by Gary L. Evans
(8/1/2023)
Timothy — Part 5
1Ti 5:1-2 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity.
The word “rebuke” is from “ep-ee-place’-so” which means “to chastise, that is, (with words) to upbraid.”
It is not right for anyone to chastise or upbraid an Elder of the assembly, but instead treat him or her with respect as a father or mother. Note that women may deserve the respect as an Elder in the assembly. And the Elders should respect the younger men as their brothers and the younger women as their sisters. True Christians are loving people, and simply do not go around pointing fingers and brow beating one another.
1Ti 5:3-6 Honour widows that are widows indeed. But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God. Now she that is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusteth in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure is dead while she liveth.
Israel provided support to widows who had no relatives to assist her in old age, and they did this through offerings to the synagogues and to The Temple in Jerusalem. So similarly Christians also have provided support to destitute widows through offerings in their assemblies. Paul provides instructions on which widows truly need their support and which ones have other means of support so as not to be burdens on the assembly.
1Ti 5:7-8 And these things give in charge, that they may be blameless. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
Any son or daughter or close relative who refuses to help their own destitute widow in their family denies their faith in Christ Jesus and is worse than an unbeliever.
1Ti 5:9-10 Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints’ feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work.
A truly destitute widow is sixty years of age or older, because then she may be too old and weak to work to support herself in some way. But in the case of a destitute widow with no living family members to help who has been a good member of the assembly, the assembly is obligated to support her in her old age. How would it be a demonstration of The Love of Christ to let one of your own assembly members starve to death or freeze to death in the winter?
1Ti 5:11-13 But the younger widows refuse: for when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry; Having damnation, because they have cast off their first faith. And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not.
But younger widows should not be supported, because they will likely remarry anyway. And if the assembly did support her, then she will be on a permanent vacation in a sense because she doesn’t have to work, and likely become a gossiping busybody in the assembly. So it is not proper to support younger women who are widows.
1Ti 5:14-15 I will therefore that the younger women marry, bear children, guide the house, give none occasion to the adversary to speak reproachfully. For some are already turned aside after Satan.
Younger women who are widows should remarry, have children, and take care of their family, while remaining faithful in the assembly.
1Ti 5:16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.
Relatives of a widow are obligated to take care of her if she is in need, so that the assembly is not required to support her.
1Ti 5:17-18 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.
Our reward from the other members for our service to the assembly is in their respect and appreciation for our good works. Note we never offer our service for money. That’s what the antichrists do, but not sincere Christians. Because we do not want to give the unbelievers any appearance that we only teach for money. So we teach free of charge.
1Ti 5:19-20 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.
God’s Law requires that there be at least two or three credible witnesses to establish the fact of any transgression. So in that case even an elder of the assembly must be found guilty and rebuked in front of the assembly so that all members will remember that willful sin will not be tolerated.
1Ti 5:21-22 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.
We are not to have respect of persons, but regard everyone exactly the same regarding how we judge them. The Laying on of Hands was done when anointing a member for service. But this must not be done until the member has proven over time that he or she is sincere and devoted to Christ. To anoint an habitual sinner who is not repentant would make the assembly guilty of their sins. Never do that foolish thing, my friends.
1Ti 5:23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities.
Paul advised Timothy to not only be a water drinker, but also to drink wine in moderation to settle his stomach and help him relax after a long day and also to ease any discomfort from his frequent illnesses. And this is good advice for us today.
1Ti 5:24-25 Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.
Jesus said that everything done in secret will eventually be shouted on the rooftops. So people can hide their transgressions only for a time and then they will be revealed. Also in the same way the good works of people will eventually be made known.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Timothy — Part 6
1Ti 6:1-2 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort.
Christians who work for unbelievers should treat them with respect, because we represent Christ Jesus in this world. Don’t insult an employer or you may cause him to blaspheme God and the Word of God because of your bad example of what Christians are. And Christians who work for believing employers, don’t expect to be given special treatment or privileges but instead give your service to them in the Spirit of Christ, because they too are waiting for The Promise of Eternal Life. This is sound doctrine that should be taught in the assemblies.
1Ti 6:3-5 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.
Anyone who teaches contrary to sound doctrine should be rejected, because they are arrogant and corrupt and only stir up strife and division and arguments, but do not know anything. They are just trouble makers and not true Christians, but instead are antichrists which Jesus warned us would come to deceive people. Throw such wicked persons out of the assembly.
1Ti 6:6-8 But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Being empowered by The Holy Spirit to live a Godly life has great rewards not only in this world but also in the next. We can’t take anything with us after the death of our flesh body, so getting gain in this world is merely a distraction. If we manage to work and get enough food and clothing to live, we should be content.
1Ti 6:9-10 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
The word “perdition” is from “ap-o’-li-a” which means “ruin or loss (physical, spiritual or eternal).” So in this context it means Spiritual Eternal Damnation, until they repent.
People who focus all of their attention and efforts to get a lot of money are already failing their test in this world and are falling into a deadly trap. The extreme case of someone who is crossing the threshold of no return is someone who covets money more than anything else, which is Idolatry. That is the transgression of The First Commandment, my friends.
