storiesofvalue

Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task.  Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,  not given to drunkenness, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.   He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him with proper respect.  (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?) (1 Timothy 3:1-5)

Paul’s description of an elder here is very similar to the one he provides in Titus, chapter one.  You should be able to access our devotions from Titus on the www.storiesofvalue.com web site.  There are, however, two additions to the Titus list in today’s passage: 

In Titus, Paul says the elder should be “a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient.” (Titus 1:6)  In 1 Timothy Paul builds on this thought and provides logic for his instruction.  The reason it is important for a leader’s children to demonstrate faith and faithfulness is because one’s ability to bring up children who know the Lord says something about his ability to shepherd God’s flock.

Of course, many of us know children who have apparently had very good parenting, and have chosen to walk away from the Lord.  Such a choice brings immeasurable grief to a family, and fills parents with guilt as they try to figure out what they did wrong.  The fact is, parents can do everything right, and children can still make bad choices.

On the other hand, there are personal and interpersonal dynamics present in one’s home that can transfer to one’s leadership in the church.  For example, a highly permissive household where children are not guided in their faith or confronted early on in their bad behavior could demonstrate an inability to lead on the part of a parent.  At the other end of the spectrum, a household where children are overly protected, overly corrected, and smothered with expectations could indicate a leadership style that is hypersensitive and self-indulged or oppressive, rigid and overly confrontational.   

In our crazy world where so many people are searching for a meaningful faith, there is a need for strong instruction, balanced with the freedom to make mistakes and discover things for one’s self.  Finding this balance while holding firmly to the truth of God’s Word is tricky, but it is a matter of great importance when it comes to leadership at home or in the church. 

Incidentally, I have also met some great parents who have raised wonderful children who love the Lord and are faithful in everything, but are not the best candidates to lead the church.  I know this sounds strange, but leadership is both a spiritual gift and a natural leaning. 

The other fresh phrase in this passage is that an elder needs to be “able to teach.”  In other words, he should be able to pass along His faith, and defend the church against false teaching.  He may not always be in a formal teaching setting, but must know what he believes and why.  This is really covered to a great degree in Titus one, although being “able to teach” is not specifically mentioned there. 

In both of these areas, leadership involves the ability to instill faith in others.  This is no small task, but a serious need in any church body.  After all, if we aren’t leading people to faith, what are we leading them to?

Dear God, help me figure out the best place for me to do your work.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But women will be saved through childbearing–if they continue in faith, love and holiness with propriety. (1 Timothy 2:15)

Paul concludes his thoughts on women’s roles in the Ephesian church with one of his most controversial topics yet.  Even if one were to view his words regarding women as cultural or specific to a problem in the Ephesian ministry, today’s passage creates a stir.

What in the world is Paul saying?  Will women find salvation from their sins by having babies?  And will they receive it only if they demonstrate faith, love, and holiness?

I believe we can rule out one possibility from the beginning.  No one, including women, is saved from sin through a human act.  We are all saved by grace, through faith.  This is an undeniable fact of scripture.

If this is true, then what kind of salvation is Paul talking about?  Some believe he is saying, “Women will be kept safe in childbearing.”  Others have suggested Paul is referring to a redeeming quality as if to say, “Yes, it is true Eve committed the first sin, but women ever since then have more than made up for Eve’s act through the painful process of childbearing.” 

This last thought may sound noble, but it sounds too much like paying society back for a wrong done.  I just don’t think this is how God expects us to operate.  After all, Adam sinned too.  If women had to go through centuries of painful childbirth to make up for Eve’s disobedience, then what have men had to endure?

I am sure some creative minds out there will come up with an answer to this question.  But seriously…I think we need to track away from the concept of works salvation and the notion that the trials we have in life somehow redeems us from our human circumstances.  Such thinking sounds a little too much like the doctrine of reincarnation, and a few other non-biblical ideologies.

So what is it?

I don’t know for sure.  Sorry.  I just can’t figure this one out.  But I am confident it does not mean women are saved from their sins through childbearing.  And logic tells me childbearing doesn’t redeem them to society.  This would mean women who don’t have children are unsaved in either case.

My inclination (but realize please…I am still working on it) is to lean in the direction of the fact God has not abandoned women who suffer greater pain in childbearing as a result of Eve’s sin (this greater pain is a part of the curse of sin as outlined in Genesis).  Instead, He will give them the grace and spiritual strength they need to give birth, and raise their children in an atmosphere of faith.  But this is only possible if they remain in the faith and practice love and holiness.

