1 Timothy - Some thoughts

Bible scholars tend to agree that Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus (three letters) form a distinct group. They are all different from his other letters, except for Philemon, as they are addressed to churches. In most of his epistles, he talked about doctrines in the first half and practical issues in the second. But in these three letters, it is practical from the word 'go'.

Due to the different style, contents and timeline, there are doubts to Paul's authorship. Please read Page 1085 of "Unlocking the Bible" to see Pawson's argument that lays that doubt to rest. Good read.

It's an amazing practical book. Let me share two thoughts

1 Tim 2:1-4

I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

When we read this in the context of our present political system, not perfect, but plausible request and totally within our capacity humanly to pray. That is until we begin to recognize the times that Apostle Paul lived in. Emperor Nero was in power and this was one of the most difficult times Christians lived under. Go here to see how Christians were tortured and killed for something they were accused of to deflect the accusation against Emperor Nero for burning down three quarter of the city of Rome in 64 A.D. Many were killed by wild animals before crowds of spectators in the arena, while others were tied to posts, covered with flammable material, and used as human street lamps for Nero's gardens. It is difficult to imagine a more evil man.

Now, Paul is exhorting to us pray for those in authority. How and why did he do that? Humanly speaking, we would have prayed for the judgment of God on such oppressive leaders. But, Apostle Paul, with all the graciousness of a man in the Lord, did this with the perspective of a larger picture - that all men might be saved. He knew the Kingdom of God was larger than himself and he was prepared not to be distracted by the crisis of the moment. Do we know how to see beyond ourselves in the midst of great difficulties? It is learning to live above the circumstances and not under them!

1 Timothy 3 is a great chapter as a checklist in our leadership capacity. Here's a summary taken from the NIV Study Bible. Ask yourself, can you place a tick next to each qualification. Give it a try.

Qualifications for Elders/Overseers and Deacons

Micah 6:8 The Micah Mandate

The prophetic books from Hosea to Malachi (which includes Micah) are called the books of the minor prophets, not because it is less important, but because it is shorter in length than prophetic books like Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. Micah is a contemporary of Prophet Isaiah and interestingly one section of Micah is similar to another in Isaiah (e.g. Micah 4:3 and Isaiah 2:4)

Micah lives under the rule of three kings, the bad King Ahaz, the good King Jotham and the very good King Hezekiah. By then, Israel was already divided into two by civil war after the death of King Solomon: the North (Israel-ten tribes) and the South (Judah-two tribes). Isaiah and Micah was prophesying over the Southern kingdom and another prophet, Hosea, prophesied over the Northern kingdom before they were exiled by the Assyrians. The Southern kingdom was later exiled by the Babylonians according to our reading of Nehemiah where they returned after 70 years. Now you see the connection?

Micah 6:8 (NIV)

He has showed you, O man, what is good.
And what does the LORD require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.

The above verse is popularly known as the Micah Mandate. There's even a Malaysian Christian organization by that name: www.themicahmandate.org

It is about justice, mercy and humility.

What does the Lord require of us? What the Lord requires is set out plainly in Scripture. God has not left us to second guess what He expects. Finding God's will is not as difficult as it seems as it is plain for all to see. That's why "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Tim 3:16-17)

Romans 1:18-20 (NIV)

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Ephesians 3:8
Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Therefore the Word of God reveals His heart and desires for us. Wisdom to make decisions come from knowing the Word and a reverent fear of God (Psalm 111:10). We can ask God for wisdom and He gives it to us generously (James 1:5).

