Monday, November 14, 2011

1 Timothy 2:8-15 (Extended Commentary Version)

8 I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting; 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression. 15 Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control.


Commentary
Vs. 8 "I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting"

Having given a command to pray for all in authority so that we might live Godly and peaceable lives, and that they might be saved (vs. 1-4). The Apostle Paul now states his desire is that all men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting (vs. 8). Now the word the Apostle Paul uses here, unlike in verse one and four, is gender specific to men. Therefore his address is specifically to men, and not just men in Ephesus, but the church body universal. And so he begins an address about the internal functioning of men and woman in the Body of Christ on the roles of men and women in the church everywhere. Now that the Apostle Paul desires men pray everywhere is not saying that women in the church do not pray (consider Luke 2:36-38; 1 Cor. 11:6). Just that men, who are assigned the leadership roles in the Body of Christ, are to take the lead in this as well, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. So in verse eight the Apostle Paul is admonishing all male leadership to prayer and reconciling their differences. While in verse nine and ten he will begin giving instructions for the women. 
The Apostle Paul then touches on three elements of Godly Prayer:
First is lifting up holy hands. That is not the posture of one’s hands, but the sanctity of them. Therefore if there is sin in ones life it needs to be confessed and repented of before one can effectively pray. Therefore personal and corporate revival begins with repentance from both personal and corporate sins, as God through His Spirit and Word reveals them to us. As the Apostle James also exhorts us all, saying: "Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." James 4:8-10 Which then leads to seeking reconciliation and restoration with each other. "Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." James 5:16
Therefore holy prayer is born out of holy living; living by grace and truth (John 1:17).

The second element is prayer without wrath. For the two are incompatible. Prayer is a time of peace, of seeking it, and praying for it (Heb. 12:14). That is why the Apostle Paul warns us not to let the sun go down on our wrath, for harbouring wrath and bitterness only gives the devil a foothold in ones life (Eph. 4:26-27). And when that happens unity and peace amongst brethren, and even ones own discernment or ability to make sound decisions is definitely hindered. And thus prayer to God while harbouring wrath, (not just having wrath; which one may work out in prayer; but willingly harbouring it; is an incompatible disposition for any believer. For such places a barrier between oneself and God. That is why the Lord Jesus places such an emphasis on seeking reconciliation; both to those we have offended, and those who have offended us (Matt. 5:21-26; 18:21-31). For if Christians will not forgive and be reconciled to each other then who can?

Now in connection with the word i.e. noun (orge) wrath, anger, that the Apostle Paul uses here. Its related verb (orgidzo) to be angry, is also used in Matt. 5:22 and Luke 15:28. And in each instance the wrath in those passages is either being rebuked or exposed as sin. Therefore, though wrath in the Bible is used of both Divine (Matt. 22:7; Luke 14:21) and human anger (Rev. 11:18); and in one instance orgidzo is even used to describe the dragon’s anger at those who keep God’s commandments and have the testimony of Jesus Christ (Rev. 12:11). When used of mankind's wrath it is almost always viewed in the Scriptures in the negative. Being either the mark of a fool, who is quick to wrath (Prov. 12:16; 27:3), or a harmful and dangerous disposition that must be forsaken by those who have faith in God (Ps. 37:8; James 1:19-20). Now the Lord Jesus in His Sermon on the Mount also condemned expressing that kind of anger, through derogatory statements to ones fellow person. Attaching a very severe warning about being in danger of hell fire to those who disregard His Words about not calling someone a fool (Matt. 5:22). While in Eph. 4:26 the Apostle Paul permits a just anger, for there is a place for that (Mark 3:5); but that is far different than an anger that slanders or harms another. Therefore he commands us not to let the sun go down on our wrath. For anger must either be resolved, or let go, to avoid the perilous consequences of prolonging it, or harbouring it.

That is why we must follow the Lord Jesus Christ's commandments on repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation in response to any and all wrath aroused in us, or harboured by us (Matt. 5:23-25; 18:15-22; Luke 17:3-4). Since the Lord Jesus also uses this word (orgidzo) in His parable of the unforgiving servant to describe the Master’s (i.e. God’s) just wrath at His unforgiving servant who is then made to repay Him every last penny owed Him for his not forgiving others (Matt. 18:34). Now in contrast to God’s just anger seen there consider Jesus’ use of this word (orgidzo) in His parable of the prodigal son to describe the older brother’s unforgiving and unjust anger when the Father celebrates the return of his repentant son (Luke 15:28). Therefore in light of the gospels appeal for reconciliation and mercy (Matt. 5:7) we ourselves must be people of grace and reconciliation rather than people of wrath, because as the Apostle James duly notes in his Epistle, "the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God" (See James 1:19-20). Those then who seek to justify harbouring or expressing their wrath are only deceiving themselves (Eph. 4:29-31; James 4:11). Since only God can both harbour and execute just wrath (Rom. 12:19). Therefore the Apostle Paul commands us all that we put our wrath away (Col. 3:8). Since it is not conducive to the new nature, or the agape love of God (Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 4:31-32; Col. 3:12-14). All which stands juxtaposed to the wrath of sinful mankind (Consider Gal. 5:20 and the Apostle’s Paul use of the parallel noun thymos there). 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. 1 Thess. 5:9-11


The third element of Godly prayer the Apostle Paul mentions here is prayer without doubting. That is prayer free from doubts (Mark 11:24), disputes (Phil. 2:14), and evil thoughts (Matt. 15:19). Jesus used the example of a child to show the disciples the kind of faith that pleases God (Luke 9:46-48). Therefore in both the gospels (Matt. 21:21-22) and the Book of Hebrews we are told that faith, and often an ongoing seeking faith is the essential ingredient to having prayer answered (consider Luke 18:1-8). For the Scripture says: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Heb. 11:6
Therefore in order to be effective with their prayers the men in Timothy’s congregation first needed to be mature men of Christ and acknowledge their wrongs and reconcile their differences amongst themselves. And rather than follow the ungodly example of Hymenaeus and Alexander who were blaspheming ruling authorities, pray for all in authority, even those who were unjust in their rule (Rom. 13:1-8). Hence the Apostle’s Paul exhortation that Timothy should charge all men in the church to pray for all in authority; and not just church authority; is so that we might all live peaceable and Godly lives (Consider Jer. 29:7; 2 Peter 2:10-12; Jude 8-10). For having peace with God means we seek peace with others. “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.” Rom 14:19 

Vs. 9-10 9 in like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.

