Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed. And those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brethren, but rather serve them because those who are benefited are believers and beloved. Teach and exhort these things. 1 Timothy 6:1-2

Here again we see the Apostle Paul addressing the relationship between a bondservant and their master. I covered the commentary on Pauls teaching in Ephesians 6 on basically the same topic called Slaves and Masters. The original Greek word here is “Doulos” this word can be translated as slave but also translated a “bondservant” which is the way the NKJV translated it “Bondservants” Which I believe is the more accurate English translation of the word. This relationship between a bondservant and master is more like an employee and employer relationship of today. This is not the same type of slavery that is known by the Western culture, which by reading these scriptures of out of context brings you the incorrect interpretation.

The Apostle Paul , under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is telling “bondservants” to treat your Master with honor. In this context a Master could be anyone in authority over you. It could be your boss at work, it could be your teacher at school, it could be your Pastor at Church. One of the values of a Christian is to live in obedience to authority and demonstrate respect. 

As the Apostle Paul states here “So that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed” When you are obedient and respectful to authority, you are actually giving glory to God. Think about at work, there is a lazy employee who never listens to their boss, never shows up to work on time, never gets their job done, would this person be a good representation of Christ? Now I understand not all situations fit , however this is the basic principle. Now on the flipside, lets say you have a corrupted Master, you have a bad boss or teacher, does that mean you should join in when they dishonor God? No, the Bible says “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29) While we strive to “live in peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18) We also don’t want to corrupt ourselves with wicked leaders.

Now this whole concept of being a bondservant is a Biblical principle, as Jesus tells us “If anyone wants to be my disciple, they must deny themselves , carry their cross, and follow Him” (Matthew 16:24) Jesus Christ made himself a bondservant to God the Father, and was obedient even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:7-8) Amen

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. Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men’s sins: keep thyself pure.Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. Some men’s sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid. 1 Timothy 5:21-25

Looking around Christianity today, there are many false teachers, Pastors, Bishops and leaders of the Church. This was not uncommon in the early Church either, however instead of embracing or tolerating these people, the true Church was to rebuke these people. To be set apart from false Christians, as the Apostle Paul said “If anyone preaches another gospel, let them be accursed “ (Galatians 1:8)

Now as we worked through this epistle to Timothy, we notice the qualifications for a leader (Pastor, Elder, Bishop,ect) in the Church was very strict, however when you understand the damage a false leader of the Church does, you see why. The flock that is under these wolves are great misled and become scattered and some fall away. The damage of a false leader in the Church can’t be underestimated, in some communities it has led the entire Church community to shut down and go elsewhere.

So the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit says to Timothy “I charge you before God, The Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels” This is a serious command Paul is giving Timothy , a command so authoritative it is by the authority of God himself and the witness of His Holy Angels. And Paul warned Timothy “Do these instructions without partiality or favoritism” In other words, adhere to the commands of God over your feelings. Isn’t this something we can learn as the Church? Often we make decisions based on feelings instead of truth. 

We may excuse someone for something they did or maybe elevate someone to a position they don’t deserve because it just feels right, but does it align with the Word of God? This is the tough calling for the Shepherds of the Church, because we live in a world based on emotions and feelings instead of truth. The Shepherd who usually sticks to the Word of God in truth, is typically the Shepherd who is hated by the world

What did Paul warn Timothy by the Holy Spirit? “Don’t be so quick to lay hands on people or you will share in their sins” That is a bit of paraphrasing on my part, under the context, typical when someone becomes the leader of a Church, the community lays hands on them, to pray for them and receive them as a leader of the Church. What Paul is warning against , is being yoked to people who are blasphemous and false teachers, as you will share in their sins. Those who continue to remain yoked to a false teacher or organization are bringing judgment upon themselves, as you are to be set apart in Christ Amen

Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all. Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. 1 Timothy 4:15-16

The Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit instructed Timothy to “meditate upon these things” Do you meditate upon the Word of God daily? Alot of Christians when they hear the word meditate, they think of new agism, but the word meditate simply means “revolve in the mind” Do you ponder and chew on the Word of God daily? 

