details of the scriptures as it should.
Young immature widows need the proper direction for re-establishing their lives. Immature Christians need the proper direction for establishing their lives.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:15
DailyBibleStudy.Org
15 For [gar] some [tis] are [ektrepo] already [ede] turned aside [ektrepo] after [opiso] Satan. [Satanas] KJV-Interlinear
15 for some have already turned aside to follow Satan. NASB
Turned aside, ‘ektrepo,’ means to turn away, avoid, aside, out of the way. It is a reference to a person turning away from their core values and setting them aside for other values.
After, ‘opiso,’ means to follow a pattern.
Satan, ‘satanas,’ means accuser.
Therefore, without guidance and support and direction, the young widows, will become disoriented to life and turn away from Christian principles and turn to worldly practices, and ultimately living from one complaint after another.
Likewise, anyone who lives in this world, is in effect stranded and without support, unless they turn to God, who provides the support they need, through doctrine.
Widows are our example, but these principles apply to us all.
Without doctrine, any person will turn aside and away from truth, and turn to those things which are false.
Bible doctrine provides orientation to life. Christian principles provide orientation to life. Those in need, for whatever reason, must have doctrine in some form, provided by individual Christians or through some formal academic setting.
If the church is more or less a social networking and activity venue, then those in need do not get what they need, namely the nuts and bolts of truth, with which they can make good decisions in their everyday life.
The world is full of social activities. The function of the church is Bible instruction, word by word, verse by verse, precept upon precept, and so forth.
People fail in life because they are either not interested in the details of a Bible study, or their access to a study does not teach the details of the scriptures as it should.
Young immature widows need the proper direction for re-establishing their lives. Immature Christians need the proper direction for establishing their lives.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Friday, February 19, 2010
1 Timothy 5:14
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:14
DailyBibleStudy.Org
14 I will [boulomai] therefore [oun] that the younger women [neos] marry, [gameo] bear children, [teknogoneo] guide the house, [oikodespoteo] give [didomi] none [medeis] occasion [aphorme] to the adversary [antikeimai] to [charin] speak reproachfully. [loidoria] KJV-Interlinear
14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; NASB
It is better that young widows pursue the course of their life from a position of reason, rather than emotion, from within an environment in which they will be more themselves, rather than from a position of forced gratefulness to others, from a position of making their own choices, rather than from a postion where others may be making their choices for them.
The word for younger or youthful, carries the connotation of immaturity, and when a person is immature, and then having their life thrown into insecurity and uncertainty, it is better that they be guided in a direction that will best enable them to regain self control over their own life, and not be controlled by you or others.
This is the responsibility of the leadership of the church ( and you) when faced with people who are in a state of helplessness. This is the responsibility of anyone, who is in a position to take advantage of others, which is to guide them to their own independence, and not take advantage.
The world will try to entice those in power or authority, into taking advantage.
The world will try to make those, who are in a helpless state, fit into a premade mold of conformity.
It is your responsibility to help those who are in need, to be free of the peer pressures and molds of society, and enable them to think and make their own decisions independently from the world.
And doctrine is the mechanism for helping people to accomplish the fullness of their life.
And even though our subject is the young widow, and Paul gives several examples of the married life (husband, children, home), these things are examples of putting ones life back on course with some semblance of stability and order.
And in that regard, the whims and pressures and deceit, and traps of the world cannot cause you to fall and fail. At least it is more difficult for the world to trap you when you have your life back in order.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:14
DailyBibleStudy.Org
14 I will [boulomai] therefore [oun] that the younger women [neos] marry, [gameo] bear children, [teknogoneo] guide the house, [oikodespoteo] give [didomi] none [medeis] occasion [aphorme] to the adversary [antikeimai] to [charin] speak reproachfully. [loidoria] KJV-Interlinear
14 Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, bear children, keep house, and give the enemy no occasion for reproach; NASB
It is better that young widows pursue the course of their life from a position of reason, rather than emotion, from within an environment in which they will be more themselves, rather than from a position of forced gratefulness to others, from a position of making their own choices, rather than from a postion where others may be making their choices for them.
The word for younger or youthful, carries the connotation of immaturity, and when a person is immature, and then having their life thrown into insecurity and uncertainty, it is better that they be guided in a direction that will best enable them to regain self control over their own life, and not be controlled by you or others.
This is the responsibility of the leadership of the church ( and you) when faced with people who are in a state of helplessness. This is the responsibility of anyone, who is in a position to take advantage of others, which is to guide them to their own independence, and not take advantage.
The world will try to entice those in power or authority, into taking advantage.
The world will try to make those, who are in a helpless state, fit into a premade mold of conformity.
It is your responsibility to help those who are in need, to be free of the peer pressures and molds of society, and enable them to think and make their own decisions independently from the world.
And doctrine is the mechanism for helping people to accomplish the fullness of their life.
And even though our subject is the young widow, and Paul gives several examples of the married life (husband, children, home), these things are examples of putting ones life back on course with some semblance of stability and order.
And in that regard, the whims and pressures and deceit, and traps of the world cannot cause you to fall and fail. At least it is more difficult for the world to trap you when you have your life back in order.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
1 Timothy 5:13
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:13
DailyBibleStudy.Org
13 And [de] [kai] withal [hama] they learn [manthano] to be idle, [argos] wandering about [perierchomai] from house to house; [oikia] and [de] not [ou] only [monon] idle, [argos] but [alla] tattlers [phluaros] also [kai] and [kai] busybodies, [periergos] speaking [laleo] things which [ho] they ought [dei] not. [me] KJV-Interlinear
13 And at the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. NASB
Our subject is young widow’s who may be used in ministerial services in some capacity.
Youth and immaturity then become problematic in many of these cases.
Not all young women are immature, and that should be obvious, so there could easily be exceptions to these suggestions that Paul is making to Timothy. But Timothy or any member of a church or organization, needs to be alert to the maturity and qualifications and the potential pitfalls when considering hiring or utilizing young and immature people within their organization.
And by the way, older does not mean wiser or more mature. Spiritual maturity is the key, not age per se.
Anyway, that is all that these instructions are. Guidelines to help make decisions regarding who to include and who to avoid.
Remember the whole context of these last several verses. You have young widows, who have been through a traumatic experience, and virtually left alone, penniless and helpless, in the world. Their husband is no longer around, their family does not or cannot be of help to them. Therefore, support falls upon the local Christian population.
Naturally a young and helpless widow would be grateful for the support, but that in turn makes her vulnerable, and even perhaps a target.
And to make matters worse, her life has taken a turn for the worse. Her emotions will be working on overdrive, ‘What has happened to me?’ ‘What is going to become of me?’
And so it goes. With emotional conflict within her, then any church activities may very well turn into idleness.
The word for idle, ‘argos,’ means to be inactive, useless, barren, slow. And here it is a reference to her emotional condition. Her thoughts will turn to that of worthlessness. ‘What am I worth anymore?’ Self pity and depression can set in and the spiral of life turns downward.
Wandering from house to house, in an orderly effort to help others, becomes disorderly, wandering, lacking purpose as the thoughts of ones self become filled with hopelessness or anxiety from lack of worth.
And when ones focus becomes blurred, then ones life becomes filled with made up talk, invented talk, gossip, nonsense, made up charges, as the vacuum of ones life is filled with busybody activities. And that is dangerous to others, as well as to the widow who has become disoriented to life.
The work conducted in the ministry (this does not include the teaching of doctrine), which includes visiting others who are ill, injured, in need of help and so forth, requires focus, maturity, a respect for their privacy and confidentiality in personal matters, and a maximum amount of doctrine in the soul.
Distractions become hindrances, and a mature woman (or any mature person), is better equipped to deal with such matters than an immature woman (or any immature person).
As with any person who is growing up in their spiritual life, silence and non-involvement is the virtue, until one is old enough and mature enough, and qualified enough to handle the responsibilities expected of them.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:13
DailyBibleStudy.Org
13 And [de] [kai] withal [hama] they learn [manthano] to be idle, [argos] wandering about [perierchomai] from house to house; [oikia] and [de] not [ou] only [monon] idle, [argos] but [alla] tattlers [phluaros] also [kai] and [kai] busybodies, [periergos] speaking [laleo] things which [ho] they ought [dei] not. [me] KJV-Interlinear
13 And at the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. NASB
Our subject is young widow’s who may be used in ministerial services in some capacity.