Continuing on from his exhortation on reverence and prayer for men in the church. The Apostle Paul now gives an exhortation for the women in the church to do likewise: “In like manner also, that the women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with propriety and moderation, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly clothing, 10 but, which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works.”
Women then, like the men, should seek to first adorn themselves with inward beauty and peaceful etiquette befitting their Godly character, rather then merely emphasizing their outward appearances. Therefore all women in the church are asked to be modest in their dress. Now this does not mean suppressing ones natural beauty. Or wearing drab and unbecoming attire. It means exemplifying beauty that is primarily inward. For if the heart is right with God then a woman’s beauty will flow naturally from both personality and adornment. Like a flower that enriches the landscape without over powering it, so a godly women’s adornment is likewise non intrusive. Similarly the Apostle Peter says of a woman of faith's adornment to, “rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:4 Therefore a woman professing godliness with good works should primarily be concerned about being adorned with the inner beauty of a meek and quite spirit. Since it is her outstanding character and good works that will make her stand out in the congregation.
As Proverbs says:
“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.” Pr. 31:30-31

Vs. 11 "Let a woman learn in silence with all submission."

Having stated that all women professing Godliness and good works should be of a quiet and peaceful disposition, the Apostle Paul now gives a clear and straightforward exhortation/command to forward that end, “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission.” 
In one sense, the Apostle Paul by using the word translated woman here in a cordial sense to address all marriageable age females in the church, is making a deliberate statement about a woman’s inclusion as an equal person, who is to be welcomed with all joy into Bible study and or hearing the exposition of the Scriptures, as an established Scriptural norm (Deut. 31:12-13; Nehemiah 8:1-3). In another by commanding that she learn by listening quietly and with all submission is to be a reflection of her living a Godly life (See 1 Peter 3:1-6). Now the word Paul uses here commanding the silence of women in the church; and not just believing men's wives, is the feminine form of the word he used in 2:2 commanding the men to pray for all in authority; and thus to do and pray for conditions that will make for us all to live and enjoy peaceable lives. Now this word translated silence (hesuchia) in the main means to live and be unobtrusive, not asserting onself, or meddling in others peoples business and affairs. It has four appearances in the N.T. (Acts 22:2; 2 Thess. 3:12; 1 Tim. 2:11-12). The masculine form is used in 1 Peter 3:4 where the Apostle commends a gentle and quiet spirit as being very precious in the sight of God. Now it should be noted that a words gender in the N.T. does not necessarily specify its genders use as in English. Only in regards to living things does it apply, and thus the connection here. The point then being made in verse eleven and in 1 Peter 3:1-6 is that holy women should seek to have a gentle, peaceful and submissive dispositions (1 Cor. 11:3); rather than assert themselves over the men in the church, or in the home, where the husband though the head of the wife, is to exercise his position in the family through love (Eph. 5:22-24). For both words translated silence and submission in 1 Tim 2:11 leave no doubt that women are not called to the exposition of the Scriptures before the assembly; participation in corporate worship (Eph. 5:19) and prayer (2 Cor. 11:5) certainly. But never to a teaching role where she instructs or has authority over men in the church (1 Tim. 2:12). Now this inclusion of woman as the Lord Jesus Christ exemplified is to be dignifying of her person, just as when He intentionally spoke with, visited, and taught woman (Luke 10:38-42; John 4:1-42; 11:1-44). And they in turn spoke with (John 20:1-18) and ministered to Him (Luke 8:1-3; John 12:1-8). There is then nothing condescending about such submission. Consider the early disciples when following the Lord’s liberating example, after Jesus Christ's ascension had mixed gender prayer meetings in anticipation of the Holy Spirit’s outpouring (Acts 1:9-14). And this continued with the Holy Spirit’s arrival during Pentecost in Jerusalem and has been the norm since (Acts 5:12-16; 12:11-17; 15:22-29; 16:14-15; 18:1-22). As both male and female believer’s fellowship, worship and co-labor in spreading the Good News about Jesus Christ, God’s Son and our mutual Saviour (Rom. 16:1-16; Acts 18:24-28; Phil. 4:1-3). 
Now the word translated submission in verse eleven is also used in 1 Tim. 3:4 of a Pastor having his own children in subjection; of the Apostle Paul refusing to be in subjection to false teachers (Gal. 2:5); and of every believer’s own submission to God by their obedience towards the Gospel of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 9:13). It’s cognate appears in Eph. 5:22 of wives being submissive towards their own husbands; and in the verse that precedes it which commands all believers to be mutually submissive to each other in the fear of God (Eph. 5:21). Thus both male and female believers are to be submissive towards each other (1 Peter 5:5), and to serve each other (John 13:12-17) out of love (Gal. 5:13). In other words reciprocal love, concern, and respect is to be manifest by us all who Name Jesus Christ as Lord. Yet every orderly society (and the church and family is no different) still retains a functional hierarchy. Since submission and respect are the mainstays of such (1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Tim. 3:3-4). Therefore in carrying out our responsibilities towards each other this is a necessity (1 Cor. 12:28-31). Consider that the New Testament lays abundant importance on our submission to civil authorities (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Titus 3:1-2); to spouses and parents (Col. 3:18-21); to Godly church authorities (Heb. 13:7; 17; 24; 1 Peter 5:5); even to our employer's (Col. 3:22-24). God has created structures of authority to govern, protect, and provide for mankind (Matt. 8:5-13). Therefore to reject that fundamental premise, whether in the family, church, or society at large is to reject how we as believers are to live in relation to Him, by our submission to all God ordained authority (Jude 8). Yet God has not given women the role of head over His people (Isaiah 3:12; 1 Cor. 11:3). Rather Jesus’ by His Person and His Holy Spirit bringing us all to new and everlasting life, He has united us all to Himself. Giving all women equal status with all their male brethren (Matt. 23:8-10; Gal. 3:26-29). But He has not given us all the same responsibilities, as the Apostle Paul makes clear here. That is the sole distinction being made between the genders in these passages, yet is sadly being lost on so many, who equate equality; and thus ones value or importance as a human being (whether a Christian or not) with equal abilities and or responsibilities. A performance based and hierarchical measure of oneself, or someone else, which Jesus Christ has outlawed for His people, for we are all brethren (Matt. 23:8-12). 
Therefore she is not only an equal person and necessary member of Christ’s Body with all her male counterparts (1 Cor. 12:12-27). Her honor here and in the Kingdom of heaven will be assured her as she follows what the Lord has decreed for her. For Biblical equality in the church never means, as in the secular world, a renunciation of our God given genders uniqueness' and purposes'. For women according to God’s designs are still primarily to be caregivers in the home and in the church, while men are to be providers and protectors for their families and children. Thus men are given the solomen duty of oversight, while woman are given the solemn duty of nurturing healthy children and families. Therefore when woman exercised a prophetic gift given them by the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17-18; 21:9) or prayed amongst other believers it was done while she was in submission to her head (See 1 Cor. 11:3-16). This of course could be her husband; (Eph. 5:22) her father (Acts 21:8-9); or male church authority (1 Tim. 5:17). Even with Biblical role models like Deborah the prophetess who judged Israel. Deborah never saw herself as the nations head (Judges 5:2, 9-10). Rather as appointed by God during a time when the nation had gone after other gods (Judges 5:8), and leadership was all but lacking from Barak, the nations then leader (Judges 4:4-10). Therefore God raised up a mother in Israel (Judges 5:7). The prophetess Deborah, and by God’s prophetic Word spoken through her, she went on to encourage Barak to fulfill his solemn duty and lead Israel onto the victory God had already ordained for them. Therefore it is Barak who finds mention in the N.T. as a Godly example of faith in the context of Israel’s leaders (Heb. 11:32). So then verse eleven decrees all women grow in their knowledge of God with their husbands and other believers quietly and with deference. While verse twelve sets boundaries for all women who are attending to their salvation.


