Don Guthrie

Next Gen

RE Verse reading–1 Timothy 4 (day seven)
“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.”–v 6 (NIV). Paul is proud of Timothy. Proud of his work in Ephesus. He has high hopes for this young pastor. Part of Timothy’s preparation for ministry was his home. “I am mindful of the sincere faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice.”–2 Timothy 1:5. A 1st Century testimony to the value of “Next Gen” ministry! At FBCSA, we believe that children and younth should SEE faith lived out in their parents, that one of our roles is to encourage and train parents to give this “clay-shaping” testimony. Even without a Father’s influence, Timothy was prepared for ministry by his mother and grandmother. He was “brought up in the truths of the faith”.

Pain and progress

Re: Verse reading–1 Timothy 4 (day six)
“Take pains with these things; be absorbed in them, so that your progress may be evident to all.”–v 15.

It is the opposite of “let go and let God”, Paul’s vision of the Christian life is FAITH EXPRESSED IN EFFORT. “You show me your faith without your works, I will show you my faith by my works.”–James 2:18. Serving Christ is the hardest job you will ever love! Pain is the price–saying I’m sorry, waiting when I’m impatient, forgiving those who “don’t deserve it” (as if I always do) accepting an assignment when I would rather be “free”. The result will be progress, the kind that everyone can see. Is our church making progress? Obvious progress? Are the individual members bearing gladly the pain that is implied in “cross carrying”? Those who do will be glad, someday, that they did. “These momentary and light afflictions are producing for us an eternal weight of glory.”—2 Corinthians 4:17

Latter Day Saints

Re: Verse reading–1 Timothy 4 (day one)
“The Spirit explicitly says that in the later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons, by means of the hypocrisy of liars seared in their own conscience as with a branding iron.”–v. 1-2.

Latter day saints. Not Mormons, but all who live for Christ in the period AFTER the cross and resurrection and ascension and BEFORE His return. What the Bible calls “the later times” or “the last days”. ( see 2 Timothy 3:1) Evil days. Even within the church, (Acts 20:29) people will fall away from truth. They will claim to believe the gospel, but have no testimony of it’s cleansing power. Hypocrites so far as gospel truth is concerned. Consciences burned and numb, insensitive to the Spirit’s conviction. What does this warning say to postmoderns who desire to be faithful? All week, we will read and reflect on Paul’s answer. God bless you, Latter day saints!

Leaders needed

Re: Verse reading–1 Timothy 3:1-13 (day seven)
“I searched for a man among them who would build up the wall and stand in the gap before Me for the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one.”—Ezekiel 22:30. Sad statement. God willing to heal, renew a nation. Looked for someone to obey His call. Found no one. Without leadership, nations fail. (Please remember this on Tuesday when you go to the polls.) Churches, too. After 30 years of missionary ministry, Paul is in prison facing the end of his life. He sees clearly the priority. Find new leaders! Men (and women) of New Testament character. Sincere and strong examples for the churches. 1 Timothy 3 is his instruction to Timothy as he undertakes this assignment. Us? Are we convinced that the church needs leaders? Pastors, Deacons, Sunday School teachers? Do we feel the urgency that Paul felt? “It is not too late”, says the Lord, “but, leaders are needed”. Are you ready to lead?

Pastors matter

Re: Verse reading–1 Timothy 3:1-13 (day six)
“It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do.”–v. 1. Familiar phrase in 1 and 2 Timothy. A “trustworthy statement” is a faith statement that Paul endorses for the complete confidence of his friends. The first (1:15) says that “Christ came into the world to save sinners”. Trust this truth! The second (3:1) says that “Pastors matter and that young men who aspire to this office should be encouraged”. I admit my bias (and Paul’s) but years of observation have convinced me. Churches do better when they have leadership. In v 1, Paul calls them overseers. (episkopoi–“those who look over, or manage.” note Episcopal.) In Acts 20:17, Paul calls them elders (presbueteros–“elderly men, deserving respect”. note Presbyterian). Other places, they are called pastors. Whatever we name them, these God-called, heart-committed men are central to the life and service of the church. Trust this truth, says Paul.