Far from being an indictment on women, or a sign that God is against them, I think this passage affirms that God is on their side.  I am too.  I have seen two babies born, and if that isn’t worthy of God’s favor, I don’t know what is.

Dear God, thank You for being with us through everything.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For Adam was formed first, then Eve.  And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner. (1 Timothy 2:13-14)

This passage puts forth a theological and logical basis for the role of husbands as household authorities.  Husbands are suited for leadership because they (Adam) were created first.  And it is best for them to lead since the first woman (Eve) was the one Satan chose to target with temptation, suggesting she was more easily misled than the man.

Within this context, one has to wonder whether these roles reflect the inherent nature of men and women, the result of the fall, or both.  In other words, are men naturally suited to hold the line on truth while women are more gullible?  Are their respective roles a consequence of the events in the Garden of Eden, or is it a little bit of both?

Once again, I am conflicted.  While men certainly know how to hold their ground, they also appear to make up the bigger percentage of liberal theologians in history who have dismissed the authority of God’s Word.  Maybe this is because women have not historically filled schools of theology, but this fact certainly runs counter to the notion that men are, by nature, more inclined to preserve sound doctrine.  Ironically, the individuals Paul mentions in his letter as having shipwrecked are both men.

At the same time, there are many faithful women who are steadfast in their faith and in sound doctrine.  And it is mothers who are often the first to insist their children participate in a church family that is grounded in God’s Word.

Please don’t misunderstand.  I am a proponent of a family structure where men lead households, if there is one present (which is becoming less common by the day if the statistics I read about children being raised without fathers are accurate).  The kind of leadership I think the Bible teaches is one based on mutual love and respect, but with the husband as the head, just as Christ is the head of the church and gave Himself up for her.  And if there is no husband in the picture, or if he refuses to lead, then a wife must certainly fill the void as able, in the midst of her other responsibilities.

The only way I can resolve this conflict in my mind is to trust scripture, while accepting the reality of fallen human nature.  Sin messes everything up!  It tainted the relationship both Adam and Eve had with God and their relationship with each other.  It created the problem with the false teachers in Ephesus, and the apparent crisis of women who felt compelled to usurp the authority of their husbands.

We are so accustomed to living in a sinful world, we can’t study anything in the Bible relating to relationships without being offended on some level.  For example, what would happen to our reservations concerning male headship if we were all perfect?

I almost sense, in this passage, that Paul’s goal is to restore some order in a difficult situation where everyone shares some blame.  His thoughts come across as rigid, but they are really an attempt to reset the design.  Sin always messes everything up!  But as we will see, there is hope.

Dear God, help me understand Your design.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A woman should learn in quietness and full submission. I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man; she must be silent. (1 Timothy 2:11-12)

Are you aware this passage of scripture is often a subject of debate?  Is grass green?  I will admit I am conflicted.

On one hand, Paul could not be any clearer in his message.  He was asking that women not teach or have authority over men.  Instead, they should learn in quietness and full submission.  It simply is what it is.

On the other hand, it is my observation that societies where women are not allowed to speak, receive higher educations, and hold positions of authority are often oppressive, not just toward women, but toward everyone they perceive to be weak.  One of the first steps emerging democracies take toward freedom is the inclusion of women in governmental process.

There are two possible interpretive lenses through which this passage can be viewed, which some have put forth as a solution to this dilemma.  First, some have suggested Paul’s directive was cultural.  In other words, in his culture women who did not follow his instructions were viewed with suspicion.  Therefore, Christian women should not see their faith as an excuse to throw off social norms.  Instead they should show their husbands proper respect and, if change needed to take place, pursue it with great care and humility.

Secondly, there is the thought that Paul was addressing a specific problem in Ephesus.  Perhaps there were some women who were stirring up trouble at the prompting of Hymenaeus and Alexander.  Could it be they were circumventing the authority of leaders and misleading the body?

Aside from these two lenses, there are those who have tried to manage Paul’s words by defining manhood.  They propose a woman can teach a boy, but not a man, placing the age of manhood somewhere between 12 and 18.  Others have said this only refers to believing men, which means women can teach adult men on the mission field.  Of course, I know a lot of unbelieving men in American culture, but I have never heard anyone mention them in this discussion.