Vs. 12 "And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence."

The Apostle Paul having given a command that all women in the church learn in silence and with all submission; the Apostle Paul now commands: “And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence.” 
The command given here is a natural follow up to his previous injunction. For the Apostle Paul having previously made it clear that he wants all believing woman involved in the church’s life and mission, now makes it clear that there are restrictions regarding this, and that is women in the church are not permitted to teach or to hold authority over men, but to be in silence (same word he used in verse eleven). Now this silence is not a literal silence of never speaking in the church; the Apostle Paul is not putting an absolute muzzle on women; rather this is a woman's silence in that she is not permitted to teach or hold authority over a man (See 1 Cor. 14:34-37). And thus she remains obedient to the Word of God by not teaching or holding authority over men in the church. For the women's commanded silence here is in regards to her exposition/interpretation of the Scriptures as an authority of them before the congregation. It is in regards to this solemn duty that has been assigned to her head the male, that the Apostle is commanding her silence here. That said, she may (if mature in her faith) teach the Scriptures to other women and children (which is a natural outworking of motherhood and thus her discipling others). But again she does not do this as an independent authority; she may only do this while she herself is in subjection to Christ through her male head (See 1 Cor. 11:3 also see Num. 30:3-8 for a principal) and of course the male church authority (1 Cor. 14:34-35). That is what the word translated authority (authenteo) in verse twelve (a Present, Active, Infinitive verb, in the 3rd person singular=authentein); which appearing only here in the N.T. commands women against doing, "to act of oneself; to dominate" (Strong's Concise Dictionary). The New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries states it is not for her to: "exercise authority over". Similarly Vincent Word studies says it is: "to have or exercise dominion over". In Liddell and Scott's Abridged Edition it is graphically rendered as "to have full power over". Enhanced Strong's gives three applicable definitions for this passage: 1 one who acts on his own authority, autocratic. 2 an absolute master. 3 to govern, exercise dominion over one. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament states in ancient times this was the common word used to describe one acting as another's master. In regards to this Louw-Nida states: "to control in a domineering manner—‘to control, to domineer.’ Rendering the word in context as: ‘I do not allow women … to dominate men’ 1 Tm 2:12. It goes on to state: ...‘To control in a domineering manner’ is often expressed idiomatically, for example, ‘to shout orders at,’ ‘to act like a chief toward,’ or ‘to bark at.’ Laying particular stress on that aspect of the word, though essentially that is an outworking of a woman who herself is not subject to Christ; or likely anyone else if she is doing so. Therefore women are not to hold authority over men in the church but the wife in particular is not be act condescending towards her husband (lit. acting like his master); something that is the antithesis to being wilfully submissive and or in subjection to Christ. In essence then it is a reflection of women whose heart has not submitted herself to God's designs for her. Trying to dominate her husband, she inevitably carries this attitude and or need to exercise control of him (and or) other men with her into the church.

Therefore the Christian woman or wife must not hold authority over the man or husband, as the Apostle Paul commands us all here. For just as God the Father, and Jesus Christ the Son, are equal in Person in every aspect, Jesus Christ the Son still submits to God the Father as His Head (1 Cor. 11:3). Therefore equally of person and submission are not mutually exclusive ideas. Yet leadership in the church or home must always be defined and modeled by how our Lord treated and led others (Matt. 11:28-30; Mark 9:35; 10:42-45; John 10:11-13 etc.). Therefore just as the Apostle Paul in following Christ sought to be gentle and lowly in his Apostleship in the church (2 Cor. 10:1; Eph. 4:1-3; Phil. 2:3-4 etc.), so too all men in the church must not lord authority over those they are charged to lead, protect, provide and care for; whether in their families (1 Peter 3:7), or in the church (Acts 20:28-35; 1 Peter 5:1-4). For we are all commanded as equal brethren in Christ (Matt. 23:8-10) to be mutually submissive to each other in the fear of the Lord (Eph. 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5).

