1Timothy 3:1 ¶ This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.
It was clear from the beginning of this letter that Timothy had been left behind in Ephesus to provide instruction and leadership to this body of believers for a period of time. This chapter begins with instructions regarding establishing local leadership for this body of believers, this church.
The term bishop is a reference to the one who superintends or is recognized as the leader of the group. The inference is clear that leadership is best provided by one who desires to lead; however, not everyone who desires to lead is qualified to lead. Therefore, Paul proceeds to provide guidelines for Timothy to share with the body of believers as to what qualifies one to function as a bishop/pastor or deacon. I’m not going to get into the differences that some denominations make between pastors, priests, elders, deacons, etc. In my simple logic each “church” or group of believers needs a qualified leader (pastor) and group of assistants (assistant pastors, elders, deacons, etc. according to the size and scope of the ministry) to provide for the needs of the congregation and oversee its outreach into the community and/or world at large.
I think it is important to note that this leadership position is not an easy one; it is a position requiring work, which the Greek defines as toil and labor. Too many in leadership in the church today view this position as a means to making a name for himself and/or accumulating wealth and influence. They expect to be served rather than to serve.
I liked MacDonald’s observation concerning a bishop: “He does not rule by lording it over God’s heritage, but rather he leads by his spiritual example.”
1Timothy 3:2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;
In this verse Paul begins listing the qualifications for serving as a church pastor; I think this would also apply to assistant pastors since they often serve in the place of the pastor and/or have specific areas in which they are the primary overseer.
He must be blameless; the Greek defines this as inculpable (faultless, innocent) and unrebukable (not deserving of censure). In other words, his lifestyle is not characterized by practicing wrongdoing or even giving the appearance of it.
He must be the husband of one wife. Many commentaries define this as referencing a man who is committed to one woman. Obviously, this eliminates a polygamist and makes it clear that any religion that promotes such a lifestyle is a false religion. It also directly refutes the legitimacy of the teaching of celibacy that is promoted in the Catholic Church. What is not so clear is its application to one who has been divorced. My own pastor had an unfortunate short term marriage before he was saved, and I tend to think that puts him in a very different category from one who claims to be a Christian and gets divorced for other than biblical reasons (adultery or desertion by an unbelieving spouse).
Matthew 19:9 “And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.”
1 Corinthians 7:14-15 “For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.”
The key point seems to be that one who is known for fidelity and commitment in marriage is more like to remain committed and faithful in his relationship to the Lord.
Lacking more specific scriptural definition, I consider this qualification to be one that leaves a bit of room for legitimate difference of opinion within the church. If a man is committed to his spouse and meets all others qualifications, it is more likely that he will prove to be a good pastor.
He must be vigilant, sober and of good behavior. In the Greek vigilant is defined as sober and circumspect and is from a root that means to abstain from wine. This goes hand-in-hand with being sober, which the Greek defines as safe in mind and self-controlled, and having good behavior. Self-control is necessary to having good behavior. Several translations use the word temperate in place of vigilant to indicate one who is in control of natural fleshly appetites and passions—one who is sensible and dependable. I found a quote by Warren Wiersbe that I liked in reference to being sober: “This does not mean he has no sense of humor, or that he is always solemn and somber. Rather it suggests that he knows the value of things and does not cheapen the ministry or the Gospel message by foolish behavior."
He must be given to hospitality, which the Greek defines as fond of guests. One who expects to be an effective leader has to enjoy the fellowship of others. To be able to lead you must be able to relate to others and command their respect.
He must be able to teach others; in context this would be in reference to the truth of God’s word and how to apply it to one’s life. This would presume that he is familiar with the scripture through regular reading, study and meditation.
1Timothy 3:3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;
The list continues…….
He must not be an alcoholic. This seems to be an exclamation point on the importance of his possessing self-control. I think proper application could be made to addictive behavior of any type.
He must not have a violent temper or a propensity to quarrel with others. One who expects to lead others effectively would necessarily be known for promoting unity and not discord.
He must not be greedy or have a love of money. Scripture is clear on the danger of the love of money.
1 Timothy 6:10 “For the love of money is the root of all evil….”
This is one of the major identifying characteristics of false teachers in America today. The whole focus of their “ministry” is to fleece the flock of their hard earned money to support their lavish lifestyles. Scripture provides no legitimate basis for sending out prayer rugs, or sending in seed money, or requiring “donations” to perform healings. I am committed to freely sharing the truth the Lord shares with me and count it a privilege for every opportunity I am given to share that truth.
