2 Timothy 2:²⁰ Now in a large (megas: Great, large, mighty, from which we get “mega”) house there are not only gold and silver implements (skeuos: Vessel, implement, container, instrument), but also implements of wood and of earthenware, and some are for honor while others are for dishonor. ²¹ Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be an implement for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. ²² Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ²³ But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. ²⁴ The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, ²⁵ with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”

Let’s make this practical. In our house, our kitchen has several different types of vessels or containers that hold things. We have the fancy Christmas dishes that stay in a cabinet above the frig to be pulled out at Christmas only. We have some fancy crystal drinking glasses over in an antique china cabinet that we pull out for special occasions only. We heave regular dishes, glasses, cups plates, and saucers that we use all the time. We have regular cooking pots but then we also have fancy cooking pots. Obviously we have some vessels that are held in higher honor than others. But we also have a garbage bin or trash can that we put leftover food and trash in. We have a garbage disposal that we put leftover or bad food in. They do not have much honor in our kitchen. Even these vessels are needed and part of our kitchen.

It is the same with God’s vessels, i.e. Christians. Some Christians are very special to God, useful for doing His work. Some will bear more fruit and do more good works for God, but they are “useful”, “prepared for every good work”. Matthew 13:²³ But the one sown with seed on the good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces, some a hundred, some sixty, and some thirty times as much.” Some Christians are not useful at all. They might still be saved by God’s grace, but they bear little or no fruit. Maybe Luke 8:14 they are the thorny soil that is so preoccupied by the worries, riches and pleasures of this life that they bear no fruit. 1 Peter 1:⁸ For if these qualities (moral excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, love) are yours and are increasing, they do not make you useless nor unproductive in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ For the one who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.”

So how does a Christian become more “useful”, sanctified (i.e. set apart for special use), prepared for every good work? 1) By cleansing ourselves from worthless debates over words and issues, and foolish and ignorant speculations 2:23. 2) By cleansing ourselves from “youthful lusts” (youthful b/c Paul is writing to a young man Timothy but lusts apply to all of us. Then, once you have done a “self-cleansing”, pursue ” righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” Back to the kitchen analogy. You might have a special Christmas pot, but it has some very old moldy food in it from being in the frig several days. It is of no use until you get rid of the old food, cleanse it (wash it), and then you can use it to put the meat or potatoes that you just cooked. But you must get rid of the bad food, cleanse it, and then you can use it for good food. Too many of us who are supposed to be special vessels of the gospel for God to us are of no value b/c we have so many hidden sins. Our motives for even going to church are not pure. We must get rid of the bad sins and pursue the good things Paul spoke of. Then we will be of use for the Master.

2 Corinthians 4:⁷ But we have this treasure (the saving gospel) in earthen containers (skeuos: Vessel, implement, container, instrument, same as 2 Tim 2:20), so that the extraordinary greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves.” It is amazing that God would send His Son to die horribly on the cross for our sins but then entrust the spreading of the gospel with weak, fallible humans. If God wants everyone to hear the gospel, which he does, and be saved, why not some miraculous way that doesn’t depend on humans? I can’t imagine how that could be. At least in the first century, He gave miraculous gifts to apostles, prophets, evangelists, elders and teachers (Eph 4:11) to spread the gospel and deliver the once for all time truth. But then (I am a cessationist who believe those miracles have ceased) the miracles stopped by the end of the first century and since then it is uninspired, fallible men who have interpreted and spread the Bible and the gospel. Not only that, men have engaged in endless debate over the Bible and what it means. Others have gone off into “foolish speculation” (like the book of Mormon) and cults. So if you are trying to teach the Bible and the gospel to others, it can easily end up in debate, arguments, quarrels, pride, dissention, division, etc. So how does that special vessel of the gospel handle such debates? 2 Timothy 2:²³ But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. ²⁴ The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, ²⁵ with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” With a gentle, loving disposition. Not argumentative or quarrelsome. Patient. Skillful in teaching (you must know the book backward and forward). You can’t let your pride get in the way. If the false teacher attacks you, you must turn the other cheek and turn it over to God. Be kind, not overly aggressive or pushy. Be a good listener and try to find points of agreement if there are any. I’m afraid a lot of the preachers in my denomination didn’t do all that. Many of them stood in the pulpit openly judging and condemning people in different denominations. Their attitude hindered many from accepting truth even if they were teaching truth. Many times they were too blind to see the legitimate points of the opponent.

So, an interesting section.

1 Timothy 6:¹¹ But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. ¹² Fight the good fight of faith;take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ I direct you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, ¹⁴ that you keep the commandment without fault or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.”

Those who teach and preach the word must “flee” (pheugó: to flee, escape, avoid: it can be translated “run away from”) from “controversial questions and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions” and pursue (diókó: To pursue, persecute, chase, press forward) the good things mentioned. Paul uses this idea of “fleeing” certain things elsewhere. 2 Timothy 2:²² Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ²³ But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. ²⁴ The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, skillful in teaching, patient when wronged, ²⁵ with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” There is the “gentleness” of 1 Timothy 6:11 things to pursue. 1 Corinthians 6:¹⁸ Flee sexual immorality. Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. ¹⁹ Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? ²⁰ For you have been bought for a price: therefore glorify God in your body.” 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it”. The word flee can also be translated “escape”. 1 Corinthians 10:¹⁴ Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.” Remember: Ephesians 5:⁵ For this you know with certainty, that no sexually immoral or impure or greedy person, which amounts to an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.” Greed (the desire for more) is idolatry, the worship of things ahead of God. Luke 12.15: “Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” Joesph fled from temptation: Genesis 39:7-22 (KJV)And it came to pass about this time, that Joseph went into the house to do his business; and there was none of the men of the house there within. And she caught him by his garment, saying, Lie with me: and he left his garment in her hand, and fled, and got him out.” You can’t just stand there and think about whether you should do something or not. You should already have the conviction that you will not get near something bad. You will be aware of the danger when you see it. When you are caught in a tornado, you know to run, drive away as fast as you can in the opposite direction. You look for an “escape” route when there is a fire in a building. All this applies to temptation and to getting caught up in “controversial questions and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions”.

“Fight the good fight of faith”. As he sat in a Roman prison (his 2nd imprisonment after being released from his 2 years of “house arrest” of Acts 28), awaiting imminent beheading by Nero, he wrote this: 2 Timothy 4:⁷ I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith; ⁸ in the future there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.” So Paul lived what he preached. “I have fought the good fight” is also significant for believers today because it serves as a stark reminder that the Christian life is a struggle against evil—within ourselves and in the world: I think that is what the “good fight” is, i.e the fight against evil-within ourselves and in the world. The Greek word for “fight” is agónizomai: To strive, to struggle, to fight, to labor fervently (from which we get “agonize”). It can be translated “compete” as in 1 Corinthians 9:NAS: Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control”. It can be used of fighting in warfare. From gotquestions.org “Our battle is not with flesh and blood “but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). The Christian life is a fight in that Christians face a never-ending struggle against evil—not an earthly military campaign, but a spiritual battle against Satan. This is why we must “take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day” (see Ephesians 6:13-18).” Paul was a warrior in spiritual battle. He fought or contended with false teachers in the church. He fought with those trying to kill him or persecute him. He fought through many dangers without quitting, surrendering, or turning back. Our battle is not with flesh and blood “but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).” Paul reminded Timothy to “endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” (2 Timothy 2:3). We are fighting evil in our own spiritual battles, but we are also fighting the Lord’s battles against evil as His soldiers. The Israelites soldiers went out fighting the Lord’s enemies, but they were fighting the Lord’s battles. But can you imagine a soldier during WWII sitting around in a nice cozy office while a battle is raging right around them? Is that us? We have become complacent. We still go to church and believe in the right doctrines, but we compromise so much. We don’t really fight to put off sin in our lives. We don’t fight to defend the truth against all the false doctrine that is out there. We are not bad people. We just don’t really get our hands dirty in the spiritual warfare out there.

What is the “good confession” that Paul told Timothy to be faithful to? 6:12 “take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and for which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. ¹³ I direct you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate.”  What was the confession Jesus made before Pilate? I believe that is found in Matthew 26:⁶² The high priest stood up and said to Him, “Do You offer no answer for what these men are testifying against You?” ⁶³ But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I place You under oath by the living God, to tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” ⁶⁴ Jesus *said to him, “You have said it yourself. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming on the clouds of heaven.” Jesus confessed to Pilate “You got it right Pilate, I am the Christ the Son of God.” Peter made the good confession in Matthew 16: ¹⁵ He *said to them, “But who do you yourselves say that I am?” ¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” ¹⁷ And Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” Martha made the good confession” John 11:²⁷ She *said to Him, “Yes, Lord; I have come to believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, and He who comes into the world.” It is a public confession of faith. Romans 10:9–10 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”

Timothy was to “take hold (epilambanomai: To take hold of, to seize, to grasp, to help) of the eternal life to which he was called.” (AI) “The verb ἐπιλαμβάνομαι is used in the New Testament to describe the act of taking hold of something or someone, often with a sense of urgency or purpose. It can imply a physical grasp, as well as a metaphorical or spiritual seizing. The term is used in contexts where there is an intervention, assistance, or a decisive action taken.” The Christian pursuit of eternal life is not a passive thing that we just sit back and let God do all the work saving us (as Calvinism teaches). We can’t earn eternal life, but we must actively reach out and grab it. If someone is handing you a package that is really important, then you don’t just sit back and admire it. You reach out and grab it so you can possess it and enjoy what’s in the package.

