Christ's Commandments

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 3:3a . . not addicted to wine

Church officers aren't forbidden alcohol; just too much alcohol.

"No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments." (1Tim 5:23)

A "little" wine can lead to a lot for someone with a predilection to over imbibe. For people like that, it's best to avoid wine altogether rather than risk becoming a candidate for AA.

For church officers with health issues, I'd suggest confiding in a doctor because there are much better treatments available in our day than there were in Timothy's.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 3:3b . . not pugnacious

Webster's defines pugnacious as: militant, defensive, warlike, combative, confrontational, pushy, assertive, scrappy, and belligerent. Some men are natural-born bullies and others are ready to "take it outside" at every challenge. You sure don't want one of them running your church. God forbid!

1Tim 3:3c . . gentle, non contentious

A good church officer isn't what might be called shrinking; but rather, he's an affable, courageous man who selects his conflicts carefully. For some people, every disagreement is an act of war: they're assertive, demanding, reactive, defensive, and confrontational not just some of the time; but all the time. A gentle man is not so quick to draw his guns at the slightest provocation. However, though shepherds walk softly so as not to frighten the sheep; at the same time; they carry a big stick.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 3:3d . . free from the love of money.

L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology, started out as an author of pulp fiction novels for a penny per word. One day he came to the conclusion that the real money was in religion, especially if it had a non-profit tax exemption. Well; today, the net worth of just the top three of Scientology's upwards of thirty entities-- Scientology International, the Flag Service Organization, and the Church Of Spiritual Technology --is in the neighborhood of 1.5 billion dollars. The personal net worth of David Miscavige, Scientology's current head, is rumored to be somewhere around 50 million. It's very curious how a supposedly non-profit church, and it's head, amassed such fortunes.

Back in 1988-99, a tel-evangelist named James Orsen Bakker was sentenced to 45 years in Federal prison (later reduced to 8) for embezzling millions of dollars from his own ministry and using some of the money to construct an extravagant mansion-- complete with gold plumbing --for he and wife Tammy, and a luxurious kennel for their pet dog.

I would highly recommend that a prospective church officer's background be checked before proceeding with the interview process. Is his credit good? Does he have gambling debts? Does he prefer gourmet foods and restaurants? Does he wear Armani suits, hand-made shoes, a Cartier wrist watch, and drive a Lexus? What's his current home worth? What part of town does he live in? . . because, unfortunately, there are men out there seeking careers in the business of religion, and are very good at finding ways to get their fingers in a church's treasury-- and not a few are looking for lucrative wage and benefit packages instead of an opportunity to serve Christ faithfully, loyally, and effectively; and to look out for his best interests instead of their own.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 3:4-5 . . He must manage his own family well, and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)

There's respect, and then there's "proper" respect which has to be nurtured because a father cannot get proper respect by force. Tyranny doesn't earn respect; it earns fear, suspicion, mistrust, and dread. Instilling fear into the hearts of one's children is sure to backfire some day when they're older.

Back in Ephesians, we pointed out that children are discouraged by fathers that abuse their human rights. Well, abusive pastors are just as bad. Despots and dictators are certain to discourage their congregations just as surely as abusive fathers break their children's spirit.

Managing a home falls into the category of stewardship; which is a power very easily abused if one isn't careful. I would say that Joseph was a good steward because he didn't use his power for personal gain, but rather for the protection of the Egyptians under whom Pharaoh put his control. But not all stewards are like Joseph.

Take for example Bhumibol Adulyadej, the late king of Thailand. His personal wealth at the time of his death was estimated to be 30 billion dollars. I really have to question the integrity of a steward who goes to his grave with 30 billion dollars the meanwhile that poverty levels in his country are rising.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 3:6 . . He must not be a novice, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgment as the Devil.

Conceited people are usually infected with a superiority complex; which can be roughly defined as a sort of master-race mentality.

If an inexperienced Christian is advanced too soon in church, they could easily become so proud of themselves that they regard their position as an achievement instead of a sacred trust. When someone is promoted to a position in church they ought not celebrate as if they won valedictorian in their senior graduating class; no; they really ought to be scared because God will hold them to a higher standard than the rank and file.
_

 

[Faither]

.
1Tim 3:4-5 . . He must manage his own family well, and see that his children obey him with proper respect. (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God's church?)

There's respect, and then there's "proper" respect which has to be nurtured because a father cannot get proper respect by force. Tyranny doesn't earn respect; it earns fear, suspicion, mistrust, and dread. Instilling fear into the hearts of one's children is sure to backfire some day when they're older.

