Month: October 2014

14 Qualifications Of An Elder – Titus 1

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From my reading in Titus 1 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

In Titus 1:6-9 Paul gives us 14 qualifications of an elder.

1. Live blamelessly

An elder must live a blameless life…

2. Be Faithful to his wife

…He must be faithful to his wife…

3. Manage his household well

…and his children must be believers who don’t have a reputation for being wild or rebellious. An elder is a manager of God’s household, so he must live a blameless life.

4. Not proud

…He must not be arrogant…

5. Not quick tempered

…or quick-tempered…

6. Not a heavy drinker

…he must not be a heavy drinker…

7. Not violent

… violent…

8. Not dishonest with money

…or dishonest with money…

9. Hospitable

…Rather, he must enjoy having guests in his home…

10. Loves good

…and he must love what is good…

11. Lives wisely

…He must live wisely..

12. Acts justly

…and be just…

13. Lives a disciplined life

…He must live a devout and disciplined life…

14. Strongly believes the Word

…He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught…

14. Is able to teach

…then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.

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5 Ways To Preach Like Paul – 2 Timothy 4

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From my reading in 2 Timothy 4 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Paul gave Timothy instructions on how to preach that are very relevant for us today in 2 Timothy 4:2-4

1. Preach the word

Preach the word of God… 2 Timothy 4:2

Bible-less preaching is powerless preaching. You are not actually preaching unless you are talking about the Bible! God’s Word is the final authority on life and we should be faithful to preach God’s Word and not just our good ideas!

2. Always be prepared

Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not…  2 Timothy 4:2

A preacher should spend more time preparing himself than preparing a sermon. One of my favorite quotes on preaching is…

“I’d rather hear an unprepared sermon from a prepared man than a prepared sermon from an unprepared man.”

If you have been faithful to root yourself in the word then you will be prepared to preach if the time is favorable or not!

3. Correct and rebuke patiently

Patiently correct, rebuke… 2 Timothy 4:2

Good preaching is tough and tender. You must be willing to say the hard things, but the tricky part is saying them in a gentle and patient way.

Some preachers avoid tough subjects. This leads to shallow preaching and an spiritually malnourished flock.

Other preachers love tough issues and preach them without gentleness. This fire and brimstone approach “burns” people and causes them to not hear the message. Mary Poppins was right that a spoonful of sugar make the medicine go down. A congregation that only gets tough love from their pastor will have a tendency to be judgmental and proud if they stay.

4. Encourage people

…encourage your people with good teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2

Balanced preaching is both challenging and encouraging. People have the cares of this life battering them throughout the week and many need some encouragement. The church should be a place where people can hear encoring words to help them keep going.

5. Tell people what they need to hear, not what they want to hear

“For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3–4

Some preachers base their teaching on what will be popular instead of God’s Word. The problem with this “next big thing” approach is the you have to constantly be changing to keep people. Sometimes as a preacher you have to say things that are not popular.

Which of these practices do you need to implement more in your preaching?

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What Does The Bible Say About The Bible? – 2 Timothy 3

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From my reading in 2 Timothy 3 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

What is the purpose of the Bible? 

Paul shares some profound truths about God’s word with Timothy.

The Bible is trustworthy.

“But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you.” 2 Timothy 3:14

You can trust what the Bible says 100%. You can know for sure that it is true.  Because the Bible is true, we must be true to it. We should faithfully obey knowing that God’s Word is always trustworthy.

The Bible tells us how to be saved.

“You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15

In his book “Taking God at His Word” Kevin DeYoung says, “No one can say God has not revealed enough for us to be saved or live a life pleasing to him.”  The Bible tells us all that we need to know to walk with Jesus.

The Bible is inspired by God himself.

“All Scripture is inspired by God…” 2 Tim 3:16a 

The Bible is “God-breathed.” God inspired human authors to tell us exactly what He wanted to communicate. When the Bible speaks God speaks. The words of the Bible are God’s words to us.

The Bible directs our paths. 

“…and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16b

Rick warren shares four ways God uses scripture to direct us.

  • He teaches you. God shows you the path on which you should walk.
  • He rebukes you. God shows you when you’re off the path.
  • He corrects you. God shows us how you can get back on the path.
  • He trains you. God shows you how you can stay on the path.

God has graciously give us His Word to guide us down the right paths in life.

The Bible prepares and equips us for serving God.

“God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:17

The better we know His Word the better equipped we will be to do His work. The Bible give us the tools we need to serve him well.

Have you been serious about getting God’s Word into your life? You can’t afford not to!

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13 Powerful Ministry Principles Paul Gave To Timothy – 2 Timothy 2

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From my reading in 2 Timothy 2 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Paul passed on some powerful advice to Timothy that applies to ministry leaders.