There is a misnomer of the phrase "Finding God's will" to mean that God will write in the sky what we ought to do when we seek His will. If that is the case, then why do we need wisdom, meaning the ability to make good choices for right living. Not that God cannot write in the sky (special divine revelations), or on the wall, although in the earlier years of being a Christian, He often by His grace and mercy, gives us quite clear guidance so that we have no doubt about His direction. But the 'bad news' is that if we continue to expect such guidance, we may be disappointed. In my experience, and I think I can speak for many others, as we grow older in the faith, God begins to put us into situations where we need to decide for ourselves and work things out. He doesn't spoon-feed us as we mature in Him, but gives us more responsibilities and trust us to make wise judgments instead of giving us a clear line. (Paraphrase from David Pawson's "Unlocking the Bible", page 1159)

Can you imagine still treating our 20-something sons or daughters like a 10-year old: "Do this, do that!" He will never have the opportunity to learn and mature the way God has created him. I would stand with pride watching how he stands on his own two feet and making good decisions in life and that can only come through sometimes, or often, making wrong decisions. But God allows that in our lives because it is through them that we learn. Remember James 1:2-4 about trials. But He said He will never leave us not forsake us! (Hebrews 13:5, John 14:8, Deuteronomy 31:8, Joshua 1:5)

So God's will is plain before us!

Difference between Testings and Temptations (James 1)

What is the difference between testings and temptations found in James Chapter 1?

Testings

Verses 2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Verse 12 Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he

will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Temptations

Verses 13-15 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Testings in our lives will draw us closer to God, because in testings, our attention are drawn towards Him. C.S. Lewis says "God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world." The answer to the problem of pain is that we are works in progress, being made lovable by a God who loves us even when we are not yet lovable. Says Lewis, "If the world is indeed a 'vale of soul making' it seems on the whole to be doing its work."

Whereas, temptations draw us away from God, causing us ultimately to sin. God will never tempt us, but He will test us. The difference is this, as David Pawson puts it, "You test people in the hope that they will pass the test, but you tempt them hoping they will fail."

We can be facing the exact same situation but our response can determine whether it is a test or a temptation. My son a few months ago met with a minor car accident, for which he admitted was his fault. Being a probationary licence holder, this accident would cost him 10 out of the 12 demerit points which he would have over the two years. If he looses all his 12 points, it would mean he would have to sit his driving test all over again, meaning to push the reset button and start over.

At the police station, a carrot was offered to him for the law enforcer to look the other way. At that point in time, this situation can either become a test or a temptation. In some sense, my wife and I can pat each other's back and say "Well done!", as our son's first instinct was to live with his mistake rather than with a guilt conscience. He was taught well by the Lord to reject this form of sin, and we are so proud of him. We paid the RM 300 fine and he lost 10 demerit points. Which means he cannot afford to make any more mistake but he lives with a clear conscience and a maturing heart. I believe he had a choice on that day. He could have been seduced by temptation and take the easy way out by paying less than the fine and still maintain the 12 demerit points. Or he take the inconvenient way and walk away in peace (and a more careful driver from that day on!)

How can we differentiate testings and temptation? How do we respond rightly to a situation? The answer can be found in James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.

Spiritual wisdom helps us in that area. This is a wisdom different from human wisdom which is attained by normal life experiences. Spiritual wisdom is more than that. It is a wisdom that in the midst of challenging times, we cry out to God for wisdom to handle the situation and He will give it to us generously. This reminds me how often I try to use human wisdom. This by itself is not wrong. But how often we rob ourselves of a higher godly wisdom! Foolish man that I am! Stop struggling and look to God for this heavenly wisdom. Just remember to ask Him!

Book of James - Some thoughts

Here are some throughts from "Unlocking the Bible" by David Pawson on the book of James (for those who may be too lazy to read that chapter) :-)

There are two particular difficulties in studying Scripture.

1. Mental difficulty: you don't understand what you are reading.

2. Moral difficulty: when you do understand it, that is in its applications.

James is the book that is the easiest to understand because he spells out what needs done. But it is the hardest to undertake.

There are five James in the New Testament. This James is the half brother of Jesus. James was one of four half-brothers, together with a number of sisters (we don't know how many), formed the family circle. You may not be aware too that at least five, or possibly seven, of the twelve apostles were Jesus' cousins, which explains why so many of them were present at a private wedding in Cana in Galilee (See John chapter 2). Would be strange for them to turn up uninvited unless they are relatives!

Even so, Jesus had tension with the rest of the family. At one time, they had to take Him home (Mark 3:21), thinking he was out of his mind. His own brothers did not believe Him (John7:3-5). Can you imagine James (and Jude) becoming writers of the New Testament in spite of their earlier teasing? How history would re-arrange itself in later years and our Lord vindicated.

