Daily Writing

Saturday, 6 January 2018

These things command and teach. 1 Timothy 4:11

The order of the Greek is “Command these things and teach.” Timothy is charged with ensuring that what has been relayed to him thus far be commanded to the church. The word for “command” is paraggéllō. It means “to charge, give a command that is fully authorized because it has gone through all the proper (necessary) channels” (HELPS Word Studies). In other words, Paul didn’t arbitrarily make up the directions for Timothy to pass on. Instead, they are authoritative because he is the designated apostle, having been personally commissioned and instructed by the Lord Jesus. The words are prescriptive, and they are binding.

The words here are inclusive of all that has been presented so far in the epistle. This is certain, because he uses the same term, “these things,” in verse 3:14, speaking of all that preceded that verse. In other words, he gave instructions up to that point and then said, “These things I write to you, though I hope to come to you shortly.” He then explained why those things were written to him, and that followed with an explanation of “the mystery of godliness” which was an explanation for having written up to that point. He then showed what was contradictory to the mystery of godliness, and also what was in accord with it. Therefore, the word “command” is inclusive of all directions given by him up to this point.

Paul tells him to command those things, but also to “teach.” In other words, Timothy wasn’t just to say, “The requirements for being an elder or a deacon are…” But he was to explain the reason for those requirements. This is important, because in understanding why a command is given, it will then ensure that the people will more readily follow through with it in the future.

Life application: A wise leader will give the reason for his decisions, and not just bark out commands. At times, giving a command without the reason for it is necessary, but this should not always be the norm. When people understand why they are being instructed to do something, they will – if they agree with the reason – generally be more content to continue obeying the directive in the future.

Heavenly Father, Your word gives us all kinds of commands and exhortations that we are to follow. But it also gives us the reasons for doing those things – either implicitly or explicitly. In this, You have graciously shown us what is right and proper for our well being, for the well being of those around us, and for the proper working of the church. Thank You for tending to us through Your word, and also for allowing us to understand why these things are so. Praises to You for this loving attention! Amen.

Friday, 5 January 2018

For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10

In the previous verses, Paul spoke of godliness. It should be what we work towards because “godliness is profitable for all things.” He further stated it has the “promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” In view of these words, “For to this end,” meaning godliness, Paul now says that, “we both labor and suffer reproach.”

It is for the sake of godliness, that “we,” meaning all who are faithfully pursuing Christ, are willing to work constantly, devote ourselves completely, and toil tirelessly. This is exactly what the word he uses, kopiaó, means. It gives the sense of toiling both physically and mentally, and doing so until worn-out.

Along with that, the faithful believer is willing to “suffer reproach.” Some translations say “strive” rather than “suffer reproach.” Whichever is correct, they both carry a heavy meaning. To suffer reproach signifies a willingness to bear shame, accept verbal abuse, and the like. To strive signifies agonizingly pressing on in the exhausting labors.

The reason why the steadfast Christian is willing to bear these things is “because we trust in the living God.” The words here fail to give the fullest sense of what is said. They rather say, “we have our hope in the living God.” Because of knowing God personally through Jesus Christ, we have a sure foundation on which to rest our hope. Paul described godliness in verse 3:16. Each point of that explanation dealt with the Person and work of Christ.

Because God accomplished those things through Christ, our hope in God is both strong and rational. We can place our hope in the living God because of what He has already done for us in Christ Jesus. Think on it! He was “manifested in the flesh.” He was “justified in the Spirit.” He was “seen by angels.” He was “preached among the Gentiles.” He was “believed on in the world.” And, He was “received up in glory.” Anyone who truly believes these can confidently place their hope in the living God.

Paul then defines the “living God” with words which must be taken in the proper context. He say that He “is the Savior of all men.” The word sótér, or “Savior,” means just that. It is consistently translated as this throughout the New Testament. But because of the seeming difficulty these few words cause, some scholars equivocate on the meaning of the word by calling Him the “Provider.” That is also an acceptable translation of the word, and it would square with Old Testament verses about God, but it is not Paul’s intent. He has been consistent in his use of the word to indicate “Savior.”