Looking for leaders

Re: Verse reading–1 Timothy 3:1-13 (day one)
“An overseer (Pastor) must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach. . .Deacons likewise must be men of dignity, not double-tongued, or addicted to much wine or fond of sordid gain.” v2, 8.

His life is almost over. After 3 decades of missionary/pastoral ministry, the Apostle Paul sits (again) in a Roman jail cell. He will be executed soon. He is not, however, afraid. His concern is for the churches, for his Christian friends. With clear confidence in the future and the Lord who will guide His church into it, He writes to Timothy. Appoint leaders! Set the bar high! In character, in ability. Look for men who are filled with the Spirit, self-controlled, respectable, good examples that others will want to follow! “I cannot trust a man to control others who cannot control himself.”–General Robert E. Lee. Then, and now, the church is looking for leaders.

The good fight

Re: Verse reading – 1 Timothy 1:1-19 (day seven)
“This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son. . .that. . .you fight the good fight.”–v 18.

No one knew better than Paul the cost of ministry to the God-called man. Both command to be obeyed and treasure to be guarded, ministry is always a privilege, and always a fight. “Until you know that life is war, you cannot know what prayer is for” says John Piper. (Thanks, Doug Sewell.) And lay servants of Christ are not exempted from the battle stress. Earlier in his life, and to the residents of this same city, Paul wrote these words, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.”—Ephesians 6:10-11. None of us should be surprised when life is difficult, disappointing and draining. We knew all along. It’s gonna be a fight!

“Stay people”

Re: Verse reading – 1 Timothy 1:1-19 (day six)
“As I urged you when I went to Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines”–v 3.

I wonder how Timothy felt when Paul told him? “I need to go, but I want you to stay.” Ephesus had never been an easy church to pastor. The task must have sounded IMPOSSIBLE to young Timothy without Paul. But God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called. Over the next years Timothy would learn much about pastoring, and about the perseverance that is required. He would deepen and develop as a leader. Some people come and then go from our lives. We are thankful for them, even for the brief moments of their influence and encouragement. Others leave when things get difficult, when it isn’t fun anymore. Not much help there. Other people come and STAY! We are MOST thankful for them. “Stay people” God sends.

2nd Ephesians

Re: Verse reading–1 Timothy 1:1-19 (day one)
“I shall remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; for a wide door of effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries”-–1 Corinthians 16:9. “Timothy. . .as I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus, in order that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines”–1 Timothy 1:3. The first book of Ephesians, Paul writes TO them. The second book of Ephesians (aka 1 Timothy) Paul writes ABOUT them, about the difficulties that will face their new young pastor. Ephesus was never an easy place to build a church. From the very start (no honeymoon) Timothy faced false teachers and the vocal, hostile opposition. Paul will later call ministry (there, and in general), “a fight”. (v 18) As you read these words this week, reflect on the difficulties that we face as we unite to build a New Testament church in the center of this city. Easy? No! Noble? Necessary? Yes!

Submission, Spirit

Re: Verse reading–Ephesians 5:21-33, 6:1-9 (day seven)
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”-v 21. Submission is a Spiritual ethic. Impossible without Him. It is one (and only one) of the indicators of Spirit-filled life that Paul lists in Ephesians 5:18-21. Speaking to one another with songs. . .giving thanks for all things. . .being subject to one another–these are the outward proofs that the Spirit of God has entered and filled your heart. Does your life evidence these things? They do not come by force of will or application of effort! Only the Spirit can produce such outcomes. “The mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile to God; for it does not subject (same word) itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so.”–Romans 8:6-7. Those who ignore the basic step of being filled with the Spirit will find submission to be undesirable and impossible.