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?
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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?
PERSEVERE IN GODLINESS ILMA’S VLOG
April 7
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PERSEVERE IN GODLINESS
11 Prescribe and teach these things. 12 Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. 13 Until I come, give your attention to the public reading, to exhortation, and teaching. 14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you, which was granted to you through words of prophecy with the laying on of hands by the council of elders. 15 Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. 16 Pay close attention to yourself and to the teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
– 1 Timothy 4:11-16:
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In this letter, Paul focuses on the importance of perseverance in godliness in order to grow faith. He tells Paul to be confident in recommending and teaching the details of how to live righteous lives. In verse 12, he warns his beloved son in Christ Timothy, to make sure that he doesn’t get intimidated by older people questioning his speech, conduct, faith, love and purity. He wants him to lead the people of God to move forward with their hunger for the Lord and be witnesses to others who do not know God and be a role model for other believers to persevere to walk in the Spirit.
He reminds him to ensure that while he is away, the reading of Scriptures in public be done. This is important as it will encourage other believers. Ensuring that sound doctrine is taught to the Gentile believers is something that must not be forgotten.
In verse 14, Paul gives him a reminder to never neglect the prophetic gifts that he received from the elders. It is the highest of all the gifts given to the believers by the Holy Spirit. He wants to make sure that Timothy treasures and use those gifts for the equipping of the body of Christ. In verse 15, he commands Timothy to be ready to suffer and still press on the gifts given to him so that the believers will be exhorted to pursue righteousness as God would expect any believer to aim for.
In verse 16, Paul wants Timothy to examine himself so that he will press on to teaching, rebuking, exhorting and equipping the body of Christ. Paul spells out the reason why this is very important. It will not only save his soul, but also those who hear him prophecy and teach.
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REFLECTION
• Why do some Christians fail in persevering in godliness and using spiritual gifts?
WATCH OUT THAT YOU DON’T FALL AWAY FROM THE FAITH
April 5
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WATCH OUT THAT YOU DON’T FALL AWAY FROM THE FAITH
But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, 2 by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron, 3 who forbid marriage and advocate abstaining from foods which God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with gratitude; 5 for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer. – 1 Timothy 4:1-5
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In this letter to Timothy, Paul cautions the believers to be prepared as some of them may be caught in the trap of the evil one causing them to fall away from their faith. He explains that this happens when believers begin to pay attention to deceiving spirits and teachings of demons. In verse 2 Paul identifies how these demonic teachings are cunningly introduced in subtle lies that gets into a person’s heart or conscience.
Before being saved and born again, I used to love religion and philosophy. I pursued with passion this love for knowledge. In hind sight, this obsession with was actually the reason why my salvation was delayed for many decades. I was made to believe that intelligence and wise sayings of the philosophers were truth. These lies got ingrained in my heart and believed these false teachings for many years. What a twisted way at looking at truth! Human words and beliefs are not absolute truths. God’s word is the absolute truth. The seemingly attractive play of words captured me in the trap of philosophical beliefs that are futile. It only led me to deeper darkness, confusion and sin. The rules of religion enslaved me to think that I can do something to contribute to what has already been done by the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross. When someone departs from the faith, they have actually believed lies that are contrary to the truth of the truth. They begin to live compromised lives that are mixed with the world beliefs. Guzik comments about speaking lies in hypocrisy: “This certainly points to the ones who willingly embrace falsehood to justify their sin or pride; but it also refers to those who claim to teach the Bible, while just using it to support their own ideas or agendas.” In verse 4, Paul reminds the Gentile believers that everything good is created by God and there’s no need to follow rules and regulations how to consume certain foods or not. In verse 5, he admonishes them to say a prayer of thanksgiving for the provision God has given them.
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REFLECTION
• What should every believer be warned about regarding these passages?
CHURCH AS PILLAR AND SUPPORT OF THE TRUTH
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April 4
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CHURCH AS PILLAR AND SUPPORT OF THE TRUTH
14 I am writing these things to you, hoping to come to you before long; 15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth. 16 Beyond question, great is the mystery of godliness: He who was revealed in the flesh, was vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory. – 1 Timothy 3:13-16
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In this letter of Paul to Timothy, his purpose is to ensure that there isn’t time wasted in giving of the instructions to the Gentile believers as to how one should act in the household of God. Paul calls the family of believers as the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.
What a clear picture he paints in this letter of the body of believers who are the support or the ground that the truth of God’s word rest. What a big responsibility we have as Christians towards seeking and bringing truth into the world! How can a believer bring the gospel if he has no hunger for the law and the word of God? How can Christians preach the Good News if their lives do not manifest the life that comes only from the living word of God?
In verse 16, Paul discusses the mystery of godliness. Believers do not have a clue what godliness is until the Lord Jesus Christ became flesh and showed us what it is to be godly.
The previous guidelines stated in the earlier verses before this passage was laid down in detail so that there will be no confusion or chaos in the body of Christ. Paul clearly stated how Christians must live their lives blameless and pure, especially those in leadership position, as it may encourage or hinder the spiritual growth of other believers in that church.
How many churches are keeping this important role that all the body of believers must safeguard against corruption and the false teachings and doctrines that may have infiltrated the assembly of God’s people? It is a sad fate to watch many so-called Christians who do not even follow God’s order, law and discipline or submit to authorities that God has given them to follow. When we are mixed up with world systems, we are compromising the sanctification given to us through the Holy Spirit to live holy and pure lives.
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REFLECTION
• How can the church fail in being the pillar and support of truth?
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?
APPROPRIATE CONDUCT IN CHURCH ILMA’S VLOG
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April 1
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APPROPRIATE CONDUCT IN CHURCH
8 Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and dispute. 9 Likewise, I want women to adorn themselves with proper clothing, modestly and discreetly, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or expensive apparel, 10 but rather by means of good works, as is proper for women making a claim to godliness. 11 A woman must quietly receive instruction with entire submissiveness. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet. 13 For it was Adam who was first created, and then Eve. 14 And it was not Adam who was deceived, but the woman was deceived and became a wrongdoer. 15 But women will be preserved through childbirth—if they continue in faith, love, and sanctity, with moderation. – 1 Timothy 2:8-15
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In this verse, Paul addresses both men and women’s demeanor in church or corporate worship. In verse 8, he instructs men to pray lifting up their holy hands without anger and dispute. The call for men is to lead the body of Christ in prayer. Why are men expected to lead in the church and not women? If we go back in the creation story in Genesis 2:21-22, we see the order of creation. Man came first and the woman was created later after the man. This is God’s order in creation. That is why women are supposed to submit to men.
Paul specifically pointed out how they should lead the church in prayer: without wrath and doubting. In the Lord’s prayer we are to ensure that when we pray, we have forgiven those who have offended us or our prayers will be hindered. Clarke comments that “Having no vindictive feeling against any person; harboring no unforgiving spirit, while they are imploring pardon for their own offences.”
Verses 9-15 are clear instructions for women to follow with regards to their conduct in the church. Paul wants these women to ensure that they put on proper attire in church modestly and discreetly. By modestly, Paul meant that they need to wear clothes that aren’t revealing or call attention to distract anyone. He talks about what is more important which is the proper clothing, which is godliness. In verses 11-15, Paul further talks about the importance of women submitting to their husbands and authority in leadership in church. Women are not to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet and follow God’s order of men being their head. They need to continue in their faith, love and purity and moderation.
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REFLECTION
• Why is it important to follow God’s order in terms of leadership and authority?
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?