I think it is important for women to respect men and for wives to respect their husbands as leaders.  And I think it is important for husbands to love their wives and respect other women.  I also believe it is wise for men and husband to listen to what their wives and other women have to say.

We can hold the kingdom back by not involving women in ministry, yet I also think it is true women can hurt the cause by being disrespectful to men.  My observation is that most men respond to disrespect by withdrawing.  And now, more than ever, we need confident men leading the Lord’s work.

Maybe it is good I am conflicted.  This is a serious subject that directly impacts the progress of the gospel.  More than anything we should all approach it with a desire to do what is best for the sake of the mission.

Oh…and by the way…in our next devotion we will study a passage that raises even more questions.  So stay tuned…

Dear God, give me clarity.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I also want women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, but with good deeds, appropriate for women who profess to worship God. (1 Timothy 2:9-10)

I find Paul’s topics interesting.  Regarding Christian men he used the example of lifting up holy hands.  It was inconsistent for them to lead others in worship and be known for their anger and disputes elsewhere.  So the witness of the men in Ephesus was hurt by their contentious spirit.

But when Paul comes to women, he focuses on their dress.  Let me suspend this thought for a moment…

I am sure you are wondering about the word “modestly”.  What is modest, decent and proper?  When does a hairdo or jewelry become ungodly?  And are these specific prohibitions for Christian women for all time, or cultural in nature?

In my opinion, they are both.  I think Paul had a certain kind of woman in mind as he wrote.  She was the kind of woman people in Ephesus could recognize immediately as one who was unholy.  I have been told ancient Ephesus had a thriving brothel business.  Were these the kind of women Paul was referencing?  It is hard to know for sure without being a part of the culture.  However, it is obvious what a woman wears can associate her with a lifestyle.  The specific items Paul calls into question probably did have negative connotations and needed to be avoided.

Now back to women and dress as it relates to worship…since we are talking about those things “appropriate for women who profess to worship God.”  The key word really is “modestly.”  In the context of worship, modest dress doesn’t call attention to self.  It is not flashy or revealing.  It is not too much, or too little.  Immodestly dressed women ruin worship because they become the center of attention and keep others distracted from their time with the Lord.

This is a complicated topic in many ways because standards of modesty in women’s apparel change.  They change from generation to generation and from community to community.  Beach communities, for example, have different standards than Midwest farm communities.  European countries have different standards than Americans.  And of course, each of us has individual tastes depending on how we have been raised.

There are also two extremes.  It is not good to have clothing police who constantly condemn people for wearing items they personally deem inappropriate.  On the other hand, it is unhealthy for one to say she has a right to wear what she wants.  Yes, she does have a right.  But she has also been called to discern when her personal rights might best be exercised by demonstrating greater modesty.  There is a balance somewhere.

I will let you mull over the possibilities.  But I can say this: immodest dress can prevent others from worshipping the Lord.  So if we are making a statement with our dress, and trying to prove we can wear what we want, in the name of Christian liberty, we might want to reconsider.

Dear God, give me a perspective on modesty.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing. (1 Timothy 2:8)

Lifting up one’s hands was a practice of holy men in the Old Testament.  At the dedication of the temple Solomon stood before the altar, in the presence of all the people, and lifted his hands toward the heavens.

It appears Paul is saying men who lead the congregation in worship should have holy lives.  They should not mock the name of God by pretending to honor Him while their lives are full of sin and hypocrisy.

Please don’t misunderstand.  No human leader is sinless, and everyone who stands before the Lord’s people is imperfect.  But there is a difference between someone who is a sinner, and someone who is actively engaged in a sinful lifestyle that could bring shame to the Lord’s kingdom.  My guess is Paul was thinking of people like Hymeneaus and Alexander who had shipwrecked in their faith.

In our culture, we have people who lift up their hands when they worship in the assembly, as they lead and as they follow.  There was a day when people only lifted up their hands in certain kinds of churches.  Now, the practice is common to some degree in most churches.

As we can see in our passage this morning, lifting up our hands in worship is very biblical.  I don’t think it is a command of scripture because I think Paul was focusing here on the spiritual condition of the worshipper, not the physical posture.  Those who lift up their hands as a sign of their devotion when they worship should not diminish the significance of their act with angry or contentious behavior.

I don’t mean to cast stones, but I have witnessed it first-hand.  I have heard people say unkind things about their brothers and sisters in Christ, moments before marching into a worship service late and raising their hands in the air in worship.