Back in Ephesians, we pointed out that children are discouraged by fathers that abuse their human rights. Well, abusive pastors are just as bad. Despots and dictators are certain to discourage their congregations just as surely as abusive fathers break their children's spirit.

Managing a home falls into the category of stewardship; which is a power very easily abused if one isn't careful. I would say that Joseph was a good steward because he didn't use his power for personal gain, but rather for the protection of the Egyptians under whom Pharaoh put his control. But not all stewards are like Joseph.

Take for example Bhumibol Adulyadej, the late king of Thailand. His personal wealth at the time of his death was estimated to be 30 billion dollars. I really have to question the integrity of a steward who goes to his grave with 30 billion dollars the meanwhile that poverty levels in his country are rising.
_

I think your premise is flawed , and as the result your making God's word out to be a manual of do doos , and don't doos .

Your premise is no doubt built on the fact you think God's Word is for everyone who picks it up and claims it .

Rom 8 : 9 gives a kind of foundational understanding of a true relationship with Christ .
It says , that if the Spirit of Christ is not in us , and we not in Him , we are none of His . If Christ is not ours , then His word or the promises in His Word can't be ours either . So my point is , only a few will find the narrow path . That means only a few will receive the Spirit of Christ . And also , that means , God's word will only belong to a few .

With that correct premise , God's Word is not a manual of things to do and not do , but declarations of what God's nature flowing through the real Christian will look like . God's Word then becomes like a mirror , that will reflect Him in our surrendered life .

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 3:7 . . He must also have a good reputation with outsiders

Paul lists that qualification as a must, as opposed to merely a good idea.

You know; that's all a church needs is to install a new church officer only to find out later he's the classic neighbor from Hell.

The new guy might be a one-eyed Jack in church, but the kids on his street, and the people whose property adjoins his, the post man, the convenience store, the gas station, the super market, the department store, the drive-up at McDonald's, the trick-or-treaters, the bank, the paperboy, etc, have all seen the other side of his face. It had better match the one he's shown you or your church's overall influence in the community will be in the tank; and you will have a man in a key spot whom Christ does not approve, and with whom he does not care to associate.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 3:8-9 . . Deacons likewise must be men of dignity; etc, etc.

"dignity" is from the Greek word semnos (sem-nos') which means venerable, i.e. deserving honor and respect, especially by reason of age; viz: esteemed.

The koiné Greek word for "deacons" is diakonos (dee-ak'-on-os) which means: an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties).

Deacons aren't necessarily clergy. In point of fact, many are laymen because theirs is a support role rather than a shepherd's role. And "deacon" isn't a career track, rather, deacons are typically uncompensated volunteers.

It would be very difficult, if not impossible, for a church's officers to run the operation all by themselves without a ready pool of reliable grunts; viz: ones who do routine, unglamorous tasks.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 3:10 . . And let these also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.

The vetting process must of necessity include interviewing people who've had experience with a candidate; for example:

"Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.

. . . And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said: It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word." (Acts 6:1-4)

The men considered for deacons in that passage were not only above average spiritually, but also "of good repute". In other words: men being considered for deacons really ought to be required to provide some character references.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 3:11 . . In the same way, their wives are to be women worthy of respect; not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.

Though an applicant for deacon may himself be a pious man, he's to be disqualified if his wife's piety isn't on a par with his own.

I think that may be based upon Gen 2:18; where it's stated that a wife's purpose is a supporting role rather than a starring role. An impious wife is probably not going to be very enthusiastic about her pious husband's devotion to the care and function of a church.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 3:12-13 . . Let deacons be husbands of only one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households.

Qualifications for deacons are very similar to those for the officers they assist. (cf. 1Tim 3:2, 1Tim 3:4-6)
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 4:7a . . Have nothing to do with the worldly fantasies of withered old women.

I don't think that's speaking of action comics and/or pulp novels that can be purchased at venders like Barnes & Noble; rather, of the religious traditions that the seniors of every generation customarily pass down to the young; thus perpetuating non Christian beliefs and practices.

The USA's indigenous cultural traditions would be a good example of this. When a Native American becomes a Christian, the Bible's God expects them to disown portions of their spiritual heritage, and let them go; not entirely of course; but certain elements like contacting the spirits of one's deceased ancestors would have to be scrubbed for sure.

This is a very sensitive issue and one where non-native Christians, unschooled in Indigenous culture, seriously need to tread lightly. The White Man's early attempts to completely wipe out everything Native American was a terrible mistake that today's non-native Christians have got to be extra careful not to repeat.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 4:7b-8 . .Train yourself to be pious. For physical training is of some value, but piety has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.

