April 13
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GODLINESS AND CONTENTMENT RESULT IN GREAT GAIN
3 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not 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. 6 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. – 1 Timothy 6:3-6
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In this letter, Paul clearly commands the believers never to entertain doctrines that do not conform with the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. In verse 3, he uses “sound words that comes only from God’s word”. When people twist or use their own words or interpretation about something that God said in His word, they are dangerous. The devil is very clever and cunning in subtly injecting half truths that they almost appear like true. This is why believers need to abide in Christ and meditate on His word day and night. If we do not know the character of our Lord and His promises, we will easily be manipulated to believe these very cleverly seemingly true teachings, whey they are actually false. In verse 4, Paul explains that the source of these desire to present a different gospel or doctrine has to do with pride and conceit. It has nothing to do with godliness, but a desire of the flesh to be satisfied or gratified with disputes and questions about words. In verse 5, he points out the depraved mind and the person deprived of truth. These kinds of unbelievers, are out to drag others into their darkness and confusion. By this, evil will be propagated and there will be no one saved. In Joh 10:10, we clearly know that the devil’s purpose is to steal, kill and destroy the Kingdom. It is interesting how Paul brings so much clarity when he gave us a picture of how the depraved mind and the deceived of truth bicker at each other. This is the work of the enemy, to keep each person in a cycle of going around in futile exchanged of words or ideas, to feed their egos. In verse 6, we are given the reason why godliness only works when it is coupled with contentment. When we strive for a pure life for the sake of our own desire to be saved, it does us no good. It is only a means of gaining a reward for what is done. Contentment only happens when we know our place in relation to our Creator. Let’s remember that if we love our Lord, we will never even attempt to add to his pre-destined plan in our lives.
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REFLECTION
• Why is “contentment” a novelty in our world today?
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CONDUCT FOR SERVANTS ILMA’S VLOG
April 12
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CONDUCT FOR SERVANTS
All who are under the yoke as slaves are to regard their own masters as worthy of all honor so that the name of God and our doctrine will not be spoken against. 2 Those who have believers as their masters must not be disrespectful to them because they are brothers or sisters, but must serve them all the more, because those who partake of the benefit are believers and beloved. Teach and preach these principles.
– 1 Timothy 6:1-2:
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In this letter, Paul addresses the importance of how masters and slaves in the community of believers must conduct themselves. In verse 1, he tells all those who are yoked as slaves are to respect and honor and serve their master well. Paul gives them the reason why this is a must for all Christian servants. If they do this, they will be honoring God as well and the doctrines they have taught will not be challenged or compromised. Can you imagine teaching something and then do the opposite of what you just taught? It will be hypocrisy to preach something that they cannot follow in their own lives.
In verse 2, he tells the slaves how it is more important that they give a double respect and honor to their masters if they are believers themselves. Since they are both serving the Lord Jesus Christ, it is only right to serve them all the more. In the letter to the Colossians, which was written earlier than this letter to Timothy, Paul commands the slaves to obey their masters as they would obey the Lord himself. In Colossians 3:23, it says that whatever you do, do your work heartily as you would do it unto the Lord. In verse 24, of this letter, Paul tells them that the reward that they will receive is from the Lord Jesus Christ himself.
In our world today, we don’t have servants and masters but we have employers and employees. So many of us, employees, do not treat our employers with the same respect that we would to someone we are in relationship with. Paul couldn’t emphasize more the importance of doing everything you do as you would unto the Lord. Instead of employees trying to sneak in personal stuff at work, shouldn’t they honor and follow their bosses because whatever one does to someone, they are doing it to the Lord as well? Sadly, dishonesty and selfish ambitions plague our workplaces now. If you were a master or a boss, it will be a novelty to find honest and truthful workers.
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REFLECTION
• Why should we honor our superiors just like we would honor our Lord Jesus?
• What do you think are the effects of a workplace that is compromised?