Therefore believing women should develop and exercise their Spirit gifts for the church’s edification in love within the framework of the Lord Jesus Christ’s commandments respecting the headship of Christ for her through male authority (1 Cor. 11:3, 7-10, 14:34). For the woman by God’s design is man’s (or the husbands) helper (Gen. 2:18) providing what he lacks (Consider Ps. 121:1-2). However she is not his head. Therefore whatever authority she has must be delegated to her by him (Prov. 31:11-31; Rom. 16:1-2). Holy Spirit gifted women than who are mature in their faith then should disciple other woman and children whether individually, or collectively for the building up of the church body in love (Titus 2:3-5). So that in the execution of all authority; as the new creation demonstrates; we take on the new relationship liberty (Rom. 16:3-16); while not circumventing the Lord’s commandments that require our mutual submission to Him, by our obedience to them (1 Cor. 11:5; 14:34-35, 37). Hence not lordship as Jesus’ cautions us against, (Mark 10:42-45) rather mutual love, respect, submission and service (Luke 22:24-27; John 13:1-17; 34-35; Gal. 5:13-14; Eph. 5:21) to which all believing men and woman are called. Thus differing roles, yet equality of person, is how we must understand these kinds of passages (Gal. 3:26-29). A married woman’s first duty then is to serving Jesus Christ in her home (1 Peter 3:1-7) and managing it (1 Tim. 5:14). Yet this does not mean that a Godly wife or single woman cannot work outside of the home (Acts 16:14-15) or work in the church, or in a para church setting (Rom. 16:1-2). It means if she is married her first duty is to her husband and children (Prov. 31; Titus 2:4-5). And if she does anything for the Lord outside of that it must be with her husbands consent. Similairly a Godly single woman who serves in the church must serve there within the confines of the assistant role to the male leadership there. Having authority delegated to her by them. For there are no New Testament examples of woman having legitimate oversight of churches. There are though examples of woman serving as church hosts (Acts 16:14-15; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 John 2), as church workers (Rom. 16:1-2), as Christ’s witnesses to men and woman (Matt. 28:1-10; John 4:28-30), as caregivers to the same (Luke 8:1-3; Acts 9:36-39), as a prerequisite to receiving church aid (1 Tim. 5:9-10), and as co-workers with their husbands (Acts 18:26) and other believers, even with the Apostle Paul in forwarding the gospel (Phil. 4:3). But never as legitimately exercising oversight over an entire assembly (Rev. 2:20-28). 

Vs. 13-14 "For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression."

Now the Apostle Paul explains why women cannot teach or hold authority over the man. Two reasons are given, and both have universal implications. The first reason given is the order of creation. Though both man and woman are created in the image of God (Gen. 1:27). God created the male first, then took woman from the man and placed her in subjection to him. The man (or the husband) then has the Divine calling and responsibility as the womans head (1 Cor 11:3) and thus to love and care for her with understanding as the weaker vessel (Eph. 5:25-33; 1 Tim. 5:8; 1 Peter 3:7). The woman then has the Divine calling and responsibility to be in subjection to her head (i.e. her father, then her husband, or male church authority) and thus build her home and encourage and support him in his endeavors for their mutual well being (Prov. 31:10-31; Eph. 5:33; Titus 2:3-5; 1 Peter 3:1-6). Their marriage then is an outworking of both loving and respecting each other while not neglecting their God given responsibilities towards each other. Both then are charged to love and raise their children in the faith. Again the creation order established by God is the sole and unalterable basis for the Apostle Paul’s commandment. Paul’s citing it then sets forth an unalterable principal that must be universally applied to all churches. For what the Apostle Paul taught to one assembly he commanded of all (1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17). Therefore to argue against it based on real or imagined conditions at the time of Paul’s writing is simply to argue against his whole Epistle. Indeed it would be to argue against the Inspiration of the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit’s instructing us through them. For there are no examples of any Biblical Apostle writing to address a local situation or not, which solution was not universal in application, for all the churches (Read Acts 15:1-28).


Vs. 14 The second reason given is that the woman was deceived by Satan and fell into transgression. Now here the Apostle Paul does not name Eve to whom he is referring (Read Gen. 3). Rather he says, “…but woman being deceived fell into transgression” indicating a potential for women everywhere who likewise operate outside of God’s designs for them to be deceived by Satan.
Yet for whatever reason’s Adam willfully disobeyed God’s command and ate the fruit Eve his wife gave him. Thus not until Adam, Eve’s head rebels against God’s command, and they both have eaten of the fruit do they both spiritually die (Gen. 3:6-7). Thus in God's redemption plans of humanity it is through Adam (Eve’s head) that Christ enters the world into as a Man so as to take the place of Adam as the Feudal head of the human race, and thus restore what Adam forfeited when he willingly disobeyed God by eating the fruit Eve gave him (see Rom. 5:12-21). That is why Adam is charged with humanities fall not Eve, and thus that is why Jesus Christ became flesh as a man, not as a woman. Because Adam was Eve's head. And so to restore fallen humanity Jesus Christ would first have to be incarnated as a Man and take the place of Adam as head of the human race and atone for all humanity who since Adam are born into his sin. Since it was through his sin in disobeying God that sin entered the world, and Satan became the ruler of it. Thus this principal of headship (1 Cor 11:3) is not only foundational to governance in the home and church but is foundational to humanities redemption. Is it any wonder that Satan has worked so hard to destroy these God ordained roles of men and women everywhere, even now destroying each genders sexual distinctiveness. 

Vs. 15 "Nevertheless she will be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control."

Here the Apostle Paul concludes his exhortation on a positive note assuring that though the woman transgressed first. She shall be saved in childbearing; if she continues in faith, love, holiness and self-control (Consider 1 Tim. 5:5-15). Now the Apostle Paul is not advocating that childbirth or any other works as a means to salvation. But by maintaining God’s created designs for her, a believing woman shall be saved in child bearing if she continues in faith; love; holiness and self-control.


Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1982

Other Resources Researched or Cited:
Liddell, H. (1996). A lexicon : Abridged from Liddell and Scott's Greek-English lexicon (132). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Louw, J. P., & Nida, E. A. (1996). Vol. 1:Greek-English lexicon of the New Testament : Based on semantic domains (electronic ed. of the 2nd edition.) (473). New York: United Bible societies.

Robertson, A. (1997). Word Pictures in the New Testament (1 Ti 2:12). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems.

Strong, J. (1996). The exhaustive concordance of the Bible : Showing every word of the text of the common English version of the canonical books, and every occurrence of each word in regular order.(electronic ed.). Ontario: Woodside Bible Fellowship

Strong, J. (1997). The new Strong's dictionary of Hebrew and Greek words. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

Strong, J., S.T.D., LL.D. (2009). Vol. 1: A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (17). Bellingham, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Swanson, J. (1997). Dictionary of Biblical Languages with Semantic Domains : Greek (New Testament) (electronic ed.). Oak Harbor: Logos Research Systems, Inc.


Thomas, R. L. (1998). New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek dictionaries : Updated edition. Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc.

Vine, W. E., Unger, M. F., & White, W. (1996). Vol. 2: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (46). Nashville, TN: T. Nelson.

Wuest, K. S. (1997). Wuest's word studies from the Greek New Testament : For the English reader (1 Ti 2:11). Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.

















