カテゴリー: ⅠTimothy

Today let’s start II Timothy chapter 2. Let’s look at being “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (1) This letter is the last letter written by the Apostle Paul. Paul had been arrested again for the Gospel and was in the Roman underground prison. In the midst of the uncertain situation of not knowing when he was going to be executed, he wrote and sent this letter to Timothy. Timothy who was at that time the Pastor of the Ephesian church was weakened, exhausted from dealing with smoldering              problems in the church. To such a Timothy Paul advised, “Fan into flame the gift of God.” (1:6) That is because “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” (1:7) Paul said that he wanted Timothy to share with him “in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” (1:8) There was a good model of this named Onesiphorus. Many people were deserting Paul because he had been captured, but when Onesiphorus heard that Paul had been captured, he “was not ashamed of” (1:16) Paul’s chains. On the contrary, he didn’t consider the danger to his life and “searched hard for” (1:17) Paul until he found him. How great an encouragement that must have been to Paul! Like this he wanted Timothy to join with him “in suffering for the gospel.”

In today’s passage too Paul is advising timid Timothy who lacks confidence, “Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (1) I would like to explain concretely through three examples of how we can “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (1) Sometimes in the midst of struggles we feel weak. Today I would like to talk about 3 aspects of how we can become strong at such times.

1. By the grace of Jesus Christ. (Vs. 1 & 2)

First of all please look at verses 1 and 2.  I will read verse 1. “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

Paul is I Timothy 1:2 too said, “To Timothy my true son in the faith.” Here too Paul is calling Timothy “my son”. (1) Timothy was saved through Paul so he was a spiritual son. To his son Paul, the spiritual father, says, “be strong”. (1) All parents want their children to “be strong”. (1) No matter how hard things are they want their children to never lose hope. In fact, the harder things are stronger and sturdier they want them to be.  Paul, Timothy’s spiritual father, wanted the same. How we can become stronger?

Here Paul says, “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (1) What does it mean to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus”? (1)

Ephesians 2:8 & 9 says, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.”

We are saved “by grace…through faith.” (Ephesians 2:8) It is not by our works, but “it is the gift of God.” (Ephesians 2:9) A present is by the one way goodwill of the giver. The person wants to so he gives.  He doesn’t have to. God gave this present. He wanted to from his heart. He really wanted to give it to us. That’s because God loves you. Therefore, he gave you a present from his heart.  That was Jesus Christ and the cross. Anyone who believes in Jesus is saved.  That is faith. Therefore, we are not saved by works, but by the grace of God. By receiving God’s grace, this is called faith, we are saved. That is not something that we received by doing something. Therefore, we become strong by remaining in the grace of Jesus Christ. The moment we leave grace we become insecure. It says, “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (1)

Thus this is not to be strong by grace, but to “be strong in the grace.” (1)　It is by being “in the grace”, being immersed in grace, that we are to “be strong”. (1) Actually “be strong” (1) in the original Greek is in the passive tense. In other words, it is “to be made strong”. It isn’t becoming strong by your own strength, but by an outside power. That power is being “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (1)

In Acts 1:8 Jesus said, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you;” (Acts 1:8) and by that power you will be able to be “witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)　We cannot be witnesses for Christ by our own power. However, when we receive the power of the Holy Spirit we will become witnesses.

Paul is saying this in Ephesians 3:20. “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” It is not our power, but “his power that is at work within us.” (Eph.3:20)  Our God, God’s power of the Holy Spirit does “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.” (Ephesians 3:20)

Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”  “Him” (Phil. 4:13) is Jesus Christ himself. Jesus through the Holy Spirit works within us so we “can do everything”.  We can’t do it. We “can do everything through him who gives … strength.” (Phil. 4:13)

I think you probably know about Nick Vujicic who was born without legs and arms.  He was born in 1982 to a pastor’s family as the eldest son of 3 children. When he was born he had only shoulders, but no arms. His lower body had 2 toes but no legs. The reason for his handicap is unknown. He was brought up in the church so he knew God’s love. Time after time he prayed for arms and legs, but they weren’t given. In the course of time he began to think that he wasn’t loved by God and it was a mistake that he was born. He thought that in the future he would not be able to work at a decent job. Also he might not be able to get married.  Even if he did, he would never be able to hold the child that is born.  Nick lost his hope for living during his youth. At school there were so many things that he couldn’t do. He was made fun of. His parents held him when he was crying, but they couldn’t understand his really aching heart. It was so bad that at the age of 10 because God didn’t take away his pain, he tried to commit suicide in the bathroom. However, he realized that if he died, his parents would be very sad and was persuaded not to do so.

However, now Nick says that it is a huge joy to be living. He has graduated from college with 2 degrees and is in the real estate business.  He is also invited to many parts of the world to speak.  He can walk on his little legs. He can swim too. With 2 toes he can make a peace sign. He can type 43 words a minute and he can write.

He radiantly says that the truth has set him free. At the age of 15 he came across chapter 9 of John. “Neither this man nor his parents sinned…but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” (John 9:3) When he read this he realized why he was born. That was for God’s glory. God for his glory has a plan for him. Even if hands and legs aren’t given up him, when he believed in God and prayed, God didn’t change the situation, but changed his heart. Plus he was able to have assurance that he could “do everything through him who gives … strength.” (Phil. 4:13)

Now he as a Christian evangelist is flying all around the world telling about Christ’s love everywhere. The other day too there was a huge gathering at the Big Site in Tokyo where he spoke.  3 years ago he married and now he has a 2 year old child. How wonderful! Nick “through him who gives … strength” (Phil. 4:13) today too  continues to live with strong power.

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Phil. 4:13) This is not just Nick, but can be said of all people who have been saved by the grace of God. We are weak, but however, “according to his power that is at work within us” (Eph. 3:20) we “can do everything.” (Phil. 4:13)

Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. If a branch is not connected to the tree it can’t bear fruit. If they are separated it can’t bear. It’s that simple. Jesus is speaking using the truths of nature. It is a matter of fact. That can also be said spiritually too.

Christ is the real vine and we are the branches. If we are connected to Christ, if we remain in him, we “will bear much fruit.” (John 15:5) That is you will be strengthened by Christ.

Timothy’s heart was gloomy with many problems. Therefore, Paul is saying to Timothy who was weak, “You then, my son,” (1) Timothy, “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (1) Look to Christ Jesus. Remain in the grace. If so you will be made strong.

Please look at verse 2. Verse 2 says, “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.”

“The things you have heard” (2) are the truths of the Gospel. Those truths must be entrusted “to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2) Paul had entrusted the words of the Gospel to Timothy. Next Timothy must entrust the words of the Gospel “to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others.” (2) They must be entrusted to the next generation.

Like this by those who believe entrusting the words of the Gospel to the next generation, in the real meaning the Gospel will spread and a religious revival will continue. This is the reason or the goal of why Christians are to “be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (1) In other words, here what Paul is saying is that he wanted Timothy to have a wider vision of entrusting the words of the Gospel.

1. Like a soldier, as an athlete, like a farmer (Vs. 3-6)

Next please look at verses 3 to 6. Here Paul is using 3 examples to explain what a person who is “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (1) is like.

“Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.  No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs-he wants to please his commanding officer.  Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules.  The hard working farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops.” (3-6)

①              Like a soldier (3) “A good soldier of Christ Jesus…wants to please his commanding officer.(3) He doesn’t get involved in civilian affairs, but concentrates 24 hours a day 365 days of the year on pleasing his commanding officer and performing his duties as a soldier. To the end he performs the duties that he has been given.

If you look at Ephesians 6, it says that Christians too are fighting. That is a spiritual battle. Therefore, Christians must are fight a spiritual battle.  We must remember that there is such a battle. We must live to please our commanding officer, Jesus Christ. We must not get “involved in civilian affairs” (3), but perform our duties at all times and to the end.

②              As an athlete  An athlete follows the rules of the game. If not, he doesn’t receive a crown. Usain Bolt was considered the overwhelming favorite to win in the 100 metres at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, the capital of Korea. Bolt broke early, received a false start and was eliminated from the final.  I was disappointed because I wanted to see his running, but that is the rules of the game. No matter how fast you are, you must follow the rules of the game or you can’t receive a crown.

The Greek Olympics at that time had 3 rules. 1. The competitors had to attend a 6 month training. 3. They had to follow the rules of the competition on the day of the event. If you didn’t follow these rules you would be eliminated.

Thus a good athlete doesn’t neglect self- discipline. No matter how much skill he has if he neglects his daily practice, of course good results can’t be expected. For a long time, severe training is repeated over and over again.

Also he avoids harmful things. By overcoming such hardships, he is able to obtain a crown.

In the same way, Christians too are like an athlete that is aiming for a crown. In order to obtain a crown, daily devoted training is called for. We learned about this in I Timothy. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” (I Tim. 4:8)

Paul in Philippians 3 says this, “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it.  But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  All of us who are mature should take such a view of things. And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.”

Then Paul when he was imprisoned by the Roman Emperor, Nero, when he was at the end of his life in this world, he said this in II Timothy 4 verses 6 to 8. “For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure.  I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering” (4:8) refers to Paul’s approaching death as a martyr. He is pouring out his life as an offering to Christ. Very soon Paul will be martyred, but he said, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (4:7)  Paul who ran with all his might toward the goal was able to say this. He “fought the good fight” (4:7) and “finished the race”. (4:8) These are wonderful words. When I die, I would like these words to be engraved on my tomb stone. “Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord… will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (4:8) So we will hear Jesus Christ say, “Well done my faithful servant”, let’s continue to run to receive a crown.

