Lesson July Attitudes and Conduct of God's Servants

Transcription

1 Lesson July 2015 Attitudes and Conduct of God's Servants Lesson Scope: 1 Timothy 5 & 6 Unless otherwise noted all references are from 1 Timothy 5 & 6 Lesson Focus Paul's admonition to Timothy in chapter 4 continues in chapter 5 with increased urgency. His burden for Timothy's life and work as bishop in the Ephesian church is evident by his further advice and instruction in a variety of areas for Timothy's personal conduct, as well as for his direction in church administration for both teaching and correcting. Much respect and perception were needed for dealing with the widows (5:4-16), ordaining church leaders, and discerning false doctrine. The desire for riches was often the motive behind false teaching. Both heathen idolatry and Judaism exerted influences on the people (Acts 19) and threatened the spiritual life of the church. Over the centuries, church doctrines have often been corrupted to produce income for personal gain, to fill church coffers, and to give license for sin. Paul warned Timothy, "But thou, 0 man of God, flee these things" (6:11). Although written specifically to a church leader, this message applies to all believers and should be received with the encouragement to "be content with such things as ye have" (Hebrews 13:5) and with the warning "From such withdraw thyself' (6:5). God has given the church the solemn charge to proclaim truth and godliness. Those who labor for the Lord must both teach and live in a manner consistent with this calling. The Scriptures are full of principles that direct the attitudes and conduct of the Christian worker. First Timothy 5 and 6 cover the principles that govern respect, perception, contentment, and fidelity. Discipline yourself to focus directly on these, since time will not suffice to even cover every aspect of these. Pay attention to the urgency in these chapters, in phrases such as "I charge thee"; "these things teach and exhort"; "if any man teach otherwise"; "I give thee charge"; "charge them"; and others. Grasp this urgency for yourself and as a teacher of others.

2 Lesson Aim: To portray principles that direct the attitudes and conduct of the "man of God." Theme Verses: 1 Timothy 6: But thou, 0 man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and halt professed a good profession before many witnesses. Lesson Text Respect 1 Timothy 5:1-3 1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; 2 The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity. 3 Honour widows that are widows indeed. 1 Timothy 5: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Perception 1 Timothy 5: Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 21 I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality. 22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. 1 Timothy 6:1-5 1 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. 2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

3 Contentment 1 Timothy 6: But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. Fidelity 1 Timothy 6: But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 1 Timothy 6: O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: 21 Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen. Questions for Study Respect 1. From these verses, list and discuss principles that are essential for proper respect between church leaders and members. Perception 2. What are some attitudes or actions that will compromise a leader's effectiveness? 3. How serious is the offense when believing servants despise their masters? 4. Discuss the beginning and the potential end of the course of being "proud, knowing nothing." Contentment 5. Contrast the concept that "gain is godliness" with the true gain of "godliness with contentment."

4 Fidelity 6. What things was Timothy to flee, to follow, and to fight? 7. List and explain the different aspects of fidelity labeled as "good." 8. What is the reward of keeping the trust? Analyzing the Passage Elder in 5:1 seems to refer to an aged brother, but 5:17 and 5:19 refer to ordained leaders. Purity (5:2) relates directly to moral integrity. Widows indeed (5:3) are those who are without relatives to assist them (see also 5:4-16). "Lay hands suddenly on no man" (5:22) is a caution to leaders at ordination time. The ordained body is responsible to discern the spiritual character of potential leaders. To overlook known sin or inconsistency makes those in authority "[partakers] of other men's sins" (5:22). Being pure is directly related to proper perception and carefulness in these matters. "Under the yoke" (6:1) denotes a slave. Regardless of the believing servant's status, all due honor belongs to the master/employer, rendering faithful service without despising. Gain (6:5-6) is not godliness, but godliness is a great gain if coupled with contentment. Profane (unhallowed) and vain babblings (empty noise) and "oppositions of science falsely so called" (6:20) rightly describe the theory of evolution and many other false theories. The trust (6:20) of true faith in Jesus Christ is more than just the opposite of all that is false; it is the only way to lay hold on eternal life! Principles and Applications Respect 1. The man of God is responsible to give direction, correction, and encouragement (5:1-3). New issues arise continually in church life. The brotherhood needs direction for relating to government regulations, for responding to calls for jury duty, and for shoring up conviction against unequal yokes. Members need correction when they live inconsistently or violate their voluntary commitment to Christ and the church. The battle-weary, the feeble-minded, and those who suffer loss need encouragement.