The BIble says “The Book of The Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate upon it day and night , so that you may be careful to do what is written in it” (Joshua 1:8) Last night I was reading on the reformation movement, the whole core of the issue is the Church abandoned the authority of scripture , man-made doctrines and practices crept in and overtook the Church. The reformers went back to the Word of God, Christ alone, Faith alone, Scripture alone. 

Paul is teaching Timothy to meditate upon the Word of God in everything that he does. The Bible should be the foundation of your Church’s doctrine and practices. But also he instructs him to “give yourself entirely to them” If your going to talk the talk you also needs to walk the walk. This can be applied to all Christians, faith without works is dead (James 2:26)

We must submit to the authority of Christ, as Jesus said ““If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24) If anyone desires to be a disciple of Christ, a Christian, you must deny yourself and submit to The Lord Jesus Christ. You must submit to the authority of the Word of God, you must submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

Why? As Paul says here “That your progress may be evident for all” As the Shepherd of the Church, you must set the example for the flock. Its one thing to preach the Word in and out of season, but you must also live the Word in and out of season. You must be the Shepherd for the sheep, if you dont your just another wolf leading them to the slaughter. This is a higher calling that shouldn’t be taken lightly, again meditate upon the Word of God

A warning then is given “Take heed to yourself and your doctrine” Watch yourself and your teachings, are you being obedient to God or are you off on the broad road to destruction? (Matthew 7:13) This is why you need to meditate upon the Word of God daily and examine yourself. “In doing this will save you and those who hear you” Don’t be a stumbling block for others coming to Christ, be obedient to Christ and His calling upon your life, meditate upon the Word of God daily, Amen!

Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the presbytery. 1 Timothy 4:12-14

In most cultures, even in our Western culture today, most people view your wisdom and capabilities based on your age. This was especially how it was in the Greek and Jewish cultures, younger people were typically in subjection to their “elders”. So the Apostle Paul was preparing Timothy, as a young man, to be prepared to take on this leadership role even though many would despise him because of his young age. While life experience can bring much wisdom, the Holy Spirit brings alot more wisdom. 

We need to remember this within the Church today, we often dismiss the younger people or children, as if they have nothing to offer to the body of Christ. However if they are filled with the Holy Spirit, they have godly wisdom beyond their age, and gifts given from above. Don’t be so quick to dismiss the younger people in the Church. As Jesus said ““Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:14)

So how was Timothy going to lead or win these people over? The Apostle Paul instructed him “ be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” Be a living example for Christ, be a walking testimony, understand that all eyes are on you! Many people might not read their Bibles, but they are watching you, how you live, how you conduct yourself, what you say, walk in the spirit. 

What is one of the main jobs of the Shepherd of the Church? Create entertainment events to bring in large crowds? No, the Apostle Paul instructs Timothy what his main job is “

give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine” Preaching and teaching the Word of God is to be your main focus as the Shepherd of the Church. Todays Church has all these worldly programs for “Church growth” ect, ect But how many Christians in that Church are fed the Word of God? How many of them know how to evangelize to the local community or answer objections to the faith from opposing groups?

You need to feed people , Jesus said “Man can’t live on bread alone but every word that proceeds from God” (Matthew 4:4) The reason most Churches are dead is because they have been starved from the Word of God. You can’t build a Church on carnal things and expect a spiritual Church. The foundation of the Church must be Christ and his word revealed by the Holy Spirit in obedience to our Heavenly Father

Now being a Shepherd of the Church is not an easy calling, however as the Apostle Paul told Timothy “Do not neglect the gift that is in you,which was given to you by prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the eldership.” Your calling is from God and not yourself. If your Pastor appointed themself, this is a red flag, the Holy Spirit calls who He wants as the Shepherd of the Church and the elders of the Church approve by laying their hands on the Pastor. The Apostle Paul lists all the qualifications earlier in this letter, but don’t neglect this calling because you have been given a gift from the Holy Spirit, that has equipped you for service, Amen!