Youth and immaturity then become problematic in many of these cases.
Not all young women are immature, and that should be obvious, so there could easily be exceptions to these suggestions that Paul is making to Timothy. But Timothy or any member of a church or organization, needs to be alert to the maturity and qualifications and the potential pitfalls when considering hiring or utilizing young and immature people within their organization.
And by the way, older does not mean wiser or more mature. Spiritual maturity is the key, not age per se.
Anyway, that is all that these instructions are. Guidelines to help make decisions regarding who to include and who to avoid.
Remember the whole context of these last several verses. You have young widows, who have been through a traumatic experience, and virtually left alone, penniless and helpless, in the world. Their husband is no longer around, their family does not or cannot be of help to them. Therefore, support falls upon the local Christian population.
Naturally a young and helpless widow would be grateful for the support, but that in turn makes her vulnerable, and even perhaps a target.
And to make matters worse, her life has taken a turn for the worse. Her emotions will be working on overdrive, ‘What has happened to me?’ ‘What is going to become of me?’
And so it goes. With emotional conflict within her, then any church activities may very well turn into idleness.
The word for idle, ‘argos,’ means to be inactive, useless, barren, slow. And here it is a reference to her emotional condition. Her thoughts will turn to that of worthlessness. ‘What am I worth anymore?’ Self pity and depression can set in and the spiral of life turns downward.
Wandering from house to house, in an orderly effort to help others, becomes disorderly, wandering, lacking purpose as the thoughts of ones self become filled with hopelessness or anxiety from lack of worth.
And when ones focus becomes blurred, then ones life becomes filled with made up talk, invented talk, gossip, nonsense, made up charges, as the vacuum of ones life is filled with busybody activities. And that is dangerous to others, as well as to the widow who has become disoriented to life.
The work conducted in the ministry (this does not include the teaching of doctrine), which includes visiting others who are ill, injured, in need of help and so forth, requires focus, maturity, a respect for their privacy and confidentiality in personal matters, and a maximum amount of doctrine in the soul.
Distractions become hindrances, and a mature woman (or any mature person), is better equipped to deal with such matters than an immature woman (or any immature person).
As with any person who is growing up in their spiritual life, silence and non-involvement is the virtue, until one is old enough and mature enough, and qualified enough to handle the responsibilities expected of them.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
1 Timothy 5:12
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:12
DailyBibleStudy.Org
12 Having [echo] damnation, [krima] because [hoti] they have cast off [atheteo] their first [protos] faith. [pistis] KJV-Interlinear
12 thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. NASB
These verses, 12 -16, really need to be considered together, rather than as isolated verses. But we will study them separately and then tie them all together.
Separately you could make the false conclusion that young widows risk being damned for all of eternity, and such is not even close to what is being taught in these verses.
Condemnation or damnation, ‘krima,’ means to make a decision either for or against something.
To cast off, ‘atheteo,’ means to cast off, to set aside, to neutralize or violate.
Faith, ‘pistis,’ nearly always deals with beliefs or faith, but is also means moral conviction, commitment or pledge. And that is the correct application here.
Remember that the scriptures must be interpreted in the time in which they were written, so as to gain the correct meaning of what is being taught. And back in Pauls day, the duty of a woman (wife) was in the home, first to her husband, and then to her children and household. Not in some sequential order, but her priorities are her home and family.
Second, maturity is in view here as well. A young woman (widow) has lost her husband and is thrown in the turmoil of a questionable life. She has not been the bread winner of the family and now, suddenly, her whole life is in question. Thus she is vulnerable.
If she is young (and that age is loosely defined), then her foremost thoughts may be to get her home life back on track, and into something with which she is more familiar and secure. And for a widow who has no resources with which to support herself, that make life suddenly extremely frightening.
Trying to enter into some ministerial role, may pose an emotional conflict, wherein she may get depressed, insecure, disillusioned, and so forth. And she may certainly be taken advantage of or forced into compromising situations by unscrupulous types. And any of these things could easily lead to a falling off of her own spiritual life.
On the one hand she may have a conflict with her pledge to God and to her own personal desires for life. On the other hand, she may be forced into making a decision, pitting one desire against the other.
And that means she would have to make a choice, which could easily lead to guilt because she may feel that she has betrayed her pledge to God, or her pledge to her family, or to her pledge to having a life that she really wants, or in being compromised, or all of these.
Therefore, it is better for the young widow (or anyone – remember that this principle can easily be applied to anyone), to not be placed in a position, or enticed into a position that would lead to emotional conflict within herself. Thus avoiding a potential failure in her spiritual life.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:12
DailyBibleStudy.Org
12 Having [echo] damnation, [krima] because [hoti] they have cast off [atheteo] their first [protos] faith. [pistis] KJV-Interlinear
12 thus incurring condemnation, because they have set aside their previous pledge. NASB
These verses, 12 -16, really need to be considered together, rather than as isolated verses. But we will study them separately and then tie them all together.
Separately you could make the false conclusion that young widows risk being damned for all of eternity, and such is not even close to what is being taught in these verses.
Condemnation or damnation, ‘krima,’ means to make a decision either for or against something.
To cast off, ‘atheteo,’ means to cast off, to set aside, to neutralize or violate.
Faith, ‘pistis,’ nearly always deals with beliefs or faith, but is also means moral conviction, commitment or pledge. And that is the correct application here.
Remember that the scriptures must be interpreted in the time in which they were written, so as to gain the correct meaning of what is being taught. And back in Pauls day, the duty of a woman (wife) was in the home, first to her husband, and then to her children and household. Not in some sequential order, but her priorities are her home and family.
Second, maturity is in view here as well. A young woman (widow) has lost her husband and is thrown in the turmoil of a questionable life. She has not been the bread winner of the family and now, suddenly, her whole life is in question. Thus she is vulnerable.
If she is young (and that age is loosely defined), then her foremost thoughts may be to get her home life back on track, and into something with which she is more familiar and secure. And for a widow who has no resources with which to support herself, that make life suddenly extremely frightening.
Trying to enter into some ministerial role, may pose an emotional conflict, wherein she may get depressed, insecure, disillusioned, and so forth. And she may certainly be taken advantage of or forced into compromising situations by unscrupulous types. And any of these things could easily lead to a falling off of her own spiritual life.
On the one hand she may have a conflict with her pledge to God and to her own personal desires for life. On the other hand, she may be forced into making a decision, pitting one desire against the other.
And that means she would have to make a choice, which could easily lead to guilt because she may feel that she has betrayed her pledge to God, or her pledge to her family, or to her pledge to having a life that she really wants, or in being compromised, or all of these.
Therefore, it is better for the young widow (or anyone – remember that this principle can easily be applied to anyone), to not be placed in a position, or enticed into a position that would lead to emotional conflict within herself. Thus avoiding a potential failure in her spiritual life.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
1 Timothy 5:11
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:11
DailyBibleStudy.Org
11 But [de] the younger [neos] widows [chera] refuse: [paraiteomai] for [gar] when [hotan] they have begun to wax wanton against [katastreniao] Christ, [Christos] they will [thelo] marry; [gameo] KJV-Interlinear
11 But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, NASB
In contrast to older widows, the younger widows are to be refused when and if they inquire to participate in ministerial service.
The word for refuse, ‘paraiteomai,’ means to decline or avoid. And this means simply to not pursue a work relationship that most probably will not work out. It is not a hardnosed attitude, but a courtesy in common sense.
Wanton against Christ, ‘katastreniao,’ means to become voluptuous against, to be inclined to devote to the sensual.
And this does not mean to become anti-christian, but is means to become distracted with respect to ones purpose.
Younger implies that the widow is still of a marrying age, with emotional tendencies leaning in that direction.
And simply put, the woman (or anyone for that matter), who has their attentions split into two separate and/or opposite directions, must choose between the two. You simply cannot serve two masters, so to speak. And this is the purpose meant here.
Neither of the directions is wrong. Marriage is not wrong. Serving in the ministry in some capacity is not wrong. However, in the case of the women, their main role (back in Pauls day) was to work in the home. And that would, back then, have been a full time job.
And no one can work two separate full time jobs effectively. Sooner or later one of them has to give way to the other. And being a wife and mother has to give way to church service and concentrate on the responsibilities in the home. And that is only a reasonable choice.
