March 9th 2025 1 Timothy 3 v 8 to 16
8. Likewise. The principal thought seems to be that there should be the same kind and degree of gifts and qualifications for deacons as for elders.
Grave. Honourable, commanding respect.
Not double-tongued. Truthful.
Not given to much wine.
The Bible testimony is consistently against the use of strong drink. The practical application of the principle in modern society is total abstinence. Water was not pure so wine was the drink of each day
Filthy lucre. Used also in Tit 1 v 7, and in I Pet 5 v 2.
The truism holds: not money, but love of it, is a root of all kinds of evil.
The admonition is particularly relevant to the kind of responsibilities the deacon has.
9. Faith. Here again is the union of the doctrinal and practical aspects of Christianity: the faith is to be held in an obedient conscience, not ruined by disobedience. The expression mystery of the faith does not mean that there is some obscure secret known only to the top few of the faith.
The mystery is not a secret to be kept, but a message to be proclaimed (Rom 16 v 2.5; Col 4 v 3).
10. Proved. Not necessarily by a formal test, but by the approval of the church.
The then is significant: it appears to mean that candidates are to be approved before taking office, then serve; not to be proved in office.
11. Their wives, (Women) The context makes this most naturally refer to women who are acting in the capacity of deacons and deaconesses. The apostle immediately returns to the subject of deacons in general and completes his remarks concerning them
The word grave and related words occur frequently in the Pastoral Epistles. The same virtue is required of deacons (v. 8 and elderly men (Tit 2 v 2.
Slanderers. The Greek word for "slanderer" is diabolos (Eng., "devil), the name given to Satan in the NT; he is the most excellent slanderer
Sober. As in I Tim 3 v 2 and Tit 2 v 2.
Faithful. Believing, believer, or (as in the faithful sayings) trustworthy, faithful. Faith is counted in the fruit of the Spirit in Gal 5 v 22. It can mean either faith in the active sense, "believing," or that "faithfulness" which produces confidence on the part of others and may help to inspire faith.
V 13. Paul closes this section as he began it in verse 1, with an argument designed to encourage the aspiring church leader.
Those who serve well purchase or gain for themselves a good standing
One who serves well finds the Lord faithful: he purchases for himself a good foundation and ground of boldness in the faith (fulness), which is in Christ Jesus.
They that have used the office . . . well. Probably refers not only to the deacons but to the elders as well.
V 14 Paul makes clear why he thought it important to write to Timothy even though he might be with him again soon. One of the major emphases of the epistle is right conduct as a testimony to the truth.
So the behaviour of Christians in the government of the Church is of first importance, for the Church is the support and foundation of the truth; that is, in its sphere of testimony to the world.
Christ, himself the truth, is the one foundation of the Church
V 15 In Heb 3 v 6; 10 v 21, the Church is referred to as the "house" of Christ or of God";
The Truth. Holding fast to the faith, which is the full truth of the gospel
V 16 A Hymn of Praise:
Mystery of Godliness. in this period of church history is found in I Tim 2 v 2; 3 v 16
Its area of meaning emphasizes godly conduct, suggesting reverence and loyalty. sound doctrine and faithful living.
The context makes it plain that Paul is referring to Christ when he says: He who was manifest in the flesh
Beginning here and in the remainder of the verse, the lines are in regular pattern, such as poetry or a hymn would show.
It suited Paul's purpose well to tie his thoughts to something well known and current, since the message would then be remembered better.
Many of the references to songs and singing in the NT are in connection with Paul (Eph 5 v 19; Col 3 v 16; Acts 16 v 25; I Cor 14 v 15).
Hence it is not difficult to believe that Paul himself wrote this early Christian hymn, assuming, of course, that these lines (and Eph 5 v 14 also) are taken from a hymn.
All the leading words occur elsewhere in Paul's writings.
Flesh. Paul frequently emphasizes the humanity of Christ by the use of this word so, here of the incarnation, in agreement with the doctrine of the Virgin Birth.
Justified. In the sense of being declared righteous, vindicated (Rom 3 v 4;
By the presence of the Spirit in Christ's ministry he was vindicated and proved true in all his claims (Rom 1 v 4; Lk 4 v 18,19; 10 v 21; Mt 12 v 18, 28; and especially Rom 8 v 10, 11).
Seen. Translated "appeared" elsewhere, so here, "appeared to angels."
The Spirit's final vindication of Christ was his resurrection: the mention of justification in the Spirit thus leads to his appearance to angels at resurrection, ascension, and entrance into heaven (I Pet 3 v 22).
Preached unto the Gentiles. Preached among the nations, the expression is a summary of the entire present era of missionary work (Rom 16 v 26; Col 1 v 6).
Believed. A summary of the results of preaching.
Received. Refers particularly to the Ascension, but includes all the subsequent exhibition of his glory.
This is suggested by the historical and logical progressions of the poem: the whole messianic work of Christ is summed up in it.
News from the Church New dates
19th March….. Knit and natter is a time to finish old projects or learn new skills
2nd April …..Friendship Group, (this covers all ages and the lonely people)
18th April …..Good Friday 10am An hour at the cross
20th April ….Easter Sunday 10-45 am and 6-30pm
ANSWERS TO 23rd February QUESTIONS
1) God 2) Cain 3) Job 4) Esther 5) God 6) Serpent 7) God 8) Joshua9) Adam 10) David
11) Delilah 12) Moses 13) Isaiah 14) God 15) David 16) Ruth
Bible Quiz this week’s Quiz is “who said this”
1 Let there be no strife, I pray thee between me and thee?
2 Every son that is born ye shall cast into the river?
3 Behold the dreamer cometh?
4 Suffer me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house standeth?
5 Give therefore thy servant an understanding heart to judge thy people?
6 Behold the fire and the wood; but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?
7 Go and wash in the Jordan seven times?
8 Speak; for thy servant heareth?
9 Sell me this day thy birthright?
OLD TESTAMENT MEN
10 Who was the father of 12 sons?
11 Who was the father of King Saul?
12 Which prophet called Jesus “ wonderful, Councilor, The mighty God, The Prince of Peace?
13 Who became the leader after Moses?
14 Who was told by God to go to Nineveh?
15 Whose servant was Joseph when he first went to Egypt?
16 Who was Davids father?
God Bless