And I have done it.  No, I haven’t raised unholy hands.  That’s because I don’t raise my hands in worship.  Instead, I have worshipped in my own way with the same double-standard.  I have come into the presence of the Lord, pretending to love Him, and harbored the wrong spirit in my heart toward others.  Call me a stealth unholy hand raiser.

The physical act of raising our hands only accentuates our ungodly behavior.  We can disappoint God with our attitude and actions regardless of our how we worship.

Our whole being is lifted up to God in worship.  Our heart, mind, soul and strength belong to Him, and His Holy Spirit inhabits us.  Paul wants the church everywhere to come before the Lord in adoration, and in confession, asking God to examine every nook and cranny and burn out the dross of sin and evil.

What was on your mind the last time you worshipped God?  Oh, and perhaps I should add, worship doesn’t just take place in an assembly.

Dear God, help me be the worshipper I should be.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle–I am telling the truth, I am not lying–and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. (1 Timothy 2:7)

The apostle Paul was called by the Lord Jesus to share His message of grace with everyone, Jew and Gentile, but especially with the Gentiles. He was a “herald” (preacher) and an “apostle” (one who is sent).  With these credentials, why did Paul make such a big deal out of the truthfulness of his message?

There may have been those who were calling his credibility into question.  But mostly, I think Paul was comparing himself to those who were distorting the gospel, and had not been called as heralds or apostles.

The distorters were pulling people back into a salvation by works mentality, and burdening them with Old Testament rules and regulations.  Their motives were selfish and their methods were deceptive.  Specifically, Paul might have been thinking of Hymnenaeus and Alexander, who had shipwrecked and been turned over to Satan for a time of reflection and repentance.

I probably should offer a word of caution regarding Paul’s term “true faith.”  Once, a member of a church I was serving found a little boy roaming in its building.  When the member asked him if he was a part of the church he said, “Oh no…we go to the church down the road where they preach the real gospel.”

To some people the “true faith” involves a particular translation of the Bible, a method of ministry, a view of the end times and standards for dress and conduct.  I am not saying these are not important matters, but I don’t think they have much to do with the “true faith.”

The “true faith” is that salvation comes by grace, through faith in Jesus.  It is not a result of our own works, but rather God working in us.  One can proclaim this faith in many different venues.  You will find it in the inner city, the suburbs and the country.  You will experience it in church buildings, mission storefronts, third world shacks and behind prison walls.  It reaches every people group, in every place, in the midst of every circumstance.

But you won’t find it where people are trying to earn their way in heaven.  You also won’t find it where people are proclaiming self-righteousness and judging those who fail to live up to their standards.

I am not one to put a lot of weight in feelings, because things are often not what they seem.  On the other hand, I have learned the difference between the “true faith” and anything else can be experienced.  So if your walk with the Lord “feels” like something is missing, you might consider whether you are trying to earn our own salvation, or receive it as a free gift from God.  Your conclusion could change your life.

Dear God, help me live with true faith.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men–the testimony given in its proper time. (1 Timothy 2:5-6)

It is always memorable when we meet the best.

Almost twenty years ago I attended a convention worship service and heard T.D. Jakes preach for the first time.  I know when it comes to communicating the Word of God, there are different styles of preaching and not everyone connects the same way.  But I have to tell you: I was mesmerized by Jakes.  He was accurate in his biblical narrative, incredibly perceptive of human nature, and powerful in his presentation.  The crowd spent most of the service on its feet, and I went away changed.  I remember thinking: “I have never heard anything like that in my life!” (Except for my father’s preaching, of course)

Maybe you have had a similar experience.  Perhaps you have met someone who is incredibly gifted in your line of work or ministry, and the encounter was overwhelming.

The same is true for those in authority over us.  Although today’s passage was written to believers, I believe it was about authorities.  We should pray for those who are over us that they might come to know Jesus.  Then, once they know Hi, they will realize He is a ruler too.  In fact, He is ruler over everything.  He is the true Mediator between God and man.  He is the righteous judge and the everlasting hope.  When it comes to reigning, ruling, direction, or any other role of authority, Jesus is simply the best.

And how did Jesus gain authority, aside from His place as the eternal Son of God?  He did it by giving Himself as a ransom for all.  Jesus established Himself as King over everything by giving Himself up for everyone.