Wednesday, November 9, 2011

1 Timothy 2:1-7 Prayer

Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, 7 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying— a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

Vs. 1-7 In light of the blasphemy of Hymenaeus and Alexander the Apostle Paul now commands Timothy that supplications; prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men; “for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. Vs. 2-4

The word the Apostle Paul uses in verses one and four translated men is a generic word for mankind, so supplications; prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks are to be made for everyone; not just men, and certainly not just good ones (Matt. 5:43-48). Specifically the Apostle mentions prayer for those in authority “…that we may lead a quite and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.” Vs. 3 In contrast to blaspheming them and thus encouraging an attitude of contempt towards those God places in authority. We should pray for them all. For prayers for those in authority will by nature expose and subvert the rebellious, disobedient and raucous amongst us, and will also tangibly affect our lot in life here and now; by changing us, and even some of them, and thus the lives of others as well, as doors are opened for the gospel’s furtherance and people become obedient to it.

Consider the Apostle Paul was once a Pharisee charged with authority from the high priest in Jerusalem to arrest any Jew seeking to follow Christ and he traveled even to foreign lands arresting believers and putting them in chains. Yet it was while in Damascus that Jesus Christ changed Paul’s destiny forever (Acts 9:1-31). Therefore Paul saw in his own salvation the potential for everyone’s. “For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Vs. 5-6 Jesus Christ gave Himself a ransom for all mankind; not just the Jews, or the righteous, or the religious, or people we’d like to be saved. God gave Jesus Christ for everyone (John 3:16). That is why Jesus was willingly crucified for our sins and raised from the dead for our justification (Rom. 4:25), so that if anyone calls upon the Name of the Lord they shall be saved (Rom. 10:13). Thus the Apostle concludes of himself and his mission, truly I was appointed a preacher and an apostle in Christ, a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth (vs. 7).

From a Pharisee, of the strictest sect in Judaism, who before salvation would have never even conceived of speaking to a Gentile sinner, much less sharing the gospel of Christ with them. To now a born again believer who was appointed and charged by the Lord Jesus Christ to not only lead as an Apostle in His church, but Paul was to preach and teach the gospel to all Gentiles, so that they might hear the Good News, and believing be saved and thus likewise brought to life and be baptized into Christ's Body, as equal brethren with the Jews as well. The Apostle Paul then was not only breaking down cultural barriers of his day, he was, by the will of God, overthrowing long established religious ones. Which is a definite sign of the work of the Holy Spirit when believers bring God’s reconciliation work through Christ's cross without partiality to all (Acts 10:34-43; Eph. 2:14-18). For Jesus Christ's Cross is the great equalizer; bringing us back into a relationship with God the Father solely by our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. So that God's Righteousness through Jesus Christ's crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension might be magnified to all (Rom. 3:19-28; Col. 1:19-23).



Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982


Sunday, November 6, 2011

1 Timothy 1:12-20

12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, 13 although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you may wage the good warfare, 19 having faith and a good conscience, which some having rejected, concerning the faith have suffered shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme.

Commentary
Vs. 12-17 The Apostle Paul now in humble gratitude gives thanks to the Lord Jesus Christ who enabled him to be in ministry, because He, as the Apostle says, counted him faithful. Therefore in contrast to the false teachers who “desire to be teachers of the law” (vs. 7-8); as if teaching the law (to try to appear an authority of it) merit’s God’s approval. The Apostle Paul (the former Pharisee) now recounts how he came into Christ’s service. First, the Lord Jesus Christ enabled him, because Christ counted Paul faithful. He put Paul into ministry. The Apostle Paul did not appoint himself, as the false teachers frequently appoint themselves to ministry, Christ did (2 Cor.10:18). Just as the Lord Jesus appoints everyone who believes in Him into His service by the Spirit gifts we are given (1 Cor. 12:4-11; Eph. 4:11-12). Now in saying that it must also be remembered that the Apostle Paul did not come into Christ's salvation because of his Jewish pedigree, or his extensive training, or even his blameless conduct towards the law (Phil. 3:4-9). For nobody enters the Kingdom of Heaven who denies that they themselves are in deep and desperate need of Jesus Christ to save them from their sins (Luke 18:9-14; Eph. 2:1-9). Thus Paul begins with an honest and humble confession about his own conversion: “although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief…” vs. 13

 The Apostle Paul than does not paint a pretty "saintly" picture of himself when he was alienated from Christ. In unbelief Paul was not only a blasphemer and insolent man, he was a violent man, even though he was a Pharisee living according to the strictest sect of his father's traditions. This paradox, though startling to some, is more often than not the norm for sinful humanity when they strive for holiness, apart from Holy Spirit regeneration (Rom. 4:15). And thus you can see this phenomenon in every religion where the fruits of the Holy Spirit are absent (Gal. 5:22-23). And so it was while obeying his priestly elders, that Paul in unbelief persecuted and bound many Christians to imprisonment and chains in what he thought was defending the law of God! Thus in his misguided zeal for God, the Apostle Paul committed some terrible atrocities against those whom God had redeemed through it! Therefore just like every sinner; who before God opens their eyes and they come to see themselves as they really are apart from Him. Paul though outwardly very religious, was also once dead in his own trespasses and sins. Therefore having now been saved by the grace of God the Apostle Paul doesn’t proclaim his own righteousness as somehow qualifying him for salvation; he proclaims the mercies of God given to him by faith in Jesus Christ, who first loved him and saved him from his sins, while he was still dead in them (Rom. 5:8). As he says: “And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” vs. 14

Now the grace of God is likewise exceedingly abundant towards everyone who believes and calls upon the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ to save them from their sins (Rom. 10:9-10, 13). Not just the Apostle Paul, but anyone, anywhere, anytime, can regardless of what they have done, have God’s exceedingly great mercies if they're heart is open to receive Jesus Christ who likewise loves them  (Rev. 3:20). Therefore having received the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ the Apostle Paul now says that these characteristics of Christ are now what define him. From blasphemer, persecutor and insolent man, to a man now noted for his faith and love. An incredible transformation not attributable to Paul. But rather to the life of Christ within him. In fact if the Christian life could be broken down into two things it would be just that, faith and love. For without faith one cannot please God (Heb. 11:6) and without love one cannot be said to know God (1 John 4:7-8; 5:1).