Therefore, Paul states what should be otherwise obvious. Do not do that which will, most likely, not work. Don’t even begin the process.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:11
DailyBibleStudy.Org
11 But [de] the younger [neos] widows [chera] refuse: [paraiteomai] for [gar] when [hotan] they have begun to wax wanton against [katastreniao] Christ, [Christos] they will [thelo] marry; [gameo] KJV-Interlinear
11 But refuse to put younger widows on the list, for when they feel sensual desires in disregard of Christ, they want to get married, NASB
In contrast to older widows, the younger widows are to be refused when and if they inquire to participate in ministerial service.
The word for refuse, ‘paraiteomai,’ means to decline or avoid. And this means simply to not pursue a work relationship that most probably will not work out. It is not a hardnosed attitude, but a courtesy in common sense.
Wanton against Christ, ‘katastreniao,’ means to become voluptuous against, to be inclined to devote to the sensual.
And this does not mean to become anti-christian, but is means to become distracted with respect to ones purpose.
Younger implies that the widow is still of a marrying age, with emotional tendencies leaning in that direction.
And simply put, the woman (or anyone for that matter), who has their attentions split into two separate and/or opposite directions, must choose between the two. You simply cannot serve two masters, so to speak. And this is the purpose meant here.
Neither of the directions is wrong. Marriage is not wrong. Serving in the ministry in some capacity is not wrong. However, in the case of the women, their main role (back in Pauls day) was to work in the home. And that would, back then, have been a full time job.
And no one can work two separate full time jobs effectively. Sooner or later one of them has to give way to the other. And being a wife and mother has to give way to church service and concentrate on the responsibilities in the home. And that is only a reasonable choice.
Therefore, Paul states what should be otherwise obvious. Do not do that which will, most likely, not work. Don’t even begin the process.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Monday, February 15, 2010
1 Timothy 5:10
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:10
DailyBibleStudy.Org
10 Well reported of [martureo] for [en] good [kalos] works; [ergon] if [ei] she have brought up [teknotropheo] children, if [ei] she have lodged strangers, [xenodocheo] if [ei] she have washed [nipto] the saints [hagios]' feet, [pous] if [ei] she have relieved [eparkeo] the afflicted, [thlibo] if [ei] she have diligently followed [epakoloutheo] every [pas] good [agathos] work. [ergon] KJV-Interlinear
10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. NASB
Some of the characteristics of the woman who must qualify for participation in the ministry include (from yesterdays study), having been married to one man. The Greek, ‘heis aner’ means to have been a one man woman. This means that she did not fool around and that when married, she was devoted to her then husband.
This does not limit her to only one husband during her entire life. Many women are divorced or their husbands die, and therefore remarriage is suitable and certainly desirable for most people. But this characteristic speaks of her honor and integrity and devotion in marriage, during her life.
She must have a good reputation as a person, unselfish, kind and charitable.
She must have raised up children, either hers of those of others. This contributes to experience, and responsibility within ones own life toward others.
She must have demonstrated unselfish hospitality toward others – family, friends, and strangers.
She must have been willing to serve in the capacity of a slave (washing the feet), as a slave would do without complaint, through maintaining her household and care of those within it. This goes hand in hand with placing the needs of others before her own needs.
She must have assisted others who were in distress – financially, emotionally, under pressure or difficulties, and so forth.
Having diligently followed ‘epakoloutheo,’ every ‘pas,’ good ‘agathos,’ work, ‘ergon.’
And the catch all, written in the strongest terms possible, she must have willingly devoted herself to the aid and help and support and service of others, with no expectation of thanks or credit to herself.
These qualities for women, which Paul gives, should be among the highest of priorities in their life, second only to the study of doctrine. And by following them, any women can have the most phenomenal impact on the lives of others, and in the world.
And though virtually no person will ever know her name, from the worlds perspective, God knows her, and her credit and recognition is maintained in heaven forever.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:10
DailyBibleStudy.Org
10 Well reported of [martureo] for [en] good [kalos] works; [ergon] if [ei] she have brought up [teknotropheo] children, if [ei] she have lodged strangers, [xenodocheo] if [ei] she have washed [nipto] the saints [hagios]' feet, [pous] if [ei] she have relieved [eparkeo] the afflicted, [thlibo] if [ei] she have diligently followed [epakoloutheo] every [pas] good [agathos] work. [ergon] KJV-Interlinear
10 having a reputation for good works; and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints' feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work. NASB
Some of the characteristics of the woman who must qualify for participation in the ministry include (from yesterdays study), having been married to one man. The Greek, ‘heis aner’ means to have been a one man woman. This means that she did not fool around and that when married, she was devoted to her then husband.
This does not limit her to only one husband during her entire life. Many women are divorced or their husbands die, and therefore remarriage is suitable and certainly desirable for most people. But this characteristic speaks of her honor and integrity and devotion in marriage, during her life.
She must have a good reputation as a person, unselfish, kind and charitable.
She must have raised up children, either hers of those of others. This contributes to experience, and responsibility within ones own life toward others.
She must have demonstrated unselfish hospitality toward others – family, friends, and strangers.
She must have been willing to serve in the capacity of a slave (washing the feet), as a slave would do without complaint, through maintaining her household and care of those within it. This goes hand in hand with placing the needs of others before her own needs.
She must have assisted others who were in distress – financially, emotionally, under pressure or difficulties, and so forth.
Having diligently followed ‘epakoloutheo,’ every ‘pas,’ good ‘agathos,’ work, ‘ergon.’
And the catch all, written in the strongest terms possible, she must have willingly devoted herself to the aid and help and support and service of others, with no expectation of thanks or credit to herself.
These qualities for women, which Paul gives, should be among the highest of priorities in their life, second only to the study of doctrine. And by following them, any women can have the most phenomenal impact on the lives of others, and in the world.
And though virtually no person will ever know her name, from the worlds perspective, God knows her, and her credit and recognition is maintained in heaven forever.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
1 Timothy 5:9
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:9
DailyBibleStudy.Org
9 Let [katalego] not [me] a widow [chera] be taken into the number [katalego] under [elasson] threescore [hexekonta] years old, [etos] having been [ginomai] the wife [gune] of one [heis] man, [aner] KJV-Interlinear
9 Let a widow be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, NASB
Paul now introduces a new topic, and this is the topic of older and mature women and the requirements for their inclusion in the ministry. The ministry of women does not include teaching of scripture to the general congregation. That duty was cleared up earlier in our study of this book, being reserved for the older and mature male.
And this is not a list of requirements for which women (widows) may be included in consideration for support.
Paul earlier stated very clearly, that any widow (no age restriction) who is without means of support, is eligible for support from the church. The church is a broad expression which includes you as an individual, or an organization, such as a local church, charity, or any organization that provides aid or support or resources for women (or anyone who is in need). Compassion dictates that Christians do not exclude anyone from support, when they are in need.
But now Paul begins by distinguishing older women, typically widows (but not a rigid mandate), who have reached the age of sixty years.
This is set because the passions of youth have generally faded, the children are grown up and gone, and the woman who has lost her husband, still possesses a lifetime of wisdom and knowledge, with which she can use to help others in their life struggles.
An older woman (widow) would have the time, maturity, character, reputation, and compassion for serving others, whereas the younger women may still be inclined to remarry and devote their lives to their families.
Nothing is wrong with either situation, for both situations have their good attributes. And, the sixty year age limit is not a hard and fasts limit, either. The important characteristic is not age, but maturity, and specifically spiritual maturity.
Paul will get into the various personality attributes that must be a part of the woman’s life.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:9
DailyBibleStudy.Org
9 Let [katalego] not [me] a widow [chera] be taken into the number [katalego] under [elasson] threescore [hexekonta] years old, [etos] having been [ginomai] the wife [gune] of one [heis] man, [aner] KJV-Interlinear
9 Let a widow be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, NASB
Paul now introduces a new topic, and this is the topic of older and mature women and the requirements for their inclusion in the ministry. The ministry of women does not include teaching of scripture to the general congregation. That duty was cleared up earlier in our study of this book, being reserved for the older and mature male.
And this is not a list of requirements for which women (widows) may be included in consideration for support.
Paul earlier stated very clearly, that any widow (no age restriction) who is without means of support, is eligible for support from the church. The church is a broad expression which includes you as an individual, or an organization, such as a local church, charity, or any organization that provides aid or support or resources for women (or anyone who is in need). Compassion dictates that Christians do not exclude anyone from support, when they are in need.