1. Be strong through God’s grace

“Timothy, my dear son, be strong through the grace that God gives you in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:1

2. Teach others, who can teach others, who can teach others…

“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.” 2 Timothy 2:2

3. Endure suffering

“Endure suffering along with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 2:3

4. Focus on the mission

“Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them.” 2 Timothy 2:4

5. Follow the rules

“And athletes cannot win the prize unless they follow the rules.” 2 Timothy 2:5

6. Work hard

“And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor.” 2 Timothy 2:6

7. Remind people of the truth

“Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.” 2 Timothy 2:14

8. Work hard to correctly explain the truth

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15

9. Avoid worthless talk

“Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior.” 2 Timothy 2:16

10. Keep yourself pure and usable

“If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.” 2 Timothy 2:21

11. Run from temptation and run toward righteousness with others

“Run from anything that stimulates youthful lusts. Instead, pursue righteous living, faithfulness, love, and peace. Enjoy the companionship of those who call on the Lord with pure hearts.” 2 Timothy 2:22

12. Don’t fight, instead be kind and patient with difficult people

“A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people.” 2 Timothy 2:24

13. Gently teach those who oppose the truth

“Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth.” 2 Timothy 2:25

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It Is No Time For Timidity! – 2 Timothy 1

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From my reading in 2 Timothy 1 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Life is too short to live in fear.

If God has called you to do something, step forward into it. You have no time to wait. Paul encouraged Timothy to fully embrace his spiritual gifts and engage boldly in the ministry God has given him.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7

The Holy Spirit sets us free from the self-imposed prison of fear.

Timidity and fear keep us from taking the risks that God wants us to take. The greatest adventures of our life come when we are afraid but still step up obey what Jesus is telling us to do. As many have said,

“Courage is not the absence of fear, but stepping up in the face of fear.”

If God has called you to something then he will give you the power, love and self-discipline to do it.

  • Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would give us power to be his witnesses in all the world.
  • The Holy Spirit also fills our hearts with His love, and that love is our motivation for our ministry.
  • One of the fruits of the Spirit is self-control. It takes self-discipline to do the hard work of the ministry faithfully.

Whatever God has for you to do, don’t let fear stop you.

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You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead. – 1 Timothy 6

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From my reading in 1 Timothy 6 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

“You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead.” Randy Alcorn

People get funny about money. Paul warns about the dangers of living for money.

“Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content.” 1 Timothy 6:6–8

You can’t take it with you, so be content with what you have.

No one has ever seen a hurst towing a u-haul. The egyptian pharaohs tried to take their stuff with them but it is now in a museum.

You should  be content with what you have instead of making our lives about amassing wealth.  In the end everyone on earth will leave with the same thing, nothing! You were naked when you came in and you will be naked when you go out.

Contentment is not the lack of desirem but it is surrendering your lesser desires because your greatest desire is Christ. If we live for Him we will receive a much greater reward that if we live for money.

Living for money can ruin your life.

“But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandered from the true faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:9–10

If you love money more than you love God and others then you are in trouble. Many people have been trapped by “the desire to acquire gone haywire”. Loving money is deceptive, because it promises fulfillment but end up leaving you empty.

If God has blessed you with money Paul tells us how to be truly rich.

You can’t take it with you, so send it on ahead.

“Don’t raise your standard of living, raise yours standard of giving” Randy Alcorn

” Teach those who are rich in this world not to be proud and not to trust in their money, which is so unreliable. Their trust should be in God, who richly gives us all we need for our enjoyment. Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others. By doing this they will be storing up their treasure as a good foundation for the future so that they may experience true life.” 1 Timothy 6:17–19

True life is found when we are generous.

If you are rich one of your greatest temptations will be pride. You will struggle with trusting in your “trust fund” instead of trusting in God.

One way to show that you are not ruled by your money is to be generous! Share with those in need. Be a part of supporting those who are making disciples of all nations. Give generously to your church.

If you do this then your will be storing up treasure in heaven for yourself. You are not really living unless you are giving. You can get way more joy from giving than from spending on yourself. Invest in your future and start giving generously because…

You can’t take it with you, but you can send it on ahead! 

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You Can’t Keep A Secret From God – 1 Timothy 5

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From my reading in 1 Timothy 5 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

There are no secrets from God!

If you have done good in secret you will be rewarded. Evil done in secret will be judged. Paul said,

“Remember, the sins of some people are obvious, leading them to certain judgment. But there are others whose sins will not be revealed until later. In the same way, the good deeds of some people are obvious. And the good deeds done in secret will someday come to light.” 1 Timothy 5:24-24

God will reveal secret sins.

This is a good reminder that even if no one else sees your sin, God does. He will forgive you if you repent but knowing that God is watching will be a good motivator not to sin secretly.

Good deeds done in secret will be celebrated.

It is cool to think about that in heaven there will be many people who have done secret service of God and never got rewarded till heaven. It is great that God will reveal all the good things Christians have done. It will be awesome!