Now to strengthen his point about God’s grace coming to everyone who acknowledges they're own sinfulness, and in faith turns to the Lord Jesus Christ trusting His crusifixion death as all sufficient to save them, the Apostle Paul now declares: “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. vs. 15
As a Pharisee Paul could claim his own obedience to the law and smugly look down on others who were not as zealous for God as he was. Not that he was justified in doing so, just that the culture of Phariseeism made such men. But now as a Christian, who came into Christ's Salvation and Life by the grace of God, Paul lost all such pretenses (Php. 3:4-9). For there is no other grounds other than Jesus Christ crucified for our redemption from sin and death that we find God’s mercies. Therefore we all must come to Him honestly and humbly about our own sinfulness with a heart felt desire to repent of it. As the Lord Jesus Christ says: “I did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Matt. 9:13 Which is why He sought out sinners, not to pronounce judgment on us for having sinned (John 3:17), but to call us all to repentance so that He might heal us from our sins. Therefore Jesus came to be and to bring God's salvation to us all who believe in Him, whether we were “good” or bad. Jesus came to save us sinners from our sins and give us new and everlasting life with Himself the moment we believe in Him (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 1:13-14). Now this God does by Holy Spirit regeneration; that is by the Spirit of God, Jesus Christ permanently indwells everyone who believes in Him. And thus God in all His fullness dwells in all of us who believe in Jesus Christ the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17, 19-20; 2 Cor. 6:16-18; Col. 2:8-10). And so the life of Christ and fruits of the Holy Spirit are ours to live out and enjoy the Christian life by.

The Apostle Paul then having declared Jesus Christ’s purpose in coming into the world; to save and transform sinners persons and lives, (not the "righteous," or the "religious" or anyone else who thinks themselves, apart from Christ, to be alright in the sight of God) but sinners, of whom he declares himself chief. And thus Paul identifies himself not only as the worst of sinners, but by so doing, he is fully identifying with Christ, who first identified Himself with Paul and with all sinners everywhere by willingly bearing all our sins on the cross. Thus Paul continues his exhortaion on the grace of God: “However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life.” vs. 16
The Apostle Paul then having realized and declared the depth of his own sinfulness now declares the depth and height of Jesus Christ’s love for him and us all who have likewise failed God. Yet it was for that very reason Paul obtained mercy. That in him first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for eternal life. That is Jesus Christ choose to spare Paul who previously was zealously persecuting the church, and trying to destroy the church, so that through His saving and transforming Paul, His longsuffering towards all of sinful humanity might be made known to all. Now that pattern of saving individuals or nations who do not "deserve" to be saved is, and will always be, God’s right and manner of redemption needing no qualification from anyone as the Scripture says (Rom. 11:5-6).

 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord?
Or who has become His counselor?”
35 “Or who has first given to Him
And it shall be repaid to him?”
36 For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Rom. 11:34-36

 And thus God’s election both of individuals and nations is not based on anything that is inherently good in us, or anything done by us (Rom. 9:11). For nobody comes into salvation because of either their outstanding conduct, or their good deeds; but only by the grace of God, “For all have sinned and fallen short of the glory the of God.” Rom. 3:23
Therefore the Apostle Paul is saying that through the mercy first shown him, Jesus Christ both demonstrates and has established a just pattern by which He will save anyone who believes in Him. “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” vs. 17

Vs. 18-20 Having then exalted our King Jesus and His Righteousness the Apostle Paul now invokes his Apostolic authority as Christ’s commissioned servant. So that by them Timothy may be encouraged in knowing his own calling, and the authority Paul is charging him according to the prophecies made about Timothy, to wage the good warfare; that all believers are likewise charged to fight in faith and love with a good conscience (1 Peter 3:16). Yet some having rejected have only suffered shipwreck in their own faith lives (vs. 18-19). In this the Apostle Paul mentions two men by name; Hymenaeus and Alexander both whom he delivered to Satan so that they may learn not to blaspheme (vs. 20). For in having admitted to having sinned in such a fashion; yet ignorantly in unbelief; the Apostle Paul makes no room now for such things to carry on amongst those who believe. Therefore a distinction should always be made between those falling into sin and needing restoration (Gal. 6:1-2) and those who seek to justify it (1 Cor. 5:1-13), which is what these men were doing. For having rejected faith and a good conscience (2 Tim. 2:17-18; 2 Tim. 4:14) they were teaching others to blasphemy ruling authorities. Something that is utterly contrary to the gospel and thus having a sound faith and life since the Lord Jesus commands us all directly as well as through His Apostles to honor and obey all in authority; since all authority has their origins in God (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Peter 2:13-14). Only in regards to their misconduct or hypocrisy we are not to follow (Matt. 23:1-12). Thus we honor the office; if not the person holding it.

 Now the Apostle Paul’s exhortation to Timothy to “wage the good warfare” is the kind of language one military commander would use to encourage another before they set off on a prolonged campaign. In other words, we as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ must not consider ourselves in a one-time only battle with personal sin (Heb. 12:4) or a personal Satan (1 Peter 5:8-11), when we come to faith in Christ. For though the war is won at Calvary, and the Lord Jesus Christ assures us of the ongoing victory (Matt. 16:18); there are many different battles, on many different fronts, that must be fought in every generation by us all who believe and seek to obey the truth.

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982





Monday, October 31, 2011

1 Timothy 1:1-11

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, by the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope, 2 To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 4 nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 5 Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 6 from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good if one uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.

Commentary
Vs. 1 The Apostle Paul introduces himself as an Apostle by “…the commandment of God our Savior and the Lord Jesus Christ, our hope.” From the start Paul makes it very clear that he did not appoint himself as an Apostle, the Lord Jesus Christ did. And throughout his epistles Paul always describes himself as such; as one called by God (2 Cor. 2:1), separated to the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:1). In fact he makes a clear distinction between himself as one called by the will of God (Eph. 1:1; Col. 1:1; 2 Tim. 1:1) and those who are in fact only called by the will of men (Gal. 1:1). Now God is the Savior of everyone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ. For God alone initiates salvation and calls men and woman to Himself by Jesus Christ His Son (John 1:14; 6:37-40; 12:32). For faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the only way to knowing God and thus having a relationship with Him which leads to eternal life (John 14:6; 17:3). Since nobody can pay the ransom price that his or her souls require (Ps. 49:7-9). Yet God in His great love for us did when Jesus Christ suffered death on a cross for all our sins at Calvary (John 3:16). Therefore Jesus Christ is our soul’s ransom, as well as our resurrected Savior, and thus He alone becomes our hope for eternal life.