1Ti 6:11-12 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.
We must avoid all such distractions in this world and focus our attention on the things of God. We must fight the good fight of Faith, and it is truly a fight, my friends. We must focus on obtaining Eternal Life, which is why The Lord Called us into His Unmerited Favor. Just as Timothy did, we must give our testimony before others.
1Ti 6:13-16 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.
Paul commanded Timothy to serve according to his commission into the ministry in The Name of The Only Begotten Son of God, The King of kings and Lord of lords.
1Ti 6:17-19 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.
Christians who are wealthy must not be arrogant and trust in their possessions, but instead only trust in The Living God. Everything we have is what God has given to us, so we should be thankful and in turn generous to others and willing to teach freely. Christians who are effective teachers store up rewards to be received in the world to come as well as Eternal Life.
1Ti 6:20-21 O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.
The first letter to Timothy was written from Laodicea, which is the chiefest city of Phrygia Pacatiana.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.
Timothy — Part 7
2Ti 1:1-2 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
Paul wrote this second doctrinal letter while he was imprisoned in Rome to his best student, Timothy, whom he regarded as his own son in Christ and had commissioned into the ministry.
2Ti 1:3-5 I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day; Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy; When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.
Paul recalls how Timothy had once teared up with emotion during Bible study that demonstrated his sincere belief in Christ. Paul then reminds Timothy that the same faith that he perceived in him was also in his grandmother and in his mother.
Act 16:1-3 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek.
Timothy’s mother was an Israelite and his father was a Gentile. Note that after Paul took Timothy with him to teach him, he had him circumcised, not because it was necessary but to avoid any controversy among the more legalistic Jews.
Circumcision was codified in God’s Law. But circumcision technically is a blood sacrifice because it causes bleeding when the foreskin is cut off. And all blood sacrifices were superseded by The Blood of Christ on The Cross. Now the Circumcision which we all must receive in Christ Jesus, both men and women, is the Removal of the Covering of Pride over our Hearts and Minds.
Circumcision was given to Abraham and to his descendants as a Miraculous Sign for The Last Days, so that even after his descendants had been scattered among the Gentiles they would carry on that practice by tradition to the very end. Where are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the Tribes of Israel today? That’s easy, my friends. Just consider the vast number of all circumcised men in this world, because they are the descendants of the so-called Lost Tribes. So truly the Abrahamic Covenant of Circumcision is a Miraculous Sign to the world this very day.
2Ti 1:6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands.
Paul reminds Timothy to focus on The Holy Spirit which God gave him, which came in more abundance by Paul’s anointing him and laying his hands on him to give him a commission as a minister.
2Ti 1:7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
The word “power” is from “doo’-nam-is” which means “force (literally or figuratively); specifically miraculous power (usually by implication a miracle itself).” This word is where we get our modern day word, Dynamite.
The Holy Spirit which we receive according to The New Covenant has great power and force, even the power of DYNAMITE. But know that it is also the Spirit of Love and of a sound mind.
2Ti 1:8-9 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
We must never be ashamed of The Gospel of Jesus Christ. And recall that Paul wrote this letter while imprisoned in Rome. We all will be persecuted, some more than others, but we were preordained to suffer for our Lord’s Name’s Sake. Because God chose us before the destruction of The First Earth Age for special duties in this world. The Lord did not Call us because of our great works in this world, because all of us were sinners deserving death and were under God’s Wrath. But He did Call us into His Grace and to The Gospel of Jesus Christ because He had foreordained us to His Service. Do you have a destiny, my friends?
2Ti 1:10-12 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.
No matter how poorly we are treated by the lost of this world, our reward for enduring and maintaining our Faith in Jesus far outweighs a little trouble. We know what we believe and why we believe. Our Faith is in The Word of God which is Eternal.
On a personal note, one day after I had moved my family to a new town, an Associate Pastor of a local church came by to minister. So I invited him and those with him into my home. I was hoping we could have Bible Study together. So after he gave his introduction and welcomed us to his church, I opened The Bible and read several verses of New Testament Scripture. I was testing him to see how he reacted, and what he might say in context with the verses I had read. Then I was shocked when he said, “No one needs to read the Bible in order to have Eternal Life.” Then I said, “You have just denied my Lord and Savior, The Word of God.” And he got angry and stormed out of my house along with those with him. When we “turn on The Light” those who actually hate Christ run away, my friends, because they do not know Him.
2Ti 1:13-14 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us.
We must teach only the sound doctrines taught by Jesus Christ and in God’s Word, and we must avoid and shun all contradictions. And we can do this by The Holy Spirit in us.
Isa 28:9-10 Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
This is how The Holy Spirit teaches us, my friends, line by line, precept by precept, just as a school teacher teaches his or her students a given subject, day after day, lesson after lesson. In the same manner we learn to understand the meaning of God’s Word.
2Ti 1:15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
Some of the early assemblies had been overtaken by antichrists who wanted to have control of the congregation and naturally had rejected Paul’s teaching.
2Ti 1:16-18 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
But Paul remembers those who were faithful to true doctrine and who had provided much help and comfort to him, even after he was imprisoned in Rome.
Whosoever has eyes to see and ears to hear, let him hear.