In what sense is Christ the Saviour of all, even the unsaved? Here are answers, and the debt that is owed him. Here also are the four ‘departments’ of a true preaching agenda, and what is meant by the ‘gift’ given to Timothy.
The apostle begins by spotlighting reverence as the leading element of our testimony. Touching on the limitation and spiritual dangers of bodily exercise, we show how Christ in several ways is Saviour of all. Finally, Paul identifies the six main elements of holiness that ‘preach’ to the lost.
The apostle shows how in the last days antagonism will be aimed at the work of Christ. He answers – what are doctrines of devils? Are fake teachers aware they are lying? – along with other key questions.
Our way of conducting church life is entirely given by the Word, and not for us to devise. Each congregation is to proclaim, guard and defend the Word as the only explanation of existence and the only way, through Christ, of reconciliation with God.
Paul’s list of graces that should be evident in officer-bearers is chiefly composed of qualities that should form and grow in all believers, if they truly hold the mystery of the faith. Here is that priceless ‘secret’ (verse 16) and how we benefit.
So much hangs on vigilance in the Christian life. There can be no stand, no defense of truth, and no progress in holiness, without constant watchfulness. Here, not only for overseers but for all, are the principles of vigilance from key exhortations of Christ and of Paul.
One of Paul’s five utterly trustworthy sayings is the excellency of a longing to be a preacher of the Gospel. Here is the office of ‘over-watcher’ or elder, and we look particularly at the elder who labours in the Word, also called a pastor.
Here are God’s reasons why women may not be teachers in the church. Here also is how saved women are to be mightily blessed in saving a new generation, and in similarly supportive roles. The key is faith, love, holiness and sobriety (or self restraint).
It is often assumed that Paul is speaking here of the conduct of public gatherings, but this topic does not truly begin until verse 11. Before then we have pastorally precious and profound exhortations to all believers praying wherever they are.
The apostle urges four forms of prayer for all groups and classes of unbelievers as the vital foundation of all Gospel witness. Here also is the purpose of prayer for rulers, and the degrees of sympathy and desire that undergirds all intercessory prayer.
Paul’s directions to Timothy are not only a tremendous challenge to preachers, but they apply to all believers, conveying the seriousness of our mission and the promises of God that sustain us. Here are the measures to keep alive faith and a good conscience.
A sudden burst of praise breaks into Paul’s epistle, showing that praise punctuated his life constantly. And such praise! Here he provides our worship agenda for us, virtually defining true worship, and challenging us to bring worthy homage to our King eternal.
The supreme, sure statement that says everything that is important about life, its purpose, its chief problem and its highest experience and goal – knowing and walking with God. Nothing in life except this is certain and trustworthy. Here are nine words that transform lives.
What Paul meant in calling himself the chief of sinners, and why the Lord showed such mercy to him. His testimony is set as the first of millions that would give gospel light and guard faithful churches from nominalism (or believing without experiencing true conversion).
The moral law was intended to show our need of forgiveness. Believers are not under its power to condemn, but salvation has inscribed its positive virtues in our hearts to be our ‘voluntary’ aim and longing – the highest mark of grace.
Our aim is the building up of the church by Gospel and teaching. Paul provides this great summary of all Bible teaching, the servicing of the three pillars that support love: a pure heart, a good conscience and faith unfeigned. Here is how.
Why does Paul here use terms that refer to conversion to also describe what God imparts to converted people? The same benefits advance holiness, happiness, instrumentality and assurance, and here is how they may be hindered or helped as they flow to us.
The Bible speaks internationally when it says there is one mediator between God and man. No other religion presents a mediator. All say that humans can achieve acceptance with God. Why is a mediator so vital? How did Christ carry out His role?
What exactly is expository preaching? It is preaching that draws the message from the biblical text, clearly and methodically, honouring the sense of the text, and the style of communication employed. Here are some of the benefits and common mistakes of consecutive expository preaching.
‘Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.’
‘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.’
‘This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.’
The inner calling of a preacher and its ratification; the required ministerial gifts; the preparation, testing and formation of character; the combined honour and lowliness of the calling, and the assured results, all surveyed in 1 Timothy.
‘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.’
‘For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.’