③    Like a farmer  A good farmer works hard. He works hard from early in the morning until late at night. He puts up with the heat and the cold. He works while sweating. Everyone notices the athlete, but the farmer goes unnoticed. He is inconspicuous. He only does routine work every day monotonously repeatedly doing the same job over and over again. However, if he continues to persevere then he will “be the first to receive a share of the crops.” (6) No one notices the farmer. Farming is not a grand profession. It is not an exciting job. However, if the farmer continues to persevere then he will “be the first to receive a share of the crops.” (6) His dedicated effort will be rewarded so he isn’t reluctant to work hard.

I too am like a farmer. I am not reluctant to work hard for the Gospel. There will come a time when surely I will share in the crops. The Psalmist sang, “Those who sow in tears

will reap with songs of joy

He who goes out weeping,

carrying seed to sow,

will return with songs of joy,

carrying sheaves with him.” (Psalms 126:5,6)

“Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.” (Psalms 126:5) A time of reaping, a time of harvest will come so he is not reluctant to work hard.

III.         Reflect (Vs. 7)

Lastly, let’s look at verse 7. “Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.”

This weaves the three examples together. Moreover, it weaves the whole passage together. Paul wrote this letter to encourage Timothy. Timothy was suffering from problems within the church as well as persecutions from outside the church and his faith had become weak.  However, Paul wrote, “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (1) Teach others what I have taught you. You are like a soldier fighting for the Gospel. You are like an athlete running for a crown.  You are like a farmer working hard for the harvest. Then here, Timothy, “reflect on what I am saying.” (7) Think deeply about it. “For the Lord will give you insight into all this.” (7)

How about us? Do we have insight into all that Paul has said? Do we understand the importance of entrusting God’s Word to other people? Do you know and understand that you are a soldier? An athlete? A farmer? Do you know that “Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy”? (Psalm 126:5) Also do you know that the joys of harvest come about after hard work? Reflect on this. If so you will be able to persist in difficulties. You will be able to join “in suffering for the gospel.” (1:8)

Our Christian life is a continuous battle. We are athletes so it is also a place of competition. We are farmers so it is also a field. It is accompanied by hard work. However, in the course of time we will obtain victory, a crown, and a harvest. If we continue to fight for the Gospel, continue to run to the end, and continue to work hard, without fail we will obtain victory, eternity, and a harvest.  However, that is not by our strength.  The Bible says it is “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.” (1) By being “in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (1) we are made strong. Let’s be filled with God’s love, God’s grace, and God’s power and continue to fight the battle of faith, continue to run, and continue to work to obtain a harvest and let’s be a person that obtains the crown that God gives.

Today I would like to at the means to great gain from the Word of God in I Timothy 6. It is often said that Christianity is not a religion that brings profit. However in today’s passage it talks about the means to great gain. In other words in Christianity too there is profit. However this profit does not mean that it is a guarantee that there will be no sickness or disasters or that the whole family can live safely. Nor does it mean that business will prosper. What is called profit in Christianity is rather to believe that God works all things for the good and you can receive with thanksgiving all that God gives. That is “godliness with contentment is great gain.” (6) This is real profit or gain, isn’t it?  A famous evangelist, Takimoto Akira, published a book entitled “There is no place that has this huge of a profit”. Truly there is no other place that has this huge of a profit or gain. This is truly the means “to great gain” (6) Today I want to talk about the “means”. (5)

1. Respect your master (Vs. 1 & 2)

First, I would like to look at the profits you receive by serving your masters at work. Please look at verses 1 and 2. “All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect, so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.  Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers.  Instead, they are to serve them even better, because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them.  These are the things you are to teach and urge on them.”

“All who are under the yoke of slavery” (1) are Christians that are working for non-Christian masters. At that time half of the Roman society was slaves. Surprisingly the Gospel permeated even among these slaves too and many became believers. This is teaching the Christian slaves that believed how they should serve their unbelieving masters. Here it says, “All who are under the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full respect.” (1) Even if your employer is an unbeliever, you should fully respect your boss. The reason is “so that God’s name and our teaching may not be slandered.” (1) According to Romans 13 all order and authorities in society are ordained by God.  Even if your boss is an unbeliever, you must recognize that his position and authority was ordained by God, rejoice, and obey him. By doing that God’s name will honored. How Christians serve at work is the greatest testimony of faith. If a Christian is seen working seriously and earnestly he gives a good impression、then that is in and of itself a wonderful testimony

The greatest preacher of the 20^th century, Lloyd-Jones, said that Christians by being Christian automatically influence society.  Christians by serving as a Christian in the work place in and of itself is a testimony and makes a huge influence.

I read the testimony of Rev. Ari from Simon’s original church、J’ｓTable Christian church. I was interested how Rev. Ari who was born and brought up in Iran as a Moslem became a Christian.

After Rev. Ari graduated from High School, he entered the army. There he met an Armenian soldier. On the battle field even if you are friends each person is earnest to survive so you think only about yourself. It’s a self-centered world. However, the Armenian was different. He gave his belongings to people who needed it.  Moreover, not reluctantly, but he looked like he was joyfully giving. Also not only things, but he also showed concern for others. Even at the battlefield which is a severe environment and in an ill afford situation, it looked like he listened to what everyone was saying, and did whatever he could do the best he could.

Rev. Ari thought that was not usual. He was different from any person that Rev. Ari had ever met. Rev. Ari wanted to know where his power came from and how he could do the things he did. Rev. Ari finally found the courage to ask him.

He kindly answered that he was a Christian and so it was not his strength. He could do it because he believes in the God of the Bible.  In other words, it is by the power of Jesus Christ.

Honestly, when Rev. Ari heard this he was disappointed. He had already given up on god and religion. He thought he didn’t want to have any contact with such things again.  However, he couldn’t ignore this power that the Armenian had. Then he met Jesus Christ and became a Christ. That’s because he wanted to become like the Armenian. The Armenian soldier’s presence in and of itself led Rev. Ari to salvation.

The Armenian soldier’s presence influenced a Moslem to convert. By Christians fully respecting their bosses at their work, God’s name will be honored.

In verse 2, next it teaches about how a person should serve his believing master. It says, “Those who have believing masters are not to show less respect for them because they are brothers.  Instead, they are to serve them even better.” (2) In the case of your boss being a Christian a mistake that is easy to fall into is developing too cozy of a relationship, and conduct yourself at ease, and tend to not give the other person the respect that he deserves. It is wonderful to have a relationship of brothers and sisters in Christ, but we must not forget our manners and be polite. That’s because love ”is not rude.” (I Cor. 13:5) We must think highly of our masters who are Christian brothers and “serve them even better.” (2)

The reason for doing so is stated after this. That is “because those who benefit from their service are believers, and dear to them.” (2) This means that by the Christian servant doing a good service or job the master who is also a Christian will benefit. For a brother in Christ to receive some benefit is for other brothers and sisters in Christ a huge joy. That’s because the love of the brothers and sisters in Christ pleases God. Also that too becomes a large allotment of benefits as a blessing that is returned to you.

1. To those who teach false doctrines (Vs. 3-5)

Next please look at verses 3 to 5. Here it says, “If anyone teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching, he is conceited and understands nothing.  He has an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words that result in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction between men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain.”

Anyone who “teaches false doctrines and does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching” (3) In other words, more than what is written in the Bible, they push their own thinking. They argue as if what they say is the truth, but it “does not agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching.” (3)

It talked about these “false doctrines” (3) also in 1:3. In the Ephesian church there were people who taught false doctrines and devoted “themselves to myths and endless genealogies.” (1:3) As a result the church became confused. Such teaching only causes “controversies rather than God’s work-which is by faith.” (1:4) Therefore, “have nothing to do with” (4:7) such people.

What are the characteristics of such people?

①                 They are “conceited”. (4) The Greek word for “conceited” (4) is very interesting.  It means “to be caught up in the smoke” or to be “infatuated”. When you are caught up smoke, you can’t see anything. You can’t see what’s around you.  A conceited person is in such a condition. A conceited person can’t see himself so even then he is egoistic and self-satisfied. Such people more than the teaching of the Bible, they value their own thinking.

②                 They understand nothing. This is to have no knowledge or no understanding. While they say they know “the law, but they do not know what they are talking about.” (1:7) Also, even when they hear God’s Word, they can’t understand. Even though if they would understand the Word of God correctly and accept it, then they would know how wonderful the Word of God is! However, their conceit is a barrier so they understand nothing. This vicious circle will be repeated over and over again forever.   

③                 They have “an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words.” (4) This can be seen especially in people who have knowledge to some extent or have had such training, but nothing good comes out of it. It only results “in envy, strife, malicious talk, evil suspicions and constant friction.” (4,5) Only negative results occur. Even though God’s family, the church, should be one of mind and co-operate for the salvation of people, the resulting situation is completely contrary to this goal. This is not the work of the Holy Spirit. This is truly a “spirit of deception”, the work of Satan. It undermines and corrodes the body of Christ, the church, a little at a time.

④                 They “think that godliness is a means to financial gain. (5) In other words, they are using religion as “a means to financial gain.” (5) They are thinking of trying to make money through Christianity. They demanded payment for their professional services. They wanted “financial gain” (5) so they fell ”into temptation and a trap” (9) and plunged “into ruin and destruction”. (9) They had once known the truth but because of their desire for financial gain they were “robbed of the truth”. (5) Their teaching became “a means to financial gain” (5) “rather than God’s work.” (1:4)

Therefore we must be very careful to not “abandon the faith and follow” (4:1) such teachers and teachings. We also must be careful that we ourselves don’t “fall into temptation” (9) to be become rich or have “an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words.” (4) We also must be careful that that even though we study the Bible or have been a Christian for many years that we don’t become “conceited” (4) thinking that we know everything, when in reality we understand “nothing”. (4)  Let’s “flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.” (11)

1. Godliness with contentment (Vs.6-10)

Next let’s look at what brings us great gain. Please look at verses 6 to 10. Verse 6 says, “But godliness with contentment is great gain.”