But now Paul begins by distinguishing older women, typically widows (but not a rigid mandate), who have reached the age of sixty years.
This is set because the passions of youth have generally faded, the children are grown up and gone, and the woman who has lost her husband, still possesses a lifetime of wisdom and knowledge, with which she can use to help others in their life struggles.
An older woman (widow) would have the time, maturity, character, reputation, and compassion for serving others, whereas the younger women may still be inclined to remarry and devote their lives to their families.
Nothing is wrong with either situation, for both situations have their good attributes. And, the sixty year age limit is not a hard and fasts limit, either. The important characteristic is not age, but maturity, and specifically spiritual maturity.
Paul will get into the various personality attributes that must be a part of the woman’s life.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
1 Timothy 5:8
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:8
DailyBibleStudy.Org
8 But [de] if any [ei tis] provide [pronoeo] not [ou] for his own, [idios] and [kai] specially [malista] for those of his own house, [oikeios] he hath denied [arneomai] the faith, [pistis] and [kai] is [esti] worse than [cheiron] an infidel. [apistos] KJV-Interlinear
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. NASB
Only a few words need to be straightened out here, in order to understand this verse.
First the word for denied, ‘arneomai,’ which means to reject, contradict, refuse.
The second word or rather phrase is, ‘worse than an infidel.’ This is not a reference to your spiritual status, but is an expression used to express extreme disgust in someone for not doing (or for doing in some cases) what they are supposed to do (or not do).
An infidel is a broad word usually referring to unbelievers, or those who do not believe in the things that ‘believers’ believe in. It is usually used in a derogatory way, to show bias, or prejudice, or repulsiveness, or revulsion toward someone.
When someone does something that you are horrified with, you will generally compare them with something disgusting while at the same time insulting them. You might say that they are lower than a snake, or worse than a pile of dog doo-doo, or something of that nature. Of course you probably will use more colorful language while expressing your disapproval.
And anyway, our subject here is the people who do not take care of their own.
To provide, ‘pronoeo,’ means to plan before. This indicates forethought. And its connotation is that you have someone in your family (widows are our context as the example of someone who is helpless), or your entire family in general, or others who are near to you, but not necessarily a part of your family.
The expression, ‘not for his own,’ is vague intentionally to describe those who you know and are in need of help.
And then ‘especially for ones own family’ further defines those immediate family or extended family members, such that this creates a larger circle of acquaintances (family and friends, etc.).
And now since you have the means (this is presumed), and are aware of someone's need, but within your own mind you have already decided (your general attitude toward others, greed, selfishness, etc) to not help them, then that makes you the worst kind of low life, less than human, disgusting person that words can’t even begin to describe.
If you do not have the means, then this does not apply, unless you take your limited resources and give it away, thus cheating your own immediate family, etc. And in that case then this principle would apply.
This refusal to help is not limited to widows or relatives or friends simply because they are having financial difficulties, but it also extends to parents who will give to the church and starve their children, thinking that they are doing Gods work, but sacrificing their own children so to speak, by their good deeds. Or parents who pray for health cures, but refuse to see a doctor (who has the cure). And so forth.
It is these types of people who are irresponsible, and disobedient to the mandate that God gives to all people, especially Christians, to take care of your own. We have already studied this principle in this chapter and in the previous chapter.
To disobey God, in the name of God, believing that you are somehow being good, when in fact you are nothing more than arrogant and naïve, is the quintessence of hypocrisy and the dysfunctional spiritual life.
Even unbelievers accept personal responsibility for their own, and that based on common sense intuition of what is the right thing to do.
Therefore, believers who presumably have the Word of God to back them up, with an understanding of compassion and charity and responsibility and so forth, but refuse to follow these obvious principles of life, makes them more disgusting then unbelievers who are not even guided by doctrinal principles.
God never authorizes disobedience in the name of obedience.
You cannot do something wrong and call it right.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:8
DailyBibleStudy.Org
8 But [de] if any [ei tis] provide [pronoeo] not [ou] for his own, [idios] and [kai] specially [malista] for those of his own house, [oikeios] he hath denied [arneomai] the faith, [pistis] and [kai] is [esti] worse than [cheiron] an infidel. [apistos] KJV-Interlinear
8 But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever. NASB
Only a few words need to be straightened out here, in order to understand this verse.
First the word for denied, ‘arneomai,’ which means to reject, contradict, refuse.
The second word or rather phrase is, ‘worse than an infidel.’ This is not a reference to your spiritual status, but is an expression used to express extreme disgust in someone for not doing (or for doing in some cases) what they are supposed to do (or not do).
An infidel is a broad word usually referring to unbelievers, or those who do not believe in the things that ‘believers’ believe in. It is usually used in a derogatory way, to show bias, or prejudice, or repulsiveness, or revulsion toward someone.
When someone does something that you are horrified with, you will generally compare them with something disgusting while at the same time insulting them. You might say that they are lower than a snake, or worse than a pile of dog doo-doo, or something of that nature. Of course you probably will use more colorful language while expressing your disapproval.
And anyway, our subject here is the people who do not take care of their own.
To provide, ‘pronoeo,’ means to plan before. This indicates forethought. And its connotation is that you have someone in your family (widows are our context as the example of someone who is helpless), or your entire family in general, or others who are near to you, but not necessarily a part of your family.
The expression, ‘not for his own,’ is vague intentionally to describe those who you know and are in need of help.
And then ‘especially for ones own family’ further defines those immediate family or extended family members, such that this creates a larger circle of acquaintances (family and friends, etc.).
And now since you have the means (this is presumed), and are aware of someone's need, but within your own mind you have already decided (your general attitude toward others, greed, selfishness, etc) to not help them, then that makes you the worst kind of low life, less than human, disgusting person that words can’t even begin to describe.
If you do not have the means, then this does not apply, unless you take your limited resources and give it away, thus cheating your own immediate family, etc. And in that case then this principle would apply.
This refusal to help is not limited to widows or relatives or friends simply because they are having financial difficulties, but it also extends to parents who will give to the church and starve their children, thinking that they are doing Gods work, but sacrificing their own children so to speak, by their good deeds. Or parents who pray for health cures, but refuse to see a doctor (who has the cure). And so forth.
It is these types of people who are irresponsible, and disobedient to the mandate that God gives to all people, especially Christians, to take care of your own. We have already studied this principle in this chapter and in the previous chapter.
To disobey God, in the name of God, believing that you are somehow being good, when in fact you are nothing more than arrogant and naïve, is the quintessence of hypocrisy and the dysfunctional spiritual life.
Even unbelievers accept personal responsibility for their own, and that based on common sense intuition of what is the right thing to do.
Therefore, believers who presumably have the Word of God to back them up, with an understanding of compassion and charity and responsibility and so forth, but refuse to follow these obvious principles of life, makes them more disgusting then unbelievers who are not even guided by doctrinal principles.
God never authorizes disobedience in the name of obedience.
You cannot do something wrong and call it right.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Friday, February 12, 2010
1 Timothy 5:7
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:7
DailyBibleStudy.Org
7 And [kai] these things [tauta] give in charge, [paraggello] that [hina] they may be [o] blameless. [anepileptos] KJV-Interlinear
7 Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. NASB
‘In charge,’ or ‘prescribe,’ paraggello,’ means to declare, teach, charge to others as their responsibility, to spread the message.
And the objective here is to teach all that are involved, including widows, families, and the entire Church (all believers in Christ). And what is to be taught is what we have been studying. Namely the principles of doctrine that have to do with virtually everything in life, from Gods perspective, not from yours.
And with that mandate, so that you will be found to be blameless, responsible, obedient, beyond rebuke, without spiritual blemish, honorable in Gods eyes.
These principles do not begin with your interactions with old men or young women, but include all manner of spiritual principles, taught throughout the Bible.
Today we do not have to look very far to see dishonest politicians, arrogant celebrities, world threats, disgusting friends and neighbors, the growing acceptance of socialism philosophies (very dangerous), and on and on. The bulk of the world is failing miserably in their collective spiritual lives. But then maybe that is the direction that history is going to take us, as the Bible has correctly predicted.
Most (all unbelievers), do not even have a spiritual life to begin with, and most believers, are so far astray from doctrine, that it is difficult to tell them apart from their unbelieving counterparts.
But there is only one way to satisfy God with respect to your spiritual life, and that is to adhere to the many spiritual principles that God teaches through the scriptures.
