1 Timothy 5 - THE FAMILY OF GOD

 

1 Timothy 5

Paul is giving special instructions to Timothy on how to take care/ to minister the family of God (Church). Kung paano siya makitungo sa kanila. Paul relates this to a family.

A family does respect, help and care for each other(V. 1-5; 7-8)

Iba man ang takbo ng mundo ngayon sa pakikitungo lalo na ang mga matatanda at bata, ang mga bata ay nawawalan na ng respeto at paggalang sa mga matatanda, pabalang sumagot at padabog kapag inuutusan. Kung ang matatanda naman ang magkamali itama natin sila ng may respeto huwag natin silang sigaw sigawan o maliitin. Huwag natin silang iwanan sa panahon ng kailangan nila ng tulong, maging handa tayong umagapay sa kanila, maging mata nila tayo sa panahong malabo na ang paningin nila, maging paa nila tayo sa sitwasyon na hindi sila makatayo, maging kamay nila tayo kapag hindi na nila kayang humawak pa, hawakan natin sila ng mahigpit. At sa tuwing nanlalamig sila maging mainit tayo na yakap na bumibigkis sa kanilang katawan. Alagaan at protektahan natin ang bawat isa sa atin. 

A family supports and appreciates each other.(17)

- let's appreciate one another for their service, effort, time and love na ibinigay sa bawat isa. Kahit simple thank you means a lot. Hindi man naghihintay ng papuri mula sa iba ngunit marapat lamang bigyan natin sila ng pakilala. Lalo ang mga nagtuturo sa atin ng tamang pamumuhay.

A family corrects each other and doesn't tolerate wrong doing(v. 11-15, V. 20)

- Love does not tolerate what is wrong if we do, there's no love at all.  

Sa pagmamahal kaakibat nito ang pagdidisiplina at ang katotohanan. Wala sa estado o edad ang pagdidisiplina at pagtatama hanggat nagkakamali tayo kailangan nating itong gawin ito ng sa gayon maging kalugod lugod tayo sa kapwa natin not to please them but to set  an example of  good living. And that is love binibigay natin ang katotohanan. At ang katotohanan ay na kay Cristo at si Cristo lamang. 

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PASTORA CZAR

1 TIMOTHY 4 - SPIRIT FITNESS

 

1 TIMOTHY 4

In this chapter, Paul warns the church to guard against false teachers and teachings, and to exercise godliness.

Guarding against false teachings (v1-5)

The threat of false teachings in the church is a reality that the body of Christ have to guard against in the early church and the same, even more so in modern times. In this context the believers in the church of Ephesus were influenced by pagan/traditional Greek beliefs of the community they lived in. Paul compares these teachers of false doctrines as hypocrites and liars, because they appear to be religious, but their consciences are dead. Does this sound familiar in the modern society we live in?

The antidote to succumbing to these false teachings are given in the following verses.

Exercise godliness (v6-16)

·       In verse 7 (ESV) it says that we should have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths, BUT instead train yourself for godliness.

·       V8 continues to state that godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

How then do we train ourselves in godliness?

·       We have our hope set in the living God, who is the Saviour of all people, especially those who believe (v10).

·       Be an example (worthy of representing Christ) to people in what you say, how you behave, acting in love, in faith and in purity (v12).

·       Devotions, continue to devote (commit and sacrifice your time) to reading of the Scriptures (your Bible), sharing the Word and teaching it to others (v13).

·       Do not neglect (in other words cherish) the spiritual gifts, given to you (v14).

·       Meditate (v15) on the word of God as given to us in the Bible, practice what you read, immerse, let yourself be washed in the word (Eph5:26). This way you will progress (be strengthened) in your faith and others will see it.

·       Most importantly we have to keep a close watch over ourselves and our teaching and persist in doing what is true and right, not only to save ourselves, but that others who hear us might also be saved (v16). We will be held accountable for what we teach others (James 3:1).

Let us reflect

·       Have I allowed and false teaching to take root in my heart and mind?

·       How do I guard against this, according to the Word of God?

·       What practical steps can I take in my daily life/habits to guard against false teaching and doctrine and persist in the truth of the Gospel (Godly doctrine)?

Let us pray

Abba Father, we thank you for Your Word that cut through flesh and bone. May you search our hearts and cut into our innermost being and show us any false beliefs that has taken root in our hearts and minds. We ask your forgiveness where we strayed from the truth and ask the Holy Spirit to heal us and lead us in all truth and pull us ever closer to You. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.

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PASTORA HESMA

1 TIMOTHY 3 - PILLARS OF TRUTH

 

1 TIMOTHY 3

GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH LEADERS

Background on the 1^st book of Timothy

The book of Timothy was written by the apostle Paul to Timothy who was serving at the church in Ephesus (Ref 1 Tim 1-3). In 1 Tim 1 Paul warned Timothy to guard against false teachers and false teachings. In 1 Tim 2 Paul started sharing instructions for the church, specifically about the right posture and attitude in worshipping God.

In Today’s passage of 1 Tim 3 Paul continues to share instructions for the church, specifically about the church leadership, i.e., elders and deacons.

1.    The conduct of elders (V1-7)

Paul starts with a statement that anyone who wants to be an elder has an honourable (noble) responsibility (v1) He then continues to give very practical advice and list the attributes a person must have to be an elder (V2-7) and similarly he also continues to list the attributes that deacons should have from (8-12).

Attributes for elders and deacons:

·       faithful to his/her spouse (v2, v12)

·       exhibits self-control (v2)

·       live wisely (v2)

·       have a good reputation (v2)

·       hospitable (v2)

·       be able to teach (v2)

·       gentle and peace loving (v3)

·       rule/manage his own household well (v4-5, v12)

·       have a good reputation, so that he will not fall into the devil’s trap and be disgraced (v7, v8)

·       they must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith (v9)

In addition, deacons should also:

·       be given other smaller responsibilities in the church first to test their character and ability (v10). If they do well, they may serve as deacons.

·       Their spouses should also have respectable characters and live with integrity (v11)

And what are characteristics that is not acceptable for an elder or deacon:

·       shouldn’t’ be a drunkard (v3, v8)

·       nor be violent or be greedy for money (v3, v8)

·       he must not be a new Christian, so that devil cannot use that pride to make him fall (v6)

 

These are very simple and clear instructions of how church leaders should behave and conduct themselves.

2.    Why then, are these attributes important in our church leaders?

The answer follows in v14 & 15 that this is the household, the church of THE LIVING GOD, which is the pillar and support of THE TRUTH. As we are members of the household of God, we ought to live holy lives and be examples of respect and integrity in the world.

3.    The truth of our faith

In verse 9 Paul states that deacons must be committed to the revealed truths of the Christian faith and then elaborates on that in v16:

·       Christ appeared to us in flesh as a human being

·       He was fully righteous in Spirit

·       Seen by the Angels

·       Announced to the nations

·       Many believed in Him in the world

·       He was taken up into heaven

 

Let us reflect?

 Are our lives and example of integrity and respect towards others?

·       Do we recognise areas where we need to repent, ask God’s forgiveness and change some of our ways?

·       Are we committed to the truth of the gospel, that Jesus Christ is the only way to our salvation and was taken up in heaven where He remains until the time of his second coming?

Let us pray

Hallelujah, Lord Jesus, we thank you for this reminder that we should always strive to be a good example and live in integrity and holiness for Your name sake. We ask your forgiveness if we have failed in any area that displeases you. We ask that you help us by your Holy Spirit to live a life worthy and holy and acceptable to your calling, In Jesus name.

Amen

- PASTORA HESMA