Vs. 2 The Apostle Paul addresses his letter (or epistle) to Timothy whom he calls a true son in the faith. A young protégé who had both Jewish and Gentile bloodlines; Paul had shared the gospel with Timothy along with his Godly mother and grandmother. And when they believed in Christ Paul brought Timothy on some of his missionary journeys. Then while they were in Ephesus; Paul having already discipled Timothy, entrusted him to the oversight of the believers in Ephesus, while he himself crossed the Mediterranean Sea to Macedonia to minister the gospel there (vs. 3). The Apostle Paul then having received distressing correspondence from Timothy while there, is now writing to him. And so the Apostle Paul begins his epistle by bestowing three blessings on young Timothy (which are likewise every believers), “…Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.” In so doing the Apostle Paul affirms God's agenda for us all who believe, though the road in this life is often precarious and sometimes even perilous (Acts 14:21-22).


Vs. 3-4 Now in light of what the Apostle Paul has already understood from Timothy’s letter and Timothy’s desire to come to him; Paul nonetheless knowing what was at stake urges Timothy to remain in Ephesus "...that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine 4 or give heed to fables and endless genealogies which cause disputes rather godly edification which is by faith," vs. 3-4 For to leave at this crucial time would likely mean that the church would be left in distress, or worse overrun by the savage wolves the Apostle Paul warned earlier about (See Acts 20:28-30). Therefore the Apostle Paul’s instructions here is to stop those individuals in the church who were forwarding a pseudo “spirituality” amongst the brethren. For it was their questionable doctrines, and or speculations on spiritual matters, that was making for much divisiveness amongst them. Rather than producing Godly edification which comes by faith (consider 2 Cor. 5:7). Therefore in light of such things the Apostle Paul exhorts Timothy, as Pastor, to take charge of the situation and appoint Godly men and charge them that they teach no other doctrine. For fables (i.e. myths) and genealogies are useless for producing a Godly life, and when mixed with the gospel, they like all forms of false teaching and "spirituality" are perilous for believers to partake in. For they open a door for Satan's emissaries to enter in by (Consider 2 Cor. 11:3-4, 13-15; Gal. 1:6-9; Rev. 18:3-4 NKJ).
In Hebrews 13:9 we are similarly warned: “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which have not profited those who have been occupied with them.” Thus staying rooted and grounded in God’s Word and the simplicity of the gospel, rather than something that appears “spiritual”, but only produces debates and strife amongst believers and not Godly edification which is through faith and love was to be priority one for Timothy. To get the congregation rooted and grounded in God's Word (John 17:17). For we are all commended to the Word of God's grace, which always directs our hearts and faith towards Jesus Christ, rather than heeding the decrees, speculations, or false spirituality of men (Col. 2:8-10; 20-22).

Vs. 5-8 Therefore the Apostle Paul reminds Timothy that the purpose for the commandment is not to generate more debate and strife, but rather forward “…love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith” (vs. 5). For love is the Christians call to discipleship. That is the command that Jesus left us to govern our relationships with each other love. Therefore love is to define us as His disciples (John 13:33). Not pursuing questionable doctrines and uncertain things; since again the whole law hangs on one command: “you shall love your neighbor as yourself”. Therefore a good conscience towards God and ones fellow person always comes through love (Rom. 13:8-10). Not a love that is divorced of Godly knowledge and discernment, but a love that is born out of abiding in Christ’s love and keeping His commandments (John 15:9-11). Yet some having strayed from that foundational premise of obedience towards Jesus Christ by grace and truth (John 1:17) which always accords with godliness (Titus 1:1) had turned aside to idle talk (vs. 6); “desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.”

That there were those who had strayed from the truth, yet were seeking to be teachers of the law, is not restricted to the congregation that Timothy was overseeing (See 2 Peter 3:16-18). For the vanity of the human heart loves to be seen as an authority before one's peers; nonetheless Jesus commands something far better from us all who would follow Him in discipleship (Consider Matt. 23:1-12). Now the entirety of God’s Word is truth and every one of His righteous statutes endure forever (Ps. 119:119). Therefore the Apostle Paul affirms that the law is good if one uses it lawfully (vs. 8). That is uses it lawfully, as it is intended, for instruction in righteousness, for correction, for rebuke and thus directing us all away from sin and error and hopefully into a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Tim. 3:16-17). For neither the church nor individual believer is under the law (Rom. 6:14), and thus its curse, which Christ suffered for us all on the cross (Gal. 3:10-14). Therefore the law is not given to us to impose on others in the New Covenant era (Acts 15:1-29). Rather the law has a righteous purpose, and in the context of salvation it's purpose is to reveal our sins to us. Since it is through the law that God has set the everlasting moral standards that everyone is to live by, and will be judged by (Rom. 2). Yet as we honestly examine our own hearts and lives, all we see are our own failings according to it. For God has through the law shut up the whole world under sin, with no hope of redemption from sin and death through it. And thus the law (if we are humble and wise) brings us to repentance towards God and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who then saves us (John 3:3-5, 16; Acts 20:21). For the law is not given as a means to salvation. As if by it one could be justified before God by their own obedience to it; Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler in gospel clearly reveals that impossibility. Rather the law serves as a tutor to bring us to Christ that we might be justified by faith in His Person (Gal. 3:24-25). That is why the Lord Jesus Christ calls us all to repent of our sins and self-assuredness and believe (Matt. 9:9-13; Mark 1:15; Luke 13:1-5; 18:9-14). So that we might be saved from God's wrath and coming judgment against those things, by turning from them and trusting in Jesus Christ’s sacrificial death on a cross given through God's great and unfailing love to save us all (John 3:15-16). For only then God will sanctify you, by the indwelling of His Holy Spirit, who both makes alive and regenerates everyone who believes (Eph. 1:13-14).
For again the law says nothing about bringing the Holy Spirit into those lives who try to keep the law to be saved from their sins through it (Gal. 3:2-3). Nor does the law say anything about new birth; which Jesus commands of everyone as the only way into the Kingdom of heaven (John 3:3-5). For again God having shut up the whole world under sin (Rom. 3:23) He makes entering the Kingdom of heaven only possible by His Work and Righteousness; not mans (Rom. 3:26). Both His salvation work by Jesus Christ's Crucifixion death on the cross and His regenerating work by His Holy Spirit which brings to life and transforms into Christ likeness everyone who believes. And thus the image of God which was lost to the human race when Adam sinned is restored by the second Adam Christ (Rom. 5:12-21). Therefore we only enter in by God’s grace given to us all by faith in Jesus Christ's Person (Rom. 11:6; Eph. 2:8-9). Thus the law is not "the means" or "a means" to salvation. For apart from Christ the law only makes us aware of our sinful condition, and thus our separated state from God and all that is life. Therefore it is through the gospel that God offers us His solution for our sins and our sin nature. By His first atoning for all our sins, by His Son Jesus Christ's death on the cross, then His regenerating our person's, by our believing in His Son Jesus Christ's Person, whose resurrected life and power the Holy Spirit brings in us the moment we believe in Him. For Jesus says unless you are born again (born of water, that is natural birth, and Spirit, that is born-again by the Spirit of God) you cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven (John 3:3-5). And thus we only enter into God's Kingdom and receive remission of all our sins and eternal life through the grace of God given to us by faith in Jesus Christ's Person (Titus 3:4-7). Therefore unless you see your own need, and your incapability of meeting that need, you will not see your need for Jesus Christ's substitutionary death on the cross given by God to save you, and us all. For the law can save no one, it can only charge us all with having sinned (James 2:13).