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation. For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. These things command and teach. 1 Timothy 4:6-11

The idea of godliness or holiness is a foreign concept to the modern day Church. Todays Christianity is more carnally minded, consumer Christianity, what can Jesus do for me? But true Christianity is a servanthood, its a submission and obedience to The Lord Jesus Christ as your Master. And during this walk of submission and obedience, we learn to live a life of godliness, as the Apostle Paul “but godliness is profitable unto all things”

However this Biblical concept of Christianity is not popular, and its never going to be popular. But to be a true shepherd/pastor of the Church, to be a faithful leader of the Church, you need to be obedient to the Word of God. As the Apostle Paul says here under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit “If you put the brethren in remembrance of these things, you shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ”. If you keep the Bible as the foundation of your Church, you will be a good Shepherd for your Church. However many false Christian groups have rejected the Word of God as their authority, or they have corrupted the Word of God to fit their carnal minded agendas.

How do we know how to discern false and good doctrine? Being filled and led by the Holy Spirit is a start, but also as the Apostle Paul says here “But refuse profane and old wives fables, and exercise yourself toward godliness” False teachers will arise daily with new false teachings, refuse and reject them which have not been given to you by the Holy Spirit. This is what happens when the Word of God is not the foundation of the Church, the Church will eventually believe anything, as many Anti-Christs have gone out into the world (1 John 2:18)

Many spend their days and hours dedicated to their physical health. This can be a good thing for your body, but what about your soul? If you can develop a workout routine to maintain your physical body, you can develop a routine to feed your soul with the Word of God and prayer. As the Apostle Paul says “for bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable unto all things” Most people are more concerned about the state of their physical appearance, than the state of their soul. Discipline yourself to become a student of the Word of God. Submit your life to The Lord Jesus Christ, turn away from your sin and turn to Jesus in a life of godliness, be filled and led by the Holy Spirit, be in constant prayer with our Father who is in Heaven, Amen!

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:1-5

If you don’t believe the Word of God is as relevant today as it was back then, read this text today. The first thing I want you to notice about the text today, its begins with “Now The Spirit expressly says” This revelation and warning is coming directly from the Holy Spirit, this is not Pauls idea or prediction, God is warning us that in the last days, there will be a great falling away, a great apostasy in the Church. Are we not seeing this today? If you look across the denominations in Christianity, there is a great falling away going on, we are living in this prophecy.

“Some shall depart from the faith, giving heed or following seducing or deceiving spirits and doctrines and teachings of demons” This is what we see in the Churches today, many Churches have been overtaken by demons, teaching false doctrines and deceiving the masses. We see many Christians falling away from the faith and following demonic teachers and religion. The Holy Spirit warned us about this, this is why you need to study your Bible, you need to be filled and led by the Holy Spirit, you need to submit to our Lord Jesus Christ. 

These false teachers who are under the influence of demons and not the Holy Spirit “speak lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” Many people wonder how can these false teachers be so wrong, how can they stand up in the pulpit and teach the lies they teach? Because they are under the influence of demons, they have no conscience anymore, they have no love of God, they are planted by Satan to destroy the Church and to confuse the elect.  You must discern these demons and rebuke them!

The Apostle Paul gives Timothy some examples of false teachings that have invaded the Church of Ephesus, forbidden marriage, dietary laws, circumcision, ect. These are all works based salvation, which is the root of all false religions. Salvation is found in Christ alone (John 14:6, Acts 4:12) anyone who adds to Christ for salvation is a false teacher. Unfortunately many of these false teachers are still alive and well today, many people want you to be yoked under the Mosaic Law instead of Christ, these are false teachers and deny the saving grace of Christ. 

Brothers and sisters, its clear we are living in the last days, the great apostasy has come upon the Church, don’t be deceived, test the spirits, be led and filled with the Holy Spirit, read your Bible, and put your faith in Christ alone for salvation, Amen!

These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 1 Timothy 3:14-16

The Apostle Paul is now summarizing everything that He just taught under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. “That you may know how to conduct yourself in the House of God” This is clear instructions of how the Church is to be structured and behave together. What is the House of God? The Apostle Paul defines it here “the Church of the Living God” the Ekklesia, the body of Christ, brothers and sisters in Christ.