However, Paul does not stop with the words which say that He “is the Savior of all men.” Instead, he continues with the words, “especially of those who believe.” The Bible’s words are consistent on the doctrine of salvation. Paul’s words follow in this consistent teaching throughout His epistles. Neither teaches the heresy of Universalism, meaning that all are saved, nor do they teach the false Calivinist doctrine of “Limited Atonement.” Rather, the Bible teaches salvation under two broad concepts – potential and actual.

Paul’s words concerning the living God (meaning Jesus whom He described in verse 3:16) being “the Savior of all men,” is that He is potentially so. He and no other can bring salvation, and He offers it to all. Thus He alone is the potential Savior of all men. This is the doctrine of “unlimited atonement, potentially.” However, Paul’s words state further, “especially of those who believe.” This is God’s actual salvation in Christ for those who have actively believed and received. This is the doctrine of “limited atonement, actually.”

Paul never denies the doctrine of free-will in man, nor does he ever teach that all men are saved. Rather, he actively teaches that man must receive God’s offer of Jesus Christ, and those who do not will not be saved.

Life application: The gospel message is simple and pure, but it is something that is not universally applied to all men. Rather, it is universally offered to all men, and it then must be received. Be a receiver, be saved, and be reconciled to God through the precious saving blood of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Glorious God, how good and precious it is to see the depth of Your love. You were willing to enter the stream of time and human existence and come in the Person of Jesus Christ, and then to endure the difficulties we face, to endure the reproach of those You came to save, and to bear the burden of a cross-death for our sins… such love is actually beyond our ability to fully grasp, but we can know it is there. May we be wise and discerning, and may we be willing to call on and hold fast to Christ our Lord. Thank You for Your love, displayed in Him. Amen.

Wednesday, 3 January 2018

For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:8

Paul now makes a metaphor for his reader to consider. He brings in the thought of “bodily exercise.” The words are sōmatikē gymnasia. We could think of “gymnastics for the body.” It means the same today as it did then – physical training, physical exercise, boxing, racing, and so on. He says that it “profits a little.” The Greek word can mean “a small amount,” or “for a short period of time,” and both are probably on Paul’s mind. What he is referring to is the ascetic practices referred to in verse 3, meaning abstention from certain foods, and forbidding to marry.

Just as physical exercise profits for a very short amount of time, and then man ages, sags, weakens, and dies (think of the once strong and robust Arnold Schwarzenegger), so these practices – which seem to promise abundant spiritual health – will prove to be vain and pointless. They will be swept away in due time. Further, they actually put up a barrier between God and man. It is God who has done all of the work needed to reconcile us to Himself through Jesus Christ. In pursuing these “gymnastics,” we feel that we are meriting His favor on our own. Thus, it is a slap in His face concerning what He has accomplished. “That’s OK God, You did Your best in Jesus, but I will improve upon that.”

Paul then says, “but godliness is profitable for all things.” The ascetics profit themselves (or so they think), but their supposed piety does nothing for anyone or anything outside of themselves. There is no true gain of any kind to be realized in anything they do. However, godliness (see the “mystery of godliness in 1 Timothy 3:16) is profitable for all, and in all ways. Anyone who hears of Christ is profited when he acts upon the words. Anyone who tells of Christ is profited when he speaks the words. The world is made safer through those who come to Christ. The world is brought closer to the day when Christ comes for His church when godliness is shared. On and on, there is only benefit (great gain) to be found in godliness. It is not a self-centered thing, but an outwardly-directed thing.

It is godliness which Paul then says is the message, “having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” True and purposeful life in this earthly existence is found in knowing Christ. The nations of the world which are truly Christ-centered will pursue peace. The kings in authority who have bowed to Christ will bring about peace in their kingdoms. The benefits are to be found in all ways in the life that now is. And they are also to be found in the life “which is to come.”

Heaven’s doors are opened through the godliness that Paul has written about. Peace with God is restored through it. Eternal abundance, broadness of space, joy to its fullest extent, and on and on and on, will be realized for all of eternity for those who receive the godliness which is the Person of Jesus Christ – His life, and His work. This is what is “profitable for all things.”