Physical training like baseball practice makes a player like Derek Jeter a whiz at short stop. While his mind is deciding what best to do with the ball, his body's reflexes automatically carry out its decision without Derek having to think about it. That comes from conditioning.

But Jeter's baseball ability is only useful for when he's playing baseball, not for everything he does in life; while piety moderates everything, including one's conduct on the playing field.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 4:11 . . Command and teach these things.

I believe Paul was referring to everything he wrote in his letter; not just the last few verses.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 4:12 . . 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.

It's commonly assumed that Paul's instructions were in reference to Timothy's age; but I think it had more to do with his looks.

Some men age well; for instance the actor Rob Lowe. As of today, he's 54 years old; but honestly doesn't look it. He's one of those lucky guys who seem to be forever 21.

I think Timothy was like that. He just didn't look old enough to take the reins of a church, let alone an entire diocese. In other words: Timothy didn't look the part so he was going to have to really mean business if he was to win people's respect.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 4:13 . . Focus upon the public reading of scripture, and to preaching and teaching.

Public reading was necessary because of the scarcity of Bibles in those days. All were hand-written; none were mass-produced like now. But even with the ease of access to Bibles nowadays, the danger lies in Christians becoming self-taught if church officers neglect to preach and teach. (cf. Eph 4:11-16)

Scripture in those days would have been pretty much limited to the Old Testament since the New Testament's canon had not yet been compiled. The Old Testament is very important because it is impossible for believers to obtain a full understanding of The Lord's mission and purpose without a comprehensive knowledge of the Old Testament.

"And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures." (Luke 24:44-45)

"The holy scriptures are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2Tim 3:15-17)

"For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, that through perseverance and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope." (Rom 15:4)
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 4:15-16 . . Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress.

A church officer can progress in only one of two directions. If he goes downwards, as the Laodicean pastor of Rev 4:14-20; that's not progress, that's regress; which Webster's defines as: movement backward to a previous, and especially worse, or more primitive, state or condition.

This doesn't mean that a church's facility needs paint and its weeds sprayed with Roundup. We're talking about an officer's personal spiritual condition. He may be the head honcho of an illustrious, impressive, big-city church campus, and still be in a condition of regression because it's not the outside of a church that testifies to his true spiritual condition, but rather, his own insides; for example:

"You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and all kinds of impurity. In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness." (Matt 23:27-28)

The koiné Greek word for "hypocrisy" is hupokrisis (hoop-ok'-ree-sis) which means acting under a feigned part. Hypocrisy is a lucrative profession for people employed in movies, sit-coms, and soaps. But that's okay because it's all above board. We know they're just playing roles and they're not trying to get by with anything; but a church officer is not supposed to be an actor; he's supposed to be a man of integrity.
_

 

[BoyStan]

Grace does not deal with commandments. The OT law had commandments but grace gives the life of the Spirit.
When Christians argue from the OT they very often end in error or heresy. Why?
They fail to understand the meaning of grace taught in the NT. The mix up law with grace and go astray.

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 5:1a . . When speaking to an older man, appeal to him respectfully as though he were your own father.

There's probably nothing more humiliating to a parent than to be treated like dirt by their children-- except maybe to be treated like dirt by a spouse.

Americans have the right to a trial by a jury of their peers. Well, a child is not a parent's peer; he's not even the parent's equal let alone his peer. Parents are not children's peers; no, parents are their betters, not their equals. It's a thoughtless, wicked, insolent dunce who treats their parents with no more respect than one of their college beer buddies.

I was in a Sunday school class one morning where a young fellow substituted for the regular teacher. After practically every sentence during his lecture, the fellow would pause, tighten his lips, turn down the corners of his mouth, squint his eyes into narrow slits, and look around the room with a fierce scowl on his face; and better than half that room was older than he was. I don't know about the rest of the group, but as a man easily twice his age; I deeply resented the looks that youngster was giving us.
_

 

[WeberHome]

Re: Christ's Commandments

.
1Tim 5:1b . .Speak to the younger men as you would to your own kin.

In this case, the "kin" would be sort of like a man's younger siblings; viz: his kid brothers. Young boys look up to their big brothers; who by all rights should be setting the example as role models that a growing boy can be proud of. Big brothers ought to be available too, and not treat their younger siblings as excess baggage and/or un-cool nerds and morons who are beneath their dignity to be seen with.
_