False teachers “think that godliness is a means to financial gain (5), but here it is saying that that is not so. It is not that if you believe in God, you will prosper or you will succeed, but it is really by “godliness with contentment” (6) that is the means to great gain. That means that the real means to having a great gain is to believe in God who saved us from our sin, be content with what God gives, and to live being thankful to God.

There is no other great gain except this. No matter how many of the things you want becomes yours, if you are not content thinking “I want more!” “More!” and only complain, then there will be no joy. There is no benefit.  However, if you are content with what God has given you, are joyful, and can be thankful, there is great gain. This is the kind of gain that the Bible talks about.

Why can Christians be content with and be thankful for what God has given them?

①           Because God loves us and gave his son for us that we might have eternal life.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son that whoever has believed in him may not perish, but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

In the Bible it is written that whoever believes in God’s son Jesus Christ will have eternal life. Eternal life is a great gain! We all for less than 100 years on this earth study and work hard. 100 years and eternity are completely different. Rather they can’t be compared.  It is said that the first emperor of China because of his desired wish for perennial youth and long life, he promised to give those who looked for medicine for perennial youth and long life whatever they desired. He had them look throughout the world, but his wish was not granted. However, we through Jesus Christ have been given eternal life. There is no other god like Jesus.  Even if you search throughout the world, such a Savior cannot be found in any other religion. That is an awesome gain! The Christian faith doesn’t necessarily promise profit in this life, but it promises benefits in the next world. The next world is the world after death, heaven. Even if we die we will be given living eternal life.  It is not necessary to have mixed feeling of joy and sorrow about our life on this earth. We are able to be thankful for what God has given us.

②              Because we believe that God “who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all… along with him, graciously give us all things.” (Romans 8:32) In Romans 8:32 it says, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”

In other words, those who believe in Christ, not only have received God’s eternal life, but God also gives all things in creation that he has created. This is natural logically. That’s because all of creation was made by Christ and for Christ. God who gave us Christ, gives us all that was created by Christ. By believing in Christ and becoming one with Christ, we become joint heirs with Christ.

Psalms 84:11 says, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield;

the LORD bestows favor and honor;

no good thing does he withhold

from those whose walk is blameless.”

God does not withhold good things. If it is good for you, then God will definitely give it to you. If something is withheld from you, then it is not good for you. God is going to give you something more important. God will give you everything that you need. God does not withhold good things “from those whose walk is blameless.” (Psalm 84:11) “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all-how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)

Christians know this so they can peacefully depend on God.  If you don’t know this you are always complaining that you don’t have this or that and are very nervous.

③              They “know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. (Romans 8:28) 　In Romans 8:28 it says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purposes.”

This is not on the level where you are given everything thing that you want. It is “for the good of those who love” (Romans 8:28) Christ. Even things that seem bad, God uses them “for the good”. (Romans 8:28)

One person that made a huge influence in the history of evangelism in Japan is Ayako Miura. Ayako Miura wrote “Shiokari Pass”　and other novels based upon faith.

When Ayako Miura got married, her husband, Mitsuo‘s, salary was very low. They were struggling so they opened a little store and began a business. They had an honest and kind business so the customers were increasing and increasing. Every day the truck would bring stock, but every day they sold out.

However, one day when her husband came home, he said worriedly that because of their shop, other shops were going out of business. Today the shop across the street closed.

When Ayako Miura heard that, her heart hurt. She thought that it was wrong for them to be putting other stores out of business. Therefore, from the next day on she started cutting down on the amount of stock she was buying and chose only a small amount of items to sell. When customers came to buy something they were out of, she would send the customers to a different store. As a result she had more time on her hands and could do reading and writing that she liked. She was able to enter the Asahi Newspaper Company Novel prize money contest that was seeking contestants at that time. The prize money was \10,000,000 which was in that age an exceptional amount of prize money. In this way the famous novel, “Freezing point”, was born.

In the midst of the problem of other stores going out of business because of their store the Miuras were troubled over what they should do.  In the end they made their store smaller so that other stores would not be effected. However, as a result it opened the door for Ayako Miura as a novelist.

“We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28) We believe in God’s concern for us.

Then even if we have a problem, it is not a problem anymore. If we don’t make a problem a problem then we should be able to easily solve it. That’s because we can peacefully put all in the hands of the Almighty God and we can work on the solution. All problems are in the hand of God who is the creator of creation. God is Almighty so there isn’t even one problem that God can’t solve.  All problems will be solved in God’s time and by God’s way. This is a great benefit, isn’t it? “Those who love” (Romans 8:28) have this great benefit!

Verse 7 and 8 say, “For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”

This is the truth. We are born naked “and we can take nothing” (7) when we leave this world. I have thought as I have done funerals many times, no matter how much a person leaves on this earth, he “can take nothing” (7) with him. All becomes ashes.

Therefore, “if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.” (8) This is actually written as a command. It is “Be content with that.” You mustn’t complain. If you complain, you are breaking the command. We tend to look at what we don’t have and complain, but let’s look at what we have and be thankful. “If we have food and clothing” (8) let’s be content.

Even so, what happens to those who seek profit in this world and want more and more riches can be seen in verses 9 and 10.  Here it says, “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.”

The end of such people is “ruin”. “Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” (10) “People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction.” (9) Paul is saying here that “the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (9) Money in and of itself is not evil. The problem is “the love of money,” (9) or being controlled by money. There are some people for whom money is power. However, when you consider that such desires cause problems not only in the political world and financial world, but in various places of society, truly it is just as the Bible says. Therefore, what the Bible says is really the truth.

That is something that Christians must be careful about. Christians too by loving money “have wandered from the faith” (9) and caused grief not only to themselves, but to others too. As a fearful result, they fell into destruction. In other words, when you love money, money becomes everything and you begin serving money. However, we should love God and God should be everything and we should be serving God. We must love God, not money. What Christians aim for is not becoming rich, but being full of God. That is the means to great gain.

To do that let’s pray the prayer of Psalm 30:7 to 9. “Two things I ask of you, O LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and dishonor the name of my God.”

“Give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread. Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and dishonor the name of my God.” (8, 9) Then let’s depend on God more and more, and receive that great gain. Truly “godliness with contentment” (6) is the “means to” (5) “great gain.” (6)

Paul from chapter 5 is stating how we should act towards various people in the church. In today’s passage it talks about how we should act towards “the elders”. (17) “The elders” (1) was a title in the first church that expressed the same duties as an overseer or pastor.  We looked in chapter 3 at how they were selected. They were respectable both in character and morally and served society in the church through Christ like living. Their duties were to teach and preach. Also they managed the work of charity and relief, visited the sick, and managed the affairs of the church as an overseer. Also by the Word of God encouraged, comforted, corrected and advised the believers to continue to stand firmly on the Gospel. Thus, they did the same work as the pastors of today. They were normally men of experience and maturity. The first church like the Jewish faith made respectable elderly elders. Here it says “the elders” (17) but they are the church leaders including the overseers, pastors. It is teaching us how we should be towards such people.

Double honor (Vs. 17 & 18)

First please look at verses 17 and 18. Verse 17 says, “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.”

“The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor.” (17) Especially those elders “whose work is preaching and teaching” (17) were “worthy of double honor.” (17) That is because by the teaching of the Word of God our Christian life is determined. The most important thing in the church is the teaching of the Word of God. The elders “whose work is preaching and teaching” (17) and “who direct the affairs of the church well” (17) are valuable and “are worthy of double honor.” (17)

Some people say that Christians are a “priesthood of all believers”. They say that the pastor is not special. They are like Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and the 250 Israelite men who opposed Moses saying, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?” (Numbers 16:3) However, in the “priesthood of all believers” which God has ordained everyone is not in the same position. Some are called to teach, others to follow. That doesn’t mean that someone is high-ranking. It is the order that God has given for the building up of the church. For that purpose God has given each person gifts “in accordance with the measure of faith (the gift) God has given” (Romans 12:3) him. Since “God has given,” (Romans 12:3) the gift comes from God, God is the source. Therefore there can be no basis for a superior attitude or self-righteousness. Often the church falls into confusion because it doesn’t realize this.  Such people oppose God’s blessings of order. It makes them miss God’s blessings for them. According to God’s order, it is saying that those “whose work is preaching and teaching” (17) are worthy of respect.

Here is says, “are worthy of double honor.” (17) It means that they are worthy of honorable respect and financial honorable support. That his honor should include financial support can be seen by the two illustrations that follow.

Verse 18 says, “For the Scripture says, ‘Do not muzzle the ox while is treading out the grain,’ and ‘The worker deserves his wages.’”

“Do not muzzle the ox while is treading out the grain” (18) is a quotation from the Old Testament from Deut. 25:4. Sometimes oxen were muzzled so they could not eat the grain while they were treading it into flour. The Mosaic Law, however, is teaching that the oxen labor for their owners so they should be given food to eat. That is a principle that is to be applied to pastors and elders too. The pastor is the same as an ox. He treads out the spiritual grain for the church. “Do not muzzle the” (18) pastor. The church should give the pastor wages so he can eat. In other words, more than for the ox the pastor must be honored and his needs provided. This Mosaic Law has greater weight when applied to Pastors rather than to oxen.