1 Timothy 6:¹⁴ that you keep the commandment without fault or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, ¹⁵ which He will bring about at the proper time—He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, ¹⁶ who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen.” This quite an expression of praise to God the Father, the only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords. The Father would bring about the 2nd coming at the proper time. He alone possesses immortality. I do not believe that every person born has an eternal “soul” that, when he dies, must exist eternally after death. The Hebrew word for soul just means “life force”. God breathed into man and he became a living soul. But the same word is used for the life in animals, and they don’t have eternal souls. God only promises immortality to believers in Jesus. 1 Corinthians 15:⁵³ For this perishable must put on the imperishable, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴ But when this perishable puts on the imperishable, and this mortal puts on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written: “Death has been swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵ Where, O Death, is your victory? Where, O Death, is your sting?” ⁵⁶ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the Law; ⁵⁷ but thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

God dwells in “unapproachable light”. What does that mean? We know that “God is light” but what does that mean? God is a spirit who fills the universe, but He is not some bright light everywhere in the universe. What did Moses see when God put him behind a rock and let his see God’s “back side”? It had to be some bright shining light. Moses would talk to God face to face and then come out with his face shining. Was God a bright light in that tent of meeting with Moses? Maybe in the spiritual world of the “heavenlies” God is a bright light, but we just can’t see in now in the flesh. We can only see it when we die and go into the presence of God in the heavenlies.

You would think the letter would end with that great praise, but Paul has one last charge for Timothy. Maybe he was about to end the letter and thought of this last charge. 1 Timothy 6:²⁰ Timothy, protect what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly, empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called “knowledge”— ²¹ which some have professed and thereby have gone astray from the faith.” What are the arguments of what is falsely (pseudónumos: Falsely named, false from which we get pseudonym, a fictitious name) called knowledge (gnosis, knowledge) From bibleref.com
“Paul also repeats a common theme of his instructions to church leaders: steer clear of false knowledge and shallow arguments. Among the false teachings in Ephesus was a philosophy which would soon be known as Gnosticism, named from the Greek root word for “knowledge.” Gnostic ideas presented matter as evil and spirit as good. Depending on the flavor of Gnostic teaching, the sins committed in the body either did not matter or all pleasures of the body were inherently wrong. Timothy was to stay away from such false teachings which contradicted the “sound doctrine” Paul had taught him (1 Timothy 1:8–11).” (AI) “The use of “pseudónumos” in the New Testament reflects a concern with false teachings that were prevalent in the early church. These teachings often masqueraded as legitimate Christian doctrine but were contrary to the apostolic teaching. The early church faced various heresies and false teachings, such as Gnosticism, which claimed to offer secret knowledge.” “In the Greco-Roman world, knowledge was highly valued, often associated with philosophy and intellectual pursuit. In the context of early Christianity, “gnósis” took on a distinct meaning, emphasizing not just intellectual understanding but also experiential and relational knowledge of God. This was in contrast to the Gnostic heresies that emerged in the early church, which claimed secret knowledge for salvation.” Gnosticism didn’t fully develop until the 3rd century, but the roots of it were present even in the first century. Gnostic ideas have impacted Western philosophy and spirituality, particularly through the rediscovery of the Nag Hammadi library. Books like the Gospel of Thomas consist of secret sayings given only to the apostle Thomas. It was not written by Thomas, probably written in the 3rd century, as were other gnostic books. Colossians 2:⁸ See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ. ²⁰ If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, ²¹ “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” ²² (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of man? ²³ These are matters which do have the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.”

I end my articles on 1 Timothy the same way Paul ended the letter.

“Grace be with you”. I hope you benefited from at least some of the articles.

1 Timothy 6:³ If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, ⁴ he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a sick craving for controversial questions and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, ⁵ and constant friction between people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. 

I found this: “The doctrine that conforms to godliness is a pure and purifying doctrine that aims to teach a proper way of life and a right state of mind. It is more than a collection of intellectual truths, but rather a way to promote spiritual growth and well-being. 

In the Bible, 1 Timothy 6:3-8 describes the doctrine that conforms to godliness as a sound instruction that is free of corruption and error. It says that those who teach a different doctrine or disagree with the words of Jesus Christ are puffed up and do not understand. It also says that these people are more interested in word disputes and controversial questions, which can lead to envy, strife, and abusive language. 

Godliness is defined biblically as conforming to God’s character in thoughts, feelings, actions, and desires.”

“Sound” (hugiainó: To be sound, to be healthy, to be well: used in Luke 7:10 they found the slave in “good health”) words. The pastoral epistles (1,2 Timothy and Titus) are full of admonition to teach sound words, sound doctrine. 1 Timothy 1:10; 6:3, 2 Timothy 4:3; Titus 1:9, 13; 2:1,2). The sound words of “our Lord Jesus Christ”. That would be the 4 gospels. The core teaching of Christianity are the teachings of Jesus as found in the gospels. Sure, there are a lot of issues, commands, etc. that Jesus did not cover. He left the Holy Spirit with the apostles to preach the completed gospel message (the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. John 16:¹³ But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” Jesus teaches about the things that really matter: love, service, faith, sacrifice, suffering, surrender, peace, the new birth, compassion, forgiveness, the kingdom of God, discipleship, repentance, prayer, humility, judgement, riches, lust, denying self, sin, His Deity, His death/burial/resurrection, obedience, kingdom living (the sermon on the mount Mt 5-7), eternal life, the Holy Spirit, fear, worry, joy, etc. But Jesus left the details of applying those teachings in churches with all the issues and problems that go along with bringing sinners into one saved body of believers from different backgrounds. Acts tells of the apostles preaching the gospel, witnessing the resurrection, establishing churches, doing mission work. 1 Corinthians deals with church division, law suits among member, immorality in the church, strong/weak brother issues, marriage issues, women’s role, Lord’s Supper problems, miraculous gifts problems, assembly problems, resurrection issues. Romans deals with Judaizers who are leading believers back to the Law instead of salvation by grace through faith. Ephesians gets into some heavy theological doctrines like predestination. Colossians fights the heresy facing the church there. 2 Thessalonians mainly deal with the 2nd coming issues. 1 Timothy gives basic instructions about women’s roles, elders, deacons, widows, the basic creed of the church (3:16). Revelation is about the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the fulfillment of Jesus’ predictions in Matthew 24.

But all those topics, issues, and problems dealt with in the book of Acts and the other 22 letters of the New Testament have been the source of endless debates. Calvinism vs Arianism. Catholicism vs Protestantism. How to be saved. Women’s roles in the church. Church governance. Baptism: sprinkling, pouring, immersion, of infants, purpose of baptism. Fulfillment of prophecy today: eschatology (study of end times, many different views). Marriage and divorce. Inspiration of the Scriptures. Deity of Jesus: first few councils dealt with multiple “heresies” about the nature of Jesus. Catholicism vs Orthodox split (11th century) issues. Catholicism vs Reformation differences. Catholicism vs Church of England bloody history. Religious wars. Pacifism or not. Role of Israel and Bible prophesy. Gay marriage and homosexuality. LGBQT. The abortion issue.

Most of these debates are healthy as honest, sincere, God fearing leaders seek to understand the word of God for the church for all times and cultures. But many of these debates had led to “a sick craving for controversial questions and disputes about words, from which come envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, ⁵ and constant friction between people of depraved mind and deprived of the truth”. What is the source of these things? Church leaders and preachers “who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.” The bottom line: men and women leading the church and preaching for money. Men depraved of “the truth”, i.e. the basic core truth of the gospel as delivered by Jesus and the apostles. Of course, I believe I have most of the correct answers on most of the controversial issues! I try to teach the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15), but I also get caught up in debates over words. I believe Calvinism is wrong. I am a full preterist and I believe most all latter day eschatology teaching is wrong. I believe the LGBQT movement is wrong. I believe in the verbal, plenary (full) inspiration of Scripture, including the writings of the apostle Paul. I believe in baptism (immersion) for the forgiveness of sins of those old enough to believe, not infants. I believe that Jesus is the head of the church, not the Pope. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. I believe that life begins at conception and that abortion is taking the life of a living being. In other words, basic conservatism! Basic fundamentalism.