Vs. 9-11 “Knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for thelawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and for sinners, for theunholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God which was committed to my trust.” Vs. 9-11

In a rather strong rebuke of those who desire to be teachers of the law yet do not understand the things they teach, nor the things they affirm, the Apostle Paul here lays it straight out just who the Law is for! Saying that the law is not made for the righteous person; that is those who are declared righteous by their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and hence forth strive to live righteously (Rom. 5:1; 1 John 3:1-3). Rather for those who do not believe in Him and continue on in their sins (Rom. 2:11-16; Jude 14-15). Therefore the law has nothing to say to those who by the Holy Spirit put to death the sinful deeds of their flesh (Gal. 5:16-24). Yet the church being under the law has always been a problem (Gal. 4:21-31). The reason it is a problem is it moves justification from the realm of faith in Jesus Christ by which we are saved by the grace of God (Eph. 2:8-9). Into the realm of works by which people only acquire debt in their attempts to get justified (Rom. 4:4-5), or become self-righteous in their thinking (Luke 18:9-14). Righteousness then, that is a righteous standing before God cannot come through human effort, for that would circumvent the cross of Christ (John 3:15-16). For the law cannot be kept by anyone to bring salvation through it (Acts 15:8-11; Rom. 3:19-28). It can only convict people of their sins and or authorize God's righteous judgment against them. Therefore to enter into the Kingdom of heaven one must have their hope fully fixed on Jesus Christ crucified and Risen from the dead for the remission of all their sins, rather than their own righteousness through the law or anything else (Rom. 7:4-6). For Jesus Christ was crucified to magnify God’s righteousness through the law, not mans (Rom. 3:26-28; 5:6-21; Gal. 2:21).

Again the Apostle’s Paul’s commandment (vs. 5) is given for the purpose of producing in all who believe love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith. In essence the fruits of the Spirit; which God imparts in us when we believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and we are to live out by being led by the Spirit of God and not the letter of the law. For the letter of the law only kills and or arouses the sinful passions of the flesh (Rom. 7:5; 2 Cor. 3:5-9). It does not liberate anyone from their sins and the spiritually dead condition they are in apart from Christ. Nor can it impart grace when someone falls into sin; only the gospel can do that. Therefore the law is not the gospel, it is to point people to the gospel of Jesus Christ where God redeems, then brings to life and transforms the lives by the Holy Spirit of everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. Again it is the Spirit of God via the fruits of Spirit which produces in believers the righteous life that God requires, against such there is no law (Gal. 5:16-23). Thus we do not preach the law, only Jesus Christ crucified and Risen from the dead for the redemption of sinners from its eternal judgment. 38 Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through this Man is preached to you the forgiveness of sins; 39 and by Him everyone who believes is justified from all things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. Acts 13:38-39

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Note: This is a first installment on 1 Timothy, as such each new blog entry will contain roughly ten verses, so as not to make any single blog entry to long. Also the entire Biblical Text may be viewed by hovering ones cursor over the blog title or any cited Scripture.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Proverbs 9:6

"Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding."

Devotional
Through this Proverb, God is calling us all to forsake the way of foolishness (that is living in folly, sin, and unbelief, all which only ends in death, Rom 6:23) and instead go in the way of understanding. And so it is a call to repent (i.e. turn away from ones wrong course of life and independence towards God, and turn to Christ through the Gospel, so that one may be redeemed from one's sins and transgressions and brought to life by a personal faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, while the door of God's grace is open to us. For though this world prospers in their rebellion against the will of God for a season, there is a Judgment coming when all who did not heed God's warning will reap all their sins consequences and punishment. And so having turned away from the way of foolishness, we are to go in the way of understanding. That is living in obedience to Him by grace and truth, which is the sole pathway to abundance of life and peace (John 1:17). For that is in the way of wisdom, which God honors, and thus shows mercy towards all who repent and believe and obey Him through His Son's Gospel. Thus all who receive His Son the Lord Jesus Christ will be received and raised up, and glorified together with Himself. For it is by faith God's Son the Lord Jesus Christ that we receive the Holy Spirit who then brings us to life and empowers our discipleship walk with Christ. But is also by Him, by being led by Him, that we are to now live out Christ's life within us. And so our lives being liberated from sin and death now are the means by which Christ's life is magnified and manifested and thus brought near towards one and all, so that they too might turn from their folly and receive life through the Lord Jesus Christ for themselves. Therefore don't live like those whose minds are blinded to this glorious truth, who do not know God, nor have His life by His Spirit within them, who only live to gratify their sensual desires and sinful appetites, and thus are only storing up great wrath and punishment on themselves. Instead through the abounding grace and mercies of God receive His reconciliation for yourself. Come home to Christ who will abundantly pardon and forgive each and all who put their faith and trust in Him crucified for all their transgressions (Isaiah 55:1-2, 6-7; John 3:16). For when everyone does they will find true life and be clothed with abundance of everlasting peace in God's Everlasting Kingdom (Psalm 37:11; 72:7; John 14:27). 

Scripture Quotation
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982