May 21, 2013
Paul tells Timothy, "Do not listen to someone who accuses a (leader) without two or three witnesses." (I Timothy 5:19) The NIV says, "Do not entertain an accusation."
As we have learned, anyone can make any accusation they want. Even in our country's court system, and even if it is false. Paul is telling Timothy to be cautious. Make sure someone isn't making false accusations out of revenge, spite, or seeking ill-gotten gain, or for any false reason. He goes on to say that the sins of some people are obvious and easy to see. But some people have used carefully crafted facades to hide their motives and actions. So, be careful, but don't worry about it. What is carefully hidden will be revealed, judged, and dealt with.
The opposite is true as well. The person who lives their lives doing good will one day be rewarded. I Timothy 5:25 - "So also good deeds are easy to see, but even those that are not easily seen cannot stay hidden." Truth, whether it is for doing good or for hidden motives and behaviors, cannot stay hidden and will be revealed. We will all be held accountable for the choices we've made and the actions we've taken. When you've chosen to live your life obedient to God's teachings, that statement is calming and comforting. We aren't in charge, HE is. His promises are true and His justice will prevail.
False Teaching and True Riches.
That is the heading for I Timothy 6:3-21 in my Bible. There is one true way. ONE. And it is following the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. All of them. Not picking and choosing the parts we want to follow, but all of it. Not agreeing with all His teachings means you are disagreeing with His lordship and you have placed yourself as god.
I Timothy 6:4–5 - "This person is full of pride and understands nothing, but is sick with a love for arguing and fighting about words. (NIV - an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words.) This brings jealousy, fighting, speaking against others, evil mistrust, and constant quarrels from those who have evil minds and have lost the truth. They think that serving God is a way to get rich." They think it's all about them and what they want. They will strategize, manipulate, (or file lawsuits), anything to get what they want. Nothing is off limits. They do not agree with all God's teachings. They instead pick and choose and use His teachings as a way to promote and benefit themselves. They think—but they are blinded and cannot see truth. Paul makes it clear that Jesus Christ is not the Lord of that type of person.
Wide is the road to destruction, and narrow is the path to salvation. Salvation comes in no other way than agreeing with and following the true teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is not being narrow-minded. It is accepting the truth: Jesus is the only way.
Next Entry: I Timothy 4:1 – 6:21 (Continued)
Paul tells Timothy, "Do not listen to someone who accuses a (leader) without two or three witnesses." (I Timothy 5:19) The NIV says, "Do not entertain an accusation."
As we have learned, anyone can make any accusation they want. Even in our country's court system, and even if it is false. Paul is telling Timothy to be cautious. Make sure someone isn't making false accusations out of revenge, spite, or seeking ill-gotten gain, or for any false reason. He goes on to say that the sins of some people are obvious and easy to see. But some people have used carefully crafted facades to hide their motives and actions. So, be careful, but don't worry about it. What is carefully hidden will be revealed, judged, and dealt with.
The opposite is true as well. The person who lives their lives doing good will one day be rewarded. I Timothy 5:25 - "So also good deeds are easy to see, but even those that are not easily seen cannot stay hidden." Truth, whether it is for doing good or for hidden motives and behaviors, cannot stay hidden and will be revealed. We will all be held accountable for the choices we've made and the actions we've taken. When you've chosen to live your life obedient to God's teachings, that statement is calming and comforting. We aren't in charge, HE is. His promises are true and His justice will prevail.
False Teaching and True Riches.
That is the heading for I Timothy 6:3-21 in my Bible. There is one true way. ONE. And it is following the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. All of them. Not picking and choosing the parts we want to follow, but all of it. Not agreeing with all His teachings means you are disagreeing with His lordship and you have placed yourself as god.
I Timothy 6:4–5 - "This person is full of pride and understands nothing, but is sick with a love for arguing and fighting about words. (NIV - an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words.) This brings jealousy, fighting, speaking against others, evil mistrust, and constant quarrels from those who have evil minds and have lost the truth. They think that serving God is a way to get rich." They think it's all about them and what they want. They will strategize, manipulate, (or file lawsuits), anything to get what they want. Nothing is off limits. They do not agree with all God's teachings. They instead pick and choose and use His teachings as a way to promote and benefit themselves. They think—but they are blinded and cannot see truth. Paul makes it clear that Jesus Christ is not the Lord of that type of person.
Wide is the road to destruction, and narrow is the path to salvation. Salvation comes in no other way than agreeing with and following the true teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. That is not being narrow-minded. It is accepting the truth: Jesus is the only way.
Next Entry: I Timothy 4:1 – 6:21 (Continued)
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