I realize that there are many godly, sincere leaders and preachers who disagree with some or all of my positions. Most things we can “agree to disagree”. But some things are essential to salvation. The LGBQT issue, for example. To me, that is black and white. Anyone who promotes homosexuality and homosexual marriage is “depraved of the truth”. The abortion issue is another black and white thing to me. The thing that really bothers me is how much money is collected in church contributions in the name of Jesus that is used “as a means of godliness”. The recent split in the Methodist church over the LGBQT debate for example. The truth on that issue is so plain that it makes me wonder if it is all about preachers keeping their jobs, and church leaders controlling the flock and the money collected. Maybe we should address the whole issue of the paid preacher system that has helped promotes a lot of false teaching. Maybe we would be better just to have our house churches with no paid preacher system: just sincere believers studying and searching for the truth of God’s word, for free!

Take a look at all the cults and latter day prophet movements over the past 2,000 years of church history. Joseph Smith and Mormonism. David Koresh and the Branch Davidians (Waco). Jim Jones and the Peoples’ Temple (the Guyana tragedy). Many, many more. What were the motives of most of those false prophets? Some were just sincerly trying to interpret the Bible prophecies. Like William Miller who thought he had Daniel 8 figured out and taught that the 2nd coming would be in 1843 AD, which it wasn’t. I don’t think he was preaching that for money. He was just sincerely wrong and admitted so. But in the end, most of the time the motivation of false teachers was pride, sex, power, and money.

2 Peter 2:1-3 But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”

Those verses say it all. Sex (sensuality), money (greed), power and control (explot you). Titus 1:11 They must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.” 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God’s word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ. Acts 20:29-30 I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them. Matthew 7:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. And there will always be an audience to follow and pay those false teachers. 2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.

I believe that, more than ever, we need to follow 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” I am proud of the conservative, anti-LGBQT churches that have made a stand and we need to support them. I have a co-worker who has been crushed by her church’s liberal decisions. I need to encourage her that she is doing the right thing. With all the “liberalism” in churches today, it is time for the conservative, fundamentalists to stand up and be counted.

1 Timothy 6:⁶ But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. ⁷ For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it, either. ⁸ If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 

What a great truth: “godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment”. The gain of godliness is eternal life, not material or monetary blessings in this life. Jesus made that plaiin. Matthew 16:26 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” Matthew 19:²⁷ Then Peter responded and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?” ²⁸ And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ²⁹ And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms on account of My name, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.” It is not a “reward” system based on works, but there is a great reward. Hebrews 11:⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for the one who comes to God must believe that He exists, and that He proves to be One who rewards those who seek Him.” Paul adds “when accompanied by contentment”. Why do you think he added that? Is it maybe because many who follow Jesus do so grudgingly, out of guilt, and not joyfully? They go to church and act religious but they are miserable. They give some money to the church, but inside they are greedy. The Greek word pleonexia means “the desire for more” (often more of what others have, i.e. coveting what they have). Godliness is a means of great gain, both in this life and in the life to come. Jesus came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10). We should be content with our wages, our standard of living, our clothes, our homes, our jobs. That doesn’t mean that we can’t try to improve those things, but the key is being content with what we do have even if we can’t improve those things. Phlippians 4:¹¹ Not that I speak from need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. ¹² I know how to get along with little, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. ¹³ I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” Are you content?

Back then Paul goes right back to the money thing. ⁹ But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap, and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge people into ruin and destruction. ¹⁰ For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” It’s not just the preachers preaching for money here. This applies to all of us, clergy and laity. Money is not the “root of all evil”. It is the “love of money”. The love of money is what motivates people to lie, steal, cheat, gamble, embezzle, and even murder. People who have a love for money lack the godliness and contentment that is true gain in God’s eyes. Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 Those who love money and wealth will never be satisfied and will gain nothing except to look at their riches. The more wealth people have, the more friends they have to help spend it.” Even being rich is not condemned by God. Abraham, the father of believers, was rich in herds and sheep. Being rich can be a blessing as you pass the riches on to others on behalf of God. But Jesus warns: “Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:23–24). This is a hard saying, especially for 21st-century people living in North America. Jesus is saying that wealth is one of the biggest obstacles to coming to faith in Christ. The reason is obvious: wealth becomes a slave master in our lives and drives us to do all sorts of things that drive us further and further away from God. The good news is that what is impossible for man, entering into the Kingdom of God, is possible with God (Matthew 19:26). (From gotquestions.org). I’m sure all of us know someone who was a faithful Christian until they got a lot of money and they left the faith and became preoccupied with their money and materialism.

In the U.S., most of us middle class church Christians are so blessed with material goods and money. That can be a great blessing as we share those things with others. We give millions to organizations that drill wells for clean water, print Bibles to preach the gospel, feed the poor, rescue child force prostitution kids, give food to people in refugee camps due to war/conflict. Of course, we spend 80% of what churches collect on ourselves, which I think is really bad, but that is another subject. But most of us must heed Jesus’ warning. Has our love of money and greed (desire for more) taken over our motives, our time, our spending? Are we like the thorny soil in Luke 8: ¹⁴ And the seed which fell among the thorns, these are the ones who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked by worries, riches, and pleasures of this life, and they bring no fruit to maturity.” We spend way too much on pleasures. Materialism just produces a lot of worry also. Worry about not losing our wealth. I think I was more devoted to God’s work and saving souls back in my 20’s when we did mission work, living on the poverty level income (though comfortable), with no church health insurance or retirement plan for my new family. Now, I have more than ever, blessed by God even though I never took a job b/c of what it paid or turned down a job (the Lord’s work somewhere in missions or in Christian education) b/c of what it paid. But then I worry about insuring cars and houses and health and paying utilities and taxes and how much it takes now just to pay the bills that maintain our relatively high standard of living (we have been blessed with a nice house and cars). So now I am less committed to the Lord’s work and saving souls. Maybe even not as content as back in my 20’s when we had very little.

Skipping around a little, we go down to 1 Timothy 6:¹⁷ Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to set their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. ¹⁸ Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, ¹⁹ storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.” Seems to me like these verses should go right after verse 11. That phrase: “the uncertainty of riches”.  Proverbs 11:28 warns that “he who trusts in his riches will fall.” Proverbs 23:4–5 adds, “Do not weary yourself to gain wealth, cease from your consideration of it. When you set your eyes on it, it is gone. For wealth certainly makes itself wings, like an eagle that flies toward the heavens.” Proverbs 23:5 “Cast but a glance at riches and they are gone. For they will certainly sprout wings and fly off like an eagle.” Jesus warned: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal …” (Matthew 6:19-20). Part of one’s riches back then was expensive garments, which moths or rats could destroy. Rust could destroy metallic gold or silver coins. Stock markets go up and down, even crash. Banks fail. Tornados, fires, and hurricanes destroy homes. An embezzler depletes your 401K plan. You are fired from a high paying job. A thief breaks into your home and steal precious jewelry. You have an uninsured medical emergency that wipes out your savings. (AI) “Your riches and money could fail through various means, including economic downturns or a depression, poor investment choices, unexpected expenses, legal issues and lawsuits, lifestyle inflation, business failures, natural disasters, and even simply not managing your wealth wisely, potentially leading to significant losses or depletion of your funds.” Identity theft. Phone scams. Don’t set your hope on the uncertainty of riches, which could be here today, gone tomorrow.

Set your hope on God. He adds, “who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy”. That is an important phrase. The Gnostics said that all fleshly things were evil and that one should deny himself of all normal pleasures. God said that we can enjoy things as long as we don’t set our hope on those things, as long as those things don’t master us and make us greedy. Ecclesiastes 5:19-20 (ESV)Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.” Tell the rich to focus on being rich in good works, not rich in money. To be generous and ready to share. To store up treasure in heaven that will help you to receive eternal life. That is the only life that really matters, i.e. eternal life, “truly life”.

A good closing warnin from Deut. 8.10-14: “When you have eaten and are satisfied, you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land which He has given you. Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments and His ordinances and His statutes which I am commanding you today; otherwise, when you have eaten and are satisfied, and have built good houses and lived in them, and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and gold multiply, and all that you have multiplies, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God who brought you out from the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.”

Something for me to think about! What about you?

1 Timothy 5:1 Do not sharply rebuke (epipléssó: To rebuke, to reprove, to chide: It implies a strong, often public, expression of disapproval or correction) an older man, but rather appeal to him as a father, and to the younger men as brothers, ² to the older women as mothers, and to the younger women as sisters, in all purity.” Paul would tell Timothy: 2 Timothy 4:² preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and exhort, with great patience and instruction”. So there might come a time when he would need to publicly correct or rebuke a church member, but how he should do it is important. Instead of being harsh and dictatorial, try to approach them in love as you would a family member, as you would your own father or mother, respecting their age. Or a family brother, in love. Especially be careful how you correct a younger women, in all purity. Too many church preachers have gotten into sexual temptation while counseling a woman.