Then it says, “The worker deserves his wages.” (18) These words are quoted from Jesus’ words in Matthew 10:10 and Luke 10:7. It is only natural that those who work for the Lord should receive his wages.

That was the same in ancient Israel too. God picked the Levites from the 12 tribes of Israel to serve God full time. The way their lives were supported was they received the tithes from the other 11 tribes. This means that the Levites received more than the other tribes. They did not receive an inheritance in the promise land so in this way they received a reward for their services. By this they were able to serve God full time. It is said that the same principle applies to the new Israel with the Lord Jesus at its center, the church.

Many times Paul too mentions that. Here he does too, but for example in I Cor. 9:14 it says, “In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.” Paul is saying that it is definitely not wrong for “those who preach to the gospel” (I Cor. 9:14) to receive support from their ministry. In fact they “should receive their living from the gospel.” (I Cor. 9:14)  However, Paul didn’t do that. He made tents while spreading the Gospel. He was what is called a self-supported evangelist. He had the right and it would good to do so, but he didn’t venture to do so. That was because he didn’t want to be a burden on the church.

He was a church planter so he knew well what would happen if he requested this from a church that had just begun. It would be a burden on the church and would put a burden on evangelism. So that wouldn’t happen he worked for his living.

Another reason was so that it would not cause misunderstanding in the church. At the time of Paul false teachers were rampant and they deceived the church taking money from church. So that Paul wouldn’t be seen as the same of these false teachers he didn’t venture to receive any money from the Corinthian church. That’s because in the Corinthian church there were people that were suspicious about Paul’s apostleship. They made accusations that Paul was not an apostle. If he receive a pastor’s salary from  such a church then it would cause other misunderstanding. Therefore, he didn’t receive any offerings from the church at all, but while working earnestly served the Lord. However, that was not ordinary. It was an exception. It was right and proper for “those who preach the gospel” (I Cor. 9:14) to “receive their living from the gospel.” (I Cor. 9:14)

In Japan there are a lot of people that think that for teachers to speak about money is completely unacceptable.  More unacceptable is to talk about your own salary or pay.  It’s o.k. for a pastor to be poor. There are still people left who strongly think that if the pastor has food and clothing that that is enough. However, what the Bible fundamentally says is not this. It teaches that “The worker deserves his wages.” (18)

Of course, in churches that don’t have enough money there are cases where a pastor, like Paul, while evangelizing is a tentmaker. That is a great joy, but that is not ordinary.  There are cases where at the beginning the church is small and can’t support the pastor fully, but it shouldn’t be content in doing so forever. If so, the church won’t grow healthy and won’t desire to develop. That is a sad situation for the church. By having people in the church who “whose work is preaching and teaching,” (17) the church is fed spiritually and by that the church as a church can grow healthy.

1. Accusations against an elder (vs. 19-21)

Next please look at verses 19 to 21. Here it teaches about accusations against an elder. “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.  Those who sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that the others may take warning.  I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.”

That’s because bad gossip about leaders in the church causes huge damage to the church. Even if it is known that it is a mistake, there is no way of keeping the authority that is given to the elders from being cut. Therefore, discretion must be used in bringing accusations against a pastor or an elder.

The nature of a pastor is that he stands before people a lot so he receives criticism from people a lot.  All leaders are the same. Whether it is political leaders or other kinds of leaders, those who stand in front of people are the center of criticism. Even Jesus was criticized. Luke 7:34 says, “The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’” They said that Jesus was “a glutton and a drunkard”. (Luke 7:34) Moreover, they said, “He is possessed by Beelzebub!” (Mark 3:22) “Beelzebub” was “the prince of demons.” (Mark 3:22) They went to the extent to say that Jesus was possessed by demons.

The reason bad things are said about the church leaders is that Satan is plotting it. Satan knows how he can crush the church. That is by knocking down the church leaders. If the church leaders are knocked down, then immediately the church will be knocked down. That is an extremely joyous thing for Satan. Therefore, Satan is desperately trying to crush the church. To do that all that is needed is to say bad things about the leader. Therefore, accusations, bad rumors are said.

“Malicious talkers” appeared in 3:11. The Greek word that is used for “malicious talkers” (3:11) is a word that also refers to Satan. Therefore, to gossip is a Satanic sin. These words were spoken about the wives of deacons or deaconesses because especially women have this tendency. It’s strange but the Bible doesn’t say much about men and gossiping.  Men are advised not to speak with a double tongue. They are advised to have a more honest attitude. The Bible doesn’t say much to men about gossiping. If anything it is a weakness and tendency of women.

Proverbs 26:20 teaches us the following, “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” If there is no one gossiping or speaking ill of others then fighting will stop.  It is like wood.  If there is no wood (gossiping) then the fire will go out. However, if there is wood (gossiping) then it will flame up. Therefore, the problem is people who gossip.  The person who listens to the gossip is also the problem. The attitude of the person who listens determines whether it becomes wood and builds the fire up or it doesn’t become wood and the “fire goes out.” (Proverbs 26:20) If he doesn’t listen then the fire will become small and go out. That’s because “without wood a fire goes out.” (Proverbs 26:20)  Therefore, we must be careful not to join in gossiping or speaking ill of others and helping the plot of Satan.

Then, if you have an accusation against the church pastor or elder, what must you do? Here it says, “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is  brought by two or three witnesses.” (19) Matt. 18:15 to 17, says, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you.  If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.  But if he will not listen, take one or two others along,

so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.”

There is an order.

①    First go to the pastor “and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.” (Matt. 18:15)

②    “But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’” (Matt. 18:16)

③    “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.” (Matt. 18:17) In other words, his fault must be brought before all the members of the church.

④    “If he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” (Matt. 18:17) It is to excommunicate him from the church.

The reason why his fault is “to be rebuked publicly” (20) is “so that the others may take warning.” (20) It is so that other people will know what the church is. It is to show other people that the church as “the pillar and foundation of the truth” (3:15) shows the utmost love and patience towards weaknesses, but towards sin there are cases where the punishment is strict and severe. That is not to judge the person, but to save him and to purify the church.

In verse 21 it says “I charge you”. Paul is charging Timothy. That was because in the Ephesian church where Paul was pastoring, there were such people. There were people who by teaching false doctrines and devoting “themselves to myths” (1:4) confused and deceived people. Just because the person was a church elder they must not overlook it or pretend like they didn’t see it. The person who is accusing the elder must “show him his fault, just between the two of” (Matt. 18:15) them.  “But if he will not listen” (Matt. 18:16), the accuser should “take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.” (Matt. 16,17)  His fault must be brought before all the members of the church. By doing this there is no favoritism.  That is a very grave and serious thing. However, by doing such a thing the church can keep holiness and fulfill its role as the salt of the earth.

1. Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands (Vs. 22-25)

Thirdly is concerning the laying on of hands on elders. Please look at verses 22 to 25. “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands, and do not share in the sins of others .  Keep yourself pure. Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them, the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.

Verse 22 says, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands.”  “The laying on of hands” (22) is to recognize that a pastor or an elder is suitable for the work of the church and to lay hands on him giving the person authority and blessing him.  Paul is speaking about the ordination of elders. They must “not be hasty in the laying on of hands.” (22) That was so they will “not share in the sins of others.” (22) If a person who was ordained before he had time to prove himself and the person sins then the person who ordained him shares in the sin.  “The sins of some men are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them, the sins of others trail behind them. In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not cannot be hidden.” Here Paul is advising to be alert to hidden sins as well as to good deeds in the lives of candidates for ordination. If a candidate has sins trailing behind him and he is ordained then the person who ordained him shares in the sin. Therefore, “Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands.” (22)

Ordination should not be done until candidates have had time to prove themselves. If a person unworthy of the office of elder is ordained then dissension will occur in the church and in addition it will bring divisions. Jesus too before he chose his 12 disciples spent the whole night praying. After praying for a long time he chose his disciples. Jesus chose perfectly. Through those disciples God’s work of salvation was completed. Therefore, we too when we choose our leaders, we must pray well and carefully choose them.

Finally let’s look at verse 23. Here it says, “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” Here Paul suddenly brings up the subject of alcohol. Paul who was worried about Timothy’s stomach said, “Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.” (23)

Timothy was inclined to infirmities. Paul says “stomach” so he must have had stomach problems. Also Paul says “frequent illnesses” so he must have been sick a lot.  Therefore, for his health Paul advises to “stop drinking only water, and use a little wine.” Paul may also have said this because at that time safe drinking water was hard to find so in order to eliminate stomach problems from water to drink a little wine.

Many scholars for the text it is in can’t understand why Paul says this. If you read this through I feel like you can understand the meaning. That is at times our eyes may fall on church leaders who are inadequate and weak. However, God’s family, the church, must treat each other with warm respect and a heart of love. There are no perfect leaders. Also there are no grand laymen from the beginning. In the midst of this what God desires is that we have warm respect and a heart of love. That is not only towards the elders. We as the family of God should always be like that. Pastor and laymen too have weaknesses. However, if like it is here, always respect and love each other then the church will become like heaven. Let’s make that the goal of our church.  To do that let’s not move away from the principles of the Bible that are written here. It is necessary to think once again about how we should be towards the leaders in the church.

Today’s passage is I Timothy 5:1-16. From today’s passage let’s look at how we should serve each other in the church which is the family of God.

1.As family (Vs. 1-3)

First please look at verses 1 to 3.

“Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity. Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.”

Paul said in 3:15 that the church is God’s family, God’s household. In the family there are different members: grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, son, daughter, grandchildren, etc. It is composed of different members. The church is God’s family so the church is also the same. It has people of different ages, positions, and circumstances. Recently it is said that there are a lot of elderly in the church, but normally the elderly, young, men, and women, people of all ages gather in the church. In such a church how should we serve each other?