He must be patient. The Greek for this word includes being mild and gentle. In other words, he must have a demeanor that is approachable with the ability to listen and respond with care and concern—not frustration.
He must not be a brawler. This means that he doesn’t have a short fuse and is known as a peacemaker, not one that quarrels and promotes discord.
He must not be covetous or obsessed with getting “things.” I think this ties in with not having a love of money. It’s not saying that it is wrong for this person to possess money or nice things; it is saying that he is not focused on these possessions. He is focused on using his money and his possessions in living a life that honors God.
1Timothy 3:4-5 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)
Most people would recognize the wisdom of this instruction. A man who is not respected in his own home is not likely to be respected as a leader in the church. If he is diligent in training up his children according to God’s word, he is more likely to be diligent in teaching and providing wise guidance to those in the church according to the truth of God’s word.
1Timothy 3:6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.
The Greek for the word novice is a reference to one who is new in the faith. Besides the obvious lack of familiarity with the word of God, one who is new in the faith is much more susceptible to pride that could result from being given too much authority without proper preparation and the wisdom that comes from the knowledge of the word and getting the opportunity to prove your faith through obedience and service.
I believe pride is the root sin and scripture is very clear in declaring it to be the downfall of Satan.
Isaiah 14:12-14 “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.”
1Timothy 3:7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.
This is an interesting qualification. You would think that if a person met all of the other character traits in this list, this would be a given. If you think about it, there are many people who come to faith in Christ carrying a lot of baggage. I guess one who has established enemies in the ranks of the unsaved would be more likely to find himself under attack in ways that would cause him difficulty in providing effective leadership, and I think the devil takes special pleasure in bringing down pastors.
1Timothy 3:8-9 ¶ Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.
Paul now moves on to the qualifications for deacons. It was interesting to see the Greek for the word deacon: “an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess):—deacon, minister, servant.”
People who are identified as such in the church should be those that have a servant spirit. Many of the qualifying character traits to serve as a deacon are similar to those listed for pastors. The Greek for the word grave made reference to one who is honest from a root that is connected to being devout in worship. One who is not doubletongued is known for being truthful and consistent in the testimony he exhibits. In other words, he doesn’t pretend to be a servant at church and then exhibit selfishness and dishonesty in his personal life. “Not given to much wine” and “not greedy of filthy lucre” are identical qualifications to those for serving as pastor as discussed in the previous verses.
“Holding the mystery….” – This seems to be an emphasis on accepting the truth that God’s salvation was always intended for all—Jew and Gentile. Paul clearly identified this truth in his personal letter to the Ephesians.
Ephesians 3:1-6 “For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward: How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel….”
This seems to be a statement that emphasizes that the teachings of Christ as revealed to His apostles and inspired by the Holy Spirit are to be accepted as scripture just as surely as were the Old Testament scriptures.
1Timothy 3:10 And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless.
This verse establishes the requirement that one who is appointed to serve as a deacon should have shown himself worthy of the appointment through previous service and participation in the body of the believers. That time of proving will reveal him to be blameless, or of recognized good character.
1Timothy 3:11-12 Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well.
It’s interesting to note that the testimony of the wives of deacons is specifically addressed, but not the wives of the pastor. However, when I read the first few verses of the chapter again, it crossed my mind that the qualifications in verses 2-3 beginning with vigilant could be read as applying to both husband and wife. Even so, logic tells me that whatever is required of deacons or deacons wives would be just as applicable to the pastor and his wife.
It is worth noting that in addition to being grave (honest and honorable) and sober (self-controlled) Paul includes the instruction that the wives not be slanderers, which the Greek identifies as false accusers and I think ties directly to gossip. Whether justified or not, the perception is that women have more of a propensity to be gossips than do men.
The reference to being “faithful in all things” has direct reference in the Greek to being trustworthy and dependable. I think this is a character trait that is no longer as valued in our culture as it once was. Every Christian should be known for following through on his/her word and being trustworthy, but especially those who are recognized as leaders and whose testimony is subject to much more public scrutiny. In fact, success in ministry is directly connected to the dependability and commitment of those serving in that ministry.
Just as with pastors, deacons are also to be committed to one wife and known for having children that are obedient and respectful.
1Timothy 3:13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
This verse basically seems to be saying that one who serves well (morally) as a deacon will be rewarded with the respect of those in the church and with possessing a faith that is strong and confident because he has rooted himself in Jesus Christ.