5 2. Personal interaction among the brotherhood is guided by the principles of honor, respect, dignity, and purity (5:1-3). The ground is level at the cross of Jesus. Honor each other as equals. Respect the boundary lines of responsibility in specific congregational offices. Purposely bypassing those who are directly responsible constitutes a breach of respect. Proper dignity includes using respectful terms such as "Brother" and "Sister," and avoiding slang expressions such as "guys." Dignity includes personal cleanliness, as well as good posture in worship and home visiting. Purity involves keeping the mind filled with things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report, and helping others to do the same. 3. The ministry are worthy of honor and financial assistance (5:17-18). This Scripture calls for double honor both for the office and for ruling well. The conscientious minister who studies well and delivers his messages with humble integrity is worthy of double honor. Our practice of receiving offerings for ministerial aid meets the Scriptural injunction of the laborer being "worthy of his reward." Any accusation against them must be accompanied by substantiating facts and proper witnesses (5:19). Perception 4. It is the duty of leaders to admonish the erring (5:20). Public rebuke is a responsibility that godly leaders do not enjoy. This duty calls church leaders to "restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted" (Galatians 6:1). Church discipline should help all others to fear, realizing their own tendency to sin. 5. God's servants must be impartial in their administration (5:21). God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), and His servants must also be impartial. The temptation to be partial is magnified when family and close friends live, work, and worship together. Partiality feeds suspicion, conflict, and schism. 6. Purity is a guiding principle for God's people (5:22). "The wisdom that is from above is first pure" (James 3:17). The Gospel calls for purity in thought, word, and all manner of life. God says, "Be ye holy; for I am holy" (I Peter 1:16). 7. There is no class distinction in the church, but each labors for the good of the others (6:1, 2). We do well to accept each other on the basis of what we are by grace through faith in Christ rather than on the basis

6 of race, wealth, or family status. When problems arise, we do well to give each other the benefit of the doubt. Time will reveal an ulterior motive if there is one. Jesus said, "Judge not according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24). 8. The Word of God should be taught without contention (6:3-5). "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work" (James 3:16). Heated arguments do not edify. Seek rather the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:3) based on the truth of God's Word. "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33). Contentment 9. Godliness with contentment constitutes real value (6:6). "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). "Be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee" (Hebrews 13:5). A contented person keeps his needs simple and does not confuse needs with wants. 10. The man of God recognizes the dangers of wealth and the love of money (6:7-10). Earthly wealth brings with it temptations that few can resist. Multitudes have been and are being destroyed by the desire for riches. Jesus said, "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!" (Luke 18:24). Fidelity 11. To faithfully fulfill God's commission, His servants must put forth diligent effort and have unwavering commitment (6:11-14, 20-21). Flee! Follow! Fight! Flee the temptation to be high-minded, to be discontented, and to seek riches. Rather, simply trust God, be rich in good works, and enjoy the good things He gives. Fight the good fight of faith. Follow Jesus' example. Build on eternal things. Important Teachings 1. The man of God is responsible to give direction, correction, and encouragement (5:1-3). 2. Personal interaction among the brotherhood is guided by the principles of honor, respect, dignity, and purity (5:1-3). 3. The ministry are worthy of honor and financial assistance (5:17-18). 4. It is the duty of leaders to admonish the erring (5:20). 5. God's servants must be impartial in their administration (5:21).