In so doing, you will be viewed as blameless, even as the world takes a nose dive into its destiny. And that is something that you can never get from this world.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:7
DailyBibleStudy.Org
7 And [kai] these things [tauta] give in charge, [paraggello] that [hina] they may be [o] blameless. [anepileptos] KJV-Interlinear
7 Prescribe these things as well, so that they may be above reproach. NASB
‘In charge,’ or ‘prescribe,’ paraggello,’ means to declare, teach, charge to others as their responsibility, to spread the message.
And the objective here is to teach all that are involved, including widows, families, and the entire Church (all believers in Christ). And what is to be taught is what we have been studying. Namely the principles of doctrine that have to do with virtually everything in life, from Gods perspective, not from yours.
And with that mandate, so that you will be found to be blameless, responsible, obedient, beyond rebuke, without spiritual blemish, honorable in Gods eyes.
These principles do not begin with your interactions with old men or young women, but include all manner of spiritual principles, taught throughout the Bible.
Today we do not have to look very far to see dishonest politicians, arrogant celebrities, world threats, disgusting friends and neighbors, the growing acceptance of socialism philosophies (very dangerous), and on and on. The bulk of the world is failing miserably in their collective spiritual lives. But then maybe that is the direction that history is going to take us, as the Bible has correctly predicted.
Most (all unbelievers), do not even have a spiritual life to begin with, and most believers, are so far astray from doctrine, that it is difficult to tell them apart from their unbelieving counterparts.
But there is only one way to satisfy God with respect to your spiritual life, and that is to adhere to the many spiritual principles that God teaches through the scriptures.
In so doing, you will be viewed as blameless, even as the world takes a nose dive into its destiny. And that is something that you can never get from this world.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
1 Timothy 5:6
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:6
DailyBibleStudy.Org
6 But [de] she that liveth in pleasure [spatalao] is dead [thnesko] while she liveth. [zao] KJV-Interlinear
6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. NASB
Borrowed from Ezek. 16:49, where the word ‘careless’ is used, here ‘wanton pleasure’ is a phrase that describes a person who leads an irresponsible life with no regard for the repercussions of their thoughts and actions.
In the previous verse, the widow leads a respectable life in pursuing her spiritual growth, not being an intentional burden on anyone, and in so doing, receives the mercies of God in meeting her daily needs.
This verse shows the woman who has been left alone in the world, and instead of turning to the Lord for help, turns away and to the world with reckless activity. This activity is not restricted to drinking and carousing and such things, but the emphasis is more on her disregard for her situation and all the more reason for the Lords help in her life.
And this principle can apply to anyone for that matter. Whenever a person is born into this world, they are at the mercy of evil. They can fight it on their own, but that won’t last very long. They can join evil and play the worldly game. And that won’t last them very long.
Or, they can turn to the only one who can help, and that is Christ, and that means certain victory in this life and the next.
Look around and you do not have to look very far to see the inequities and dangers in this world. This is the devils world. It is filled with disadvantages, and unfair situations for most everyone.
You can live in danger from crime, from storms, from genetic defects, from a very long list of problems. Look at yourself and add your problems to the list. The list grows and grows. This world is not the ideal place for life.
It is the devils design however.
But you do not have to look very far to see the answer to these disadvantages. Jesus Christ is the answer. He created us all, and reserved a place in heaven for everyone who believes in Him. Furthermore, He has a master plan to destroy this corrupted universe and replace it with a newer and much better one, which will last forever.
You can use your imagination as to the characteristics of the next universe, and probably will never begin to imagine even a small fraction of all (new and better) that will be in it.
And furthermore, those believers who advance to spiritual maturity, will be the recipients of phenomenal blessings, that those who ignore their spiritual life, will not receive.
And thus, the widow (or anyone), who disregards their spiritual life, which results in the death or better said, dysfunction and empty content, of their spiritual life, will lose out on those phenomenal blessings for all of eternity.
That is a huge loss, for such an empty reward of a frivolous life in this short life. Not a good trade.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:6
DailyBibleStudy.Org
6 But [de] she that liveth in pleasure [spatalao] is dead [thnesko] while she liveth. [zao] KJV-Interlinear
6 But she who gives herself to wanton pleasure is dead even while she lives. NASB
Borrowed from Ezek. 16:49, where the word ‘careless’ is used, here ‘wanton pleasure’ is a phrase that describes a person who leads an irresponsible life with no regard for the repercussions of their thoughts and actions.
In the previous verse, the widow leads a respectable life in pursuing her spiritual growth, not being an intentional burden on anyone, and in so doing, receives the mercies of God in meeting her daily needs.
This verse shows the woman who has been left alone in the world, and instead of turning to the Lord for help, turns away and to the world with reckless activity. This activity is not restricted to drinking and carousing and such things, but the emphasis is more on her disregard for her situation and all the more reason for the Lords help in her life.
And this principle can apply to anyone for that matter. Whenever a person is born into this world, they are at the mercy of evil. They can fight it on their own, but that won’t last very long. They can join evil and play the worldly game. And that won’t last them very long.
Or, they can turn to the only one who can help, and that is Christ, and that means certain victory in this life and the next.
Look around and you do not have to look very far to see the inequities and dangers in this world. This is the devils world. It is filled with disadvantages, and unfair situations for most everyone.
You can live in danger from crime, from storms, from genetic defects, from a very long list of problems. Look at yourself and add your problems to the list. The list grows and grows. This world is not the ideal place for life.
It is the devils design however.
But you do not have to look very far to see the answer to these disadvantages. Jesus Christ is the answer. He created us all, and reserved a place in heaven for everyone who believes in Him. Furthermore, He has a master plan to destroy this corrupted universe and replace it with a newer and much better one, which will last forever.
You can use your imagination as to the characteristics of the next universe, and probably will never begin to imagine even a small fraction of all (new and better) that will be in it.
And furthermore, those believers who advance to spiritual maturity, will be the recipients of phenomenal blessings, that those who ignore their spiritual life, will not receive.
And thus, the widow (or anyone), who disregards their spiritual life, which results in the death or better said, dysfunction and empty content, of their spiritual life, will lose out on those phenomenal blessings for all of eternity.
That is a huge loss, for such an empty reward of a frivolous life in this short life. Not a good trade.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
1 Timothy 5:5
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:5
DailyBibleStudy.Org
5 Now [de] she that is a widow [chera] indeed, [ontos] and [kai] desolate, [monoo] trusteth [elpizo] in [epi] God, [theos] and [kai] continueth [prosmeno] in supplications [deesis] and [kai] prayers [proseuche] night [nux] and [kai] day. [hemera] KJV-Interlinear
5 Now she who is a widow indeed, and who has been left alone has fixed her hope on God, and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. NASB
The first criteria for knowing who is destitute, is whether they (widows), have family or not. Those women who have resources, should look first to their family and the things they have, to sustain themselves, and not to burden others when they have options.
However, Paul notes the phrase ‘indeed.’ This means the women, widows, who have lost their husbands and have nothing, and no one, with which to turn to for help.
The word for desolate, ‘monoo,’ means single, and indicates being totally alone, forsaken and without resources.
The second criteria is that she be a Christian. The word for trust, ‘elpizo,’ means a continual state, and her trust is to be continual in God, and not in other worldly things.
This does not prevent Christians from helping unbelieving women (or others), for that is an option for charity, Gal. 6:10, but the Church (collectively) has a mandated obligation is to help Christians in desperate need.
However, those who are in receipt of help, have an obligation as well, and that is to maintain a state of spiritual growth through prayer, through worship, through daily study, and so forth.
And they are to pursue their spiritual life legitimately, night and day, which is not literal, but an expression for, ‘all of the time.’ And that is really a mandate for us all, for obvious reasons.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:5
DailyBibleStudy.Org
5 Now [de] she that is a widow [chera] indeed, [ontos] and [kai] desolate, [monoo] trusteth [elpizo] in [epi] God, [theos] and [kai] continueth [prosmeno] in supplications [deesis] and [kai] prayers [proseuche] night [nux] and [kai] day. [hemera] KJV-Interlinear
5 Now she who is a widow indeed, and who has been left alone has fixed her hope on God, and continues in entreaties and prayers night and day. NASB
The first criteria for knowing who is destitute, is whether they (widows), have family or not. Those women who have resources, should look first to their family and the things they have, to sustain themselves, and not to burden others when they have options.