In verse 1 Paul says first of all, “Do not rebuke an old man harshly.”  When humans grow old they can’t move as vigorously and quick as when they were young.  Because of that there are cases where young people treat the elderly as people who stand in their way and are mean to them. However, there must not be such things in the church. “Do not rebuke…harshly” means not to scold severely. The elderly fail and make mistakes, but even at such times you must “not rebuke…harshly” or look down on them and find fault with them.

According to Tsugio Kosegawa when you get old your thinking is controlled by three thoughts. One is by sentimental memories of past life: the success and failures, the joys and sadness, etc. The mixed feelings of joy and anger are constantly crossing over each other. When you remember an event for a moment you rejoice, then in the next moment feelings of regret suddenly overcome you. There are times when you are emotionally unstable. The second is emotions that come from the future. Such feelings of fear of death, uncertainties that come from the ageing of the body, the hope of heaven, etc. are interwoven. Thirdly are the sentiments that come from the present conditions: feelings of not working, powerless, isolation, etc. It is hard for those who are working hard to understand such feelings, but it is important to understand such mixed emotions and not put pressure on the elderly who move at their own pace. We must not be harsh towards them.

Lev. 19:32 says, “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.”  In today’s passage it says to treat older men as fathers, and “older women as mothers.” (2) The Greek word used for “treat” (1) is paracleo which means “stand next to and assist”. It is the root word for paracletos which means the comforter or Holy Spirit. It is to stand next and encourage or stand next and help. If an elderly person makes a mistake or does a wrong, we must stand next to him and encourage him.  Especially here it says “as fathers” (1) and “as mothers”. (1) The 10 commandments teach us that we should honor our father and mother. Therefore, to treat the elderly “as fathers” (1) and “as mothers” is to honor them. It is also respecting the elderly for their life experience and the character that was formed by the mixing of those experiences.

Next is how we should treat young people. “Treat younger men as brothers…and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.” (1, 2) Among young people there may be some who are wild and irresponsible or cause only trouble. There may be some that leave a lot to be desired. However, when we have contact with them, we must treat them as brother and sister. To treat as brothers and sisters is treat the relationship like an intimate relationship that even if you cut off the relationship it doesn’t become a broken relationship. Here too the word “treat” (1) is used. Therefore, it is not looking down on the person and spitting out words of disgust, but we must support them standing beside them and helping them.

Especially younger women are to be treated “as sisters, with absolute purity.” (2) “Absolute purity” (2) is used also in 4:12. It is a pure heart with no secret intentions. In other words they are to be treated like real sisters.

Please look at verse 3. The next to appear is “the widowed”. (3) In that age a widow by losing her husband lost her life base. They didn’t have social security like we have today so all the support for life was lost. It was extremely necessary for the church to support such widows.  Rather, not just the widowers, it was the church’s duty to help the weak in society.  James 1:27 says, “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”  “To look after the orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27) was an important duty of the church.

Paul is saying, “Give proper recognition to those widows” (3) He didn’t say just to take care of them and help them, but to “give proper recognition to those widows.” (3) To “give proper recognition” is to show honor and respect.  However, it goes beyond the honor that is to be shown to the elderly as Paul taught in verses 1 and 2. Not only were the widows to be honored and respected, but they were to be taken care of too.

By the way, the name Timothy means “honor God”. A person that honors God honors God’s family. Also even within God’s family he especially honors the weak.

Paul said that the church was Christ’s body. If you look at what a body is like we can understand this. Paul says in I Cor. 12:22-27, “On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, while our presentable parts need no special treatment.  But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.  If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored every part rejoices with it.  Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a part of it.”

The church is the body of Christ. “Those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honor to the parts that lacked it.” (I Cor. 12:22, 24) Therefore, by honoring those that are weak, the church becomes a healthy body. The church benefits from all its combined parts.

However, here it isn’t saying to help all widows.  Here it says, “Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.” (3) That is so as it says in verse 16 the church will not be burdened by them. Not all churches have enough money financially. There are some churches that are poor. For such poor churches to help orphaned children and widows it was necessary for them to distinguish who “those widows who are really in need” (3) are. Even if a church was poor, the church must as a whole support such needy widows. Next let’s look at who “those widows who are really in need” (3) are.

2.Those widows who are really in need (Vs. 4-10)

1. “Those widows who are really in need” (3) have no blood or non-blood relatives.  Verse 4 says, “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.”

In other words, it is important that children and grandchildren learn to respect, care for, and repay their parents and grandparents. There may be some people that can’t respect their parents. They may think that their parents didn’t bring them up well or that they showed no compunction for abandoning them. However, it is certain that their parents bore them. Now they exist because they had parents that gave birth to them. Their parents may not have brought them up well. They may have made mistakes. It may be true that they had weak points. However, to continue to have bitterness or to not respect them is not pleasing to God.

Verse 8 says, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” No matter what kind of parents a person had to “not provide for” (8) his parents it to deny “the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (8) “Honor your father and mother” (Exodus 20:12) is pleasing to God. Children must learn to do this and we must teach them to do so.

1. “Those widows who are really in need” (3) put their “hope in God.” (5) Please look at verses 5 and 6. “The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and ask God for help. But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.”

“Those widows who are really in need” (3) put their hope in God and continue “night and day to pray and ask God for help.” (5) In other words, they live a life of faith. Such a person like verse 10, “is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.” They are women who don’t receive any remuneration from the church, but like the church staff, just earnestly serve God and the church. It is only natural for the church to support them. That is because such people have always supported the church.

“But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.” (6) That is not just limited to widows. A person who lives for his own pleasure, for his own joy and contentment “is dead even while” (6) he lives. Even though normally the older and older a person gets, the longer and longer he has faith, he must become a model of a person of faith and lives a life of godliness, but if he his living for pleasure, that’s terrible. Just because she is a widow, the church mustn’t thoughtlessly support her. The church must not support a person that is living for pleasure.

1. “Those widows who are really in need” (3) are “over sixty” (9) and have “been faithful to her husband.” (9) Please look at verse 9. “No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband.”  It says, “No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty.” (9) In that age over 60 was considered elderly. Here there are probably some people over 60 who think they are still young, but in that age over 60 was counted as elderly. Here it says, “No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty.” The reason will appear after this so I’d like to identify it then.

Also here it says, “has been faithful to her husband.” (9) The fruits of faith must first be evident in the marriage relationship. The Greek phrase in verse 9, literally, “one-man woman” is the counterpart to the “one-woman man” which describes the overseer and deacon (3:2, 12) This refers to faithfulness in marriage.

Thus, a widow is a widow, but “give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.” (3) Often there are people who think that the church should help all people who are in poverty without conditions or requirements. However, that it not so. Real kindness is not giving help to just anyone no matter what he does. The church must help “those widows who are really in need” (3) have no blood or non-blood relatives, are “left all alone” (5) put their “hope in God” (5) and continue “night and day to pray and ask God for help,” (5) are “over sixty” (9) and have “been faithful to” (9) their husband. I think we must think more seriously and constructively about helping people in this kind of situations.

3.Do not put younger widows on such a list (Verses 11-16)

Please look at verses 11 to 16.

“Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge.  Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house.  And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.  So I counsel younger widows to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.  Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.  If any woman who is a believer has widows in her family, she should help then and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.”

Until now we have looked at what “widows who are really in need” (3) are like. “Those widows who are really in need” (3) have no blood or non-blood relatives, are “left all alone” (5) put their “hope in God” (5) and continue “night and day to pray” (5) and serve God. Then an age restriction of over 60 was laid. Here it says, “As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list.” (11) That is because “when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge.” (11,12)

In the ancient church among the exponent theologians were John Chrysostom and Tertullianus. According to their accounts, the first church had a system concerning the widows. They established an agreement that for widows that serve God for life, the church will fulfill their obligation to them. Those who were registered had faith and had to pledge to not remarry the rest of their lives. Those who made this vow put on “widows clothes” and received the laying on of hands. Therefore, here the widows that are being spoken about are not just widows. Their husbands had died and they had vowed to serve the Lord for the rest of their life.

However, this mustn’t be the case with young widows too. That is because “when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge.” (11,12) “Their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ” (11) means that “their sensual desires overcome” their commitment to dedicate themselves to Christ. As a result of their youth, for “sensual desires,” (11) they discard their first vow, their first faith. This is the image of a young ox that tries to escape from his yoke.  In the old day the fields were plowed by 2 oxen that were tied together by a yoke.  However, in time one of the oxen tries to escape from the yoke. Young widows are the same. They try to escape from the yoke and “they want to marry.”

To marry in and of its self is not bad.  The problem is that even though they had promised to give all to Jesus, they break the vow and marry.  Now that they became a widow, they vow to give the rest of their life to God. It is like Catholic sisters that even though they vow not to marry and give their life to God, when they meet a kind man, a man whose faith they respect, soon “they want to marry.” (11) This is the problem.