Paul is laying down the foundation of how the body of Christ is to be structured. Over time Christians have strayed away from this order, but this was the God given order by the Holy Spirit. The root of alot of failure within the Church today is the disobedience of the Church. The Holy Spirit has given us directions through the Apostles, yet many people still defy those orders and make up their own religions which ultimately fail

Now the Apostle Paul here says “And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness” Throughout the Apostle Pauls epistles, he reveals mysteries or revelations from God. The Apostle Paul is giving us revelation from God, he is given us explanation or commentary on the Old Testament or doctrine of God. Here the Apostle Paul is revealing to everyone that Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh.

Back up again , remember the Apostle Paul said “without controversy, Jesus Christ is God manifested in the flesh” Even today, the revelation of Jesus Christ being God in the Flesh is a great controversy, in fact many people who profess to be Christians still try to deny this fact. The Apostle Paul is saying, and I’m paraphrasing, this is not even debatable, this is foundational Christian doctrine that Jesus Christ is God manifested into the flesh. Again, going back to many Christians deny the revelation and instructions of scripture, which ultimately leads them to fall away to a false religion

“Justified in the Spirit” The Apostle Paul gives recognition to the Holy Spirit, who was there also , as the Triune God throughout Jesus ministry, the Incarnation of Christ, the Wilderness, the Baptism of Christ, and the resurrection of Christ. The Holy Spirit was with Christ throughout the fulfillment of Christ ministry

“Seen of Angels” Now this is an interesting passage, because the original Greek word “angelos” can also mean messengers. I believe this passage is in reference to the Apostles being eyewitnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ

“Preached among the Gentiles” Here the word Gentiles can also be translated as world. As we know the Great Commision (Matthew 28:19) needs to be fulfilled, The gospel of Jesus Christ preached to the entire world, the fullness of the gentiles must happen!

“Believed on in the world” The gospel is not only preached to the entire world, but the gospel will be received by the elect, the remnant of God that was chosen before the foundation of the world

“Received up into glory” And this is obviously a reference to the Ascension of Christ, where 40 days after the resurrection of Christ, Jesus ascended back to Heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father, as King of all Kings , and Lord of all Lords. All power and authority has been given to our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen!

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:8-13

Here we see the Apostle Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, giving the qualifications for the leaders of the Church. Previously Paul gave the qualifications for an “overseer” which includes positions such as a Pastor, Elder, ect. And we see the qualifications are we see the seriousness of these callings. Nobody should enter into these positions lightly, as the Apostle James said “Not everyone should be a teacher, as you will be held under stricter judgment” (James 3:1)

Today we look at the position of “Deacon” this word means “to serve” A deacon is essentially anyone who is serving the Church under the authority of the Overseer (Pastor, Elder, ect) While many like to claim the title as Deacon for carnal reasons, from a Biblical perspective, the Deacon is a servant of the Church, held under strict qualifications just as the overseer, as the Apostle Paul says “they should have great boldness in that faith which is in Christ Jesus”

Now an interesting note in verse 11, the original Greek word is “Gune”now this word can be translated as wife, but also as woman. If you look at the different English translations, many translate it as woman, meaning this role as “deacon” is open to men and women in Christ. We can see an example of this in the Bible, Romans 16:1 Phoebe is listed as a deacon or servant of the Church. 

However in the next verse 12, we see the Apostle Paul says “Deacons to be the husbands of one wife” So the question would be in verse 11, is Paul addressing the woman deacons or is he addressing the wives of the men deacons of the Church? Either way, this position of Deacon is to be under the spiritual authority of the Overseer (Pastor/Elder) 

It’s clear the Deacon is not to be a new convert, as the Apostle Paul says “let them first be proved, and let them use the office of deacon , being found blameless” This should be a mature Christian, who has been proven to the Church for their spiritual maturity and leadership. In the Early Church , one of the main responsibilities of the deacon was managing the finances of the Church. As you can imagine, this trust needed to be put in a Christian who was well respected and trusted by the body of Christ.