However, Paul notes the phrase ‘indeed.’ This means the women, widows, who have lost their husbands and have nothing, and no one, with which to turn to for help.
The word for desolate, ‘monoo,’ means single, and indicates being totally alone, forsaken and without resources.
The second criteria is that she be a Christian. The word for trust, ‘elpizo,’ means a continual state, and her trust is to be continual in God, and not in other worldly things.
This does not prevent Christians from helping unbelieving women (or others), for that is an option for charity, Gal. 6:10, but the Church (collectively) has a mandated obligation is to help Christians in desperate need.
However, those who are in receipt of help, have an obligation as well, and that is to maintain a state of spiritual growth through prayer, through worship, through daily study, and so forth.
And they are to pursue their spiritual life legitimately, night and day, which is not literal, but an expression for, ‘all of the time.’ And that is really a mandate for us all, for obvious reasons.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
1 Timothy 5:4
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:4
DailyBibleStudy.Org
4 But [de] if any [ei tis] widow [chera] have [echo] children [teknon] or [e] nephews, [ekgonon] let them learn [manthano] first [proton] to shew piety [eusebeo] at home [idios], [oikos] and [kai] to requite [amoibe] [apodidomi] their parents: [progonos] for [gar] that [touto] is [esti] good [kalos] and [kai] acceptable [apodektos] before [enopion] God. [theos] KJV-Interlinear
4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family, and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. NASB
Paul mentioned the phrase ‘widow indeed,’ referring to one who is without resources.
One of the first tests of a widow lacking resources, is whether or not she has family or extended family.
One of the first obligations of family is to take care of their own.
No person is considered good (1 Tim. 5:8) if they simply want to turn their elders out to pasture so to speak, or to simply get rid of the inconvenience or obligation by placing them out of sight. And especially widows who usually have nowhere else to turn.
So, children have a responsibility to their parents. Grandchildren have a responsibility to their grandparents, and so forth.
This is not restricted to just two generations, but can go on for as long as folks are alive. But generally most families have only a couple of generations in view in this regard, when the grandchildren are old enough to be out on their own (thirty to forty years old etc.), and have the means to take care of others. Great-grandparents, even grand-parents probably will not be around by then. Only parents will probably be around.
With family assuming the first line of support responsibility, then that lessens the burden on others who give to their local church or assembly or group, for the purposes of charity and help, for folks such as these.
The word for first, ‘proton,’ means first in line, or first in priority. This is a mandate from God, and is one of the many tests of your obedience to God, when you accept without question, your responsibility to care for your own family.
Parents raised you and kept you for the better part of your younger years. So as children, you (we all), have a responsibility to give back to our parents, when they are in need. This of course does not apply when the parents are well off, obviously.
‘This is acceptable in Gods sight,’ makes it a mandated obligation.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:4
DailyBibleStudy.Org
4 But [de] if any [ei tis] widow [chera] have [echo] children [teknon] or [e] nephews, [ekgonon] let them learn [manthano] first [proton] to shew piety [eusebeo] at home [idios], [oikos] and [kai] to requite [amoibe] [apodidomi] their parents: [progonos] for [gar] that [touto] is [esti] good [kalos] and [kai] acceptable [apodektos] before [enopion] God. [theos] KJV-Interlinear
4 but if any widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family, and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. NASB
Paul mentioned the phrase ‘widow indeed,’ referring to one who is without resources.
One of the first tests of a widow lacking resources, is whether or not she has family or extended family.
One of the first obligations of family is to take care of their own.
No person is considered good (1 Tim. 5:8) if they simply want to turn their elders out to pasture so to speak, or to simply get rid of the inconvenience or obligation by placing them out of sight. And especially widows who usually have nowhere else to turn.
So, children have a responsibility to their parents. Grandchildren have a responsibility to their grandparents, and so forth.
This is not restricted to just two generations, but can go on for as long as folks are alive. But generally most families have only a couple of generations in view in this regard, when the grandchildren are old enough to be out on their own (thirty to forty years old etc.), and have the means to take care of others. Great-grandparents, even grand-parents probably will not be around by then. Only parents will probably be around.
With family assuming the first line of support responsibility, then that lessens the burden on others who give to their local church or assembly or group, for the purposes of charity and help, for folks such as these.
The word for first, ‘proton,’ means first in line, or first in priority. This is a mandate from God, and is one of the many tests of your obedience to God, when you accept without question, your responsibility to care for your own family.
Parents raised you and kept you for the better part of your younger years. So as children, you (we all), have a responsibility to give back to our parents, when they are in need. This of course does not apply when the parents are well off, obviously.
‘This is acceptable in Gods sight,’ makes it a mandated obligation.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Monday, February 8, 2010
1 Timothy 5:3
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:3
DailyBibleStudy.Org
3 Honour [timao] widows [chera] that are widows [chera] indeed. [ontos] KJV-Interlinear
3 Honor widows who are widows indeed; NASB
A widow is one who has lost her husband, and is now alone and without any means of support in this world.
Honor, ‘timao,’ means to respect, to care for, to support, to treat graciously, and is used in Matt. 15:1-6 to incorporate financial support for widows, which the Scribes and Pharisees attempted to force donations to the church as more holy than financial support to widows. Jesus equates financial support to widows as in fact giving to the church, and He reprimanded the Pharisees for their heartless attitude toward widows. Ex. 20 expands on this concept.
The word for indeed, ‘ontos,’ expresses the idea of true widows, or women who have lost all means of support. This does not include widows who have some adequate means of support, as many women receive insurance or an inheritance or have family or other means with which to survive comfortably in life, once their husband has gone away or died. Typically family has the first obligation to help widows or women in distress.
Likewise, death is not the only means of causing a woman to become a widow. The broad definition of widow, ‘chera,’ is an adjective used as a noun, and means ‘bereft,’ ‘robbed,’ ‘having suffered loss,’ ‘left alone.’ This does not describe how the wife has been left, but includes all manner of loss which causes her to be helpless in life.
The loss could be through the death of her husband, imprisonment of her husband, abandoned by her husband, and so forth. In any case the wife is now without any means of support, and one of the strongest Christian principles is the support of those who have no means. This is a far cry from the likes of Islam which attempts to force extreme hardships on divorced or widowed women, forbidding them virtually all opportunities in life to have a life, except begging and starving on the streets. Islam is probably the most brutal religions when it comes to the treatment of women, and especially widows.
God designed women to be special recipients of care. Whether you agree with it or not, women in history and in this world are under the umbrella of male protection, provision, authority and direction. And as such, men and families are obligated to take extra special care in protecting women, of all ages, and their rights.
The Bible gives us a picture of just how fragile life can be when a person is alone and helpless. This is a picture of the believer in this world, with Christ absent for the moment, but still making provision for each one of us (men and women), while He is absent from this world. We are helpless and He provides. The world is heartless, but God cares deeply. The world attempts to destroy Christians and people in general, but God controls history and has a better plan for everyone.
Several verses give details of the plight and care of widows, Ex 22:22-24, Psa 68:5, Deut 27:19, Isa 1:17, Ps 146:9, Gen 38:11, Ruth 1:16, 3:12; 4:1-10, Deut 25:5-10, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 7:11-17, 18:1, 20:47.
Just as God helps each one of us individually and collectively as helpless Christians in this world, so too, we have an obligation to help those who have lost all of their means of self support, and certainly to never take or seek advantage over them for our own selfish interests.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:3
DailyBibleStudy.Org
3 Honour [timao] widows [chera] that are widows [chera] indeed. [ontos] KJV-Interlinear
3 Honor widows who are widows indeed; NASB
A widow is one who has lost her husband, and is now alone and without any means of support in this world.
Honor, ‘timao,’ means to respect, to care for, to support, to treat graciously, and is used in Matt. 15:1-6 to incorporate financial support for widows, which the Scribes and Pharisees attempted to force donations to the church as more holy than financial support to widows. Jesus equates financial support to widows as in fact giving to the church, and He reprimanded the Pharisees for their heartless attitude toward widows. Ex. 20 expands on this concept.
The word for indeed, ‘ontos,’ expresses the idea of true widows, or women who have lost all means of support. This does not include widows who have some adequate means of support, as many women receive insurance or an inheritance or have family or other means with which to survive comfortably in life, once their husband has gone away or died. Typically family has the first obligation to help widows or women in distress.