Marriage is wonderful. It is a blessing of God. However, marriage isn’t everything.  If your husband dies first, it is also wonderful to give the Lord the rest of your life and serve the Lord. That’s because “a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world-how he can please his wife-and his interests are divided.  An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs; her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit.” (I Cor. 7:33,34) “But if you do marry, you have not sinned.” (I Cor. 7:28) However, Paul advises, “Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for you to remain as you are.” (I Cor. 7:26) That is because you can live “in undivided devotion to the Lord.” (I Cor. 7:35) Therefore. marrying is a good thing.  Also “if she stays as she is,” (I. Cor. 7:40) in other words, she doesn’t remarry, that is also wonderful. What is important is how you are going to serve the Lord in the situation that you are in. If a young woman becomes a widow, she must think about how she should spend the rest of her life. Then if she has vowed to give the rest of her life to the Lord, she must not turn her back on that vow.  However, it says that “As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list.  For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry.” (11)

“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house.  And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.” (13) These are the women that have discarded their first vow.  A woman whose husband dies and vowed that she would use the rest of her life for the Lord is good, but then if she gives up her vow and marries another man, has time on her hands and idles away her life, “going about from house to house.  And … also gossips.” (13) They are busybodies, “saying things they ought not to.” (13)

Therefore, Paul counsels the younger women “to marry, to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.” (14) That is because “Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.” (15 Therefore, while you are young, you should work faithfully, or do your household jobs, and live a calm life.

Just because a person is a widow we shouldn’t haphazardly support them. We need to among the widows “give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.” (3) That’s because the church is God’s family.

As you know the other day Vanatu, a small country in the South Pacific was hit by a huge cyclone that did extensive damage. Actually 70% of the countries’ population lost their homes. We received a report on the present condition from our friend Greg Carlson and his wife who are sent out by Wycliffe to do Bible translation there. According to Greg the people of Vanatu are facing a deeper problem than the loss of their homes. That is food! They live off of the land. Most of the population lives by subsistence farming. Their crops were all destroyed so they have nothing to eat. Even if they plant seeds, it will take 6 months before they can harvest.  Fortunately rice has been sent to Vanatu from many countries, but they have nothing to eat but rice.

When I received this report I prayed about what I should do. God’s answer was “give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.” (3) In the body of Christ, God’s church, if there are such people, we should give them proper recognition.

We should do what we can to help them. The problem is not how much we give. What is important is that we follow God’s word, and put it into practice. In the back of the room there is an offering box so please pray and give.

A few weeks ago on the television program “Unbelievable” Shu Wuan Jien was introduced on a film strip from China entitled “2013’s most beautiful neighbor”. In 1979 Shun who lived in a small village in Shisensho, China was 15 years old.  His family was poor and they didn’t even have money to buy pig feed. Every day he would go to the town and gather left over food that could be used to feed the pig.

One day Shun eyes fell upon some people who were eating wantan ramen which looked so delicious. Without thinking Shun stopped and looked at them. Food like wantan that has meat in it was too expensive for the poor.

Then a 60 year old woman named Wan Zuyu said to him, “It’s hard when you are still a child to collect left over food.” Then she gave him some wantan ramen to eat. Shu was so thankful. Also he thought that he wanted to become a person like Wan.

However, the next day he saw Wan working as a carrier of baggage. Moreover her blind son was pushing the cart from the rear. Besides that she had a sick husband. He realized that she was poor like him.  After that too Wan was always concerned about Shun.

21 years passed. Shun married and had a family. Even after he became an adult he visited and kept his relationship with Wan. In 2002 when Shun was 38 years old he received the news that Wan’s husband and son unfortunately died. Besides that, Wan broke both legs and was put in a home for the elderly. The homes for the elderly in China are public so they are almost all free, but for an older person like Wan who is by herself the greatest agony is loneliness. At that time Wan was 83 years old. Therefore, Shun talked with his own mother, wife, and son and brought Wan to his home to live with them.  He loved her like his own mother. The people around him could not understand why he would bring an old lady to live with him. They thought he did it out of an expectation for something in return, but her only possession was a walking cane. In return as gratitude for one bowl of wantan ramen he brought Wan to his house.

Then after 11 years in Jan. of 2014 Wan died. She was 95 years old. While she was alive, she said to Shun, “You weren’t my real son. However, like a real son you loved me. You did so much that I don’t know how to repay you. I’m thankful from the bottom of my heart.”

At the “The most beautiful neighbor” awards ceremony Shun said, “A neighbor is in a sense family. Wan treated me like a family member when I was young. Even today she lives within my heart.”

These words, “A neighbor is in a sense family” rang strongly in my heart.  The church is God’s family. Therefore, we are asked to treat the members as a family. The church has people of many different ages, backgrounds, and circumstances, but no matter what kind of person, we are asked to treat them as family. How do you look at the people in the church, the family God? Let’s remember once again that the church is the family of God and let’s treat the members like family.

Today I would like to talk about “a good minister” (6) from the first part of I Timothy chapter 4. In chapter 1 of this letter to Timothy Paul spoke about the contents of the message that the church must keep. That is the glorious Gospel that is full of blessing. “The goal of this…is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1:5) In chapter 2 and 3 he spoke about the order of creation and what the church members should be like. Now in this chapter 4 he advises Timothy to become “a good minister” (6) and is teaching about what is necessary in order to be so. The word that is used here for “minister” (6) has as its origin the meaning of “servant” or “someone who serves”. If you take that meaning, then all Christians are called to be the Lord’s servant so this can be applied to all Christians.

1. Some will abandon the faith (Vs. 1)

First of all please look at verse 1. It says, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”

This verse is related to the last verse in chapter 3. Christ “appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.” (3:16) In one word this is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From the beginning to the end is Jesus Christ.  That is Christianity. Christianity is Jesus Christ. The Christian faith is Christ. The truth of Christianity is Christ. What we should preach is Christ. There is no other message. It is the “mystery of godliness” (3:16) No matter how much you emphasize it, it can’t be emphasized too much.

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1)

“The Spirit clearly says” (1) means that it is clearly said in the Bible that the Holy Spirit inspired it. In the Bible it says over and over again what “later times,” that can be used interchangeably with the end of the world, will be like. That is “some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1) This is prophesized about not only in this letter to Timothy, but also in the books by Paul, also in the books by John, the books by Peter and in the same way in the book by James.  This is because they were all written by the same Holy Spirit of God. The Holy Spirit gave the same inspiration. He made it clear what will occur “in later times.” (1) Of course, Jesus Christ himself too in advance stated the same signs preluding the end of the world.

That is in Matthew 24. There will be wars, famines, natural disaster, and a convulsion of nature. However, the most obvious sign of the end of the world will be this I think. “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matt. 24:12)

“Wickedness” (Matt. 24:12) is towards God’s Word. Wickedness is the opposite of God’s Word. It will prevail so “the love of most will grow cold.” (Matt. 24:12) This is expressed by Paul as “some will abandon the faith.” (1) In the age at the end of the world, things contrary to the Word of God will be taught.  Also theology and doctrine contrary to the Bible will increase. Most people’s love towards God, towards the church, and towards the brothers and sisters in Christ, towards their neighbors, towards the lost “will grow cold.” (Matt. 24:12) The things that people were on fire for will cool off and become lukewarm.  There will be a lack of interest in studying the Bible. People won’t feel the need to go to church. “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold.” (Matt. 24:12) Now we are entering such an age.

The word “faith” in “some will abandon the faith” in I Timothy 4:1 is preceded by article “the”. “The faith” (1) is the faith of 3:16. It is the Gospel of Christ, the Christian faith. This is “the faith” (1), but “some will abandon” (1) it.  This doesn’t mean to fall into unbelief. It refers to abandoning the faith of Christianity, abandoning the Gospel of Christ. It is abandoning the nucleus of the doctrine of salvation. In other words, they will lose their salvation.   Therefore, abandoning the faith is an extremely serious thing. However, so there is no misunderstanding I would like to put this teaching in order. Christians will never lose their salvation. If you read Jesus’ words in John 10:28 and 29 this will be clear. Anyone who is in Jesus’ hand will never lose his salvation.　In John it says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father who has given them to me is greater than all; no one can take them out of my Father’s hand.” (John 10:28, 29)

“Eternal life” (John 10:28) said in other words is “salvation”. Therefore, Jesus gives them salvation. “No one can snatch them out of” (John 10:28) Jesus’ hand.  Not only Jesus’ hand. “No one can take them out of” (John 10:29) the Father’s hand either. You are guarded and taken care of by both the hands of Jesus and God the Father. “No one can snatch” (John 10:28) you out of them. There is no greater place of security. Salvation is an absolute guarantee, and a full and comprehensive guarantee.

Also in another passage too, Roman 8:1, Paul said, “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. The total ransom has been paid.

This will definitely not fail. There are some people that take the view that even Christians can lose their salvation, but that is wrong.  What the Bible teaches is that salvation is never lost. This is the teaching of the Bible.

On the other hand, at the same time the Bible says, “some will abandon the faith.” (1)  This seems to contradict the teaching that Christians cannot lose their salvation. Therefore, it is important that we clearly understand this difference.

Christians definitely cannot lose their salvation. However, on the other hand a person can “abandon the faith”. (1) That’s because we mankind have a free will. God will definitely never take away our salvation, but on the other hand there are cases where we by our own will abandon salvation. God doesn’t make us to be robots, but made us with free wills, to freely praise the Lord, to rejoice, and to sing to God. Therefore, he doesn’t force us to stay within his hands. For example, if a person says that he wants to leave God’s hands or he doesn’t want to be in God’s hands any more, or that he wants to live his own way, that person can in reality leave. That is because man has been given a free will. By our free will we believe in God or we can choose not to believe. By our free will we can choose to go to heaven and at the same time we can choose to go to hell.

Only I think personally myself that if a person was saved once, but even so thinks that he wants to abandon the faith, then I think that he was never really saved. If that person really knows the salvation of Jesus Christ and tasted it, then I think he would definitely not want to leave. I don’t know, but I wonder if he had just been pretending to be saved. I don’t know.  That is just my personal opinion. However, the truth of the Bible is that Christians cannot lose their salvation. On the other hand, it teaches that a person can “abandon the faith”. (1)

In Hebrews 3:12 it says, “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.”

