Engage 8 (1 Timothy)

1 Timothy 6:1-2

In life there are many forms of  leadership not just church. Family. work, community, provincial even national. As gospel carriers we are urged to treat all with respect, and our Lord tells us this glorifies Him. One thing we must always remember when we glorify the Father people are drawn Him, glorifying Him testifies of Him in our lives. 

1 Timothy 6:3-10

Again we are reminded to be vigilant and wary of false teachings. False teachings is any teaching contrary to what our Lord taught.
We are reminded we are to teach exercising in godliness.
The lady whose teaching inspired me to blog about the lessons from the letters to Timothy, explained exercising in godliness simply;  being devoted to our Lord and true to His Word; for this is of great gain to us.

Pursue to do all in devotion to the Father in all we do; how we approach and do all; be it family;church; work; community etc.
Pursue the Father, spend time with Him; spend time with Him in His Word and just love Him; He will teach you to love like Him.
If we do that then we want fall into greed or submit to leadership that comes in the name of our Lord but seeks to enrich itself.

In closing the first letter let us all remember to vigilant.

1 Timothy 6:11-21

11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ’s appearing, 15 which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen.

Instructions to the Rich

17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18 Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, 19 storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

Guard the Faith

20 O Timothy! Guard what was committed to your trust, avoiding the profane and idle babblings and contradictions of what is falsely called knowledge— 21 by professing it some have strayed concerning the faith.

Engage 7 (1 Timothy)

Engage

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law,
understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm

1Timothy 5:1-16

We started with being vigilant towards those who distort the gospel. In the previous chapter we are cautioned to be vigilant to the kind of leader we submit to in the faith.
We are now being reminded to be vigilant in behaviour and character especially in the communities.
We are reminded to treat with respect our elders. We are reminded to teach and even correct one another in loving kindness and gentleness.
Our Lord never condoned sinful behaviour but He corrected and directed in humility and loving kindness.

In the communities we live in we are reminded to care and give to those in need around us. 13 verses are dedicated to the caring for widows. At first I could not understand why but then reading and understanding the time I realise they were the most vulnerable. Then a woman without a man or son to claim and provide for them would live in utter desperation. How do we apply that principle in our times?
We too have the most vulnerable and we are called to give and help in loving kindness.

1Timothy 5:17-25

We are taught how our leaders, and one of the ways we can do that is in the wages. We are taught to give wages worthy of their work.
We are cautioned not to neglect leaders working hard; preaching and teaching the gospel,
We are also cautioned not judge quickly from hear say, but to listen and judge with fairness and integrity; without favouritism.
Those in leadership are not perfect so lastly we are cautioned again to be careful and not let ourselves be lead to believe and practice what our Father did not command.

Engage 6 (1 Timothy)

Engage

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law,
understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm

1 Timothy 4:1-5

What are we paying attention to as a church or Christ-followers. This portion of scripture warns us to be careful that we are not led to focus on deceitful spirits and ungodly teachings. In the first chapter we were told that when we turn away from our father's plan and purposes; we create rules and standards that are not Biblical,
We are warned about traditions or norms that say eat that dont eat that.
Let us be very careful and not find ourselves believing or teaching that certain actions and abstinences earn us the right to be children of the Father. Salvation is by grace alone and Salvation is a gift not a single one of us can boast that by doing this or that we earned it.
We are to do all and receive all in thanksgiving and reverence to our Father.

1 Timothy 4:6-10

When we realise or aware of an error in the preaching and teaching of the Word we are to warn others. We are called to be vigilant not only for our selves but for the greater good of all those who also have committed themselves to following Christ. Paul goes on to say this act is an act of the servants of Christ. Our Father calls us and illuminates us then we are to take what we have learnt and teach others.
Is that not the great commission?  When I read this I realise that the commission is not for only those who have no knowledge of Christ but even those in Christ for when we realise we have strayed we are to correct and point to the One we owe all to again.
How do we know or realise we are in error or false?
The only way we can do that is by training and exercising ourselves in godliness. How do we do that'; by exercising and devoting ourselves in devotion to our Father. Jenny the lady whose workshop i attended and sparked this study explained as being devoted to the Father and His word.
To love the Father is to love His Word.

1Timothy 4:11

All Christ-Followers are ministers or carriers of the gospel.
We are encouraged to live lives that are exemplary; be kind in speech; conduct ourselves in love, faith and purity unto our Father.
Paul reminds  Timothy of who he is is in the Father; he says he must remember the prophecies that were spoken over him and he must not neglect the gifts that the Father gifted him with. Dear brother or sister do you know what the Father has gifted you with? If not please find out; it is better and easier to start with what you are naturally gifted with.
Let us be conscious of what we say and do.
Let us guard our selves and protect the precious message we have been given. This will ensure that we do not fall into falsehood and lead others into the same trap.

Engage 5 (1 Timothy)

Engage

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law,
understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.

1Timothy 3:1-13

In this portion of scripture we are about qualities we should look for in the leaders we choose to submit to in the church.
It is noble to desire to lead but our Father has qualifications we therefore should not settle for less than our Father.
When we started this study we were urged from the beginning to be vigilant, we are to be wise what kind of person we allow to speak into our lives. As we read we are called to be aware and vigilant about their lifestyle but more importantly what gospel are they preaching.
Fellow brothers and sisters we can never know when we ourselves do not know what Christ says in His Word. The whole Word is His and Him. The Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us.