Likewise, death is not the only means of causing a woman to become a widow. The broad definition of widow, ‘chera,’ is an adjective used as a noun, and means ‘bereft,’ ‘robbed,’ ‘having suffered loss,’ ‘left alone.’ This does not describe how the wife has been left, but includes all manner of loss which causes her to be helpless in life.
The loss could be through the death of her husband, imprisonment of her husband, abandoned by her husband, and so forth. In any case the wife is now without any means of support, and one of the strongest Christian principles is the support of those who have no means. This is a far cry from the likes of Islam which attempts to force extreme hardships on divorced or widowed women, forbidding them virtually all opportunities in life to have a life, except begging and starving on the streets. Islam is probably the most brutal religions when it comes to the treatment of women, and especially widows.
God designed women to be special recipients of care. Whether you agree with it or not, women in history and in this world are under the umbrella of male protection, provision, authority and direction. And as such, men and families are obligated to take extra special care in protecting women, of all ages, and their rights.
The Bible gives us a picture of just how fragile life can be when a person is alone and helpless. This is a picture of the believer in this world, with Christ absent for the moment, but still making provision for each one of us (men and women), while He is absent from this world. We are helpless and He provides. The world is heartless, but God cares deeply. The world attempts to destroy Christians and people in general, but God controls history and has a better plan for everyone.
Several verses give details of the plight and care of widows, Ex 22:22-24, Psa 68:5, Deut 27:19, Isa 1:17, Ps 146:9, Gen 38:11, Ruth 1:16, 3:12; 4:1-10, Deut 25:5-10, Mark 12:41-44, Luke 7:11-17, 18:1, 20:47.
Just as God helps each one of us individually and collectively as helpless Christians in this world, so too, we have an obligation to help those who have lost all of their means of self support, and certainly to never take or seek advantage over them for our own selfish interests.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
1 Timothy 5:2
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:2
DailyBibleStudy.Org
2 The elder women [presbuteros] as [hos] mothers; [meter] the younger [neos] as [hos] sisters, [adelphe] with [en] all [pas] purity. [hagneia] KJV-Interlinear
2 the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. NASB
When dealing with others, we are to not deal with them with harsh or insulting or radical words, and certainly not through violence or intimidating tactics. And certainly we are not to attempt to take any type of advantage for ourselves at their expense.
When dealing with older and younger men, respect and courtesy are in view.
When dealing with older and younger women, then advantage is in view. Or the taking of an advantage of them.
The phrase ‘in all purity,’ is the key to the interaction with women.
The Bible must be interpreted in accordance with the time in which it was written. In ancient times, women were the weaker, the more naïve, and the ones over whom advantage could be taken, by unscrupulous types.
Unscrupulous types exist in our day as well, however, you are not to be one of their type. Far too many priests are unscrupulous in this area.
Older women who are straying or in need of advice, will typically be widows. That is the implication here, but not exclusive. Otherwise they would be seeking mutual council with their husbands.
Younger women are viewed as virgins, and vulnerable to anyone who might take advantage of them, especially one in whom they perceive a trust.
Therefore, this instruction goes to us all when having conversations, on the order of counseling. Treat them as mothers or sisters, whichever the case might be.
Honor your mother, Ex. 20:12, Prov. 1:8, 6:20, 23:22.
The purity of younger women must be protected, Lev 18:9-18; 20:17-19; Deut 27:22.
Avoid the look of lust or desire, Prov. 6:25, Job 31:1.
Do not be persuaded by the flattery of unscrupulous women, Prov. 5:3, 2:16; 6:24; 22:14.
Avoid bad thoughts, Prov. 6:25.
Avoid setting up extra rendezvous, Prov. 7.
Avoid the house of dishonor, Prov. 7:25-27, 5:8.
Avoid the sensuous touch, Prov. 7:13.
All in all, avoid anything that goes beyond the conversation of council, and flirts with the area of taking advantage for ones own personal gain or lust. All counsel is for the benefit of the one being counseled, never for the one giving counsel.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:2
DailyBibleStudy.Org
2 The elder women [presbuteros] as [hos] mothers; [meter] the younger [neos] as [hos] sisters, [adelphe] with [en] all [pas] purity. [hagneia] KJV-Interlinear
2 the older women as mothers, and the younger women as sisters, in all purity. NASB
When dealing with others, we are to not deal with them with harsh or insulting or radical words, and certainly not through violence or intimidating tactics. And certainly we are not to attempt to take any type of advantage for ourselves at their expense.
When dealing with older and younger men, respect and courtesy are in view.
When dealing with older and younger women, then advantage is in view. Or the taking of an advantage of them.
The phrase ‘in all purity,’ is the key to the interaction with women.
The Bible must be interpreted in accordance with the time in which it was written. In ancient times, women were the weaker, the more naïve, and the ones over whom advantage could be taken, by unscrupulous types.
Unscrupulous types exist in our day as well, however, you are not to be one of their type. Far too many priests are unscrupulous in this area.
Older women who are straying or in need of advice, will typically be widows. That is the implication here, but not exclusive. Otherwise they would be seeking mutual council with their husbands.
Younger women are viewed as virgins, and vulnerable to anyone who might take advantage of them, especially one in whom they perceive a trust.
Therefore, this instruction goes to us all when having conversations, on the order of counseling. Treat them as mothers or sisters, whichever the case might be.
Honor your mother, Ex. 20:12, Prov. 1:8, 6:20, 23:22.
The purity of younger women must be protected, Lev 18:9-18; 20:17-19; Deut 27:22.
Avoid the look of lust or desire, Prov. 6:25, Job 31:1.
Do not be persuaded by the flattery of unscrupulous women, Prov. 5:3, 2:16; 6:24; 22:14.
Avoid bad thoughts, Prov. 6:25.
Avoid setting up extra rendezvous, Prov. 7.
Avoid the house of dishonor, Prov. 7:25-27, 5:8.
Avoid the sensuous touch, Prov. 7:13.
All in all, avoid anything that goes beyond the conversation of council, and flirts with the area of taking advantage for ones own personal gain or lust. All counsel is for the benefit of the one being counseled, never for the one giving counsel.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
1 Timothy 5:1
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:1
DailyBibleStudy.Org
1 Rebuke [epiplesso] not [me] an elder, [presbuteros] but [alla] intreat [parakaleo] him as [hos] a father; [pater] and the younger men [neos] as [hos] brethren; [adelphos] KJV-Interlinear
5 Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, NASB
When dealing with others, we are to not deal with them with harsh or insulting or radical words, and certainly not through violence or intimidating tactics. And certainly there are lots of churches or preachers out there that take this approach toward their members. Believing that their approach is tough and necessary in order to convince or impress their members, so that they can retain them as members, or force them into making some sort of overt change in their life, a change that meets with their standards of conduct.
However, the better approach which is mandated by God, here through Paul, is by entreaty or appeal or persuasion. It is far more successful if the person, you are trying to get into compliance with doctrine, makes their change voluntarily and especially if they are a part of the decision process for making that change.
Paul describes four categories of people in these two verses, namely older men, younger men, older women and younger women, with respect as to how to deal with them.
Depending on your age, when you approach other people, they will more than likely be older or younger than you. Older people will have a natural tendency of believing that they know a little bit more about life than you, and younger folks will probably have the notion that you are old and old fashion, and not ‘in’ with the new ways of thinking or doing things.
So, in other words, you have to fight an uphill battle from a starting losing position.
As for older men, and this refers to older in age, not is church position such as an elder is typically referred. But as for older men, your approach should be just as though you were talking with your own dad. Respect is in order. And respect means that you listen first, let them have their say and then list your position in doctrine and make comparisons between the two opinions, in an orderly fashion.
Old age in men is a badge of honor, regardless of their success or accomplishments in life. It is a age old tradition and is even supported by the Bible, Lev 19:32, Prov 4:1-4, Prov 16:31, Prov 20:29, Job 32:4, 6.
When older men enter a room, you stand. When older men require a seat, you give up your chair. When older men speak, you listen and wait to be invited to speak, otherwise you remain silent, or you first request permission to speak.
Younger men are to be treated as you would a brother or sibling of your own family.