KEEP FREE FROM SIN ILMA’S VLOG
1 April 11
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KEEP FREE FROM SIN
21 I solemnly exhort you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of His chosen angels, to maintain these principles without bias, doing nothing in a spirit of partiality. 22 Do not lay hands upon anyone too quickly and thereby share responsibility for the sins of others; keep yourself free from sin.23 Do not go on drinking only water, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.24 The sins of some people are quite evident, going before them to judgment; for others, their sins follow after. 25 Likewise also, deeds that are good are quite evident, and those which are otherwise cannot be concealed. – 1 Timothy 5:21-25
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In this letter, Paul encourages and insists that Timothy continue to follow and maintain all the teachings to others without discrimination or bias. Paul is reiterating his letter to the Romans chapter 2 verse 11 that God shows no favoritism. Paul is merely reminding Timothy that if God doesn’t show biases, then His own people shouldn’t as well. Guzik comments on this chapter that “Prejudice and partiality are grave sins before God. In the New Testament, the emphasis is on partiality according to class (James 2:1-9); but partiality according to race and gender is also included (Galatians 3:26-29) and regarded as sin.” In verse 22, Paul instructs Timothy not to give easily the approval for anyone who wants to serv in the ministry unless they have proven themselves mature spiritually or he may be partaking in their hidden agendas that may be a result of being immature. This is important because one can be corrupted by sin if they participate in the sins of others. How can we participate in someone else’s sin? We can be accessory to someone sins if we don’t rebuke a sin that we know they are doing. We can also be participants in evil if we don’t speak the truth and expose the “lies” they are believing, which is opposite the truth. Another way we can be part of someone else’s sin is by ignoring or tolerating them and not addressing the sins. We don’t love them if we don’t let them know that we recognize the sin and it is not honoring God if they don’t stop.
In verse 23, Paul was referring to Timothy’s ailment. Some commentaries mention that he was trying to let Timothy know that if wine will be good for him, there is no reason to abstain from it just because he wants to set a model for them to follow when his health was also at stake. In other words, he didn’t want Timothy to fall into legalism or the law.
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REFLECTION
• Why do true believers need to keep away from sin at all times? What happens if they become accessory to other people’s sin? What will that do to the body?
CONCERNING ELDERS ILMA’S VLOG
April 10
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CONCERNING ELDERS
17 The elders who lead well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “YOU SHALL NOT MUZZLE THE OX WHILE IT IS THRESHING,” and “The laborer is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not accept an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses. 20 Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 1 Timothy 5:17-20
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he explains to him matters concerning the elders. In verses 17-18, talks about compensation for the position of elders. In verse 17, the phrase “worthy of double honor” can be translated as worth of double wage or salary. He specifically talks about an elder’s role at preaching and teaching. Elders here includes pastors, wardens, deacons and all others in leadership in the church. Notice how Paul raises up the work of a preacher or a teacher. Since they are handling the word of God or truth, it involves study, preparation and a bigger responsibility in bringing the truth to the body of Christ. Just as a teacher in school prepares the lesson plan ensures that understanding and learning becomes possible, so does the preacher and teacher of the word. There are many people who thinks that ministers and church leaders shouldn’t get a salary and instead the donations should only go to the poor or needy. In this letter, Paul justifies the need for these hardworking elders to be compensated too. After all, they also invest time and energy and work in bringing truth to the body.
In verses 19-20, Paul tackles the issue when elders are accused of an offense, a sin or wrongdoing. He talks about the importance of two or three witnesses. Once again, Paul refers to Deuteronomy 19:15 that says that one person is not sufficient to put a charge for an offense but needs two or three witnesses to establish such offense. He also gave a guideline to follow in case these elders continue to sin. They have to be rebuked in the congregation so that it will be something that will instill fear to sin.
It is sad to know that a lot of churches do not follow these guidelines for elders. It almost seems like these Elders basis for work is just like the regular world system. It is now a novelty to see the church deal with sin especially if it is done by the leaders. That is why there is so much authority abuses ongoing now in many churches. What a shame it is for the people of God not to address these very important issues.
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REFLECTION
• Why do you think Paul clearly spoke of the importance of addressing sin?
ON CARING FOR WIDOWS ILMA’S VLOG
April 9
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ON CARING FOR WIDOWS
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. – 1 Timothy 5:9-16
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Paul was very specific in his letter to Timothy about caring for the widows. He couldn’t be any clear about the widows that deserved to be cared for. He has the following guidelines on qualifications of widows worth caring for in verses 9-10. These widows must not be less than sixty years old; wife of only one man; have a reputation for good works; has brought up children; shown hospitality to strangers; has washed the saints’ feet; assisted those who are in distress; and devoted herself to every good work.