Frankly, I think this principle is applicable to every Christian. If we will choose to serve God well, according to the morals and principles established in His word, we too will earn the respect of other believers and will find ourselves in possession of a strong and confident faith through the work of Christ Jesus in the person of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
1Timothy 3:14-15 ¶ These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
In this verse Paul declares his intent to come and visit Timothy in Ephesus soon. He is careful, however, to state that his plans are not firm and are subject to change. This letter is intended to provide Timothy guidance in the interim period that he is serving as the spiritual overseer, the pastor, in Ephesus. Paul had great confidence in Timothy and considered him as a son; and as any good father, he wanted to share with Timothy everything he could to make his experience successful. Timothy was a young man, as declared in 4:12, and Paul wanted him to be confident and strong as a spiritual leader in the church.
As he encourages Timothy, Paul reminds him that he is serving in the church of the “living God, the pillar and ground of truth.”
Wuest adds insight: “The words ‘pillar’ and ‘ground’ are in apposition to the word ‘church.’ The idea is that the church is the pillar, and as such, the prop or support of the truth.”
1Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
This is a power-packed verse of amazing truth that Paul identifies as “the mystery of godliness.”
God was revealed in the flesh in the person of His Son, the man Jesus.
John 1:14 “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”
John 1:17-18 “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”
Jesus was proven righteous as He lived in complete submission and obedience to the Father through the ministry of the Holy Spirit in His life.
John 5:30 “I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.”
John 8:29 “And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him.”
This angels watched in amazement as this same Jesus chose to humble Himself as a man and offer Himself as the redeeming sacrifice for man’s sin.
Luke 2:10-13 “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God….”
John 20:11-14 “But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.”
1 Peter 3:21-22 “… by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.”
The gospel message of salvation through faith in Jesus was declared available to the Gentiles.
Matthew 28:18-20 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
Many people in the world, Jew and Gentile, have turned and will yet turn to faith in Jesus as their Savior.
John 1:11-12 “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
Hebrews 2:9-10 “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings.”
Jesus publicly ascended to glory to the right hand of His Father to await the time that He will return to assume the throne of David and rule as King of kings and Lord of lords on planet earth.
Luke 24:50-51 “And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.”
Luke 1:30-33 “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
Revelation 20:4 “And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
1Timothy 4:1-3 ¶ Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
I think one of the first things to note in this section of scripture is that Paul is instructing Timothy according to the revelation of the Holy Spirit in affirmation of the teaching of Jesus.
Matthew 24:11 “And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.”
This instruction regards problems he will encounter in ministry to the “church,” all those who profess their faith in Jesus as Lord. Scripture is clear in telling us that not all who profess Jesus as Lord actually possess or yield to Him as Lord.
Matthew 7:21-23 “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
It is also clear that Paul is instructing Timothy regarding the “latter times.” This instruction also implies that Paul expects Timothy to be confronted with these “latter times” problems. Using hindsight we can see that these issues have become increasingly prominent as the time for the Lord’s return gets ever closer.
Considering the scripture from both Timothy and Matthew, it would seem that in the last days there will be an increase in the number of people in Christendom who will separate themselves from people of true faith. Faith is an unwavering confidence in the truth of God and His word. As time for the return of Jesus approaches, the moral convictions of professing Christians will become more aligned with accepted cultural morals. They will not hold firm to the truth of faith in Christ Jesus as the only way to salvation. They will not hold fast to the whole of scripture as the inspired word of God.
I think this prophecy is being fulfilled as more and more of those who claim to be Christian are separating themselves from the truth of God’s word and embracing mystical practices, distancing themselves from preaching against sin, redefining the truth of scripture to accommodate the morals of our culture and putting the validity of the whole of scripture into question.
Paul goes on to explain that seducing spirits and doctrines of devils will be responsible for this departure from “the faith." Obviously these seducing spirits are utilizing human beings that are masquerading as followers of Jesus. What they expound as truth is actually the perverted teaching of demons. They are hypocrites who pretend virtue and a reverence and love of God, but they are actually serving self. They are so convincing because their conscience has been totally desensitized; Paul uses the Greek word from which we get our word for cauterize. This seared conscience goes hand in hand with a hard heart. These people are impervious to guilt or shame.
Wuest adds insight regarding “the faith” - “The definite article before the word ‘faith’ marks it out as speaking, not of faith as an act, but of the Faith, the body of doctrine which forms the basis of what we as Christians believe.”
I think that forbidding marriage and the eating of meat must have been singled out because false teachers of that day were promoting those specific teachings.