Here are a few characteristics we are to be vigilant about:

• Is our leader respectable
• Is our leader hospitable
• Is our leader a teacher of the Word
• Is our leader not given to bullying and forcing people 
• Is our leader not greedy or given to serving just themselves
• Is our leader not a new convert
• How is our leader viewed by those new to the congregation, even those not in the church

We are not accept just anyone who calls herself or himself a minister. Test and see if this person knows the Father, what they say or how they see the Father, His Kingdom and His children tells you whether they have a relationship with the Father or not. Our leaders must always seek and follow the Father's way and by all means uphold the Father and His Word.

1Timothy 3:14 - 16

The church of the Living God is to uphold the truth of the Living God.

God was manifested in the flesh,
Justified in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Preached among the Gentiles,
Believed on in the world,
Received up in glory.

Are you as a church and your leadership upholding the truth. Simple truth lets be vigilant and not stray from it.

Engage4 (1 Timothy)

Engage

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law,
understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.

1Timothy 2:1-7

In this chapter we are given the weapons to engage in battle with.
Central to all is our Father's desire to see all mankind come to the knowledge of Him,
through His Salvation.
We are urged to pray for all mankind to be saved.
We are urged to petition, interced and pray for all in particular the rulers of our nations.
We are to do this giving thanks, our Father has the best plan for us, so we are to give thanks,
in anticipation. No matter how bad it is our Father has the greater and so we trust and give thanks.
There is no situation or circumstance the Father cannot change.

1Timothy 2:8-15

Stop arguing but pray; Clothe yourself in good works;
Live worshipfully unto God; Live in submission gto authority;
Live by faith; Live in Love; Live in christlikeness and christlike integrity.

The first chapter called us to be vigilant; to be prepared to engage in battle for His Kingdom.
It called us to be knowledgeable of His Word that we may see falsehood in any form.
This chapter gives us the weapons to engage with in battle.

Our Lord Jesus lived this as an example to us and a guideline how we are to engage.
Christlikeness is our greatest weapon. Perhaps our next study after we finish the letters to Timothy
should be the gospels.

Engage3 (1 Timothy)

Engage

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith.
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,
from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law,
understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.

1Timothy 1:18-20
Paul reminds Timothy of who the Father's says he is. It is vital for all of us to know who we are in Faith. Engaging
for the gospel's sake is a battle. Fighting for the truth takes courage as well as confidence in that truth.
That confidence can only come if we know that truth.

Our first battle is the truth we believe about our Father. Know His Word for He has abundantly and clearly revealed
who He is.

The second truth is what we believe about ourselves, our personal relationship with our Father. Read the gospels and
listen to Jesus as He engages with the Father. It is possible for us also to be close to our Dad because our Lord also
to be the example of the relationship our Father desires with us. He even says that those that have been given to Him
Jesus by the Father are the Father's too.

The third battle is the distortion of who the Father is by the world, media, false teachers, even incorrect and therefore
false beliefs by the church. This study is about studying from the Word how we are to engage in battle for His glory.

Engage2 (1 Timothy)

Engage

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 
from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, 
understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.

1Timothy 1:7-11

Paul continues and clarifies what Timothy (therefore all cariers of the gospel) that we are to teach LOVE.
Christ's Love, for no greater love has man shown than our Lord's sacrifice Lord
This is the plan of the Father. We are to do this with a pure heart, a clear conscience and sincere heart. When we
engage in the name of Jesus it should never be about us, nor our needs or greed.
We are warned that if we do not speak as above we have deviated from what the Lord entrusted us with.
We start preaching what is contrary to the gospel.

1Timothy 1:12-17

Paul starts this section by testifying of his selection by the Lord for He had judged him faithful.
I believe in this section that Paul reminds Timothy and therefore us that our Father sees beyond and entrusts with
His truth. This makes me believe that perhaps Timothy was starting to doubt his faith as his was surrounded by such
contradicting doctrines. We are reminded too that we can stand in the confidence of being our Father's elect for
His message of hope and salvation(LOVE). Paul writes to Timothy defending the gospel asking Timothy to defend the
gospel therefore we are to engage and defend the gospel when we see that it is misrepresented.

Engage 1 (1 Timothy)

Engage

As I urged you when I went into Macedonia—remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 
Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 
from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, desiring to be teachers of the law, 
understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.

A few weeks back i was invited to a ladies meeting.
The speaker highlighted something that from conversations I realise we are all concerned about.
Compromise and false teachings in the name of Christ.
Christ followers willing to accept that which is not in the Bible or doctor the Word to suite whatever.
In our country many are led into cults and made to do unspeakable things even commit suicide in the name of Christ.

Paul writes to Timothy to address this kind of problem.
For the next few weeks I thought we would spend time studying the letters written to Timothy together,
So that we also would not fall into the trap of presenting a gospel that is false.
That we also would know when we are presented with false doctrines.

1Timothy Chapter 1: 3-4

Paul reminds Timothy why he asked him to stay on in Ephesus.
False doctrine, myths and endless genealogies; these lead to empty speculations and people loose interest in what the Father has planned.
The Fathers plan is that we would operate only on faith in Him. He calls on Timothy to be vigilant and therefore we are also called to be vigilant.
Christ followers shall live by faith, faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word. Our faith grows in knowing and loving His Word and our vigilance.
If we dont know His Word how can we know when what is said contradicts the Word.
I am reminded of Romans 12 where we are urged to offer our bodies to our Lord and in the next verse we are urged to renew our minds with His Word,
and not be conformed to this world.
This clearly means that what our faith cannot be of this world, Christ challenged the world view of the time and still does today.
What gospel are we representing, is it so influenced by the time we live in that it has no effect.


Know the Word, love the Word and we will be vigilant and see anykind of falsehood.
I also believe we will be better carriers of the gospel for our faith will be based on only Him and thus true and pure.

Tomorrow we will continue chewing on the letter to Timothy.