The key contents of the letter of James are:

• Wealth
• The tongue
• The World
• Wisdom

There are some difficulties in this letter, key one being the apparent contradiction of justification by faith (in particular book of Romans) versus justification by works.

James 2:24 (NIV) You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.

Romans 3:28 (NIV) For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.

James does not mention key events, such as Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension, or the ministry of the Holy Spirit. It seems to be about doing good deeds only.

Even the Protestant reformer Martin Luther said he was disgusted with the letter, that it contained nothing evangelical and failed to show Christ. Christ is only mentioned twice in the whole letter. When he translated the Bible, he puts James in an appendix at the end, together with Hebrews, Jude and Revelation. He didn't quite have the courage to cut it right out, but he shifted it out of the main text.

The contradiction can be dealt with if we understand the context by which Paul and James was writing. Paul was writing to the Gentiles and James to the Jewish believers. Paul was defending Gentiles from Jewish legalism, while James was defending Jews from Gentile licence (excessive freedom). The word 'works' have different meanings here. Paul writes of the works of the Law, while James writes of the works of faith, that is actions. What James is saying is, 'Faith without actions is dead.' He is not commenting about the works of the Law. He used an illustration in James 2:14-18 about deeds of kindness for someone who is cold and hungry. James is saying that faith is not something you profess. You have got to show you believe in Jesus by carrying it out.

So with Paul and James, God is giving us two different angles on this crucial issue so that we get it in balance and get the whole truth.

Legalism says we are saved by works; licence says we are saved without works; but liberty (the Christian position) says we are saved for works, but they are good works, works of love.

Even Paul, the apparent champion of justification by faith, says in Ephesians 2:8-10

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. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

So we are not saved by good deeds, but we are saved for good deeds, and we will be judged by our deeds.

Legalism says, "We are going to make sure that you are not free to sin, by making rules and regulations."

Licence says, "We are free to sin."

Liberty says, "We are free not to sin."

WELL SAID! I look forward to discover many more gems in James.

James 4:1-17 (13 Sep 09) Being Theocentric

Today's reading brings out glaringly the self-centredness of the human soul.

Every issue of our life starts from within us.

• Coveteousness - "What causes fights and quarrels from among you? (v1) Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want." (v1,2)
• Self-reliance - "You do not have, because you do not ask God." (v2)
• Wrong motives - "When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures." (v3)
• Friendship with the world - we are called adulterous people (v4)
• Double-mindedness (v8)
• Boast and brag about our life (v16)

The human soul is very self-centred and selfish. We think about ourselves all the time. Two theological terms:

(a) Theo-centric - "Theo" means "God", therefore God-centred

(b) Anthropo-centric - "Anthropo" means "Human", therefore Human-centred

It is obvious here that Apostle James cautioned us against being anthropocentric, thinking of our own desires and pleasures all the time, forging a friendship with the world. He exhorts us to be theo-centric: Ask God (look to God) (v2), submit to God (v7), come near to God (v8) and if it is the Lord's will (v15).

If you are still unaware of your own anthropocentricity, ler me ask you, how often have you been to church, worship, read the Bible or pray, and find yourself really asking the question "What's in for me?" If you don't believe me on this, ask again how often have you come to a worship celebration and find yourself saying "Worship not so good today. Didn't lift my spirit up. Or saying "bad song choice" or when doing your Bible readings saying "I didn't get anything for myself today." Is worship dependent on what songs we sing, how well the musicians perform, or is it dependent on the greatness and awesomeness of God? Is the success of Bible reading dependent on getting something out for myself, or just the pleasure of discovering something about God? It is simply that He deserves my worship and adoration, even when things don't go my way according to my perspective.

That's why Apostle James said we ask with wrong motives that we may spend what we get on our own pleasures!

Let's move our thoughts more towards God rather than ourselves. This is all part of our growing up from a child to a young man and then to a father. (1 John 2:12-14). As a child we think only of ourselves. As a young man, we begin to develop a self awareness of the battle raging within and without us, as we mature through the Word of God. But the father knows the Heavenly Father's heart and will, therefore operate from revelation (our Lord Jesus lived his life by perfect divine revelation everyday) and a deep connectedness to the heart of the Father.