I often wonder what Paul is thinking as he wrote his letters. What was his flow of thoughts? He had just commented on older members and younger members in 5:1-2. Did that lead him into “how to approach widows”? Obviously caring for widows was of special importance to Paul. To God also. (AI) “In the Old Testament, the care of widows was considered a significant responsibility, with the Bible repeatedly instructing people to treat widows with compassion, provide for their needs, and protect them from exploitation, essentially portraying God as a defender of the widow and expecting his people to do the same; this included leaving food for them in the fields and setting aside a special tithe for their support.” Deuteronomy 14:28,29: ²⁸ “At the end of every third year you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in that year, and you shall deposit it in your town. “You are to set aside a portion for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow in your land, so that they may eat and be satisfied; then the Lord your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.” Exodus 22:22:“Do not mistreat any widow or fatherless child.” Psalm 68:5:“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” Deuteronomy 26:12-13 Every third year, the year of the tithe, give a tenth of your produce to the Levite, the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow so that they may eat their fill in your cities. And then, in the Presence of God, your God, say this: I have brought the sacred share, I’ve given it to the Levite, foreigner, orphan, and widow. What you commanded, I’ve done. I haven’t detoured around your commands, I haven’t forgotten a single one.” Jeremiah 7:⁶ if you do not oppress (or expoloit) the stranger, the orphan, or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place, nor follow other gods to your own ruin, ⁷ then I will let you live in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers forever and ever.” Zechariah 7:⁹ “This is what the Lord of armies has said: ‘Dispense true justice and practice kindness and compassion each to his brother; ¹⁰ and do not oppress the widow or the orphan, the stranger or the poor; and do not devise evil in your hearts against one another.’” Malachi 3:⁵ “Then I will come near to you for judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, those who oppress the wage earner in his wages or the widow or the orphan, and those who turn away the stranger from justice and do not fear Me,” says the Lord of armies.” Deuteronomy 24:17-21 “You shall not pervert the justice due to the sojourner or to the fatherless, or take a widow’s garment in pledge, but you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this. “When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over them again. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not strip it afterward. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.” Ruth “gleaned” in the fields of Boaz. Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Isaiah 10:1 Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees,2 to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless.”

James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.” The Greek word for “visit” is episkeptomai: To visit, to look after, to care for. (AI) “In the Greco-Roman world, visiting someone was not merely a social call but often carried the connotation of providing support or assistance. This cultural understanding is reflected in the New Testament usage, where visiting is often linked with acts of mercy, care, and oversight. In Jewish tradition, visiting the sick and caring for the needy were considered acts of righteousness and piety, aligning with the biblical emphasis on love and community responsibility.” You visit a widow with the intent of seeing what they need and then helping them.

So we come to some special instructions concerning widows. 1 Timothy 5:³ Honor widows who are actually widows; ⁴ but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show proper respect for their own family and to give back compensation to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God. ⁵ Now she who is actually a widow and has been left alone has set her hope on God, and she continues in requests and prayers night and day. ⁶ But she who indulges herself in luxury is dead, even while she lives. ⁷ Give these instructions as well, so that they may be above reproach. 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.” What does he mean by “actually widows” or “actually a widow”? He is talking about a widow who meet certain qualifications that would make them eligible for regular assistance from the church. First of all, she must “be left alone” with no family members that could take care of her. But what if there is a family member who could take care of a family widown but doesn’t? I’m sure Paul would say “take care of that widow”, but he would say “don’t put her on the list of widows to be given regular assistance”. Secondly, she must not be a widow who “indulges herself in luxury”.

The Old Testament had instructions for the care of widows, even a tithe every third year for the care of widows and orphans. There would no such laws for the care of widows in the Roman Empire when. Paul wrote 1 Timothy. There was no “state welfare” system. Family members were expected to take care of their widows. Paul expected family members to take care of their own widows. But the early church had a “list” of “actually widows” or “widows indeed” (KJV ) who received regular help and food. Acts 6 is an example of this. The Grecian widows were being neglected so 7 men were chosen to provide food for those widows, no doubt on a daily basis such as “meals of wheels” today takes food every day to the needy elderly. Widows in the U.S. often don’t even need help from family members. My mom was widowed twice, but she did not need financial help from me. She had social security, a teacher’s retirement benefit, and a surviving widow’s benefit from the military. She did not “indulge in luxury” (1 Timothy 5:6) but she had enough money to take care of herself in her own apartment. She did not need help from me or the church. But many widows in the U.S. maybe only have social security (or perhaps no social security depending on having worked or a deceased husband’s social security).

But which widows could be put on this list for regular church help? 1 Timothy 5:⁹ A widow is to be put on the list only if she is not less than sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 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. ¹¹ But refuse to register younger widows, for when they feel physical desires alienating them from Christ, they want to get married, ¹² thereby incurring condemnation, because they have ignored their previous pledge. ¹³ At the same time they also learn to be idle, as they go around from house to house; and not merely idle, but also they become gossips and busybodies, talking about things not proper to mention. ¹⁴ Therefore, I want younger widows to get married, have children, manage their households, and give the enemy no opportunity for reproach; ¹⁵ for some have already turned away to follow Satan. ¹⁶ If any woman who is a believer has dependent widows, she must assist them and the church must not be burdened, so that it may assist those who are actually widows.“

Pretty stringent requirements for a widow to be placed on this list. “At least 60 years old” would be a key one. Qualified widows apparently had to make a pledge of some kind to be put on the list. I would love to see what that pledge was. He mentioned younger widows having “physical desires” (sexual), wanting to get married. So the pledge was probably that the widow would pledge to abstain from sex, courting a man, etc. Paul says that the younger widows tended to have those physical desires, be idle gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not mention. He tells the younger widows to get married, have children, and manage their households. Younger widows who behaved badly was apparently a problem in the church when Paul wrote b/c “some had already turned away to follow Satan”.

(AI) “Early Christian Church leaders did embrace the obligation to care for the most vulnerable—the third century Didascalia Apostolorum outlined numerous provisions of the responsibilities of the bishops towards widows and orphans, who were interestingly also considered Church officials.” Support: The church provided material support for widows. Community: The church incorporated widows into the community. Honor: The church honored widows’ contributions to the common good. Special status: Widows enjoyed a special status in the church and were able to serve in a particular manner. Order of Widows: The church organized formal groups of widows as part of its orders of ministry. “By the 3rd century (by 250 AD) the church at Rome had over 1500 registered widows and recipients of alms. The city was divided into seven administrative districts, or diaconiae, under the care of seven deacons. Instead of the Roman state distributing bread, the deacons looked after it.” Here is a great article from Christian History Institute on this topic. https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/new-era-in-roman-healthcare

The Romans looked to the god Asclepios, the god of medicine and healing, for immediate healing but there was nothing in place for long term caring for widows and orphans. Unwanted childen were often left out in the cold to die. Widows were left to die. The sick had not hospitals to go to. It was Christians who started hospitals and care facilities. “In the early fourth century, lay Christian orders began to appear in the large cities of the Eastern Roman Empire. The two best known were the spoudaioi (“the zealous ones”) and (in Egypt) the philoponoi (“lovers of labor”). The mission of these groups, drawn mostly from the lower classes, was to reach out to the indigent sick in cities such as Alexandria and Antioch. These cities had a large population of homeless sick and dying on the streets. The philoponoi would distribute food and money to them and take them to the public baths, where their basic hygienic needs could be met and they could find warmth in winter. None had medical training, but they were motivated by compassionate concern. Over time they became an intermediate order between clerical orders and laymen, and in the sixth and seventh centuries they were attached to large churches in the major cities of the Byzantine Empire and continued the long tradition of church-centered diaconal care of the sick.” (from the CHI article) “Many movements in the history of Christian philanthropy have drawn on the legacy of early Christian medical care. Roman Catholics have excelled in organizing and institutionalizing medical charities, including hospitals, most of them maintained by religious orders of women. The Sisters of Charity, founded by St. Vincent de Paul (1580–1660), became a major force in caring for the sick.”

Here is another CHI article about the Christians and the church establishing places to help the poor and the sick, which would include widows. https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/from-poorhouse-to-hospital

Here is another CHI article: https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/article/timeline-healthcare-and-hospitals

This article gives a timeline for a timeline of “healthcare and hospitals in the mission of the church”:

Early 2nd century: Christians by this time have developed church infrastructure to assist the sick. This assistance is usually led by deacons and deaconesses and focuses on palliative care.

— Late 2nd century: Galen (c. 131–201) practices as a physician and publishes the medical treatises that will form the basis of Western medicine for centuries.

— 250–51: Devastating plague spreads throughout the Western Roman Empire, causing the church to expand its program of benevolence. The church at Rome is said to minister to 1,500 widows and others in need, spending annually an estimated 500,000 to 1,000,000 sesterces.

— 4th century: Bishops in the eastern half of the empire begin to establish xenodocheia as Christian welfare institutions for the sick and poor.

— 330: Basil of Caesarea (c. 330–379) is born into a Christian family from Cappadocia in Asia Minor (central Turkey).

—360: Basil founds his hospital in Cappadocia; he is ordained bishop in 370.

— The decades after 370: In Constantinople, Alexandria, and throughout the Eastern empire, many hospitals are founded on the example of Basil’s great “Basileum.”