1Timothy 4:4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
According to scripture all meat is acceptable for consumption when received with thanks as part of God’s provision for His children. I hadn’t really noticed it before, but “every creature” is acceptable as a food source. This is actually supported by the Lord’s instructions to Noah.
Genesis 9:2-3 “And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. Every moving thing that liveth shall be meat for you; even as the green herb have I given you all things.”
1Timothy 4:6 ¶ If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
Just as all creatures are good for physical nourishment of the body, the words of God (“of faith and of good doctrine”) are to nourish the spirit of the believer. Only when we receive the nourishment of God’s word are we able to provide spiritual nourishment to others. Paul tells Timothy that he will prove to be a good servant of Jesus if he chooses to share the truth that he learns. The fact that he encourages him to “put the brethren in remembrance” implies that the brethren should already be familiar with this truth but would benefit from being reminded of that truth. Every good parent and teacher knows that learning is an ongoing process and that it is important that we continue to review and be reminded of previous instruction and how to make application to our lives.
Before moving on to the next section, I think it is important to note that good doctrine cannot be discerned apart from rightly dividing the word of God.
2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
1Timothy 4:7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.
I really liked the NLT translation of this verse: “Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales. Spend your time and energy in training yourself for spiritual fitness.”
I think this is an especially interesting word of wisdom in today’s culture. The attack of atheists in particular in society today is especially bold and aggressive against Christianity. This definitely falls into the category of “profane” or “godless ideas.” Though we are to be prepared to give an answer as to why we believe what we believe according to God’s word, we need to guard against “casting pearls before swine.”
1 Peter 3:15 “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:”
Matthew 7:6 “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
I think an excerpt from my study of the Sermon on the Mount applies here:
“This verse clarifies that we are to be discerning about our interactions with
others. We are not to share our spiritual treasure with those who won’t treasure
it. This actually makes me think of the debates that occur between believers and
atheists or “pro choice” proponents or those who reject scripture as God’s word,
etc. Debate for debate’s sake accomplishes nothing. It just provides a platform
for the believer and the treasure he is defending to be mocked and degraded.
On the other hand, we should not decline to be ready “to give an answer to every
man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”
This requires discernment regarding “dogs and swine,” those who hate God and His truth vs. those who are seeking the truth.”
“I want to be clear that I am not condemning programs that offer an opportunity
for learned men on both sides of an issue to be presented in a respectful manner.
In such audiences there are true seekers as well as mockers. You don’t avoid
declaring the truth for fear of attack. Jesus clearly exampled that truth. I think,
however, that participation should be prayerfully considered.” [end excerpt]
The Greek for exercise was interesting; it stated, “to practice naked…i.e., train….” This seemed to be saying that it should be obvious to anyone who cares to observe that we are training ourselves to be godly, to be like Jesus.
Our culture today is obsessed with looking good and utilizing all types of exercise gadgets and diet programs that will facilitate our achieving that goal. Trying to maintain one’s appearance and keeping the body fit are not bad things, but the energy we invest to that end has no eternal benefit; it’s only of benefit in this life. Time and energy invested in disciplining ourselves to become more godly benefits us both in this life and our life after death—for eternity.
1Tim. 4:9-10 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe.
I really like the CJB translation of these verses: “Here is a statement you can trust, one that fully deserves to be accepted (indeed, it is for this that we toil and strive): we have our hope set on a living God who is the deliverer of all humanity, especially of those who trust.”
I think the key words in these verses are “living God.” Our God is not an impotent idol; He is the all-powerful, intelligent, creative being that is the very source of life. This is soooooooo different from the “god” of any other religion.
Scripture is everywhere clear that God has provided deliverance from sin for ALL men. It is also clear that only those who choose to accept that provision will be delivered.
John 3:14–18 “And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”
In these verses Jesus made reference to an incident that happened during the time of the exodus as recorded in Numbers.
Numbers 21:5–9 “And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, neither is there any water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.”
I think it is important to note that the Lord made provision for everyone to be healed, but they had to choose to look upon the pole to live. There weren’t several options made available through which they could find healing; they were given one way. Only through obedience to God and accepting His provision could they be healed and live.
The principle is the same today; there is only one way to find deliverance from judgment and that is in the person of Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
Every Christian should be of the mindset that this truth is worth dying for. It is a truth that is worth every bit of energy and effort that we exert in declaring this good news to unbelievers.