Just as we came into the world with nothing, so we shall leave it. When we appear as souls before our Maker, how will we be provided for? Will we have a Saviour, a pardon for all sin, and eternal life? You May Be Also Interested in… Sermons: The Source of Eternal Life, The Concept of … Continued
Conversion involves a colossal change in status before God, in our eternal future, and in our character. But why do people recoil from it? Here is the answer, looking at the motives of Saul of Tarsus for rejecting conversion, and the transformation when God drew him to Himself. You May Be Also Interested in… Booklet: Seven … Continued
Today numerous false teachings flourish even within conservative and reformed churches, crippling the work of God. Here are common major wrong views of the Bible, of the Godhead, and of salvation spread by leading teachers. The great need of clarity, discernment and a faithful stand.
The Bible asserts there is one mediator between God and man. Why is a mediator necessary? Why is there only one? Why cannot people reconcile themselves with God? Why must God do this Himself? Do other religions offer a mediator? What does a mediator achieve for us?
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and … Continued
Full chapter _____________ 1 Timothy 6 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. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because … Continued
‘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.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Timothy 6 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his … Continued
Full chapter _____________ 1 Timothy 6 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. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because … Continued
‘But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Timothy 6 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. And they that … Continued
This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to … Continued
Full chapter _____________ 1 Timothy 6 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. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because … Continued
Full chapter _____________ 1 Timothy 3 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy … Continued
Life’s end point challenges all our values and goals. Is there a ‘next world’? Here are the indications. Also, God’s amazing description of Himself, our alienation from Him, and how we may be reconciled to be sure of safe passage on the ultimate day of life.
‘I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Timothy 2 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that … Continued
‘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.’ Sermon by Dr Peter Masters Full chapter _____________ … Continued
‘This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Timothy 3 This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one … Continued
Godliness (reverence) is firmly coupled with contentment (satisfaction), and together they are the source of true riches. Reverence sees God’s wisdom, power, love, goodness, providence, protection and plans, while contentment feels them in personal experience, causing us to be lost in wonder, love and praise.
A world without God does not recognise God-given standards. It has no ‘Book of God’ explaining His purpose. It denies life after death. It offers no motives, or effective help to overcome personal wrongdoing, and to live a better life. Here, by contrast, is God’s life-plan for us.
Striving for earthly gain and satisfaction makes believers vulnerable to the snare of many longings and lusts, leading to severe spiritual decline and sorrow. Paul appeals to us to flee from these things, giving a six-point agenda for the consecrated life that leads to spiritual fruitfulness.
‘Lay hold on eternal life’ was spoken to a preacher, showing the need to grasp eternity as the supreme objective and inspiration and the antidote to complacency and backsliding. Here, too, is why the historic two-nature model for sanctification is the best practical aid to believers.
The word ‘godliness’, as used by both Paul and Peter, does not mean holiness but devotion or reverence. Knowing this brings all the exhortations to godliness to life. Here we see what constant devotion is, how it is to be exercised and maintained, and the blessings it brings.
Conforming a church to God’s pattern must begin with a glimpse of the greatness and glory of Christ and His church (which would shame away today’s trivialisation and entertainment). Here is the all-surpassing wonder of ‘God manifest in the flesh’, and the five powerful proofs.
We are meant to see ourselves as people commissioned by God to engage in a noble warfare, sent on our way with strong promises of success. To avoid failure, and to know the nearness of Christ, we must constantly exercise faith and heed conscience, but do we? Here is how we should do so.
This magnificent expression of praise describes the Sovereign Ruler. Here is how God determines all things without being the author of sin, together with rich observations drawn from God being eternal, immortal, invisible and exclusively wise. Thinking of His Being promotes our communion, love, holiness and service.
Timothy was not a special delegate, but a prototype pastor in the Bible’s pattern for church order. Here is the true aim of the Gospel – to produce holy and dedicated hearts. Here also is the glory of the Gospel, and how Paul’s conversion is a pattern for all others
Paul again speaks about his own conversion, showing how God has mercy even for enemies, and how the most unbelieving and hostile heart may be brought to seeking and faith. Here are the details of how cynical unbelief is dissolved, and reconciliation with God comes.
Related Resources The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts Paul speaks of the revelatory and sign gifts given while the New Testament was being delivered. These were never for individual benefit, but for the whole body. Here they are reviewed , along with the famous analogy showing the mutual dependence and care of believers. Gifts: Sowing … Continued
Love of material gain, status and appearance begins with mental desire. Here is why these aims are deceitful, leading to a threefold fall or snare. Here are the hurts, and the vital antidotes that protect and promote spiritual contentment and fruitfulness.
‘But godliness with contentment is great gain.’ Full chapter _____________ 1 Timothy 6 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. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are … Continued