— Late 4th century: John Chrysostom (c. 349–407) tells us that the Great Church in Antioch, Syria, supported 3,000 widows and unmarried women, as well as the sick, the poor, and travelers.

— Late 4th century: Fabiola (d. 399?) establishes first Roman hospitals.

In the U.S., many widows need financial help, but often they don’t need financial help and are neglected by the church. My mom was an example of that. She did not need financial help but she loved the few visits that she received from a few, only a few, church members. One man and his wife, Keith and Jamie Coates, visited her every month without fail. Dorothy Minor, the wife of Hugh Minor, a long time ministry associate of mine, would visit my mom every week for Bible study (mom teaching her). Those visits helped my mom so much. That was what she needed; not money or food. But how many members of our church at that time visited my mom, a widow, or any other widows, on a regular basis. Or how many widows did I visit and look after emotionally and spiritually, if not financially.

5:17-22 is about elders and I included thoughts on these verses in the 1 Timothy 3 article on elders.

Actually 5:23-24 sounds connected to 5:17-22. It seems that Paul is stll talking about elders who sin and need to be rebuked. So it is intersting that between 5:22 and 5:24 Paul says: ²³ Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.” Why throw that in here? Sometimes we may be talking to someone about a topic and remember something that we wanted to tell them about something else, so we pause and do a BTW on the 2nd topic. And then we resume the first topic. For whatever reason, Paul wanted to tell Timothy to use a little wine for his stomach and frequent ailments. Wine was a common drink in the early church. Even elders and deacons could drink wine as long as not too much wine and not addicted to wine. But apparently Timothy was a “tee-totaler” and drank no wine. Was he concerned that drinking wine might hurt his influence? Here is an article that discusses the many benefits of red wine, especially for heart health and digestion. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/265635 Maybe Paul found this out from his traveling companion, Dr. Luke. Of course, drinking too much alcohol can cause a lot of problems, including addiction and cirrhosis of the liver. Paul condemned drunkenness: Galatians 5:¹⁹ Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, ²⁰ idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, ²¹ envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Ephesians 5:¹⁸ And do not get drunk with wine, in which there is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.” Romans 13:¹³ Let’s behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and debauchery, not in strife and jealousy.” 1 Peter 4:³ For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries. ⁴ In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of debauchery, and they slander you.” The Greek for “debauchery” is asótia: Dissipation, debauchery, profligacy, reckless living. These comments from biblehub.com on asotia: “Usage: The term “asótia” refers to a lifestyle characterized by excess, indulgence, and a lack of moral restraint. It implies a squandering of resources, both material and spiritual, in pursuit of hedonistic pleasures. In the New Testament, it is used to describe behaviors that are contrary to the disciplined and righteous life expected of believers. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, “asótia” was often associated with the behavior of those who lived extravagantly and without regard for societal norms or personal responsibility. Such lifestyles were typically marked by excessive drinking, sexual immorality, and wastefulness. The term would have been understood by early Christians as a warning against adopting the hedonistic practices prevalent in the surrounding pagan culture.” Drunkenness leads to debauchery or reckless living. These verses sound a lot like today’s society. Binge drinking is basically getting drunk. Large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time.

Particularly concerning is drinkin alcohol among college students ages 18-22. Prevalence of Drinking: According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 49.0% of full-time college students ages 18–22 drank alcohol in the past month.¹

Prevalence of Binge Drinking: According to the 2022 NSDUH, 28.9% of full-time college students ages 18–22 reported binge drinking in the past month.¹

Prevalence of Heavy Alcohol Use: According to the 2022 NSDUH, 7.4% of full-time college students ages 18–22 reported heavy alcohol use in the past month.²

From alcohol help.com https://www.alcoholhelp.com/resources/college-alcohol-abuse/

“A large percentage of college students consume alcohol by binge drinking. Binge drinking is defined as when a person consumes an excessive amount of alcohol in a short timeframe. For men, binge drinking involves drinking five or more alcoholic beverages in two hours. On the other hand, binge drinking for women is considered four or more drinks within a two-hour time period.

The high-risk period of binge drinking for college students is during the first six weeks of their freshman year. Many of these students fall into peer pressure and begin drinking soon after the first day of classes. Alcohol use is commonly viewed as the “college experience” that students desire. They want to fit in and make new friends, so they keep drinking without thinking about the potential consequences involved.

Within the last couple of decades, college students have started consuming more hard liquor than beer. Rather than drinking to socialize, an increasing number of young adults are drinking to get drunk. Since liquor has one of the highest alcohol percentages by volume, it takes fewer drinks to feel its effects. The end goal for some is to drink as much as possible or black out. These outcomes are extremely dangerous and can possibly lead to life-threatening effects, such as alcohol poisoning.

Consequences Of Heavy Drinking In College: Nearly every college student has been impacted by alcohol use during their academic career – even if they have never drank themselves. For instance, a person can witness a friend’s drinking pattern worsening over time, gradually taking over their life. Heavy drinking affects more than just an individual; it can destroy anything in its path, including friendships and relationships. Excessive alcohol consumption can take a toll on a student’s academics. Drinking may even become a priority over attending classes, completing homework and studying for exams. An estimated one in every four college students admit to having poor grades or other academic problems because of their drinking behavior. Alcohol-related problems begin to arise when an individual drinks excessively and puts their health – and the health of others – at risk. Several consequences associated with heavy drinking in college are:

Performing Poorly In Classes

A lack of effort in school can make a difference in whether a student passes or fails a class. It can cost thousands of dollars to retake a course or change majors due to bad grades. In addition, failing classes will push back a student’s graduation, taking more time and money to complete the degree program.

Risking Injury

Drinking can increase a person’s risk of injury, ranging from minor cuts to broken bones or concussions. The higher someone’s blood alcohol content (BAC) level, the greater the chance of getting injured. Each year, close to 600,000 college students unintentionally injure themselves due to heavy drinking. Injuries can involve bruising, fractures, muscle sprains and other similar issues.

For those who struggle with depression or anxiety, alcohol consumption can cause life-threatening effects. Students who face extreme mental instabilities are most at risk of attempting to commit suicide or other acts of self-harm. Alcohol can significantly alter a person’s mind, which can make them act irrationally.

Becoming A Victim Of Assault

Alcohol is known to lower a person’s inhibitions and therefore, makes them more vulnerable to physical or sexual assault. Close to 700,000 students between the ages of 18 and 24 are assaulted by a student who had been drinking prior to the offense.

Another serious crime linked closely to alcohol use is sexual assault. All too often, perpetrators prey on victims who have been drinking. Victims are sometimes too incoherent to fight back or pass out before knowing what happened. Sexual assault can have a lasting effect on someone emotionally and physically, including getting a sexually transmitted disease (STD), having an unwanted pregnancy, or causing lasting psychological damage.

Committing Criminal Activities

When someone is under the influence of alcohol, their actions may be entirely different from how they would normally behave. This involves committing a crime, no matter how minor it may be, that a person wouldn’t have committed if they were sober. Highly intoxicated college students usually partake in vandalism, property damage, driving under the influence and other criminal activities.

Sometimes though, alcohol-related crimes can be extremely serious and put other people in danger. Harmful criminal activities involve battery, kidnapping and homicide. College students who commit crimes while intoxicated can face legal punishments such as fines, probation, suspended license and jail time.

Developing Health Issues

The effects of heavy drinking do not always happen immediately. It may take months or even years for some effects to occur. Nearly 150,000 college students develop some type of alcohol-related health problem every year. This may include liver damage, high blood pressure, inflammation of the pancreas and other health complications.

College students who participate in frequent drinking activities are also more likely to develop a dependency on alcohol later in life. Although alcoholism typically results from years of drinking, it can also happen during periods of heavy and frequent drinking during college. Bad drinking habits in college can evolve into other issues, like alcoholism, in the future.

College Drinking Statistics

Roughly 20% of college students meet the criteria for having an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Close to 60% of college students between the ages of 18 and 22 admitted to drinking in the past month. Of those, nearly two in every three engaged in binge drinking. A little less than 2,000 college students ranging from 18 to 24 years old die from unintentional, alcohol-related injuries each year.”

This is alarming information about drinking in college. Parents tend to send their kids off to college without monitoring their drinking habits in college. How many of these 28.9% of college students who got drunk in the last month or of the 20% of college student who have AUD (addiction to alcohol) hide their alcohol consumption from their parents? More than ever parents should consider Christian colleges. I’m sure there is some drinking and drunkenness there also, but it is monitored more closely there. “Christian colleges can and often do expel students for drunkenness, as most Christian colleges have strict alcohol policies that consider public intoxication a serious violation of their code of conduct, potentially leading to disciplinary actions including expulsion depending on the severity of the offense and the institution’s specific guidelines.” Students who drink in Christian colleges either hide it well or drink off campus, but it is monitored more closely than in public colleges. Apparently no one would ever be expelled from a public college just for drunkenness unnless it led to other serious infractions.

What about addiction to alcohol (AUD)?