On the other hand, Paul has disqualified widows also and here are the reasons why they do not have to be taken cared of: those who are younger than 60 years old because they still feel physical desires that veers them away from serving Christ because of these longings; those who are idle; those who gossip and busybodies.
Paul actually encourages younger widows to get married and have children and manage their household as a weapon against the enemy’s ploy to tempt them into sin.
Even a woman who has a dependent widow is also encouraged to ensure that they are supported so that it won’t be a burden for the church so they can actually continue to help those who are actually widows without any other resources. This is how we manifest the love of God. We ought to care for our widows who need us.
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REFLECTION
• Why does our current world does not encourage many to care for widows?
ON REBUKING AND PROVIDING FOR FAMILY ILMA’S VLOG
April 8
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ON REBUKING AND PROVIDING FOR FAMILY
Do not sharply rebuke 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.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.
– 1 Timothy 5:1-8
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, he gives the believers guidelines how to rebuke in love. The word rebuke in Hebrew has three different words: ga’ar- to chide, reprimand; ge’arah- chiding, rebuke; and cherpah- contumely, disgrace. As a member of the body of Christ, each believer is expected to care for one another. When one loves one another, they do not want their brothers or sisters in Christ to fall away from the faith. It is important to correct or rebuke if one of the members of the body is sinning. Paul gives them a guideline how to rebuke. To an older man, it must be in the form of a plea or a petition. To rebuke a younger man, it must be done like you would to a brother. To an older woman, it must be like you would to your own mother, respectful. And to the younger woman, as if they were your sister, in purity.
According to Susan E. Hylen, a professor of New Testament comments on widows and said that the notion that widows needed someone to take care of them rests on ideas about the legal and social status of women. A wife was dependent on her husband, and when he died, she went to live with her father’s household if he was alive, or to an adult son if she had one. Having a father or son was fortunate, because otherwise widows were entirely without resources. Widows were also legally subordinate to these male relatives.
Paul instructs Timothy to make sure that widows are taken cared of especially by her family members. In verse 8 Paul says that if one doesn’t provide for his own household, he has turned back on his faith and is worse than an unbeliever.
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REFLECTION
• Why is rebuking another believer really important for the body of Christ?
GODLY LEADERSHIP IN THE BODY OF CHRIST ILMA’S VLOG
April 3
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GODLY LEADERSHIP IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
8 Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not insincere, not prone to drink much wine, not greedy for money, 9 but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. 10 These men must also first be tested; then have them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach. 11Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things. 12 Deacons must be husbands of one wife, and good managers of their children and their own households. 13 For those who have served well as deacons obtain for themselves a high standing and great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. – 1 Timothy 3:8-13
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Paul once again is very detailed about his instructions to the body of believers in Christ. Earlier, he gave a guideline to the overseer, now, he talks about deacons. It is imperative in the body of Christ to have leaders who are pure and following the Lord’s ways.
Gerard Cowen, in his article about deacons says that their ministry was intended to aid the apostles by taking care of some of the physical needs of the congregation. The deacons were to assist the elders (who replaced the apostles as the spiritual leaders of the church) with the physical needs of the church.
In this letter, Paul specifically lays down to Timothy what the requirements are in selecting deacons:
• Men of integrity and not insincere
• Not a drunk or greedy for money
• Has a clear conscience and a blameless life
• Faithful to only one wife
• Good managers of their children and family
• Faithful to the Lord Jesus Christ
In verse 11, the women are to be dignified as well, not gossips but moderate and faithful in all things.
In churches today, we can re-examine if the leadership follows the criteria for ministering to the body of Christ that Paul stipulated in this letter. Sadly, many leaders have failed to meet the qualifications of godly stewards of God’s people. The world system has somehow infiltrated churches with ungodly ways to use the church for personal agendas.
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REFLECTION
• Why do we need to follow Paul’s stipulation for godly leadership in church?