This means the best authorities are those who serve.  Of course, authorities must be firm, upholding justice and protecting the innocent while holding people accountable for their actions.  Yet, one can be firm and still have the heart of a servant.  In fact, it is those who only serve themselves who corrupt justice, abuse the innocent and sit back and do nothing while evil people do evil things.

Therefore, believers should pray for those who have authority over them.  When the people in authority meet the Mediator, they meet the best.  And His example of servant-leadership teaches them how to exercise their rule.  As we have said before, the main reason we pray for those in authority is so they will find salvation.  But it is also practical to pray for our own benefit since good government is good for all of us.

So if you are tested and discouraged by the things people in authority over you do, pray for them.  Leaders come and go as elections and the winds of change redirect their ambitions.  But salvation is forever.

Pray that those over you will meet the best there is.  And when they do, life will be better for everyone.

Dear God, lead my leaders.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

God wants his people to pray for everyone…and especially for those who have authority over us, such as those in government.  He wants us to pray because it is important that everyone come to salvation.

I am sure you have heard of John Lennon’s song, “Imagine.”  In it he suggests life would be better off without religion or political borders.  I understand his thinking.  At times in human history, some incredible atrocities have been committed in the name of God and country.

However, recently I have discovered those who claim to have no faith are no less territorial, and just as likely to demonstrate aggression against those with whom they disagree.  I have come to the conclusion neither religion nor one’s nationality is the problem.  Human nature and sin is the problem.

We are all inclined to draw lines, justify ourselves, and condemn others.  In every social circle there are pecking orders, mores, unofficial rules, and class distinctions.  Put any group of people in a lunchroom over an extended period of time and they will classify themselves.

This is why it is so hard for us to see people the way God sees them.  God is impartial in the purest sense.  He could care less about where people have been, or who they claim to be.  He already knows their hearts and His heart’s desire is to see them come to repentance and accept His grace.

So how do our prayers help?  If God already wants everyone to be saved, why do we need to pray for anyone?

We pray because those who need Jesus may not be aware of His love for them, and it is important for us to help awaken their spiritual senses.  We pray because we might be the ones God wants to use to help lead them to faith, and we need Him to help us say and do the right things.

Many people who have come to Jesus talk about other people who were a part of their journey.  And my guess is, those who traveled with them were a people of prayer.

I can’t say for certain how God works behind the veil that separates heaven from earth.  But I know for certain the Bible says He does.  It also says He listens to us and answers us.  So we should pray.

And then we watch.  You just never know what God might do.

Dear God, put the souls of others on my heart.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

….for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. (1 Timothy 2:2)

Our requests, prayers, intercessions and thanksgiving should be offered for everyone.  And the “everyone” includes kings and those in authority.

It is hard to imagine how hard it was for 1^st Century Christians to pray for those in authority over them, even as some of those same people persecuted them for their faith.  And yet, God used the humble submission of his people.

I have heard it said government only cares about three things: keeping the peace, collecting taxes and self-preservation.  I think this is a narrow and cynical view of society, but these three priorities do accurately describe pagan Roman politics.

This does not mean some leaders of the day were not concerned about higher ideals.  In fact, I am pretty convinced there was a  strong moral code among some 1st Century politicians, even in the context of paganism.  But most of what I have read comes from the perspective of human superiority, rather than any accountability to a living God.  And it is diminished by hypocrisy and class prejudice.

So it was hard to pray for a government that not only did not support the church, but in some cases sought to extinguish it.  What can possibly happen when we pray for those in government?

First, God can help those in authority over us to lead us effectively.  Good government is important, and while I believe a biblical value system is important in any society, the truths of justice and fairness for all are universal.  And financial accountability is fundamental.  Good government is good for everyone.

Secondly, God can bring government leaders to salvation.  Saved government leaders are not necessarily good government leaders, but they are prepared for eternity.  Our desire should not be to win those in authority over us so they will be on our side, but rather so they will be on the Lord’s side and ready to meet him on the final day.

And third, God can work in the lives of government leaders to help, guide and comfort them.  People who lead us have emotions, dreams and disappointments.  They need believers who care about them to pray.

I know there are rare occasions in the course of history when civil disobedience is necessary.  And we are going to have disagreements with government.  But most of all we should pray, even if we are in protest.  If God doesn’t help those in authority over us be the leaders they should be, who will?

Dear God, give me a heart for those who lead me.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.