“Globally an estimated 237 million men and 46 million women suffer from alcohol-use disorders with the highest prevalence among men and women in the European region (14.8% and 3.5%) and the Region of Americas (11.5% and 5.1%). Alcohol-use disorders are more common in high-income countries.” Alcoholism is the third-leading cause of preventable death in the United States. Every day, 385 Americans die from excessive alcohol use, with 83.9% of those deaths occurring in adults aged 35 or older. Of all deaths attributable to alcohol, 28% were due to injuries, such as those from traffic crashes, self-harm and interpersonal violence; 21% due to digestive disorders; 19% due to cardiovascular diseases, and the remainder due to infectious diseases, cancers, mental disorders and other health conditions.”

Maybe Timothy was wise to be “tee-totaler”! My church’s preachers condemned any drinking of alcohol, even in moderation, as a sin. But the Bible doesn’t condemn drinking in moderation. It only condemns drunkenness. The Law of Moses actually encouraged drinking of wine or strong drink in meals to be enjoyed at the tabernacle or temple. Deuteronomy 14:²⁶ And you may spend the money (tithe money) on whatever your ^[heart desires: on oxen, sheep, wine, other strong drink, or whatever your heart desires; and there you shall eat in the presence of the Lord your God and rejoice, you and your household.” But it also condemns drunkenness as one of the sins of Israel: Isaiah 28:7 And these also reel with wine and stagger from intoxicating drink: The priest and the prophet reel with intoxicating drink, They are confused by wine, they stagger from intoxicating drink; They reel while having visions, They stagger when rendering a verdict. ⁸ For all the tables are full of filthy vomit, without a single clean place.” Isaiah 5:11 Woe to those who rise early in the morning so that they may pursue intoxicating drink, Who stay up late in the evening so that wine may inflame them! ¹² Their banquets are accompanied by lyre and harp, by tambourine and flute, and by wine; But they do not pay attention to the deeds of the Lord, Nor do they consider the work of His hands.”

Perhaps more than ever we need to encourage not drinking alcohol at all (unless you need it for your stomach ailments). It just leads to so many sinful things. Even if you drink in moderation at a social gathering, others are getting drunk. They might even mock and make fun of you for not getting drunk such as the Gentiles did in 1 Peter 4:⁴ In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them in the same excesses of debauchery, and they slander you.” So avoid “drinking parties” 1 Peter 4:3 ³ For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles,having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries.” It can only hurt your influence as a Christian to drink moderately in such parties. Also you might never intend to get drunk, but you get persuaded by others to drink too much, and then bad things happen, especially to women as seen in the sexual assault statistics above.

Enough said. Go practice “pure and undefiled religion: to visit (to care for) widows and orphans”. If you drink alcohol, drink in moderation, but it is probably wiser to not drink at all.

A GOOD MINISTER’S DISCIPLINE

1 Timothy 4:⁶ In pointing out these things to the brothers and sisters, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, constantly nourished on the words of the faith and of the good doctrine which you have been following. ⁷ But stay away from worthless stories that are typical of old women. Rather, discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; ⁸ for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance. ¹⁰ For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.”

Timothy was an evangelist, not a full time located paid preacher! 2 Timothy 4:⁵ But as for you, use self-restraint in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist (euaggelistés: Evangelist: a missionary, bearer of good tidings.), fulfill your ministry.” The word ‘evangelist’ is found three times in the N.T. It is an anglicized form of a Greek word which has the same root as the word translated ‘gospel’ or ‘good news.’ Thus, an evangelist is ‘one who tells good news’ or ‘a proclaimer of the gospel.’ The Greek word for gospel is euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον), which translates to “good news”. The word is a compound of eu, meaning “good”, and angelion, meaning “announcement”. The primary work of an evangelist was to proclaim, preach, or announce the gospel, the good news that Jesus saves. . If was one of the 5 miraculously gifted leadership positions in the early church. Ephesians 4:¹¹ And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers”. Evangelists were not full time located paid preachers. They traveled around preaching the gospel although they might be sent to a church to give them further instructions or rebuke false teachers. Paul left Timothy in Ephesus to do just that. 1 Timothy 1:³ Just as I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, to remain on at Ephesus so that you would instruct certain people not to teach strange doctrines.” The church there would have had elders to shepherd the flock, but Paul felt that they needed Timothy for at least a while. Timothy was familiar with the church at Ephesus, having spent 3 years at Ephesus with Paul, probably spreading the gospel to surrounding areas.

Paul told Timothy to “point (hupotithémi: To lay down, to suggest, to propose, to set before)out these things to the church”. What things? Paul had just stated the creed of the church in 3:16 and warned about the falling away that was inevitable. So that would be “these things”. He was to be constantly nourished (entrephó: To bring up, to nurture, to train) on the words of “the faith” and good doctrine. Sounds a little misogynistic, but he was to “stay away from worthless stories typical of old women”! Paul had already talked about such myths. 1 Timothy 1:³ Just as I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, to remain on at Ephesus so that you would instruct certain people not to teach strange doctrines, ⁴ nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to useless speculation rather than advance the plan of God, which is by faith, so I urge you now.” “‘ Coupled here with ‘ endless genealogies ,’ Paul may be referring to legends about well-known figures in the Old Testament found in many non-canonical Jewish writings of the Second Temple period. He may also be referencing ‘genealogies’ and ‘stories’ about the Greek gods propagated by the Temple of Artemis.” Paul may have been referring to speculative genealogies about spiritual beings that were developed by Gnosticism.” I think he is saying that these myths were no better than some “old wives’s tales” there were pure speculation not based on facts. Such as: An apple a day keeps the doctor away. Don’t go out with wet hair or you’ll get sick. Putting onions in your socks to cure a cold. Eat carrots for better eyesight. White spots on your nails are caused by calcium deficiency. Your baby’s heart rate can predict its sex. Just to name a few. A great example of such a “worthless story” (4:7) would be the Mormon legends found in the Book of Mormon. “Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon to be a record of God’s dealings principally with another group of Israelites he brought to the Western Hemisphere from Jerusalem about 600 b.c. They anticipated the birth and coming of Jesus Christ and believed in his Atonement and gospel.” The book is about as long as the New Testament. (AI) “According to the Book of Mormon, an angel named Moroni visited Joseph Smith and told him about the book, which was buried in a hill near Joseph’s home. Moroni revealed that the book was written on gold plates in an ancient language and contained the history of early Americans and teachings from Jesus Christ. The book was written by prophets, with Moroni being the last to contribute. Joseph Smith translated the book into English using special stones called “interpreters” that were buried with the plates. Smith claimed that he did not write the book, but instead translated it under divine guidance.” “The Book of Mormon is considered the “keystone” of Mormon religion, as it serves as a second witness to Jesus Christ, confirming the Bible’s teachings while providing additional details about his life and ministry, particularly his appearance to the ancient inhabitants of the Americas, which is seen as a restoration of lost truths about the gospel and a validation of Joseph Smith’s prophetic calling as the instrument through which it was revealed; essentially, it is a central pillar of their faith, proving the divinity of Jesus Christ and the legitimacy of their church.” So, this unproven myth is the cornerstone of Mormonoism, proving that Joseph Smith was a prophet and confirmin the legitimacy of their church. So millions of Mormons spend time studying the book of Mormon. Mormon “elders” are trained to spread and teach the book of Mormon all over the world. Sounds exactly what Paul was telling Timothy to stay away from. I know some devout Mormons who bear the. fruit of the Spirit as much as I do, but I feel sorry for them that they are so indoctrinated with the Mormon mythology. They have been grounded and nourished with the teachings of Joseph Smith and the book of Mormon.

“Rather discipline (gumnazó: To train, exercise, discipline: Derived from γυμνός (gumnos), meaning “naked” or “bare,” which relates to the practice of exercising unclothed in ancient Greek culture. The word we get “gymnasium” from) yourself for the purpose of godliness (eusebeia: Godliness, piety, devotion)”.   (AI) “ In ancient Greek culture, physical training was highly valued, and gymnasiums were central to education and social life. The Greeks believed in the harmony of body and mind, and physical exercise was seen as essential for developing both. This cultural backdrop provides a vivid metaphor for spiritual discipline in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to pursue godliness with the same dedication as an athlete.” (AI) “In the New Testament, “eusebeia” refers to a reverent and devout attitude towards God, characterized by a life that reflects His holiness and commands. It encompasses both an inner piety and outward conduct that aligns with God’s will. This term is often associated with living a life that is pleasing to God, marked by moral integrity and spiritual devotion.”

Then Paul gives one of his 5 “trustworthy sayings”. 4:⁸ for bodily training is just slightly beneficial, but godliness is beneficial for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. ⁹ It is a trustworthy statement deserving full acceptance”.

Christ Came to Save Sinners – 1 Timothy 1:12-17 “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.”

A Noble Task – 1 Timothy 3:1-7 “Here is a trustworthy saying: Whoever aspires to be an overseer desires a noble task.”