OVERSEER QUALIFICATIONS ILMA’S VLOG
April 2
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OVERSEER QUALIFICATIONS
It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. 2 An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, skillful in teaching, 3 not overindulging in wine, not [a bully, but gentle, not contentious, free from the love of money. 4 He must be one who manages his own household well, keeping his children under control with all dignity 5 (but if a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?), 6 and not a new convert, so that he will not become conceited and fall into condemnation incurred by the devil. 7 And he must have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that he will not fall into disgrace and the snare of the devil.- 1 Timothy 3:1-7
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In this letter to Timothy, Paul breaks down the qualifications needed for an overseer. He wants them to be very clear that the office of overseer is an honorable position that needs to be clearly filtered. He specifies to Timothy the requirements needed for this very important position. Among these are:
1. Must be above reproach and has only one wife
2. Temperate and self-controlled
3. Respectable and hospitable
4. Skilled in teaching
5. Not a drunk or not a bully but gentle
6. Not quarrelsome and doesn’t love money
7. One who manages his own household well and disciplines his children
8. Not a new convert and has a good reputation with those outside the church
Being an overseer in the church is not a position that must be taken for granted. Paul reminds Timothy to ensure that the house of God must be kept pure. If someone who takes the position of an overseer doesn’t qualify based on these requirements, there will be division and other problems that may arise in the body of believers. Since the position is not merely any physical office, but a spiritual calling, the selection process must follow the law of God. Can you imagine what will happen if a corrupt and greedy and drunk or quarrelsome person gets an overseer position? Unity will be compromised and the Holy Spirit will be quenched.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to select persons of reputation as overseers in the church?
HOW TO LIVE A PEACEFUL AND QUIET LIFE ILMA’S VLOG
March 31
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HOW TO LIVE A PEACEFUL AND QUIET LIFE
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. – 1 Timothy 2:1-7
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In this letter to Timothy, Paul urges believers to come together and be united in bringing to the Lord the following:
1. Requests or supplications – these are things that the believers wish or wants
2. Prayers – are conversations or communicating or relating with the Lord
3. Intercessions – are requests made for others
4. Thanksgiving -is showing gratitude to God for all gifts and blessings received
Then in verse 2, he gives them the key to a peaceful and quiet life. Paul asks the believers to pray for all those who are in positions such as political leaders, spiritual leaders and everyone else in authority. The result of praying for authorities whether they are in our civilian or spiritual lives may bring about a quiet life for all people in the land. In verse 3, Paul reminds them the importance of corporate worship because this is acceptable to God. In verse 4, he mentions how important it is for God because He wants everyone to be saved and come to know Him. What Paul is emphasizing in this letter is the importance of prayers. The word of God is needed to be preached to all the ends of the earth so everyone will be saved. He also reminds them that Jesus Christ died on the cross and that he was appointed as a preacher and apostle assigned to the Gentiles to bring about truth and grow their faith.
Many people do not realize the importance of prayers. It helps us live in unity, peace and joy. It also pays to be able to think of others when we pray and not just of ourselves. When we bring to God other people’s requests, we become skilled in relations and we think less of ourselves and teaches us to be more selfless. Praying is essential in growing our faith and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is how we stay in relationship with our Maker.
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REFLECTION
• How is prayer essential in a believer’s life?
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT
March 30
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FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT
18 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, 19 keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith. 20Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme. – 1 Timothy 1:18-20
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According to Jeff Benner, an ancient Hebrew researcher, the word command, as wel as commandment, are used to translate the Hebrew word mits’vah but does not properly convey the meaning of mits’vah. The word command implies words of force or power as a general commands his troops. The word mits’vah is better understood as a directive. In this light, The word “command” used by Paul to Timothy would probably mean more like a directive to his protegee or son in the faith. Paul mentions that there were prophetic words spoken to Timothy even before he was given such ministry. This letter to Timothy is to safeguard that he fights the go good fight. The term fight here does not mean to engage in a physical battle, but more in a spiritual one.
Paul mentions the weapons he needs to use in this spiritual battle in verse 19. Keeping the faith and a good conscience. Paul must be referring also to his letter to the Ephesians with regards to this battle. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul says “For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.” In his 2nd letter to the Corinthians in 2:4, Paul mentions about weapons of spiritual warfare and says that “We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments.”
So, what he is really charging Timothy here is to fight this spiritual battle with his faith intact and never wavering which opens doors to be shipwrecked in their trust in the Lord. Good conscience is also mentioned as one of the weapons. In other words, if one is to be a good soldier of Christ, he must live a pure life, not mixed with the world system.
Hymenaeus and Alexander were mentioned as examples of those whose faith were shipwrecked. The phrase “handed over to Satan” must mean they have been removed from the body of believers and left to follow the world’s ways, which is ruled by Satan himself. I don’t think Paul punished them but separated them from the believers.
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REFLECTION
• Why is every believer to continue to fight the good fight no matter what comes?