“Brothers” (Hebrews 3:12) is, of course, Christians. Paul is talking to the Hebrew Christians.  He is saying to them to be careful to see to it that among them none of them have “a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12) “Turns away” (Hebrews 3:12) is exactly the same word that is used in verse 1 for “abandon”. They are to be careful that no one abandons the living God. It is conceivable that this can happen among Christians. While accepting this as a reality, we are being advised to “see to it…that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12)

However, for example, even if there is a case of a person abandoning the faith, that doesn’t mean that all is lost.  Even such a person can once start all over again. He can start all over again time after time after time. He can start over many times. He just needs to hear the Christian Gospel, repent and believe in Jesus as his Savior.  Then that person will be saved.

If you feel like you were under pressure by other people to believe in Christ so you said you did. However, you feel like it was just words and not from your heart. If you feel like you don’t have a living relationship with Jesus, the only thing you need to do is to believe in Jesus and ask him to forgive you of your sins and become your Lord. If you realize this, it’s not too late. You can start over again. For example, even if we abandon the faith, we can return again to the faith.

Paul is warning that like this at the end of the world there will be people who will abandon the faith. This is something that “the Spirit clearly says.” (1) We must not believe all things, but check with what the Bible teaches to make sure the teaching is not by “deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1) Then so we are not deceived we need to abide in the faith.

1. Hypocritical liars (Vs. 2-5)

In the next verses, verses 2 to 5, is written the methods by which we are deceived by the devil. “Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.  They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know the truth.  For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” (2-5)

“Such teachings come through hypocritical liars.” (2) A characteristic of teaching by “deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1) is that it is lies. The devil is the father of lies. You won’t hear the truth from the devil. The devil advances his works by using false teachers. Here 2 characteristics of the false teachers are given. One is that their “consciences have been seared.” (2) The other is that they were disposed to asceticism.

First about their consciences being seared, the word “seared” refers to burning your body with an iron, scorching it, and being in the condition of having no feelings. That is the meaning of their “consciences have been seared.” (2) Paul in the book of Timothy uses the word “conscience” many times. For example, in 1:5 it says, “The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” Also in 1:19 too it says, “holding on to faith and a good conscience.” This good conscience becomes so seared, in other words, so much that the conscience doesn’t feel sin, it is indifferent to telling lies. Even if he hears the Words of the Bible, his conscience isn’t hurt. That is because he doesn’t recognize sin.

Another characteristic is that the false teachers “forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods.” (3)　This is called legalism or asceticism. These are all by ”deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (2) Also Paul in the opening paragraph of I Timothy warns about men who teach false doctrines. That teaching was a different teaching from the original teachings of Christ. In the background was such prevailing Gnosticism and Jewish heresies. Gnosticism was a soul and body dualism that taught that everything that was fleshly and material was bad, and spiritual and mind were good. Accordingly, marriage is a fleshly thing so it is evil and “forbid people to marry.” (3) Food too is material so evil and therefore “ordered them to abstain from certain foods.” (3)

From this the Roman Catholic Church came to emphasize single clergy. Priests and sisters and such people who serve God must be holy so they sought singleness. If you are not single, you can’t be a priest. If you are married, you can’t be a priest. That is fleshly and secular. They thought that by being single you are spiritual. However, there is one contradiction. It is it is ironic, but the Catholic Church’s first pope, Peter, was married. The practice is a relic of Gnosticism caused by the infiltration of such thinking into the church. It was not the teaching of the Bible.  In the Bible from the beginning marriage was not forbidden. Marriage was an institution instituted by God from the beginning of creation. It is blessed and holy. It can be said that for it to be forbidden is really the teaching of “deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (2)  Of course, that doesn’t mean that you have to get married. You get married for God and you don’t marry for God. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (I Cor. 10:31) If you apply this to marriage then it’s o.k. to get married and its o.k. not to get married. To forbid is a teaching of “deceiving spirit and things taught by demons.” (2) and is different than the teaching of the Bible.

Also about the other one, ordering “them to abstain from certain foods,” (3) the influence of Judaism can be strongly seen. It was the teaching that even though you became a Christian, you had to follow the law of the Old Testament or you couldn’t be saved. The main thing was the commands about food. However, food was created by God to be received thankfully by people that know the truth and have faith. “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” (3, 4) There may be times when for our health we should watch how much we eat or there are times when we may fast for the purpose of prayer. However, there is no reason that food should be forbidden. Actually in Leviticus there are many regulations written about food. However, they are a shadow of what is to come. The substance is Christ. Please open your Bibles to Colossians 2:16, 17. It says, “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.  These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.”

The substance is Christ.  The regulations of the law of the Old Testament were nothing more than a shadow. If you desperately pursue the shadow and lose sight of the substance, then that is really overturning the plans. The purpose of the law was Christ, but what is important is what Christ who is the purpose of the Old Testament says. Christ said, “For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.” (3, 4) Actually you might be realizing these aren’t Jesus’ words, but Paul’s. However, Paul is speaking about Christ’s words. Jesus said, “Nothing outside a man can make him ‘unclean’ by going into him.  Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him ‘unclean’.” (Mark 7:15) He made all foods clean. Therefore, food must not by forbidden. If it is forbidden, then it is a teaching of “deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (2)

The Christian cult, the Mormons, has detailed regulations concerning food. Drinks that contain caffeine like coffee, tea, green tea, etc. are not allowed. Of course alcohol is prohibited. They think it isn’t healthy and that they won’t be able to be spiritually holy too. Also the Mormons usually make the first Sunday of each month a day of fasting. Fasting for 2 meals is recommended. The money that is saved by fasting is used to help people. The purpose in and of itself is wonderful, but the problem it is not by personal faith that they are doing it, but by the teaching of the religious group. That’s because the Bible commands not to forbid food. If such a thing is commanded then it is a false teaching. It is a teaching of “deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (2)

We are made righteous only by a faith of believing in Jesus Christ. There are no other religious acts or works by which a person can be made righteous. We are saved and changed into his likeness only by Christ. It is by the spiritual work of the Lord. It is not by our works. Therefore, we must always be careful not to abandon the faith.

1. If you point these things out (Vs. 6)

The third point is that “if you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister.” (6)  Please look at verse 6 “If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.” (6)

“These things” (6) are the contents that Paul talked about in verses 1 to 5.  In other words, it is about what will occur “in later times” (1).  “In later times” (1) teachings by “deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1) will prevail so Paul is teaching that Timothy needs to distinguish the teaching and teach the teaching of the Bible correctly. “If you point these things out to the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus.” (6) “A good minister of Christ Jesus” (6) is a person that teaches these things well. “A good minister of Christ Jesus” (6) teaches the about Jesus Christ well so that no one abandons the faith. A person who neglects Jesus Christ, and doesn’t mention him at all is not a good minister. “A good minister of Jesus Christ” (6) teaches all “these things”. (6)

That’s because you were “brought up in the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that you have followed.” (6) “The truths of the faith” and “the good teaching that you have followed” are the same things, but here Paul is saying this in this way in order to emphasize it. Words that do not come from faith, in other words, original words that are not written in the Bible and that Timothy had not heard up until now are a teaching of “deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (2) Such teaching must be gotten rid of. By keeping the words of the Bible which have not changed from the beginning, and the teaching that all the churches have kept traditionally, “the truths of the faith and of the good teaching that” (6) he has followed and by teaching them he will be “a good minister of Jesus Christ.” (6) Even if it seems old fashion or out dated Timothy must teach the “the truths of the faith” (6) and “the good teaching that (6) he has followed. By doing so our faith will mature. All other teaching is by “deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1) and will cause people to abandon the faith. Love will become cold and people will love only themselves and abandon God.  Therefore, we must teach these things. To teach is the word used for remember. We must repeat it over and over again, saying it repeatedly and we must remember it. Such a minister is “a good minister.” (6)

By looking at this we can see what the duty of the minister of the church is. It is to teach “these things”. (6) This is the most important duty of the minister of the church. In Japan there is a tendency to think that a good Pastor is one does everything: the secretarial things, the church member’s care, things concerning food and drink, and who does all details in the church. However, that is not what the Bible says a good minister is.

In Acts 6 there is a record of 7 people being chosen as deacons who were filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom to deal with a problem that occurred in the first church. The Jews who spoke Greek “complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.” (Acts 6:1) However if the 12 disciples took care of this problem it would mean neglecting the important things that they had to do. That was prayer and the Word of God.  In order to concentrate on the ministry of the word of God and prayer, they turned the responsibility of the problem over to 7 men. If they were to be worried about this problem then they wouldn’t be able to do their important ministry and so it would be a misfortune for the church.

“A good minister” (6) gives “attention to prayer and the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4) and is a minister that teaches “these things.” (6) Let’s seek to always be taught by the Word and not “abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons” (1) b

Today I would like to talk about “the mystery of godliness” (3:16) from the last part of chapter 3.  Those who are fit to be an overseer of the church or a deacon is written about in the first part of chapter 3.  That is because from chapter 2 on it teaches how Christians should be in the church.  The church first of all must pray for all people. That’s because God “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (2:4) Also in the church men are “to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.” (2:8) “A woman should learn in quietness and full submission.” (2:8) That’s because “Adam was formed first, then Eve.” (13) That’s the order of creation.  The church is to follow this order and men are to be manly and women are to be lady like.