The Value of Godliness – 1 Timothy 4:8-10 “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance.”

He Remains Faithful – 2 Timothy 2:11-13 “Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.”

Saved by Grace. Now What? – Titus 3:1-8 “But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.”

“Bodily exercise (gumnasia: Exercise, training, discipline) is only slightly beneficial but godliness is beneficial for all things in this life and in eternal life”. Certainly bodily exercise is valuable for good health in this life, but that’s it. It won’t help you in eternity when you lose your physical body. (AI) “Today, there is a significant emphasis on exercise as a crucial component of overall health, with a growing awareness of its benefits for physical and mental well-being, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mood, enhancing cognitive function, and promoting better sleep, leading to widespread encouragement to incorporate regular physical activity into daily life; health professionals often consider exercise as important as medication for maintaining good health.” Athletes push their bodies with constant exercise, weight lifting, running, etc. to compete. Even health conscious people workout regularly, even have personal trainers. Many of them practice godliness with the same diligence, but many ignore their spiritual discipline. So what are the “spiritual disciplines” or training techniques? In Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster, he has divided twelve prominent Christian Disciplines into three movements of the Spirit: inward (meditation, prayer, fasting, and study), outward (simplicity, solitude, submission, and service) and corporate (confession, worship, guidance, and celebration). Dallas Willard divides the disciplines into two classes: disciplines of abstinence (solitude, silence, fasting, frugality, chastity, secrecy, and sacrifice) and disciplines of engagement (study, worship, celebration, service, prayer, fellowship, confession, and submission). These will help you have a mature, joyful faith in this life and prepare you for eternal life. So enjoy your workout but then go home and practice these spiritual disciplines! 4:¹⁰ For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have set our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all mankind, especially of believers.” Our God-man Jesus is the Savior of all mankind, i.e. 2:⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. But “especially of believers”. Paul was not a universalist (i.e. all people will be saved). He told the Jews they would be lost if they did not believe in Jesus. Paul said in Romans 10:1Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved (after saying all but the remnant were “vessels prepared for destruction”. Romans 9:²² What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience vessels of wrath prepared for destruction.” So Jesus died for all men and God’s desire is that all men might be saved. 1 Timothy 2:³ This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” But it is only the believers who will be saved, so his death is “especially” (malista: Especially, chiefly, most of all) for believers as they are the only ones who will benefit from his death.

1 Timothy 4:¹¹ Prescribe and teach these things. ¹² Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. ¹³ Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. ¹⁵ Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you. If Timothy was in his early 20’s when he joined Paul on his 2nd missionary journey, then he is in his middle 30’s when Paul wrote this, still a young man by Jewish standards. It was important for Timothy to not do or say anything that would hurt his teaching of the word. Notice the 5 areas that all Christians should be an example to unbelievers: speech, conduct (everything you do), love, faith, and purity. Believers did not have personal copies of the old testament or of the gospels and letters being circulated and copied among all the churches. So it was important to have “public” reading of whatever scriptures they had. I often hear a philosophical sermon and think, “why don’t we just have the reading of the Scriptures” and let the Holy Spirit speak to us through the written word. Timothy had a “spiritual gift”, i.e. a miraculous gift of teaching, no doubt given to him by the laying on of Paul’s hands. The apostles and Paul were the only ones who could impart spiritual gifts to baptized believers (Acts 8:¹⁴ Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, ¹⁵ who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, ¹⁶ for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ¹⁷ Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.) Acts 19:⁴ And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” ⁵ On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying. ⁷ There were about twelve men in all.” Some group (council) of elders had laid hands on Timothy, commissioning him to be an evangelist. Even Paul and Barnabas had been “set apart” for mission work by the laying on of hands of teachers and prophets at Antioch. Acts 13: Now there were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers, Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger,^[a] Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen a lifelong friend of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. ² While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” ³ Then after fasting and praying they laid their hands on them and sent them off.” “Take pains” is meletaó: To meditate, to care for, to practice, to study: from which we get “meditate”. His progress should be evident to all: prokopé: Progress, advancement, furtherance. prokopḗ (from 4253 /pró, “in front of” and 2875 /kóptō, “cut, chop down”) properly, advance (progress) literally, “advancement by chopping down whatever impedes progress”; furtherance.” (AI) “The idea of moral and spiritual progress was significant in early Christian teachings, emphasizing the transformation and growth of individuals and communities in their faith journey.” When someone has a difficult task, we might ask him “are you making any progress”. Or we might observe his work and say “you’ve made a lot of progress on that”. We should not be satisfied with complacency in our spiritual growth. We should always be advancing to a deeper relationship with God and Jesus and more faith and good works. Such that an observer might say, “wow, you have really grown spiritually”. Pay attention (epechó: To hold upon, to hold fast, to pay attention to, to give heed to.) to both yourself and others. Often an evangelist is to bent on saving souls (which is good) but he ignores his own spiritual growth and falls into sin. (AI) “In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of focusing one’s mind or attention was significant in both philosophical and practical contexts. Philosophers often emphasized the importance of contemplation and reflection as means to attain wisdom and virtue. In a biblical context, this idea is extended to spiritual matters, encouraging believers to focus their minds and hearts on the teachings and person of Christ.”

Thanks for reading.

1 Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will ^[a]fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons,  ² by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, ³ who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; ⁵ for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.”

Notice these verses begin with “But” which ties them back to 3:15-17 where he gave the fundamental creed of the church in vs 16. “But” some will not be the “pillar and ground of that core truth”. Some will fall away from “the faith”. What is meant by “the faith”? The adding of “the” indicates that this phrase is more than just the usual word for faith. 2 Corinthians 13:⁵ Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! ⁶ I hope you will find out that we have not failed the test.” 1 Corinthians 16:¹³ Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.” “The faith” in these verses seems to be the whole system of salvation by grace through faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus (as stated in the creed in 1 Timothy 3:16). This next verse in Jude makes that even clearer: Jude ³ Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all time handed down to the saints.” The core gospel truth was revealed by the Holy Spirit to the apostles “once for all tiime”. John 16:¹³ But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”

When would this “”falling away from the faith” be? When are the “later times“? Most think this is the “end times”. I believe that refers, like the phrase “the last days”, to the end times of the Jewish Age and of the Jewish nation in 70 AD. Paul spoke of these “last days” in 2 Timothy 3:1 But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come.” Jesus predicted such a falling away in Matthew 24:¹⁰ And at that time many will fall away, and they will betray one another and hate one another. ¹¹ And many false prophets will rise up and mislead many people. ¹² And because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will become cold.” Jesus added 24:³⁴ Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place.” So this falling away had to occur before the temple fell in 70 AD. Apparently a lot of Jewish Christians fell away in the days of the Jewish rebellion against the Romans in the years before 70 AD. The Hebrew letter is all about Jewish Christians being tempted to return to trusting in the Law. Hebrews 6:⁴ For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit, ⁵ and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, ⁶ and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they again crucify to themselves the Son of God and put Him to open shame. ⁷ For ground that drinks the rain which often falls on it and produces vegetation useful to those for whose sake it is also tilled, receives a blessing from God; ⁸ but if it yields thorns and thistles, it is worthless and close to being cursed, and it ends up being burned.”  Notice those who had “fallen away” already at the time of writing in about 60 AD. Notice the imminent threat of them being “burned”, which could be 70 AD. All this is why the phrase “he who endures to the end (i.e. the end of the age in 70 AD)” is used. Matthew 24:¹³ But the one who endures to the end is the one who will be saved. ¹⁴ This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” “The end” had to occur within that generation (24:34) so it must refer to the end of the Jewish Age in 70 AD. Hebrews 3 warns: ¹² Take care, brothers and sisters, that there will not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away (aphistémi: To depart, withdraw, remove, desert, fall away) from the living God.” (AI) “ In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of departure or withdrawal could apply to various contexts, including military, political, and religious settings. The term carries significant weight in the New Testament, where it often describes a turning away from God or the truth of the Gospel. This reflects the early Christian community’s concern with maintaining doctrinal purity and faithfulness amidst external pressures and internal challenges.” Hebrews 10:³² But remember the former days, ^[j]when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings, ³³ partly by being made a public spectacle through insults and distress, and partly by becoming ^[k]companions with those who were so treated. ³⁴ For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better and lasting possession. ³⁵ Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. ³⁶ For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. ³⁷ For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. ³⁸ But My righteous one will live by faith; And if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. ³⁹ But we are not among those who shrink (hupostelló: To draw back, to withdraw, to shrink from declaring.) back to destruction, but of those who have faith for the safekeeping of the soul.” Jesus’ 2nd coming was in “a very little while” (that has to be 70 AD) and thus the admonition to endure and not “shrink back to destruction”. The phrase “shrink” back” In the early Christian context, this term takes on a significant meaning as it relates to the boldness required to proclaim the Gospel amidst persecution and opposition.” Paul spoke of an apostasy in 2 Thessalonians 2:Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, regarding the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, ² that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit, or a message, or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. ³ No one is to deceive you in any way! For it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, ⁴ who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God.” Here the Greek word for apostasy is apostasia: Apostasy, rebellion, defection, falling away; not the aphistemi word in Hebrews 3:12. It is the word we get “apostasy” from. This AI comment is interesting: “In the Greco-Roman world, “apostasia” could refer to political rebellion or a military defection. Within the Jewish context, it was often associated with a turning away from the covenant with God. In the early Christian church, apostasy was a significant concern as believers faced persecution and the temptation to revert to pagan practices or Jewish legalism. The term underscores the gravity of abandoning one’s faith in Christ, which was seen as a serious breach of loyalty to God.” That sounds exactly what many Jewish Christians did in the last days before the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, just as Jesus predicted and the book of Hebrews talks about. BTW in Paul went on in 2 Thessalonians 2 to say that this falling away was already at work:⁷ For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is removed.” The “man of lawlessness” would sit in the temple, the “son of destruction” (of the temple). It had to be someone living at the time Paul wrote 2 Thessalonians. That could only be Titus who entered the temple when he burned it down in 70 AD. This apostasy, a different word apostasia that can refer to a political revolt, could actually refer to the rebellion of the non-believing Jews in the years prior to 70 AD. Not a falling away of Jewish believers as in Hebrews 6:6 and Matthew 24:8.