A brother assumes no superiority, but as an equal. And the approach in teaching younger men, Christian principles, gets better results if you talk on an equal basis, not from an arrogant or superior or even an inferior position.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 5:1
DailyBibleStudy.Org
1 Rebuke [epiplesso] not [me] an elder, [presbuteros] but [alla] intreat [parakaleo] him as [hos] a father; [pater] and the younger men [neos] as [hos] brethren; [adelphos] KJV-Interlinear
5 Do not sharply rebuke an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, to the younger men as brothers, NASB
When dealing with others, we are to not deal with them with harsh or insulting or radical words, and certainly not through violence or intimidating tactics. And certainly there are lots of churches or preachers out there that take this approach toward their members. Believing that their approach is tough and necessary in order to convince or impress their members, so that they can retain them as members, or force them into making some sort of overt change in their life, a change that meets with their standards of conduct.
However, the better approach which is mandated by God, here through Paul, is by entreaty or appeal or persuasion. It is far more successful if the person, you are trying to get into compliance with doctrine, makes their change voluntarily and especially if they are a part of the decision process for making that change.
Paul describes four categories of people in these two verses, namely older men, younger men, older women and younger women, with respect as to how to deal with them.
Depending on your age, when you approach other people, they will more than likely be older or younger than you. Older people will have a natural tendency of believing that they know a little bit more about life than you, and younger folks will probably have the notion that you are old and old fashion, and not ‘in’ with the new ways of thinking or doing things.
So, in other words, you have to fight an uphill battle from a starting losing position.
As for older men, and this refers to older in age, not is church position such as an elder is typically referred. But as for older men, your approach should be just as though you were talking with your own dad. Respect is in order. And respect means that you listen first, let them have their say and then list your position in doctrine and make comparisons between the two opinions, in an orderly fashion.
Old age in men is a badge of honor, regardless of their success or accomplishments in life. It is a age old tradition and is even supported by the Bible, Lev 19:32, Prov 4:1-4, Prov 16:31, Prov 20:29, Job 32:4, 6.
When older men enter a room, you stand. When older men require a seat, you give up your chair. When older men speak, you listen and wait to be invited to speak, otherwise you remain silent, or you first request permission to speak.
Younger men are to be treated as you would a brother or sibling of your own family.
A brother assumes no superiority, but as an equal. And the approach in teaching younger men, Christian principles, gets better results if you talk on an equal basis, not from an arrogant or superior or even an inferior position.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Friday, February 5, 2010
1 Timothy 4:16
This study is from an on going online Daily Bible Study at:
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 4:16
DailyBibleStudy.Org
16 Take heed [epecho] unto thyself, [seautou] and [kai] unto the doctrine; [didaskalia] continue [epimeno] in them: [autos] for [gar] in doing [poieo] this [touto] thou shalt [sozo] both [kai] save [sozo] thyself, [seautou] and [kai] them that hear [akouo] thee. [sou] KJV-Interlinear
16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. NASB
Jesus Himself made the statement:
John 8:31
31 … "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; NASB
Most people, most Christians that is, say that they love Jesus. But most Christians don’t even crack open the Bible very much during their lifetime, let alone on a yearly, monthly, or daily basis.
And as for those who go to church or do something of a Christian nature, a bit more often, they still do not comply with the command, to ‘abide in the Word.’ Their spiritual reality is more of a convenience, or for social entertainment, or ‘do as they see fit’ approach to their spiritual life.
If you had the ability to see those who actually hunkered down in a daily study, in this world, I think you would be surprised to discover just how few they are in number. Then you might realize that this world hangs on only because of the grace of God, and certainly not because of the ingenuity or brilliance of any human effort.
Of course, the best example of human failure will come in the future when the Tribulation unfolds into history, as humanity brings itself to near extinction in less than seven years following the Rapture.
Most folks believe that it is their option to view all things in life, and make their own way through life as they see fit, and that, that is what sustains humanity in this world.
And that could not be further from the truth. Dust cannot sustain dust unless there is an overriding power to help it out.
And so Paul closes this chapter with good advice.
Pay close attention, be alert, do not be foolish, listen, observe, notice, regard. That is your command to stick with truth (Bible doctrine). Learn it, and understand it, and keep it as your most prized possession.
Persevere in your spiritual life, no matter what the world throws at you. Never be discouraged. The world wants you to become discouraged. Never give up. The world wants you to give up. Never doubt. The world wants you to have doubts.
Doctrine preserves your life and completes your life. The world doesn’t want you to have anything good, but will try to entice you or disappoint you so that you will be certain to fail (and the world wins).
And if you ever do take the challenge to advance in your spiritual life, the world will only get tougher on you, so that you will quit.
But God is greater than the world, and with nothing more than words on a page, and I will repeat that, with nothing more than words on a page, you can defeat the entire system of evil that runs rampant in the world and there is nothing that the world can do to stop you. Harass you, of course, but that is all.
The word for salvation or save, ‘sozo,’ means to preserve, to sustain, to keep. And in this context it is not being saved as in believing in Christ, for this verse presumes that you are already saved. After all, doctrine does no good for the unbeliever until they have been saved. Works never save.
However, continued exposure and adherence to your daily studies, will keep God, Christ, and doctrine in the forefront of your mind and thoughts, so that you will not stray away from your spiritual life, but continue to advance in your spiritual growth, building up spiritual muscle and faith. Both of which help you to face and endure every possible trouble that the world can think up and throw against you.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
DailyBibleStudy.Org | Daily Bible Study Index Page | Daily Bible Study Online E-Book Library
1 Timothy 4:16
DailyBibleStudy.Org
16 Take heed [epecho] unto thyself, [seautou] and [kai] unto the doctrine; [didaskalia] continue [epimeno] in them: [autos] for [gar] in doing [poieo] this [touto] thou shalt [sozo] both [kai] save [sozo] thyself, [seautou] and [kai] them that hear [akouo] thee. [sou] KJV-Interlinear
16 Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you. NASB
Jesus Himself made the statement:
John 8:31
31 … "If you abide in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; NASB
Most people, most Christians that is, say that they love Jesus. But most Christians don’t even crack open the Bible very much during their lifetime, let alone on a yearly, monthly, or daily basis.
And as for those who go to church or do something of a Christian nature, a bit more often, they still do not comply with the command, to ‘abide in the Word.’ Their spiritual reality is more of a convenience, or for social entertainment, or ‘do as they see fit’ approach to their spiritual life.
If you had the ability to see those who actually hunkered down in a daily study, in this world, I think you would be surprised to discover just how few they are in number. Then you might realize that this world hangs on only because of the grace of God, and certainly not because of the ingenuity or brilliance of any human effort.
Of course, the best example of human failure will come in the future when the Tribulation unfolds into history, as humanity brings itself to near extinction in less than seven years following the Rapture.
Most folks believe that it is their option to view all things in life, and make their own way through life as they see fit, and that, that is what sustains humanity in this world.
And that could not be further from the truth. Dust cannot sustain dust unless there is an overriding power to help it out.
And so Paul closes this chapter with good advice.
Pay close attention, be alert, do not be foolish, listen, observe, notice, regard. That is your command to stick with truth (Bible doctrine). Learn it, and understand it, and keep it as your most prized possession.
Persevere in your spiritual life, no matter what the world throws at you. Never be discouraged. The world wants you to become discouraged. Never give up. The world wants you to give up. Never doubt. The world wants you to have doubts.
Doctrine preserves your life and completes your life. The world doesn’t want you to have anything good, but will try to entice you or disappoint you so that you will be certain to fail (and the world wins).
And if you ever do take the challenge to advance in your spiritual life, the world will only get tougher on you, so that you will quit.
But God is greater than the world, and with nothing more than words on a page, and I will repeat that, with nothing more than words on a page, you can defeat the entire system of evil that runs rampant in the world and there is nothing that the world can do to stop you. Harass you, of course, but that is all.
The word for salvation or save, ‘sozo,’ means to preserve, to sustain, to keep. And in this context it is not being saved as in believing in Christ, for this verse presumes that you are already saved. After all, doctrine does no good for the unbeliever until they have been saved. Works never save.
However, continued exposure and adherence to your daily studies, will keep God, Christ, and doctrine in the forefront of your mind and thoughts, so that you will not stray away from your spiritual life, but continue to advance in your spiritual growth, building up spiritual muscle and faith. Both of which help you to face and endure every possible trouble that the world can think up and throw against you.
If you are a Facebook member, then please join the Bible Study Group that best suits you:
Facebook Groups
Daily Bible Study Quick Links
Go to this quick links page, and save it in your bookmarks for quick access to the daily studies.
Two subscription options to receive these daily studies everyday via e-mail, are available here.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)