Life application: Do you want to be profited in all ways? Do you want the highest joy, the greatest reward, and the fullest measure of blessing? Then come to Christ. Put away your gymnastics of faith, and come to the godliness of faith, formed and perfected, in the Person and work of Jesus Christ the Lord.

Glorious God Almighty! You have shown us what is truly profitable. We can exercise our bodies, but we will grow old and we will sag and weaken. Eventually we will die. We can also abstain from certain foods in order to hopefully be “more holy” in the eyes of others, but this helps no one other than ourselves. What Your words ask us to do is to seek true godliness by pursuing Christ, sharing Christ, and living for Christ. In this, there is great gain, both now in this temporary world and in the ages to come as well. Help us to be wise, and to pursue this true godliness with all of our hearts and minds. Amen.

Tuesday, 2 January 2018

But reject profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness. 1 Timothy 4:7

Paul had just exhorted Timothy to be “nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine” which he had already carefully followed. In contrast to this, he now implores his young protege to “reject profane and old wives fables.” The word “profane” is used only by Paul in the pastorals, and once in Hebrews. It is derived from words which together mean, “crossing a threshold.” Thus it gives the sense of improper entrance. The idea is that instead of that which is spiritually proper, it is worldly and godless – one has entered into the realm of unreasonable, or even goofy.

There are two Greek words for “old wives’ fables.”The first is graódés. This is its only use in the Bible. It bears the sense of “belonging to an old woman.” The second is muthos (from which we derive our modern word “myth”). It signifies an idle tale or a fanciful story. Just as an aged grandmother might say to her granddaughter, “Don’t eat the watermelon seeds, or you will get pregnant,” so it is a silly or ridiculous explanation of a matter. The idea is that of something which is completely without merit, but appears religious and geared towards explaining a doctrine. In Titus 1:14, Paul explicitly ties these “myths” in with Jewish culture, demonstrating that this is what is on his mind. The Jewish society had inculcated countless such things into its religious life in order to culturally explain things. They had also adapted many such things to explain, or add to, what Scripture taught.

Timothy was warned against such things. There is sound interpretation of Scripture, and then there is that which is completely irrelevant to it. The same is true in the church today. Countless fables have been made up about what the Jews believed in the first century, and then those things are used to explain what Christ meant in His words. One of countless examples of this concerns the folded handkerchief referred to in John 20:7. There have been several totally unscriptural explanations of why this was included by John. The stories have been circulated to the point that they are taken as factual by hosts of believers. And yet, they are based on “old wives’ fables” which are completely bogus. This is but one of countless examples of very poor handling of biblical doctrine because people are unwilling to stick to the facts, letting Scripture interpret Scripture.

Paul implores Timothy to reject such things. Instead, he is instructed to “exercise yourself toward godliness.” Just as he was to “nourish” himself in the words of faith and good doctrine, he is also to “exercise” himself towards godliness. To nourish is to feed upon. To exercise is to take that substance and work it out into that which is productive. One cannot do this when pursuing old wives’ fables. Instead, he must take the sound doctrine, and then use it to rightly divide the word of God. In doing this, he would then be exercising himself towards godliness.

Life application: Have you ever been told that Rosh Hoshana is a day known to the Jews as the time of the year that they say, “Of this day and hour no one knows”? In saying this, the implication is that Rosh Hoshana is the day that Jesus was speaking about concerning the timing of the rapture. This is an old wives’ fable that has no bearing at all on the truth. It is a lie made up by someone in order to justify their prediction concerning the rapture. Be sound in your theology, know your Bible, and don’t believe everything you read. Unless something is grounded in Scripture, it is suspect and should be considered as such.

Lord God, it is so sad that there are so many fables attached to interpreting Your word. When they are included in our study, they can only harm our knowledge of what You actually intended for us to know and understand. Help us to be able to discern that which is biblically sound and that which is just plain goofy. In this, we will be sound in our doctrine and pleasing to You. And thank You that Your word is sufficient for what You desire us to know! Amen.