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11 Ministry Principles For Christian Leaders – 1 Timothy 4

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From my reading in 1 Timothy 4 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

1. Nourish yourself through obeying God’s Word

“If you explain these things to the brothers and sisters, Timothy, you will be a worthy servant of Christ Jesus, one who is nourished by the message of faith and the good teaching you have followed.” 1 Timothy 4:6

2. Don’t waste time arguing over minor issues

“Do not waste time arguing over godless ideas and old wives’ tales.” 1 Timothy 4:7a

3. Train yourself to be godly

“Instead, train yourself to be godly.” 1 Timothy 4:7b

4. Work hard even when it’s hard

“This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.” 1 Timothy 4:10

5. Pass on what you have been taught

“Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them.” 1 Timothy 4:11

6. Don’t let anyone look down on you because of your age

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young.” 1 Timothy 4:12a

7. Be an example in Christian living

“Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12b

8. Focus on reading the Bible to the church, teaching, and encouragement

“Until I get there, focus on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them.” 1 Timothy 4:13

9. Don’t neglect your spiritual gift

“Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you.” 1 Timothy 4:14

10. Throw yourself in to your tasks

“Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress.” 1 Timothy 4:15

11. Watch your life and teaching closely

“Keep a close watch on how you live and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right for the sake of your own salvation and the salvation of those who hear you.” 1 Timothy 4:16

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15 Qualifications Of An Elder In The Church – 1 Timothy 3

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From my reading in 1 Timothy 3 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Paul lets Timothy know that if someone wants to be an elder in the Church then that is not a bad thing. It is an honorable position to be taken seriously. Here are some of the requirements Paul gives for being an elder.

“So an elder must be a man whose life is above reproach. He must be faithful to his wife. He must exercise self-control, live wisely, and have a good reputation. He must enjoy having guests in his home, and he must be able to teach.” 1 Timothy 3:2

1. Above Reproach

Being above reproach literally means “pertinent to what cannot be criticized – ‘above criticism…'” (Louw-Nida). It is important to live in a way that doesn’t make people questions your legitimacy. If possible elders should avoid the appearance of evil, and getting in questionable situations.

2. Faithful To His Wife

An elder must be a one woman man. He must be completely committed to his wife.

3. Self-Controled

The elder must be able to control himself. If he can not lead himself then how can he lead the church of God.

4. Lives Wisely

If leaders are living wisely then they will be a good example to their flock. A person who is living wisely can be trusted to make wise decisions for the people he leads.

5. Has A Good Reputation In And Out Of The Church

“Also, people outside the church must speak well of him so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the devil’s trap.” 1 Timothy 3:7

Not only should an elder have a good reputation in the church but also in the community. A leader should be a person of character wherever they are.

6. Enjoys Having Guests In His Home

This person sees the value of hospitality. An elder should not be a hermit. They should be willing to open their home to people.

7. Able To Teach

The ability to teach God’s word accurately is very important for an elder. If the leaders of the church can not teach, the whole group will be weak theologically and spiritually. Paul goes on in verse 3…

“He must not be a heavy drinker or be violent. He must be gentle, not quarrelsome, and not love money.” 1 Timothy 3:3

8. Not A Heavy Drinker

He can’t be the town drunk! Someone who is addicted to alcohol should not be leading the church.

9. Not Violent

A violent person will be prone to explode under the pressures of leadership.

10. Gentle

Gentleness is the opposite of violent. An elders should be approachable and kind to the people he leads.

11. Not Quarrelsome

If a person loves to fight they should not be an elder. The elder often has the role of peacemaker and shouldn’t be the one starting conflict.

12. Not Greedy

Greedy pastors and elders have made Christianity look bad to the lost world. An elder should not be someone who loves money more than they love God or the people in their ministry. Paul goes on…

“He must manage his own family well, having children who respect and obey him. For if a man cannot manage his own household, how can he take care of God’s church?” 1 Timothy 3:4–5

13. Manages His Family Well

Paul makes a great point that if he can not manage his family well then how can he manage the church.

14. His Children Respect and Obey Him

The elder must do all in his power to parent his children well. This will serve as an example to his flock. Paul continues…

“An elder must not be a new believer, because he might become proud, and the devil would cause him to fall.” 1 Timothy 3:6

15. Not A New Believer

Giving a new believer leadership too soon can lead him to become proud. A person may be very gifted but if his character does not grow in proportion to his giftedness then it could lead to pride and ultimately his fall.

Leading God’s church is a great privilege and we should hold our Elders to these standards.

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Jesus Is Our ONLY Mediator – 1 Timothy 2

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From my reading in 1 Timothy 2 in the One Year Bible New Testament.

Jesus is the only mediator we need.

Not pastors. Not priests. Not saints. Not Mary.  Paul does not make this issue any more clear than he does here in his letter to Timothy.

“For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Timothy 2:5

Jesus has purchased this direct access to God through His death on the cross.

“He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.” 1 Timothy 2:6

Jesus mediates for us.  He is the only one who reconciles us to God. He is the way we communicate with God.

We don’t have to go through saints or Mary are anyone else. Jesus is enough. Jesus is the only bridge for us to get to God.

God provided us this way because he wants everyone to be saved!

“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:3–4

Jesus wants to be your only mediator.

He wanted you to be saved and understand the truth. Come to him because He is only way that we gain access to the Father.

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