1Timothy 4:11-12 These things command and teach. Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Timothy was evidently a young man (around 30-40 according to commentators), but obviously a young man of spiritual maturity. Timothy is a prime example of one whose wisdom exceeded his years. He was blessed to have been raised by a mom and grandma who loved the Lord and imparted that love to him.
2 Timothy 1:5 “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 in thee also.”
Timothy’s testimony was in direct contrast to Paul’s; his life wasn’t transformed from wicked religious zealot to powerful man of God. Timothy grew up in the faith. Because of the solid foundation laid by his mom and grandma, he grew rapidly into a godly young man of spiritual maturity, wisdom and humility. Paul is encouraging this young man to be confident in the truth he has been taught. Paul knows that others may try to attack him on the grounds that he is too young to provide spiritual leadership. He is telling Timothy that the best way to silence these naysayers is to let his life speak in affirmation of the truth he is teaching. He tells him to work at being an example of the believers in six areas.
“in word” – This is a reference to his speech—what he says and how he says it.
“in conversation” – This is a reference to his conduct—how he lives in light of what he says.
“in charity” – This is a reference to how he acts toward others in light of what he teaches.
“in spirit” – This is a reference to his “mental disposition” (from the Greek)—what is reflected in his countenance as he confronts the ups and downs in life.
“in faith” – This is a reference to the consistency of his convictions in light of what he teaches.
“in purity” – This is a reference to living a life that is honest and chaste—free from worldly influences and pollutions.
1Timothy 4:13 Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
This verse reminds us that Timothy was providing temporary leadership for this community of believers under Paul’s authority. In that leadership role before the church, Timothy was to give priority to reading of the scripture, giving exhortation based on that reading and providing instruction as necessary according to that reading.
Making believers knowledgeable about the word of God is foundational to the spiritual growth and effective ministry of each and every believer. The first step to becoming knowledgeable about God’s word is to read it. The Greek for the word exhortation includes, “imploration, solace, comfort, and consolation.” This seems to be emphasizing how to apply the truth of God’s word to one’s life. In applying the truth of God’s word to one’s life, one must receive proper instruction concerning the truth of God’s word—how to rightly divide it.
1Timothy 4:14 Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery.
As mentioned previously, I think this verse ties in with verses 18-20 of chapter 1. This is an area of teaching that has been both neglected and abused in current times. Scripture is clear that God worked through the body of believers in every area of ministry in the early church—encouragement, comfort, instruction, correction, guidance, miracles, commission to ministry and bestowment of gifts. In each of these areas God was providing for the needs of the body through the members of the body. The source of the provision was no less God’s through His Spirit; He just allowed the members of the body to serve as the vessel through whom that provision was given. I personally believe that is how He prefers to work among His people. I believe the only reason that we don’t see as much evidence of this type of ministry among believers today is because the devil has succeeded in infiltrating the body with his army of corrupt false teachers. That infiltration has caused many to reason that this type of ministry in the church was unique to the early church. I see nothing in scripture that gives support to such a conclusion.
Wuest re “laying on of the hands” - “By laying their hands on him, they signified public recognition of what the Holy Spirit had already done.”
1Timothy 4:15 Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all.
meditate = revolve in the mind (Greek); to dwell on anything in thought; to think seriously (Webster)
I think it is important to note that the direction was to “meditate upon these things.” The meditation was to have a focus on specific instruction from God’s word. It seems that more and more today meditation is being taught as a means of connecting to God instead of as a means of strengthening our understanding of His truth. Scripture everywhere encourages us to meditate on the truth of God’s Word and the truth about God as declared in His word. It doesn’t promote a formula of how to meditate or a mantra that opens our minds to make a connection.
Joshua 1:8 “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.”
Psalms 1:1–2 “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.”
Psalms 63:5–6 “My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips: When I remember thee upon my bed, and meditate on thee in the night watches.”
Psalms 77:11–12 “I will remember the works of the LORD: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.”
David is very clear in declaring that meditation should be rooted in understanding—based on intelligence, reason and wisdom (from the Greek).
Psalms 49:3 “My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding.”
JFB made a pertinent point: “As food would not nourish without digestion, which assimilates the food to the substance of the body, so spiritual food, in order to benefit us, needs to be appropriated by prayerful meditation.”
1Timothy 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
This chapter closed with Paul’s admonition for Timothy to pay close attention to how he lives his life and what he is teaching. I think we would word it as being careful to practice what you preach. When one is rightly dividing God’s word and applying it to his life, he is in effect saving himself from the consequences of sin and giving no reason for those who hear him to reject that truth.