Today’s passage is a continuation of this.  It is teaching more concretely.  In other words, precisely, what is the church? “Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great.” (3:16) Today let’s look at three things about this “mystery of godliness.” (3:16)

1. The church is the family of God (Vs. 14, 15)

First of all let’s look at verses 14 and 15.  “Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

This is a letter written from the apostle Paul to the disciple Timothy. The purpose of writing the letter was so that if Paul was delayed Timothy would “know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church.”  (14, 15)  Here Paul is saying something extremely important about the church. The church is “God’s household”. (14, 15)

The same Greek word “household” is also used in 3:4 and 5 where it is translated as “family”.  “If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?” (3:5)

Therefore, “God’s household” (14) is the family of God. The church is God’s household, the family of God. It is the flock gathered together by God, a co-operative body. Ephesians 2:19 says, “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.”  We were formerly separated from Christ “without hope and without God, But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” (Eph. 2:12, 13)

By believing in Jesus Christ and being in Christ we have become one. We are “follow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household.” (Eph. 2:19) Therefore, the church is God’s family.

We hold the church as important because it is the family of God, “God’s household”. (14) The church is not the Pastor’s family. It’s God’s family.  Its structure is different from companies in this world.  If it is a company, then if the workers quit then other human resources are available and the workers can be replaced. However, families aren’t like that. There are no replacements for family members.  There is no one to replace you.

1. The church is the pillar and foundation of the truth (Vs. 15)

That’s not all. Verse 15 says, “God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.”

Here the church is not just God’s household, but the household “of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” “The living God” (15) is in contrast to  a dead god or idol. The real God is living in contrast to the idol that is dead.

At this time Paul is writing to Timothy who is pastoring the Ephesian church.  Ephesus boasted of a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis. At present the temple is beyond recognition, but at that time it was one of the 7 wonders of the world. It was 115 meters long 55 meters wide, and18 meters tall. It was supported by 117 pillars and it was made entirely of marble. It started to be built in the 7^th century B.C. and the grand temple was finally finished after 200 years of building. In the inner room the goddess Artemis was enshrined. It was made of wood, but except for the head, arms and legs which were decorated with precious stones.  The town of Ephesus made the temple that the great Artemis was enshrined at as the center of their lives.

However, not matter how magnificent a thing it was, it was nothing more than something just made from wood and stone. There was no life there and it couldn’t give man life either. It was only just an idol, and nothing more than a dead god. However, God of “God’s household, with is the church” (14) is different. God of the church is “the living God”. (15) He is alive now and working. He is different from the gods of the idols. He can give those who believe in God life. Therefore, the church is “the church of the living God.” (15)

That’s not all. Here it says, “the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (15)  In order to understand what this means let’s think about the role of the pillars and foundation.  Of course, it is to support the entire building. However, that is not the only role. The pillars and foundation are a necessary support for the building, but at the same time, depending on the place, they are used as a part of

the interior design. At the Fukushima church at the entrance of the sanctuary there are 3 pillars. I couldn’t figure out what they were for.  When I asked, I was told that the architect put them there as part of the design.

Before I talked about the temple of Artemis. Paul probably used this expression because he was bearing in mind the pillars and foundations of the Artemis temple. In that case the pillars certainly had the role of supporting the entire temple, but more than that they were used as elaborate decorations. Also the foundation was the same. Marble was used entirely throughout the foundation. I think it is not difficult to imagine how magnificent it was.

Bearing this in mind, when you look at the church of this world in relationship with the world, it may look really poor.  However, the church is the climax of God’s truth. In other words, it is the place of testimony. It takes care of God’s truth so that it doesn’t crumble. By such a meaning the church is “the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (15) That is because “the living God” (15) is there working. This definitely doesn’t mean that the church is a perfect organization without one flaw.  Certainly the church that is seen by the eyes has many weaknesses and faults both systemically and capability wise.  However, even so, it is not to say that the church is not the church as Christ’s body, the universal church. Of course we are not a perfect being.  However, we who are in the midst of this imperfect vessel, have entered into God’s truth, the Gospel.  If you look at II Cor. 4:7, you will see this. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”

“This treasure” is Jesus Christ.  The Words of salvation is the Gospel. We put “this treasure in jars of clay.” (II Cor. 4:7)  “Jars of clay” (II Cor. 4:7) are very weak. If by mistake it is dropped, then it will be broken. That the treasure is not put in metal or steal boxes, but in weak us, like weak jars of clay makes it clear that it is by the power of God, not by our power. Therefore, the church is a great place! Even though it is such a small flock, even it is a poor building that is weak and poor and about to collapse, the treasure has been put there.

In this world there is no other place other than the church where in reality the correct truth of Christianity is seen, supported and taken care of. Therefore, in this Ephesian church too even though they had many problems on their hands, they had to be protected from heretical teaching and getting off the track of faith. That is also the same today in our church too. We must recognize the great commission that God has given the church that we belong to and firmly live out our church life. Even if it is a small flock, we must remember that it is a church established by God’s providence and together take care of the truth and testify to it.

1. The mystery of godliness (Vs. 16)

Paul summarized the content of the truth as “the mystery of godliness”. (16) Please look at verse 16. “Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great!

He appeared in a body,

was vindicated by the Spirit,

was seen by angels,

was preached among the nations.

was believed on in the world,

was taken up in glory.””

“Mystery of godliness means the revealed secret of true piety. In other words, it is the secret that produces piety in people. That secret as the following words indicate is Jesus Christ. The content is “He appeared in a body,

was vindicated by the Spirit,

was seen by angels,

was preached among the nations.

was believed on in the world,

was taken up in glory.”  In other words, Christ’s incarnation is the source of genuine piety. These words are printed in poetic form and probably come from an early creedal hymn. Paul uses it here to explain what the truth is and quoted this hymn which was well known at that time. Its content is 6 facts about the entire life of Jesus Christ.

1. Christ “appeared in a body.” (16)  This refers to Christ’s incarnation. Please look at John 1:1-3, 14 and 18. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.”

“The Word” (John 1:1) is Jesus. Jesus 2,000 years ago through the Holy Spirit by the virgin May was born. However, Jesus didn’t come into being then. Jesus “was with God in the beginning.” (John 1:1) He is the Son of God. He took on flesh and came from heaven.  He is the Savior Jesus Christ.  “No one has ever seen God” (John 1:18) but he made it clear what God is like. Christ is with God forever and is God and has made God known.

1. Christ “was vindicated by the Spirit.” (16) This means that the Holy Spirit vindicated that Christ was without sin. When Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, heaven was opened and God’s Spirit could be seen as a dove hovering above him. At that time a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I am well pleased.” Matt. 3:17)

Also by Jesus rising from among the dead, he demonstrated that he was righteous.  “Who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 1:4)

If Jesus remained dead, then he couldn’t have been the Savior. However, Jesus died and then rose again. By this he “was declared with power to be the Son of God.” (Romans 1:4)

1.  Christ “was seen by angels.” (16)  In other words, Christ’s being wasn’t just seen by humans, but also by angels. For example, when Jesus was born, he was seen by the angels. When the shepherds were watching their sheep, the angels appeared and praised God.  “Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests “(Luke 2:14).

Also when Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, the angels came near Jesus and supported him. This happened too when Jesus prayed at Gethsemane and when he rose from the dead. His whole life was seen by the angels.

1. Christ “was preached among the nations.” (16) The Gospel of God’s kingdom was  not accepted by the Jews so it was preached to the Gentiles who were far from God. By this it showed that Christ was the Savior of the whole world.

1. Christ “was believed on in the world.” (16) Paul who is writing this letter is one of the people. He before persecuted Christians. However, the resurrected Christ appeared to him. Then he became an apostle to preach the Gospel throughout the word. This Gospel “was believed on in the world.” (16)

1. Christ “was taken up in glory.”  (16) In this, of course, the cross and resurrection, the work of salvation, is included.  Christ’s cross is God’s glory.  Christ’s resurrection is also God’s glory.  Jesus accomplished the work of salvation, the cross and the resurrection, and “he was taken up in glory.” (16) Christ’s death was not the end.  He rose again and ascended into heaven. He went there to prepare a place for

us. He will come again and to get us Christians, the bride, the church. We are not the end either. In the course of time we will rise again in an unperishable, glorious body, and we will be taken up to heaven. There we will be with the Lord forever.

This is the “mystery of godliness”. (16) This is the contents of our faith that we believe in. This is the contents of the truth that the church should follow.  These contents are Jesus Christ. The Christian faith is Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the “mystery of godliness”. (16) This is our faith.

This is not hidden, but has already been made clear. The truth of who Jesus Christ is and how we are saved has already been made clear. The Bible shows this to us clearly. We must not wander from the teaching of the Bible. If we move away from this truth then there is no salvation. Anyone one who believes in Christ will be saved.  If you seek this truth, then come to Jesus Christ.  If so, you will be saved. If you seek the power of the blessings of faith, then come to Jesus.  If so, you will receive power. Let’s not forget that it is all by Jesus Christ whodied and rose again for us. This is above all that we can understand, but this is the truth. “Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great! (16) God made this mystery clear. Its center is Jesus Christ. “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” (Hebrews 12:2)

The church is the place where Christ’s truth is made clear. Also it takes care of the truth and supports it. We too have entered into this church. That it because God wants to do his work through the church.

“Church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.” (Eph.1:23)

God gave us this church. That is so that we can do God’s work through the church.  God “wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (2:4) People are saved through the church. Therefore the church is necessary. What is necessary is that the church, we, each individual, stand firmly on the truth. If we are separated from the truth, then there is no salvation. Through “the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth” (15) we must remain firmly in Jesus Christ. To do that we must make God’s mystery clear. If you look at each individual one of us we are all weak and frail, but let’s remember that God gave these clay pots the truth of Jesus Christ and keep this truth and become someone who testifies to it. Let’s perform our role as “the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (15)