Back to 1 Timothy 4:1 But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons.” This falling away was due to Christians paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons”. Jesus predicted this to happen within that generation: Matthew 24:²³ Then if anyone says to you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or ‘He is over here,’ do not believe him. ²⁴ For false christs and false prophets will arise and will provide great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” Notice that many of the elect, i.e. Jewish Christians, might be mislead by these demonic false prophets, which did happen. Paul spoke of those false Satanic signs and wonders the deluded many Jewish Christians: 2 Thessalonians 2:⁸ Then that lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will eliminate with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; ⁹ that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and false signs and wonders, ¹⁰ and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not accept the love of the truth so as to be saved. ¹¹ For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, ¹² in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.”

The specific doctrines that the demonic false prophets were teaching is given: 2 Timothy 4:³ who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. ⁴ For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; ⁵ for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.” Who was teaching this? “Gnostics believe that all physical matter is evil; therefore, the human body, all forms of sexuality, and pleasant food were labelled as evil. As a result, the Gnostics rejected marriage and taught people not to eat certain foods. A heresy that flourished in the first three centuries AD, Gnostics believed that physical matter was evil, including the human body, sexuality, and pleasant food.” I don’t think that gnosticism had developed by 70 AD as a movement, but Colossians 2 indicates that the gnostic principles were already at work in the church before 70 AD. 2:⁸ See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ. ¹⁶ Therefore, no one is to act as your judge in regard to food and drink, or in respect to a festival or a new moon, or a Sabbath day— ¹⁷ things which are only a shadow of what is to come; but the substance belongs to Christ.²⁰ If you have died with Christ ^[y]to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, ²¹ “Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” ²² (which all refer to things destined to perish with use)—in accordance with the commandments and teachings of man? ²³ These are matters which do have the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and humility and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.” The Jews were not allowed to eat unclean meats (Leviticus 11) under the old covenant, but Christians (Jew or Gentile) could eat anything they want as long as they give thanks for it. The Jewish Christians probably still followed the unclean meat laws till 70 AD. Acts 10:¹³ A voice came to him, “Get up, Peter, kill and eat (i.e. eat the unclean meats in the sheet)!” ¹⁴ But Peter said, “By no means, Lord, for I have never eaten anything unholy and unclean.” ¹⁵ Again a voice came to him a second time, “What God has cleansed, no longer consider unholy.” ¹⁶ This happened three times, and immediately the object was taken up into the sky.” That proves that Peter, a Jewish Christian continued to follow the unclean meats prohibition. After the temple was destroyed, it was impossible even for Jewish Christians to continue keeping the Law and the old covenant was officially done away with. Hebrews 8:¹³ When He said, “A new covenant,” He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is about to disappear.” So Gentile Christians can eat anything, but I would think Jewish Christians could eat anything also after 70 AD. They probably still don’t eat unclean meats to keep from offending their non believing Jewish brethren. I am told that many Messianic Jews do eat unclean meats. It is amazing how many Christian denominations fobid even Gentile Christians from the eating of unclean meats like pork: the Seventh Day Adventists being perhaps the main one.

Wow, this long for 5 verses but I hope it is hellpful.

Here is the David Guzik commentary on 1 Timothy 2. I encourage you to read this:

https://www.blueletterbible.org/comm/guzik_david/study-guide/1-timothy/1-timothy-2.cfm

A Call to Prayer 2:1-7

1 Timothy 2:1 First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, ² for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. ³ This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time. ⁷ For this I was appointed as a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), as a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.”

Our prayers tend to focus on ourselves, our friends, our fellow church members, and our families. But we must remember to pray for “all people” around the world, especially for rulers all over the world that have the power to create war or peace. Peace is good since the gospel can spread better and can fulfill God’s plan for “all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth”. I don’t know how God works to answer our prayers for all people and for rulers, but providentially He does work. My prayers each day should include the people in the Ukraine/Russian war zones, the oppressed people in Communist North Korea, the people in Communist China, the people in Lebanon, Gaza strip, and Israel caught up in the Middle East Crisis facing the terrorists group that create constant war among them, the people in Venezuela due to Venezuela due to the high risk of wrongful detentions, terrorism, kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, poor health infrastructure, the people facing militant Islamist violence in Africa, the people in Iran most of whom would probably like to do away with their Shia Muslim leadership that is determined to destroy Israel as they await the return of the Imam Mahdi to establish worldwide Islamic rule, the people in India as Hinduism is so predominate that it is hard to search for the truth of Jesus, the people in Muslim controlled countries who are persecuted if they become Christians, the people in the U.S as our country is spiralling into moral and doctrinal decline, the people in Africa who don’t have clean water for good health, the people in refugee camps caught up in the middle of war torn regions, etc.

We should pray for rulers all over the world, even for evil dictators, atheistic regimes, or radical Islamist leaders.  Guzik said this: “The early church leader Tertullian explained: “We pray for all the emperors, that God may grant them long life, a secure government, a prosperous family, vigorous troops, a faithful senate, an obedient people; that the whole world may be in peace; and that God may grant, both to Caesar and to every man, the accomplishment of their just desires.” (Clarke)

We should pray for the people all over the world, even in peaceful regions, that they may come to be saved by Jesus who “gave Himself as a ransom (antilutron: Ransom, Redemption Price: used only here in the New Testament. (AI) “ In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of a ransom was well understood. It was a price paid to free a slave or a prisoner of war. The idea of a ransom also appears in the Old Testament, where it is associated with the redemption of individuals or property. In the New Testament, this concept is applied to the spiritual realm, where Christ’s death is seen as the ultimate ransom that liberates believers from the bondage of sin and death.” The Greek word for “redemption” in the New Testament is “apolutrosis” (ἀπολύτρωσις).  “Aplutrosis” essentially means “deliverance” or “being set free by the payment of a ransom,” which aligns with the Christian concept of redemption through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice. It is used in Romans 3:24, Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 2:14 of our redemption through the blood of Jesus (which was the “antilutron” redemption price paid to God Himself to satisfy His wrath against our sins and to free us from the captivity of sin and death. Ephesians 1:⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸ which he lavished upon us.” I have a little prayer pad, but my prayer requests are for friends, family, and church members. I am not praying for all people as Paul told Timothy to do. I plan to include all people in future prayers, including those I just mentioned above. Again, I don’t know how the providence of God can answer those prayers, but I believe He will. One way such prayers work is to get us aware of the spiritual and physical needs of people all over the world. That might get us to be directly involved in mission trips or humanitarian trips around the world. Or it might get us to use our vast monetary resources to help people all over the world, often through agencies like Healing Hands International. Or agencies like Eastern European Missions who print the Bible in the major world languages so people can learn about Jesus dying for their sins. Don’t forget to pray for missionaries who are preaching the gospel all over the world, even in Muslim countries.

There is one mediator between God and man, i.e. Jesus Christ. The term “mesités” refers to a mediator, one who intervenes between two parties to restore peace, make a covenant, or ratify an agreement. In the New Testament, it is primarily used to describe Jesus Christ as the mediator between God and humanity, highlighting His role in reconciling sinful humans to a holy God through His sacrificial death and resurrection. The Greek word for “reconciliation” in the New Testament is “katallage” (καταλλαγή). Meaning:“Katallage” literally means “exchange” or “adjustment of a difference,” and in the context of the Bible, it refers to the act of restoring a broken relationship, particularly between God and humanity through Jesus Christ. It is used in 2 Corinthians 5:¹⁷ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. ¹⁸ All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; ¹⁹ that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. ²⁰ Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. ²¹ For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

I decided to split 1 Timothy 2 into 2 articles. I just want this first part, the call to prayer for all people and rulers all over the world, to be something that we all need to do more of. I plan to try to answer that call better in the future.

How about you?