7 6. Purity is a guiding principle for God's people (5:22). 7. There is no class distinction in the church, but each labors for the good of the others (6:1-2). 8. The Word of God should be taught without contention (6:3-5). 9. Godliness with contentment constitutes real value (6:6). 10. The man of God recognizes the dangers of wealth and the love of money (6:7-10). 11. To faithfully fulfill God's commission, His servants must put forth diligent effort and have unwavering commitment (6:11-14, 20-21). Answers to Questions 1. From these verses, list and discuss principles that are essential for proper respect between church leaders and members. Leaders should show respect by entreating elderly brethren, by having a "common ground" attitude toward the younger brethren, and by relating to the elderly and younger sisters as they would their own mother and sister respectively. In the case of widows, all respect is due with proper propriety, discerning who are "widows indeed." Church members show respect by giving double honor to faithful leaders, offering assistance both monetarily and manually. Monetary gifts serve best when given anonymously. Accusations may not be brought against leaders without substantiating facts and proper witnesses. 2. What are some attitudes or actions that will compromise a leader's effectiveness? A leader's effectiveness will be hindered if he does not take his charge seriously, neglects his duty, or shows partiality. If his conduct and relationships are not above reproach, his influence will be hindered. 3. How serious is the offense when believing servants despise their masters? It causes the Name of God and His doctrine (the words of Jesus Christ and the doctrine which is according to godliness) to be blasphemed. Notice that the command to honor masters comes without qualification. 4. Discuss the beginning and the potential end of the course of being `proud, knowing nothing." This condition begins with a wrong concept of those in authority versus those under authority. These verses speak especially to servant master and minister member relationships. But this principle relates to all lev-

8 els of relationships. Grievances easily become a consuming passion and lead to railings, evil surmising, and perverse disputing, which lead individuals away from the truth. Hence, the erring ones know nothing, yet believe they have a valid cause. 5. Contrast the concept that "gain is godliness" with the true gain of "godliness with contentment." One who possesses godliness with contentment maintains a proper understanding of true values in life. He is able to rest when supplied with the necessary elements for survival food and raiment. He is able to use money and material possessions without abusing them. "They that will be rich" view money and wealth as the most important things in life. They fail to discern the snares that accompany riches, as well as the eternal consequences awaiting them if they refuse to repent. They bring upon themselves many sorrows. 6. What things was Timothy to flee, to follow, and to fight? Timothy was to flee the idea that gain is godliness, as well as to flee discontentment, the desire to be rich, and the love of money. He was to follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness. He was to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold on eternal life. 7. List and explain the different aspects of fidelity labeled as "good." The "good fight of faith" reminds us of the importance of faith as the primary defensive weapon in the Christian's armor (Ephesians 6:16). It is the victory that overcomes the world (1 John 5:4). A "good profession" agrees with the office or station of one's calling. A "good confession" states the facts plainly as Jesus did before Pilate. 8. What is the reward of keeping the trust? "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing" (2 Timothy 4:7-8). Research Guide 1. Read and meditate on the words of Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew Chapters 5, 6 and7). 2. Study Romans 12; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-28; and Philippians 4. Pay special attention to commands that start with be (attitudes that God sees) and to words and phrases that call for positive action (conduct that

9 God and others see). Summarizing the Lesson New every morning is Thy love Our wakening and uprising prove; Through sleep and darkness safely brought, Restored to life and power and thought. New mercies, each returning day, Hover around us while we pray; New perils past, new sins forgiven, New thoughts of God, new hopes of heaven. If, on our daily course, our mind Be set to hallow all we find, New treasures still, of countless price, God will provide for sacrifice. The trivial round, the common task Will furnish all we ought to ask; Room to deny ourselves, a road To bring us daily nearer God. Only, 0 Lord, in Thy dear love, Fit us for perfect rest above, And help us, this and every day, To live more nearly as we pray. John Keble