Let's cast aside anthropocentricity and become more and more theocentric. Let's take personal responsibity over our life to correct our path. "What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." This puts us in correct perspective of the temporal nature of our life on earth. Less of being egocentric and more christocentric. I think you can figure out what these two words mean, right? :)

Why Study the Feasts? Reasons 4-12 of 12

4. Because we will learn from what has been written

Romans 15:4 (New International Version)

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5. Because Christ came to fulfill all that was written of Him in "the Law, the Psalms and the Prophets"

Luke 24:26-27 (New International Version)

²⁶Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?" ²⁷And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself.

Luke 24:44-45 (New International Version)

⁴⁴He said to them, "This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms."

⁴⁵Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.

John 5:45-46 (New International Version)

⁴⁵"But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. ⁴⁶If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.

Acts 3:22-23 (New International Version)

²²For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. ²³Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from among his people.'

6. Because it leads us to Christ

Galatians 3:24 (New International Version)

²⁴So the law was put in charge to lead us to Christ that we might be justified by faith.

7. Because the intricate details point to some aspect of the person, work and glory of Christ.

Hebrews 10:7 (New International Version)

⁷Then I said, 'Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll—
I have come to do your will, O God.'

Psalm 40:6-8 (New International Version)

⁶ Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.

⁷ Then I said, "Here I am, I have come—
it is written about me in the scroll.

⁸ I desire to do your will, O my God;
your law is within my heart."

8. Because there was knowledge and truth in the external form of the Law. We study the external form to discover the internal knowledge and truth that was hidden therein.

Romans 2:20 (New International Version)

²⁰an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—

Hebrews 1:1-2 (New International Version)

The Son Superior to Angels

¹In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, ²but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.

9. Because they set forth "patterns" of heavenly things on earth.

Hebrews 8:5 (New International Version)

⁵They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: "See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain."

Hebrews 9:9 (New International Version)

⁹This is an illustration for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered were not able to clear the conscience of the worshiper.

Hebrews 9:23-24 (New International Version)

²³It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. ²⁴For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence.

10. Because they set forth the total ministry of Christ relative to the plan of redemption. They set forth in their time element the present Dispensation, from the first coming of Christ (Passover), through the Church Age (Pentecost to the second coming of Christ (Tabernacles)

11. Because the truths therein are part of "present truth" which the Holy Spirit is quickening to the Church in these "last days".

2 Peter 1:12 (New International Version)

Prophecy of Scripture

¹²So I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are firmly established in the truth you now have.

Matthew 4:4 (New International Version)

⁴Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.' " (Deut 8:3)

12. Because there had never been a generation who have experienced all three feasts, but the end-time generation will experience such, even as did that generation under King Solomon's glorious reign (2 Chron 8:13). This generation will hear what the Spirit is saying to the Churches (Rev 2:7)

2 Chronicles 8:13 (New International Version)

¹³ according to the daily requirement for offerings commanded by Moses for Sabbaths, New Moons and the three annual feasts—the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Feast of Weeks and the Feast of Tabernacles.

Revelation 2:7 (New International Version)

⁷He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.

Extracted from "The Feasts of Israel" by Kevin J. Conner

Why study the feasts? Reason 3 of 12

3. Because they were prophetic in nature and points towards future events.

It is like someone telling us what will happen and when they do happen, we are not totally caught by surprise. For those part that had happened, we take comfort and hold on to what's to come, especially in the times of trials and sufferings.

Therefore they are foreshadows of what Christ would fulfill in Himself and in the Church. Christ's first coming had already come when He came as Savior. His second coming is pending, when He will come as King! That gives us hope now for what's to come. The Scripture exhorts us to live today well, but never to cling on to this world, for we are sojourners or pilgrims passing by. Look to the future. It's a better eternity!

1 Corinthians 10:6 (New International Version)

6Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did.

Matthew 5:17-18 (New International Version)

The Fulfillment of the Law

17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

Matthew 11:13 (New International Version)

13For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John.